Chapter 26 – Watch and Wait
As the portal dissipated, SJ was met with light rain, the familiar smell of wood shavings and coffee. She hurried up the steps to the kitchen entrance of her home, the sounds of the busy morning in the city carrying to her in the yard. Time to work, she thought as she entered the kitchen. A coffee pot rested on the stove, and SJ reached out to check its temperature before pouring herself a mug. Inhaling its bitter essence, she turned and headed downstairs to the garage.
"Morning," she called as she did.
Lurtew's face appeared in the garage doorway. "Morning. We weren't sure exactly when you would be back. Yawnee is out currently. She's just gone to the market."
SJ entered the garage and leaned on a bench, holding her coffee in her hands. The main doors were open, and the light rain was gathering in puddles on the cobbles outside.
"How's the work going?" SJ casually enquired. She always did every time she returned, and it had become a staple conversation.
"Very well, our orders have been increased through the Alchemy Guild," Lurtew sounded pleased.
"That's good then."
"Yes. We have been requested to produce some specifically designed crates. Quite intricate work involved," he nodded thoughtfully.
"I'm so glad it's going so well, and all thanks to Caperca." Caperca and his wife had become regular visitors to the house, often calling in to see them, if they were not visiting theirs.
"He's coming around later if you're around?" Lurtew asked.
"I'm not sure yet. I have quite a lot to do and need to meet up with a colleague."
Lurtew just nodded his head in understanding. "Although her profession wasn't discussed openly, it wasn't a secret either. You don't mind grabbing me a coffee while I'm finishing this off, do you?" Lurtew asked.
SJ smiled, "Of course not."
There wasn't enough in the pot for two more, so SJ made a fresh pot before returning downstairs with them. "Here you go," she said, placing it on the bench for Lurtew.
"Thanks," he said, placing his chisel down and picking it up. "I need this today. The rain hasn't stopped for two days now. It always seems to seep into my bones." He shuddered.
Lurtew, being a gnoll covered in thick fur, didn't really mean that he was actually cold, and that was why, whatever the weather, the doors were nearly always open to the garage. They stood chatting casually for some time while SJ finished her second cup.
"Right, I'm going to head off. I may be back later; I'm not sure yet."
"Yawnee always has enough in the pantry anyway," Lurtew smiled.
"Thanks, I'll see you later," SJ said. She returned with their empty mugs and, after washing them up in the kitchen, went upstairs. Kibble was still in Killic. He didn't like leaving the wyverns unattended, even though he knew there was virtually zero chance they would do anything wrong.
SJ was just about to head up to her room when she heard the front door open downstairs, followed by Yawnee's cheerful voice humming a tune.
"Hi, Yawnee," SJ said, peering over the stair rail.
"Hi, SJ," Yawnee replied, climbing the stairs with a small sack.
"Here," SJ said, moving down the steps and taking it from her.
"Thanks," she said, rolling her shoulders.
"What's in it?" SJ asked, surprised by how heavy it was.
"I couldn't resist," Yawnee said as SJ placed the sack on the kitchen table and Yawnee opened it, removing a baseball-sized fruit. It had a pale green skin, and SJ hadn't seen one before. "They only come in season once a year, and they are Lurtew's favourite. They last a long time as well, and if I place them in the preserver."
"Preserver?" SJ asked, confused.
"Didn't I tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I had the pantry upgraded. It now has a preservation spell on it. Keeps the food fresher."
"No, you hadn't. I bet that wasn't cheap, and I thought you were short of money after our previous discussion?"
Yawnee blushed. "I used the bank funds for it. I hope you don't mind. It just made sense to have one."
SJ rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I have said all along that you can use the money for improvements as you see fit. Talking about money, have you heard anything more since our last discussion?"
"Mrs Kawil said that, apparently, one of the main traders had been spotted in District 7, but I don't know where precisely."
"At least they may still be around then, which means you may still be able to get your money back. Do you have the paperwork you signed when you invested in the consortium? Now that I'm here for a few days, I'd like to have a proper look. Maybe I can find out some more information."
"I'll grab it for you in a moment. Let me just put these away," Yawnee said. SJ placed the unusual fruit back in the sack, which Yawnee then picked up, moving to the preserver, and placed the fruit inside. It looked like a regular pantry. SJ quickly flicked her display settings over to show mana, and it highlighted the outline of the pantry, confirming it had a spell placed on it. She didn't use the mana view often, especially in Asterfal, as she could become very disoriented due to the constant shift in mana strengths. Since Dave had implemented the change, it had come in useful, but was not something she could use permanently.
SJ moved through to the lounge while Yawnee disappeared into her bedroom. It wasn't long before she joined her with a raft of paperwork. SJ frowned, seeing the amount of paperwork she had been given, and took it from her. With her prior Earth-born forensic knowledge, she began sifting through the documentation. SJ had become self-absorbed reading the details, and Yawnee excused herself after a while to go and help Lurtew.
These contracts are written so poorly, SJ thought as she read through them. They contain so many unanswered questions. Any being with an eye for details or contracts would have picked them out.
SJ Sighed.
"It looks like they have deliberately targeted certain groups of beings that know no better," Dave said.
