As the carriage rumbled into Skorn's hometown, the group immediately noticed the oppressive atmosphere hanging over the place.
The streets were eerily quiet, save for a few people who hurried by with their heads down, avoiding eye contact.
Buildings bore signs of neglect, and guards patrolled in pairs, their stern expressions making it clear they were not there to protect but to intimidate.
"This place feels like a prison," Ren muttered, leaning out the carriage window.
Skorn didn't reply; his usual humor was absent. His hands clenched into fists on his lap as the carriage came to a stop in front of a modest stone house.
"This is it," he said, stepping out quickly. The rest followed, their gear rustling softly as they disembarked.
Skorn's siblings, a young boy and girl, rushed out of the house the moment they saw him. "Skorn!" they cried, throwing themselves at him.
Skorn knelt to catch them, holding them close. "It's okay, I'm here now," he said, his voice cracking slightly.
"Where's Mom and Dad?"
The children looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "The guards took them away yesterday. They said they stole from Lord Fransk's estate!" the boy said.
"Mom was crying, and Dad told us to be brave," the girl added, sniffling.
"Fransk," Ren said, stepping forward. "That's the noble you mentioned on the way, right?"
Skorn nodded, his jaw tight. "He's always hated us. My parents have refused to sell our land to him for years. This is how he's getting back at them."
Talos adjusted his glasses, his expression grave. "If he's as unprincipled as you say, we're dealing with someone who knows how to manipulate the system."
"And someone who doesn't like to lose," Ren added.
Olivia knelt beside the children, her kind smile easing their nerves. "Don't worry," she said gently. "We'll get your parents back. You're very brave for staying strong."
The boy wiped his eyes. "You'll really help them?"
"We will," Skorn promised.
Ren stood, adjusting his coat. "Alright, first things first: let's figure out where they're being held. Talos, you're good with people. Think you can find out what the town's saying?"
Talos nodded. "I'll ask around discreetly."
"Olivia, can you stay here with Skorn's siblings? They need someone to watch over them," Ren continued.
Olivia nodded firmly. "Of course. I'll keep them safe."
"And Skorn," Ren said, turning to his friend. "You and I are going to find someone who's willing to talk about Fransk."
Skorn's tail flicked anxiously, but he nodded. "Let's do it."
The group split up and started doing their designated tasks,
____
Ren and Skorn walked through the town's uneven streets, their footsteps crunching on loose gravel. The further they went, the more Ren noticed how uneasy people seemed. Any time they approached someone, they'd either turn away or hurry off without a word.
"Seems like Fransk's got this whole town on lockdown," Ren muttered.
Skorn grunted in agreement, his tail flicking angrily. "It wasn't always like this. Fransk started tightening his grip a few years ago, but we managed to stay out of his way… until now."
Ren glanced at him. "You think it's all about your family's land?"
"It has to be. My parents refused to sell, and now he's trying to force us out. He'll do anything to expand his estate." Skorn's claws flexed involuntarily. "I'll never let him get away with it."
Ren nodded. "We'll make sure he doesn't. Let's keep looking."
They turned down another street, where a small market was bustling quietly. Ren spotted a group of older villagers sitting together near a well, whispering to each other. He nudged Skorn. "Those folks look like they've got some stories. Let me try."
Skorn crossed his arms but stayed back as Ren approached the group with a casual smile. "Morning," he greeted, leaning against the well.
The villagers froze, their eyes darting nervously between Ren and Skorn in the distance.
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Ren said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I just need a little help. My friend's parents have been accused of something they didn't do. Know anything about that?"
The oldest of the group, a wiry man with sun-weathered skin, frowned. "You're talking about the Drakmore family, ain't ya?"
Ren nodded. "That's right."
The man hesitated before leaning in closer. "Word is, Fransk's behind it. Always had his eye on their land, but they wouldn't budge. Now he's saying they stole from his estate—gold or something valuable. No one really believes it, but no one's got the guts to stand up to him either."
"Figures," Ren said. "Any idea where they're being held?"
The man scratched his chin. "Probably in the jail near Fransk's manor. He's got the guards in his pocket, so they'll do whatever he says."
"Thanks," Ren said. "You've been a big help."
As Ren turned to leave, one of the women grabbed his sleeve. "Be careful," she warned in a hushed voice. "Fransk doesn't like people poking around in his business. He's not above making people disappear."
Ren smiled faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."
