I remained in the room with them for the rest of the day, unwilling to risk my life because this annoying bimbo was snoring like the dead. I asked the innkeeper to arrange a guard detail in the cell block, just in case they try to murder my only source of information at this point. If they were somehow murdered, it would make finding the moles so much easier. Though the storm was messing with my senses a bit, finding the culprit shouldn’t be that difficult if they make a move again. At this point, I was sure someone had spiked the food the two girls ate. Unfortunately, the morning was hectic which made it difficult to conclude who did it. Frowning, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious at the events. Perhaps the storm had some assistance with breaking the windows. Someone must have sabotaged them to create chaos and open an opportunity to quickly deal with the girl.
Once again blaming myself for my carelessness, I leaned into my palms, still sitting on the wet floor. This could have been avoided so easily if I had just made some precautions. Honestly, the fact I didn’t even think of there being others was gnawing at my pride, chipping away at my common sense and making me angry enough to want to murder everyone here. I still had the two in the basement, however, I doubted the mage knew much of anything since she came off as highly indifferent back at the camp. As for Monty... Well, he was a special case. It was possible he knew some of the others.
Clary mumbled something in her sleep, her drooling face a picture of pristine ease. Seeing Thalia was snoring like a tractor, I almost felt some humor at the state of the drugged out girls. Almost. Instead, it just seemed to act as another reminder at how easy it was for me to die right now. Feeling the bitter sensation settle in my gut, I growled and punched the floor, accidently cracking the board. Glaring at my big, fat weakness, I finally stood up. Deciding I really didn’t give a damn about propriety, I grabbed the travel pack from under her bed and dug through it.
It held mostly clothes. I eyed the lacy panties with a lifted brow before spotting a small, gray stone at the bottom. Grabbing it, I frowned in confusion and turned it around, unsure if it was just a pretty rock or something useful. Probing it with mana, I sensed a strong surge flare out from it. Startled, I dropped the thing. It rolled under the bed, luckily not breaking.
Just as I was about to reach for it, I heard a voice come out, “Yes? Thalia, are you alright?” Stunned into silence, I stared at the rock emitting Evergreen’s voice, “Thalia?” Seeing he was growing suspicious, I grabbed it and growled, “It’s not Thalia.”
Some silence ensued before Evergreen’s eerily calm voice came out again, “Who is this?” Even knowing we were months away, I felt goosebumps at the sound of his voice. Pissed off at my reaction, I hissed, “It’s me, Atkozott. Your entire guild is infested with goddamned moles! Just hours ago, someone drugged your elven girl and tried to murder her in her sleep.” Hearing a small sigh of relief come from the other side, I scowled at his next words, “And? I am pretty sure you did your job considering we are currently speaking. If you want to complete that first favor, you better identify them. I will permit you to interrogate and kill the moles. However, if your plan was to give me the information I asked for now and try to avoid the rest, you will be severely disappointed. Do not underestimate the power of the magic cast upon us. Promises are made to be kept. Protect her well and contact me once you’re done. Oh, and please, don’t dig through a lady’s things, it is very ill-mannered of you.”
Before I could even mouth my next words, the line died. The stone lost its magical shimmer as I once again attempted to establish the connection. Instead of immediately triggering like before, I saw it was lying dormant for now. Furious, I tossed it back into her bag and continued my ruffling. There was nothing else of use in it, just clothes and a sketch pad. Opening it, I saw drawings made with charcoal of people and some nice natural habitats. Lifting a brow, I put it back and pushed it back under her bed.
Crouching next to her bedside in frustration, I poked her forehead, electing a frown and mumble from the sleeping woman. Snorting, I glanced at Clary who was sleeping just as soundly. How do I wake them up? How long is this supposed to last? I knew I was on my own here, just as I’ve always been. There was no one I could trust and no one to help me but I was used to it.
Seeing there was nothing for me to do but wait, I sat back down and sunk into deep thought. My mind suddenly wandered to the past, much to my dismay. As much as I hated thinking about it, that blasted life would forever haunt me. Recalling my desperate begging at the police station back on Earth, I couldn’t help but cringe in displeasure. It never mattered who I asked for help, the result was always the same. Just more pain. They didn't believe me no matter how much I pleaded. They called me a delinquent and even threatened that they would throw me into juvie if I continued to pester them. Maybe I should have persisted. Juvie couldn’t be that bad compared to the life I let instead.
