CHAPTER 2
REGROUP
"This is insane. It's treason. We'll be labeled as enemies of the state. I can't believe we just did this," said Alexia as she held her head and frantically paced back and forth. She continued for a few moments as she couldn't stop the hoard of thoughts racing to her head. Her companions stared at her with concern and, admittedly, a bit of amusement. After some time though, Lyla nodded her head. She went up to Alexia and began shaking her.
"Slow down there princess. Everything's gonna be alright," said Lyla.
"Oh? And how is that?" asked Alexia with a frown on her face.
"Yeah, how is that," asked Rydel as he faced Sol.
Sol began giggling to himself. He pointed towards the dead bodies and said, "Look, it's ice." Zero tilted his head and stared at Sol with a raised brow. Sol noticed this and turned to him. Sol continued saying, "What happens with ice? It melts, so there's no murder weapon left behind. And look," Sol grabbed the ends of his cloak and spun, "there's no kind of stain on me, so there's no proof that we were ever here."
"He makes a good point," said Lyla, "and besides, do any of you have a better idea?"
Rydel and Alexia looked at each other for a moment. They could see that the other wasn't ok with the situation but were powerless to do anything about it. They both turned their heads down and in unison said, "No…"
"Alright then it's settled," said Sol as he clapped his hands in glee, "we'll split up and go through the city from different entrances. Whoever goes in first can tell the guards that they've seen the bodies here. We'll meet back up at a bar."
"Alright fine, if we're splitting up then I'll go with Lyla and keep her in check," said Alexia.
"You'll what?!" questioned Lyla as she started marching towards Alexia.
"So it's decided," said Sol as he motioned towards Zero and Rydel, "the girls will go together and I'll take these two with me." Lyla scoffed and crossed her arms.
"Let's just go already," said Lyla.
The group gathered their things and split off towards the great city. Lyla and Alexia ventured to the Northeastern entrance while the rest of the group headed to the Southeastern. Each group would take roughly the same amount of time to get there.
Although they were still quite a bit of distance away, the group could see the great walls surrounding the city of Shalai. From afar the walls didn't look so mighty, but as one grew closer they would see that the stone walls were as sturdy as iron and looked as though they could reach the heavens themselves.
The continent of Iserath had seen constant war when the first races were brought into existence. Cities and knowledge were lost with each clash until 2000 years ago when an uneasy peace treaty was struck, and Shalai came to be. Its large outer wall is both for defense and a reminder to keep the people safe.
After some time walking in silence, Lyla and Alexia were approaching the city's entrance. Two guards stood there, eyeing the girls approaching them.
"Ok, so now what?" asked Alexia.
"We go up, we lie, and then we go in," replied Lyla.
"That sounds too simple."
"Just follow me." Lyla ran towards the guards and waved at them, and Alexia quickly followed suit. Lyla reached the guards and began panting as though she had lost her breath from the short run.
"What is it? What's going on?" asked one of the guards. Lyla looked up at him. Her once sharp eyes seemed rounder, and her tone became softer.
"Please," said Lyla, "we saw an attack not too far out from here. It looked like a massacre, and we fear it might have been a noble family." Alexia took a step back at Lyla's behavior, as she had never seen her act like this before and didn't think she could. The other guard, however, was paying no attention to Lyla's plea. He stared intently at Alexia, as if he had seen her before.
"Fucking goblins," said the guard, "they've been trouble for a few months now. Where did you say this was?"
"Just east from here. You'll find a carriage with several armored men lying around, and even a poor servant who's had his arm torn off."
"Thank you. You two girls just head into the city now, we'll take care of the rest. And don't mention this to anyone, understand?" The girls nodded in agreement and headed through the towering stone wall. As soon as they were far enough from the guards, Lyla smirked, and turned to Alexia, "I told you it was simple." Alexia simply rolled her eyes and the two continued walking.
