Jabir moved swiftly through the alleyways.

  "What do you want?" he asked.

  Jamah stepped from the shadows.

  "Didn't expect you to be this serious, you foolish merchant..."

  "Thanks for the compliment," Jabir replied, not slowing.

  "I can help."

  Jabir stopped.

  "And what will you do?

  We agreed—the assassins of Korta will search for her."

  "Yes.

  They'll search—alongside the mages and the guards.

  But that wretch still clutches the reins.

  We need to make him stumble...

  To bring the princess back."

  "What are you suggesting?"

  Jamah's eyes narrowed.

  "The child.

  In the abandoned fortress."

  Jabir's eyes widened.

  Jamah nodded and walked away—vanishing into the mist.

  "I'll speak to the prince," Jabir muttered.

  "You can follow our lead."

  —

  At the Emerald Inn, Klen stood tall—proud and furious.

  Outside, snow fell.

  The towers of Aurik burned.

  Mulham frowned.

  "Miss Rose, tell your friend to sit.

  He's making the guests nervous."

  "Klen... sit."

  "Fine," Klen said, lowering himself into a chair.

  Jawaher watched him, then turned to Rose.

  "What's wrong with him?"

  "He heard the rumors about Princess Kasra.

  He's furious.

  Says it's a disgrace to the honor of the Red Knight—his father."

  "It's not a rumor anymore," Jawaher said.

  "It's the truth."

  Rose froze, her drink untouched.

  "So?

  What do you want to do?

  We want to help."

  Mulham raised an eyebrow.

  "Help?

  Miss Rose, this is a dangerous game.

  A serpent's dance.

  Lives will be lost.

  And powerful forces are moving—on both sides."

  Jawaher looked at her.

  "Why not help?

  Support the city?"

  Rose nodded.

  "The prince allowed me to walk freely.

  He said Aurik always welcomes me.

  Even the guards stopped asking for my Flak Card—after I registered it.

  When I see the towers burning...

  The snow falling...

  That warmth and safety...

  I don't know why.

  But I feel I must help."

  Mulham placed a hand on her head.

  "Alright.

  We'll let you know when it's time.

  You're among the most prominent names in the Mercenary Guild."

  Jawaher smiled.

  "Just take care of yourselves."

  "Don't worry," Rose said.

  Klen stood.

  "Miss Rose?"

  "It's settled.

  We'll be nearby."

  "Good," Jawaher said.

  Klen bowed to Jawaher and Mulham.

  The inn's guests watched, puzzled.

  Mulham chuckled.

  "This Red Knight is ridiculous...

  But when it comes to honor and the royal family—he's terrifying."

  "What's his story?" Jawaher asked.

  "His father was one of King Caesar's royal guards.

  He died in the incident.

  The king vanished.

  They found only his armor and sword...

  The Red Knight."

  "So the armor he wears—"

  Mulham nodded, polishing a glass.

  "Yes.

  It's the same."

  Jawaher watched them as they left.

  The Poisoned Path

  Klen grinned. "Sharp observation, Lady Rose! A noble, magnificent, and honorable point!"

  Rose muttered, "Just be quiet."

  His voice echoed through the tunnels. "That's harsh!"

  Rose led the way, Nasser beside her, Klen trailing behind.

  Men passed silently on either side—faces hidden, clothes tattered, weapons rusted and stained with old blood. The stench was unbearable.

  Rose winced. "The smell is awful."

  Klen nodded solemnly. "The scent of seasoned assassins."

  Rose chuckled. "What are you even saying?"

  They reached a vast chamber filled with mercenaries and killers. Most hid their faces behind masks or hoods.

  Rose scanned the crowd, searching for someone who might help.

  One assassin caught her gaze.

  He stepped forward. "Is there a problem, girl? Why the stare?"

  Rose stammered, "I didn't mean to. I was just—"

  His eyes shifted to Nasser. "Looks like someone's carrying coin."

