When our laughter subsided, the host looked at me again. "Tell me, please. Do you have any idea of who the Black Jester is? Or how to lure him out of hiding? Honestly, I'm afraid to learn his identity and discover that he is a traitor from our guild." His face turned somber at the thought.

I thought for a moment and then answered. "I don't think this person is Urru because she doesn't strike me as the sort of person to hide behind a mask. If she has a problem with me, I think she will face me openly in a mage duel."

Delkon nodded in agreement. This was an accurate assessment of her personality.

"Aside from her, I'm not particularly worried if Black Jester turns out to be another member of the Black Mages in our guild. His magic power doesn't alarm me like Urru's. I wouldn't be surprised if Black Jester is relying on magic items to supplement his weak spellcasting ability. I think he is a mid-tier mage, at best. The real problem, though, is his backing," I noted.

"You mean like how high up the aristocracy this conspiracy runs?" the host asked.

"Exactly. The Jesters Group may be nothing more than a bunch of rabble-rousers looking to make noise and garnering attention to themselves. Or, there may be serious financial backing to overthrow your governance of Southampton. The Church may be an implicit sponsor of this endeavor, too, as a way to retaliate against the Magic Guild for tossing the Church out of the city," I continued to explore all the possibilities I could think of at the moment.

The host thought long and hard about my response. While he harbored personal reservations about banishing the Church from Southampton, he realized that the rest of the Council was solidly in favor of this course of action. He assumed that the Church would seek to discredit the Magic Guild and then return to power in the city. The Jesters Group was merely the latest attempt to do so, in his eyes. Frankly, he wasn't very concerned with this group. Instead, the mage had a bigger worry at the moment. "Where does your allegiance lie?" Delkon asked pointedly.

"With the common folk," I answered immediately. "If I believe that the Magic Guild is incompetent in governing this city and its leadership is filled with corruption, then I will not hesitate to throw my support against the guild. Even though I am a member of the Magic Guild because, to me, that's a separate issue from what's in the best interest of the common folk that I serve. If the Magic Guild decides to erase me from its membership rolls for disloyalty, then I can live with that."

The Councilor laughed at my unexpected candor. I was truly different from all the nobility he had the displeasure of meeting. "I find your honesty rather refreshing, Brother Mulligan. I can certainly appreciate your focus on prioritizing the needs of the citizens of Southampton. But I must say that I am 100% confident that the people will be best served if the Magic Guild remains in charge of the city."

I smiled back. Considering the position held by my host, I didn't expect him to admit that the Magic Guild shouldn't remain in power. "In any event, that's a long-term consideration. The immediate concern is the threat of the Jesters Group. I'm going to lure out the Black Jester and goad him into attacking me."

Delkon was intrigued. "How?"

I grinned. "I need the Leadership Council to put up a big bounty on the Black Jester."

"You mean like a wanted poster?"

"Exactly."

The host clapped his hands in delight at my audacious proposal. It had been a while since the Magic Guild even offered such a bounty because the Enforcement Division, led by Iunicus, preferred to operate with a lower profile. The release of the bounty poster will certainly rile up the white mage. Which was a bonus in the eyes of Delkon. "Yes, I can see the poor fool becoming so humiliated that he will come after you. I will get the Council's approval for this bounty immediately."

Suddenly, the door to the bathroom opened and Kalistra sauntered out. "Your turn, Lord Mulligan," she said while scratching her right ear.

"Thank you," I replied and immediately entered the bathroom to take a long, relaxing bath.

While I was inside the bathroom, Delkon turned his attention toward Kalistra and tried to make small talk with her. "May I ask you a few questions?" he asked politely.

The cat girl nodded. It was unusual for powerful humans to even acknowledge her presence. Heck, it was uncommon for a mere bodyguard to be permitted to accompany her Liege in such intimate settings. While the Magic Guild was nominally ruled by a Leadership Council, Kalistra noted that Delkon was the true person in charge and thus, the de facto guildmaster. Therefore, she needed to take additional precautions in dealing with him and try not to offend the powerful human.

