By morning, the heaviness of last night’s event had faded. Sunlight bathed the land in gold as the breeze rustled the trees, birdsong drifting from somewhere unseen.
At the back of the Holloway homestead, Samuel stood facing the old barn. The structure leaned like a tired man, its roof sagging, gray boards splintered by age. Moss crept along the top like a shabby green hat.
"This barn's a mess." He gave the beam a testing knock. It groaned back at him.
Footsteps padded behind him. Lily appeared with two steaming clay mugs, the rich scent of fresh-brewed coffee spreading through the morning air.
"Looks like you've found your next headache." She settled onto a smooth log beneath the old oak tree.
He took the mug. "This roof is one storm away from turning into a waterfall. I'll fix it somehow," eyeing the creased roof. "Still, I'll need some coin, a good carpenter, maybe even a miracle."
"We could check in with the guild soon," she suggested while blowing over her coffee. "You said you knew the guildmaster?"
"Theron, aye. An old friend." He sipped and grunted. "He was fair back then. But it's been years. Things might've changed."
"Then we'll go and find out. If he remembers you, good. If not, we'll figure it out. People always need fighters, scouts, and guards. And I'm not rusty yet."
He smirked into the rim of his mug. "You're not, but me? I creak like a wagon wheel in winter. Still, I'd take a patrol job. Something quiet. No marshes. No goblins."
"You're no fun," she teased as they laughed together.
They sat in comfortable silence, sipping their coffee.
After a while, Samuel cleared his throat. "So... Juliene. What do you think of him?"
Lily held the mug near her lips, the question landing more suddenly than she’d expected. "He's... kind. Always was. Even when we were little. He was quiet and nice. Yesterday, seeing him again, it felt like finding something I didn't realize I'd been missing."
He raised a brow. "Is that so?"
She shot him a side-eyed look. "Don't start."
"I'm not starting anything. Just sounds to me like he left a mark on you."
She scoffed and turned aside. “We’d only just reconnected. I was glad he’s still himself, still good after all these years.”
Samuel remembered her rage from the night before, the red glow in her eyes, the air gone cold. And how it had vanished the moment he said Juliene's name.
That wasn't nothing.
She shifted back at him, noticing his quietness. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing," he lied, trying to sound casual. "Just thinking." He finished his drink and set the mug on a tree stump. "We should go to that guild."
"Already?"
"We'll need coin for this," he jerked his thumb over his shoulder at the sagging roof.
She lifted a shoulder. "Fine by me."
...
By afternoon, Lily and Samuel reached Solmyra’s heart. The main road bustled as its usual functions: vendors called, carts clanked, and citizens shoved past stalls. Yet their eyes stayed fixed on one building near the square, a proud hall rising against the sunlit sky.
The Guild Hall.
Unlike the rowdy halls Lily had seen in her travels, this one looked strong and solid. Its stone walls were smooth and clean. Heavy beams stretched overhead, strong enough to withstand any storm. Above the wide doorway, the symbol of the guild, a sun phoenix rising above waves of the sea, was carved deeply into the stone. A painted sign stretched above it. Bold golden letters shone in the afternoon light:
SUN PENINSULA
The words gleamed like a vow.
As they got closer, a group of adventurers lounging outside noticed them. Some oiling their blades, others were laughing over dice. The mood shifted as they took in Lily and Samuel: the worn gear, the measured movements, the swords carried for real use. Conversation stuttered. A few eyes lingered on the blackened leather wrapping the hilt at Samuel’s side before looking elsewhere. When the dice rolled again, a handful of them stood a little differently than before.
A moment later, they passed through the wide doorway into the main hall of the guild. Inside, it was spacious, its high timbered roof providing a sense of grandeur. Lanterns hung from the beams, illuminating the polished floors and the wide stairs that led to the upper gallery. Balconies lined the second level, with papers and notices fluttering on the railings. The air smelled of oak, oil, and smoke. Banners from past victories: sunbursts, wave crests, and crossed blades, hung above a large mission board covered in parchment. Every corner showed order and pride.
They walked straight to the front desk, where a young woman stood with perfect posture in a crisp brown tunic. The guild’s symbol was embroidered on her chest in turquoise, white, and sunset orange. She looked up from her ledger and gave them a warm but careful smile, the kind you’d expect from someone who keeps things running smoothly in a busy hall.
