Chapter 3 The Scar of Silence

The silence between Zaru and Barumo stretched like a wound as they left the Chain District. Zaru kept glancing back, hoping - or fearing - it had all been a dream.

"My brother?" he asked again, voice trembling.

Barumo didn't stop walking. "His name is Kondo. They took him two rains ago."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Barumo stopped. Turned. His face was hard, but behind the roughness, a flicker of regret lingered.

"Because I didn't think you were ready."

"I am."

"No, Zaru. You're angry. That's different."

They walked in silence again, emerging into the outskirts of Ereko's western edge - the Dust Quarter. A land of crumbled shrines, broken statues, and spirits that whispered in cracked wind.

They approached a low building hidden behind thick bramble. Inside, old maps covered the stone walls, lit by a single oil lamp. Blades hung beside charms. Vials of powder sat beside coils of rope.

Zaru's eyes widened. "What is this place?"

"My memories," Barumo said. "And our plan."

Barumo knelt by the wall and unrolled a parchment. It showed the Chain District in detail - corridors, gates, back passages. Red ink marked guard posts. Black ink circled the cage.

Zaru leaned in. "We're going back?"

Barumo looked him dead in the eye. "We're going to break him out."

Zaru's heart pounded. "Just us?"

"No." Barumo turned toward the door. "We'll need others. The street owes me favors. It's time to collect