They walked in awkward silence for a few hours, going through Shalai's many districts. Along with the outer wall, Shalai had additional smaller walls that separated the city into these districts. Farmland, guilds, an expansive marketplace, and even a mage's college were all but a small piece built for the many races and classes that inhabited Shalai. At the center of it all was The Forum, a large, domed tower where representatives of each kingdom, race, and even guild members come to meet; settling regional and national disputes without any need for war. As long as The Forum stands, so too will Shalai.
Lyla and Alexia had finally reached the market district. Crowds of people walked by from all directions, going in and out of the many stores and tents scattered across the area. It didn't matter what your needs were; food, tools, weapons, etc, you could find it all here.
Lyla and Alexia looked around to see if, by chance, their companions had arrived before they did, but found nothing.
"So… where to now?" asked Alexia.
"We meet up with them at the bar as planned."
"Oh yeah? And tell me, which one would that be? You do remember that Shalai has multiple taverns don't you?" Lyla slapped her forehead and groaned.
"That little idiot never told us which one to go to…"
"I think that makes two idiots. Oh well, come along, we'll just pick one and wait."
"Fine, you lead the way then," sneered Lyla. They walked around for a few minutes, dodging the oncoming crowds of people. Finally, Alexia noticed a bar nearby, The Silver Moon, and they both entered.
The bar was fairly large, yet dimly lit. Most of the redwood tables were empty aside from the two day-drunks the Dwarven barkeeper was currently tending to.
The girls went and sat at the back of the bar, ordered a meal, and waited for their companions.
Rydel, Zero and Sol had finally reached the market district. Rydel and Zero, with their greater heights, searched for their companions among the sea-full of people. Sol, however, couldn't see passed most people's stomachs, even on his tiptoes. They looked and looked, but to no avail.
"Well so much for that," said Rydel, "so which bar did you tell them to go to?"
"I didn't," responded Sol, "trust me, I'll know where to go."
Rydel turned to Zero and whispered, "Is this guy being serious?" Zero shrugged. "I… alright then, show us the way," sighed Rydel.
Sol began walking in a random direction. It was difficult to tell where he was going since even he couldn't tell as everyone towered over him, preventing him from reading most signs. Surprisingly though, he managed to find his way into the closest bar, The Screeching Siren.
As the group walked in they were surprised to see the Elven barkeeper breathing deeply and rubbing his temples. In front of the barkeeper was a Half-orc, wearing a leather leotard and pelt, who was even taller than both Rydel and Zero.
"For the last time, I need money. No money, no buy," said the barkeeper.
"What seems to be the problem here?" asked Rydel.
"This large… man, has been trying to haggle me all evening and I've had enough." The barkeeper slammed his fist on the counter.
"Oh." Rydel turned to the large man. "What are you trying to give him?" The large man presented a large mushroom to Rydel. It seemed… edible.
"Bacchus wants to give barkeeper a mushroom," said the large man.
"Are you Bacchus?" asked Rydel.
"Ye."
"You know what, you seem like a nice guy. If you give us some mushrooms then I'll get you a drink." Bacchus pulled out two more mushrooms from his pelt pocket. It didn't seem as though he should have space for that many mushrooms, but Rydel figured it was probably best not to ask.
Bacchus handed the group the mushrooms. Rydel put his in his bag for later, while Sol tossed his behind the barkeeper's counter while he wasn't looking. Rydel ordered the drink for Bacchus and he quickly chugged it whole.
"Bacchus is very thankful to large man elf," said Bacchus.
"Any time," replied Rydel.
"I'm sorry, how do you say your name again?" asked Zero.
"Bacchus," replied Bacchus.
"Marcus?"
"Bacchus."
"Ah, I see." Zero walked up to Bacchus and shook his hand. "Well thank you Barkus for the mushroom." Zero began eating the mushroom but quickly started choking on it. His face was becoming blue as he tried pounding on his chest.
"Barkeeper, quickly, a drink!" exclaimed Rydel. The barkeeper quickly poured a drink and handed it to Zero. Just as Zero was beginning to chug it, Bacchus gave him a mighty slap to his back, causing him to spray the food and drink out onto the barkeeper's direction. Bits and chunks of half-eaten mushroom and alcohol were scattered all over the barkeeper's now bright red face. Before he could say anything though, Rydel left the money on the counter and pushed Bacchus, Zero, and Sol out of the bar.
