In the days that followed, Greyhold became busier than usual.

It wasn't because of trade or travelers but because of the endless envoys that kept arriving.

Some came on behalf of great clans, others represented lesser factions trying to gain an edge, and a few came seeking Arden's companions individually.

Nyra had been approached twice in the market by emissaries who admired her control of wind and Ic3. Rael had been invited to private duels where men in silk robes whispered promises afterward. Even Zephyra, though a beast, had been stared at with hungry eyes.

Arden never entertained any of them. If someone pressed too hard, he turned his back and let the lord of Greyhold handle the matter.

By now, the lord was spending more time in his audience hall than anywhere else, and though he never said it aloud, the fatigue was plain in his eyes whenever they met.

On the fourth evening, the summons finally came. Arden and his party walked the long corridor of the lord's residence, the steady echo of their boots the only sound.

When the doors opened, they found Kaelus standing near his chair, just as another group of envoys bowed their way out. His shoulders sagged for a heartbeat, but when he caught sight of Arden's group, he straightened with a tired smile.

"You came," Kaelus said warmly. "Good. Sit, all of you."

They did. Arden leaned back in his chair, calm as always, while Nyra and Rael exchanged a quick glance. Zephyra settled at Arden's feet, her tail twitching lightly against the floor.

Kaelus wasted no time. "I'll be honest with you. These past days have been a storm of voices.

Every clan thinks they have a claim on you. Every faction wants to bind you under their name. But I won't allow Greyhold to become their hunting ground, and I won't hand you to anyone."

Arden tilted his head slightly. "So what's the answer you've found?"

The lord's gaze lingered on him. "The Explorers Guild. Kingdom-sanctioned, but not tied to any clan. Their role is to take on tasks too dangerous for regular forces. Beasts in the outer zones, hidden ruins, escort of vital supplies, even strikes against bandit groups. They're the ones who do the work that no one else wants to claim, and without them, much of the kingdom's foundation would falter."

Rael leaned forward, interest plain on his face. "So they're like free agents? Taking jobs, collecting rewards?"

"More or less," Kaelus said. "They live on risk, but in return, they're given freedom. The guild doesn't force you into contracts. You choose what missions you accept. And because their members work under the crown's eye, it offers a measure of protection. Even the organization won't touch you lightly if you wear the guild's crest."

Nyra's brow furrowed. "It sounds dangerous."

"It is," Lord Kaelus admitted. His voice softened. "And if I had a choice, I would never see my daughter step into such paths. But I know the world you live in. If you're to grow, if you're to survive, then hiding in safety won't be enough. The Explorers Guild is the only choice that gives you freedom while still granting recognition and reward."

Arden was quiet for a moment, his fingers tapping once against the arm of his chair. Then he spoke, steady as always. "You don't like it, but you believe it's best for us."

"Yes," Kaelus said. "And I trust you to see it too."

Arden leaned forward, his tone carrying a calm certainty. "It's better than drifting. Out there, we'd wander the Outlands without direction. With the guild, at least we'll have structure. Opportunities. And information that we'd never reach on our own." His eyes narrowed slightly, the faint spark of his adventurous spirit showing. "And freedom matters. If it keeps us from being chained to a clan's name, then it's worth it."

Rael grinned. "You had me at freedom and rewards."

Nyra rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched. "It does make sense. At least we won't be pawns in someone else's game."

Zephyra let out a low rumble, her voice carrying like a growl through stone. "If it gives us stronger prey, then it is enough."

Kaelus nodded, though his expression remained firm. "There will be a trial. That much is unavoidable. The envoys of the guild will oversee it. They'll want to see if you're worthy of their ranks. They'll measure not only your strength but how you fight together. And it won't be easy. These envoys are not merchants or courtiers. They're hardened fighters, veterans of countless campaigns. They will not make allowances for you."

Arden smirked faintly. "Good. It wouldn't be worth it otherwise."

The lord exhaled through his nose, half weary, half resigned. "You never choose the easy road, do you?"

"Wouldn't know how," Arden said simply.

For a moment, silence lingered in the hall. Then Kaelus stood, resting one hand on the table. "You have a few days to prepare. When the envoys return, the trial begins. Decide for yourselves if this is the path you'll walk. I won't force you, not even for Greyhold's sake. The choice is yours."

Arden rose, his companions following suit. "We'll be ready."

Kaelus studied them for a heartbeat, then nodded. "Very well. Then go, and make your choice with clear hearts."

The group offered their farewells and stepped out of the hall.

The doors closed behind them with a heavy thud, leaving them alone in the quiet corridor.

For a long while, none of them spoke. The weight of the decision pressed on them, heavier than any battle they had fought.

Finally, Rael blew out a breath. "Well, that's that. We're really stepping into it now."

Nyra's tone was softer, thoughtful. "It feels… bigger. Like we're moving from one fight to something far larger than ourselves."

Zephyra's eyes glowed faintly, her voice rumbling low. "The hunt only grows. That is how it should be."

Arden walked ahead, his steps steady. "We always knew the road wouldn't be simple. But this… this is the right kind of path. No chains, no orders we don't choose. Just the road, the fight, and what we make of it."

The others fell into step behind him. And though none of them said it aloud, each of them carried the same thought, the days ahead would test them in ways they had not yet seen, but it was the road they were meant to walk.

A/N:

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