Here I am, strolling into this village. As agreed, my team stays back.
Thinking about it, why did I decide to take the lead? A slacker like me should be hanging back, right?
Oh yeah, it's because of that bitter Kathleen and the damn Association. By the way, I think it's outrageous to force a Magister to get their hands dirty.
What will my people think of me now? A lapdog for the Association?
Whatever, let's wrap this up quick so I can go rest.
When I entered the village, the first thing I noticed was the quiet. Too quiet for my taste. You know, the kind of silence where it feels like everyone's hiding behind their curtains, sneaking peeks at you?
The houses were wooden, with straw roofs and half-closed shutters. Not exactly reassuring, I'll admit. A bit further, I spotted a small square with a fountain in the center, but the water wasn't even flowing. Just an old basin full of algae and dead leaves.
As I dragged my feet through the streets, I could smell wet grass mixed with earth—not the fresh, post-rain field kind, but the packed, cold dirt you trample and abandon.
Not a soul around. Not even a barking dog to remind you life exists somewhere. The few people I passed didn't even glance at me. Old ladies in aprons, a guy hauling a cart full of… potatoes, maybe?
Closed, tired faces, like no one here felt like saying hello. Suited me fine, to be honest.
I scanned around, looking for a bench to plop down on for a bit. Because, yeah, all this quiet was almost too much action for me.
Just as I was wondering if I'd end up sitting on the ground, my eyes caught a crooked wooden sign with faded paint that seemed to say "Inn"—or something like that. The "A" was nearly gone, but I figured it was a place to rest my feet for a few minutes.
I pushed the door open, and it creaked like it hadn't moved in centuries.
Inside, it was dim, with just a few flickering candles scattered around. The smell? A mix of vegetable soup and burnt wood, not too bad for once.
I stepped forward, a bit hesitant, trying not to draw too much attention. Not that I needed to hide—there were barely three people in the room, all hunched over a big wooden table, slurping their soup like it was their last meal.
I spotted a chair off to the side and took my time getting there, not in any rush to join the depressing vibe. As I sat, I signaled the innkeeper, a stout guy with sideburns as thick as his belly. He shot me a look like, "Another one who's just gonna sit without ordering." So I raised a hand, like, *Chill, I'll buy something, okay?*
He trudged over, a rag slung over his shoulder. "What'll it be?"
I shrugged. "Whatever's… easiest to whip up."
He raised a brow, like my answer offended him, but he left without a word.
I sank into my chair, staring at the ceiling. Not great, but in a village this sleepy, you couldn't expect much anyway.
The inn was the definition of "plain." Dull walls, creaky wooden tables, and not a single painting to liven things up. The candles cast dancing shadows on the ceiling, but it was still a pretty snooze-worthy show.
I sighed. Couldn't they have sent someone else? Anyone? But no, it had to be me. All for some Vrynna chick who's apparently holed up in this nowhere village.
To be fair, she picked a good spot. Perfect for staying under the radar: a village with no electricity, no noise, where even the soup smells sad.
I glanced at the door, the urge to bolt almost overwhelming, but I had to play the part.
As I kept eyeing the inn's door, dreaming of escape, the innkeeper returned with a steaming bowl. "Here, vegetable soup," he grumbled, plopping it down. I barely had time to say "thanks" before he shuffled back to his counter.
I picked up the spoon, held it to my lips, and blew on it, hoping the soup was edible. One sip, and… well, it's no masterpiece, but it's fine. Keeps me busy, I guess.
I glanced around while sipping, eyeing the other customers who hadn't looked up from their bowls since I walked in. They all gave off "silent old statue" vibes.
Honestly, I was tempted to make a weird noise, like "Boo!" just to see if they'd flinch. But better stay low-key for once.
As I half-enjoyed my soup (if you can call it enjoying), a low, serious voice sounded right behind me: [Master, do you actually have a plan?]
I sighed, slumping in my chair to dodge the annoying question. 'What, you doubt me?'
[Yes.]
He doesn't even bother hiding it. Charming.
To avoid looking like a nutcase talking to myself, I replied mentally, keeping the side-eyes at bay.
'Number 4's patrolling with his crew. Everything's under control.'
