-Come on, it’s a bit strange to just talk to a wall. I know you can hear me. You have some kind of caretaker with you, right? I promise I won’t do any harm to you, I just want to talk. Can at least he, or she, come out? I can’t really go down to you without destroying your floor… - I said, getting off the counter and taking a step in their direction.

The last one worked, because almost instantly, from under the floor a young, feminine voice spoke up.

-How can we believe you after you killed Vendi?

-You mean the guy outside? Nah, he’s fine. Or, will be. He’s just passed out from mana exhaustion. Tossed a bit too many spells. Go figure.

-Do you have any proof?

-You can go check for yourself. I am not going to bite you, you know.

Silence.

-Yes, I am aware that it looks like a trap. Tell you what, I’m going to bring him here. Will that work for you?

-...yes…

-Okay then. Be right back.

As soon as I left the room, I noticed that they started moving frantically between themselves, probably discussing what to do. When I turned into the corridor leading outside, I hesitated for a second, because I was pretty sure that they left their hiding spot. For a second I wanted to turn back, but soon I realized that they were not running away - instead they split into two.

First one, consisting of only the weaker ones - I assume kids - bolted to a room a few doors away and hid below there, while the stronger one still was waiting for me in the same spot.

I decided to let them do their thing.

To my surprise, the poor guy lying in the grass was already awake. And kicking. He didn’t even notice me coming, being preoccupied by trying to cut his binds with some sharp rock he found next to him.

-Hey, Vendi.

On the sound of my voice he stiffened and stopped moving.

-Come on, I am not stupid, I know you are awake. Stand up, we have a discussion to attend to.

He did not reply, just turned to stare at me with determination.

-I am not telling you anything.

-And I don’t need you for that.

Being careful to not accidentally touch him directly I yanked him up and let him stand up.

-Let’s go. And, by the way, I do not recommend attacking again. You’re just gonna just hurt yourself.

I poked him in the back.

-Move it.

He was not very talkative on our way to the kitchen. He also did not betray any signs of knowing that I was leading him right to where the other caretaker was.

-Inside - I pointed to the kitchen. - Sit down somewhere.

He looked at me, confused, but complied.

-So, we are here. You happy now?

-What are you… - the guy started, but I didn’t let him finish.

-As you can hear he’s fine and well. Doesn’t even have any idea that you’re here.

The sudden realization dawned on him. His determination was instantly turned into despair and I already could tell that he was about to do something stupid.

-Come on, say something, I can tell that he’s going to try something and while I can promise that I won’t hurt him directly, I can’t prevent him from hurting himself.

That worked.

-Okay. Vendi, is that really you?

-...yes.

-Are you hurt?

He looked directly at me.

-I am tied up, but besides that, mostly fine. My mana is gone though.

-You’re the only one to blame for that… - I muttered and then added louder - So, are we good? You coming out? You seem a bit more talkative and approachable than this guy. I guess you could stay downstairs… but what’s the point. You already sent the kids to hide elsewhere.

That was effective. Even without sharpened senses I heard both of them gasp.

-Yeah, I noticed. And I don’t care. As I said, I am not here for them.

As I didn’t get the answer, I sat down back on the counter.

-Whatever. I wanted to talk to you only because he was down, so I guess you can stay hidden.

-The hell do you want from me? - the guy sat up, looking at me with a mix of fear and confusion. - I have no clue who you are.

-So you have a habit of forgetting your clients? - I laughed. - I am kidding of course, I don’t blame anyone for not recognizing my face.

-Client? I… I don’t…

-Yeah, you don’t know me, blah blah, I don’t care. Not relevant right now. As I said to your friend below us, I came here looking for Jack. And since you are apparently his neighbors, I thought you might know a way to get to him. Or at least contact him. And if not, I am looking for a place to stay and lay low for a while.

He looked at me, concerned.

-What do you want from him? Did he scam you out of your money? If so, you should be aware that his main policy is “no refunds”.

-Scam me? Buddy, that would be you, not him. But I see the money went for a good cause, so I am not mad. Nah, I am his… well, I wanted to say friend, but after recent events I am not so sure. Yet I am still looking for him, he’s still the most reliable source of info.

-...

-So, can you hook me up, or…?

-If I tell you, will you leave?

-Maybe… What, you don’t have a room for a weary traveler?

-Your accommodation is not our problem.

-I guess not. But I still am staying on the island until at least I learn about his whereabouts. And it’s not like you can stop me either way.

His murmur was enough of a confirmation.

-What do you want to know? - asked the person downstairs, breaking the silence.

