Inn after inn after inn. The sun slowly wheeled its way through the sky, eventually basking the city in gold as it dipped behind the western wall.

  “Damn it, why do they all have to be so damn complicated?” Kei complained, slumping down onto a bench next to the river.

  Wyn rubbed his face, sitting next to her. It seemed the first two inn’s they’d visited had set the precedent for all the others. Contract after contract, chock full of base rates, hidden fees, and offers to renegotiate based on nebulous ‘market conditions.’

  “The best rate would be the one with the huge clock out front, right?”

  “But they’re only offering two week contracts,” Kei sighed, checking over the notepad she’d started keeping track on. “Then we have to renegotiate, and who knows what prices will look like then?”

  Corrin leaned against one of the poles, folding his arms across his chest. “Just take the cheapest one that gives a two month contract. You liked the one back by that plaza right? Wyn and I can find our own, don’t worry.”

  “I just would hate to get locked into such a long contract, and I’d prefer to get two rooms if possible so we don’t have to stay in different inns…”

  Wyn glanced over towards Kei. She was looking down into her lap, face slightly red.

  He leaned back, staring at the mountains above. Two months was a long time, it wouldn’t be great to choose a terrible spot and be stuck for the whole time. He looked back down at the street, watching the people walk by. “Let’s think it over then, I think we should take at least a two-week contract, then we’ll have time to settle in and get used to things before thinking about anything else.”

  Kei nodded. “I suppose, we’ll have to…”

  Her voice faded away as Wyn’s eyes locked onto a terrible sight. An old woman, perhaps in her seventies, was pulling a hand-cart up one of the sloped side streets. She was straining against the weight, moving forward albeit slowly, falling behind the flow of traffic.

  “Hang on,” Wyn muttered, standing and walking away from the bench. He’d seen it, so he felt he needed to at least offer to help.

  “Excuse me eldress,” he said, stepping up beside the cart. “Perhaps I could help you with that?”

  The older woman slowed to a stop, breathing heavily. She set the crossbar onto the ground and met his eyes. For a moment, something like recognition dawned on her face, but it was masked as she bowed her head in gratitude. “Thank you young man, I’m afraid I’m not as young as I used to be.”

  “Please, don’t lower your head for me,” Wyn said. “Helping was the obvious thing to do.”

  “Perhaps to you, though I would imagine I passed by plenty of strapping young men before you.” She smiled, eyes crinkling with age.

  Wyn stepped between the shafts, hefting the crossbar back up, it was heavier than he’d thought it would be—the old woman was stronger than she looked. Still, it was no real trouble for a channeler, even a half-baked one like him.

  “Do you live nearby?” He asked.

  “Yes, just up this hill if you don’t mind. I can lead the way.”

  He followed her up the slopes and into more narrow side-streets. The cart was old, and the axle seemed a bit out of alignment, fighting him to the left as he pulled, but as he turned his head to look, he noticed the contents of the cart.

  Inside were dozens of the masks he’d seen hanging from people’s necks, hand carved from wood and intricately painted. Looking at them more closely, he was able to see they all followed the same sort of pattern, red over white with small holes for a person’s eyes. They were vaguely circular, but towards the top the wood branched out, forming a shape like a snowflake… or perhaps, no.

  Oh I see. Wyn got it. They’re deer masks, or maybe elk?

  “Perhaps you should watch where you’re going, hm?” The woman’s voice brought him back to reality, and he looked ahead, realizing he’d almost wandered off.

  “Apologies,” he offered. “I was wondering about these masks. I’ve seen people wearing them, but I wasn’t sure of the reason.”

  Wyn heard footsteps behind him, and in the next moment Kei and Corrin fell into step next to him.

  “Don’t just run off like that Wyn,” Kei complained. “We were so confused.”

  “I wasn’t,” Corrin said. She punched his arm, and he chuckled.

  “Ah, excuse me Eldress… these are my friends, Corrin and Kei. Oh, and my name is Wyn. Please, forgive me, I have yet to ask yours.”

  “There is nothing to forgive. My name is Jolaine. And to answer your question, young Wyn, they’re Ein’al masks.” The old woman reached into her shirt and pulled out one of the masks, which hung around her neck. “If you wear them during the winter, Ein’al will know to keep his blessings upon you. You’re travelers then? Ah, I should’ve known from the packs you carry.”

  “Yes Eldress, from Straetum, on the Northern Plateau.”

  Her face brightened. “Ah! Straetum? Truly? The world is a small place indeed.”