  Klen stepped forward, armor gleaming, metal ringing.

  The assassin spat on the ground.

  Rose spoke calmly. "We're looking for someone. Do you know how we might find him?"

  The assassin narrowed his eyes. "First time here?"

  "Yes," Rose admitted.

  Nasser sighed, rubbing his temple.

  The assassin sneered. "These tunnels have rules. Everything has a price. Even clean air."

  Rose held her ground. "We'll pay if you help us find him. That's all we have. If you're not interested, get out of our way."

  The assassin grinned darkly. "Think you're tough, little girl?"

  He turned and walked. The crowd watched—eyes flicking between Klen's armor and Nasser's robes.

  Rose followed.

  They reached a narrow tunnel and a sealed chamber.

  Rose frowned. "This room is locked. Where's the contact?"

  Nasser's eyes widened. "It's a trap!"

  The door slammed shut behind them.

  Five assassins leapt from the shadows.

  Klen slammed his shield to the ground—flames erupted around him and Nasser.

  Rose struck the floor with her staff. A green aura burst forth. "Venomous Aurora!"

  Two assassins collapsed. Three surrounded them.

  Nasser stared in awe.

  A toxic shimmer encircled Rose. She raised her staff toward the lead assassin.

  Klen drew his sword. "This is neither noble nor honorable! You dare attack us?"

  He stomped the ground. "Then face the wrath of the Red Knight!"

  He lunged.

  The assassins smiled.

  Rose shouted, "No, Klen! They might have more tricks. Protect Nasser!"

  Klen paused. "A noble insight, Lady Rose! I shall guard him with my life!"

  He knelt beside Nasser, raising his arms. "By the honor of the Red Knight, I vow to protect this man with my legacy, my nobility, and my greatness!"

  Rose fired a venomous bolt. The assassin dodged—and vanished.

  "Shoot!" she hissed.

  He reappeared behind her. "Go to hell, foolish girl!"

  Klen leapt, striking the assassin and hurling him into the wall.

  "Rose!" he called.

  She turned. "Klen! Where's Nasser?"

  Klen spun. "Damn it! He's gone!"

  Two assassins had vanished.

  Rose glared. "I told you to protect him! Why did you come to me?"

  "I thought you needed help, Lady Rose..."

  She exhaled sharply. "He was taken too fast..."

  They pressed forward.

  The tunnels were cold. Echoes of blades and whispers filled the air.

  Rose and Klen reached another chamber—mercenaries and assassins watched them.

  Rose whispered, "Klen... your armor draws too much attention."

  Klen stood tall. "Let them look! Let them know who the Red Knight is!"

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Rose scanned the room. "We need someone reliable..."

  Klen pointed. "That man—he's talking to the wall. Seems less busy than the rest."

  Rose sighed and approached. "Excuse me?"

  The man turned. "What?"

  "We lost something. Do you know how to recover it? Or who to ask?"

  He studied them, then glanced at Klen. "You clearly don't belong here. Be careful. These tunnels are full of traitors. No one wants to die forgotten."

  Rose nodded.

  He continued, "Go to the tunnel warden—Kras. He might help."

  "How do we reach him?"

  Rose offered a coin.

  The man took it. "That tunnel. Follow it. But keep your heads down—you've drawn enough attention already."

  Rose turned to Klen. "Let's go."

  They reached a guarded chamber.

  Two men blocked the way.

  "We want to see the warden," Rose said.

  "He's busy. Leave, fools."

  Rose raised her staff. A green aura flared.

  "Klen," she said calmly, "looks like we'll have to carve our way through."

  Klen grinned. "Fine by me. I enjoy that."

  The Warden and the Warpath

  The heavy door creaked open.

  Kras stepped out, eyes narrowing. "What's going on here?"

  He saw Rose surrounded by a green aura, and Klen with his sword raised toward the guards.

  "Hey, hey! You two—are you here to kill me? Am I that terrible?"