"Why did you decide to accept Brother Mulligan as your Liege and throw your prestigious dojo's support behind his bid for kingship?" the mage asked.

Kalistra was secretly relieved because this was a question she could answer openly. "Despite his laziness, Lord Mulligan is a man of Honor. I was very impressed by his will and determination when he started his training under me. It was a difficult training that a lesser man would have dropped out. Yet, he persevered and learned enough swordsmanship to bring great Honor to the dojo during the Melee Tournament in Bristol. I am proud to be his teacher in swordsmanship. He is a man who will achieve greatness and the leadership of the school believed in him," she answered.

"But you, personally, are the Heir to your dojo. How long can you continue to travel with Brother Mulligan and neglect your own responsibilities to your school?" he asked pointedly. Delkon realized it was a very personal question and felt it was 50-50 that she would answer it.

The cat girl refused to take the bait and instead offered her own biting retort. "As the guildmaster of the Magic Guild and governor of Southampton, you, too, shoulder enormous responsibilities."

Delkon laughed and clapped his hands in admiration of her witty comeback. "Well said. I won't pry further into your personal affairs. But Brother Mulligan will need all the protection he can get. If you believe Rijana is inadequate in providing him with magical protection, I can assign someone to join your party when you travel to London."

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

Kalistra's eyes glowed for a moment. While it was true that the party could use another mage, the cat girl had great concern regarding this man's motive in making the offer. She would prefer a mage with close personal ties to Lord Mulligan and that was someone Delkon could not offer. "I appreciate your offer. But my Liege has a strong personal relationship with Rijana, who is also serving as his magic instructor. And I don't think he would look too kindly if you offer your own representative to drive a wedge between them," she replied.

"Ouch. You presume the worst in people."

"I'm Lord Mulligan's trusted adviser and bodyguard. This is my role."

I finished my bath and walked back into the living room. I took a very quick bath because I had too many things to do today. When I stepped into the room, I felt a weird vibe between the two. It wasn't hostility per se nor open friendliness. "Am I interrupting something?"

Delkon recovered first and he raised his hand. "Not at all. I was just wondering if your companion could draw a picture of the Black Jester's face for the bounty notice."

Kalistra shook her head. "I have zero talent for drawing."

"Can I get a parchment?" I requested.

The host walked into his study and then returned a few minutes later. He placed a few parchments, a quill, and an inkwell on the coffee table.

I sat on the ground and started drawing the Black Jester's mask. It was a white mask with wide eyeholes, a sharp beak for the nose, and a big, curved mouth. I also drew a cloak over the head. To the right of his portrait, I wrote: "WANTED: Black Jester for TREASON against Southampton. A reward for tips on his true identity and info on his Jesters Group. Bounty sanctioned by the Magic Guild."

Delkon peered over my head and looked at the poster. "That's pretty good. Once the Council approves of the bounty, I'll have the scribes make copies of this poster and post them up today. This should rile up the Black Jester enough to go after you while you're outside Southampton."

"That's the game plan," I grinned.

My bodyguard shook her head in disapproval. "You're taking this too lightly."

"Because I have you to protect me." I winked at her and gave her a thumbs-up.

She simply rolled her eyes.

I pulled myself off the ground. "It's about time we return to The Trade Wind. As soon as the guide is back, we're going to leave Southampton and explore the nearby mountains," I announced.

Delkon nodded. "Per our agreement, I will send a guildmate to join your expedition. I have a person in mind who loves to explore. Please wait for my representative to arrive at the tavern."

"We should get some provisions before we return," Kalistra advised.

"I'll personally escort you out of the building," the host offered. He led us out of his apartment. Once we held hands, he used the power word "Exitium" to transport us to the lobby. "Good hunting," he said and waved us goodbye.

I waved back and then exited the building. When we stepped into the street, I turned toward Kalistra. "How many days should we buy provisions for?" I asked.

The cat girl tilted her head. Her whiskers twitched and her tail flickered for a moment. "I think we could make do with one week's worth. Since we'll be in the wilderness with three hunters in the party, we can also hunt for game," she answered. With that, my bodyguard took her post to my right and we navigated through the crowded streets to return to the tavern.

