Richard Pridens entered through the tavern's door. His red military uniform was immaculate, his ginger hair tied back in a braid. "There you are, you brat! How dare you disrespect me and not show up?"
Marcus stood up from behind the table. "Richard, don't tell me you came all the way here to go at it with the kid?"
"Of course not. I came down here to give you peace of mind, Marcus. You got out of your way to cash in your favor, only to have the brat not show up."
Richard started moving forward, but behind him were other figures as well. The first one was a woman with pink hair, striking heterochromatic eyes, and a scar near her right eye. The second one was someone familiar to Heron. It was the white haired man he met in the city the other day.
"I'm sorry, sir, it was—"
"Shut it, kid, this is between the adults." Richard hissed at Heron, focusing all of his attention on Marcus. "So, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I think you should let the kid tell you. You may find it interesting." Marcus said calmly.
"You better not be playing around. Kid, speak!" His voice felt like a roar.
And so Heron explained the situation and tried apologizing for sleeping in.
Richard and his company stood silent. There was an uncomfortable aura present in the room. Then Richard finally cut through the silence.
"Very interesting. I accept your apology, Heron."
"Just like that?" It was the woman in Richard's company who shouted in surprise.
"Yes, Lucia. I forgive the boy. It was out of his control." He was scratching his beard. "And in light of new information, I'll provide you with a chance to join our party without upfront payment. If you manage to survive the trial, you can use the item you mentioned to pay your way to Tiwaz. How does that sound?"
Heron stood there dumbfounded. "Umm, is this really alright with you, sir?"
"It is a one-time offer, don't make me change my mind," Richard responded, clearly not pleased.
"I accept!" Heron yelled with joy. "Thank you very much for the opportunity."
"What is this nonsense, Richard?" Marcus interjected. "It is unlike you to change so suddenly. What is it that you are hiding?"
"I don't owe you any explanation, Marcus. And it is not like I will go easy on the boy. The forest trek. Let's see if he's so confident in his wilderness skills."
"The forest trek? That's rather harsh for a trial, don't you think?"
"Life is harsh, Lucia," the white-haired man replied. "Better to learn that now than when facing true monsters."
Richard raised a hand, silencing further discussion. "So, Heron, are you interested in the challenge?"
Heron straightened his spine. "I'll do whatever it takes."
"Even if it means you might die trying?" Richard pressed.
"If I die trying, then at least I died pursuing something meaningful," Heron replied, his voice steady. "Better that than living safely while accomplishing nothing."
"The trial will be tomorrow. Meet us at the entrance gate at six o'clock in the morning. Bring only what you can carry. You are not allowed to get a horse, and you are not to carry any supplies beyond basic tools." His expression hardened. "And Heron? Don't be late. I won't waste my time again, waiting for someone who can't even manage punctuality."