Finally, we’ve reached the village. Nothing has changed since I’ve been here last time. We both left the caravan without much of a hassle, although when Bert saw me start walking away, I noticed him frown and say something to Goldie, who just shrugged and left. Melle was nowhere to be seen, which was a good sign - we did not want the guy to notice her.

-You ready? - I asked Rubo, slowly walking towards the coast.

-Uh… of course. Lead the way.

-Okay.

I slowly started walking towards the “port”. I was not sure if Melle was already in front of us, so I tried not to hurry.

When we reached the coast and I turned away from the docks, Rubo suddenly stopped.

-Ummm… the port is that way…

-I can see that.

-So why are we going that way? - he asked with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

-Come on, you think anyone serious would keep their ship among those? - I pointed towards the inn on the ship and a bunch of old fishing boats around it. - We need to get a bit further away from the village.

-Uh…- he did not sound convinced.

-What, you don’t trust me? - I grinned at him. - Well, I don’t blame you, but do you really think any of those will manage to get you anywhere further than a few hundred meters from the coast without breaking down? You’d have better chances making your own raft.

As if to confirm my thoughts, we suddenly heard a loud crack and a splash of water. Some sailor while hauling a crate full of fish from one of the boats near us just fell into the sea - a gangplank that he was using just collapsed, along with the large part of the railing which it was affixed to.

-Okay. I’m coming.

I nodded and started walking along the coast, to where my ship used to be. To be honest I was not sure if it was even there, but not like that mattered.

After a few minutes of walking we reached the place where I hid the ship. All that time I have not noticed any signs of Melle in front of us, which was a bit unsettling.

-So where is it? - asked Rubo, noticing that I stopped.

-We are here - I said louder than needed, hoping that Melle would hear me if she’s somewhere around.

-I knew it. This is a setup - he said with a panic in his voice.

I turned to him. He already pulled out a necklace with a green gem from somewhere and was pointing it at me.

-Don’t move! I should’ve known you’re full of bullshit! “I need to stop at my house”, “I know a captain”! Ha! You thought I'd be the easy target, but you didn’t think that I am a Green Mage!

-Well, you are not completely wrong - I said, taking a step towards him.

-No moving! Now you are going to answer my questions if you don’t want me to get violent!

-Last time I’ve heard that it did not go well for the person.

I had to play for the time. While it probably wouldn’t be that hard, Melle’s magic was better for that. But, the two of us were alone after all.

That gave me an idea.

I sighed.

-If I can’t move then I can’t show you the ship.

-Bullshit! There is nothing here! I am not blind.

-Well, it is here though - I gestured towards the bush where I was pretty sure was “my” ship hidden. - Cloaked by illusions.

-Yeah right. You want to attack me, don’t you! I am not letting you pull out any funny stuff! Put your hands where I can see them!

-I only have one - I said, raising my hand in the gesture of surrender.

Not like that mattered.

-Who are you working for? Are you with Erf? I already told him I don’t want anything to do with this shit!

That one surprised me. What does Erf have to do with anything?

-Odar Erf? The guard captain? - I asked, just to make sure.

-So you do work for him!

-Eh, no. Just heard the name that’s it. That’s the one you’re running away from?

-Why do you care? - he said angrily, still pointing his necklace at me.

-Not much. I mean, you obviously have me cornered - I had to try hard to not to smile like an idiot saying that. - I am just trying to understand, what the fuck - I said, slowly stepping backwards.

-I am not running from anyone. And stop moving!

I stopped, but not because he said so. As I was slowly moving backwards, I finally hit my back onto something solid, and something else slapped me in the back of the head.

-Can I sit at least? - I asked, and before he managed to reply I grabbed onto the invisible rope dangling off the ship and started pulling myself up.

-What in the…

-I told you I have a ship here - I said, already sitting on the invisible deck.

The man was looking at me without a word, his arms slumped by his side suddenly.

-You actually were telling the truth?

-Yep. I mean, I understand why you’d think otherwise, this thing is not a regular boat - I said, slapping the invisible deck.