Feeling the fury bubble in my chest, I hissed and shook my head trying to fruitlessly chase the bothersome thoughts away. I knew they wouldn’t believe me, so why did I keep trying? When I first learned about police, I was ecstatic. I would call that holy number from a pay phone every time I got my hands on some coins, begging for assistance. I always gave my name and address, but the whore constantly said that I was a making trouble and looking for attention. They blacklisted me.
This was why I believed that there was no such thing as heroes. In the end, even heroes get paid. There was no such thing anyway, just a bunch of people chasing personal interest and gain. I learned that lesson a long time ago, only I can help myself. Reliance is the biggest invite for a stab in the back.
Snorting, I finally snapped myself out of that annoying train of thought. No need to think about useless things right now. Gorin should know who has access to the food and kitchen. But he’s the first one I should suspect as well. While contemplating on the possible moles, I groaned and realized it could be just about anyone. The only people I was sure weren’t the moles were Thalia and Clary as well as Ha’Luk and Mortier. I’d known those two long enough to distinguish they don’t spend much time in Harlheim. The two of them are mainly stationed at the camp. Besides, their character is way too out of line from the sneaky way I’ve found the Earl likes to deal with things. Mortier especially is far too unpredictable for someone like the Earl to recruit. Ha’Luk on the other hand is far too proper and honorable to pull shit like this. The Ogre is straightforward, his faith pulling him into a whole different direction.
While deep in thought, I heard Thalia stir in bed. Glancing over, I saw her wake up with a blissful smile on her face, “Wow, Clary, I haven’t slept this well in ages!” Stretching, she yawned and looked over. With a yelp she jumped slightly and pulled her covers up to her chest automatically, “What the hell?!” Glaring at her, I sneered mockingly, “Oh? Sleep well? Glad to hear. While you were busy getting drugged and napping, I had to tackle your assassin into the storm.”
Her eyes widened in shock as she glanced at the other missing cupboard door and to the window, “You’re serious?” Standing up in a fit, I snarled at her, “Do I look like I’m in a joking mood woman!”
Flinching away, she stared at me with wide eyes, fear clear in them. I didn’t care as I ruffled my hair, “Tell me everything you know about Gorin and the others who have access to the kitchen.” I grumbled, forcing my rage down. She glanced at Clary then back at me, “G-Gorin has been the innkeeper for around 5 years now, he’s an upstanding and well respected member of the guild. Though he was a team member before that. I don’t know what happened but apparently his team met with some kind of horrible mishap and only two members survived. That’s the rumors I heard. As for Mrs. Harley, she’s near her 60-ties and has been the guild cook for a long time if I understand correctly. I don’t know much else about her... Will you please stop glaring at me!?”
Narrowing my eyes, I sighed and turned away from her, “Who else?”
Clearing her throat, Thalia squirmed under her sheets before continuing, “I know she has two kitchen assistants but I’ve never met them. That about sums it up.”
Tapping my foot in irritation, I looked up at the celling. It didn’t really matter who had access to the kitchen, during that commotion, anyone could have sneaked in. Maybe there were witnesses though. Shaking my head, I turned my back to Thalia, “Get dressed and follow me.” I heard ruffing behind me as she did as I asked, “Why do I need to go with you? Can’t I just stay in my room?”
Turing around, I saw she was halfway to pulling up her pants. With a gasp, she wobbled and nearly fell over but regained her balance, “You need to come because they’ll just try to murder you again. I don’t want to deal with your damn uncle if that happens.” Furrowing my brows, I groaned, “It would be very inconvenient.” She glared at me with a flushed face and finally got dressed, “Well, I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you with my death.”
Rolling my eyes, I removed the door that was simply leaning on the frame, “Keep the attitude to a minimum. I really don’t need your passive-aggressive shit right now.” Grabbing her wrist, I dragged her with me despite her protests. Getting down to the tavern, I saw the guild members were looking at me with some lingering anger. Giving them the finger, I headed straight to the cell block. I was surprised to see three familiar faces guarding my prisoners. Ha’Luk and Mortier were chatting in front of the cell while the healer was administering medicine to the sick humans.
Letting go of Thalia’s wrist, I gave her a warring look, “Yo, Atko. You okay? When Gorin said he needed two people to guard these two, we figured why not.” Mortier said with his signature grin, but clear indifference was in his eyes. Ha’Luk on the other hand was reading his book and just smiled in greeting. Giving him a nod, I sighed, “I’ll be better once I find and murder those fucking moles.” He shrugged, “I feel ya man. Gotta hate the sneaksters. If you want someone dead you walk up and stab them in the face. Killing someone in their sleep is just a weakling’s tactic.” He said with a snort before opening the cell.
