The morning sunlight crept through the cracks of the inn's wooden shutters as Lirael nudged Reyn awake. "Get up. We're leaving."
Reyn blinked sleepily, rubbing his eyes before pushing himself up. The realization that today was the day hit him with a surge of excitement, and he wasted no time getting dressed and ready. Lirael was already waiting for him by the door, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"Where are we going?" he asked as they stepped out into the cool morning air.
"Just follow me," Lirael replied, her tone short but not unkind.
They walked for a short distance through the town, which was just beginning to stir. Merchants were setting up their stalls, shopkeepers were sweeping the fronts of their stores, and the faint smell of fresh bread drifted through the air.
Reyn took in the sights, still marveling at the liveliness compared to the quiet simplicity of his village.
Soon, they stopped in front of a small pub, its windows fogged and the wooden sign above slightly askew. The scent of ale and something warm drifted through the open door. Lirael led the way inside, with Reyn following closely behind.
Inside, Reyn greeted the patrons politely as he passed. A few nodded in acknowledgment, though most paid him little attention.
Lirael, however, walked straight to the counter, where a man was wiping down a row of mugs, his back turned to them. She leaned forward, knocking on the counter.
"A cup of my usual, Baren," she said, her voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the pub.
The man turned, his face lighting up with a broad grin. "Lirael! Haven't seen you in weeks." He set the mug down and reached over the counter, clapping her on the shoulder. "What brings you to this little corner of the world?"
"Business," Lirael replied, nodding toward Reyn. "And introductions. This here's Reyn—he's… interested in the Iron Fang Guild."
Baren raised an eyebrow, studying Reyn with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Well, well. Aspiring member, eh?" He extended his hand to Reyn, who shook it firmly.
"Nice to meet you, sir," Reyn said, doing his best to make a good impression. "I… I want to join the guild."
Baren chuckled. "Straight to the point. I like that." He turned back to Lirael. "You sure about this one?"
"He's shown promise," Lirael replied, a hint of pride in her tone. "I figured he could use a bit of guidance from you, Baren. Give him the rundown on what he's getting himself into."
Baren nodded, his gaze shifting back to Reyn. "All right, kid. You're in for a long explanation, so grab a seat. Lirael, your drink'll be ready in a minute."
As Reyn took a seat at the bar, Baren disappeared briefly, returning with a small dish of warm food. "Eat up," he said, setting the plate in front of Reyn. "You'll need your energy."
Reyn dug in, grateful for the meal, as Baren leaned against the counter and began to speak. "Now, the Iron Fang Guild isn't your typical bunch of mercenaries or adventurers. We're a tight-knit group, and we operate differently from the bigger guilds you might've heard about."
Lirael sipped her drink, nodding for Baren to continue.
"Our guild only has sixty members, give or take," Baren continued. "We're scattered across different regions, each small team or individual covering certain territories. We specialize in handling dangerous relics, hunting magical creatures, and occasionally taking on… shall we say, 'problematic' individuals."
"Sixty members?" Reyn echoed, surprised. "Isn't that… small?"
"It is," Baren admitted, nodding. "But that's intentional. We value skill and loyalty over numbers. Each member is highly trained, able to handle themselves in dangerous situations without backup if necessary. Bigger guilds have their advantages, sure, but with us, you're not just another number. You're a part of something tighter, something that requires real commitment."
Reyn listened intently, taking in each word. "So… what exactly does the guild do with these relics and creatures? Do you destroy them?"
Baren smirked. "Not exactly. The guild's primary goal is control. Magical relics, artifacts, and certain creatures are dangerous in the wrong hands, but they can also be valuable in the right ones. Some items are destroyed if they're deemed too dangerous, but others are stored, traded, or even used for guild purposes."
Lirael added, "The Iron Fang Guild takes on tasks that most wouldn't dare to. It's not just about protection; it's about understanding, and sometimes harnessing, these forces."
Baren nodded. "Exactly. Now, this life has its perks. Guild members have access to resources, information, and connections that most people could only dream of. And if you prove yourself, there's room for growth and influence within the guild."
Reyn's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds… incredible."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, kid," Baren warned, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "This isn't some fairy tale adventure. It's dangerous work. People who think otherwise don't last long in the guild. Some of our members have met… unfortunate ends."
The room fell quiet, the weight of Baren's words settling over them. Reyn swallowed, his excitement tempered by the reality of what joining the guild would mean. "I understand. But I'm willing to take the risk."
Baren watched him for a long moment, his gaze assessing. Finally, he nodded, seeming satisfied. "Well, then, you'll have to pass the guild's entry trial. It won't be easy, and they'll expect you to know the basics Lirael has been teaching you. If you make it through, you're in. If not… well, better be ready to pick yourself back up."
Reyn glanced at Lirael, who was watching him closely. Her expression was one of expectation, as if testing his resolve.
"If you think I'm ready, Lirael," he said, meeting her gaze, "then I want to go through with it."
She studied him for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "You've shown me enough to know you won't give up. That's a start."
Baren poured himself a drink, raising his mug in a mock toast. "Well, kid, here's to your ambition. If you survive the trials, you might just make a name for yourself."
Reyn raised his own glass of water, clinking it lightly with Baren's. "I'll do whatever it takes. I'm ready."
Baren chuckled, downing his drink. "We'll see if you're saying that after the trial. For now, get some rest. Tomorrow, you'll need it."
Reyn looked between Lirael and Baren, the thrill of anticipation mixed with a new sense of determination. He was finally on the path to becoming someone stronger, someone who mattered.