Watched

The dawning sun is rising as you approach the gates, and even from a distance you can see that something is amiss. There’s more guards than usual, and they are far more alert. What’s more, one of them is clearly an officer of some sort, keeping a close eye on things. People are coming in, but each group is being scrutinized closely.

Before you reach the gate, however, a voice calls out from someone hidden nearby. “Don’t. They’re looking for you, Nicholas. Come here, I bring word from Lady Gitanna.”

You hesitate for a moment, glancing at Ferra and Kaeli. With a hand on the hilt of Caliburn, you cautiously step off the road, towards the voice. Pushing aside some tall grown brush, you find a well dressed man hidden there. He seems too well dressed to be hiding in some bushes, in fact. He’s not a particularly threatening person, thin and slightly hunched, though his piercing blue eyes gleam with intelligence. He has well kept long brown hair, and pointed ears that identify him as an elven man.

You look him up and down. “You have my attention. First, though, who are you?”

The man nods. “Of course. Lady Gitanna never introduced her staff. I am Frederick, her intelligence advisor.”

Ferra crosses her arms. “That means spymaster.”

Frederick nods. “If you wish. She set me to watching you after your first meeting. She wanted to know who she was dealing with, you understand.”

You shrug. “I suppose. Impressive that you kept this close of an eye on us.”

The elven man smiles. “House Gitanna may not be the strongest, or the wealthiest, but we are likely the best informed. And, not to brag, but I have several talents of my own.”

I don’t like him. He feels slimy. Slippery. I’ve never liked spys.

Ignoring Lilith for now, you nod. “Fine. So, let’s get to it. What’s happening?”

He gestures towards the gate. “Whatever ritual you conducted last night set off some major alarms. I don’t know how, but they know to look for you three.”

He looks at Kaeli. “I would imagine that has something to do with the fact that you’re here, and not in the capital, my Lady Kaeli.”

Kaeli sighs. “I suppose it’s no surprise that you recognize me.”

Frederick smiles. “I’d be a very poor intelligence advisor indeed if I didn’t recognize one of the principal leaders of the Order. But why you’re here is not relevant, though I will admit some curiosity.”

You nod. “So what’s happening? We clearly can’t go that way if they’re looking for us.”

Frederick nods. “Indeed. That’s why I’m here, to guide you through another entrance, and secret you to the Gitanna compound. The warehouse you were in is no longer safe.”

You glance in the direction of the gate. “I can’t go without the others. You’re saying they’re in danger?”

He shakes his head. “No, they entered the city ahead of you. I have people in place to intercept them and bring them as well. Though the twins aren’t looking for them, it wouldn’t be hard to connect them with you. We will hide you for now. Lady Gitanna will have more details.”

You sigh, and look at Ferra. “Remind me to have a chat with the girls about finding a way to block scrying. It’s too easy to find us right now.”

Aww, I thought you liked being watched. It’s more fun that way!

You can’t help but chuckle at that. “Fine, let’s go, Frederick. I hope for your sake you’re being truthful.”