Onto the Path of Fire

Darius stood at the helm of the Eagle Parrot, the salty wind whipping through his hair as the ship sliced through the waves. The letter’s message still burned in his mind; Follow the path of fire, or be lost to the tide. Whatever that meant, it had something to do with their next destination: Red Harbor.

Elara leaned against the railing beside him, flipping a gold coin between her fingers. "So, what’s the plan? Walk into the most corrupt port in Ruane and hope we don’t get stabbed?"

Darius smirked. "More or less."

As they docked, the port was alive with activity; sailors unloading cargo, merchants shouting deals, and thieves lurking in the shadows.

They headed straight for The Ember Den, a gambling hall run by a man known as Vigo the Red. If anyone knew about a "path of fire," it would be him.

Inside, the air was thick with pipe smoke and the scent of spilled ale. Men and women crowded around tables, betting stacks of coin on dice and cards. At the far end, Vigo sat on a plush chair, watching them approach with a lazy smirk. His red coat, lined with gold embroidery, marked him as a man of wealth and power.

"Darius," Vigo drawled. "Didn’t think I’d see you again."

Darius crossed his arms. "We need information."

Vigo chuckled, swirling his drink. "Information isn't cheap."

Elara sighed and flipped the gold coin onto the table. "How about we make it fun? A simple wager; one round of dice. If we win, you talk. If we lose, you get double."

Vigo raised an eyebrow. "Gambling; without proper clearance? That is against the law.

Elara smirked. "So is half the stuff you do."

Vigo laughed, clapping his hands. "I like you. Fine, let’s play.".