The journey to the city was slow, and they arrived just after dark. The sky was a deep indigo, the stars beginning to prick through the twilight. Despite their exhaustion from the monsters' attack, Terrance was anxious to find his wife and children. By scent, the wolf tracked his family to the grand bethel in the old part of town. The building's tall spires were lit with a warm, welcoming glow that seemed to brighten the cobbled streets.

As they approached, the presence of a large group of concerned beasts and brethren from both the city and nearby towns had gathered. The air buzzed with anxious murmurs, punctuated by the occasional outcry. Several officials, including the lord mayor and the captain of the guard, stood on a makeshift stage, trying to calm the growing fears.

"A highly experienced delving crew has just arrived this evening," the mayor explained, his voice strained but authoritative. "They should be able to handle the monsters and retrieve the missing children and property. Please, there's nothing to be alarmed about."

"You can't just expect us to do nothing," an elk called out from the crowd, his voice trembling with emotion. "Our children are in danger."

"I understand, but—" the mayor began, only to be interrupted.

"The Dungeon isn't something you can handle alone," the captain cut in, her tone firm. "The best thing we can do is give the crew time to prepare and get some sleep."

Senu watched, his heart sinking. The crowd's fear was palpable, and he shared their concern. But, if a crew had arrived, that was likely it for his plans. He doubted they would want an inexperienced bard and an old soldier to follow them.

"If we do have a supernatural illness, we need a cleric rather than a physician," Terrance whispered, placing a heavy hand on Senu's shoulder. "Let's ask if there's anyone here who can help."

Senu nodded, trying not to feel disheartened at the idea of another attempt to make a new life for himself ending in failure. The important thing right now was to make sure Terrance's son was all right.

He'd spent most of his first few weeks in Shimmer Bay learning how to solidify his connection to the Universal Symphony. The people of Vinyot had a healthy appreciation for the arts, and most larger bethels throughout the south had incorporated that into the services they offered to their communities. The return wasn't purely artistic. All perspective bards were expected to master basic healing spells as part of their training. In the event of a large-scale emergency, he would be expected to come here to assist however he could. Senu considered it a fair price for the training he'd received, though he felt he'd reached the limits of what he could learn here.

As the pair headed deeper into the bethel, the scent of incense wafted through the air, mixing with the flicker of candlelight and the soothing renditions of hymns to the mother goddess.  The atmosphere was calming, and Senu felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

They found Terrance's large family—nine children in total—all gathered near the front of the main chapel. The oldest children were helping a pair of initiates set up several small cots, while the youngest were sleeping in the pews, their small bodies curled up under thick blankets.

At the center of all this was Father Luciano, the most senior cleric in Shimmer Bay. The strange raccoon was well passed middle age and had many scars to show for his years. His fur had turned to an ashy gray and white as a result of some accident years earlier. Despite his grizzled appearance, however, he had a kindly disposition and a comforting presence that the entire community seemed to appreciate.

Luciano was quietly speaking to Alessia as Terrance ran to his wife. The raccoon greeted him warmly, but there was an unmistakable concern in his eyes which soon found their way to Senu. As tall as he was, not to mention his species, he could rarely fade into the background.

"Senu!" the raccoon called when he noticed the jackal waiting a few steps away. "Come over here."

He approached, albeit tentatively. "You're the one who found young Marco, yes? I thought as much when Alessia said it was a jackal."

"Yes."

"We tried to go in to retrieve more of the missing, but we were attacked before we could get very far in," Terrance explained.

The priest frowned. "I can't say I approve of amateurs going into the Dungeon, but given the circumstances, I can't blame you."

"How's Marco?" the wolf asked.

Luciano glanced to where the young wolf was splayed out on one of the cots. He'd been bathed but was still in a deep sleep. "I've made your son as comfortable as I can. His fever is down, and I don't think his life is in immediate danger. However, whatever it is that is keeping him asleep is powerful. The Mother has not graced me with the power to dispel it. I've sent a messenger to the head cleric in Porta Strega. She might have more powerful options available."

"I suppose that's the best I could hope for," Terrance said, sitting beside his sleeping son and taking the boy's hand.

Senu, feeling awkward, took a seat in one of the pews. Out of habit, he reached for the case he normally kept his lyre in, thinking he might play along with some of the music. He was briefly startled to find it missing before remembering it had been destroyed. The reality of that loss settled in anew, a sharp pang in his chest.

Luciano stepped closer to Senu. "You said you were attacked. Did the creatures touch you at all. You seem tired."

"They did. It was a near thing, and I still feel weak from whatever those things did to me."

The cleric ticked his tongue. "That, at least, I can do something about. Let me see your hands."

Senu did, and the raccoon chanted a prayer and laid his hands over them. A surge of holy magic passed through Senu's body, healing the worst of his wounds and drawing something dark from his body. As soon as it was done, Senu felt as if he'd just had a good night's sleep. "Thank you."

