The morning was brisk, and after lengthy goodbyes and promising to visit more often, Vera and I set off once more. We were in high spirits and the weather seemed to match it. A clear sky and warm spring air ushered us down the road, and we made good time. The first night, we made camp in the same small wood we had been ambushed in, but a thorough inspection satisfied me that we’d have no more issues. We kept watch of course, but it was much more relaxed, the night passing quietly.

  The remaining part of the journey similarly passed pleasantly, though we were interrupted by a brief shower of rain. Taking cover beneath a scraggly lone tree, we managed to avoid the worst of it, and it didn’t delay us by much. The road here never saw much use, but even still, I was surprised by the lack of other travelers, saying as much.

  Vera nodded, saying “Aye, it is a bit odd. Beyond the occasional beast, this stretch seems safe enough. But I’m not familiar enough with the area, is there much beyond Parma to actually go to?”

  I shrugged. “Not much, just a few smaller villages. I’d have expected at least a single trader, but perhaps they’re just not on the road today.”

  It was late afternoon the next day when we finally caught sight of Balandor. From so far off, the city looked like a child’s plaything, a sandcastle left to harden in the sun. As we neared, the walls came into sharp relief and for the first time, I noticed the clear distinction in the layers of stone. The lower section was built of far larger, darker stone blocks than the presumably much more recent upper layer. Balandor had been built atop a much older settlement, that much was obvious from my foray underground, but I’d never noticed how much of the old was left. My view of the stone was interrupted as we approached, however, as a large group of dwarves stood to either side of the gate, one particularly animated individual arguing with the gate guard.

  As we got within earshot, we caught the last of the tirade. “-and I’ll be speakin’ to yer superiors about this slight, don’t you be fergettin’! I’ve got weary backs and hungry bellies out here! And yer leavin’ em to the wilds!”

  The guard slouched with weariness that could have been spotted a mile off. “Master dwarf, I am not leaving you to the wilds. There are no openings within the city. We have confirmed it with each inn. And we cannot have an entire mining company sleeping in the streets! As I have stated, there are several farmsteads surrounding, that you may be able to find accommodation in.”

  Vera and I shared a look. No inn rooms available? What could have caused such an influx while we had been gone? The dwarf broke off the conversation with the guard, turning away with a huff and marching down the road, waving for the rest of the company of forty-odd dwarves and oxen carts to follow. We stepped to the side of the road, making way for them to pass. As the lead dwarf came near, he eyed us both, slowing to a stop as looked us over.

  “What’s this then?” He muttered as he approached. “The two of ye miners, are ye?” He asked, motioning to the hammer strapped to my waist.

  Eyebrows rising for a moment, I answered. “Ah, no. We’re with the Hunter’s guild, just back from a trip to the east. Did we hear right, there’s no inn rooms available in the city?”

  The dwarf stroked his beard for a long moment before answering. “Aye, Balandor’s shut ta the likes of we weary travelin folk. Bunch of hubbub in there I’m told. But ye say yer adventurers? Ye lookin ta put that hammer ta work?”

  I pursed my lips, glancing at Vera who nodded and answered the dwarf with her trademark grin. “Aye, we’re always looking for work, master…?”

  The dwarf stepped forward to shake our hands in turn, introducing himself as he did. “Ismo Grufttoe, at yer service. Head of the southern arm of the Grufttoe Mining Conglomerate.”

  “Vera of the Strikeback Clan.”

  “Bram, Son of Drevor.”

  Ismo smiled wide, placing thick, callused hands on his hips. “Pleasure ta meet ye. Refreshin’ ta speak ta folk still in possession of’ their manners. Me and me crew here are looking ta reopen a mine here. It’s been closed for nigh on 50 years, and no tellin' what’s made a home of me profits. I’m lookin ta hire some muscle ta clear it out.”

  “Where is this mine? And has any scouting been done?” I asked, getting down to the details. I had most of the local threats memorized from my time at the Guild, but anything in the deep would likely be new.

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  Ismo hesitated, before nodding. “Aye, we’ve sent some scouts in… but only one returned. That’s why ye see me here, beggarin’ for a place to hole up in the city. Stayin in the mine, unwise til we get this sorted.”

  I looked at Vera. “I’m thinking we check it out, but we can start tomorrow.”

  Vera nodded. “Agreed. Master Grufftoe, we’ll tentatively accept the job, but we need to restock and rest. Tomorrow we can discuss the finer details and our pay. However, any details you can share on what might be down there?”

  “Tell the truth, I’m not sure. Have ta be somethin pretty big, to kill half a dozen fine scouts though. The lad who came out, he wasn’t makin’ any sense, just said the walls opened up and swallowed the others, one at a time. ‘Fraid I don’t know any more n’ that.” The stocky fellow looked a bit sheepish, before continuing. “But aye, we can talk payment on ta morrow. We’re going to set up camp a bit closer ta the mine, it’s due east of here, but it can be tricky to find. I’ll meet ye here at this gate, say… noon?”

  We nodded together, shaking on it. With that, the company of miners set off, taking the road south before turning off onto the much narrower track leading east into rolling hills. We watched them depart, before turning back to the gate. Vera finally let out a brief chuckle, saying “Well, the fun never stops, eh Bram?”

