“Soon, it will be you up there,” the woman said, and it took all of Ethan’s concentration to keep his face neutral. The knights and High Priestess were still praying next to the dead and drained body of the man they’d just executed for practicing heretical healing. The woman didn’t break eye contact.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Ethan said quietly, honestly not sure how to handle the situation. Hard to talk your way out of a surprise accusation of crimes against the Church, when your accuser clearly knew more than you did, and you were in a crowd of quietly praying devotees.

“You know precisely what I mean. We’ll be able to leave in a few moments, and then we can speak, but you need to understand the danger,” she whispered. Ethan tried not to look around to see if they were overheard, but given the continuous susserous of muttered prayer, they were likely okay.

He could feel himself begin to sweat as the minutes ticked by, hating how trapped he felt. At last the members of the Church regained their feet, and the High Priestess made some kind of gesture, before they began to leave the square. The crowd didn’t immediately disperse, and Ethan had to hold back a dozen dangerous plans as his impatience built.

Finally the gathering began to slowly move apart, and the sounds of regular activity resumed. Ethan spotted Maggie disappearing toward the castle, her duty complete as the mobile city would make no further stops for the day. He was back in the short window of limited supervision, and he found himself considering how that time could be used to kidnap a suspicious stranger.

“Come with me,” the woman said, then began to walk away. Ethan walked the other way, just as casually. She hurried back to his side, but didn’t go so far as to touch him. “What are you doing? I told you to come with me.”

“No,” Ethan said, still walking.

The woman seemed stunned and confused. “I know what you’ve been doing,” she insisted, keeping her voice low.

“Oh really? Have I been up to no good?” he asked, not deigning to look down at her. “Maybe we should go to the Church together, see what they have to say.” She stopped short, and he could feel her glare at his back. He turned, a slight smile on his lips.

The woman was furious, and hastily looking around to make sure they hadn’t been overheard. They hadn’t, Tomo would make sure of that. “So now I know where you aren’t from,” Ethan said, “maybe you’d like to try this again?”

She huffed a little, then walked back up to him. She eyed a few people suspiciously as they walked by, showing an impressive and respectable level of paranoia. “We do, what you do,” she said cryptically, and Ethan’s eyes widened at the admission. “I want to take you to the place where we do what we do,” she finished.

“That was simultaneously the most vague and specific thing I’ve ever heard,” Ethan said. He looked down at his broken arm, thinking of the previous day at the village. Then his eyes went to the platform, blood drying in the sun. He’d been trying to do fewer risky things lately, but he decided he needed this.

The woman clearly knew something, and at the very least he wanted to find out how she knew. More than that, he wanted to believe she was telling the truth. He’d still admitted to nothing, and if she had proof all she needed to do was yell out and Ethan’s life would be as good as over.

Finally he thought of the people he’d seen ‘cured’ by the Church, their vitality stripped away in payment. Please let this be real, he thought, please let there be more than the Church, and more than me.

“Fine, let’s go for a stroll,” he said out loud, a dozen backup plans forming in his mind. She nodded, looking relieved, and started walking away without a word. Though this time she immediately checked to make sure he was following.

***

The woman remained silent as they made their way through the common district of the city. That was fine by Ethan, who both recognized the risk, and was on the lookout for any kind of trap. Deevee was already discreetly scouting rooftops and alleys, and Ethan had a dagger palmed and at the ready.

They finally came up to a small mercantile area, where a few shops served as the primary sources of food and staples for most commoners. There were also several taverns in surprising proximity, and the woman led Ethan into the least eye-catching of them, simply named ‘The Alehouse’. When he was sure no one was looking, Ethan tossed a dagger onto the building’s roof, then followed the mystery woman inside.

Nothing about the tavern’s interior was particularly interesting, as seemed to be the point. It was getting busy, and likely would fill up as the sun set and the locals finished working. There were plenty of tables, but most of the space seemed designed for drinking while leaning. The man behind the bar was as plain as the establishment, being the kind of person you couldn’t pick out of a lineup. Ethan took note of the many bottles of spirits lining the shelves, smiling as the smell of strong alcohol reached him.