Terrance received a similar treatment, standing only long enough for the prayer to take effect before sitting back next to his son and continuing the conversation he was having with his wife.
Luciano exchanged a few words with one of the initiates who then ran off to attend to some task. As the raccoon stepped closer again, Senu spoke again. "Father Luciano, did you meet the delving crew?"

The old raccoon looked away for a moment, his eyes betraying a weariness. Not personally, no," he replied.

"Who are they?"

"A mixed crew, primarily from Al'ar, I believe," Luciano said, his tone thoughtful. "They have a reputation, so they must be good, but they seem young. Still, the local militia has no chance of dealing with this themselves, and I don't know that I could handle going into the Dungeon myself again."

Senu tilted his head, intrigued. "You have experience delving, Father?"

Luciano sighed. "When the Dungeon first started appearing. Feels like a lifetime ago, but I suppose it's only been about eight years since I retired." Noting Senu's surprise, the raccoon chuckled. "I was only an initiate back then, pressed to service as a combat healer during the war. I always had a knack for healing and even after the war, there was a great deal of demand for those skills. I suppose it was inevitable that I'd eventually get wrapped up in all the excitement when the Dungeon phenomenon first became recognized as more than a few isolated incidents."

"Why did you stop?" Senu asked, sensing depth to the cleric's story.

His voice flattened, but he spoke calmly. "We got into something we weren't strong enough to handle. I was the only one that made it out."

A silence passed between them as Senu considered whether or not he should respond directly. He was saved from that when Terrance stood and made his way over to the jackal with a renewed sense of conviction.

"I think we should talk to the delvers, Senu. Even if they don't want help, we can give them an idea of what they're dealing with."

Senu glanced at Terrance, then back at Luciano. "Yes, of course," he agreed, standing up. He placed a comforting hand on the old raccoon's shoulder. "Thank you, Father. For everything."

Luciano managed a sad smile. "Be careful, both of you."

The pair went outside, stepping into the cool evening air where a tall wagon had been parked in the main square in front of the Bethel. A group of four beasts in elaborate armor and robes stood before a gathered crowd, exuding a reassuring energy that had calmed them.

Senu's eyes were immediately drawn to the tallest of them. "Is that Eirik Thorsen?"

Eirik was one of the most famous delvers in the Beast World. His antlers, adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, gleamed in the fading light. His finely crafted clothing, a blend of traditional Oric attire with splashes of bright Alari colors, hinted at his noble heritage and unique personal style. Despite his imposing presence, there was a controlled grace to his movements, an almost regal demeanor that seemed in contrast to the reputation of his brutal fighting style.

"We've dealt with all kinds of dangers," the elk was saying, his voice carrying easily over the murmur of the crowd. "These creatures won't be the first like this we've dealt with. Come tomorrow, we'll go in, retrieve the children, and deal with whatever else lurks there. We just need some time to rest from the journey here, and then we'll be on our way."

The elk was accompanied by two sheep and a Chikitu feline. The male ovine, dressed in heavy armor, spoke up in a less boisterous but more sincere tone. "Our crew has dispatched Dungeon activity up and down the Vinyotian coast, and we spent last summer in Beylik dealing with matters not very different from this one. Please rest assured that you're in good hands."

Although the crowd seemed appeased, the captain and mayor, still standing nearby, seemed a bit uncertain.

Summoning his courage, Senu pushed his way to the front of the crowd. "Excuse me, sir," he called out.

Eirik turned his gaze on him, his eyes sharp and assessing. "A jackal? Interesting," he said, his tone both curious and dismissive. "But I'm afraid I'm not taking apprentices right now. If you want to be a delver, you'll need to find someone else to show you the ropes."

Senu was too tired for this. "It's not that. My friend and I just came from the Dungeon," he gestured towards Terrance, who had followed in his wake. "Obviously, we don't have the same kind of experience you do, but I want to make sure you know what you're dealing with. Would you and your crew be willing to share a drink with us at the Royal Stag?"

The elk gave Senu a closer look, his gaze lingering a bit longer than would normally be polite. Senu felt a flush in his cheeks and was glad for his dark fur. "A firsthand account might indeed be useful," he said, his voice now more thoughtful than boastful. "How do the rest of you feel?"

"It can't hurt to learn what we're dealing with," the armored ovine agreed, nodding. "As long as you understand this isn't some kind of audition." It was unclear if he was addressing Eirik or Senu.
The other sheep, a robed female, nodded in agreement, then smiled at him. "Don't take it the wrong way. Eirik's fan club tends to get a lot of attention from... uh, prospective delvers. We'd never do anything else if we entertained all of them."

Senu could feel the tips of his ears burning. "I am interested in delving, but if you don't want my help, that's fine." He turned to walk away, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

"Wait," Eirik called after him.