  “Have you heard of it?” He asked, a bit surprised.

  “Heard of it?” She laughed. “My late husband grew up in Straetum, he used to tell me stories of your little paradise!”

  Wyn almost dropped the cart.

  Corrin’s head spun around. “Seriously?”

  She nodded. “Hutong hears me.”

  It was the second time Wyn had heard the expression, which seemed to mean something along the lines of I’m not lying. He looked at the old woman’s face. It was aged and wrinkled, years of life etched into human form. But in her eyes, at the mention of Straetum, something had lit up, and she stepped with a tad more vigor than before.

  “It was a shame, but we never did get to visit. Crossing the sea is such a troublesome task. Ah. still, what a blessing from Ein’al this is,” she said happily.

  Wyn bowed his head, though they continued walking. “Perhaps your mask is working after all.”

  She glared at him. “Of course it works! Do you think I would slave for hours to carve them if they were simply trinkets?”

  “I didn’t mean to offend Eldress! I was simply making a—”

  He trailed off, noticing the smirk on her lips.

  “I’m merely toying with you Wyn,” she said, the venom gone. “You would not be the first traveler to misunderstand the masks.”

  “You said you carve them yourself?” Kei asked curiously. “This whole cart?”

  Jolaine nodded. “I have carved seasonal masks since I was a young girl. They’re important, you see? It is a way in which we pay respect to the spirits, for all the blessings we are granted each year. And in return for our honor, Titan’s Pass continues to prosper.”

  Corrin grabbed one from the cart, looking it over. “They’re kind of cool I guess… How much does one cost?”

  “Two silver pieces each.”

  “Two silver?” Kei exclaimed.

  Wyn was a bit shocked as well, that was a high price.

  “Such is the value of an authentic mask,” Jolaine said. “You may find cheaper in this city, but each mask takes countless hours to carve, and that doesn’t account for painting and polishing..”

  “Dang.” Corrin set it back in the cart.

  “Could I ask you a question Jolaine?” Wyn asked.

  “You just did.”

  “Er, I meant could I ask you two questions?”

  “Well that makes them right there.” She cackled.

  Wyn stammered for a second. “I meant—”

  She waved him off. “I know what you meant. You're too fun. Go right ahead. If you’re new to Titan’s Pass, I am sure many things must be overwhelming to you.”

  “The stone creatures around here, what are they? Some kind of spirit? I've never seen anything like them. And I've seen… a lot of spirits.”

  Wyn could remember his time in the spirit glades, where he'd seen spirits in more forms than he could have ever imagined, but even then

  “If you're a traveler, you should get used to such things,” Jolaine replied. “This world is full of wonders, and there are as many types of spirits as stars in the sky. Funny enough though, the totem animals are not one of them.”

  “Totem animals,” Wyn repeated. “So they're spirit beasts?”

  She nodded. “A spirit beast only found in Titans Pass—creatures that have formed a contract with Hutong. Take care not to harm them while you are here.”

  Why not? Wyn wondered. Perhaps they were under some form of protection. Best not to anger a great spirit.

  “Contracts again huh?” Kei said curiously. “They seem… popular here.”

  “Well of course,” Jolaine laughed. “Have you not heard of Titan’s Pass described as the city of contracts?”

  Kei looked at Wyn, and he shook his head. “Um… no?”

  “I have,” Corrin raised his hand. “But I’ll be honest, I didn’t think it would be so… what’s the word?”

  “Pervasive?” Wyn offered.

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  “Yes,” Corrin snapped his fingers. “That’s it, thanks.”

  Jolaine hummed thoughtfully. “That may be fair. But yes, The City of Contracts is an apt title. Hutong, along with the minor contract spirits, helps to enforce agreements within the walls.”

  “Wait, all agreements?” Wyn asked. “So like, since I offered to take the cart to your home, and you agreed…”

  “I can force you to do so.” She grinned. A moment later though, she shook her head. “No no of course not. You need not worry about such an informal agreement. As a rule of thumb, if you have to use your seal, it will likely be binding, but verbal agreements by Hutong’s name are usually only ceremonial.”

  “Usually?” Wyn asked.

  Something like amusement glinted in Jolaine’s eye. “As compensation for you pulling my cart to my home, I will prepare a hot meal for the three of you in my home. Do you accept these terms?”

  “Please, you don’t have to do that Eldress,” Wyn protested.

  “Just accept it fool.”

  Wyn hesitated, but his curiosity got the better of him, and the terms seemed harmless enough. “I accept the terms.”