"Well that was a bust," said Rydel, "we still haven't found the girls."
"I told you that wasn't the right bar, fool," berated Sol.
"Wait, we're looking for some girls? Nice looking ones?" asked Zero.
Rydel clasped his hands in front of his face and took one of the deepest breaths he had ever taken in his life. He turned to Bacchus.
"Bacchus would you like to help us look for our missing companions?" asked Rydel.
"Bacchus had nothing better to do today," replied Bacchus.
"Great! Onward to the next bar!"
The group wandered a few blocks down when they noticed a man urging to a guard.
"Please. You have to find my son," pleaded the man. "He's just a young boy." The man dropped to his knees while holding onto the guard's leg.
"Sir," said the guard, "this is the fifth time this has happened recently. All missing children usually end up found, at most, within a month. Now please, get off me before I'm forced to do it myself." The man got back up and began sobbing. He looked at Rydel for a moment and wandered off.
Rydel approached the guard and asked, "What's going on with missing children?"
"Look, buddy, I'm just a day guard," replied the guard, "I don't deal with things that happen at night. If you really want more info then head to the Information Brokerage and pay up, otherwise, just let this non-issue sort itself out." The guard walked away from the group and back to his post.
Rydel pulled out a journal and pencil from his bag and took note of the missing children. He put his journal away and the group continued their way towards the next bar, The Good Companions.
Once they entered they scanned the area. The bar was much larger than the one they had previously been to. The tables and chairs were made from sturdy, red, oak wood, and the back contained a large stage. Rydel's face lit up.
"Hold on, I know this place," said Rydel, "this is where Lyla and I found Alexia."
"I have been meaning to ask, how did you manage to befriend that small and mean redhead?" asked Zero.
"Oh, well first she tried to steal this from me," Rydel proceeded to unsheath a black katana from his back and presented it to the rest of the group, "in the middle of the night, but I got it back. I don't know how to use this thing yet so I'm hoping I can find someone here in the city who can help me."
"Bacchus believes that's called an enemy," said Bacchus.
"Nah, I thought it was impressive. Ever since then I tagged along with her, even though she tries to hide from me for some reason. A couple days after, we found Alexia performing here, and Lyla took note of her right away for some reason, so I asked if she wanted to team up with us." Rydel started pointing at Sol and Zero. "Then a few days ago we met you, you, and now we've met Bacchus." Bacchus smiled.
"Are any of elf-man's companions here?" asked Bacchus.
"They're not, but I don't think we'll get very far if we keep bar hopping all evening. Plus, it's been a long, eventful day." Rydel walked over to the Half-orc barkeeper that was cleaning glasses. He waved his hand to the rest of the group, motioning them to come over. "Come on boys, first round is on me!"
Back at the Silver Moon, Lyla was tapping her fingers on the wooden table while Alexia was playing a tune on her lyre. The tapping became faster and faster as seconds went by until she stopped and shot up from her chair.
"That's it," said Lyla. "I'm out of here." She began marching towards the exit. Alexia put away her instrument and chased after her.
"And just where do you think you're going?" questioned Alexia.
"We've been here too long, they're clearly not coming."
"Is that so? Do you have a better idea?"
"I'm going to check out some other places. Although, you're more than welcome to wait for them here if you want."
"Absolutely not, I'm not letting you run off on your own. Come, I'll lead the way again." Alexia walked in front of Lyla and exited the building.
"Because that worked so well the first time," mumbled Lyla as she walked out of the bar.
The once bright day was now becoming dimmer and dimmer. The blue sky was becoming more orange, and the once loud, busy streets of the marketplace became softer and easier to navigate through.
As the girls were heading out they saw a woman lying in the middle of the street, crying hysterically. "P-p-p-please. My s-s-son," we're the only coherent words that most people were able to make out from her sobbing as they walked around her.
