Chapter 43 (between favor and feuds)

Drake turned to Brass straight away, his voice calm, clear, and firm, like a lighthouse cutting through a stormy sea. "Go back and protect your wife and daughter, and have your men safeguard the goods." His eyes unblinkingly steady, he searched for the squall in Brass's troubled eyes to appease. "Trust us. You do not have to feel guilty since you are paying for our service." He nodded reassuringly, exuding quiet confidence from his persona.

Brass's furrowed brow betrayed his hesitation as he let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know how you plan on handling this with just the two of you, but don't die. I'd hate to regret asking you to be our escorts." His tone was laced with doubt and hope-as if some man were tossing a coin into a well. A reassuring smile shone back at him from Drake, a flicker of sunlight in dark clouds. Brass nodded reluctantly, turning away to do as Drake instructed.

Meanwhile, the shadows changed ominously as the gang's minions approached. Dull clanging of weapons resounded through the dense forest-a grim prologue to the fight. Drake's eyes rummaged the ground with purpose, resting on a stick, its weathered surface denoting years of decaying but sturdy enough for his needs. He plucked it up, a humble yet decisive weapon measuring about 1.11 feet long and 2 inches thick, weighing reassuring in his grip.

With crude swords and axes, the robbers moved forward menacingly. The air was heavy with tension, like an oncoming storm. Drake was calm, his movements liquid-smooth yet calculated. A robber plunged forward, the glint of blade dim in the dying light, and Drake shifted weight with the ease of a reed yielding to the wind, bending to the right. In one fluid motion, the stick met the attacker's neck, and he fell to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

The force of the blow bred an idea in Drake's mind, bright and clear as lightening illuminating the dark of night: dodge and take down. He moved with a newfound sense of purpose, each dodge calculated, each strike sure, almost as if he were dancing to some silent cadence.

On the other side of the fray, Xena let loose her "Dragon Wave," a surge of raw, pressurized energy that rippled through the air like an invisible tempest. The gang members faltered as their bodies betrayed them, with blood trickling from their noses and ears before they fell to the ground.

Within three minutes, all but the gang leaders lay defeated. The second leader, brimming with unrelenting hostility, charged at Drake with the fury of a thunderstorm. His massive sword cleaved the air, its descent aiming for Drake's neck like the hand of fate. Drake ducked low, his movements swift and instinctive, narrowly avoiding the deadly arc.

The second leader raised his blade once more, his muscles drawn tight with anger. But Drake's good instincts flared. He rolled away, the stick in his hand humming with mana as he whispered, "Mana release." A burst of energy exploded, the stick alight for a moment with brilliance before it exploded, showering the leader with fragments and displacing his balance.

Seizing the moment, Drake lunged forward, hands a blur as he swept the leader's legs out from under him. The man crashed backward, hitting the ground with a thud that sounded like an oak falling. Drake pinned him down without a moment's hesitation; his knees locked the leader's arms, and he rained down a barrage of punches, each strike resonating with unyielding resolve.

Meanwhile, the first leader charged forward to interfere, his face contorting with determination. But Xena, fluid and deadly, sprang into the air. Her dragon wings spread open as if woven from some magic tapestry, and casting an engrossing shadow. She plunged with accuracy, her kick at the neck of the first leader-with the impact cold, fatal as the first frost of winter. He fell right there and was drained of his strength in an instant.

The third to fall back, having seen the result awaiting his comrades, turned to flee, his cowardice now truly showing. Xena's instincts flared; she summoned one of her scales, its shining surface aflame with pure flame mana. With a flick of her wrist, the scale tore through the fleeing man's shoulder blade, deep into his flesh.

The scale dissolved, its essence bursting in his blood like molten lava coursing through his veins. His body contorted and then exploded in fire, leaving nothing but ash and scorched earth in its wake.

Drake's frown deepened as he turned to Xena, his disappointment evident. "I told you not to do that," he said, lacing his tone with frustration and understanding at the same time. Xena avoided his gaze, her defiance masked by feigned indifference.

Drake let out a heavy sigh, the weight of their actions weighing heavy on his shoulder. "Anyway, you had your reason for doing so," he conceded. "Let's tie up the unconscious robbers and inform the others about the situation."

The subdued gang members were bound tight, their fates secured as Drake and Xena turned their attention to the merchants. At the back of the goods carriages, a large red blanket stirred as Brass and his family cautiously emerged. "You can come out now," Drake called, steady and reassuring.

Brass vacillated, grasp tight on Drake's shoulder. "Wait, are you certain they are all accounted for?" he asked, his gaze sweeping the aftermath.

Drake nodded with confidence. "Da, everything is alright now. Let's proceed before it gets dark." He carefully prized Brass's hand loose, turning him to head back toward the carriages for safety.

The sun dipped below the horizon as they arrived at the academy's bustling business district. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the streets, casting long shadows as merchants and buyers filled the evening air with lively chatter. The caravan finally halted before a grand auction building, its towering façade commanding attention with its elegant design and intricate carvings.

Brass alighted from the chariot, his family close behind him, as workers rushed to offload wares. The great door to the auction house opened to reveal a welcome figure. Drake's eyes widened in recognition. "Mr. Owo, what are you doing here?"

The expression of the older man reflected Drake's surprise. "I should be asking you that," Mr. Owo replied, an amused tinge in his voice. "This is my business area, and that's my family." He pointed at Brass, a knowing smile curling his lips.

Curiosity thickened in the air, and Brass stepped forward. "Why don't we go inside and discuss this properly?" he said.

Within the private room, the lantern above them softly sputtered its warm light upon the trio as Brass began his explanation. Drake listened intensely, his expression thoughtful as he pieced together how all this was leading to their reunion.

After their conversation, Drake and Xena rose to leave, their intention evident. "Please excuse us. We won't intrude on your family reunion," Drake said with a polite bow.

Brass hastily stopped them. "Wait, please take your pay." His voice was serious, yet Drake shook his head.

Feeling the determination in Drake's demeanor, Mr. Owo extended a golden badge inscribed on it a signature bird logo. "Take this," he said, flipping it towards Drake, who caught it with ease. "Consider it a token of appreciation."

A rare smile curled up Drake's lips as he looked at the badge. "Thank you, I surely can appreciate your thoughtfulness," he said with sincerity.

The golden badge glimmered in the dying light as they made their way back to the inn. Drake could tell by the scowl on Xena's face that she was hurt. He playfully ruffled her hair. "Don't be dismayed about this. Perceive it as doing a favour. Besides," he grinned, flipping the badge in the air, "we got this in return."

His eyes moved, settling on a shadowy form dodging through the crowd. Ronan. Drake's instincts flared as he handed Xena a silver coin. "Here, get yourself a cake."

Xena's curious gaze followed him. "Where are you going?"

Drake's response was instant, his tone soothing. "It won't take long. I'll meet you at the inn." And with that, he was gone into the crowd, his eyes locked on Ronan.