[That's what worries me, Master. You know how… unpredictable she can be.]
Before I could snap back, another voice piped up, drawling and a bit mocking.
[Not very knightly to doubt your master, is it?]
[And letting our master wander without a word, that's noble, maybe?]
I rolled my eyes (well, at the inn's ceiling).
'Number 5 will back up Number 4. Number 2 will chill.'
Number 5 pretended to sulk but vanished in a flash.
Just when I thought I'd get a moment's peace, Number 2 was back at it.
[Master, this village may seem calm, but something's off. Have you noticed the… tense air around the locals?]
I raised a brow. 'Tense? Old man, these people are calmer than a rock garden. It's not tension—it's deep boredom.'
Number 2 shook his head with a disdainful pout. [That's exactly what worries me, Master. Their boredom feels… unnatural.]
I rolled my eyes. 'Alright, Mr. Suspicious, if you wanna play detective, do something useful, like scoping out the fountain. That's where village grannies gossip… Maybe you'll find a clue, or at least a juicy story.'
And poof, he vanished quietly.
Finally, some peace.
Nope, scratch that.
Number 4 sent a mental ping: [Master, there's movement in the woods to the north. Someone's trying to be sneaky… and failing miserably.]
I let out a long sigh.
'Number 5 will back you up.'
[Backup?! I don't need him, Master!]
I sighed again. Honestly, these familiars… If I let them, they'd probably start brawling.
I downed the last of my bland soup and stood slowly.
Getting up, I tossed a few coins on the table and headed for the door. As I approached, a snarky little voice piped up in my head.
[So, Master, ready to get your hands dirty for once?]
'You better keep that sarcasm to yourself.'
But as I stepped out of the inn, I felt the villagers' eyes on me.
Great, I just wanted a village where nothing happens. Now I've stepped into a mess…
Outside, I pulled out the fancy pebble-phone—a gem of tech if you've got the imagination for it—and called the rest of my team waiting in the wings.
Mira picked up in a flash. [Magister?]
"Yeah, Warden Mira, there's movement north of the village. Take Warden Griffin and check it out."
[Got it!]
In the background, I heard Piper: [What about me?]
I shrugged, like she could see me. "You, meet me here."
With that, I ignored the stares landing on me. I sauntered to the fountain's edge, propped an elbow on my knee, and let my gaze wander.
[A cloaking spell's been cast on the villagers, Master.]
That was Number 2 with his report.
I sighed.
Suddenly, a hooded figure slipped in front of me.
A woman. She raised a brow, eyeing me with a hint of mockery.
"Didn't expect the Association to track me down so fast," she said.
I shrugged with a crooked smile. "Trust me, I didn't expect to be here either. I'm as surprised as you are."
Her face turned serious, like my quip didn't even register. Her eyes locked onto mine with intensity, and I briefly wondered what her deal was. Then I remembered why she's here, why I'm here.
Oh, right.
"So, you're not gonna try to stop me?" she asked, like it was the most obvious thing.
I sighed, over-the-top. "Such a hassle… First, tell me. The north woods ring any bells?"
She laughed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Might've been my hideout. But I've got plenty of those."
"And? You gonna come quietly, or what?" I locked eyes with her, a bit annoyed by her coyness.
She burst out laughing, genuinely this time, and I rolled my eyes.
I'm serious, though.
"So that's your strategy? Stall till your buddies show up?"
I sighed and palmed my face, already drained by this chat. "Nah, nothing like that. The Association wants me to handle this myself."
She shot me a scornful look, turned with a dismissive pout, and took a few steps away. I watched her back. But suddenly, she froze, then spun around, dropping her hood.
Pretty woman, actually. Shame she's older… and a criminal. Her eyes widened, staring at me with a mix of worry and confusion.
"What did you do to me?" she asked, her voice shaky.
I shrugged and patted the fountain's edge beside me. "Come sit, check out the view with me."
She gaped, shocked, then raised her right hand.
"You… you…" She hurled an insult, aiming her hand at me.
I watched, unfazed, waiting for something to happen. Nothing. Zilch.
She stared at her hand, stunned, and tried again… nothing. She looked at me like I was a monster. Her hands trembled slightly.
So much for peace and quiet.