“Welcome to the Sun Peninsula Guild,” she greeted. “How may I help you today?”
Samuel approached her with a polite nod. “We’re here to ask about joining. My daughter and I are looking for stable work.”
She maintained the smile. "I see. The Sun Peninsula Guild stands for safety, fairness, and services such as patrols, escorts, supply runs, and sometimes delicate work. But it’s a heavy season. The hall’s full. Our captains won’t take more until the last group proves themselves. Best return once the ranks thinned."
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Lily’s shoulders dropped, showing her disappointment. Beside her, Samuel let out a sharp breath through his nose, clearly impatient. Before they could say anything, a booming voice echoed across the hall.
“Well, well! Samuel Holloway? Is that truly you?!”
They turned to see a round-bellied man with a red nose and wild gray hair rushing toward them, half a mug of ale sloshing in his hand. His armor was dented and his boots were muddy, but his grin was bright enough to light up a tavern.
“George Servis!” Samuel’s face lit up as he clapped him on the shoulder. “You old troublemaker. Still drinking and stirring mischief, I see.”
George laughed aloud. “Only the fun kind, my friend!” He turned to Lily, eyes glinting. “And who’s this sweet-looking lass?”
Samuel grinned. “My daughter, Lily. Don’t be fooled. She’s a wild one, hard to tame.”
Lily rolled her eyes and nudged him in the ribs.
George threw his head back and laughed louder this time. “Hah! I like her already. Spirit runs in the family.” He turned back to Samuel. “So, what brings you here? Are you settling down for good this time?”
“We’re trying, came to join the Guild, but the young lady here says they’re full.”
George waved a hand, nearly spilling his ale. “Full? Rubbish. If Samuel Holloway walks through the door, there’s always room. Theron’s still Guildmaster, you’ll want to see him.”
“You know Master Theron?” the clerk asked, surprised.
“Know him?” George snorted. “They were comrades! Fought side by side in the Border Rebellions. When Theron took this Guild, Samuel bowed out. Said he was done with war, went home to raise chickens or some nonsense.”
Samuel's gaze drifted off for a second. “I saw enough back then. Theron stayed in the storm. I chose a quieter road.”
George slapped him on the back. "Well then, it's a fine day, old friend. You’ve come back." He made a grand gesture. “Come on. I’ll show you the way myself.”
He led them upstairs, his steps surprisingly steady despite the mug of ale in his hand. They moved to the hallway toward a wooden door that stood closed at the end.
On the other side of the door, the guildmaster’s office felt lived-in, not grand. Maps and scrolls littered the heavy oak desk, while papers had tumbled to the floor. A half-eaten plate of meat jerky sat beside a nearly dry inkwell.
Behind the desk, the man was slumped forward, one hand still gripping a map, his forehead resting against the table. His long white braid spilled over his shoulder, and a low snore filled the room.
Lily took in the scene, momentarily thrown. This was the guildmaster?
“Master Theron!” George called. “Look whose wandered back from the wilds!”
Theron jerked awake, blinking as he pushed himself upright. He glanced down at the map still in his hand, then up facing them.
“Samuel Holloway,” he stood with his walking stick. “By the gods, you’re still alive.”
“Still breathing, at least.” Samuel replied.
They clasped hands, then pulled each other into the kind of bone-aching hug only old soldiers knew.
When they stepped apart, Theron groaned, pressing his lower back with mock agony. “Saints, my bones creak worse than this chair. Every sunrise, I wonder if I fought a war in my sleep.”
Samuel laughed. “You haven’t changed a bit. Still napping on duty and love to whine like it’s a full-time job.”
Theron barked a laugh, then jabbed Samuel with his stick. “Aye, Guildmaster’s privilege. And I’ll keep complaining until the grave, just to annoy you.” He leaned in closer. “Or maybe I’ll share the pain with you.”
Samuel lifted both hands at once. “Not a chance. Keep your cursed tricks to yourself.”
Lily frowned. “Share the pain?”
Theron turned and finally looked at her, his eyebrows raised with interest. “And who’s this sweet young lady, Samuel?” he asked, though his smile showed he already had a guess.
“This is my daughter, Lily,” Samuel stated proudly, resting a hand on her shoulder.
Lily gave a brief nod, offering respect without embellishment. "Sir."