-I am so sorry… - he finally said, approaching me, lowering the necklace. - I was about to attack you…

-Doesn’t matter. Come on up.

As I spoke, the illusion faded, revealing the ship. It didn’t change much, well, maybe besides a few marks from bird shit.

-Wow - he sighed, grabbing my hand and climbing onboard. - Is that some elves' creation?

-I have no idea. I never met the previous owner.

-Where did you even buy something like that?

-Trade secret - I smiled. - Now, come with me downstairs, I’d recommend you go below deck when I go and retrieve my stuff from the village.

-Uh-uh… speaking of - he said, already below deck - Why didn’t you get it when we were leaving?

-Wisfe wowu, moho dimu!

Suddenly, a bunch of vines erupted from the floor and the ceiling, shooting towards him. That surprised even me. I borrowed the incantation from Melle, but instead of using my necklace, I used the boat’s magic circle, so I did not expect for it to work that well. In a blink of an eye, the vines bound him from head to toe, wrapping him tightly.

-Got ya - I said, stepping forward and looking at the now absolutely horrified man. Just to be sure, I checked the bindings, but there was nothing I could do to make it better - he was literally wrapped in a cocoon. Luckily, when the vines shot towards him, he dropped the necklace. After a quick look I was able to confirm - it was indeed a magical gem.

-Sorry for all this farce. I wanted to get this over with sooner, but someone is late - I said to the terrified man.

He obviously couldn’t respond, just was wiggling on the floor helplessly.

-Come on, it’s not that bad. In any case, you should think wisely about what you’re going to tell us. And I do not recommend lying.

I dragged him close to the stairs, so I could see him from the main deck, where I sat by myself.

-Now, where the hell is she?

I actually needed to wait quite a bit - it was only about an hour later I finally heard some rustling and saw her emerge from the forest of all places.

-What the hell are you doing?! - she immediately started, before I even said a word.

-Yeah, what are you doing? - I replied in kind. - You were supposed to meet me here, not take a refreshing walk through the woods. What gives?

-What do you mean I was supposed to? You did not tell me anything!

-I should’ve known - I sighed heavily. - So you did not get the message?

-What message?

-Yeah. Figures. SOMEONE was supposed to tell you to meet me here as soon as you can… but that doesn’t matter right now.

-Sure it doesn’t! You let that bastard run away!

-Calm down. That’s why I wanted you here in the first place. So you can capture him and we can get this over with.

-A trap?

-Yep.

-You managed to bait him here?

-Yeah. He wanted a boat, so I offered a boat - I said, pointing to the ship I was sitting on.

-Where the hell did you even get that?

-I have my sources. Too bad you were late.

-What do you mean “late”? So he escaped?! - she suddenly started panicking.

-I said, calm down. Come on climb up. I had to improvise, but he’s here.

Immediately, she ran towards the ship and with the agility and speed of a wild monkey she climbed aboard, barely even using the rope.

-Where?

I gestured down towards the stairs, where the cocoon with the hostage was. The guy was squirming constantly, trying to escape, but the vines were too tough for him to even loosen, not to mention break. As soon as he heard Melle’s voice, he doubled his efforts, but when she appeared on top of the stairs, he suddenly froze.

-Hello. I think you remember me.

Hell, this ought to be interesting.

-Just don’t do anything stupid. I’d like for this boat to remain in one piece and without any “bonus additions” - I said, following her downstairs.

Just for the sake of it, I also activated the illusion once again, hiding us from sight.

She nodded and turned her attention to the guy.

-I see you do. That makes this a lot easier. You then know why I am here.

I sat down next to the main runic circle and started carefully watching the show.

-Let’s get down to business. Where is she?

He started flailing around, trying to get some more distance from her, but quickly realized that it only made him get closer to me, so instead he started clinging to a wall.

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Melle pulled out a knife - the same one we used to seal the deal a while ago. As soon as he noticed, I swear I heard him squeal, even through the gag. To be honest, for a second I was worried that she’s going to do something stupid, but no. She slowly leaned towards him with the blade in her hand, and started cutting open the gag so he could reply. She did draw a little blood though. You can say that it was just because the binds were hard to deal with, but let’s be honest, she did that on purpose.

