Holz's jaw clenched, and a flicker of fear flashed across his face. "Lucius," he spat out the name like a curse. "Lucius Combs."

A cold chill ran down Jamie's spine. He had heard the rumors swirling around Lucius's mansion: the parties, the dark dealings, and the disappearances. As Holz uttered the name, Jamie noticed Thomas and Eliza exchanging glances, their expressions mirroring his own.

"Alright," Jamie responded almost automatically, his mind already racing to assemble a plan.

'Fucking hell. What can we do?' He questioned himself.

Jamie glanced over at the rest of the group, who were still some distance away, jogging around the clearing.

Clapping his hands, Jamie called out, "Everyone, over here!"

The group halted their exercises and hurried toward him, curiosity and apprehension evident on their faces. The newbies clustered together, exchanging puzzled looks.

"I need all of you," Jamie announced firmly as they gathered around. "We're about to undertake a coordinated, swift operation. There won't be time for meticulous planning, so stay sharp and maintain communication."

The newbies, Thyra, Alonzo, Dieter, and Emyr, glanced at each other. Not understanding what was happening, their faces showed their confusion.

"Holz's wife has disappeared," Jamie continued, his tone serious. "She was last seen working at the estate of the nobleman Lucius Combs."

An uneasy murmur rippled through the group. At the mention of Lucius's name, Thyra's face paled, and Alonzo's jaw tightened. Even among the new members of the Golden Fiddle, Lucius's infamy was well-known.

"Our top priority is to find her," Jamie declared. "Whether she's still inside the mansion or has been taken elsewhere, we need to act quickly."

Heads nodded around the circle.

"First," Jamie continued, "we need to ensure that no one leaves the city without us knowing. Bertram, you'll head to the south gate. Aldwin, you take the north gate. Holz will provide you with a description of his wife."

Bertram, his eyes steely, gave a curt nod. "Understood."

Aldwin touched the pommel of his sword. "I'll keep watch."

"Second," Jamie said, "we need more eyes and ears in the city. Preferably, ones already in the Noble Quarter. That's where our new ally comes in: Maria von Hafenstadt."

Holz's eyes widened in astonishment. "Y-you're sure it's wise to involve the Vice-Governor?" he stammered.

"No doubt," Jamie declared firmly, his gaze sweeping across their faces. "We're going to break into a noble's mansion; at the very least, we need to notify her."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a hush fell over the group. Everyone seemed momentarily stunned, save for Thomas, who was well-used to the plans Jamie often set into motion.

"Right," Jamie continued briskly, snapping them back to attention. "Eliza, I need you at the tavern. Ensure everything is in order. It will serve as our base of operations. If anything goes awry, regroup there. Camille, I need you to take the Hafenstadt emblem and deliver a message to her." He issued his directives with practiced authority.

Eliza and Camille gave a quick nod.

"Dieter, Emyr," Jamie turned to the two novices. "You'll stay at the tavern as well, not only to safeguard it but also to assist Emyr with her task."

"Lastly, Thyra and Alonzo," he said, his tone sharpening, "I need you to head to the mansion immediately. Keep a close eye on who comes and goes, but stay inconspicuous."

The two straightened, a spark of determination lighting Alonzo's eyes while Thyra kept her composure. "Consider it done," Thyra replied.

"Thomas, Holz, and I will invade the mansion," Jamie concluded.

"Any questions?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the group.

Aldwin stepped forward. "What should we do if we find her?" he inquired.

"Avoid combat if possible," Jamie instructed. "But if necessary, use all your strength. Steer clear of prolonged battles, secure quick victories, and return to base. If the fight is unwinnable, focus on gathering information and regroup."

Aldwin nodded.

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Thyra hesitated before speaking, a note of worry in her voice. "Even if the target is a noble?" she asked quietly.

Jamie met her gaze steadily. "Nobility exists only within the halls of their mansions," he stated. "The moment they step onto the streets, they play the same game we do. If we shy away from confronting them simply because of their titles, they'll step on us and assert control."

"If there are no more questions," Jamie said, his tone decisive, "let's move out."

He pointed toward the distant silhouette of the city.

Each member departed at their designated pace. Bertram, the burly warrior with a steady gait, headed toward the southern gate to monitor any movements. Fleet-footed and sharp-eyed, Aldwin took off toward the northern gate, the furthest gate though closest to the Noble Quarter.

Holz, Thomas, and Jamie moved at a measured pace, the urgency of their mission tempered by the need for discretion. As they navigated the path back to the city outskirts, Jamie walked alongside Holz, seeking to extract every bit of information.

"What can you tell me about the mansion?" Jamie asked, his voice low but insistent. "Anything your wife may have mentioned. Small details, issues, even jokes. They could be valuable."