“Daughter? Well, Samuel, you always did surprise me.” He studied her closely. “She stands tall. You’ve passed your bearing to her.”
“That’s from all my shouting,” Samuel said with a knowing wink to Lily.
Theron laughed heartily. “You haven’t changed a bit, either.” He slowly reached for Lily’s hand with a playful look. “Maybe I’ll try it on your daughter, then. She looks strong enough to carry my backache for a day.”
Before Lily could shake his hand, George threw himself between them. “Don’t let him touch you, lass! That’s how he traps the youngsters, one squeeze and suddenly your knees creak like his.”
Samuel pushed her back a bit. “Aye. You’ll wake up tomorrow groaning louder than he does. Trust me, I’ve been there.”
Lily pulled her hands behind her back. “You’re just joking, right?” she laughed nervously, her gaze darting between the old men as she sought assurance.
Theron let out a breathy chuckle until tears nearly touched his eyes. “Want to feel it?” He teased.
Lily moved back slightly. “Oh, no thanks. I’d rather not, to be on the safe side.”
The three veterans roared with laughter, and even Lily found herself smiling, though she kept her hands tucked away. Theron already felt like a mischievous grandfather, one who teased recruits for sport but whose warmth shone beneath it.
Then, letting the humor fade, Theron’s eyes were sharper now. “If you’ve finally decided to join me here, Samuel, I’ll make it easy. I could set you straight at A-rank this very moment. Your record’s already written in ink.”
Samuel’s expression relaxed, but he shook his head. “That’s kind of you, old friend. But no. I’m not the man I once was. Slower, rusty. I’d rather earn it again, fair and proper.”
Theron looked at him. “Hmm… Humble as ever.” He stroked his white beard thoughtfully. “Very well. But you will not be treated like a green recruit. Your probation will be short. Just enough to prove you can keep up.” His eyes shifted to Lily. “And you. Your first guild, isn’t it?”
Samuel answered for her. “Aye. But she worked with me as a freelancer, more than a few contracts done on her own, too.”
“I don’t need lessons. I’m ready for real work.”
Theron nodded. “I believe you. But rules are rules. You’ll start on probation, just like all recruits. Six weeks at least. During that time, you’ll be supervised, taking only lower-risk contracts and working with senior members when needed. No solo jobs until we’re sure of your discipline.”
She met Theron’s gaze, bowed once. “Understood.”
“Good. And listen carefully: probation works both ways. If you impress us, you’ll move up faster than most. But if you make two mistakes, you’re out, no matter who your father is.”
Samuel leaned in with a small smile, though the warning was clear. “He means that, dear. I’ve seen recruits tossed for less.”
“But I bet you’ll surprise me. You have the same look, the same steel in your eyes I once saw in your father.” Theron leaned back partially sitting on the table corner. “So it’s settled. Samuel and Lily Holloway, welcome to the Sun Peninsula Guild.”
He looked over at George, who was still by the door with his half-empty mug. “And since you’re here, George, why don’t you take Lily under your care for now? She’ll need a captain to vouch for her, and you’ve always been good at spotting new talent.”
“Aye! Gladly. It’s about time I had someone in my squad who didn’t trip over their own sword. You’ll make my job easier, lass. I’ll even keep the drinking to after patrol… if you’re lucky.”
“Margarette!” Theron called out toward the door.
The young clerk appeared almost instantly. “Yes, Master?”
“Take Miss Lily to the interview chamber,” Theron directed. “She’ll need her forms and the first part of her probation. Captain George will sponsor her, put her under his file for now. Walk her through each step.”
“Right away.” Margarette straightened as she gestured to Lily. “This way, please."
Lily looked at Samuel, who gave her an encouraging nod. She followed Margarette and George out, her steps muffled against the wooden floor.
As the door closed behind them, Theron sat back in his chair, arms folding. A brief look passed to the bound grip at Samuel’s sword, measuring, familiar, before his expression smoothed. “Now then, the next part is for you, old friend.”
“What is it?”
Theron tapped the map on his desk. “I’ve had a problem festering for weeks. I can’t trust just anyone. My best men are still away on contracts, and the rest… too green.” He looked Samuel in the eye. “That leaves you. If you’ve still got fight in you, I’ll need your help.”
He let the map speak for him, spreading it across the desk.
👉 How do you feel about Lily joining the Sun Peninsula Guild?
