The forge smelled of heated metal and oil, the embers in the hearth still glowing faintly from Kalem's earlier work. Outside, the cool evening air of Eeyrendyl was a stark contrast to the forge's warmth. A few late workers passed by on the cobbled streets, barely sparing a glance at the small group gathered near the large, dark form of Onyx.
Garrick stood with his arms crossed, tilting his head as he examined the bull. Onyx's dark hide gleamed under the lantern light, and his massive horns curved like polished obsidian. The beast let out a slow huff, his breath visible in the cool air.
"That's a big bull," Garrick muttered, shifting his weight.
Kalem, tightening a strap on Onyx's harness, barely glanced up. "He is."
Jhaeros narrowed his eyes. "Why is he even here? Shouldn't he be in the tavern's stable?"
Kalem finally straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag. "I convinced the forge owner to let me keep him in the storage room. The guy never uses it anyway, so it worked out. Plus, this way, I don't have to close the forge and head back to the tavern every night. Saves money."
Lyra let out a sigh, crossing her arms. "And lets you overwork yourself even more."
Kalem smirked at her, tossing the rag aside. "That's just an added benefit."
She shot him a pointed glare, though the concern behind it was obvious.
"You really don't stop, do you?" Garrick said, shaking his head.
"I'd rather not," Kalem admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
Jhaeros sighed dramatically. "And yet, we're supposed to believe you'll pass a mental evaluation."
Kalem shrugged, unconcerned. "That's their problem, not mine."
As the group climbed into the carriage, Kalem leaned back, turning to Nara and Jhaeros. "Have you two decided what you want forged? That favor still stands."
Garrick furrowed his brows. "What favor?"
Kalem stretched his legs before answering. "After that mess in the second round, I promised them top-quality weapons, designed specifically for them."
Garrick huffed, shaking his head. "It's a good thing you didn't promise that to every other participant."
"Why?" Nara asked, tilting her head.
Garrick gestured vaguely. "120 trained warriors and mages, each with a weapon on the level of the Resonance Blade? Do I need to say more?"
Kalem smirked. "Well, I was planning on announcing something like that."
Garrick groaned, running a hand down his face. "You really don't value your own sanity, do you?"
Kalem chuckled, but the mood gradually shifted as the city of Eeyrendyl passed by outside the carriage. The streets were quieter now, the evening rush fading into the background. Lanterns flickered on either side of the road, casting long shadows across the buildings. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels over the cobblestone filled the silence.
Lyra was the first to break it. "This meeting… it's important. My father doesn't waste time on pleasantries."
Jhaeros smirked. "You make it sound like he's considering hiring Kalem."
Lyra didn't answer immediately, which only made the silence heavier.
Kalem's fingers drummed idly against the seat. "You think that's it?"
She sighed. "I don't know. But after the tournament, you've drawn attention—good and bad."
Jhaeros leaned forward slightly, a grin playing at his lips. "And some of them want you dead."
Kalem smirked. "Wouldn't be the first time."
Garrick, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke. "Then you better be ready. Because this meeting? It's just the beginning."
The carriage rolled on, its wheels carrying them deeper into the city, toward whatever awaited them at the Everwood estate.