A not so happy reunion

Norman took a deep breath before standing up. He began walking out of the room, saying nothing more than, "Follow me."

I had to say I was intrigued. I gave a quick glance to Oliver and we shared a nod, both quickly getting up and following after. I could tell the children were shocked, but I paid them no more heed. Oliver put his helmet back in place as we caught up.

We followed Norman as he walked briskly down a long series of hallways, before arriving at a guarded door. He gave the two men at the door a wave and they opened it for us, revealing a spiral staircase that went counterclockwise. We descended for a full minute at least before reaching another door, which he knocked on in a bizarre pattern after thinking for a second. A few moments later, this door was opened, and we were ushered inside.

It became quite clear we were in a dungeon. metal doors lined the stone brick walls. Unlike the classic dungeon, it was not made with barred walls, and each door only had a sliding slot that allowed a view into the inside.

Norman led us to a seemingly arbitrary door before stopping. He gave a large sigh and turned to me. "Inside this cell, are the two surviving assailants that attacked my daughter yesterday."

I stroked my beard in contemplation, "Ah, so two survived? There was only one who didn't take a hit from me, but I suppose the first one I hit very well may have survived." Oliver looked at me, making me wish I could see his expression under his helmet.

Norman responded in a neutral tone, "Indeed. The supposed leader, being the one you did not hit, as well as one other individual survived." He massaged his forehead, "Emphasis on survived, they damn near had half of their ribs broken when the healers got to them, though it seemed like that was getting off easy compared to the others."

I scratched the back of my head in an embarrassed gesture, "In my defense, that was my first time fighting after receiving the boon of my god."

He glanced at me before turning to the cell, "If that is true, then I very much hope this relationship stays neutral at worst." I smirked behind him, 'I hope so as well, for your sake.' He continued, "Regardless, my men have been unable to get either of them to speak, and neither have the priests of light. Should you manage to get sufficient information from them, I shall fully fund your church."

I straightened my stance, "Alright then, shall we begin?" He gave a nod and moved to open the door, before I had a thought. "Wait," he paused, "Would it be alright if I had privacy in my methods? It would be best if I had freedom in my action, yet I do not want my abilities discovered. You must understand."

He clicked his tongue once, "So be it." he opened the door, revealing a dark room.

Oliver began to step forward, but I stopped him with my hand. "I shall handle this, don't worry." I gave him a smile as I stepped forward before stopping. I picked up my mask and held it in front of me and spoke, "Awaken."

The mask glowed slightly and began to float. I felt the wrappings on my arms and my cloak float off, going back upon their original owner. The spirit now stood in the doorway of the cell, waiting motionlessly for my order.

I spoke to it in an authoritative tone, "Make sure no one enters this room without my permission. Should someone wish to enter, knock on the door to let me know." It nodded, letting me past before closing the door behind me, assumingly taking its position.

I turned forward, seeing two individuals in the dark room. One was strapped to a chair faced away from me, the other on a bed, their arms secured around the headboard but otherwise free to move. The one on the bed looked my way and went wide eyed in fear.

The one in the chair spat something on the ground in front of them and spoke, "So, who did they send in this time? Sounds like another priest trying to use compulsion magic, didn't they figure out it wouldn't work?" They tilted their head to the side, giving them a slight view of their companion, changing their demeanor when they saw their expression. "What? What's with that face, it the Heroine herself or something?"

The one on the bed stuttered in fear, "I-i-it's-"

I cut them off, "It's so lovely to get to meet you again." I could tell even from behind them that their face fell in recognition of my voice.