The cloaked man slowly approaches the door the dead man was guarding and reaches out to open the door. But before his hand touched the handle, his eyes widen as he feels someone's gaze. “Who's there!” The man calls out.

Edmund's eyes widen and he loses his focus, breaking the shadow spirit's spell. Edmund's form appears and color slowly drains from his face. “Shit!” He exclaims as he raises his hands.

The cloaked man's eyes also widen. “My bow!” He exclaims in recognition. “Who are you?” He asks as he slowly makes his way closer.

Edmund gulps. It wasn’t long before the cloaked man was within striking distance. With his hands raised, he decides to explain himself. “I’m here in search of a child. The Night’s Hand has kidnapped him.” He says.

The cloaked man raises an eyebrow, and he slowly lowers the dagger he was holding. “Very well. Come with me. You’ll make a useful scout.” He says with a gesture.

Edmund lets out a bitter smile. “Sure. Lead the way.” He says with a slight bow.

“Hmm.” The man says as he slowly turns around and walks to the door. “This is where they keep their prisoners. Perhaps the child you’re looking for is in here.” He says as he opens the door. “Prepare yourself. I’m unsure what we’ll find.” He says as he walks into the room.

…

…

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The room was dark, dank place and the first thing Edmund saw as he walked in was a skeleton laying in a cell. Then, he saw the prisoners. Some of them looked like they had been starved for weeks, while others were angrily calling out. “Let me out! Let me out, now! Do you know who I am!?” One of the prisoners yells out.

Edmund lowers his head and continues walking after the cloaked man.

Eventually they came upon a cell holding a beautiful woman. A beautiful elf woman.

Edmund’s eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to her face. Looks as smooth as a baby’s bottom. He couldn’t help but think.

“Archand!” The elf lady calls out as she hurries to the edge of the cell.

“My lady! Thank the heavens I found you. Wait a moment.” He says as he takes out the keys and opens the cell.

The beautiful elf lady doesn’t hesitate and embraces the cloaked man. She lets out a breath. “Thank you.” She says before looking to Edmund. “Who’s this?” She asks.

“This is Edmund. He’s looking for a child. Come. Perhaps he’s also here.” The cloaked man says before leading the way once more.

A blush forms on Edmund’s cheeks as he waves. “Hi.” He says shyly before remembering why he was here. A little embarrassed, he quickly follows after the cloaked man.

The elf lady raises an eyebrow before smiling. “Cute kid.” She says before following.

Before long, Edmund found him. He was in a crib in the middle of a cell, peacefully sleeping. Edmund shakes his head. What’s the point of keeping a baby in a cell? He thinks, losing a little faith in humanity.

The cloaked man opens the cell and picks up the sleeping child. He takes a look at it for a moment before handing him to Edmund. “Here. Your child.” He says before moving to exit the cell.

Edmund frowns as he awkwardly holds the baby. “He’s not my child!” He says with some frustration.

The elf lady lets out a giggle. “Baby holding a baby. How cute.” She says before following after the cloaked man.

Edmund lets out a breath. He gives up on the matter and simply follows.

Hey, Shadow Spirit. Can you cloak all of us? Edmund asks. If it was possible it would certainly be useful.

Yes, young acolyte. Just a moment.

Edmund stops causing the others to turn. “Wait a moment. And relax.” He says.

The cloaked man and the elf lady raise an eyebrow, when suddenly they felt a magical energy encompass them and their bodies seemed to become ethereal.

Edmund smiles. “Come on. It will be easier to get out this way.” He says before walking ahead.

The cloaked man and the elf lady slowly come to and follow in relative surprise.