  “Then with Hutong, the contract is sealed.” Jolaine whispered.

  A sizzling golden rope formed in the air, encircling the two of them. Wyn’s grip on the cart slipped, and he heard Corrin and Kei gasping beside him. Unlike the circle from the gates, there was no sound like a gear, but the spectral rope seemed to glow even brighter for just a moment before fizzling out, disappearing from sight.

  Woah, she's good, Eia said with obvious respect.

  “How did you do that?” Wyn asked in amazement.

  The older woman smiled. “I’ve lived in this city all my life. It would be a shame if I didn't pick up a few tricks. Thank you again young man, we've arrived.”

  Wyn looked ahead. They'd reached a cozy, yet well-sized home nestled just off a narrow street that overlooked a good portion of the city below. The stone walls, framed in wood, had clearly seen many years, but still seemed firm, like the mountain on whose slopes it was built.

  “If you wouldn’t mind, just leave the cart by the stairs and we can bring the masks inside.”

  “Aren’t you worried about theft?” Kei asked.

  “Of an old handcart like this? No no, petty theft is quite rare. It breaks your contract with the city and taints your seal—it’s not worth the cost for such a mundane thing.”

  Wyn dropped the cart as requested, and started to gather the masks, hanging them by their cords from his arm. “So you’ve very little crime then? For such a large city, that’s incredible.”

  She smiled. “Wouldn’t that be nice? Unfortunately Titan’s Pass isn’t without its faults. You’ll find contract scams to be quite rampant—be careful of what you sign—and I would say that our watch has gotten quite lazy with the support of the city’s contract. A taint of the contract doesn’t dissuade larger crimes either—nor does it stop travelers from committing crimes when they have no plans of returning. Though they will often find themselves punished in… other ways.”

  Her eyes glittered as she held the door open for them.

  “I see,” Kei nodded, stepping inside and taking off her shoes. “Even still, I must say it seems quite efficient.”

  “Perhaps it is. I have not had much opportunity to travel though, so I cannot speak on how it compares with other cities.”

  They walked inside to the roar of a fire. In the center of the home, visible from the entrance was a sturdy, brick hearth, with a healthy set of coals burning within and separated by iron grates. To the left of the room was a small dining table, which Wyn thought was coincidentally just large enough to fit all of them. Above the hearth was a stove of sorts, with food already cooking atop it, filling the home with a warm, rich scent.

  Wait, but I thought her husband had passed. So who cooked the—

  Before he could even finish the thought, a young woman, several years older than Kei, stepped into view. Her skin was pale, and though she was still in a nightgown, her eyes had bags beneath them, like she hadn’t been sleeping.

  “Welcome back grandmother, oh, and guests! You should have warned me, I’m not dressed for company!” She looked down at her clothes and her pale cheeks reddened. She stepped behind the corner a bit more. “Are they here for dinner?”

  “That they are,” Jolaine said. “This young man here helped me with my cart. I took too many today—it was difficult getting it back up the hills.”

  “Grandmother, I have told you, I can pull the cart for you. Please, you’re not as young as you once were.”

  “In your condition? What do you take me for?” She turned to face the three of them. “Ah yes, this is my granddaughter, Lilian. Lilian, this is Wyn, Corrin and Kei. Lovely folks, all three of them.”

  “I appreciate the faith Eldress, but there is no need to be so polite,” Wyn smiled.

  “You are loved by the spirits are you not?”

  Wyn started, he looked at the old woman as Eia hummed thoughtfully in his mind.

  Jolaine smiled. “I’ve lived a long time, Wyn, and I’ve dedicated my life to the spirits of this city. Like I said, that comes with certain perks, including a good sense of who to trust. And besides, if you’re from Straetum, you’re practically my husband’s kin. And that makes you family.” She winked before turning to the stove. “Ah, I see you put the roast over the fire just like I asked—wonderful girl. Go get changed and we can all eat together.”

  “Yes, of course grandmother.” Lilian nodded and walked around the corner. As soon as she vanished, Wyn heard a fit of coughing break out.

  Jolaine’s smile faded. “Please do not worry, her malady is not contagious. You needn’t worry about becoming sick yourself. Have a seat, the food will not be long now.”

  Wyn met Corrin and Kei’s eyes.

  I can’t get sick guys, it’s up to you.

  Corrin shrugged.

  Free food is free food.

  Kei, not quite as in touch with them, made her opinion clear by sitting at the table with a smile on her face. “Of course, and thank you again for your hospitality, Eldress.”

