They told Miriam everything.
Well, almost everything. They left out some of the worst parts—the dead overseer, the bandit they'd killed, exactly how many people had died getting them here. But the main story came out: the escape, the chase, the jump.
Miriam listened without interrupting, her face grave.
When they finished, she sat quietly for a long moment, staring into her tea.
"You've brought danger to my door," she said finally.
"We can leave," Korath offered. "We don't want to—"
"I didn't say you should leave. I said you've brought danger." She looked at each of them in turn. "The moment someone sees you, questions will be asked. Strangers don't appear in Thorndale without notice. And if word reaches Ashkarn that escaped slaves are here..."
"We'll be gone by tomorrow," Daven promised. "Just need one night to rest. Tend our wounds. Then we'll move on."
"Where?"
"Ironhold. The Free Cities."
Miriam laughed bitterly. "You think you'll make it? Look at yourselves. Half-dead, injured, no supplies. You'll last maybe three more days before something kills you."
"Then what do you suggest?" Brick asked.
"I suggest you face reality. You're not going to make it to Ironhold. Not in this condition. Maybe not ever." She set down her cup. "But there might be another way."
Everyone leaned forward.
"There's a mercenary company that operates in this region. Call themselves the Iron Shields. They take anyone who can fight—no questions asked about their past." Miriam looked at Korath. "You want freedom? Real freedom? Join them. Learn to actually fight instead of just surviving. Build a new life."
"We're not warriors," Tam said quietly.
"Then you'll die as refugees." Miriam's voice was harsh but not unkind. "This world doesn't care about fair. You either become strong enough to protect yourselves, or someone else will decide your fate."
Her words hung in the air.
Korath thought about the past weeks. All the running, the hiding, the desperate scrambling. She was right—they weren't free. They were just prey running from predators.
"How do we find these Iron Shields?" he asked.
Miriam smiled slightly. "I'll send word. They owe me some favors. But understand—mercenary life isn't easy. You'll fight, you'll bleed, you might die. But you'll do it as free people, earning your own way."
"Better than the mines," Daven said.
"Everything's better than the mines," Brick agreed.
They stayed in Thorndale for three days.
Miriam tended their wounds with skill that made Kira look like a novice. She reset Kira's leg properly, treated Korath's ribs, cleaned and bandaged everyone's cuts.
"You're good," Kira said, watching her aunt work.
"I had a good teacher. Your mother." Miriam's hands never stopped moving. "She taught me everything before the mines took her. I promised I'd pass it on to you someday."
"Guess you will now. Not like I can travel for a while."
"You'll stay here. Heal properly. When your leg's better, you can decide what to do."
Kira looked at Korath. Something passed between them—an understanding, a connection forged in shared survival.
"I'll catch up to you," she said. "When I can walk again. I'll find you."
"You don't have to," Korath replied.
"I know. But I want to." She smiled. "You saved my life. Twice. I'd like to return the favor someday."
On the third day, a woman arrived at the cottage.
She was tall, maybe thirty, with short brown hair and scars visible on her arms. She wore leather armor and carried a sword like she knew how to use it.
"Miriam sent word," she said without preamble. "I'm Captain Elena of the Iron Shields. You're the escaped slaves?"
"We're free people," Korath corrected.
Elena's lips quirked. "Good answer. Let me see what I'm working with."
She examined them like a blacksmith studying raw metal. Looked at their hands, their stance, their eyes.
"You," she pointed at Brick. "You've fought before."
"In the mines. Bare-knuckle brawls."
"Shows." She moved to Daven. "You?"
"Soldier. Before they kicked me out for refusing orders."
Elena nodded approvingly. To Tam: "You're too young."
"I'm a fast learner," Tam said defensively.
"We'll see." Finally, she reached Korath. "And you?"
"I survive," Korath said simply.
"That's not nothing." Elena stepped back. "Alright. Here's the deal. You come to our camp, you train. We'll teach you to actually fight, not just flail around with stolen weapons. In return, you work for the company. Guard caravans, clear bandits, whatever jobs come up. Pay isn't great, but it's honest."
"What about the bounties?" Daven asked. "Ashkarn will be looking for us."
"The Free Cities don't honor Ashkarn's bounties. You make it to our camp—which is technically in Ironhold territory—you're under our protection." Elena smiled coldly. "Not many people mess with the Iron Shields."
It wasn't perfect. They'd still be fighting, still bleeding. But it was a chance. A real chance.
"We accept," Korath said.
"Good. We leave at dawn."
That night, Korath sat with Kira in the garden. The moon was full, painting everything silver. Inside, the others were packing what little they had.
"You could stay," Kira said quietly. "Aunt Miriam would let you. You could learn a trade, live normal."
"Normal isn't for people like me." Korath looked at his hands. "I need to become stronger. Strong enough that no one can put me in chains again."
"Strength isn't just physical."
"I know. But it's a start."
Kira reached out, taking his hand. Her touch was warm, gentle. "Promise me something?"
"What?"
"Don't lose yourself chasing power. I've seen what happens to people who do. They become the monsters they fought against."
Korath thought about that. About the overseer he'd killed. The bandit. All the violence he'd seen and caused.
"I'll try," he said. "That's all I can promise."
"It's enough." She squeezed his hand. "When my leg heals, I'm coming to find you. Whether you want me to or not."
"I'd like that."
They sat in silence, just holding hands under the moon. Tomorrow he'd leave for a new life. Tomorrow he'd start becoming something more than a scared slave boy.
But tonight, he was just Korath. And that was enough.
Dawn came too soon.
Elena arrived with two horses. "It's a day's ride to camp. Keep up or get left behind."
Miriam gave them packs—food, water, basic supplies. More kindness than they deserved.
"Thank you," Korath told her. "For everything."
"Don't thank me yet. You might not survive what comes next." But she smiled. "Then again, you've survived this much. Maybe you'll surprise me."
Kira stood by the door, leaning on a crutch. "Be safe, Korath Crow."
"You too, Kira Thorne."
He wanted to say more. But words felt inadequate.
Instead, he just nodded. She nodded back.
Then he turned and followed Elena out of Thorndale, into whatever future waited.
Behind him, Kira watched until they disappeared from sight.