The worker's quarter was far from the city center. The streets were unpaved here. Mud stuck to his boots with every step. The air smelled of coal smoke and wet wool. Nagi walked through the narrow lanes. He looked for the cheapest sign he could find. He found a building made of dark brick. It was called The Broken Cog. The sign hung loosely on a rusted chain. It creaked in the wind.
Nagi pushed the heavy wooden door open. The interior was warm and dim. A fire burned in a large stone hearth. The smell of stew filled the room. A woman stood behind the counter. She was heavyset with strong arms. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun. She wiped a glass with a rag. She looked up as he entered.
Woman said, "You look like you need a bed."
Nagi said, "I need a room."
Woman said, "Most do these days."
She put the glass down. She leaned on the counter.
Woman said, "I am Maret."
Nagi said, "I am Nagi."
Maret said, "Do you have coin?"
Nagi said, "Enough for a week."
Maret said, "Pay upfront."
Nagi counted out the silver. He placed it on the wood. Maret swept it into a drawer quickly. She handed him a key. It was made of iron and rough.
Maret said, "Room six. Top floor."
Nagi said, "Is it quiet?"
Maret said, "Quiet enough to sleep."
She paused and looked at him. Her eyes were sharp and knowing.
Maret said, "Quiet enough to hide."
Nagi did not answer her. He took the key. He turned toward the stairs.
Maret said, "Wait."
Nagi stopped and looked back.
Maret said, "You look hungry."
Nagi said, "I can manage."
Maret said, "Soup is included."
She pointed to a table near the fire. A bowl sat there steaming.
Nagi walked over to the table. He sat on the wooden bench. The wood was worn smooth by use. He picked up the spoon. The soup was thick and brown. It tasted of root vegetables and meat. It was hot and filling. Maret walked over to him. She carried a pot in her hands. She filled his bowl again.
Maret said, "Eat. You are too thin."
Nagi said, "Thank you."
Maret sat down across from him. She rested her chin on her hand. She watched him eat silently.
The fire crackled in the hearth. Other guests whispered in the corners. They kept their voices low.
Maret said, "People are talking."
Nagi said, "About what?"
Maret said, "About the Grey Wanderer."
Nagi stopped eating for a second. He continued slowly.
Nagi said, "Who is that?"
Maret said, "No one knows."
She looked around the room. She lowered her voice further.
Maret said, "They say he walks the outer wards."
Nagi said, "What does he do?"
Maret said, "He solves monster incidents."
Nagi said, "Like a hunter?"
Maret said, "Without a license."
Nagi said, "That is illegal."
Maret said, "The Guild does not like it."
She tapped the table with a finger.
Maret said, "But the people like him."
Nagi said, "Why?"
Maret said, "Because he does not take rewards."
Nagi said, "Everyone wants something."
Maret said, "Not him."
She leaned in closer.
Maret said, "They say he fights like a ghost."
Nagi said, "Ghost stories are common."
Maret said, "This one is different."
She pointed to the window. The glass was dark outside.
Maret said, "Three days ago, a pack came."
Nagi said, "What pack?"
Maret said, "Stone Wolves. Near the mills."
Nagi said, "That is dangerous."
Maret said, "They were all dead by morning."
Nagi said, "No tracks?"
Maret said, "No tracks. No name."
She studied Nagi's face closely. Nagi kept his expression neutral. He took another spoonful of soup.
Maret said, "You are new here."
Nagi said, "Just passing through."
Maret said, "Everyone says that."
She stood up from the table. She picked up the empty pot.
Maret said, "Be careful out there."
Nagi said, "I always am."
Maret said, "The Guild is hunting him."
Nagi said, "Let them try."
Maret walked back to the counter. She began to wash another glass. Nagi finished the soup. He wiped his mouth with a cloth. The warmth spread through his body. He felt the fatigue in his muscles. The work from yesterday still lingered. He stood up from the table. He walked toward the stairs. The wood creaked under his weight. He reached the second floor. The hallway was narrow and dark. A single lamp burned at the end. He found room six. He unlocked the door. The room was small and bare. It had a bed and a chair. A window looked out over the street.
Nagi closed the door behind him. He locked it securely. He walked to the window. He looked down at the street below. People were walking home slowly. Carriages rolled over the stones. The city was alive tonight. He thought about the rumor. The Grey Wanderer. It was him. He had cleared the wolves in Chapter One. He had not taken the reward. He had vanished into the shadows. Now the story was spreading. It was a risk to his anonymity. But it was also a tool. Fear could keep people away. Reputation could open doors.
He turned away from the window. He sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress was thin and hard. It was better than the floor. He took out the gold coins. He counted them again. Five gold pieces remained. It was enough for now. He needed to plan the next step. The license was still a barrier. Elara was still missing. The envelope was delivered. But the mystery was deeper.
He put the coins away. He lay back on the bed. He closed his eyes. The sound of the inn drifted up. Maret was laughing at the counter. A guest was telling a story. It was a sound of life. Real life. Not a simulation.
Nagi said, "I am here."
He whispered it to the room. The room did not answer. He drifted into sleep slowly. His hand rested on the knife. He would wake at any sound. The night was dark outside. But the fire burned within. He was building a new life. Piece by piece. Secret by secret. The Grey Wanderer was a shadow. But shadows needed light to exist. He would find the light. Eventually.
Author note: Thank you for reading Chapter 6. The rumor spreads. Who is the Grey Wanderer? Please add this to your library and leave a review. Your support keeps the story alive!