Morning crept into Seagard with the faint blush of dawn casting a silvery hue over the coastal fortress. The city stirred to life slowly; the low murmur of fishermen prepping their boats mixed with the clatter of merchants setting up stalls in the marketplace. The salty tang of the sea filled the crisp air, mingled with the earthy aroma of damp stone.
Ethan stood at the window of their rented room in the Sea Eagle Inn, his sharp eyes fixed on the harbor beyond the city's fortified walls. Ships bobbed gently on the tide, their sails catching the pale light. The scene reminded him of his previous life—boardrooms replaced by bustling markets, luxury yachts by sturdy merchant vessels. Despite the medieval trappings, trade remained the same at its core: connections, risk, and the relentless pursuit of profit.
Behind him, Kieran let out a groggy groan from his bed. "You're up too early," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.
Ethan smirked. "Some of us have work to do."
Kieran sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Work? I thought we were visiting a gambling den today. That doesn't sound like work to me."
"Information gathering," Ethan corrected. "And we'll need our wits about us."
Kieran stretched lazily. "If that's the case, maybe you should let me do the talking. Gamblers like me better than straight-laced businessmen."
Ethan shook his head with a laugh. "I've seen you charm your way out of trouble, but I'm not sure Gareth Stone is the kind of man who falls for a silver tongue alone."
"Fair point," Kieran conceded with a grin. "Still, it'll be fun."
The door creaked open, and Bjorn entered, his presence filling the room. His expression was grim, as usual, though there was a glint of determination in his blue eyes. He nodded toward them. "Ready?"
Ethan grabbed his coat, fastening the clasps with practiced efficiency. "Let's go."
The trio made their way down the narrow streets of Seagard, where the morning chill lingered like a stubborn ghost. Cobblestones slick with dew glistened underfoot, and shopkeepers swept away the remnants of last night's revelry. The city smelled of salt, fish, and smoke—a pungent reminder of its coastal identity.
Seagard's docks were a world unto themselves, bustling with activity even at this early hour. Sailors shouted orders as they hauled crates onto ships, while merchants haggled loudly over prices. The creak of wood and the slap of waves against the piers provided a constant backdrop to the chaos.
Gareth Stone's gambling den was tucked away in a less savory part of the docks, a squat building with weathered wooden walls and a sagging roof. The faded sign above the entrance bore the name "The Lucky Gull," though luck seemed in short supply judging by the rough-looking men loitering near the entrance.
Bjorn grunted as they approached. "Remember what I said—this place isn't for fools."
Ethan nodded. "We'll keep that in mind."
The interior of The Lucky Gull was dimly lit, the air thick with smoke and the acrid tang of cheap ale. Tables scattered across the room were occupied by sailors, dockworkers, and other unsavory types, all engrossed in games of dice and cards. The clatter of coins and the occasional burst of laughter punctuated the heavy atmosphere.
A man stood behind a makeshift bar, his greasy hair slicked back and a permanent sneer etched onto his face. He eyed them warily as they entered but made no move to stop them.
Kieran's grin widened as he surveyed the scene. "Feels like home," he whispered to Ethan.
"That's concerning," Ethan muttered under his breath.
Bjorn led them to a corner table where a man sat alone, nursing a tankard of ale. Gareth Stone was a wiry figure with sharp features and eyes that gleamed with cunning. His clothes were simple but clean, a stark contrast to the rough clientele around him.
"Gareth," Bjorn greeted curtly as they approached.
Gareth looked up, a smile that didn't reach his eyes spreading across his face. "Bjorn, you old bear. Didn't think I'd see you again."
Bjorn grunted. "Didn't think I'd need to. But here we are."
Gareth's gaze flicked to Ethan and Kieran. "New friends?"
"Business associates," Ethan said smoothly, taking a seat across from him. "We're looking for information."
Gareth leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. "Information, huh? That's a valuable commodity around here. And I don't give it away for free."
Ethan pulled a small pouch from his coat and set it on the table with a soft clink. "We're willing to pay for value."
Gareth's eyes gleamed as he reached for the pouch, weighing it in his hand before tucking it away. "Smart man. So, what's your business?"
"There's been a shift in the trade routes," Ethan said carefully. "New players muscling in. We want to know who they are and what they want."
Gareth's expression turned serious. "You're talking about the Iron Claws."
Bjorn's jaw tightened. "Heard of them."
"They're trouble," Gareth warned. "Used to be smugglers, but they've gotten ambitious. Now they're trying to control the docks—and they don't care who they have to kill to do it."
Ethan's mind raced. "Who's leading them?"
Gareth hesitated, glancing around the room before leaning in. "A man named Varik. He's ruthless, cunning, and well-funded. Rumor has it he's got connections with some noble houses looking to profit from the chaos."
Kieran's grin faded. "Sounds like a charming fellow."
"Charming as a blade to the gut," Gareth said grimly. "If you're smart, you'll steer clear of him."
Ethan's gaze hardened. "We're not looking to steer clear. We're looking to stay ahead."
Gareth studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Then you'll need more than just information. You'll need allies—and a plan."
"We'll handle that," Bjorn said firmly.
Gareth shrugged. "Your funeral."
As they left The Lucky Gull, the weight of their newfound knowledge pressed heavily on Ethan's shoulders. The Iron Claws were a threat they couldn't ignore—but they also represented an opportunity. If they played their cards right, they could turn this chaos to their advantage.
The salty wind bit at their faces as they stepped back onto the docks. Ethan's jaw clenched with resolve. "We need to move fast," he said. "Varik won't wait for us to catch up."
Bjorn nodded grimly. "Then we'd better not waste any time."
Kieran's grin returned, though there was a dangerous edge to it now. "Looks like things are about to get interesting."
Ethan's eyes gleamed with determination. "Let's make sure we come out on top."