"Gravethorn is a savage member from the Arcane Syndicate, he is a merciless necromancer with the power to do what he wants… and he is not remorseful nor shy about his actions, he eliminates anyone he sees fit for his purpose… since his abilities allow him to create small armies with dead bodies, the syndicate doesn't have to finance it, as a result, he is allowed to run wild without any consequences. He did so just a few weeks ago in this town. There's a statue he destroyed that holds significance to this town, the name Gravethorn is spoken only to few, those working for him… those too old to care about the repercussions and those who he can't hurt more than he already has."
Alloy was taken aback by this information, someone was related to Damion and was nothing like him, more to that, the body wasn't yet introduced to the conversation, there was more to this story than she thought she knew, so she decided to listen.
"There is word running around that there's a body or two he always keeps next to him and secured tightly. Some say it's his former lover, others say it's his greatest enemies, even the people who carry the coffin around don't know what's inside considering he holds the keys to the locks on it."
"That's creepy, where is he now??" She asked.
"He's in a town called Gami, it's two towns over from here to the West. I heard he's caused trouble there and he's gaining notoriety by the day… but the Commander at Vira Port is showing no signs of addressing his actions."
"Great, that's fine, anything else I should know??"
"Yes, if he is your goal, thrash him for me…"
Alloy got off her chair and began leaving, expressing her gratitude to the old man, "Thank you old man!! I have to get back to my friend now…"
"Wait…" He spoke.
"What's wrong??" She asked. Stopping at the door.
"I have questions for you."
"Huh??" She wondered.
*****
The door to the back of the bar creaked open, leading Damion and the kind barkeep to the back alley behind the shop.
"What is this??" He asked, his eyes wide open on what he was led into.
"This is the boss' order." Said the lady.
Out in the alley of the pub lay 4 people aside from Damion himself. A guy around his age but taller than him stood right next to a trash can, on the trash can itself, sat a huge looking woman with a slightly bruised fist, the victim of the bruised fist lie on the ground, coughing and trying to catch his breath. The last person there was the barkeep, who stood on the shadow of the beaten victim on the ground.
"Don't worry, you're not next. The boss was specific not to hurt you." Damion's confusion of the situation was clearly drawn across his face.
"He has no idea what you're talking about." The taller guy spoke.
"Is that right??" The huge woman spoke, in quite a horse voice.
"Yes." The guy said.
"Sorry about that," said the barkeep as she pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. "Damion, right??" He added… sending a shock through Damion's body and realizing what he just walked into.
His brows furrowed and the tone of his voice went down an octave.
"Where is he…" He demanded.
"He's in Gami. It's West of here, past another town. He's waiting for you."
"How can I get there??"
"You can use a horse."
"I'll need two."
"Fine."
*****
"Questions??" Alloy asked.
"Yes."
"Sure." She said as she slowly walked back to her seat.
"Do you need a crew member??"
This undoubtedly shocked Alloy and she let out a smile. "Yes!! I need members, but they can only join me if I like them."
"Then stop at Karuu first. My niece is there, her name is Tasue. I'm sure she'll join you."
"Good to know, where in the town will I find her??"
"In the south end, like me, she's also a tailor… but she is also gifted with abilities, she will be a great addition to your ranks."
"We'll see about that. What are the other questions??"
"It's just one… may I make new clothes for you??"
He said, clearly noticing that she was dressed in tattered clothes but he understood her style. Within the same moment, she smelt the air, realized something and spoke her mind.
"Was this also part the reason people left?!" her mouth hung wide.
"I don't mind, I have a cold at the moment so I barely smell it," he said, trying to make her feel better.
"I doubt that," she shriveled.
"Please come to this side," his hand directing her to a small spot in the shop that he normally used for measurements.
He took quite a few measurements and told her that he would leave her clothes at the stables when she's ready to leave.
"Oh! Do you have any more crew members?? I bet they also need a fresh set of clothes as well considering yours' state,"
"I have one more, he's a bit taller, but also a bit more muscular, just a bit. That's all I know, I just met him anyway."
"I see, I will make his as well. Pass my greetings to my niece when you see her. And give her this letter… I wish you safe travels, miss," he said.
"Oh… old man… where's the statue that he destroyed??" She asked as she took the folded piece of paper.
"In the center of the town."
"Where is it?? I need to find my friend there."
"I'll give you directions, don't worry."
In no time, he was done with all the measurements and Alloy was ready to leave.
"Thank you for everything!!" She said as she ran out to head to the landmark at the center of the town thanks to the directions of the old man. He slightly frowned at a thought he had as he watched her go, and immediately began working on their clothes.