Black Ice

The man listened attentively to the Watchers, observing each of them with discernment. "Indeed," he replied, "it was I who treated your wounds and patched you up to the best of my medical abilities. Perhaps I should apologize, as I observed this bloody battle from the very beginning and dared not intervene. I understand that you had no choice, but there is a reason why the people of this land have not yet overthrown the tyrant. I believe you already understand why. This man cannot be defeated in a fair fight. You cannot imagine how frightened the local population is. I had to spend a considerable amount of time just to convince the peasants to bring you here." The man turned his gaze away from the wounded. "But enough about that. This country needs healing, but there are things that have a much higher priority and require a faster response. Vaironis killed the imperial emissary who came to ask for the return of 'Serenity.' The old man will not let this go unpunished. I don't think he cares about the sword, but he has always taken the deaths of his subjects very seriously. Therefore, we need to..." Suddenly, something occurred to the man. "Please forgive me; I have forgotten my manners due to all these problems. I used to be the first Watcher of the Order of the Black Lion; my name is Jonas Schneider. Pleased to meet you."

Added 13 minutes ago
"Just don't use your hands!" shouted the tavern owner. The two Watchers, however, had already had time to see that he had no fangs, nor a couple of other teeth. "Good! Take your order and get out!"

Added 10 minutes ago
Fortunately for Ferus, Brunhilda turned out to be a very intelligent girl and quickly understood what was going on. She walked silently beside him and did not ask any questions, although she undoubtedly still had many. Near the stables, the imperial emissary was able to see his own steed, which the stableman had given him at headquarters. It was healthy, fresh, and well-fed. It seemed that the horses were treated much better than the stable owner and the other merchants in the city. The boisterous crowd was left behind, but Ferus was not alone in the stalls. A crooked little man in a gray cloak, surrounded by three thugs, was busy with something here. "Hey, I know you," said the Watcher. Ferus could say the same about him; they had met several times at headquarters before, but they had never spoken. "Where are you headed, brother?"

Added 3 minutes ago

The priestess's hand seemed tiny compared to the hermit's palm.
— Of course, let's go! — said David, and then added in a voice that did not allow for disagreement, — you'll tell me about yourself on the way; I'm interested in everything.

The priestess blushed. "I have nothing to tell. I was just a simple village girl until Elysee descended from the heavens and bestowed her teachings upon me.