---
Meanwhile, Talos wandered the quieter parts of town, his sharp eyes and ears picking up fragments of conversation. He struck up casual chats with shopkeepers and patrons, piecing together more details about Fransk's influence.
Returning to the house, he laid it out for Olivia and Skorn's siblings. "It's as we thought," Talos said. "Fransk controls the guards, the court, and most of the trade routes around here. If we're going to challenge him, we'll need undeniable proof of his corruption."
"Proof?" Olivia asked, tilting her head. "What kind of proof?"
"Anything incriminating," Talos said. "Records of his deals, evidence of false accusations—anything that can force someone higher up to intervene."
"Ren won't wait for paperwork," Olivia said, glancing at the door. "He'll want to act now."
Talos sighed. "Then we'd better hope he's careful."
---
Ren and Skorn regrouped near the edge of town as the sun began to dip lower in the sky.
"I found out where they're being held," Ren said. "Jail near Fransk's manor."
Skorn clenched his fists. "Then what are we waiting for?"
"Hold on," Ren said. "We're not storming in there like lunatics. Talos says we need proof, and I agree. If we bust your parents out without evidence, Fransk can spin it to make them look even guiltier."
"So what's the plan?" Skorn asked, his voice low.
Ren smirked. "We sneak into Fransk's manor. If he's as dirty as everyone says, he's bound to have something incriminating lying around. We find it, use it to clear your parents, and make sure Fransk doesn't pull this kind of stunt again."
Skorn grinned, his sharp teeth glinting. "Sounds like my kind of plan."
"It's risky," Ren admitted. "But we've faced worse, right?"
"Right," Skorn said, his determination renewed. "Let's do it."
The two headed back to the skorn's house to gather Talos and Olivia, ready to take the next step in their mission.
____
Ren and Skorn entered the house, their expressions a mix of determination and weariness.
Olivia and Talos were already seated at a corner table, surrounded by half-finished cups of tea and a hastily drawn map of the town.
Skorn's younger siblings peeked around the doorway, their wide eyes following every movement.
Ren dropped into a chair and waved for Skorn to sit down. "Alright, team," he began, leaning forward.
"Here's what we're dealing with: Fransk's got your parents locked up in the jail by his manor. The guards are in his pocket, so a frontal approach is out."
Skorn growled under his breath. "I'd still like to punch my way through, but I'll play nice for now."
Olivia tapped her fingers on the table, her eyes darting between Ren and the map. "What's the alternative? Sneaking in?"
"Exactly," Ren said. "Fransk's manor is where he's likely keeping evidence of his corruption. If we can break in and grab something incriminating, we can clear your parents and get Fransk off their backs for good."
"Easier said than done," Talos pointed out. "Fransk's manor is heavily guarded, and we don't know the layout. If we get caught, this could make things worse."
Ren nodded. "Which is why we'll divide and conquer. Talos, you're our brains. You find a way to create a distraction—something subtle but effective. Olivia, you're on lookout and support. If things go south, we'll need your healing."
Olivia tilted her head. "What about you and Skorn?"
"We're the boots on the ground," Ren said. "We'll infiltrate the manor, locate the evidence, and get out before anyone notices."
Skorn grinned. "I like it."
Talos adjusted his glasses, his mind already churning with possibilities.
"For the distraction, I can use a nature-based alchemical mix to create a smoke screen near the guards' barracks. It'll draw them away from the manor's east wing, giving you a window to slip inside."
Ren smirked. "Perfect. Skorn and I will use that window. Any idea where Fransk might keep the good stuff?"
Talos tapped the map. "Most nobles keep records and valuables in their private studies or vaults. Fransk's study is likely on the second floor, based on the manor's design."
"What about the guards inside?" Olivia asked. "You're not going to knock them all out, are you?"
"I'll use my earth element to block any paths behind us," Skorn said confidently. "No one will follow."
Ren glanced at Olivia. "If all goes well, we won't need to knock anyone out. But... when does everything go well?"
"Never," Talos deadpanned, earning a snort from Skorn.
Ren leaned back, his arms crossed. "Alright, we'll execute the plan at dusk. Skorn and I will move quickly, Talos will set up his diversion, and Olivia will be our backup. Once we get the evidence, we regroup here and figure out the next steps."
"Understood," Olivia said. "But, Ren, are you sure about this?"
Ren gave her a small smile. "I'm sure. We don't let people like Fransk win, not while we're around."
The group nodded in agreement, the weight of the mission settling over them. As the sun dipped lower in the sky,
they made final preparations, each silently hoping their plan would be enough to save Skorn's family.