-Those things are harder than they look - she said to me. - Good job.

-Congratulate whoever made this boat, not me.

-Hm. Anyway - she turned to the guy again. - Relax. I am not going to do anything to you. If you cooperate that is.

-I don’t know anything, I swear! - he yelled, spitting out the gag along with a bit of blood.

-Haven’t you then? - she straightened up, and after a second of hesitation kicked him right in the stomach. - I guess I will have to refresh your memory a bit.

Again, she leaned closer to him and grabbed him by the neck. It looked like she was about to try to choke the guy, and to be honest with her weird physique it probably would be possible, but no.

-Wisfe wowu, moho dimu.

From her sleeve emerged two vines and started wrapping themselves around his head, only stopping short of his eyes and mouth.

-You either start speaking or those will slowly start moving… Lsitlo lmophu. - she said as the vines formed sharp spikes and started hovering right next to his eyes and the other ones slowly started crawling into his mouth.

-Stop! Stop! - he scowled. - Please!

-Glad we understand each other so well - she let him go, but still left the vines on her hand ready to strike at any time.

-I knew I shouldn’t have followed you… - he muttered under his breath towards me.

-Hey, it’s just business. I need her services and she is not going to move a finger until she finishes with this crap, so if I can speed things up a bit of course I am going to do it. And anyway, you sort of deserve it.

-Deserve? - he cried. - What have I done? I already did everything I was asked to do! I even…

-Shut up. I am the one asking questions here - swiftly interrupted Melle, looking at him angrily. - You do deserve this, he is absolutely right. But enough of this bullshit. Where is my daughter?!

He looked at her confused, then at me. Seeing that she was absolutely not joking he answered with a trembling voice.

-I- I don’t know! Why would I know?

-Do I need to help with your memory a bit more - she threatened him with her vines.

-No! Please no! I am telling the truth! Believe me! I don’t know what you’re talking about.

She sighed, annoyed.

-Just not so long ago, SOMEONE broke into my house. Destroyed half of the furniture, made a mess, and what most important, TAKEN MY DAUGHTER SOMEWHERE. I know it was you. YOU were constantly trying to spy on me and her. YOU wanted to “take her into custody”. Wanted to “help her”. Even talked about marrying her into your own family. And now you’re telling me that it was not you. Like I’m ever going to believe that!

-She’s been kidnapped? - he said, frightened. - Oh no. I am dead.

-You are, if you're not going to tell me where she is!

-I don’t know!

-This is going nowhere - I sighed, interrupting that stupid argument. - Listen, don’t you have the tools to make the same thing that you tried using on me? The Truth Infusion or whatever?

-I don’t.

-You knew you’re going to interrogate him and yet didn’t take the tools with you? Come on.

-My bags have limited space. I am not going to carry with me half of my house. But you’re right, we can use that.

-That?

-Ritual magic. But…

-Yeah yeah, I know of the drawbacks. I’ll intervene if he tries something stupid.

-He won’t, right? - she turned back to the guy, who all the time was just watching us, scared.

-Nope! I already had my share of…

-In any case, let’s make sure. Listen, you - I approached him, pulling out my necklace and waving it in front of his face. - You recognize this?

His eyes widened.

-I feel that means yes. So you better be on your best behavior.

Not waiting for his reply, I pulled him up. He managed to stand, although barely thanks to the bindings.

-What are you doing? - Melle asked while I pushed the guy forward, making him slowly go upstairs.

-What do you think? I am not going to let you draw magic circles here. Who the fuck knows what would happen if the magic of this one - I pointed towards the table in the middle of the room - and yours would mix. We’re doing this on the beach. Noone comes here anyway.

Getting the guy out of the boat proved a little bit difficult, but when he started hesitating while standing right at the edge of the deck, trying to figure out how to get down safely, before I managed to do anything, Melle just pushed him down. It was not that big of a fall and the sand definitely cushioned it, but still, it looked pretty unpleasant.

