Jack clenched his fists as he stared at the bottles of beer and spirits. No. Not this time. He’d lost years to ale in his first life. It had dulled his pain, blurred the nightmares, and numbed the guilt, but it had also stolen time and his dignity. It had turned him into a shell of a man, swilling bitterness and calling it medicine.

  Jack shook his head. “Not here to drink. I’m looking for someone.”

  The barkeep grunted. “This a Guild matter or a personal one?”

  “Personal. I’m looking for a large adventurer with a missing right arm. Goes by the name Cain.” He noticed the man’s eyes narrow. “I saw him here two days ago ordering a drink.”

  “What business do you have with Cain?”

  “I believe he saved a little girl who’s now in my care,” Jack answered. “She’s worried about him.”

  “Who are you?” the barkeep asked. The gears of his arm clicked and whirred as he polished another glass.

  “I’m… I’m nobody important,” Jack replied. “Do you know of the Cain I’m looking for?”

  “I do, and he’s looking for the girl.” The barkeep put the glass down. “If you’ve hurt her, he’ll kill you.”

  “What?” Jack replied. “Why would I hurt her? She’s just a little kid who needed help. Can you tell me how to find Cain or not?” Beneath the mask, his expression was one of surprise. He’s been looking for Zia.

  That earned a thoughtful pause. Then the barman jerked his chin towards one of the corner booths. “He usually comes in round this time. Grab a seat. If he shows, I’ll let him know you’re askin’.”

  Jack nodded his thanks and moved to a booth with a view of the exit. He kept the mask on as a precaution.

  Ten minutes passed before he saw Cain step into the Guild hall. The one-armed giant was impossible to miss. Well over six and a half feet tall, built like a stone tower wearing a battered leather cloak, and a cheap prosthetic hook where his right hand had once been. Cain’s gaze swept the room like a trained killer’s, taking in every face, every angle, and every potential threat.

  The barkeep nodded towards Jack’s booth and called out, “Cain. That masked fella’s waitin’ for you.”

  Cain’s eyes landed on Jack. He moved with a heavy, deliberate gait before stopping in front of Jack, his expression a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

  Jack noticed how his left hand hovered near a sheathed dagger. Not threatening, just prepared.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “You looking for me?” Cain rumbled; his voice was like distant thunder.

  Jack stood, with his mask still on, and nodded. “Yeah. I heard you were looking for someone. A girl?”

  Cain’s posture stiffened, and his muscles became taut beneath the cloak. He crossed his arms, and the hook of his prosthetic clicked. “You got information?” his voice was flat. “There’s a reward. 1 gold. If it leads to her.”

  Jack shook his head. “Reward?”

  Cain’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t know?”

  “I’m not here for coin,” Jack said. He scanned the hall once more, his heart thudding, and reached up to lower his mask.

  Cain’s eyes widened at the young face with clean features, smooth skin, and blue eyes beneath the mask. He blinked. His suspicion didn’t vanish, but his shoulders dropped a fraction. “You know her?”

  Jack offered a smile, still holding the mask in his hand. “Zia’s safe. She’s living with my family… Erm, she bakes a lot of biscuits.”

  The tension in Cain’s shoulders eased, replaced by a wave of relief. He let out a long breath, and his suspicions melted away. “She’s… she’s alright?”

  “Well, she tried to rob me. That’s how we met,” Jack said. “Tried to snatch my coin purse. Imagine her surprise when she found it was attached to a cord and empty.” He glanced at Cain. Don’t think I’ll add the dagger to the throat part to someone who could crush my head in their left hand!

  A slow grin spread across Cain’s scarred face, followed by a thunderous laugh. “I can’t believe she tried to rob you. After all she’s been through… I’m glad she’s still got some fight in her.”

  Jack nodded while scanning the Guild hall for the three remaining adventurers. “Swear on the Gods. The little brat tried to mug me. Tugged at my coin purse like a drunk groping a barmaid. After I caught her, I took pity on her and bought her some of Arman’s wraps.”

  Cain gave another short bark of laughter, the tension easing from his posture. He looked down at his prosthetic and shook his head. “That girl… full of surprises.”

  “She’s alright; scared, but healing,” Jack said. “Those damn puppy-dog eyes.” He saw Cain nod in acknowledgement. “Anyway, I bought her some of Arman’s wraps. The next day, she was hanging around The Square. After another wrap, she ended up living with us. My mom sort of adopted her right away.”

  Cain grew still again, but this time it wasn’t suspicion. It was emotion. Something raw flashed behind his eyes. He didn’t speak. Just nodded, hard.

  “You want to see her?” Jack asked.

  Cain looked up. “Y-yes,” he said, his voice thick with relief.

  “That’s why I’m here.” Jack pulled the mask back into place. “Zia’s worried about you.”

  Cain frowned. “Why the mask?”

  “Long story. Let’s just say I’m trying to avoid someone. Dangerous someone.”

  Cain didn’t press for details. He simply nodded, his expression understanding. Everyone knew that in a city like Lundun, people had their secrets.

  “Lead the way…” Cain said, offering the barman a nod as they headed towards the Guild exit. “You never mentioned your name?”

  “Jack.” He offered Cain his left hand.

  Cain returned the gesture. “It’s good to meet you, Jack.” He went to pat him on the shoulder before pulling back his hooked right hand.

  Jack guided Cain through the cobbled streets, the one-armed adventurer a silent and imposing presence by his side. They walked in comfortable silence, their shared concern for Zia forging a bond between them.

  When they reached Jack’s home, he took off his mask and cloak and stored them in his pack. “I don’t like my mom to worry.”

  Cain smiled. “I understand.”

  “She’s been worried about you,” Jack said. “She thought the Guild had locked you up because she ran away. I guess she was confused.”

  Cain nodded. He looked composed on the surface, but his fist was clenched at his side.

  Jack pushed open the door and called, “Zia! I have a surprise for you.”