Chapter 91: Arrival at Rivulet Crossing"If you adjust that collar one more time, Aether, I am going to sew it directly to your skin," Calista warned, her sharp eyes scanning the bustling docks as the heavy timber wagon groaned to a halt against the cobblestone quay. She smoothed the front of her practical civilian tunic, stepping down from the creaking bed with the practiced grace of a former military commander. The morning air of Rivulet Crossing hit them instantly—a heavy, vibrant cocktail of salt spray, fried river fish, damp hemp ropes, and the earthy, chalky dust of a dozen pottery kilns. "We are trying to blend in, not audition for a theatrical troupe in the capital."Aether stepped down right behind her, offering the burly wagon driver a tip that was entirely too generous, accompanied by a wink that made the older man laugh aloud. "Blend in? Captain, my dear, blending in is the refuge of people with entirely uninteresting faces. And as you well know, my face is a landmark. Peo

Chapter 93: The Architectural Audit of Geller"If you adjust that collar one more time, Aether, I am going to sew it directly to your skin," Calista warned, her sharp eyes scanning the sun-bleached masonry of the regional tax office across the bustling square. She smoothed the front of her practical civilian tunic, stepping off the wooden curb with the practiced, predatory grace of a former military commander. The midday heat of Rivulet Crossing hung heavy over the plaza—a stifling mix of river silt, roasted garlic from a nearby cart, and the oppressive, bureaucratic dread radiating from the two guards standing in front of the tall iron-banded doors. "We are trying to blend in, not audition for a theatrical troupe in the capital."Aether stepped right alongside her, smoothing his crimson velvet lapels with an exaggerated, indignant flourish that caught the eye of a passing fruit vendor. "Blend in? Captain, my dear, blending in is the refuge of people with entirely uninteresting faces.

Chapter 95: Inside the Vault Room"If you adjust that collar one more time, Aether, I am going to sew it directly to your skin," Calista warned, her sharp eyes scanning the sun-bleached masonry of the regional tax office across the bustling square. She smoothed the front of her practical civilian tunic, stepping off the wooden curb with the practiced, predatory grace of a former military commander. The midday heat of Rivulet Crossing hung heavy over the plaza—a stifling mix of river silt, roasted garlic from a nearby cart, and the oppressive, bureaucratic dread radiating from the two guards standing in front of the tall iron-banded doors. "We are trying to blend in, not audition for a theatrical troupe in the capital."Aether stepped right alongside her, smoothing his crimson velvet lapels with an exaggerated, indignant flourish that caught the eye of a passing fruit vendor. "Blend in? Captain, my dear, blending in is the refuge of people with entirely uninteresting faces. And as you

Chapter 97: The Great Escape by River Boat"Keep moving, you magnificent idiot!" Calista hissed, her fingers gripping the strap of the heavy canvas sack packed with reclaimed pottery as she vaulted over the low windowsill of the tax collector's back office.The rough timber of the wharf scraped against her boots as she hit the ground running, the afternoon heat of Rivulet Crossing slamming into her chest like a physical blow. Behind her, Aether tumbled out of the window with the ungainly grace of a falling chandelier, his crimson velvet coat catching briefly on a rusted iron latch before tearing free with a sharp rip."I resent being called an idiot while actively performing acrobatics in high-fashion outerwear!" Aether gasped, landing squarely in a heap of damp river reeds. He scrambled to his feet, dusting off his lapels with a flick of his wrist. "And for the record, that window was structurally hostile. Who puts a latch on the outside?""Tax collectors who don't want people steali

Chapter 99: A Quiet Evening on the Riverbank"The pleasure was all ours, Geller! Do try to keep your ledgers more balanced next time—it makes for much lighter reading!" Aether shouted over his shoulder, his voice bright with that trademark, infuriatingly cavalier lilt. He dug the oar into the churning, silt-heavy water of the Rivulet, sending a spray of dark droplets across the bow of the barge.Calista didn't bother looking back. She was already busy bracing her shoulders against the weight of the sack, her movements fluid and efficient as she maneuvered around the stacked crates of glazed tiles. The tax collector’s shouts were fading, replaced by the rhythmic, deep-bellied groans of the river barge as it caught the central current. "Quit grandstanding, Aether," she muttered, her breath coming in short, controlled bursts. "If you tip this boat, I am leaving you to swim. I don’t care if you have to explain the lack of a getaway vessel to the fish.""You wound me," Aether retorted, tho