  I laughed, shaking my head. “Apparently not. Let’s head in. See what all this crowding is about.”

  Getting through the gate took almost no time, our Hunter’s Guild tattoos speeding their entry as always.

  We didn’t bother asking the guards about the state of the city, their surly expressions enough to dissuade any attempt at conversation, instead heading straight for the Guild. The streets did seem a bit fuller than usual, with several new faces hawking their goods on Market Street as evening fast approached. The Guild, however, was a flurry of activity. The building was nearly refinished, framed and roofed, with only the finishing touches remaining for the workers buzzing about the place like a nest of disturbed ants. They weren’t the only folks around however, as several Guilders were arrayed about, having quiet discussions while a makeshift desk was set up before the building, Nicholaus and a young orc behind it as they addressed Guilders and petitioners alike in a steady stream.

  “Huh. Well, I guess we should get in line?” I said, unsure. We joined the quickly moving line and were soon stood before the Guildmaster who greeted us with a warm, but tired smile. “Bram, Vera! Good to see you two. What can I do for you?”

  I eyed the throngs of people spread in every direction. “We’ve been out of town, just got back. What’s going on around here?”

  “Ah, that.” The Guildmaster leaned heavily on the desk, weariness plain on his broad face. “Quite a bit’s happened. There’s been a few disappearances, mostly women, few kids as well. Got folks spooked, bad. Apparently it's not just local, I hear out east near Senia it's the same. And on top of that, outright murders on the road north to the capital, and people are scared witless. Been hiring Guilders left and right for escortin’, any that are willing at least. And that’s the kicker, we’ve just got word that someone’s found a Remnant Temple on the border with Lauland, and there’s a rush to crack it open.”

  Vera and I both let out surprised noises, eyebrows rising. Vera responded first. “Well. Shit. That’s going to be bad.”

  I frowned, looking first at her then at Nicholaus, who nodded somberly. “I’m not sure I understand. Why is that bad, exactly?”

  Vera sighed, leaning against the desk and lowering her voice so it didn’t carry so far. “Everyone knows that the ancient temples from before the Banishment are full of treasure, yeah?” I nodded hesitantly, unsure where this could be going. Vera continued, “Bram, everyone knows that. So everyone tries to get there first to strike it rich off some relic of the gods, or to find some weapon that will suddenly make them a legend. But folk don’t like to be second to the treasure, or third. And the Remnants are never in a place where the law means much. It always ends up being a bloodbath, with only the survivors emerging with anything worth a damn. And that’s if there aren’t any traps. I’ve heard tales…”

  As she trailed off, Nicholaus was nodding. “Aye, Bram, its a bad business all around. And the chances of finding something worth the risk… slim to none.”

  I reeled, looking around at all the Guilders talking excitedly, only now recognizing that many gazed at their fellows with barely disguised greed. There would be no doubt that many alliances would be tested, if not outright broken by the promise of such riches and glory. I shook my head, frowning. “Okay, I understand. Not a good place to be. It's fine, anyway. We just accepted a job.”

  Nicholaus raised an eyebrow, glancing at the secretary beside him, who shook his head. “Not through the Guild?”

  I shrugged sheepishly. “Ah, no. Outside of town, we met a company of miners, they need some help. The guards wouldn’t let them in the gate.”

  The Guildmaster blew out a heavy breath, grumbling beneath his beard. “Aye well, can’t blame them. And I suppose I can’t blame you either. But you won’t have the Guild to ensure you’re paid fairly, so make sure to get what you’re owed. So long as you’re not heading off to that Temple, I can deal with some lost revenue. Speaking of revenue, I’m sorry, but we have to get back to getting through these requests.” He nodded at the line behind us, which had grown during our talk.

  “Oh, right. Alright, thanks for the information, Guildmaster. And once we’re done with this job, we’d be happy to take a look into what’s happening to the north if there's a job.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, off with you two. And be safe!”

  We waved as we walked away, but the dwarf was already engrossed in the latest request as a handsomely dressed young fellow demanded an escort imperiously. Vera shook her head pityingly. “I don’t know how he can deal with pricks like that. Hells, I don’t know how you did.”

  I chuckled. “You put on a mask. Just nod and get the information out of them. That usually keeps it moving, at least.”

  Vera only grunted, unconvinced. “Well, I’m going to go see if I’ve still got a room reserved at the Daisy. I’m not holding out hope, with these crowds though. Mind if I come stay at your place if needed?”

  “Of course not. Mrs. Havers won’t mind, I’m sure. I’m going to grab some food then head there. In the morning, I plan to get some supplies then head to the Guild, see if I can’t do some research on what might be lurking in that mine. You?”

  “Thanks, ‘preciate it. I need to stop by that smith, try to find a buyer for the shard we got off those striders, then I’ll meet you at the gate.”

  With that, we parted for the evening, pushing through the crowded streets. As I pushed down the street, something pulled my attention to the side. Catching a glint of polished steel, I caught a glimpse of Varen’s form pushing through the crowd. I narrowed my eyes, but let my suspicions relax. We were near the guild, after all, and Varen was a member. But as I trudged back to my apartment, I couldn’t help but find my belief in coincidence slipping.