“You okay sweetheart?” Ha’Luk asked Thalia with some concern in his eyes. She pressed her lips into a tight line but nodded, “I’m just shocked is all.” I walked into the cell just to have an angry healer get up in my face, “These two have pneumonia! I get that you want them to suffer, but will you please get them someplace dry and warm! I don’t have medicine to waste on them anymore, especially not during the damn storm! I’m done with this, next time they need healing you can just piss off and let them drop dead!” Stunned but the furious outburst, I gaped at the heaving healer. His face was red and purple from working himself up, his brown hair falling over his eyes in a messy manner. He packed up his tools and herbs before rushing out, grumbling curses under his breath. I stared after him and looked at Mortier quizzically, “What’s got him so riled up?”
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The demon shrugged, “He’s been here since the incident in the room. These two started having some serous coughing fits, spewing blood and whatnot. You should interrogate them while the medicine is still in effect. They’ll most likely drop dead by tomorrow morning.” I heard a gasp from behind me as Thalia tried to get past me and into the cell. Frowning, I put my tail in the way and glowered at her, “Stay out of this or I swear I’ll knock you out and leave you in the water.”
She froze, her face a picture of horror and disbelief, “How can you be so inhumane! Look at them!” I followed her gesturing at the two deathly pale and coughing prisoners before snorting, “How I deal with them is none of your concern. Now, stand aside and be a good wallflower.” I hissed with narrow eyes before removing the shackles on Monty and the witch. Grabbing them both, I carried the two into the office where Xavil’s corpse had bloated up in the water. It would appear they didn’t want to deal with it until the storm passed which was reasonable considering it bothered no one down here.
The prisoners were feeble, barely fighting back as they coughed weakly. Dropping them on the desk, I watched them squirm before they finally stood up and took a corner each, scrambling from the table. Deep, black bags were under their eyes while they glared at me fearfully, their eyes glancing at the unrecognizable corpse floating on the floor, “W-What is it now!? Have we not suffered enough?!” Surprisingly, the woman screamed at me before falling into a coughing fit, her face was flushed red, a clear fever. She wiped the blood from her lips, staring hatefully. Crossing my arms, I glared at her, making her flinch away and press further into her corner.
I grinned at them, “We’re going to play a little game. I will ask a question and whoever answers truthfully first gets a point! The one that gathers four points gets to die instantly while the other will be tortured and left to die a slow agonizing death. It’s up to you. If you don’t answer my questions or lie to me, you will both be tortured.” They stared at me in disbelief and horror. I could sense Thalia was outside, she was speaking with the two men in a hushed voice. Nodding, I gave a long sigh, “First question then. How many moles does the Earl have in this guild?”
Since they were both feverish and clearly out of their right mind, I figured this would work. They were silent, sharing a glance but it was clear the woman was panicking. As I thought, she most likely didn’t know much about the guild affairs. However, she might know a thing or two about the Earls plans seeing as she was on his payroll. Putting up my hand, I smiled and began counting down with my fingers to pressure them. Just as I was about to curl my second finger, Monty broke, “I know of only 3 others!” Inwardly sighing in relief, I chuckled, “Point for you. Next one, who are the Earls biggest allies?”
Seeing the blank look on Monty’s face, he gritted his teeth, “I don’t fucking know! Uncle never told me!” Shrugging, I glanced at the woman. She was shivering and looked miserable, “The second Elder of the Harlheim branch Mages Association, Viscount Moira Colebart and Hassan Gowry, the head of Velegard’s Black Market.” Her eyes were lifeless as she listed off the names of the people, coughing slightly every few seconds. I made sure to properly remember those names for later.
Giving an impressed whistle I pointed a finger at her with a grin, “That one gets you two points!” Monty exclaimed in shock, “What the hell is wrong with you!? Shouldn’t you just let us go if we tell you everything?!” Glancing at him indifferently, I shrugged, “Why should I?” Lifting a brow, I looked between them, “Let’s make that the next question then. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t gut you like pigs?”
The woman’s eyes suddenly glowed with hope, “I’ll become your slave! I- I can do whatever you want!” She shot out with slight craze in her eyes, the delirium of her fever becoming more pronounced while Monty was at a clear loss. Even he couldn’t think up a reason for me to let him live. I snorted at her, “Not interested in a sick hag. I’ve no need for a slave. Now that we got that issue out of the way, let’s continue. Tell me the identities of the three moles you know of.”
