Isla stabbed the charcoal heap deposited on her plate. Her fork grazed the surface, the breakfast meat too dense for penetration. Frowning, she dropped the fork and pushed the plate away. Disgusting, but who would expect better?
She sighed, surveying the empty tavern. Thankfully, the appalling smell of stale beer mixed with vomit had disappeared overnight. Well, more like subdued. She would be shocked if the nose wrinkling stench ever vanished.
Isla's attention flickered right as the stairs creaked and Rydin descended. He stopped before Callum, the two exchanging inaudible words. The bear-like man leaned against the countertop, his arms crossed. Rydin shook his head, his hands raising into a pleading act. Yet, their conversation ended without further interaction and Rydin stalked towards her.
Rydin sagged onto the opposing bench. "That could have gone better," he grimaced.
Isla observed him, her hands cupping the mug of ice water. "What'd he say?"
"He thinks it's a dangerous idea and can't agree to help us."
She took a sip of water, her gaze never straying from Rydin. "I see."
Rydin sulked. "What do we do now?"
Her mouth opened, ready to voice her direction, but the door banged open and Eve rushed in. Eve's flushed face and frantic gaze swept through the room, landing on them. Isla froze, her body stiffening.
"Rydin."
"What?"
"Behind you."
He slid around as Callum approached Eve. "Is something wrong?" Rydin questioned.
Eve stepped forward, her hand clenching her brown shawl. "Oh, Rydin, dear."
Isla narrowed her eyes at the woman. Why was she here?
"Ha'e a seat love," Callum said, leading Eve by hand to the table.
"What's wrong? Is it Leef?"
Eve collapsed before them, her hands shaking as she clasped them together. "I'm so sorry Rydin. Leef—your little brother—is missing."
The color faded from Rydin's face. "What happened?"
"I'm so sorry," Eve murmured as she dropped her head.
"Don' worry, just tell them the truth," Callum added while rubbing her back.
She nodded, her body trembling. "Yes, of course." Her posture straightened and she stared straight, her gaze still wavering. "After you left, I stayed beside Leef until he fell asleep. The poor boy cried himself to sleep. I knew time would help, I thought he'd manage, but when I went to wake Leef and Vale for breakfast this morning. They were both gone. Even little Sena too."
"You didn't hear them leave?" Isla questioned.
"I'm afraid not. But I found the backdoor unlatched."
"Who's Vale and Sena? Could they have taken Leef someplace?" Rydin interrogated.
"No, they wouldn't do such. Those two would never do something dangerous. Vale knows this city, even better than me. And if Sena was with him, Vale would be careful, for her sake."
"What about the city guards? Have they been notified?" Isla inquired.
Eve hesitated a split second. "Well, not yet. You see, protection within the lower levels isn't maintained by them. We rely on others for this." Her gaze shifted, peering at Callum for assistance.
"Aye, that'd be us," Callum stated, his brogue thick. "Our group keeps the order here."
"How? What authority do you have?"
He chuckled. "Don' yer worry yer pretty self. It be enough." Callum took the bench beside Eve, smoothing his red gnarled beard. "But outsiders be an issue. Always are. They don' be followin' the same rules we do. And worse, there be talks of children lately. They be rich brats. The outside riffraff sellin' them off."
Eve covered her mouth. "It couldn't be," she murmured.
"The kids could have been mistaken," Isla added then paused. "But that's not enough to go on. The guards should still be informed. They might move to action if the rich are affected."
"Aye, they might. In case, I ha'e a man. He been lookin' into the problem. This stink been recent, those rich fools be killin' Detra. Spoiled and rotten, stirrin' up dirt and maddening the Gods."
Isla watched Rydin, his back trembling. "Rydin-"
Rydin jumped up, the bench screeching backward. "I need to go. I need to find him."
"Rydin please wait," Eve cried.
Rydin ignored her plea, instead, he stomped towards the door.
Eve rose, her gaze flickering between Callum and Isla. "I'll go and make sure the poor dear is well. Heaven's protect us." Eve scampered after him, albeit half Rydin's speed, the door slamming behind them.
Isla's gaze remained transfixed on the door, her muscles stiff. The fool reacted too quickly. He would die young.
She traced the surface of her mug, wiping the condensation. Still, she needed Rydin alive to acquire transport for Arcadia. Would the guards help? She doubted. No, rather, her gut said this problem wasn't simple. Like Callum had said, the city stunk.
Callum stood before her, his face directed at Eve's last remnants.
"Who's your contact?" Isla questioned, pulling his attention.
Callum faced her, scratching his head. "Eh, he be named Squirt, he'll be here soon," he said then strode to the front counter.
Again, the door swung open, but three rough men entered the bar, their movements clunky. Isla scrutinized their actions as they maneuvered to the opposite corner from her. They stole a look at her cloaked form, and instinctively, she tugged her hood lower. Damn Detra, more men of this type.
While Callum served them drinks, the door creaked open. A sole man entered, wearing dark brown slacks and a loose jacket. His black mop hair curled and shined from the morning light. Outwardly, he mirrored a beggar, but the vigilant eye he bore had her hesitant.
Callum motioned towards her then moved to fill him an empty mug.
Isla approached the counter, continuing her observation. The man reached his drink first, his back to her. Was this Squirt? She guessed such, but Callum would be her final judge.
"This man be the lookout at the base by the docks. A tiny place by the cove," Callum said while resting his back against the bar's middle column. "Right, Squirt?"
Squirt nodded, lifting the ale brimming mug to his mouth. The frothy mixture sloshed, foam overflowing down the side. After relinquishing the drink, he commented. "Aye boss, place been loud."
Callum frowned. "How loud we talkin'?"
Squirt's head tilted her way, his eyes narrowing beneath his long bangs.
"The lass' good," Callum stated.
He coughed once before continuing. "Brought in lots of cargo late last night. They gettin' ready to ship it from the docks."
"Are the docks guarded and checked by the city?" Isla asked, resting her elbow on the countertop.
Squirt paused before answering. "Aye, they inspect the goods normally. Not now. Bought off for the week is me guess, but I ha'e no proof."
"They're bold. What about the rich? Any sign of movement from them?"
"Restless but unconcerned for now. They be rarin' if the gang goes after higher targets."
Isla nodded. "Sounds right. When do they plan to move the goods from last night?"
Squirt shrugged. "Not sure, Ma'am. Tonight maybe? I'd ha'e to check."
"Are you planning to check soon?"
"Aye."
Isla sighed, massaging her forehead. She had no choice now. This investigation required her involvement for transport to Arcadia. Rydin's chaotic emotions blinded him from proper action and thought. Without her, she could foresee Leef's death. Still, if this lead didn't prove fruitful, where else could Leef be?