Just as they finished preparations, Liam heard galloping hooves in the distance. He tensed, but it wasn't mercenaries this time.
A young messenger, dressed in Guild colors, rode up and handed him a sealed letter. "From Seraphina," he said before riding off.
Liam opened it immediately.
Liam,
I don't know what you did, but someone dangerous is asking about you. The Guild isn't involved—this is coming from outside. They're moving fast, and they have resources. Be ready. I'll try to find out more.
-Seraphina
Liam crumpled the letter.
Tobias tilted his head.
"Threat level escalation confirmed. Preparing countermeasures."
Liam ran a hand through his hair.
"This is spiraling way too fast. We need information. If Seraphina doesn't know who's after us, we're blind."
"Recommendation: Gather intelligence. Identify hostile faction."
Liam exhaled. "And how do we do that?"
"Solution: Capture an enemy operative."
Liam blinked. "You want to kidnap someone?"
"Correction: Tactical acquisition of enemy personnel for interrogation."
Liam sighed.
"That's just fancy wording for 'kidnap.' But… you're right. We need answers."
That night, Liam set up a bait field—a patch of spirit herbs left unguarded, practically begging to be stolen.
Then he and Tobias hid nearby, waiting.
Hours passed. Then, just before dawn, movement.
A shadowy figure crept toward the herbs, glancing around before reaching into a satchel.
Liam nodded. "Now."
Tobias moved like lightning. Before the thief could react, Tobias had them pinned against a tree, eyes glowing.
Liam approached. "Alright, let's talk."
The figure struggled but couldn't break free. In the moonlight, Liam got a better look—young, maybe early twenties, dressed in dark clothes suited for sneaking.
"Who sent you?" Liam asked.
The thief smirked. "You're in over your head, farmer. Let me go, and maybe you won't regret it."
Liam crossed his arms. "Not a great answer. Tobias?"
Tobias adjusted his grip, squeezing just enough to make the thief grunt in discomfort.
"Alright, alright!" the thief gasped. "It's a noble family. House Vandrek. They heard rumors about your farm and sent scouts. That's all I know!"
Liam exchanged a glance with Tobias. "House Vandrek? Never heard of them."
"That's because they like it that way," the thief said. "They operate in the shadows. Smuggling, mercenary work, black-market alchemy. Your crops? They want them. And they don't take 'no' for an answer."
Liam's stomach twisted. "Great. Just what I needed."
He exhaled. "Alright. We're done here. Tobias?"
"Acknowledged."
Tobias released the thief, who immediately scrambled away.
"If you're smart, you'll disappear before Vandrek sends real hunters!" he shouted before vanishing into the night.
Liam rubbed his face. "Tobias, we are so screwed."
"Confirmed. Suggested action: Relocation or escalation of defenses."
Liam groaned. "I was afraid you'd say that."
…
Liam sat on the porch, staring at the early morning sky. House Vandrek. A noble family involved in smuggling, mercenary work, and now, apparently, farming extortion.
He exhaled. "So much for a quiet life."
Tobias stood beside him, scanning the horizon.
"Defensive countermeasures remain insufficient against noble-backed assaults. Additional preparations required."
Liam rubbed his temples. "Yeah, no kidding. I don't suppose you have a 'scare off noble families' function?"
"Negative. Suggestion: Seek external allies."
Liam considered that.
He had a few connections, but none powerful enough to counter a noble house. He needed someone with authority—or, at the very least, leverage.
Then it hit him.
"Seraphina."
The Royal Alchemist had some influence. If she put in a word with the right people, maybe he could get the Guild to intervene.
Even if she didn't go that far, she might at least provide information on House Vandrek.
Liam stood. "Alright, Tobias. Time for a trip to the capital."
Liam hated cities. Too many people, too much noise, and too many ways to get robbed. He kept his hood up as he walked through the bustling streets, Tobias trailing behind like a silent bodyguard.
Reaching the Royal Alchemist's tower, he knocked sharply.
The door swung open almost immediately.
Seraphina stood there, arms crossed. "I was expecting you sooner."
Liam stepped inside. "Then you already know why I'm here."
She led him to a study filled with books and potion vials. "House Vandrek," she said, cutting to the chase. "You've got their attention. That's bad."
Liam scoffed. "Yeah, I figured that part out. Who are they, exactly?"
Seraphina sat on the edge of her desk. "They're not just smugglers. They have influence in both noble and criminal circles. Officially, they deal in rare goods.
Unofficially, they fund mercenary companies, trade in stolen alchemical ingredients, and have half the underworld in their pocket."
Liam let out a slow breath. "And they want my farm."
"They want your crops," Seraphina corrected. "And they don't take 'no' for an answer."
Liam ran a hand through his hair. "So, what do I do?"
Seraphina studied him. "Your best bet? Sell a fraction of your crops at a premium. Make them think they're getting a deal while keeping control."
Liam frowned. "You want me to sell to them?"
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