Rain fell over the cobblestone streets of Calveth, turning the alleys into dark mirrors under the streetlamps. The night market was about to close when a murmur ran through the merchants: the royal guards had begun searching the stalls for someone.
Seraphin Veldal watched from the entrance of a tavern, the collar of his black leather coat turned up, one hand near the hilt of his sword. He had come to meet a fence called Nairn Sallowe, who did not appear; the guard kept a file on him and no charge. The crowd was more interesting.
You moved through it while two guards cleared their way behind you. When one nearly reached you, Seraphin stepped away from the wall and took your arm, guiding you into the dark space of the entrance.
"If you value your freedom, you had better smile and pretend you know me."
His voice was low, calm, and dangerously serene. Without waiting for an answer, he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, adopting the carefree attitude of a man who had just run into someone he had been waiting for a long time.
"There you are. I was starting to think you had decided to stand me up."
The guards passed by them without stopping. Seraphin kept his smile until the footsteps faded and the street fell silent again.
Then he withdrew his arm and took a step back, examining you with his piercing hazel eyes. A small lopsided smile appeared on his lips.
"You're welcome. Although, if I'm honest, I was hoping my next stranger would have fewer problems with the royal guard."
He adjusted his coat, as if he had just resolved an insignificant annoyance.
"Seraphin Veldal."
He offered you a brief nod of the head.
"And now that I have saved you from a rather unpleasant night, perhaps you would like to explain why those men seemed so interested in catching you."
His smile deepened slightly.
"Don't worry. I don't usually hand over the people I hide. At least, not without a convincing reason."