Skoshi Olden’s laughter filled the Rusty Cow’s dining area as he reminisced about an old dungeon run with his former party members who sat with him. At the table were Rygic’s instructors: Sages Taina Endo, Exem Podaton, alongside Pebble Artrock, as well as the Inn’s owner, Yaz Firebeard. Once a month, the group made it a point to get together. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Skoshi playfully apologized to Taina.

“Sorry Taina, you’ve got to admit it was at least a little funny when that horde of sprites rushed you. Looked like a sea of tiny humans with glittery wings, armed with teeny spears, taking on a giantess.”

“Maybe now, but at the time, those little pinpricks added up!” Taina loudly replied. She was trying her best to hide a growing smirk.

Taking a long drink from her mug, Yaz looked over to Skoshi. “Not as funny as when you ran from that group of firblogs looking for a mate,” she countered before breaking down into a full belly laugh. The others joined in, including Skoshi, as images resurfaced from the past of his narrow escape from the giant, fur-covered, bear-like creatures that stood upright on two legs.

“How was I supposed to know that drinking from that metal cup signified my desire for a mate?” Skoshi asked before laughing once more.

The group continued to fondly recall their past adventures before switching to the present. “You know, the dynamic between Rygic and his friends reminds me a lot of our group during the academy days,” said Taina.

“I am grateful he found trustworthy friends,” commented Skoshi.

“Trustworthy friends, indeed. They often remind me of our group as well. Makes me miss our adventuring days,” replied Yaz with a fond smile.

“Rygic shows some real potential, despite his lack of spells with his particular affinity,” commented Pebble. Even though the tavern was mostly empty, she was still cautious to say it out loud. Aether was one of the rarest affinities and an Elf with Aether magic was even rarer. Rygic would make a tempting target for Kosany spies and assassins. While the runes etched along Rinkon’s walls would alert them of a Kosany presence, nothing was stopping them from hiring the seedier members of the society.

“He’s decent enough with a blade, but also shows the potential to be a good party leader,” added Taina.

“His two friends, Quart and Dreck, are no slouches either,” remarked Exem. “Dreck reminds me of a younger you, Skoshi. Quart seems proficient with both healing and damaging spells. He'll be a versatile party member to be sure.”

Nodding, Skoshi couldn’t be happier for Rygic. Then as he thought of the previous events regarding Rygic’s first quest, a slight frown formed on his face. “I heard about what happened on the first day of their quest. I was quite tempted to track those two rogue party members down.” He then turned to Yaz, “Thank you for calming me down before I did anything rash, Yaz. You were right. Their betrayal was a good early lesson to learn.”

“Think nothing of it. Though I can’t say what I would do should those two ever have the nerve to visit the Rusty Cow,” joked Yaz with a smile that failed to reach her eyes.

“Do you four know the two that replaced them? I think their names were Lita Evensong and Ruby Benta?” inquired Skoshi. Those around him were barely able to keep from rolling their eyes. Skoshi’s friends had been aware for the last fifteen years that he had been working as an agent in Silent Watch. This covert organization was made up of talented individuals tasked to discreetly monitor Viltis. Rumor had it, they reported directly to Queen Margeen Attenday. With this knowledge, Skoshi would undoubtedly have the resources to reliably keep tabs on Rygic.

Smirking, Yaz replied, “Like you don’t really know. I’d be disappointed if the best scout in all of Terra failed to keep an eye on someone from his own House.”

Before the others could chime in, a very harried-looking human guard with raven-colored hair rushed into the dining area. She quickly scanned the room before spotting the group. With purposeful strides, she briskly walked over to their table, wasting no time in introducing herself before anyone had a chance to acknowledge her presence. “Greetings Magnus Skoshi, I am Corporal Fini. Captain Hammerfist has asked that I bring you to the eastern wall.”

Skoshi's face took on a grim tone as a few thoughts flashed into his mind. Captain Hammerfist was a very capable guard. If Hammerfist was asking for him, it must be serious. He immediately stood up. “Greetings Corporal Fini. I’ll leave immediately.” He addressed his friends, “It was good to see you all. Not sure how long this will take.” He then gestured toward the door, “Lead on Corporal.”