Monty was startled when he saw I was staring at him. Lowering his eyes, he groaned, “Hobbs, Kevin and Gabrielle.” Excitement struck me immediately, I finally had a lead. Staring at them, I continued the questions, “What was the plan after you handled Thalia? What was the next course of action?” They were both silent at this. Frowning, I made a threatening step towards them. Eloise burst into tears suddenly, “Stay away from me! The Association was to assist the takeover of the Warmongers, that’s all I know!” At the same time, Monty shouted as well, “We were supposed to coordinate with them to lace the food with magic infused poison and then take everyone under Evergreen’s banner out!”
I was shocked they planned to use poison but it made sense seeing as they preferred underhanded means instead of direct confrontation. That Elder the witch mentioned must be the one who would provide it but the Association was none of my business. I pointed at both of them, “Both get points, now you’re tied. Last question then. Where is this poison now?” A shrill wail suddenly escaped the woman, “I don’t know! I don’t know! Just let me die! Just let me die!” She’d finally gone insane, slamming her head against the stone walls in an attempt to crack her own skull open.
Moving before she could pull one like Xavil did, I held her by the neck and stared at Monty with expectation. His face was blank, showing he really didn’t know anything. Sighing, I broke the crazy woman’s neck before doing the same to him, “Pity.” Honestly, I didn’t have time to fuck around with these two anymore than this. Time was of the essence. Once that storm stopped and the guild doors opened once more, the moles would most likely disappear. They knew full well they were being hunted right now, I made sure it was clear to them, wherever they may be. It should help me to spot them more easily.
Cracking my knuckles, I left my makeshift interrogation room. Seeing Thalia was crouching with her hands over her ears, I stared questioningly at Mortier. He gave a wry grin, “She heard but I wouldn’t let her go in to stop you so I told her to just cover her ears.” There was a real annoyance in the demon’s eyes, looking at Thalia with clear disgust at the show of weakness. I gave a nod and ignored the girl before giving Mortier a serious look, “Do you know any guild members named Hobbs, Kevin and Gabrielle?”
Mortier scratched his head before smiling apologetically, “Sorry, man. I don’t make a habit of remembering people that have no strength. Maybe Ha’Luk knows them, he has a bad habit of snooping.” Lifting a brow at the Ogre, I saw him sigh as he shut the book, “Yeah, Hobbs has been working in the kitchen for the last 3 years or so, used to be an active member but quit after he got married and had a kid. Gabrielle is a member of Rocky’s team and a damn good scout, as for Kevin... I don’t know which one you’re talking about, we have at least three in the guild...”
At the beginning I couldn’t help but feel excited that I found the one who spiked the food. However, the last part made me frown, “How many Kevin’s are currently here in the guild with us?” Ha’Luk seemed to think about it before giving me a strange look, “Actually, only one but I haven’t seen him since yesterday. Kevin was the one who spoke up when you arrived at the guild with Monty in tow. Now that I think about it, those two often hung out.” I was genuinely amazed at the fact Monty seemed to have sold out his friend. It just affirmed the fact that humans were nothing but an utter waste of air.
My next stop was definitely the kitchen. I nudged Thalia and met her teary eyes as she stood up. Her hand suddenly flew at my face but I easily caught it. Grinning down at her, I shoved her against the wall, “Listen to me very carefully. Are you ready?” Her whole demeanor seemed to switch from infuriated to unsettled, “If you don’t stop fucking around and making my job more complicated than it needs to be, I will gag you, put you in a damn sack and carry you around like a goddamned baby since you always act like one! Stop being like a little bitch and suck it the fuck up. The sooner I find those infiltrators, the sooner we’ll be out of each other’s hair. Do you understand?” I stared her dead in the eye, waiting for an affirmative response. The tears flowed more freely as she nodded.
With a grunt, I let her go, “Follow and do not go far from me.” Holding her midsection defensively, she kept her head down and obeyed. I ignored her haunted expression and Ha’Luk’s scowl. We went up with everyone, there was no longer any point in keeping a guard detail downstairs. Glancing around the tavern, I nudged Ha’Luk with my elbow, “Point out that Gabrielle.” He squinted his eyes and scanned the place before lowering next to my ear, “See the girl with blue hair? The left corner table with a small crew? She’s the one.” I nodded and watched her closely.
Her hair was braided all the way back, forming into a neat bun at the back of her head. The pointed ears revealed her heritage. She wore no make-up, her dark eyes weren’t smiling unlike her expression. It seemed she disliked her company yet tolerated them. She was currently in regular clothes, the jerkin and tight pants showcasing her healthy figure. The man next to her was practically all over her, glancing her way every few seconds. Every time he said something, he would look to her for approval. Ha’Luk leaned over, “That guy trying to woo her is Rocky. You should watch out, the man is blindly in love with her. The guild members have a running joke he’s her lapdog despite being a team leader.” I gaped at Ha’Luk, “You really know a lot about everyone.”