"Just keep walking, don't make any eye contact," whispered Lyla to Alexia. They walked around the woman, and onward to the next bar, The Glory Bringer.
The bar itself was considerably filled with more people than they thought there would be. A majority of the tables were filled with people eating, laughing, and drinking as a soft piano played over the bar's stage. The bar was stocked with some fine wine and high-end liquor, and more people were coming in as the night sky grew closer.
"Well they're not going to be here," said Lyla.
"We've barely looked, how can you be so sure?" asked Alexia.
"Look at me with a straight face and try to tell me that you think Rydel, Zero, and Sol would fit in at a place like this." Alexia couldn't even try. She walked away immediately. "I hope those idiots are having just as much fun as we are."
While Lyla and Alexia were transitioning between bars, the four-man group of Rydel, Zero, Sol, and now Bacchus, had finished several rounds of drinks. Rydel and Bacchus, arm in arm, were laughing hysterically while Zero was asking whichever poor woman he could find if they would like to get to know him better, to no avail. Sol, however, wasn't nearly as intoxicated as his companions. He tried to approach Rydel and remind him of their missing companions, but he was too easily distracted to pay attention to Sol.
"This is taking too long," thought Sol. He pointed in a random direction and with his magic and used a message spell. Whoever uses this spell can point at a target, even through walls, and whisper messages to them and vice-versa. It was, statistically, nearly impossible for Sol to find either of the girls when they could be, literally, anywhere from where he was.
"Ahoy. Lyla?" whispered Sol.
"Hu?" said Lyla.
Despite the odds, Sol had, somehow, miraculously made contact with Lyla.
"Wow that worked?" whispered Sol.
Lyla frantically looked around the area for Sol, but despite how hard she looked she couldn't find where the voice was coming from. Alexia looked at her questioningly.
"Lyla? What is it, what's wrong?" asked Alexia.
"He's in my head isn't he?" sighed Lyla.
"Is this Lyla?" asked Sol.
"No this is Bacchus," replied Bacchus. Sol turned to see Bacchus looking around for where the voices in his head were coming from. Sol looked just as confused.
"Bacchus?" asked Lyla.
"What's a Bacchus? What's going on with you?!" asked Alexia in a raised tone. Lyla put one of her hands in front of Alexia's face and covered her ear with the other.
"Listen you little gremlin, where are you guys?"
"At The Good Companions where I told you to meet us," replied Sol. "Come join us, we're having fun." Lyla tried to respond but was met with silence.
"They're at the Good Companions," said Lyla.
"Ok… how do you know this, and what's a Bacchus?" asked Alexia.
"Because he invaded my head. And I have no idea what a Bacchus is. Let's just go already."
They headed over to The Good Companions which luckily wasn't too far from where they were. They walked in and the group was finally reunited. Rydel and Bacchus had begun sobering up at this point, while Zero was still up to his antics. It seemed he was a lightweight.
Unfortunately for Lyla and Alexia, Zero couldn't remember faces and noticed the girls coming in. Zero began wobbling to them, spilling bits of his drink in the process.
"Hey, there's some new faces. Come forth girls, and meet Zero the Great!" exclaimed Zero. Alexia grimaced, and Lyla sneered.
"Put that down, you've clearly had too much," said Lyla, reaching for the drink in Zero's hand.
"Unhand me woman!" screamed Zero, as began thrashing about. Bacchus quickly grabbed Zero by his shoulders and pinned him to the wall.
"Bacchus has saved little girl from angry elf-man," said Bacchus.
"So I take it you're Bacchus?" asked Lyla as she was examining Bacchus, questioning his choice of clothing.
"Ye."
Zero began snoring while still being pinned by Bacchus. Bacchus drank the rest of Zero's drink and laid him down, leaving a mushroom next to him.
Lyla began pinching her eyes and asked Rydel what happened. He told them about the adventure they had; meeting Bacchus, learning about some missing children, and overall having a good night out with his companions.
The Half-orc barkeeper cleared his throat.
"I don't mean to interrupt this little reunion, but I'm gonna need the funds from your guy's last round," said the barkeeper.