SJ's temper rose as she read the details. The contents didn't align with the profits that were being stated or the turnover expectations. Yawnee had been well and truly sucked into what appeared to be a sure deal on the surface.
I wonder who this being is? SJ thought, reading the name Evelyn Dashwin. She was listed as a fashion designer who would bring the designs to life in the tailor shop on behalf of the consortium, and, reading the supposed credentials she had, they were substantial.
"Maybe that's the first being to identify," Dave said.
That's if they are a real being and not just some random name they have added, and if they are real, not just a stolen identity, SJ thought.
"You would have to investigate to find out," Dave said.
Yes, but I also have other priorities to consider. The guild quest has to take priority.
"True, but it doesn't stop you putting out feelers. Maybe that's where Fas can help you while you focus on the chief."
That's actually not a bad idea, knowing the network of eyes and ears he has available to him.
SJ folded the papers back up after taking a few key notes. Okay, I'll drop these back off with Yawnee, and then I think it's time to head over to the Gryphon and see Fas.
The light rain continued to fall, the skies holding a murky grey tone as SJ made her way to District 9. Her hood was pulled up around her face, keeping the rain at bay. The streets of District 9 were in their usual state of affairs, with the clash of wealth and some's obvious downtrodden status. The guild headquarters here, which she had visited, shone like beacons, attracting not just Legionnaires, but many wishing to make their marks in Asterfals dungeon.
It's amazing how differently you see a city once you start getting to know it, SJ thought. Her initial thoughts on the district were that it was calm and peaceful, but now whenever she moved around it, she could always sense an air of imminent danger. The District wasn't anywhere near the worst in the city, but knowing the troubles that occurred on the open streets, never mind in the darkened alleys since her first arrival, she always entered with an air of caution.
Whatever the underlying feelings, she always felt in her element when she visited now, the heightened tension keeping her alert.
SJ cut across the bar to the accommodation entrance, ignoring the patrons inside. She knocked on Fas's door and waited patiently for an answer.
"You should have let me know you had returned," Fas said from behind her, making her jump out of her skin, letting out a squeal in surprise.
"Did you have to?" SJ growled, turning on him. He currently appeared as a human male, standing over six feet tall.
Fas chuckled as he brushed past her and unlocked his door. "Please come in," he grinned as he stepped to one side.
SJ huffed as she entered, removing her wet cloak and dropping it on a hook by the door.
"Give me a moment," Fas said after he had closed the door as he made his way through to one of the back rooms. In all of SJ's visits to his home, she had never been anywhere else apart from the large open lounge area, and she still wondered what he had hidden behind the closed doors.
"I bet he has a pile of dead bodies," Dave laughed at his own comment as he read SJ's thoughts.
I'd smell them if he did, SJ replied to his flippant comment.
Fas didn't take long and returned to his usual elf persona, which he appeared to prefer.
"I'm guessing you would like to discuss the chief some more?" Fas asked as he poured a drink for the pair of them.
"Actually, no. I have another request for you."
"You do?" Fas asked, a little surprised. "And what does this request entail?"
"I have a name: Evelyn Dashwin. Supposedly, she is a fashion designer. Her name is being used to front a consortium that has been scamming beings like Yawnee. I need to know whether it's a real person or just a random name, and, if possible, details about her, where she drinks, lives, and the like. Can you put feelers out through your network?"
"I can. Which District?"
"The scam was based in District 6, but whether any beings ever were or are from District 6, I don't know. Some elements stretched into District 7 from the information Yawnee gave me about friends of hers who have been caught up in it."
"Do you have any other details? Race, looks, age?"
"No, unfortunately not. All I have is a name from the contract paperwork that was signed."
"That will make it more challenging to discover anything, but I can see what they can discover. I'm assuming this isn't a matter of urgency?"
"Not if you have other pressing matters. Whenever you can fit it in."
"That's good. I am currently completing some business, and once that's concluded, I will ask them to look into it."
"That would be great, thanks, Fas. Have you seen the chief today?"
"No, she hasn't been in today yet. She doesn't normally arrive until the evening most days, as it is, unless there are important fights taking place."
"Talking of fights reminds me. I have been informed that Asterfal has a tournament when they hold their celebration."
"Yes, it happens every few years, why?"
"I just wondered if it was something you had ever entered in your various disguises."
Fas laughed. "No, but I have used the opportunity to perform some lucrative business dealings previously. There is normally an influx of guild requests during the celebration season."
SJ nodded in understanding.
“I think I will head out to this compound you mentioned, where the chief lives, and do some scouting. Can you show me the location?”
"Sure," Fas stood and moved to his desk. He opened the drawer, and in doing so, SJ was immediately reminded of the little black book he had resisted showing her; she still desperately wished to know what it contained. Fas lifted a map from the drawer and placed it on the table.
"See the path that runs from the western gate towards the mountains through the forest," Fas indicated with his finger. "The compound is approximately here," he said, resting his finger on a spot inside the forest line with a clear route that led to where the mines were marked. "It's not easily visible unless you know it's there; the track that leads to it is very deceptive."
"How far is it from the city?"