He smiled and shrugged, “I pay attention and make it my business to know who I associate with. Directly or not. You can say I have a knack for administration or a nosey bone, both would be true, heh. I’ve gotten drunk with more than half the people in this guild.” Giving me a wink, I pulled away, slightly creeped out by how odd the gesture appeared on his face. Taking a deep breath, I figured it’d be trouble if I went over there now. I did notice her glancing here every once in a while, but she would quickly cover it up. Instead, I walked over to the side of the bar.
Gorin was wiping a glass as he noticed me. He sighed, “What now?” Figuring I should test him just in case, I paid very close attention to his heartrate and breathing. Leaning over, I whispered menacingly, “I know you work for the Earl.” Sensing no change in his demeanor save the big, confused frown on his face, I saw him slam the mug on the counter with a glower, “That is some serious slander you’re throwing my way boy. I don’t know what is in your head, but don’t push it or I will kick you out of the damn guild and into the storm.” He hissed back, appearing truly insulted.
I sighed and nodded, “Sorry about that, I needed to be sure.” Seeing as he didn’t lie or have any reaction save getting offended, leaned over again, “I need to go to the kitchen, Monty ratted on Hobbs, and he’s the mole who spiked their food.” Gorin seemed disordered for a moment and frowned, “That’s impossible, he was with Maverick fixing one of the broken windows. He only got back later that day. Only Harley and Johann were in the kitchen making the breakfast and I can vouch for them. Harley is Trent’s aunt and Johann is just a kid, only 12 years old. The boy has hero complex, no way did he spike anything.”
If Hobbs didn’t poison the food then who the fuck did!? I growled in frustration, “I need to speak to Hobbs anyway. Tell him to come over to my room, now.” Gorin sighed and nodded. Thalia followed as we went up. Entering my room, I gestured for her to sit down on the bed as I took the chair. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Glancing over, I had a cold expression, “Come in.”
A regular man entered the room, his hair neatly shortened and his face was free of facial hair. The human was clearly nervous and jumpy, I could recognize pure paranoia on his expression. As soon as he saw me, he knew he’d been had as he clasped his hands together, “Please... I really don’t know anything. They... they have my kid... In exchange for keeping him alive, I just have to put whatever they give me into the food and do as they say. I don’t even know what it is.” He actually broke into a sob, “They sent me his finger... I had no choice!”
I was stunned. At first I thought he was selling me a sob story, but the more he spoke the more it became clear the man was telling the truth, “Gorin said you were fixing the windows this morning. When did you poison it?” He shook his head, “I was, but I found a note in my pocket and sneaked away for a while. I don’t know who slipped it in but it had a small vial in it and said to put it in the breakfast of the two girls.” Picking around his pocket, he handed it over. Accepting it, I saw the empty vial and uncorked it. Sniffing, I saw it had no scent but there was a bit of yellowish residue in there. Most likely the Harrow Daisy. It was a known sedative, very strong in the right dose. Despite its intimidating name, many people actually take it to help them sleep.
Reading the note, I saw it was short but clear. If he didn’t do it, his son would lose another limb. With quivering hands he took out a small, bloodied napkin. Opening it, I heard Thalia gasp with her hands over her mouth at the sight of a small finger. I felt anger well up, a furious growl finding its way out of my throat. Even I don’t stoop that low. Though making threats is fine and all, it’s not always necessary to deliver, “So you don’t know anything about the others?”
He shook his head, “It’s too late anyway.” The crushed, haunted look in his eyes showed the man was hollow at this point. Before I could continue to speak, Thalia jumped in front of me, “Don’t tell me...” He gave a bitter smile, his tears streaming down his chin, “It’s too late... I failed and was found out. They will most likely kill him and then the rest of my family. The Earl always delivers on his promises... I will follow on my own...” With eerie acceptance, he stumbled to the door. Giving one last glance, the pure sorrow in his eyes gleamed with uncharacteristic viciousness, “I hope you find them all. Kill them all...”
He left. I didn’t stop him. I glared at the note in my hand and stood up. Bringing it close to my nose, I could barely make out a foreign scent hiding under his. Feminine, elf. Something else as well. Furrowing my brow, I committed the scent to memory, the smell of rosehip. Having a good hunch at who was the one responsible, I rushed out, dead set to get this over with.