As the two walked out of the Rusty Cow, Skoshi was unsurprised to see four more guardsmen who quickly straightened their posture and stood at attention. “Move out,” ordered Corporal Fini. Almost immediately, the guards formed around Skoshi in a diamond pattern, with Corporal Fini in the lead. She set a fast pace, not quite a flat-out run, but almost near it. The walls soon came into view. Thankfully, they made good time, as those in the crowded streets almost instinctively parted to make room. Corporal Fini proceeded directly toward a small contingent of guards that were gathered around a Gnome in bright, polished armor, who seemed to be studying a section of the wall.

Stopping just behind the gnome, Corporal Fini announced, “Captain Hammerfist, I have brought Mangus Skoshi as ordered.”

The gnome quickly turned around. “Ah Skoshi, thank you for coming so quickly.” He then gestured toward Corporal Fini, “Please join the others and ensure the perimeter is secured.”

With a crisp salute, Corporal Fini answered, “Right away Captain.” She then immediately turned and began to give orders to the surrounding soldiers. Hammerfist smiled fondly as he watched her execute his commands.

Skoshi briefly reflected on his first meeting with the captain. He was quite surprised to find a gnome with a dwarf-sounding family name. When Skoshi asked, Hammerfist explained the history of his family and how the name came about. It had to do with the shape formed when empowering their firsts with arcane mana. “She seems capable,” commented Skoshi.

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“Oh yes, one of the best recruits this year. Might be a good replacement for my sergeant who just retired,” replied Hammerfist. His eyes flashed as he uttered “Seiiki.” A barely noticeable bubble of blue energy formed around them before disappearing.

“Sanctum? Glad I made haste then. Seems you have a serious issue, my friend,” commented Skoshi.

“Yes,” answered Hammerfist. His face lined with worry. He pointed to a black spot on the wall that looked burned against the grey stone. “Something has destroyed this rune of detection.”

A brief look of surprise appeared on Skoshi’s face before it vanished quickly and was replaced with a neutral one. He knelt and took a closer look. The rune was completely destroyed. Without prior knowledge, anyone looking at the spot on the wall would have assumed it was struck with a random fire spell.

“For something to destroy the rune yet remain undetected by the seers in the guard... it has to be a low-level Kosany,” stated Skoshi.

“Or one of the creatures from their lands,” added Hammerfist. Skoshi nodded in agreement.

“How much time do you think has passed since it was destroyed?” asked Skoshi.

“Not long, sometime between last night’s patrol and this morning,” answered Hammerfist who leaned in to take another look at scorch marks.

“What about the runes embedded along the street?” inquired Skoshi. He turned and looked down the street leading back toward the Rusty Cow. He suspected those were most likely intact as he didn’t notice anything amiss on his journey to the wall.

“I sent a few guards to check out the surrounding roads while we waited for your arrival. They should be back shortly,” replied Hammer fist. “Speaking of which…” he said as he noticed Corporal Fini was walking back toward them.

“Captain, the guards you sent out earlier have reported back. All but one street seems to be okay. The last one... well, there are several runes that have been destroyed. Thankfully, it is one of the less-traveled routes. I have sent word to close the road with the story of an issue with a cracked sewer line.”

“Show us,” ordered Hammerfist.

Corporal Fini answered, “Right this way, Captain,” and quickly turned to walk away. As before, four other guards formed a diamond formation around Skoshi and Hammerfist. With determined strides, they swiftly reached their destination.

“This is the one, Captain. Curell Street. The runes for the next three blocks are burned out much like the one on the eastern wall,” reported Corporal Fini.

“Ensure no curious civilians stray too near,” instructed Hammerfist. The last thing he wanted was people panicking before all the details were known.”

Hammerfist and Skoshi proceeded down the street. They stopped at each rune engraved in the middle of the path. The runes had been destroyed in much the same manner as the one on the wall.

