Chapter 1
Mina’s first day at work had not been the best. She had been strolling along the streets of Nitrea for hours before she could steal easily from some poor old lady. She tried grabbing one or two precious jewels hanging loosely on women’s wrist or fingers. When she was satisfied with her catch she went back to Damwy.
The place smelled of vomit and ale, but somehow, one could find comfort here. This tavern was logged in an alley not so far from the palace’s gates, it was quite popular; both lords and lowest of peasants could meet here, although not always in peace. This place is also the one where Mina was raised, seemingly been abandoned on the door’s footsteps 17 years ago.
The owner, Damwy, was a grumpy but welcoming old man. If he could, he would offer shelter to every orphan in Nitrea. Whenever he had enough, he would go down the Norud road and give food to the first starving child he’d see. From the poorest’s point of view, he was a helper and, sometimes a savior. However from the richest’s point of view he as commonly seen as a thief. Or his ale was too expensive, or he’d never paid them back for some gossip.
Welcoming Mina into his life was not much of a turning point of his life; he is getting old, taking care of another child might have cost him his life. His son was already aged to 10 when Mina showed up, he was able to take care of himself; at least find his own food. Now that they both can have a life on their own Damwy is ready to die. His son has found his place in the royal guard in a fair gamble one night with a drunk lord, and Mina sells the objects she’s ‘found’ in order to support the tavern.
