Over the next day, Alrynn taught Kezati more about getting information about both the necklace’s location and the commissioner’s past with it. While there were a few rumors about where the necklace was—or, more accurately, a couple of sightings of someone with something similar—they had a lot less luck with information about the commissioner. All anyone seemed to be able to say was that he was a rich guy, but apparently lost a lot of his influence pretty recently. They’d also heard that his brother was scheduled to become the mayor of the town, but Kezati wasn’t too sure about how that had to do with anything, aside from meaning he had valuable connections. In fact, most people didn’t even seem to realize the guy owned a necklace like that. Definitely not one that he himself had worn, and apparently he didn’t have a wife or daughter living with him…

Eventually, they were able to figure out the most likely place that the necklace was in. And, for better or worse, they weren’t the only ones who found it there. Kezati assumed it was the same group that had dropped the note before, though he couldn’t get a close enough look at them either time to know for certain.

What he did know, though, was that they weren’t going in without a plan. He turned to Alrynn and asked, “What do you think we should do?”

“Remember what I told you about using your best judgment. What do you think we should do?”

“Wait, you’re really asking me..?”

“No one learns anything just by listening. They’ve got to actually have a couple of chances to put that stuff to use.” Alrynn subtly gestured towards the others. “It’s probably going to take them a couple of minutes to realize us—they’re pretty interested in what they’re doing. What’s some other things you notice?”

Kezati stared for a moment then, after he formed a small list in his head, nervously gave his answer. “They probably just got here. It doesn’t look like they planned for any trouble and I can’t see any obvious weapons on them. They’re definitely all together—they’re too similar not to be.”

“And do you think they’re going to be a threat?”

“I don’t think you should be asking that to someone who can’t tell the difference between a kind old man and a cranky one that’s willing to sic his dog on you for an accident…”

“That’s not an answer. What do your instincts tell you about this group?”

“They… might not have the skill to be actually as intimidating as they look. I get the feeling that they’re just hoping they look tough enough to deter most people from trying to less with them. But they still outnumber us, so even if they aren’t really a threat or, worse, it turns out they are one…”

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“Well, we’re not going to know if we don’t try,” Alrynn pointed out calmly. “First, we’ll try to talk to them—see what they know. Then, if it turns out they want a fight, we’ll get the hell out of there, with or without the necklace. Do you understand?”

Kezati nodded but, before he could say anything else, Alrynn was already walking out into the open. It didn’t take long for the others to notice him, so Kezati quickly went to stand beside him to prove that he wasn’t alone.

Not like two were really much different, but it was something.

Each of the thieves looked between each other, before one of them stepped out. He had something in his hand—what Kezati quickly realized was the exact same necklace we were looking for.

“What are you here for?” the man prompted sternly. “If you’re the mercenaries that monster hired, I’d advise you to get going now. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into—best to stay out of it completely.”

Alrynn pulled out the paper they’d found earlier and tossed it in the man’s direction. “Is this from you?”

The man didn’t even look at it. “Don’t say I never tried to warn you. It’s only your own fault if you go through with this despite what’s going on.”

Kezati looked between Alrynn and the man before slowly remarking, “But we don’t know what’s going on…”

“This noble—the guy who commissioned you,” the man began, his voice laced with hate and disgust. “He thinks it’s his brother’s fault that he doesn’t have any influence anymore, and he’s going to change that. This necklace isn’t just any ordinary piece of jewelry—it’s a Relic. Which means it has powers. And this in specific… well, it has the power to create a few small illusions. He plans to use the necklace, create an illusion, and cause a panic the day his brother becomes mayor—something that’ll give the brother a good reason not to mess with the noble.”

“And what do you plan on doing with it?” Alrynn questioned.

“Keep it safe, of course! We can’t let anyone use it for malicious intentions.”

“What about the police?”

“They’re just going to give it back to the noble as soon as he shoves some money their way! And you’re going to do the same thing, too, so—“

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

In a move that surprised everyone watching, Alrynn pulled out his gun. Only Kezati could pick up on the subtle signs that he was only using it to get everyone’s attention.

“Hand over the necklace,” Alrynn said calmly.

“Never!” The man even pulled it closer, fumbling with the chain. “In fact, you’ll have to pry it off of my cold, d—“

A loud bang! sent half of the thieves fleeing, most of the others leaving, too, once they realized their friends had left. Only a handful stood waiting to see what the man would do after Alrynn shot the sky.

And it turns out that the man’s instinct was to flee—especially after others started walking by to see what had caused the noise. He dropped the necklace immediately, though by the time he realized it Kezati had already darted over to grab it.

“Don’t worry,” Alrynn said coolly. He first put his gun back in its holster, then accepted the necklace from Kezati. “We’ll be sure to use our best judgment when deciding what to do next.”