The man on a stool at the back of the tavern stood out, however. He had deep, red hair, swept back in a high tail, and his dark eyes appeared to see everything at once. With a small start, Ethan realized it was because the heavily muscled man was looking into the Astral. He couldn’t explain how he sensed that, but adjusted his own vision a heartbeat later.

Again, the world blurred as the metaphysical asserted itself. Ethan walked behind the woman, who he’d already confirmed was Unbound, but his eyes were on the dangerous Hunter. The man had an enormous blue, hawk-like Familiar perched incongruously on his shoulder, looking like it should crush him. It also had massive taloned feet that seemed like they should be piercing through him.

He was more than just unbothered, however, sitting with the same imperious confidence Ethan had only before witnessed from the king. As they approached the man, the bird spread its wings threateningly, its huge beak reaching forward. In an instant, Tomo was there, glowing brightly, but looking comically small as he faced down the gargantuan bird.

The demon took a fighting stance, hands grasping its tiny katana, then it waited. The hawk looked outraged by the challenge, and flapped its wings, preparing to attack. The red haired man smirked, before raising a single finger, and the bird immediately settled back down, eyes locked on Tomo with fury. Ethan let his vision return to the physical world as the man spoke.

“This is the one,” he told the woman, obviously not asking. “Take him downstairs,” he commanded.

The woman nodded and moved past the man to a staircase tucked into the corner and hidden behind a wall. Ethan chuckled softly. “You people certainly love the cloak and dagger, don’t you? And here that’s supposed to be my thing.” The other Hunter didn’t speak, but stood up to follow them as they moved to the dimly lit basement. Ethan wasn’t a fan of having the man directly behind him, but Tomo kept watch without being asked.

The basement was what would be expected, mostly casks of alcohol and some foodstuffs. The other hunter, shorter than Ethan but far wider, moved to a nearby wall, where he pushed a heavy set of shelves aside. What was behind appeared to be a normal wall until the man pushed against a specific part, and it swung away on hinges.

Well, they’re taking things seriously, that’s for sure. Means it’s likely that they’re actually hiding from the Church, but also more dangerous for me. We’ll have to set some ground rules soon. The Hunter gestured, and the woman moved through, Ethan following, still with a small smile on his face.

They emerged into another room, easily as large as the one they’d just left, but with regular doors on each wall. The one directly ahead had a woman in front of it with a club at her waist, but she wasn’t a Hunter. She opened the door for them as they approached, and the trio moved through. My god, if someone on this planet develops keycards these people would die of excitement.

They emerged into a much better lit room, that was far longer than it was wide, with beds on either side. Ethan knew a medical ward when he saw one, and felt an odd combination of relief and concern. Some of the beds were occupied, and there were a number of people he suspected were what passed for healers on this world. [Apollo’s Gaze] swept the room as the group stopped in the center.

“My name is Gloria Rightcliff, this is Samuel,” the woman said at last. “We run this facility, and protect it.”

“From all threats,” Samuel said, the threat clear. Ethan just smiled politely at the man. He respected what the Hunter was doing, but that didn’t stop it from being annoying.

“And now you’ve brought me here,” Ethan said, “because…?”

“Because you’re either one of us, or protecting someone who is,” Gloria said.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“And how can you be so sure of that?” Ethan asked.

“You get your list of the sick the same way we do,” Samuel said in a gruff voice. “You watch the Church, and see who’s turned away. Every few days one of them wakes up feeling better.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes. “And how exactly would you know that, if it were true?” he asked. He didn’t really believe this was an elaborate trap, but acting like it was would cost him nothing.

“The same way I know about your little dagger trick,” Samuel said, revealing the blade Ethan had thrown onto the roof, still glowing with dimensional energy. “Nice try, but if you leave here, it’ll be our choice, not yours.”

Ethan nodded in approval. That was pretty good, he had to acknowledge, wondering how the man could have retrieved his dagger. Still… “Well played. Out of curiosity, did you also find the explosives I put on the booze upstairs?”

Samuel went from looking casually angry, to professionally angry. “You better be lying, you miserable little fool!” he growled, advancing on Ethan. Gloria put a hand on the man’s chest, while Ethan turned his body so that his broken arm was facing away from the large angry Hunter. That had been a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget.