The feline, who had been silent to this point, now spoke. "We have a lot to do if we want to leave at first light tomorrow. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Eirik rubbed the back of his neck and smiled a bit guiltily. "Come on, guys. We should hear him out at least."

"Fine," the armored sheep said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "But the drinks are on you."

The elk's confident smile returned, "That, I can manage."

***

The tavern was bustling, and it took some time for the barkeep to find enough seats and bring the promised ale and food. By then, the tension from the group was beginning to wear off, and Senu decided it was a good time to tell them about what he'd seen in the Fortress: the strange traps, the signs of a struggle, and the appearance of Marco found in an otherwise unremarkable waterlogged closet.

"The Dungeon likes to hide things," Eirik said after Senu had finished. He was deep into his second tankard of mead. "And it doesn't always play fair. Those other kids could be anywhere. But we'll search every room if we need to."

Terrance had been drinking more than talking, and he had a slight slur in his voice. "I just want to know what these shadows wanted with Marco. He's such a good kid. Always so happy." His voice broke a bit, and the others exchanged subtle looks with each other.

"Marco is the child that you rescued?" the mage, Izzy, asked gently.

Senu nodded. "Terrance's son, if that wasn't obvious."

Eirik patted the older wolf's arm. "I can't promise anything, but when we clear whatever challenges the Dungeon creates, any lingering effects often fade. With any luck, he'll be up and about by this time tomorrow."

Terrance smiled weakly and leaned his head on the table. "That's good to know. Thank you."

After a few more moments of polite conversation, the male ovine, who was named Rafa cleared his throat. "Well, Senu, thank you for the information." He stood, and his sister, Izzy, and the cat began gathering their things. "That said, we really should be going. I have some gear to prepare, and I know Izzy will spend half the night deciding which spells to memorize."

"Oh, is that what you're calling it now?" the feline teased, the tuft of her tail flicking over the wizard's chin.

"Can I join you?" Terrance asked, determination clear in his voice. The two females both looked at the wolf, confused, but Terrance quickly clarified. "At the fortress, I mean."

Relieved, the feline shrugged. "No offense, Terrance, but you're not ready for something like this."

To his credit, the wolf accepted that gracefully. "That's fine. But I do plan on waiting outside while you do your thing. I want to know the moment something changes."

The paladin cracked his neck, his expression serious. "I can't stop you from doing that, though you should be careful. Monsters do occasionally wander outside of Dungeons."
Terrance waved him off. "I'll bring my sword, and Senu will be with me, won't you?"

The jackal hesitated. He realized that the audition he'd been planning to attend the next night was still out of reach. Hadn't that been the whole point of all this? He was glad to have helped Marco, but with the others here, that gesture felt meaningless. Still, Terrance had been nothing but helpful, and he felt he owed it to the wolf to be there for him while this was resolved.

"Yes, I suppose I will."

"Great. That's settled then," Terrance said, finishing the last of his ale. "Alessia's going to bite my tail off if I stay out much later, so I'm going to head back to the bethel. But I'll be ready to go at dawn."

As the others departed, Senu realized Eirik showed no signs of leaving, and as they made eye contact across the table, he couldn't help but stare. His eyes were an intense gray-blue that seemed to radiate well-deserved confidence.

"So, you really want to be a delver?" Eirik asked, his voice softer and more personal now.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. After today, it's hard to think I'm cut out for it."

Eirik nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "You're a jackal. The Beast World has a lot more to offer someone like you than a life of wandering violence. I love the life myself, but it's not for everyone."

Senu rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a mix of embarrassment and longing. "Being a jackal is more about hiding from the Beast World than living in it."

"You don't have a very good opinion of your home," Eirik observed, his tone gentle.

He shrugged. "Don't get me wrong. I had a good upbringing. My parents cared for me. My siblings all did their part to teach me and make sure I was ready for life as an adult. But I want to be a performer, and there's only so much you can learn about that from books."

"That makes sense. Do you know how to find a patron?" Eirik asked, his curiosity piqued.

"No. I don't think I'm ready for that. Not yet. I'm... Still learning," Senu admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Ah."

The pair were quiet for a long moment, the noise of the tavern fading into the background.

"Would you be interested in giving me a performance? Something... private?" Eirik asked, his voice low and inviting.

Senu didn't miss the meaning of that question. He suspected the elk had been interested. He hadn't been intimate with anyone for years, but he'd be lying to himself if he said he wasn't tempted.

"I lost my lyre last night, but I could sing. Or dance." He bit his lip, then looked across the tavern. "I have an apartment not too far from the bethel. It's cozy. Sturdy furniture. Thick walls..." he flicked his tail, then added. "Warm bed."

A smile spread across Eirik's muzzle. "Sounds perfect."