The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 249: Strategy

Chapter 249: Strategy

The dusky streets without the Glossy Sparrow gave way to soft, gray, morning light. The sun seemed to flow over the wall in viscous sheets, staining the tops of the buildings, slowly pouring down toward the street. In the time since Helron had arrived, it had successfully reached the upper eaves of the western-facing windows, spilling into the common room and illuminating the drifting motes of dust.

The arrival of the morning went mostly unnoticed amid our small council, but I couldn’t help but glance up as the sunlight fell across my horns, a warm itch spreading down the ridges into my scalp.

After baiting our attention with his remarks of the City Lord, Helron leaned forward intently. "The Circle of Chains has hidden in the shadows of the world for over a hundred years now, carefully scouting members among the ranks of various kingdoms’ nobility. Currently, their headquarters are based in Brithlite, the only country radical enough to whole-heartedly embrace the church’s more extreme policies while remaining so foolish as to propagate enslaving the ’lesser races’ openly." He used air quotes and shot me a wink, as though concerned I’d be offended at the term.

"Are they even hiding at this point? An illegal cult of slavers dedicated to enjoying their property shouldn’t be backing a major trading company, or involving themselves in the ruling echelon of a small city like Heartland," Rasce stated flatly.

"That’s part of the problem," Helron replied, "Ever since the church led the war that eradicated the Beast Kingdom, slavery has exploded in Enusia. Brithlite, as mere sycophants of the church, adopted the practice in full, proving ripe grounds for the Circle to flourish. Under the current Brithlite royal policy, their organization isn’t even frowned upon, much less illegal, so they must feel that the time had come to seize the power they’d been coveting from the shadows."

"They’re strong," I muttered, surprising even myself with the sudden interjection. As everyone turned to look at me, I blushed, picking at my skirt. "Well, I mean, Dyson cut off Vithrass’ arm, but he had it back when we saw him last. He mentioned something about it being healed by another member of the Circle, which means they have someone who can cast fifth-circle life spells. Most mages only study Life Magic as a secondary magic type, which means whoever it healed him can likely cast sixth or maybe even seventh-circle spells."

The room fell into a contemplative silence. The bed of embers in the large, stone fireplace crackled softly, sounding more like rustling leaves than burning wood. The bustle of the cooks in the kitchen, busy preparing for the day, worked its way beneath the thick doors and walls, accompanied by the mouth-watering scent of whatever it was they were preparing. My stomach growled at the thought of food, and I realized the last time I’d eaten was with Tana, at the restaurant the night before last. We’d met the Circle almost nonstop since then, the only break in the fighting consumed by short bursts of sleep in a desperate bid to recover mana.

At long last, Helron sighed and leaned back, crossing his arms. "That leaves us with a lot of uncertainty. Too much, for my liking. Everything I told you before, about sending out adventuring parties to gather information, was a lie. Beyond what we’ve discussed this morning, I haven’t a clue what’s going on, how much power they have, or where their hideouts may be. Until we resolve some of these unknowns, it’ll be best to lie low."

"Should we leave the city?" Dyson wondered, glancing at the door to the back room. "Most of the beastkin we freed are from Eastfall town, and I imagine they’ll be eager to get home."

"Worried about that girl?" Race said with a snort. "Honestly, I’m surprised you finally managed to woo one. I thought for sure you’d die alone."

Dyson smiled, taking the light-hearted jab in good humor. "I was just holding back for the right one. Everything up to now was just practice."

A soft giggle sounded, and I looked over to find Tana hiding a smile. "To think you can still joke a time like this. I’m impressed, Dyson. Perhaps that’s what we need now. I’ve about had it with this somber misery."

"Honestly," Rasce said, nodding. "If I brood any longer, I’m going to end up looking like Starlight, all tears and no smile."

I flinched, looking down at my hands. Fable growled softly, and Rasce held up his hands innocently.

"Just a joke," he muttered, giving Fable a dirty look.

Helron chuckled, a low, resonating sound deep in his chest. "You’ve a good companion, Starlight," he said, gesturing to my wolf. "Keep him close and I’m certain you’ll end up alright."