  “It is only natural,” Jolaine waved off. “Do you all enjoy tea? I was going to brew some for myself.”

  After some nodding, she set to work finishing dinner—with Corrin peering over her shoulder. If she minded, she didn’t say anything, and soon they were all drinking some of the best tea Wyn had ever had in his life.

  A few minutes later, Lilian reemerged, looking almost like a different person. The bags under her eyes had been smoothed out, her long brown hair was done up in a bun, and she wore a tea gown which matched the green of her eyes.

  “I apologize for my—” she turned and coughed into a handkerchief. Wyn’s eyes widened as he thought he saw a tinge of red staining the white cloth, but she hid it away almost immediately before turning back with a pained smile. “Pardon me. I apologize for my appearance earlier. I was not expecting us to have guests.”

  “No worries,” Corrin said casually. “We’re uncivilized country folk anyways. Well, not Kei here, but she’s had to travel with Wyn and I for the last few months, so she’s gotten used to it.”

  Lilian laughed softly into her hand. “I noticed the bags you brought in, so you are travelers then? Where from?”

  “It’s this little town called Straetum on the Northern Plateau,” Corrin said.

  Lilian’s eyes widened. “Grandmother! They’re from—”

  “Straetum, yes I know. The spirits are truly mysterious are they not?”

  “Please, tell me about your travels, and Straetum as well. My grandfather used to tell me stories of his home all the time when I was little. I wonder if it has changed much since he left.”

  Wyn smiled. “I would be surprised to hear if things were too different, Straetum is as constant as the stars themselves. In truth, that was why the two of us left.”

  “But we’ve got plenty of good stories anyways,” Corrin said. “So I’m happy to tell you all about it!”

  As the scent of the food grew thicker, Corrin and Wyn regaled them with stories of their home—it was odd to find people so interested in it. But the talk was light, and even Kei seemed to be enjoying the stories she hadn’t heard.

  As Corrin finished a story about the church, Jolaine brought over a wooden serving tray atop which was a large slab of roast beef, along with bowls of potatoes and carrots.

  “You were raised by a spirit speaker?” She asked as she sat at the table. “That is a rare blessing to be sure. I’m sure Straetum has prospered in the years since he became a priest.”

  Corrin nodded as he cut himself a slice and filled his plate. “The old man—Fenfreth was as good as I could ask for.” His eyes grew a little distant. “I should send a letter now that we’ll be here for a while. I wonder how everybody is doing…”

  “I should have a letter from my mother waiting for me here,” Wyn said. “I sent one by hawk while we were in Precipice. She should have gotten it by now and sent one ahead. I’m sure she’ll mention them in her letter, since we both knew you wouldn’t remember to send one on your own.”

  Corrin grinned sheepishly.

  Jolaine cleared her throat, looking at the two of them pointedly. They both got the picture in an instant and bowed their heads, this sort of thing had been common back home with older folk. Kei seemed a bit lost, but she bowed hers as well.

  Touching her mask to her forehead, Jolaine spoke softly.

  “Keeper of frost, of quiet dusks.

  We give thanks for this meal,

  for the warmth that sustains us,

  and for the life preserved through your long, dark nights.

  May your chill only deepen the warmth we share.”

  Wyn raised his head and cut into his beef, taking a bite along with everyone except Kei in the silence that followed. If Jolaine had any issue with Kei not knowing the tradition, she didn’t say.

  “This is wonderful Eldress, thank you,” Wyn said.

  Jolaine smiled warmly. “I am glad you enjoy it. It’s important to eat well in the cold months. The body needs warmth just as much as the spirit, and Titan’s Pass does not hurt for food even now.”

  “It’s true, and we’ve been eating terribly for the last few weeks on our veldstrider,” Corrin said. “A home-cooked meal like this? Seriously, I could almost cry.”

  “I’m sure that would be a sight,” Jolaine said playfully. “So tell me, for what reason are you traveling? Are you planning to stay in Titan’s Pass? Or is your destination further east?”

  Wyn swallowed. “Well, Corrin and I are travelling to Taravast to attend the swordcraft academy. We’re aiming to become spirit knights and we’re staying in Titan’s Pass for the deep winter.”

  “Spirit knights?” Jolaine said curiously. “A lofty goal indeed. But it’s good for young men like yourself to set your sights high.” She nodded approvingly. “And you Miss Kei?”

  “I’m actually from Taravast,” Kei said. “I was in the west on business when I ran into some trouble. Corrin and Wyn saved me and we’ve been travelling together since then.”