Along the way, we came across a general goods store and bought a week's worth of rations for nine party members. In addition to Kalistra and I, we needed food for Bila, Van, Rijana, the two Elves, plus the mage sent by Delkon and the hunter we will be hiring. In total, I paid out five gold coins, which was costly even with the discount I received from the store owner after he recognized me as the heroic protector of the city from the pirate raid. Thankfully, Kalistra was willing to carry the heavy bags for me and that brightened my mood. Ever so slightly.

When the two of us entered the lobby of The Trade Wind, we were immediately accosted by Bila. The tall cat girl was beaming with pride and her long yellow tail dangled happily behind her.

Standing next to her was a scruffy looking man with dark hair, black eyes, and a dark brown beard. He stood slightly taller than me. He wore a dark green cloak over a light green tunic, dark tan pants, and black leather boots. A dagger hung on each hip and a bow and quiver full of arrows peeked out over his shoulders. The man eyed the two of us in silence.

Bila approached us and said, "Lord Mulligan, this man is Yradmin, a hunter. He has agreed to be hired as a guide."

Yradmin looked me directly in the eyes and bowed deeply. "When does milord wish to leave?" His voice was surprisingly hoarse.

I nodded slightly as befitting my greater social status. "I am awaiting a representative from the Magic Guild to arrive." I turned toward Bila. "Are my companions breaking their fast?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Please let them know that we will be leaving soon. Ask them to store away their provisions for the journey," I ordered. I gave my guest room key to Kalistra. "Please retrieve our belongings." When I saw that she was hesitant to leave me alone, I said, "I'll be fine standing here in the lobby. And you'll return shortly, anyway." I waved my hand dismissively.

"Yes, my Liege," she bowed stiffed. The cat girl gave most of the rations we purchased to Bila and then raced up the stairs on all four paws.

When it was just myself, Yradmin, and Tavara standing in the lobby, the hunter asked quietly, "Are you expecting danger, milord?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "I am a nobleman, a mage and also a Church official. There are enough people in this kingdom who resent me and what I represent."

The hunter's thick brows rose. "You are a cleric, too?" He saw that I was wearing a white robe but thought I was simply a white mage. Practitioners of the White Arts had a strong presence in Southampton and thus, it was not uncommon to see mages wearing white robes in the seaport.

I took out my Truth Stone of Order and Chaos from under my tunic.

The receptionist and the hunter gasped at the sight of the stone. They knew it was used to coerce the truth during inquisitions and few clergymen carried this holy relic. They had no idea that I was such a high-ranking member of the Church. They immediately reached out to kiss the back of my hand.

"No, I'm only a town judge. I don't merit that hand-kissing treatment," I chuckled and waved for the two to back away from me.

"If you say so, Holy One," Tavara replied.

Seeing their apparent discomfort, I quickly returned the necklace to its hiding place under my tunic. "Please don't tell anyone that I carry a Truth Stone. I don't want the good folk here to think that I'm plotting to return Southampton under the sway of the Church. I'm here strictly for a personal quest," I explained.

"Yes, milord," the two commoners replied and bowed in unison.

The door behind us opened and someone entered the room. It was a young woman with dark blonde hair dressed in a red robe. She wore brown-rimmed glasses and held a wooden staff. She carried a backpack and a messenger bag. She looked around the lobby and immediately zeroed in on me. She walked with an easy grace across the room until she stood in front of me. Her bright blue eyes held my gaze and she bowed to me. "Brother Mulligan, my name is Sanhewa. Councilor Delkon has assigned me to join your mission of exploration outside the city," she said with a light, delicate voice.

"Well met. I am Lawrence Eugene Mulligan, a fellow member of the Magic Guild." I turned and glanced at Yradmin for a moment and then returned my attention to the newcomer. "I am seeking to locate certain ancient ruins in the mountains. I expect the expedition to last a week," I explained.

The two nodded in acceptance of the timeline for the mission.

The rest of my companions arrived in the lobby. Once the proper introductions were made, we left the tavern together.