“Easy Sam, lying or not, he wants to protect himself. We threatened and all but kidnapped him.” Samuel didn’t seem ready to back down, but Ethan spoke quickly into the silence.

“If I’m here for the reasons I think, would you really prefer that I wasn’t dangerously cautious?” That did stop the man, though he was clearly still furious. Gosh I’m good at making friends. Maybe I should invite this guy and Valanor for a picnic.

Gloria saw that a fight was no longer imminent, and tried to take control of the situation. “You’ve obviously figured out why we brought you here. We have no interest in sending a true healer to be killed by the Church’s thugs. The people of Viridus need all the help they can get.”

Ethan considered that. She’d named the kingdom, not just the city. Is this something bigger than a few people in a basement? “So you help the people the Church won’t?” Ethan asked, and Gloria nodded. “Can you see why that’s a little suspicious?”

Samuel’s eyes narrowed. “What nonsense are you speaking now?”

Ethan gestured at the filled beds, noticing the attendants watching him warily. “If you find people because they visit the Church, then you’re healing the faithful. If someone happens to wake up feeling better, what’s the worst that can happen? But if you heal someone devout and they know about it…”

“You’re right,” Gloria said. “That’s one of the reasons Samuel is so important. We heal both kinds here, those who go to the Church, and those who don’t. Both leave with their memories altered.”

Ethan took an involuntary step back. “That’s a disturbing power,” he said, noticing Onitomo move protectively in front of him.

“Using it on a Hunter is nearly as difficult as killing you,” Samuel said. “Guess which option I’d choose.” Not just a picnic, Ethan amended, the three of us should spend the day together…Actually he and Valanor might genuinely bond over their shared hatred of me. Bastards.

“Very comforting,” Ethan said. “Okay, let’s see you work then.” He gestured to a nearby patient currently unattended. He already knew the man had a fever caused by an infection, and was curious what these people could do.

Gloria had a hand on Samuel’s arm before he could even start complaining. “Very well, come,” she said, moving over to the man's bedside. His temperature was fairly high, and rising. He’d likely be dead in the next couple of days without intervention, and Ethan wasn’t sure how he’d feel about leaving the man if this didn’t go well.

His hopes rose as Gloria opened a rune covered case on a table next to the bed. She quickly selected a small glass container, and removed some herbs from within. Next she took a mortar and pestle and began crushing the herb into a kind of paste. Two more ingredients later, and she pulled back the sheet, revealing an ugly red wound on the patient’s abdomen.

She carefully removed the remnants of what must have been a previous poultice, then delicately applied the new one. Ethan didn’t know much about herb lore, but her efforts seemed genuine. When she finished her task, Gloria carefully stowed her materials, then led them back to the center of the group.

“I don’t know if it’ll work, but it’s the best I can do,” she said. “We lose many to the sickness that comes from wounds, but we don’t know why.” Ethan looked down at her dirty hands, then glanced at the other attendants, similarly filthy. They’re barely into the middle ages, no germ theory at all he thought sadly.

“So what do you want from me?” Ethan asked.

“We want to help these people,” Gloria said passionately. “We want to help many more like them, even start helping the ones the Church would be willing to heal!” Sam somehow seemed angrier with Ethan after Gloria spoke.

“Please,” she continued, “we’ve seen the ones your people have helped. They’re perfect, in no time at all! Teach us, I beg you.” Ethan frowned. The woman seemed earnest, and these people did need help.

“How safe is this place?” he asked.

“I can hide us,” Samuel replied with no hesitation. “Finding things and hiding things are what I do. Found you. Kept us hidden. For years.”

Ethan looked around again at the patients, considering. Finally he turned back to Gloria. “I’ll make you a deal. We need to build some trust, and we’ll start today. Give me the room for twenty minutes. Privacy and a little time, and we’ll see if we can build something more from that.”

***

Gloria looked at the strange man she’d met in the market. He looked rough, and was still dirty from the road, but he smiled with confidence. Next to her husband the Hunter seemed tall. His dirty blonde hair was disheveled, and he hadn’t shaved in a few days, but somehow he still exudes a quiet competence she couldn’t understand. Maybe it was the white coat, so clean and pure surrounded by all this sickness.