-Come on, I know you hate the guy but let’s be civilized about this.

-There is nothing civilized about him, so why would I be?

I just sighed and shrugged.

-Do what you want.

-You bet I will.

She dragged him to the middle of the beach, and pulled out a familiar pouch. Without a second of delay, she started drawing the circle around him while constantly monitoring his behavior.

The guy seemed defeated and was just staring blankly into the sand in front of him. They both were so preoccupied that they didn’t even realize that the boat they jumped from was nowhere to be seen, since the illusion spell was still up. She really had to be mad.

In a record time, the circle was ready. Without a word, she walked up to him and not even using a knife, she pulled out a handful of hair from his head, which definitely looked painful. He flinched, but did not say a word.

One incantation later, the circle started glowing, indicating that it was indeed successful.

Not moving from the spot, with her eyes filled with light, Melle started her interrogation.

-Are you really Rubo?

-Yes.

-Were you the one who planned the attack on my home?

-Yes.

-Where is Il?

-I don’t know.

-What does that supposed to mean?

I could hear annoyance in her voice.

-I don’t…

-What did you do to her!?

-Nothing, I…

-Who’s taken her then?!

-I don’t know…

-I think you’re asking the wrong questions - I interrupted them, approaching the man.

He looked at me, defeated. I could feel the spell on him, it was clear that he was not lying.

-Can I?

-Go ahead.

-So, mister Rubo. Do you know why are you here?

-Because Il was kidnapped.

-Yes. And pray tell, by who?

-I don’t know.

-Hmmm. Don’t know this, don’t know that. Strange for a person with your stature. Who do you think knows then?

-Don’t ask about what he thinks - she interrupted me. - What he “thinks” can always be bullshit, doesn’t matter if he’s under my spell or not.

-I am aware. But, there is one problem. It’s not you who kidnapped her, is it?

-No.

-Nor any of your men, right?

-No. Not to my knowledge.

-I thought so - I scratched my chin. - I felt like it was suspicious. It seemed strange that you wanted so badly to skip town, and agreed to some random offer from a shady person you just met to boot. Melle, how many questions can I ask him before you run out of juice?

-Run out of juice? - she looked at me like I was insane.

-Before you run out of mana, damn it.

-Ah. Don’t worry about that. I’m still going strong. I took a sip of my potion beforehand. But what does all this mean? He’s not the one who attacked us?

-I am curious too - I turned my attention back to the man. - You said that you planned the attack. But you’re not the one who attacked. What does that mean?

-That I haven’t done anything! I already told Erf that I won’t touch her! What did I do to deserve this? - he looked at me, almost begging.

-Whoa, whoa, slow down just a bit. What does he have to do with anything?

He suddenly froze in fear.

-You don’t work for Erf?

-I am the one asking questions - I said, slightly annoyed. - But no, I already told you I do not.

-I am so dead…

-Wait, wait, wait - Melle suddenly perked up. - Erf? The capitan? He told you to not touch us?

He didn’t reply.

-Come on - I hurried him a bit. - I know you want to tell us. You’re already on the run, so what’s the difference anyway, right?

-Difference? - he scowled. - You clearly have never been hunted by them. If they ever find you… - he shuddered.

-IF they find you. You are pretty far from their influence already, and if what you say is of use for us and you are actually innocent, you’re free to go. I doubt that anyone would come to this woods looking for some random runaway.

-Speak for yourself - the hag muttered under her breath, but luckily he didn’t hear that remark, and then added aloud - You better listen to him. Or you’d rather let me take care of you in a different way… But that way you'll probably end up the same or worse as you’d get caught by Erf.

He flinched, reminded of the vines that not so long ago were wrapped around his head.

-Ergh. Fine - he took a deep breath. - As you know, we were planning on… taking your daughter into custody.

-Custody? - her voice shook from anger. - You dare…

-Yes, yes - I interrupted her before she broke the spell from the pure rage that’s been constantly boiling in her. - We heard that bit already. You planned an attack, but did not attack yourself because…

-Erf somehow learned about it. He visited my mansion not too long ago and told me to not get involved with the kingdom's business.

