A few hours passed when the stagecoaches reached the highland of Glaswold. Its border region was a hub of exchange, filled with hovels and cottages. A swarm of pedestrians and merchants thronged the streets, yet a sullen mood hung over the marketplace.

  The inhabitants bore rugged features, and their eyes carried a dismal light. The only exceptions were thugs, who seemed to thrive in this frozen wasteland.

  Corvus and the Oathkeepers—cloaked in hooded black robes—got off the stagecoaches.

  Corvus cast a quick glance at his surroundings and surmised: I hate Glaswold.

  To mask his ignorance and gain information, he remarked, "Glaswold isn't as impressive as I had thought. So much for the biggest biome on the continent."

  Ewan replied, "Hardly, Corvus. It's only the outer fringes—one of the few inhabited portions of Glaswold and also its most backward region. To judge the entire land based on this alone would be far from judicious."

  Their rapport built during the voyage had gradually softened Corvus's annoyance.

  Ewan gestured everyone closer, and explained, "You lot will be responsible for stocking rations and other essentials for the road. Meanwhile, Corvus and I will inquire about any development after the Reavers' exploit, or whether anyone is on our tail."

  Ewan looked at Corvus for his concurrence, who merely nodded.

  Ewan looked concerned: "Are you sure, Corvus, you can perform covert tasks?"

  Corvus's eyes slightly widened. He crossed arms, and replied, "This is my bread and butter. You don't question a man's bread and butter."

  Not bothering to elaborate, he strode into the market. Ewan collected himself and followed after him.

  They inquired at various stalls, merchants and some passersby. Ewan blended in seamlessly among the commoners, making the act seem effortless. All went flawlessly—yet unease lingered on his face.

  The source of his anxiety was none other than his companion, Corvus Ashford.

  Corvus had made a habit of asking merchants things like: "Your flank and rear are vulnerable to attack," "With a blade like yours, a clean decapitation is impossible," and, "How far is the Covenant of Eldara?"

  He even locked strangers in hostile staring contests, drawing suspicion wherever he went.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  These made Ewan skeptical of Corvus's boastful claim: "Are you certain Corvus, you don't sleep hungry?"

  Corvus, well versed in discerning subtle sarcasms, let alone such an overt one—courtesy of Lucien Valecrest and Soraya Varn—sensed his cover was about to blow. So, rather than face embarrassment, he feigned wisdom:

  "My act, Ewan, is by design. One may suspect a hooded figure trying to blend in and avoid attention. But nobody would bat an eye at someone who makes no effort to appear ordinary. With our luxurious rides, the guise of bodyguards drunk on the authority of our master, suits us far better."

  Placing a hand on Ewan's shoulder, he added in a consoling tone, "Your act is fine, Ewan. But in the realm of professionals, one must master various personas; and stay true to them, even when uncomfortable or risky."

  Corvus paused briefly and said something that Ashar Morvain—one of his instructors—had told him, "Often it's the quiet, reticent ones who attract prying eyes, while loudmouths making a fuss are perceived as nuisances and avoided."

  Ashar Morvain's words were insightful, but their nuances were lost on a rank amateur in espionage like Corvus.

  Yet, even his distorted version bore fruit; Ewan's eyes reflected a newfound admiration for Corvus.

  Corvus's eyes twitched as he felt a pang of guilt. Though he quickly reconciled himself, Is it really deceiving if I don't know which part was misleading?

  Ewan spoke in a low tone, "I understand I am a novice here, but still Corvus, you cannot mention the Covenant of Eldara in public. I'm sure you must know why." He smiled.

  Corvus, returning his gesture, nodded and replied, "Of course... I know. Why?"

  I better let him do the talking from now on.

  They next approached a fruit seller's kiosk to further their inquiry. The seller was a feeble old man, clothed in a brown sweater marred with stitches and draped in a yellow shawl. He shivered as a cold wind blew past him.

  "A lovely day today is, sir-sir. Would you... gentlemans... want to purchase some fruits from my shop? I... vouch for their qualitys, sirs," the seller spoke in a humble but broken voice.

  Ewan was about to speak when a remark flew in from behind them: "If you eat those fruits, who will even touch them? And for god's sake! Learn how to speak—bloody bum."

  The speaker was a ruffian with a big, stout build. He stood a few paces away from the fruit kiosk, accompanied by five of his ilk. He chuckled at the seller's misery, as also at his own perceived might.

  The seller recoiled, speaking in a small voice, hesitant, "Sirs, please... don't mind them."

  Corvus considered, Should I teach them a lesson?

  But mindful of his responsibility for all the unwanted attention they had garnered of late, he hesitated. His dilemma, however, was cut short by someone he had mistakenly led astray with his guidance.

  Ewan barked, "Mongrel! You dare besmirch an honest, hardworking man!"

  A gentle yet unwavering light shimmered in his eyes, as he added calmly, "If you are to criticize someone's goods, then you ought to, at the very least, taste them yourself. No?"

  Unhurriedly, he picked an apple from the kiosk. Stepping forward, he added, "Who will try the apple first?"

  Two hooligans approached him; one of them opened his mouth to speak something, but before he could, Ewan thrust his fist—with the apple—forcefully into his mouth. The blow tumbled him. He tried to remove the apple hand but Ewan kicked away his hands. His every breath became a struggle.

  Ewan crouched and shoved the apple further down his throat: "How's it, huh, scum! Nice, right?" The hooligan gasped for air.

  Shifting his eyes on the other hooligan—shaken by his actions—Ewan added, "Then let's share some with your friend here as well, shall we."