A few hours after the previous chapter, in a private booth of a local tavern...

Aris leaned back and contemplated the rest of the party. "Alright, now that the official message has been delivered, it's time to get to the actual work. Only problem: all of us stick out like sore thumbs here."

Aflia shrugged, "nothing to be done about that. Kaeleer is a small town that grew up around the Cencin docks and sawmill when the manor was being built. So we're already flagged as outsiders just because no-one knows us."

Little Bird flexed her wings, "so if we're going to be noticed anyway, then why not ask questions openly?"

Aris shook his head, "I hate to say it, but we're going to have to do exactly that. The cult had to enter the Cencin lands somehow. And even if they are operating out in the wilds instead of in Kaeleer they would have to have some contact with the outside world. So they have to have an agent in Kaeleer somewhere. Yarizos would also have an agent in the town too, if for no other reason then to manage the town in his absence. So when we start asking questions, we won't get any useful answers."

Talae stroked Nox's fur, "So what do we do?"

Aris shook his head, "I start asking questions with Talae. Aflia and Little Bird will have to watch our backs. When someone inevitably tries to grab us they will step in. We should end up with at least one captive to start unraveling the network."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Aflia shakes her head, "not happening that way Aris. Better to have me with you when you are asking questions, with Little bird and Talae on standby. I may even be able to put some of the locals at ease enough to answer truthfully."

Aris mulled this over for a moment, "it makes logical sense..."

Talae stretched and yawned, "with that settled, I'm off to bed."

Aris' eyebrow rose, "we only rented two rooms, so who is sleeping with whom?"

Talae grinned, "I can't sleep in the same room as you if we want to keep up the appearance of needing both rooms. So Little Bird is with me, and Aflia is with you."

Aflia agreed, "go have another mug of ale while I get ready for bed Aris."

Aris stood up and yawned hugely, "Don't take too long, we all need sleep." Noxxy, please go with Aflia and let me know when she gets in bed so I can come up.

"Murr" Ok, I'll let you know.

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Status Report:

Money: +50 gold per day.

Food and water: 10 days of hardtack rations.

Equipment: in good condition.

The Ring: obsidian band with one carbuncle gem and two empty settings

Total Deaths: 1