We waited while Josef grabbed his things. He returned wearing a black robe, decorated with blue accents and a few sapphires. It looked rather expensive. Curious. The shop gave the impression that he was just getting by. Maybe his products were so good, he did not need to impress customers? Or he sold things in bulk and not from his store.

“I am ready.” He said.

He was not carrying a bag but in a world with magical storage artefacts that meant little. For all I knew he had an arsenal of weapons at his fingertips. Alchemists were not known for direct combat but they could create bombs and other nasty things.

I handed him one gold and we were on our way. It would take us a while on foot. His body was just that of a normal human. He was rather fit but he could not move at the speed of a horse. Josef was in the lead and we simply followed. He was a bit tense at first, but relaxed after a while. The busy street seemed to put him at ease.

“You are an interesting group.” Josef said. “A night elf and a foxkin. You clearly have some standing considering the maid. Since she is a dragonkin, I am even inclined to believe she is also a knight. Or at least, that she is security.”

So he ignored the archfey thing. I was curious where his observations would lead him and gestured for him to continue.

“You are either rich merchants or nobility. Of course, as a non-human you would not get a title here. But if you are from the Dominion, why come to Unitera? Unless you are here to meet Thessia.” He pondered his own words. “In that case, maybe the priesthood sent a message? Sylphania has a much bigger presence in the Dominion. Did the temple request aid? But then, why not send any of their own priesthood? None of you look like clerics.”

It was Lucy that answered. “We were here for the summit. We only met Thessia yesterday, when we required her help. But don’t worry, you learn everything once we are inside the temple. And Amaya is an archfey, not an elf.” She added with a smirk.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

That remark gave me an idea. “And Lucy is not a foxkin, she is a kitsune.” If I was a mythical being, clearly she was one as well. Lucy was more powerful than a warlock should be. I still did not know why. I guess it came down to my own oddness and the process of creating a warlock. I had shared a part of my soul with her.

Josef stopped and turned towards us. I just stood there looking smug as Lucy was glaring at me. “I am not a kitsune!” She protested. I stepped closer and patted her on the head.

The alchemist frowned. “I have no idea what game you're playing. Is this a prank from Thessia? I know I told her about my fascination with magical creatures. Actually meeting an archfey and a kitsune… It would be a dream come true.” He smiled. Then he looked at Lily. “I guess you are a dragon in disguise?” He chuckled, clearly not taking us seriously.

“I am not.” Lily said. “But I am my ladies' sworn knight and maid! I was granted the blessings of the storm, in a ritual guided by an elemental lord!” She proclaimed proudly.

Of course, she was also a succubus in disguise. But thankfully she did not mention that part. I wondered if she could become something else. If I was an archfey, Lucy a kitsune, what could a succubus become? Could demons evolve?

“Sure.” Josef said, nodding. He seemed quite relaxed now. I suppose he had convinced himself it was all a prank.

I shrugged. He would learn the truth in time. Maybe Thessia would educate him. Or the seriousness of the problem we were facing. Josef, seemingly satisfied, continued walking. It took us over an hour to reach the temple district. There seemed to be a lot of activity. I had a bad feeling…

One that was confirmed as the temple came into view. About 50 soldiers were present. They were blocking the entrance to Sylphania’s temple. There was no damage visible, nor was there any sound of fighting. At least we were in time. As we approached, I noticed that the uniforms were a mixture of the inquisition and the normal army. Was this a joint operation? Who was in charge?

As we got closer a soldier stepped forward. “Halt! The temple is currently closed, please move along.”

Lily took the initiative. “Stand aside and make way for the Ladies Amaya and Lucy Delphinium! You have no right to block the passage to Sylphania’s temple!” Storm’s Blossom appeared in her hand. “If you do not open a path, I shall carve one.”

I sighed. Were there any courses in de escalation? I think Lily might need one. I had no intention of letting the soldiers stop us. But this man was part of the regular army, not the inquisition. And he was not the one in charge, he was just doing his job.

The soldier stared at Storm’s Blossom. Then at each of us. He started sweating. I guess he finally realised who we were. At this point, surely the entire army knew of our existence. Before he could formulate a response I said: “Fetch whoever is in charge here.”