  “Sent so far west at your age?” Jolaine seemed shocked. “I would have words with your father.”

  Kei laughed politely. “I would welcome you to it if you so insisted.”

  “Still,” Lilian spoke up for the first time since dinner had started. “It must be amazing to travel so far. I’m sure you’ve seen many incredible sights.”

  “I suppose I have. Though most have been on the return. Falmouth to the north is dreadfully boring I’m sad to say.”

  Lilian let out a little laugh, but it quickly turned into another cough. She covered her mouth and turned away once again, breaking out into a fit. Jolaine gave her a concerned glance before turning back to the conversation.

  “Have you figured out how you plan to earn money for the winter?” She asked.

  Wyn took a sip of water. “We have funds from a bounty we happened to collect, but I suppose it may not hurt to look for some form of employment. Do you have any suggestions?”

  Lilian recovered from her coughing fit, wiping her lips as she answered. “If you wish to be spirit knights, then you should venture into the bastion. That would allow you to make money, and continue your training.”

  “That’s the dungeon right?” Corrin asked.

  “That’s correct. It’s to the north, next to the adventurer's guild. Almost anyone could show you the—” She coughed again, though only twice this time.

  “Do not push yourself Lilian,” Jolaine chided, rubbing her back. “Slow down.”

  Kei, noticing the lull, changed the subject. “This meal really is incredible. Do you cook like this often?”

  Jolaine waved a hand. “Not always, many nights will be much simpler meals, but tonight was…” Her eyes grew a bit sad as she trailed off. “Well, it is a special night.”

  Lilian looked down at her plate. “Grandmother cooks for me even when I don’t have much appetite.”

  “Someone has to keep you strong,” Jolaine said firmly. “And you did well preparing the roast.”

  The conversation drifted from there, weaving between stories of their journey and questions about Titan’s Pass. As they ate, the warmth of the fire and their full bellies settled over them like a comforting blanket. Through a window on the side of the home, Wyn could see flurries of snow carried by the winds, and he was grateful to be indoors.

  Jolaine took a sip of her tea before glancing at them curiously. “So, I’m afraid I must ask. Where will you be staying while in the city?”

  Wyn exchanged looks with Kei and Corrin. “Well, to be honest, we haven’t actually found an inn yet.”

  “No inn?” Jolaine raised an eyebrow. “And it’s already evening? Oh my, were you searching when you stopped to help me?”

  Wyn winced. “Please, we chose to accept your hospitality. We’ve already explored many of the inns, so we’ll decide after dinner. It was just a bit overwhelming dealing with the contracts, and a few of the inns wouldn’t allow—well, it is something we’ll manage on our own, don’t worry on our behalf.”

  Jolaine chuckled, shaking her head. “No no, I won’t have it. For the time being, you’re welcome to stay here. Consider it a good thing, inns are the biggest scam in the city, since the majority of their clients are from outside Titan’s Pass.”

  Wyn straighted, along with Kei. “Eldress, please. We couldn’t possibly impose—”

  “Nonsense,” she interrupted. “I have space, and we could use the company. I would hate to see you give any more money to those leeches when I have spare rooms right here. Oh, though I only have two, so two of you will have to share.”

  Lilian nodded, her expression kind. “It is really no trouble. We don’t often get guests.”

  Kei thought it over for a minute. “Well, if you must insist, then it would truly be an honor until we can adjust to the city.”

  Wyn hesitated for a moment, but if he was honest with himself, he found himself far more attracted to the home than any inn, and it would be quieter. After a moment, he exhaled and nodded. “Corrin and I had already planned on sharing one anyway. Thank you Eldress. We’ll find a way to repay your kindness however we can.”

  Jolaine smiled warmly. “If you can help me move my cart, and pay for your own food, then that is all I can ask.”

  Wyn held out a hand. “Consider it done.”

  She batted it away with a smirk. “See? You’re making proper contracts already.”

  Corrin leaned back in his chair, looking entirely pleased. “You know? This city might not be too bad.”

  Jolaine chuckled again. “Good good. Now, I believe I had set aside some honeyed nuts…”

  As she shuffled off, Wyn glanced over at Lilian. She met his eyes briefly before lowering her gaze. He wanted to say something, but ultimately could not. Instead, he turned his gaze to the hearth, watching the coals that flickered within, promising warmth, food, and a place to rest.

  Deep inside his chest, the embers of spirit fire flickered along with them.