The convoy arrived in the city of Reloy after a long and arduous journey through the rough terrain. Upon their arrival, the city seemed quiet on the surface, but it was full of suspicious activities that were causing doubts in the heart of everyone who entered it.
After the convoy left the main road, both William and Cane separated from Irene. The city was a different place, where each of them had their own goals, and they had to go their own path separately.
Erin stood with the escorts who came with her from the village, looking at the big city that was surrounded by high walls. They were exchanging glances before someone spoke gently:
"Young lady, it seems that the road here will become more difficult. Maybe we should go back, we may have reached a dangerous place."
Erin's answer was calm but full of questions:
"Do you think we should go back now? We have a chance to learn more."
But the companions were determined to return:
"Young lady, we think it's better to go back now before we get more involved."
Erin thought for a moment, then took a deep breath and replied:
"Okay, let's go back then. But I will remain on my own way if I have the opportunity."
As they were pulling to the back road, William and Cain were somewhere else. They were on their way to the grey-haired man, who knew more than anyone else might see in Reloy. He was nicknamed "Blue Bird Commander" and his band was considered one of the most secretive groups in the city.
William and Cain sat in front of the man in a dark corner in a small bar. The man looked very calm, his eyes with a sharp and spective look, as if he knew everything about them, but he was not in a hurry to speak.
William said in a calm but decisive tone:
"We heard about you. We want to know if you know something about the governor here, or maybe about the gang that carries the tattoos."
The gray-haired man smiled slowly, then said:
"Oh, you know what you're asking... That gang isn't just a local matter. They are part of a wider network. Their messages have reached places further than you can imagine."
Cain, who was sitting near them, looked at the man and said in a sarcastic tone:
"If they have these tattoos, how do we know them? What tags are we looking for?"
The man thought for a moment and then replied:
"Tattoo is not just an ornament, it is a symbol. But not everyone can see this symbol. Only those who have been trained or who have been close to them understand it. As for the ruler... the fact that few know is that the ruler does not control the city as it appears to everyone. There is a hidden hand that manages things behind the curtain."
These words were a new key in their endeavour. William and Cain looked at each other, this was the beginning of the road. The threads of the puzzle began to get entangled, but this was only the beginning.
William looked at the man, saying:
"If you know more, talk to us. We are here because we need this information."
The gray-haired man smiled again, then said:
"I'll have more to tell you. But first you have to prove your seriousness. The blue bird only helps those who prove their strength."
With these words, William and Cain left the dialogue open, ready for the next phase of their mysterious journey in Reloy.