The Calm Before the Storm

I let out a deep sigh of relief upon exiting the church. That was easily one of the most tense situations I’d been in. Niko seemed to share the sentiment, bracing herself against the cathedral wall as she wiped a layer of nervous sweat from her brow.

“How the hell did you do that!?” demanded Niko, stunned.

“Honestly, most of that was complete bullshit and guesswork, but they bought it, so...all’s we’ll that ends well?” I said, shrugging. Niko’s jaw dropped as her admiration turned to disbelief.

“I can’t believe you...” she muttered bitterly.

“We should get going, meet back up with the others at the barrack,” I said, eager to leave the church and the brokers inside behind. The catgirl reluctantly followed behind as we made our way back into the barrack. Inside, the others were waiting in the lobby, but excitedly rose to meet us as we entered.

“You’re okay!” exclaimed Sofia, eagerly leading the pack.

“Thank goodness,” said Flora.

“You’ve been gone quite a while. The sun is beginning to set,” said Alice.

“Did you learn what you set out to?” Lucille asked.

“Yeah. We’ve got ourselves a suspect, and a tentative understanding with the brokers,” I said, heading towards Mia’s office. I lightly knocked on the door before entering, the others following behind.

“Ah, Flynn. You’ve returned. With good news, I hope?” said the wolfgirl. I nodded in affirmation as we gathered around the captain’s desk.

“Does the name Tyven De Wulford ring any bells?” I asked.

“Not particularly, no. He’s a minor noble, isn’t he? We haven’t had any issues concerning the man, tends to keep to himself. Is that our suspect?” she asked.

“That’s what the brokers think at least,” I said. “I don’t see a reason to doubt them.”

“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to reveal their identities, now would you?” she asked, clearly not getting her hopes up.

“Can’t say I am. I’m sor-” I began.

“No need to apologize,” she interrupted. “I know how they operate. You’re simply looking out for the safety of yourself and your companions. I understand. I’ll simply have to be grateful for your aid in capturing this murderer.”

“Thanks, Mia,” I said.

“So if this Tyven guy turns out to be the killer after all, what’s the plan?” asked Niko. “We can’t very well waltz into a dark mage’s manor waving a warrant around.”

“That’s true,” I said. “There’s no way to tell what traps he would have set if we entered the manor openly hostile.”

“The best course of action would be to find some pretense unrelated to the **** to enter his manor,” said Lucille.

“His guard would be down,” noted Flora.

“What’s the plan when the hostilities do break out?” asked Niko.

“Ideally, we try to keep him occupied long enough for one of us to break off and destroy the totem. He’d have to have one inside the manor somewhere to draw on stored souls for his magic,” said Sofia.

“Oh, and we should be wary of any staff members in the manor. It is likely they have been turned into thralls, and may be another source of his magic,” Alice reminded us.

“How the heck would we find something like that in a giant manor?” I asked.

“Simple!” Sofia boasted, pulling a small wooden stick in the shape of a “Y” out of her bag. “With this!”

“A stick...?” deadpanned Niko. “That’s your grand plan?”

“It’s not just a stick!” Sofia retorted. “It’s a dowsing rod!”

“...as in, for finding water?” Niko said.

“Well, normally, yes, but, ugh. Lemme finish!” Sofia huffed. “This dowsing rod is a special type, attuned to seek out sources of magic rather than water. With this baby, we can find that totem, no problem!”

“I see,” said Niko.

“Good work Sofia,” I said. “How about any other countermeasures in case things go south?”

“There’s no telling how powerful his dark magic will be unless we see it in person, but with the enchantments on your armor, as well as my and Sofia’s robes, most normal magic won’t do too much,” said Alice. “That just leaves Lucille, who will have to rely on her natural resistances as a Templar.”

“What about me then!?” growled Niko.

“Oh, you’re coming too?” Alice asked.

“Of course! I have to or I’m gonna get thrown in jail!” Niko complained, glaring at Mia.

“An opportunity you should be grateful for,” said the captain. Niko merely grumbled in response.

“I suppose you’ll simply have to dodge, or rely on healing,” said Alice, with a smile that didn’t quite fit what she was saying.

“...is this chick for real?” Niko asked, looking back at me. I shrugged, rubbing the back of my head. Alice let out a small laugh.

“I’m merely kidding,” she said. “Shall the need arise, I shall create a barrier to shield you.”

“Seriously? Since when could you do that?” I asked.

“Since I reached level 4 a few hours ago. You took so long, I decided to go help out at the local hospice,” Alice said.

“Alright then. I guess we just need to figure out a reason to get a meeting with the guy, then,” I said.

“You can leave that part to me,” said Lucille. “I’ll ensure Lord Wulford grants us an audience.”

“Uh, how exactly...” I mumbled, trailing off as I saw the determination on her face. “Alright then. We’ll leave it to you.

“Mia, can you be ready with some anti-magic cuffs when we bring him back?” asked Sofia.

“Of course. We have a few cells designated for holding mages,” she said. “Good luck you all. Be careful.”

“We will,” I said. We left the barrack behind, steeling ourselves to face a dark mage as we approached the Wulford Manor.