The other members of the adventuring guild began to stand, stretching and peering closely out at the streets outside. The sun had fully risen by now, bathing the city in bright, spring light.

"Jokes aside," Sorrin said, standing and giving Tana a hand up, "what would you recommend we do? Should we leave the city?"

"No, there’s no need for that. This city’s big enough that the guard’ll have to move on to the next problem in a day or two. Keep a close eye on Starlight, as she’s far more conspicuous than the rest of you, but there shouldn’t be a need for more than that. Once I manage to track down some information, I’ll send word and we can plan our move from there. Until then, wear those pins at all times, and trust no one not wearing one."

"I’m not sure that’ll be a concern. Starlight’s got us covered when it comes to detecting curses," Sorrin said, giving me a sideways smile.

"Be that as it may, there’s always a chance," Helron said solemnly. "I’ll reach out in a week at the latest. If you don’t hear from me, swing by the guild house. If I’m forced away for any reason, I’ll leave word for you there."

With a farewell wave, he and his people departed, leaving the Glossy Swallow feeling quiet and empty. The Glory Chasers just sat there for a few minutes, watching the closed door, until Dyson finally stood.

"Glad we got that taken care of," he said, stretching his arms over his head and yawning. "I’m going back to bed."

Sorrin blinked, giving him a strange look. "Uh, it’s morning. Didn’t you sleep last night? Or, were you having some extra fun with that new friend of yours?"

I gasped, my eyes widening, at the uncharacteristic crude remark, but Dyson only laughed. "Nah, I prefer to take my relationships seriously. Rather, a certain someone fell asleep before assigning watches, and given our current situation, I figured it would be better if we had eyes on the door."

"Damn it, you’re right. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking, but you at least should have woken me up for a turn," Sorrin sighed.

Dyson waved his apology off. "I couldn’t do that. You just broke through to fifth level, and I know from experience how draining that kind of thing is. Even if you had taken over the watch, you’d have fallen asleep before I did."

Sorrin nodded, but still looked a little glum about it. Rasce muttered something under his breath and stood.

"I’m going to go poke around, see if those guards are still asking questions. Stay here till I get back."

"Thanks," Sorrin replied, nodding at him.

I looked up as Tana slipped her arm out of Sorrin’s and slid into the seat next to mine.

"I think I’m close," she said seriously, "Would you help me cast a fourth-circle spell?"

I hesitated for a moment, observing her soul closely. As a mage, Tana had a much better understanding of her soul than Sorrin, and would likely be able to tell when she was close to breaking through. And, as noted, her soul brimmed with mana.

"Of course," I said, nodding. "Did you have a specific spell in mind?"

She shook her head, twirling a strand of brown hair around her finger. "We’ve been so busy the last few months I haven’t even had a chance to pick out a tome from the Guild House yet. I was hoping you might be able to teach me something, just like you did with that array."

"I don’t know if I can help, none of my spells are suited to your style. And even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to cast it to show them to you. My soul’s not ready for fourth level yet."

Frowning, Tana gazed deep into my eyes. "Are you saying you don’t want to help?"

"N-no! I want to help you." I quickly shook my head, and she smiled, laying a hand on my shoulder.

"Then wait here. When we get the all-clear, I’ll slip over to the guild and pick something out." Suddenly, she clapped her hands, eyes lighting up. "We could study it together! It’d be fun to learn the same spell, wouldn’t it?"

Learn the same spell? The practical strategist and mage in me immediately rejected the notion, as the overlap would decrease our party’s diversity and responsiveness, but I found myself nodding anyway.

My eyes grew misty as I recalled another girl asking practically the same thing. Elise had wanted to teach me her spell for breaking curses, but I’d been torn away before we ever had the chance.

Elise...

I froze, a bolt of lightning going through me. Elise was engaged to the crown prince, of Brithlite, Jarrod, I seemed to remember his name being. I’d spoken to him once, after the duel, and he seemed a kind, gentle man. But Brithlite was right next door! Did that mean Elise was...?

The mysterious demonkin’s words floated through my mind, encouraging me to "wait for her." Could she have been talking about Elise?"

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