"Oh, not far, once you're clear of the gates in a cart or wagon, it would probably take about thirty minutes. Flying less."
"I'm going to go then and see what I can learn."
"Do you wish me to accompany you?"
"No, I'm not planning on doing anything today, only watching to get to know the place."
"Okay then. Remember what I said about Tsongy: if you are spotted at all, you need to be ready to run. He is formidable, and you don't want to get mixed up with him."
"I'm not sure I want to get mixed up with any of them, if I'm being honest. I have felt the magic that the Chief gives off as it is."
Fas nodded. "Yes, she is skilled."
"I'm going to head over there then," SJ said, placing her empty glass on the table.
"If you get into trouble, call me," Fas said.
"I will," SJ said.
SJ had left through the rear entrance down into the gardens, which Fas's home overlooked. She had then changed into her miniature form and flown west across the city towards the gate. Her map was still greyed out for the area where the compound was, but she had a rough idea of its location. As she reached the gate, there was a queue of wagons coming and going through the entrance. It was much busier than the southern entrance they usually used to enter the city.
I can see why the gate is so much busier, SJ thought as she flew over it. Lined up were several caged wagons with various beings inside.
"Looks like more mine workers," Dave said.
Slaves more like, have you seen the state of many of them? Her anger flared.
"If they get paid for their work, they aren't slaves. Remember that," Dave corrected.
That's if they do get paid. Having seen what goes on in this city, I would be surprised if they do.
SJ flew in silence as she followed the winding trail that ran through the forest. This main route was well used and well maintained, from the looks of it. She spotted guards on horseback, wearing the city's colours, patrolling regularly.
The territory from what she could see stretched for a substantial distance before it reached another border as it wound further westward. SJ couldn't even see on the horizon where the border could be, although in the far distance, she could see signs of a town or similar, with plumes of smoke rising into the air. The rain was still falling, but thankfully hadn't got any heavier, and it only took SJ fifteen minutes to reach where she believed the compound was located. The forest canopy was thick, and she couldn't see any clear signs from above, so she flew lower along the path.
"There on the right," Dave said as she flew above the trail.
SJ dropped down further and then noticed the opening in the forest. It was wide enough for a wagon or coach to fit, but there were no signs indicating that there was anything down there.
Let's follow it and see what we discover, SJ thought.
The track was hard-packed and clear, obviously seeing signs of regular use, and SJ stayed high along the edge of the path as it weaved further into the forest. She had travelled for a further five minutes when she came to a stop. Ahead of her, the trail started to dip, and as she neared the start of the decline, she could clearly see down into a deep bowl in the earth.
The area was surrounded by a stone wall with a steel railing running along its top. For any non-flight, it would be an imposing target. Inside the main wall were several large buildings, each seperated and having private walls around them. The level of security was nothing SJ had witnessed before since arriving in Amathera.
The track led to a large steel gateway, and at the entrance, four guards stood. They all wore a similar uniform, not city colours.
I have no idea which is the chief's house, SJ said.
"We just need to keep watch then," Dave chirped happily. He had become much more accommodating of stakeouts since SJ's first-ever stakeout, watching from the alleyways of Killic.
SJ lifted to the top of the surrounding canopy and found a branch with a clear view of the compound; her eyesight was good enough that, even at this distance, she could make out most beings inside the imposing walls.
As she stood on the branch, she took up the pose of the technique that Brother Liam had shown her, trying to focus on her surroundings as a whole. She wasn't just looking; she was also listening. She let the techniques wash over her; the patter of rain, the wind, and the voices of the guards. Her emotions were taut, and she could sense a vague boredom from the gate guards; a more insistent pulse came from a roving patrol. The compound wasn't just secure; it was fortified.
The time passed, and the early afternoon drifted into late. SJ still hadn't managed to focus entirely on the technique, constantly being pulled in one direction over another; there were only ever faint glimmers of meaning.
As the late-afternoon sun began its dip into the evening, SJ spotted the imposing form of Tsongy in the compound. His massive form approached the wagon, his head constantly turning as he looked around. He had walked from the furthest and grandest of the buildings. A coach had stood outside all day, untethered with horses, and as he left the building, a tall, slim, dark elf followed him before climbing into the driver's seat of the coach. Tsongy stood by the wagon door, holding it open. Several moments later, SJ watched as the chief walked from the building with two other beings, a halfling and a second dark elf.
That was four out of the chief's five mentioned security detail. The fifth then appeared from the side of the building, an elf escorting horses, which he led to the front before attaching their harnesses. SJ knew the names of them all, but didn't know which of the dark elves was named which. As she watched the chief, Oline the halfling rogue and one of the dark elves, either Tassel or Wernig, climbed into it as the elven priest Gallian joined one of the dark elves in the driving seat. Tsongy then closed the wagon door, moved to the rear of the wagon, and climbed onto the footman's rail. His large form was clearly visible over the coach roof.
It looks like they're on their way into the city, SJ thought.
SJ didn't take off and watched as the coach approached the gates, which the guards immediately opened to let them pass. It continued down the track until it turned a bend in the forest, moving out of sight.
"Are you not following?" Dave asked, confused.
No, I'm going to check the house out.