  Rose blinked, lowering her staff.

  One of the guards spoke. "They came from the surface. They seek an audience."

  Kras eyed them. "You? What do you want? If it's not important, leave. I don't want trouble with the people above."

  Rose stepped forward. "We're here to protect a man searching for his son."

  "A mission, then? You're mercenaries?"

  "Yes," Rose said. "But we were ambushed. The man was taken."

  Kras burst into laughter. "So you came to retrieve the kidnapped boy—only to have his father vanish too!"

  The guards chuckled. Klen joined in with a nervous laugh.

  Rose kicked his shin. "You!"

  Klen stopped laughing.

  Kras shrugged. "What do you expect me to do? You failed. That's how missions go."

  Rose's eyes narrowed. "Just tell us where the kidnapped are usually taken."

  Klen stepped forward. "The mission isn't over until the father and son are reunited."

  Kras studied Rose. "Wait... you're the one Laika praised, aren't you?"

  Rose nodded eagerly. "Yes! That's me!"

  Kras grunted, pulled out an old parchment, and scanned it. "You might find him here."

  Rose glanced at Klen. "How do we get there?"

  Kras unsheathed his weapon and began walking with his guards. "I'm heading that way. I'll take you. I've got debts to settle."

  One guard whispered, "Jamih's already ahead. He's purging the traitors."

  "I know," Kras muttered. "He helps me without asking."

  Rose's eyes widened. Jamih? He's here...

  They reached a tunnel lined with cells.

  Kras gestured. "He might be here. If you see someone suspicious—kill them. No mercy."

  Rose stared. "No mercy?"

  Kras vanished into a side tunnel.

  Rose and Klen stepped forward.

  Klen raised his voice, armor clanking. "You there! Man in the shadows!"

  Rose frowned. "Klen... maybe not like that?"

  "It's the noble way of the Red Knight!"

  Suddenly, Jamih appeared behind them.

  "You... what are you doing here?"

  Rose froze. "We're... here on a mission."

  Jamih looked at Klen. "And who's this clown?"

  Klen bristled. "That's an insult to the Red Knight!"

  Rose interjected. "We're protecting someone."

  Jamih scoffed. "You failed. If you're here, you're trying to free someone. That'll cost you dearly. Better to let him rot."

  Rose glanced at the cells—some held only bones.

  Jamih walked slowly, sword in hand.

  He spotted a group whispering nearby.

  "You're too obvious," he growled. "If you want to spy, do better."

  He slammed his sword into the ground—cages rattled, dust flew.

  Assassins and mercenaries backed away. "It's Jamih!"

  Five figures stood still, watching.

  Klen stepped forward. "Lady Rose... I smell something foul. Stay behind me."

  He made a strange gesture. Rose smiled faintly.

  Jamih lunged at the five.

  They drew weapons—dark auras flared.

  "SILA!" Jamih roared, striking one and launching into the others.

  An orange aura enveloped him.

  Klen watched, awestruck. "That's ancient power... You've lived through much. I can see it."

  He leapt beside Jamih. "By the Red Knight's honor—Strike of Nobility!"

  Klen's sword crashed down, felling one. Jamih followed with a finishing blow.

  "You're not bad, knight," Jamih said.

  "It's an honor to hear that!"

  The enemies unleashed a wave of shadow.

  Klen raised his shield.

  Jamih countered mid-air, blade flashing. "No need to block when you can strike back."

  Klen nodded and advanced.

  Meanwhile, Rose slipped past the chaos, checking each cell.

  "Not this one... not this..."

  She darted through the fray—Jamih and Klen battling three dark agents.

  Then she saw him.

  "Nasser!"

  He looked up. "You came back! I thought I'd never see daylight again!"

  "Hold on!"

  Rose raised her staff. A green glow surged. "Step back from the bars!"

  She launched a green solution at the metal.

  "What are you doing?" Nasser cried.

  "My job!"

