4th Day of Needfest, 565 CY
Residence of the Lord Mayor, City of Willip, Furyondy
The Lord Mayor of Willip, LaSalle Main, gazed out of the parlor window as the last of twilight's light faded over the city. He closed the shutters, then turned and addressed the five individuals scattered about the room.
"I bid you a pleasant evening, good people," he said, moving towards a door in the rear. He paused after opening it. "I have placed my trust, and indeed, my life in your hands," he stated softly. "I feel confident that I have not misplaced that trust."
The door closed behind him. Argo opened the shutters again, gazed at the starry sky briefly, and then turned around to face his friends. He was scowling.
"I don't like being here. When you're found guilty tomorrow, the Mayor will suffer for it, whether you submit to punishment or not."
"We will not be found guilty, Argo," said Aslan, who was sifting through a pile of blankets on the floor.
"I think you will be," replied Argo. "The people want justice, and the Lord Magistrate wants to be able to tell the Baron on his return that he can handle any complications that might arise in his absence." He paused. "We need to show more than your innocence. We need to find out who the guilty party is. Ideas, anyone?" He looked from one face to another.
Cygnus, who was perched uncomfortably on a divan next to Talass, said one word. "Iuz."
Everyone looked at the mage.
"The Old One hates us more than anyone else, at least at the moment," the mage continued, shrugging. "He has the resources, and powerful enough minions to do this."
Elrohir looked alarmed. "You don't think that false Aslan was actually-"
"No," cut in Talass. "I don't think it was Iuz himself. He's already put in one-" she stopped, aware she had just reminded everyone, especially Cygnus, of a nightmarish memory. She drew in a deep breath and continued.
"-one personal appearance. He won't do that again. He has larger concerns than us. I do think it's likely that he is behind this, however."
"What about Scurvy John?" asked Elrohir. The others looked at him. He continued, somewhat defensively. "He has that wizard that travels with him on his ship, what's his name," the ranger snapped his fingers, "Ali... Alu... Alabin! That's it!"
Aslan turned to his friend. "What do you think, Cygnus? You've seen Alabin in action. Is he powerful enough to do this?"
Cygnus frowned. "Maybe. It's not that easy to tell. Short of asking him directly, or sneaking a peak at his spellbooks, it's impossible to know for sure."
There was a brief silence. "What about you, Argo?" Talass asked, rising to her feet. "You always seem to have all the answers."
Bigfellow gave her a pained smile in return.
"I am not devout enough to confer with the powers above as you can, my good lady."
"I already told you the results of my divination. Seek upon the water. That could mean anything."
"Yes, but it might mean one particular thing. Our good friend Atlanter. I know," Argo raised his hand to forestall the coming objections. "He doesn't, or at least shouldn't, have access to that kind of magical power, but I'm just not that much of a believer in coincidences. He shows up here just in time for our trial? Illusionist, let the sham be exposed!"
"What?" asked Talass.
"An inside joke," Aslan explained. "Argo, the Lord Mayor told me that Atlanter's visit here is an official one and was scheduled weeks ago! That just doesn't add up to him being behind this."
"Maybe," the ranger replied, starting to remove the straps of his plate mail, "But I've had a bad feeling in my gut ever since this started, and I want to check it out once and for all. Cygnus, there's a dressing room this way," he pointed to the door he was now heading towards. "Come with me and help me get this armor off. Then, I need an invisibility spell from you."
"Argo, there's something you're not telling us!" Talass said sharply as Cygnus rose and headed out the door Argo was holding open for him.
"You're right, my good lady. There is." was the ranger's reply as he closed the door behind him.