Edit History

Derek's morning had started like any other, with the usual disciplined bustle of life at the Elgin Military Academy within the Great Tower. His modest barracks, a small but orderly space adorned with personal touches of his falconry heritage, were stark in the early light. The walls were lined with equipment – a neatly arranged array of weapons, his dark leather armor stamped with the Sable Company's emblem, and maps of Korvosa that hinted at countless patrols.

This morning, however, his routine was interrupted by an unexpected mishap. While sharpening his lance, a tool he handled with utmost care, it slipped - the blunt end smacking squarely against his shin. The pain was sharp and sudden, a stark reminder that even in the calm of morning, surprises lurked. Grimacing, he set the lance aside, rubbing his shin, annoyed at the lapse in his usually flawless routine.

As he prepared to leave the barracks, Derek noticed something unusual: a card, ornate and clearly out of place amidst his martial surroundings. Picking it up, he recognized it as a Harrow card - The Big Sky. His intrigue deepened as he turned it over to find a message scribbled on the back. The words struck a chord deep within him. "Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done." Gaedren... the name was vaguely familiar, a shadowy figure whispered about in the darker corners of Korvosa, often linked to the kind of vile deeds that the Korvosan Guard seemed all too willing to overlook.

Derek's jaw tightened as he read the message again. The Korvosan Guard's indifference and inaction had been a constant source of frustration in his search for Mira. The idea that someone out there not only shared his desire for justice but also had a lead on Gaedren kindled a flicker of hope in his weary heart. Who was this person at 3 Lancet Street? Who else had Gaedren wronged, and how?

As he pocketed the card, Derek made a decision. He would go to the meeting at sunset. Perhaps this was the break he needed, a chance to find allies in his quest, to learn more of Gaedren and his deeds. Maybe, just maybe, this path would lead him to Mira. With a resolute nod to himself, Derek began his preparations, his mind alight with possibilities and his spirit buoyed by the promise of action. Today could be the day everything changed.

Morning turned to afternoon, and the hours passed with the regular rhythm of disciplined life at the Elgin Military Academy. Derek kept himself busy, immersing himself in the rigors of training and his duties within the Great Tower. He drilled with the other marines, refining his combat techniques and honing his skills with the bow. His mind, though preoccupied with the mysterious message, remained focused on the tasks at hand.

After the training fields were cleared, Derek spent time maintaining his equipment. He methodically cleaned and repaired his leather armor, polished his boots, and sharpened his blades. The work was meditative, and he found some solace in the familiar motions and the scent of oiled leather.

In the quiet of the barracks, Derek pored over maps of Korvosa, tracing routes and marking points of interest - habitual work for a man always searching for something lost. Occasionally, his gaze would drift to the Harrow card that lay beside him, its presence a silent promise of potential leads and the faint hope of allies in his solitary quest.

As the afternoon waned, Derek prepared for his departure. He dressed in plain clothes, blending functionality with the need to pass unnoticed through the city’s diverse districts. His armor and weapons were carefully concealed beneath a dark cloak, the emblem of the Sable Company discreetly hidden. Derek was not one to draw attention to himself, and today discretion was paramount.

Exiting the Great Tower, Derek took the route leading down from Fort Korvosa, passing through the bustling streets as the city began its descent into evening. He walked briskly but with purpose, avoiding the main thoroughfares crowded with vendors and citizens. Instead, he chose the side alleys and lesser-known paths, the ones he had come to know well in his constant vigil over the city. His path took him down from Garrison Hill, across the North Bridge that spanned the Jeggare River, and into the heart of Midland.

The streets of Midland were familiar to Derek; he had walked them many times before, both in his official capacity and in search of Mira. The faces he passed were a blend of the hopeful and the harried, a reflection of the city itself. He moved through Five Corners, taking note of the shifting shadows as day gave way to dusk, and continued down towards West Dock.

Finally, Derek arrived at 3 Lancet Street as the last rays of sunlight kissed the horizon. The building before him was unassuming, its facade giving little away. But to Derek, it was the start of a new chapter, a chance to strike back against the darkness that had taken Mira from him. With a deep breath to steady his nerves and a final glance at the Harrow card, he stepped forward to meet his fate, whatever it may be.