  The bars hissed—melting.

  "They're dissolving!"

  Nasser stepped out.

  "Let's go!" Rose shouted. "Klen! Time to move!"

  A Promise in the Snow

  Klen struck the final blow, sending the last enemy crashing to the ground.

  He raised his voice triumphantly. "Lady Rose! Noble! Magnificent! Brilliant! You freed Lord Nasser without ransom—using the chaos to your advantage! What cunning!"

  Rose didn't respond. Her eyes were wide with fear.

  Klen turned. "What's wrong?"

  She flicked her gaze toward Jamih.

  Klen followed her eyes—then leapt back. "Ah! I meant no offense, as we say..."

  Jamih stepped forward slowly. "There are laws in these tunnels. All who enter must abide by them."

  Rose whispered, "Klen—run!"

  She and Nasser bolted. Klen followed.

  "The noble, magnificent escape!" he shouted.

  Jamih stopped. One of the assassins beside him asked, "Shall we stop them? They didn't pay."

  Jamih shook his head. "That knight helped me eliminate the infiltrators. Unlike you cowards—who stood and watched."

  The assassin's face darkened. He stepped back.

  Jamih walked on, muttering with a faint smirk, "The new generation... a pack of troublesome fools."

  —

  Rose, Klen, and Nasser reached the tunnel's exit, panting.

  Nasser turned. "Well? Did you find my son?"

  Rose shook her head. "We asked the warden. He knew nothing. I don't think your son is here."

  Nasser clenched his fists, exhaling a long, heavy breath. "Nader... where are you..."

  Rose stepped aside. "We're sorry. We couldn't find him. We won't take any payment."

  Klen nodded solemnly.

  But Nasser smiled. "No—you must. You gave your time. You helped me. I thought you'd leave me behind... and that was a terrible feeling."

  Klen barked, "Leave you behind? Never! That defies the sacred code of the Red Knight!"

  Rose chuckled nervously. "Haha..."

  Nasser pulled out ten coins. "Take these. You've earned them."

  Rose shook her head. Klen followed her lead.

  "Please," Nasser insisted. "Take them. You are the future. I want to see a golden generation rise again. Let Aurik burn bright. Prince Asser needs people like you. Take it—as a gift."

  Rose sighed, then extended her hand. "Alright. But on one condition—you must promise not to pay us again."

  Klen smiled behind his shield. His voice dropped unexpectedly. "Rose... well done."

  She turned, blushing. "You! What happened to your voice?"

  Nasser looked between them. "What do you mean?"

  Rose turned to him. "I promise—we'll find your son. We'll bring him back. I swear it."

  Nasser's eyes welled with tears. He smiled. "Thank you... both of you."

  Behind them, Kras watched silently... then turned and disappeared into the shadows.

  Nasser bowed and walked away.

  —

  Night fell.

  Snow drifted gently from the sky. The wind sang its cold song. Aurik's towers burned quietly, casting golden light over the city. People walked the streets—some shopping, others returning from work. Guards stood at their posts.

  Suddenly, a strange sound echoed.

  Rose clutched her stomach. "Huh? Klen? Was that your stomach?"

  Klen blinked. "I don't believe so, Lady Rose. That sound was—"

  Rose laughed and ran. "Last one to the meat house pays!"

  Klen sprinted after her. "A noble, magnificent, and honorable occasion! But—wait! You started first! That's not noble!"

  Two guards watched them pass.

  "Is that the girl?" one asked. "Does she have a Flak card yet?"

  "Leave her be," the other replied. "I asked last time. She doesn't. But she's trying."

  The first guard sighed. "I see...she is enjoying...that's thing want me to stay here even if it boring..you see a life with purpose"

  Rose glanced back at Klen, who was running awkwardly, drawing stares.

  "Klen! Look at how you run! Doesn't the Red Knight move with more grace?"

  "The Red Knight does not run! Nor flee from—"

  Klen slipped, crashing headfirst into a snowbank. Children burst into laughter.

