Over the next two days, Alaric immersed himself in gathering updates about the state of Calma during his absence. Much to his satisfaction, he learned that most of the corrupt merchants and their allied officials had fled—some dispersing to the outlying towns, others crossing the river into Zura in search of safer havens. The stronghold of their influence in Calma had crumbled.
Alaric hadn't expected such a swift and decisive change. To his surprise, the unlikely duo of Angus and Primo had managed to uproot the troublemakers with remarkable efficiency. What impressed him most was Angus. He governed with such clarity and confidence, it was as if he had been groomed from boyhood to lead. The town was better than he had left it—calmer, cleaner, breathing easier.