Skoshi peered down the street, his elven eyes were able to spot the fourth rune which appeared to be intact. “Looks like whatever it is, stopped at this rune.” He looked around wondering “Why here?” Corporal Fini’s report of the sewer line suddenly came to mind. He quickly looked around and spotted a nearby sewer entrance, its lid slightly ajar. Following Skoshi's eyes, Captain Hammerfist immediately understood his line of thinking. Whatever had destroyed the runes most likely escaped into the sewers. He quickly called Corporal Fini over.

“Yes, Captain?” Corporal Fini asked.

Hammerfist pointed at the sewer lid, “Has anyone gone into the sewers?”

“None of the guards, Captain. I also took the liberty of checking with the city’s administrators. No one has been authorized to work in this area,” reported Corporal Fini.

Skoshi’s expression took on a worried look. “Captain, the Academy is holding its first Quest this week,” he stated in a grim voice.

Hammerfist’s eyes grew wide with the realization that many inexperienced mages and adventurers would be down in the sewer. “Corporal Fini, gather the guards. We need to begin sweeping the sewers!”

“Right away, Captain!” Corporal Fini immediately rushed off, shouting orders to those nearby.

“I need to muster the rest of the city’s guards. Can we count on the Academy’s Instructors for help?” inquired Hammerfist.

“Most assuredly. I’ll send word. If you’ll excuse me, I need to check on the newest member of my house as well,” stated Skoshi, who immediately turned and began walking at a brisk pace back toward the Rusty Cow. If he was lucky, his old group members would still be there.

As he rounded a corner and the Rusty Cow came into view, he saw Yaz seeing his friends off. Calling out to them, they turned and waited for him. Once within talking distance, he immediately cast Sanctum, not caring that he did so in the open street. His friend’s expressions showed their sudden surprise.

“Sorry, time may be short. Something has destroyed several Runes of Detection near the eastern wall and appeared to have escaped into the sewer,” Skoshi quickly stated.

“The students!” exclaimed Pebble, though by the alarmed expressions on both Exem and Taina's faces, their thoughts immediately went to the students as well.

“My thoughts exactly,” answered Skoshi. “Do you know which entrance Rygic and his friends were scheduled to use?”

“No, but we can find out at the Academy gates. The guard there was tasked to give out the quest location assignments,” informed Taina. “Shall we get going?”

The group made good time as they traveled back to the Academy. While approaching the Academy gates, Sergeant Balram walked out to greet them.

“Greetings, instructors, and well met, Mangus Skoshi,” Sergeant Balram called out.

Seeing only the guards were present, Skoshi didn’t bother to cast Sanctum. In a serious tone, he replied, “Greetings, Sergeant Balram. I wish I could say this was a courtesy call, but I am afraid this is an emergency. I have reason to believe either the Kosany or one of their creatures has somehow entered the sewers.”

“By the Spirits, the students! I assume you have already informed the guard?” Sergeant Balram hastily asked.

“I have, and they should be mobilizing as we speak. Has Rygic’s group reported back yet?” inquired Skoshi.

“I am afraid not,” replied Sergeant Balram. A frown formed on his face.

“Then, would you happen to know which entrance Rygic was assigned to enter?” inquired Skoshi.

“Mases Street,” answered Sergeant Balram almost immediately. While he had a good memory, Rygic’s stuck out due to personally knowing him.

“Thank you.” Skoshi then turned to his friends, “I am going to go search for Rygic’s party.”

“We’ll come too,” stated Tania. “You don’t know what could be waiting for you down there, you might need a party to assist.” Exem and Pebble both gave firm nods of agreement.

Skoshi smiled for the first time since leaving the Eastern wall. “Thank you, my friends, but I should be okay. I doubt whatever snuck into the sewers isn’t powerful enough to challenge me. Had it been, the city’s seers would have detected them at once.”

“In that case, we’ll go and warn the other instructors before looking for more of our students,” replied Taina.

With a wave, Skoshi left his friend and headed to the sewer entrance on Mases Street. As it was nearby, it didn’t take him long to reach it. He stopped just short of the entrance, quickly reached into one of his robe's pockets, and pulled out a tiny jar. He always kept a jar of Dewaft with him as being a member of the Silent Watch would occasionally have him in unpleasant scenarios. He applied a small amount and then slipped down into the sewer. He only hoped Rygic and his friends were safe.