-Don’t. You don…

-Ah… so you know something.

Vendi bit his tongue and shut up.

-...yes - the person below confirmed, hesitating a little bit.

-Well, I wanted to meet the guy. I have a lot of info he’d be interested in and vice versa.

I could tell that they were not convinced.

-You give me his whereabouts and I will get the fuck out of your sight and hopefully never bother you again. I even forgive this guy for swindling me.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

-...fine.

Vendi looked horrified.

-Are… are you sure that’s a good idea? He’s going to tear me a new one if…

-So where is he? - I interrupted him, impatient.

-I… I don’t really know.

-So why are you…

-But I know where he will be in a month.

-Eh… I guess that’s good enough. Where then?

-Here. He’s coming back to the island in about a month. Now can you please leave us alone?

-And how do I know that you’re not lying? Judging by your company, that’s a likely possibility…

-Okay, you keep saying that but I REALLY don’t remember you. And I have a good memory - Vendi pointed out, slightly irritated.

I sighed.

-I already mentioned that my current face is a recent development, but sure, I will indulge you. We met next to Jack’s inn, here, on this very island. Can’t tell you how long ago, I really was not keeping track of time. You sold me a charm. With very interesting writing on it. Promised that you’ll hit me up with your “supplier”. I paid you up front for that. I already expected that you’re going to ditch me but whatever. I mean I did kind of leave the island soon, but Jack did not and he did meet me up later and never mentioned anything about you looking for me, so…

The longer I spoke, the more scrunched his face became. When I mentioned the charm, his eyes suddenly opened wide to a degree I never thought possible.

-Holy fuck, yeah, you did look different.

-No shit.

-Wait… you were the one who was renting the room at the inn back then? - he suddenly sounded interested.

-Well, yeah. What of it?

-I don’t believe that. You definitely do not sound like him.

-Now you made me curious… - I heard muttered from below the floor.

That was intriguing.

-So come out already. I already said that I am not going to bite you.

-Said the monster who almost killed me - butted in Vendi.

-Okay, no. You almost killed yourself, buddy, I just watched. Not my problem that you are that unhinged.

-Unhinged? Protecting children with my life makes me unhinged?

-No. Tossing ineffective spells to the point of mana exhaustion is.

-Nmn…

-So you’re coming out or what? - I changed the subject, talking to the person underground.

-I am… maybe… but under one condition.

-There is always a condition…

-You leave this room. I am not showing you the exit.

I suspended the urge to facepalm.

-Believe me, that is not… you know what? Sure.

I stood up and walked towards the door.

-Go on. I’m going to wait next door - I said and closed the door behind me.

I stopped right next to the room and just waited. First of all, I didn’t even have to see them to know where exactly the door would be - as long as I was paying attention, I could easily tell where their flames were located and after sitting in that room for a while I had a good idea about its layout.

That and not knowing about the door really was not the issue for me…

Well at least I know that I was not dealing with some professionals here, which made me doubly curious. The hell were they even doing here with all those kids?

As soon as I noticed that the person was above the ground, I barged in, not waiting at all. Especially because I noticed that their mana started flickering - meaning that they were up to something.

But what I saw… or rather who, was definitely interesting.

The person that was hiding from me was a kid, I want to say about 10 years old. Short black hair, pale skin.

That is, half of it.

He was in the middle of… well, transforming. His hair was already getting lighter and grew to his shoulders right in front of my eyes. At the same time, his skin changed to a nice tanned tone.

The thing is, it was not what surprised me the most. The strangest thing was, I knew that face. I mean the first one. It was the kid that was in the inn with Jack back then, his son.

He immediately stopped when he noticed me come in.

-Well now this is interesting - I interrupted the silence that fell on the room. - It seems I keep finding familiar faces… or in this case, somewhat… - I said, getting closer.

Kid immediately started backing up, and reached out his hand, preparing to cast a spell.

-Why the hell do I always get this reaction? - I rolled my eyes at him. - Last time you were a lot more polite… what was your name… Kon? Your voice does not fit though…

-How do you know my name? - he seemed startled.

-I already said that I rented a room from your father once. Hell, is he even your father? At this point I kinda doubt that… - I said, thinking about how he changed his face. Or she? I think he…- That’s some interesting magic.

I took another step forward to get a closer look at, changed now, hair and face, but stopped immediately because I could tell that I might provoke him.

-Okay, calm the hell down. Your friend probably didn’t have time to tell you, but whatever you want to toss at me, there is a very good chance that it’s not going to work.

Neither of them said a word. Nor did Kon lower his hand.