-Kingdom’s business? What the hell does that mean? - I looked at Melle, but she appeared to be as clueless as I was.

-I don’t want to know. He said that if I don't back down, I will be jailed and considered a traitor to the country.

-Traitor? Interesting. Why would they want a random girl… hmm.

-I don’t know!

-I was talking to myself - I said calmly. - But since you are volunteering and are so talkative, why won’t you tell me why YOU wanted to take her. I am not buying that “custody” bullshit.

-It is true though - he replied, and then added a lot quietly. - I wanted to take her into custody so I could bounce back… I’ve been broke since… Come on, she’s rich! And a child! No kid should have that much money, it only goes to waste!

-And that’s it?

Before he managed to reply, the circle suddenly flickered and the light faded right after.

-Of course…

Not paying attention to him, I turned to Melle. She was slumped down on her knees, barely conscious.

-I told you to warn me!

I quickly approached her and started digging through her bag, looking for the potion. Surprisingly, it was already more than half empty.

-Strange… - she muttered. - This was more draining than… expected…

She was barely even able to sit up.

-Come on, drink - I said, giving her the bottle.

-Just give me a second, I can do this again…

-That’s enough. Take a rest, you are barely conscious. We are already done with him anyway.

She nodded.

I stood up and started clearing the beach. The last thing we wanted was someone stumbling upon the spell circle. Rubo was constantly watching me with a tired look on his face.

-Stop looking at me like that.

-No, no. I just… I’m sorry.

-Excuse me? - that was not something I expected to hear right now.

-I’m sorry - he tried sitting up, but in his binds that was pretty much impossible. - I did not want to do it… It’s just…

Probably the remnants of the spell were still active, making him talkative.

-What, don’t tell me someone made you do it?

-No. It was my idea. But I didn’t know she was a kid! I thought… I needed money, okay?! And this seemed so easy!

-But you said you did not do it. So what’s this about?

-I didn’t! But when I learned that she was a kid… - he shuddered. - She was supposed to be older!

I shrugged.

-It’s not my business. As I said, I am only here as a form of support, if I can say so myself. Talk to her, I’m just along for the ride.

As he was complaining, Melle managed to finally stand up. With the empty bottle in hand, she approached him.

-Holy shit, you sure that you should’ve drank all of that? - I said, slightly worried. - I know that spell is draining and all, but you know that that shit is powerful.

-I’ll be fine. I need that to deal with all this…

-Speaking of… what are you going to do? He’s apparently innocent. Mostly, I mean.

-You - she looked him over carefully. - Where were you going?

The spell has most likely already worn off, because he took his sweet time before answering.

-I already told him. Wherever is further away from the capital. It doesn’t really matter where.

-What the hell am I supposed to do with you… - she sighed and sat down next to the boat. - When I came here I never expected that I would be incorrect…

-Does it even matter?

-It does. If he was indeed behind this, you’d be dead already - she told him with a serious expression.

That immediately shut him up.

-Morbid. Well, in any case, I expect you don’t want to just let him go? - I asked.

-That’s not an option.

-Yeah, I figured. Why not just put him in a dungeon? I am pretty sure that they have some free spots…

-And how do I make sure he doesn’t talk? He said it himself, Erf was involved in all this mess, and I am sure as soon as he’d get his hands on him, he’d tell them everything about me.

-You think he is the one who took her?

-Most likely.

-I guess it makes sense… - I started pondering. - But why the hell would he want her?

-How should I know? Maybe he wants power? There are a lot of people who she'd be useful to…

-Well, sure, but to be honest, he didn’t look like that kind of a person to me…

-You know him?! - asked both of them in unison.

-I wouldn’t say I KNOW him, but I had an opportunity to talk to him. Which is strange…

I looked at the man lying on the ground.

-Can you follow me inside for a moment? - I said to Melle and turned to the man. - And you… for your own good, just stay here and wait.

-Not like I can, even if I wanted to…

-Just saying. Come on.

She nodded and followed me into the ship and downstairs.