Her husband was less impressed, especially by the request for privacy. “You arrogant little prick–” Samuel began, but Gloria silenced him once again.

“Twenty minutes?” she asked, and Ethan nodded. She turned to Sam. “What can he do in that time? He can’t leave, and what would be gained by harming anyone here?”

Samuel grumbled, but finally nodded. He turned to Ethan, “Twenty minutes! You try anything and I promise I’ll find you.” Ethan just gave a friendly smile.

“Alright everyone, out!” Gloria called, rounding up the attendants. They moved slowly, clearly confused, but Gloria was in charge here, and she’d earned their respect. Even Samuel obeyed, though his face was as red as his hair.

The moment the door closed he rounded on her. “I don’t trust him!” Samuel said, alternately glaring at the door then Gloria.

“You don’t trust anyone,” she replied, smiling at her husband. “And he knows that, why do you think he wants to be alone in there? He told us this is about building trust, and why shouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t like it,” Sam said with his equivalent of a pout.

“Of course you don’t,” Gloria said, putting her hand on his arm. “But in a few minutes, we’ll go back in and deal with the consequences. Together, like always.”

He sighed then, calming. “I still don’t believe that he put a bomb on the booze,” he muttered. “I was watching him the whole time.”

“The poor man was probably just scared, dear. Making threats to feel safe. You didn’t need to tell him you found his little dagger.”

Sam grumbled again, crossing his arms. Suddenly there was a small thump on the other side of the door, and Samuel burst through without hesitation, Gloria following right behind.

When they entered the sickroom, the strange Hunter was nowhere to be seen. Sam began checking everywhere, sniffing like the hound he’d Bonded, but Gloria raced to the nearest patient, the one she’d tried to help.

His color was better, and when she placed a hand on his head, she found that his temperature was normal. Pulling the blanket away, she found healthy, unscarred flesh beneath the remnants of her poultice. “How is this possible?” she said.

The other healers had likewise raced to patients, and were having similar reactions. Samuel had finished his search, and was heading back toward the door, where he found a written note, held in place by a dagger–the thump they’d heard. Sam handed her the paper, while peering out into the room they’d left.

Gloria read it aloud. “‘See you sometime next week, it was a pleasure meeting you. Please do not touch the paper spider on the top shelf behind the bar for at least an hour. It will explode.”

“An exploding paper spider? Who is this damnable fool?” Sam paused mid-rant. “Why are you making that face, Gloria?”

“There’s something else on the note I don’t understand.”

“What do you mean, what does it say?” he asked.

“It’s a ‘prescription’ for you, apparently. It’s for something called an ‘anti-psychotic’.”

***

Ethan appeared from a rift in an alleyway nearly a block away, where one of the Deevees waited patiently. He clutched his chest at the burning pain that came with using so much mana at once–this was as far as he could teleport successfully. “Thanks for the help buddy,” he said, and the little hydra swam happily through the air.

“Was what you did wise?” Tomo asked, appearing a moment later.

“Hard to say. There weren’t a lot of clear right answers in that scenario, but I think they were honest about who they were. And if I’m right about the scale of their operation…well I think it’s worth risking my life over.”

“Would the spider have truly exploded upon being touched?” Tomo asked.

“No, only remotely. I needed an escape plan, but I wouldn’t risk someone ordering an expensive drink and blowing us up,” Ethan said.

“I will need to be diligent to prevent the angry one from tracking us,” Tomo said in answer.

“Do your best,” Ethan said with a smile, and he began the short walk back to the square. The closer he got, the more excited people he saw, some actually running and shouting. It was like the complete opposite reaction of what he’d seen earlier with the Church.

Finally he stopped someone, his curiosity needing to be satisfied. The girl was in her mid twenties, and might have been a lesser noble judging by how expensive her clothes looked. She glared at him until she noticed his runes, then smiled politely.

“Do you know what’s going on?” he asked.

“You haven’t heard?” the girl replied. “The royals of Arinae are nearly here, and they’re bringing another Chosen!” Ethan’s eyes grew wide.