-Fine then - I said getting closer and putting my face right in front of his hand. - Fire away. See what happens.

I was hoping that changing my approach would work. Well, it kind of did. He hesitated for a second, but did cast a spell at me.

-Wisfe wowu, moho noe dimu.

It looked and sounded like a very poor rendition of the binding spell that I was very familiar with, with a small twist - for some reason he used life magic.

The vines shot up right from below his feet and started snaking its way towards me.

The thing though, they were so slow and thin, that even if not for my crystal, I would be able to just tear them with my bare hands. But with it, I just had to nudge them with my finger for them to turn to dust.

That was strange. I expected an assault on par with one from Vendi. He had the mana to do it, hell, maybe even more.

-That was disappointing… - I blurted out without thinking.

Meanwhile, Vendi was flailing wildly, trying to get out of his binds, probably to join the assault.

-Man, you already tried it, just give up already. Or want to get exhausted again?

He growled something in reply, but stopped. Same with Kon. He dropped the spell, looking defeated.

-So. I see we’ve calmed down a bit. Can I safely assume that I am not going to be attacked any more?

I could see them staring daggers at me.

-I feel that’s a resounding maybe. I guess that’s the most I can get from you.

Still, they did not reply, but Vendi was no longer flailing and Kon was stuck to the wall like a tapestry just to get the most distance from me.

-As I see that we have only familiar faces here, let me start again. Hello, I am Mor. Nice to see you again. Since Jack’s apparently not here, as his son I assume I should ask you in his absence. First off, I would like to stay a couple of nights in your inn. Sadly though, I do lack funds for that, and knowing your previous prices, you are definitely not cheap. Technically though, I did pay in advance last time and definitely did not stay for as long as I paid for. And if you’d add the money this guy is owing me, that would probably cover the expenses. I hope we can come to some kind of agreement. Second…

While my appearance was definitely not something they expected or even though possible, I hoped that I would at least be able to establish some kind of relationship.

Despite my recent behavior, I really was not the type to just be content with being a lone wolf. While that did not bother me in the slightest, I was very keenly aware that it was not going to work in the long run. Even after being betrayed by Axelrod. Maybe because of that. I honestly can’t tell what I was hoping for, asking them that, knowing very well that there was little to no chance that they would accept me as I was, considering that I was now some kind of monster in their eyes. Especially after essentially breaking into their house.

I really was hoping that I would come to some kind of middle ground.

And, so, I felt immense disappointment when I suddenly felt a strange tug at the back of my head. I quickly focused to check what exactly I just noticed, and as I feared, I suddenly felt a bunch of people coming closer, just from the place I left the trap at.

-Ah. I see. I guess that is a no. You didn’t really have to be that hostile against me.

Both of them looked on edge.

-I… I didn’t say anything yet…

-Oh no. But you summoned someone, didn’t you? You thought I wouldn’t notice? - I laughed. - After I specifically told you that I noticed the kids moving, found you here and all that? Come on… But I have to give it to you, at least your numbers are something else…

-Numbers? - Vendi looked surprised, and even more than that, scared.

-Yes. I feel there are about ten or so people coming from the direction of the village. I don’t know where you found them, but they are at least quick. It’s nice having some mages being able to teleport.

His eyes started suddenly dashing from me to Kon, as he was expecting something.

-Okay… I admit, I did call someone here… but are you sure that someone is coming from the outside?

I rolled my eyes.

-Do I need to repeat myself? Oh, now it’s more than ten, look at that. Well in that case, I’m out of here…

But before I even managed to take a step, he spoke up.

-Wait! That is not… I only summoned one person… And he wouldn’t be arriving from the island…

-Yeah sure whatever. I’m out anyway. Or should I use you as hostages, eh?

I was obviously joking, but they shuddered anyway.

-I am not lying! No one can even get here anyway, so…

-Well, tell that to whoever’s coming. See ya!

I quickly stepped outside and started walking away. I soon had to hasten my steps, because whoever that was, they were fast. And there were a lot of them. They were moderately weak though, all of them considerably weaker than either of the people that I just left.

At first I wanted to just dash away from the place, the further away from the oncoming chase the better, but soon I realized that it was not exactly feasible.

First off, I soon hit the barrier again. While I indeed dispelled the layer that was on the other side of the mansion, the side I ran away towards was still intact. I instantly started looking for another stone with the inscription on it, just to realize that I was no longer being chased.

Actually, I had never been chased in the first place.

That was enough to stop me in my tracks and reconsider Kon’s words. Focusing, I started scouting the mansion and the nearby area.