The distant glow of the Thornveil wildfire still painted the night sky orange.
Every now and then, the cold wind carried ash through the air, scattering black flakes across the road leading to the capital.
Even from this far away, the faint smell of smoke lingered in the night.
Ed and Gray remained at their posts near the front gates.
Gray glanced toward Ed, worry evident in his voice.
"Where is that guy?"
Ed kept his eyes fixed on the dark road ahead.
"Maria said Gareth was helping put out the wildfire with that Nero guy."
Gray stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"I know that."
He glanced toward the forest.
"But Torin and Elara were sent there too. What if they run into each other?"
Ed shoved him lightly.
"Stop being so negative all the time."
"He won't let himself get seen."
Gray looked back toward the city.
"I know, but why isn't he here yet?"
"Our shift is almost over."
"Halek and Krum could show up any minute."
Ed didn't take his eyes off the road.
"When have those two ever arrived on time?"
"They're always late."
As the two continued talking, Ed suddenly narrowed his eyes.
"Someone's coming."
Gray immediately turned.
"You think it's Gareth?"
"Can't tell."
Ed took a step forward.
"Too dark."
A pause.
"But there are two of them."
The figures gradually became clearer.
Then both guards recognized them.
Gray let out a sigh of relief.
"It's Gareth."
His expression immediately flattened.
"And that Nero guy."
Ed raised a hand and waved.
Gareth waved back.
Then a voice suddenly sounded from behind them.
"Sorry, we're late."
Ed and Gray froze.
"It won't happen again."
Gray slowly turned around.
Krum stood there.
And behind him was Halek.
Ed immediately lowered his arm.
Of all days...
They had to show up early today?
He forced a smile onto his face.
"Did the sun set on the wrong side of the world?"
"How are you two on time today?"
While speaking, he casually moved one arm behind his back and clenched his fist.
A signal.
Gareth spotted it immediately.
Without hesitation, he grabbed Nero's shoulder and pulled him off the road.
The two of them dropped into a crouch.
Nero blinked.
"What happened?"
Gareth pointed toward the gate.
Nero followed his finger and spotted two additional guards standing beside Ed and Gray.
"We stay hidden until one of them gives the signal."
Meanwhile, Krum frowned.
"On time?"
"Aren't we still late like usual?"
Halek immediately rounded on him.
"I told you we had time for another round."
Krum raised both hands defensively.
"My bad."
"I should've listened."
Halek stepped closer.
"I could've won back those ten silver coins if you hadn't rushed me."
Before Krum could answer, Ed cut in.
"What was that?"
Both men stiffened.
Ed folded his arms.
"Something about ten silver coins?"
"And being late?"
Halek and Krum swallowed.
"We can explain."
Ed's eye twitched.
"Explain?"
"I think I finally figured out why you two are always late."
He stepped forward.
"The two of you spend your salaries gambling while Gray and I work unpaid overtime."
Halek immediately raised both hands.
"No need to get angry, Ed."
"We appreciate you covering for us."
He looked toward Krum.
"Right?"
Krum nodded so quickly his head nearly blurred.
"Very grateful."
"Extremely grateful."
Without taking his eyes off either of them, Ed spoke to Gray.
"Gray."
"Remind me to report this to the Captain on the way home."
Gray immediately caught on.
A smug grin appeared on his face.
"I'll make sure you don't forget."
The color drained from Halek and Krum's faces.
"Please don't."
"We'll lose our jobs."
Krum stepped forward desperately.
"Ed, please."
"You know I'm getting married next month."
"I'll do anything."
"Just don't tell the Captain."
Ed exchanged a glance with Gray.
The two silently nodded.
Then Ed sighed.
"Fine."
Relief instantly flooded Krum's face.
"I knew you'd understand."
"But."
The relief vanished.
"In exchange, the two of you will give us half your salaries."
Gray nodded seriously.
"Sounds fair to me."
Krum stared.
"Eh?"
Halek nearly choked.
"Half our salaries?"
Krum immediately dropped to his knees and grabbed Ed's leg.
"Please don't do this."
"I can't survive an entire month on half my pay."
"And I'm getting married next month!"
Ed tried pulling his leg free.
"You should've thought about that before gambling with Halek."
Meanwhile, Halek scooted toward Gray.
"Please talk some sense into him."
"How am I supposed to survive with prices this high?"
Gray looked at him.
"I would've demanded all of it."
Halek recoiled.
"You monsters."
Eventually Ed freed himself and glanced at Gray.
Gray gave a subtle nod.
Ed immediately pointed toward the city.
"You two."
"Go with Gray."
Krum looked horrified.
"Why?"
"What are you taking from us now?"
Gray smiled.
"We're going to celebrate our bonus."
"Let's grab something to eat."
Both men looked like they were about to cry.
Gray patted Halek's shoulder.
"Don't worry."
"I'll pay."
A pause.
"This time."
"I don't want to go," Halek muttered.
Ed pointed toward the city.
"Go."
"Or I tell the Captain."
That ended the argument immediately.
Defeated, Halek and Krum followed Gray into the city.
Once the three were far enough away, Ed finally let out a long breath.
Then he turned back toward the darkness.
He raised a hand.
And waved.
Gareth immediately stood.
"That's the signal."
"Come on."
The two moved through the darkness like shadows.
Within moments they reached the gate.
Ed didn't let them ask any questions.
"Don't waste time, just go."
Gareth and Nero nodded at him and entered the capital.
They moved through the city without drawing attention and headed toward the Silver Moon Inn.