"I can get that," said Sol as he went over to where Zero was laying down. He rummaged through Zero's bag and pulled out a couple of gold pieces. With this, he gladly paid the barkeeper.
"You know, if you guys need a place to stay, we're also an inn." He began pointing to Rydel and Lyla and said, "I'll give a deal for you two since you've been here before and I like you guys," he then pointed to Alexia, "and I'll give you extra if you perform on stage." The three gladly accepted the offer and paid. Rydel paid an additional for Bacchus, and Sol used the gold he took earlier to pay for his and Zero's room. They each received a key for their rooms.
"Well, now that that's settled I'm going out for a bit," said Lyla.
"And just where do you think you're going?" interrogated Alexia.
"What are you, my keeper? I'm going for a walk." Alexia began marching towards Lyla and raised her voice.
"Oh no you don't. I can't tell what, but you're up to something. You're staying at this inn!"
"I didn't realize getting some fresh air was such a crime nowadays, but I guess I was mistaken. If it'll keep you from acting delusional then I'll stay. Anyway, you have a performance you should probably get to." Lyla started walking towards the stairs that led to the guest rooms. "Break a leg!" Alexia sneered, but she began walking towards the stage to perform with her lyre.
Bacchus and Rydel also went to their rooms for the night while Sol stayed behind to chat with strangers. Zero, however, was still lying on the floor, covered by a tablecloth the barkeeper had placed over him.
Lyla stepped into her room and locked the door behind her. She looked out her window and saw the bright moon lighting the now quiet and empty market district. She opened her window and began climbing down the side of the building. Once she was down she put her hood up and began walking away.
Bacchus, too, opened his window. He put his feet together and put his arms up, creating a pose in the shape of the letter 'T'. A few crows flew into his room and perched on Bacchus' arms.
"Hello birds, how are you?" asked Bacchus. Using his own magic, Bacchus was temporarily able to speak with animals.
"We're doing alright," replied one of the crows. "Saw a bunch of dead bodies today though, one of them was missing its arm, but it still made for a good meal."
"Did the birds enjoy their meal?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you, birds." The crows stayed in Bacchus' room as he lay to bed.
Lyla approached a building labeled, the Information Brokerage, and walked inside. The building seemed larger on the inside than it did outside. There was a single booth in the back and large statues positioned to look as though they were holding up the ceiling. At the booth was a Gnome being berated by a tall, purple Tiefling, covered in snake tattoos across each of his arms.
"For the last time, I don't care what you had for breakfast," said the Tiefling, "we need real, important facts."
"Step aside kid, I've got some real info here," said Lyla as she shoved the adult Gnome out of the way. "Hey Ral, got any important info today?"
"Been slow and uneventful the past few days," replied Ral.
"Well that's good to hear, because I've got something classified to tell you." Ral turned his head towards a sleeping Dwarf in the back who was covered in similar tattoos.
"Cameron! Cast the Zone!" The Dwarf shot up from his rest and rushed to the front. He began whispering some sort of spell and the tattoos on his arms started to glow. "Alright, what do you got for us?"
For a moment, Lyla felt compelled to not lie to Ral, but the feeling left almost as soon as it came. Perhaps the dwarf wasn't focusing on the spell hard enough. Lyla smiled as soon as she knew she wasn't under the effects of the spell.
"Kaynith Caliban has been murdered," said Lyla. Ral's eyes widened and he began taking notes in a journal.
"Oh, that is very important indeed."
"Yup, overheard some guards talking about it. Poor boy and his crew were massacred by some goblins, and one of his servants even had his arm ripped off."
Ral ripped the page from his journal and handed it to his companion.
"Get the word out on this right away. The Calibans are not going to happy about this." He handed Lyla a satchel that contained 100 gold pieces.
"Thanks Ral, I might have something else big for you soon, but it's going to take some time. Anyway, it was a pleasure doing business."
"The pleasure's all mine. Come back soon."
Lyla headed off and returned to The Good Companions. She scaled the wall back into her room and slept happily for the rest of the night.