Guild representative George McSmeagol smiled as he entered the elegant conference room and saw the spread of food laid out. It’s nice to be properly feared and respected, he thought with his usual touch of arrogance. A man of forty, he had already reached the 10th rank of mastery and considered most beneath him. The fact he was the first from the guild chosen to investigate the recent spate of astonishing magical devices also inflated his ego.
“Welcome Mage McSmeagol to the M’Craft Detective Agency.” M’Craft welcomed him. “Please, feel free to help yourself to the food and let us know why such an esteemed member of the guild is here. Perhaps seeking the services of the premier detective agency in the city?” M’Craft asked with the proper respect due the Mage’s position while also subtly reminding George that he and his agency were no pushovers and could make things very difficult for someone who wasn’t civil.
Placing his staff vertically behind his seat where it hung in mid-air, George helped himself to the food and then sat down. That should remind them of who I represent. “Detective M’Craft, thank you for your welcome. The guild is, of course, aware of how useful your agency has been to many in the city. In fact, we were wondering if perhaps you could help shed some light on a puzzling series of recent magical events?”
“Well, I imagine that’s likely. But, if you’re not in too much of a hurry, perhaps we can all take some time to eat and relax before getting to business, so to speak. That ok with you?”
“Certainly.” McSmeagol replied, after he finished the nicely done chicken wing coated in sauce and took a swig of white wine. “After all, the wizard’s guild is nothing if not civilized. How did you get such a nice spread of hot food set out in only an hour by the way?” he asked with curiosity. “I didn’t see it being brought in and I don’t see a large kitchen with servants around. Do you have an arrangement with one of the local restaurants?” The smell of spiced dumplings reached his nose and looking around he quickly spotted the bowl, steam still wafting from it. He reached out for a few dumplings and poured some dipping sauce into a little cup there for the purpose. “This is really quite nice.” At least M’Craft knows how to treat people right.
“Funny you should mention that.” M’Craft smiled as he motioned to one of his people. “Why don’t we just sit back and enjoy our meal while my man Bruno here, demonstrates a few things. I imagine it might answer a lot of the questions you came here for.”
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George gave M’Craft a quick scan. Confident they already think they know why I am here? Well, they could save me a lot of time. Let’s see what they have to say.
He casually waved for the demonstration to start as he picked up some deviled eggs from a bowl and added them to his plate. He was just starting to eat one when Bruno wheeled in a food box, one of the very things he was supposed to investigate and started explaining how it worked.
His eyes narrowing as the demonstration proceeded, George quickly forgot about his food. Starring at the major magical artifact being presented as just another appliance, George’s jaw dropped when informed non-mages could use it. When Bruno mentioned the price, George’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
“But how?” he exclaimed as he walked over to examine it. This is amazing! How are they making it work? And it works for mundanes too? It’s so cheap. How? A sudden desire to know the box’s secrets seized George and he started to cast a divination spell, ignoring the people around him.
Kapow!
The next thing George knew, he was flat against the wall behind him, his head ringing from being stunned as he slowly slid to the floor. The brief outline of a ward around the box indicated the source of his headache.
“Here, let me help you up.” M’Craft came over and picked George up as if he were a child, which compared to the M’Craft he was. Then he whipped out a wand and activated it causing George’s headache to go away while George’s outfit straightened itself out.
Looking down on the mage, he commented. “You know, most people would consider it rude to cast spells during a meeting without even stopping to ask or tell people what you are up to. Now, I’m not saying it’s not understandable, after all, I could see your excitement at new magic. But.” And here M’Craft raised a finger and pointed at George, “attempting to divine magical trade secrets is industrial espionage and I’m sure such a reputable mage as yourself would never stoop to such. So, let’s just put it down to a moment of excitement and move on, shall we?”
George felt himself moved by M’Craft’s strength, gently, but firmly back to his seat where the receptionist brought him a coffee and roll before taking her place again off to the side. Meanwhile, Bruno placed a white truth crystal in the middle of the table and activated it before George could object.
M’Craft tapped the crystal and looked at George. “You know what this is, correct?”
“A truth crystal” George felt a wave of disgust at how easily he had been set up. With the crystal active he couldn’t lie without it being obvious to the detectives. But that means they can’t lie either. I can turn this to my advantage. His stomach started settling and the aroma of the food reminded him of the rules of this engagement. Ok, it’s obvious that M’Craft knows something about these new devices. Let’s see if I can pump him for information. In fact, I may just get the information I need for free. George narrowed his eyes as he carefully considered his next words. The game is afoot!