  "The Red Knight," he mumbled, "feels the chill of battle..."

  Rose laughed—then collided with someone.

  She fell, looked up—and froze. "I'm so sorry... Prince Asser!"

  Her face turned crimson. "I-I'm sorry!"

  Prince Asser smiled gently. Klen arrived, brushing snow from his armor.

  Rose hurried away, flustered. Klen followed her into the meat house.

  Veronika greeted them. "Hey! You two! Sit down!"

  Klen boomed, "The Red Knight returns from a noble, magnificent, and failed mission!"

  Rose smacked his arm. "You don't have to tell everyone!"

  They sat. Around them, warriors ate and laughed.

  Rose smiled shyly. "Tonight's meal is on me..."

  Veronika grinned at Klen.

  Klen stood. "The Red Knight refuses your offer and declares—"

  "No!" Rose interrupted. "Klen, we must—"

  Veronika placed drinks and meat on the table. "Tonight, it's on me."

  Rose protested. "No! You're his sister. That means he's paying twice!"

  "Not true!" Klen said.

  "It is!"

  "Is not!"

  "Is too!"

  "Ah—ah! Not true!"

  "Silence, you ridiculous knight!"

  Veronika laughed. The warriors around them burst into laughter.

  Rose blushed, hiding her face in her cloak.

  She peeked at Klen—and smiled.

  He looked back, lifted his helmet, and grinned wide.

  She lowered her cloak, still smiling.

  Outside, the snow fell gently.

  And the towers of Aurik burned on—quiet, golden, and eternal.

  The Circus of Red Mist

  Semhar burst into the tavern, breath ragged, eyes brimming with tears.

  Rose and Klen looked up, startled.

  "You?" Rose asked. "What's wrong?"

  Klen tilted his head. "Are you... hungry?"

  Semhar shook his head. "I need help."

  Rose, still chewing a piece of meat, replied coldly, "Forget it. If you want coin, work for it. We're not handing it out."

  "No," Semhar said, voice cracking. "It's my mother."

  Rose's expression shifted. She stood, drained her drink, and turned to Veronika.

  "We'll be back to finish. There's something we need to check."

  Veronika blinked. "You haven't finished your food!"

  Rose looked to Klen. "Klen?"

  He fastened his helmet and stood. "This boy is becoming quite the nuisance, wouldn't you agree?"

  Rose picked up her staff. "I do."

  Semhar stared at them, uncertain.

  "Lead the way," Rose said. "What happened?"

  Semhar broke into a run, leading them to the tailor shop.

  When they arrived, the place was in ruins—fabrics torn, shelves overturned, the wooden safe smashed open.

  Rose's voice dropped. "This is a crime scene."

  Klen examined the wreckage. "Looks like a gang job. They took everything of value."

  Semhar trembled. "I tried to get help... but no one came."

  "Did you alert the guards?" Rose asked.

  "I did."

  Rose sighed and turned to Klen. "What now?"

  Klen's voice deepened. "The Red Knight is furious. We must find the lady and restore her to her rightful place."

  Rose smiled faintly. "Let's search."

  They stepped through the wreckage. Semhar stared at the floor.

  Then a familiar voice echoed from the doorway.

  Rose turned. "General Sylvance!"

  The general entered with quiet authority, flanked by guards and mages.

  "I see you've arrived," she said. "Did the boy seek your help as well, Rose of Linovard?"

  "Yes," Rose replied. "He did. I'm sorry for interfering. The investigation is yours."

  Sylvance raised a hand. "It's fine."

  Klen held up a small object. "General—I found something. It might help us track them."

  Sylvance stepped forward. The guards and mages gathered behind her.

  Rose's eyes widened.

  "It's the emblem of the circus," Sylvance said. "Red Mist."

  Rose blinked. "A circus?"

