Chapter 1 First?

It was late morning the day after the Lady of Hellfire’s debut before any mortal living or dead witnessed either she or her lover. They were both seen together as they casually descended the stairs, into the tavern area of the Celestial Dawn, as if nothing had happened the day prior. “Good morning.” Celeste greeted them with a deep nod and then went back to serving the patron that she was previously engaged with.

“Morning.” Isaac replied with a yawn while covering his mouth.

“Good morning.” Lenna spoke politely.

Celeste wrapped up what she was doing and then met the duo at their seats at her bar. “Congratulations.” She told Lenna with a smile that was only slightly forced. It was clear that she was happy that Lenna won but there were also a lot of other emotions at war behind that smile.

“Thank you.” Lenna replied with a smile but she noticed the complex emotions hidden behind the sorceress’ smile. “Did you know him?”

Celeste nodded to the waitress and gestured at Isaac and Lenna. The waitress nodded back and moved to bring them what was left of the breakfast from earlier that morning. “I did.” Celeste answered honestly. “His brother was always a pain, awful child. Honestly, when you killed him I was almost glad that I wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore.” As she spoke she looked at Isaac to make it clear that she was referencing the man that Isaac had killed in her tavern. “But Eskahno was a good lad.” She continued and looked down into the old, scared, oak bar. It looked as though she was trying to see the distant past by gazing through the old wood.

“I see.” Lenna eventually replied. A moment later the waitress arrived with their food so the conversation was put on hold momentarily.

Once the waitress was gone Celeste gave Lenna a sad smile. “I understand what you did and why, at least I think I do, so I will not fault you for killing the boy.” She told Lenna honestly. “I just wish it didn’t happen.”

Lenna nodded. “Thank you.” She took a sip of her cheap mead that probably wouldn’t even be considered alcoholic in most places. “I wish it didn’t have to happen too.”

Isaac had been unusually quiet but at that he put his hand on Lenna’s shoulder. “He might not stay dead.” He told the women. “Be ready for either outcome. Regardless of what happens the rumors of that fight will spread like wildfire and that is what is important. Less people will be willing to pick a fight with you after what happened. He was a sacrifice to ensure that more would learn from his mistake.” He explained. He didn’t want either of them to be too broken up about the death of the adventurer but he didn’t really know how to go about consoling them.

Lenna took a deep breath and then huffed it out quickly with a nod. “You’re right.” She replied with new found resolve. “We also have a job to do that won’t welcome distractions.”

“Oh?” Celeste asked. “What job?”

Isaac grinned impishly. “A top secret one.”

“Uh-hu.” Celeste replied like the response was well practiced from raising her own son.

Stolen novel; please report.

Isaac laughed heartily. “Honestly though it would be best if you waited to find out until we were done.” He told her. “All that matters is that we are going to be very busy over the next few days.”

—

“With everything your spy has told us I think that it might be a good idea to sit this one out.” Aria told Isaac honestly. “I know that is pretty rude of me considering I dragged you into this mess but this became much worse much too fast.”

Isaac nodded. “That is probably a good idea.” He told her. Conversation paused as Lenna’s aura flared quickly before resettling. “Scrying again?” He asked her. Lenna nodded in reply. “I really don’t like not knowing who is trying to watch you. I like it even less because they obviously don’t care about being subtle about it.”

“You two are still being watched?” Aria asked and looked around. They were in Aria and Claus’s room in the inn that they were staying at so there were no others present. “I think that this is way beyond what Claus and I can handle.”

“Agreed.” Isaac replied. “Will you two stay here or head back with the next caravan?”

“We’ll head back and wait for you at Ben’s End for a while. It should be far enough from this craziness that we won’t be caught in the crossfire but close enough that we can still keep an eye on the goods Lisa has been stealing.” Aria explained her plan.

Isaac nodded. “That works. Once we figure out this whole mess and clean it up we’ll sprint to Ben’s End. We are going to have to be fast if we want to catch Lisa before she knows about what is going on.” He frowned and rubbed his chin in thought. “It would be better if some of our allies here could deal with Mr. Nobody directly while we cut off the other head of the snake.”

“We might not get the bonus if that is the case.” Lenna warned. “But I agree. I do not like the idea of you walking into a hostile wizard tower.”

“I don’t either but I’ll reserve that choice for once we learn more about the target.” Isaac agreed. “Well, this’ll be the last time we see each other until Ben’s End.” Isaac told Aria and Claus. “The less contact we have the less of a chance there is for the enemy to realize what is going on.”

“Agreed.” Aria replied. “Take care of yourselves.” She told them before looking pointedly at Lenna. “Take care of your idiot.” She told the other woman.

Lenna’s neutral face turned into a frown. “He’s not an idiot.” She countered. “But you needn't worry. I will ensure my mate’s safety.”

The two elvish women stared off against each other for a tense moment before Isaac just decided to ignore both of them and offered his hand to Claus who’s grin just kept widening at the rising tension between the women. “Keep her out of trouble, big guy.” Isaac told the massive warrior.

“No promises.” Claus replied with a big smile while his hand enveloped Isaac’s offered one. The two men shook and that seemed to be the women’s que to back off. Claus gave Lenna a nod but otherwise didn’t say anything to her.

“Be careful.” Isaac told Claus and Aria as he headed towards the door. Lenna followed him.

“You too.” Aria replied.

“Unfortunately I can’t teleport with Lenna so we’ll be using the door.” Isaac finished and did just that.

Aria rolled her eyes. “Oh the horror, a normal exit.”

—

Thomas met Isaac and Lenna in an alley near James’ house. Isaac then made all three of them invisible and they hurried inside before Isaac’s mana ran out. Isaac’s reserves were low but not empty by the time they entered so he played it off like nothing was amiss, especially in front of James. The only reason James had to stay in Isaac’s service was the imaginary brand on his brother’s soul. The trio appeared without fanfare and James jumped. He and his brother were in the middle of a late lunch while playing cards. “Hey boss.” James croaked out while pounding his chest to try and dislodge the food he accidentally inhaled.

“Boys.” Isaac greeted them and took a seat at their table. Lenna stood behind him and nodded for Thomas to take the other seat. Usually Isaac would have just made himself a seat out of shadows to make up for the short number of chairs but he was going to start being much more cautious about when and where he used mana that others could feel. When he went invisible both he and his mana became undetectable but making a chair, which could be felt from a block away, could end up causing a problem.

James downed his drink and finally dislodged the parcel. Lenny nodded towards Thomas. “Who’s the new guy?” He asked.

“Doesn't matter.” Thomas explained. “Once we leave, you never met me.”

Lenny nodded. “I take it this is about Mr. Nobody then?”

“Yes.” Isaac replied. “Let’s consolidate information. As of now us five are the only ones involved with this job.” His eyes met the three rogues at the table. “You’ll all get a bonus depending on how well this goes and how deep this spider web conspiracy reaches. Remember, this job is actually dangerous. As of right now you all need to be a hundred times more careful than you usually are. Now, who wants to go first?”