Invitation from the Icebind Alliance

"There is somewhere private. Please, follow me," the woman said.

Xia Lin nodded, signaling his companions to follow.

He knew this meeting was unavoidable, and he had indeed grown curious about the secrets hidden behind this chaotic port.

The woman led Xia Lin's group through the tavern's back kitchen and pushed open what looked like an ordinary storage-room door.

Beyond it was a narrow staircase leading underground.

"Watch your step. The stairs are covered in a thin layer of ice." The woman carried an oil lamp that reeked of fish oil as she walked in front.

After descending around twenty steps, they arrived in a basement.

The place had clearly been carefully arranged. Heavy tapestries covered the walls, and an oak table carved with ancient runes stood in the center. Spread across it was a detailed map of Iceport drawn on parchment.

Several long objects wrapped in waterproof oilcloth were stacked in the corner, faintly giving off the arcane fluctuations of enchanted weapons.

This was clearly a secret war room.

The woman closed the door behind them, and the heavy lock dropped into place with a thud. She turned and met Xia Lin's gaze openly.

"Thank you again for your help earlier. If it hadn't been for you, this tavern would probably have been reduced to ashes tonight."

She struck her left chest with her right fist in a standard Ulfens warrior's salute. "My name is Ingrid Iceheart. I am currently in charge of the Icebind Tavern. At the same time, I am the current leader of the Icebind Alliance, Iceport's civilian resistance organization."

"Let's get to the point," Xia Lin said bluntly. "What do you want us to do?"

Ingrid drew a deep breath. "You need to hear this."

"Iceport was once a proud city." Her voice was full