  "They're touring the city," Sylvance explained. "Performing illusions and tricks. I never trusted them. But the prince insisted—especially after Kasra took a liking to their show."

  Rose frowned. "They've been dropping coins... it's not normal."

  "It's deliberate," Sylvance said. "A trap. Or a message."

  She turned to Semhar.

  He looked down.

  "Do you have something to confess?"

  Rose's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

  All eyes turned to Semhar.

  He trembled. "I... I gambled. I bet my mother's shop... at the circus. I was sure I'd win. It was the last bet. I..."

  Rose stormed toward him. "You idiot! After everything your mother's done for you—what were you thinking?"

  Sylvance watched silently.

  Klen stepped between them. "Calm down. I'm furious too. The Red Knight is seething. But we mustn't make things worse."

  Sylvance spoke. "We're heading to the circus. They've moved beyond the walls—performing in the desert. She may be there."

  A mage stepped forward. "General—"

  "Gami?"

  "Should we inform High Commander Laika?"

  "Why?"

  Gami hesitated. "Because... Princess Kasra went to the circus. With her bodyguard—Varon."

  Sylvance's expression darkened. "That's bad. Notify Laika. Tell her to be ready. We may need backup."

  Gami nodded and left.

  "Prepare yourselves," Sylvance ordered. "We leave in five minutes."

  Rose turned to Klen. "Well... it was nice helping."

  Sylvance raised an eyebrow. "Helping? Your mission isn't over. You're coming with me. Both of you. And the boy."

  Semhar stammered, "Me? But I can't fight!"

  Sylvance gestured behind him. "Then why are you carrying a bow and arrows?"

  "I... I was just..."

  "Enough. You put your mother in danger. You'll face it. You've dragged your companions into a direct confrontation with Red Mist. The princess is there. Do you understand the chaos you've caused?"

  Semhar's face fell. Tears welled in his eyes.

  Klen adjusted his armor and stepped forward. Rose followed.

  "You'll stay with me," Sylvance said.

  Semhar stood silently.

  A guard barked, "Say 'Yes, General!' You're standing before the General of Aurik!"

  Semhar straightened. "Yes, General."

  "Louder!"

  "Yes, General!"

  The guard nodded. "Better."

  —

  Rose and Klen reached the city gates. In the distance, the circus lights shimmered.

  Rose yawned. "The princess really went there? Isn't it dangerous?"

  Klen nodded. "Yes. But Lady Rose..."

  She turned. "What?"

  "What if we find Lord Nasser's son there?"

  Rose's eyes widened. "You think so?"

  "I do. If not there—then where?"

  "You're right..."

  Sylvance arrived with her forces. "Ready?"

  Rose straightened. "Ahem."

  Klen saluted. "Yes!"

  Sylvance led the way. Semhar followed, silent.

  Rose glanced at him, then looked ahead.

  The desert stretched before them, blanketed in frost.

  —

  After a long march, they reached the circus.

  Music and laughter echoed through the cold night.

  Sylvance raised her hand. The soldiers dispersed.

  Semhar looked around, uneasy.

  "You'll stay with me," Sylvance said.

  She turned to Rose and Klen. "Enter through the main gate. Buy tickets. Observe everything. If you see a chance—act. But do not let harm come to the princess."

  "Yes, ma'am," they replied.

  Sylvance and Semhar circled to the side.

  At the gate, a man in a red cloak blocked their way. "Two coins each."

  Rose blinked. "Two? That's steep."

  The man smirked. "Then why come all this way?"

  Rose sighed and handed over four coins.

  They stepped inside.

  Colorful stalls lined the paths—games of chance, challenges, and spontaneous performances filled the air with noise and wonder.

  Rose walked beside Klen.

  "This place suits you," she said.

  "Thank you, Lady Rose! A noble compliment! Perhaps one day I'll host a Red Knight's Festival! But... perhaps now isn't the time."

  Rose laughed. "You're insane."

  Klen laughed louder, his voice echoing through the chaos.