Matthew and Peter walked side by side through the streets of the city. So far, they had managed to resist ripping each other's throat. Ines only attempted to escape a couple of times, but it seemed like Matthew read her mind, and he gruffly put her back on track every time she drew off him.

They started off in the eastern part of the city, where the wealthiest families resided. The houses were new, with high fencing that kept away any unwelcomed guests. Guards were stationed in front of every entrance, keeping an eye out for possible intruders, and the roads were recently fixed. The rich people cared too much about the safety of their fortunes and they had money to spare.

After making sure that nothing was out of the ordinary, they went on west. The buildings became lower, made of wood, or better yet, of stone, while the streets grew narrow and full of potholes. The traffic got thicker as shop owners took out their products to be sold and workers made their way to their jobs. Wherever they went, people stared at their fine armour while keeping a safe distance. Only a bunch of children once passed by running and carelessly bumped against Ines, making her almost fall on her butt.

Matthew's eyes sparkled in humor when he saw her huff in annoyance. Before she could run after them, he pulled her by the arm, and they headed towards the city square. There, the imposing cathedral stood high in the centre with tall trees around it that provided shade under their dense canopy.

'Ah! This square brings back memories,' he mused.

Peter glanced at the church and a smile blossomed on her face. Her happy expression took Matthew by surprise who gaped at her dumbfounded like she had grown two heads. He realised that she was quite beautiful when she smiled. Ines caught him staring at her, and he quickly averted his gaze.

'Remember when we used to set the priests' copes on fire every time they came out of the church?' he asked her.

'That was a classic one! By the way George got married last week.'

'Which George? George the bald?'

Peter nodded. 'I don't like his face, nor do I trust him,' she mumbled.

'Yeah, me neither. But his swords are the best in town.'

'Ugh! I've got to replace my sword with a new one. I guess I'll have to pay him a visit tomorrow.'

'You will bear to be around him that long? You are a true warrior.'

'At least I'll try. I make no promises...'

Matthew and Peter carefully checked the area for anything unusual. Everything was as it used to be; people entered and exited the library where monks transcribed and housed the city's books, shops were closing one by one, the street lamps were being lit by the soldiers. They left the square and progressed towards the city port.

Since the weather was good, they expected it to be crowded with sailors and fishermen, getting busy with boarding the ships and untying the ropes in preparation for the night's voyage. The city heavily depended on fishing, especially when many farmers' corps had already been irreparably damaged by unexpected floods. When they arrived at the port, though, they found it completely empty. The ships had been tossed aside to rot in the sea.

'The city trade has gone down recently,' Matthew pointed out. 'And they expect things to get worse. People don't feel safe sailing outside the lake anymore. Especially at night.'

'Why? Have you heard anything?'

'The only thing I know is that half the ships that went down the river have gone missing.'

'Hasn't anyone tried to find them?'

'Oh, they have tried, but in vain. It's like they have vanished in thin air.'

'I'm sure there is some logical explanation.'

He shrugged his shoulders. 'I don't know. All sorts of crazy things keep happening lately.'

Matthew and Peter went on the western part of the city where only a few houses could be found. It was mainly an area with abandoned buildings, windmills, or just uncovered land. Matthew saw her look around absent-mindedly and was curious to know what she was thinking about. At some point, her gaze was fixed somewhere behind the trees, trying to discern something in the distance, but Matthew wasn't sure what exactly. He was getting a little worried.

'What is it?' he probed.

'Nothing. Just normal stuff.'

Matthew didn't buy it, but before he could ask her more persistently, Peter said to him.

'Let's split up to cover more ground so that we can finish here and go back. It will take less time this way.'

Matthew studied her face to find any clue about what she was scheming and furrowed his brows. Something was off and he could feel it, but her expression didn't let on anything. After a moment of silence, Matthew nodded approvingly, and Peter happily turned around and began walking away.

Matthew observed her retreating figure, his mouth set in a hard line. He let her edge away from him a few meters, and then, once he knew she wouldn't hear him, he started sneakily trailing behind her.

They ventured off the street, passed by trees and tall bushes, and got closer to the windmills. Matthew gathered she wasn't just roaming around without purpose, but was trying to find something in specific. As they neared one of the mills' abandoned buildings, he looked down at the ground and noticed tracks leading to the same direction. They gradually became thicker and thicker and certainly didn't look like they had been created by the same person.

What if she's walking into a trap?, he thought and let out a sigh. He had no other choice but to save her reckless ass. Again.

Matthew quickened his pace nervously, keeping a hand on his sword, ready for any attack. Every once in a while, he paused to listen carefully to his surroundings, silence meeting his ears. If there were others nearby, they were very well capable of masking their movements. Matthew surveyed the area and immediately saw Peter's black armour in the distance. She was standing in front of a wooden cellar door that probably lead down to an underground structure, straining to open it. He ran towards her and pulled her arm hard.

'Are you out of your mind?' he whisper-yelled at her.

Peter obviously hadn't expected him to follow her, because her eyes widened in surprise when she glanced up at him.

'Do you have any idea how careless you're being?'

'Relax, Matthew. No one is here.'

Matthew was ready to snap back, but forced his mouth shut and glared at her. She wouldn't listen to him anyway.

'And who told you I need an escort, 'cause the last time I checked I specifically said that we split up,' she went on. 'I've never needed your help, nor do I do now, so get the hell out of my face.'

Matthew clenched his jaw in anger. He couldn't believe this woman's nerve. She'd rather get herself killed than accept his help. Why do I even care?, he mentally scolded himself, but deep down he knew the reason behind his overbearing attitude. His anger slowly melted away as he came to terms with the fact that he did, kinda, sorta care for her. Despite the thorns she had grown to protect herself, despite the walls she had raised around her, he had experienced a few glimpses of her true self and had found out his admiration for her. She was the only one who could make men run away in tears, a comrade he could rely on when the time came.

While she was busy with opening the heavy door, Matthew observed her. Her tanned arms were not strong enough for that strenuous task and her face was twisted from exertion. He lightly touched her shoulder in an attempt to stop her before she tore a muscle. He had made the decision to help her out, even if she was too stubborn to let him.

'Come on,' he softly said. 'Step aside. I'll do it.'

'No, I can do this on my own.'

'Peter.'

His stern voice didn't allow for any arguments, and she knew better than to oppose him. She stood up and made space for him. Matthew tested the door's sturdiness. It was well made, but it was old, and its hinges were worn from being left exposed in the harsh weather. It wouldn't be that difficult to break it down.

He kicked it once, twice, and the door smashed under his strong kicks. Matthew smirked at Peter.

'You can thank me now.'

Peter rolled her eyes at his boasting and looked through the broken door. A series of dark stairs was leading down to an underground passageway. They looked at each other quizzically, neither of them having any idea what was down there. Peter went on first, Matthew right behind her, and together they descended the stairs without knowing what dangers lied ahead of them.

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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter. Thank you so much for giving my story a chance xx

Phrase of chapter: μηδένα προ του τέλους μακάριζε / call no man happy until he is dead - Solon