Holz furrowed his brow, sifting through his memories.

"Well," he began hesitantly, "she mentioned that the servants aren't allowed in certain parts of the mansion. Something about the west wing."

Holz stood silently for a moment more, his brows knitted in concentration. "I don't know what's valuable to mention," he confessed. "But I do know they often hold extravagant parties there. Many people end up leaving... carried out, if you know what I mean. Bizarre things happen in that place."

Jamie nodded thoughtfully. "So, likely, they have a grand ballroom," he mused. "Guest chambers on the second floor. People being carried out. Perhaps extra carriages are involved? Maybe there's a hidden exit they're using?"

Since acquiring Maria's emblem gaining access to the Noble Quarter had become significantly easier for them. The guards at the gates would stop them, sometimes taking longer, other times waving them through with little more than a cursory glance. But with the emblem in hand, they could no longer be denied entry.

The trio crossed the bridge arching over the river that bisected the city. The streets of the Noble Quarter were wide and immaculate, lined with ancient trees and ornate lampposts. Manicured gardens spilled over with vibrant blooms, and opulent carriages rattled by.

They headed eastward toward the last mansion to grace the district. Unlike its neighbors, which proudly displayed their wealth with grand facades and open courtyards, this mansion was veiled behind towering emerald hedges. The dense foliage formed a living wall, stretching nearly twice the height of a man, preventing any prying eyes from glimpsing what lay within.

As they approached, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The cheerful chatter of the streets faded, replaced by an unsettling quiet.

They began to notice the guards, stern-faced men clad in dark leather armor, patrolling the perimeter with measured steps. Each bore the insignia of House Combs, a silver serpent coiled around a blackened sword.

The mansion was situated near the northern city wall, where the terrain gently sloped upward, giving the estate a slight elevation over the neighboring properties. This vantage point, combined with the high hedges, made it an imposing fortress of sorts.

The three companions sought cover behind an outcropping where the wall met the hedges, crouching low amid the shadowed nook.

"How are we supposed to get in there undetected?" Holz whispered, anxiety creeping into his voice.

Jamie assessed the wall before them. 'It should have what? Three meters high. Perhaps a bit more.' The top was adorned with iron spikes wrought in intricate designs, both decorative and deterrent.

"Thomas," Jamie said quietly, his gaze still fixed upward. "I need a lift. I want to see what's on the other side."

Thomas, ever reliable, gave a curt nod. "Right," he replied. "I'll brace against the wall. You get a running start, step onto my hands, and I'll boost you up."

They moved into position with practiced ease. Thomas planted his back firmly, cupping his broad hands at waist level. Jamie retreated a few paces, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"Ready," Thomas whispered.

Jamie dashed forward, light on his feet. As he reached Thomas, he placed a boot into his friend's interlocked fingers. With a coordinated effort, Thomas heaved upward just as Jamie sprang, propelling him higher.

As Jamie soared upward, he reached out, grasping at the tangled vines that clung to the wall. His fingers found purchase on the rough stone beneath the foliage. The iron spikes loomed ahead, but he maneuvered carefully, easing himself up just enough to peer over the edge.

From his vantage point, he gazed upon the estate. The gardens within were both breathtaking and eerie. A labyrinth of meticulously trimmed hedges that formed spiraling patterns, leading toward ornate fountains and statues of strange beings.

But more pressing were the guards. Jamie counted them, at least ten patrolling the grounds, moving along the gardens.

Beyond them stood the mansion itself, a sprawling structure of dark stone. Gothic arches framed tall windows, and intricate carvings adorned the walls, serpents entwined with roses.

Jamie noted additional soldiers stationed near the entrance and along the balconies of the second floor.

'No carriages?' Jamie tried to find where they would be, but couldn't see any. 'Maybe, the lord isn't home?'

Satisfied with his observations, Jamie carefully lowered himself back down, dropping silently beside his companions.

"Well?" Thomas inquired, his eyes scanning Jamie's face for any hint of what he had seen.

"Walls are higher than they look," Jamie began, catching his breath. "There are at least ten guards roaming the garden, possibly more inside. The place is heavily fortified. I don't think Lucius is home right now."

"Any chance we can scale the wall and slip past the guards?" Thomas asked.

Jamie shook his head. "Not without being seen. We'd be spotted before we made it halfway across the garden."

Holz ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "Then how are we supposed to get in there? Every moment we waste..."

Thomas tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps we could create a distraction. Draw some of the guards away from their posts."

"It may work to some degree," Jamie agreed. "But we need to be ready to fight."

Holz hesitated before speaking. He raised his hand slightly. "I—I have an idea."

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