Note: Sorry for the late release, and (maybe) drop in quality. I'm currently writing this in a moving car for a trip, and I won't be able to write as often as I normally do.  Anyway's next chapter is the first action scene so you have that to look forward to. 

Thank you for the support, I hope you enjoy the chpater

***

The trip back to the town was one of an uneasy silence.  Cronk opened his mouth several times to say something, but stopped himself as he thought his words over.  Cronk knew that he should harbor feelings of hate or even disgust towards the pathfinder, after all the man had made a complete fool of Cronk. 

The pathfinder had tricked him into swimming across a river and making him think a completely harmless animal was one which could kill him, but strangely the only feeling he felt was shame.  He felt shame because for once Cronk was completely out of his element, unable to make a reasonable decision.

Just as the sun was beginning it's descent into the western mountains the two found themselves at the southern gates of the city, "It's getting late, we should drop this guy off in the warehouse. I'll get you started on your observations tomorrow." Vigil said while pointing to the struggling Uare.

Still lost in thought Cronk simply nodded, and followed the pathfinder towards the eastern side of the city. 

The city of Linden started out as a small town whose primary source of income was grain farming.  It wasn't until around 60 years ago, when a mining company started digging around in the mountains for precious gems, or iron, when the town started expanding.  The mining company had stumbled across a literal gold mine, which attracted people who sought fortune, which in turn attracted larger businesses.  With the sudden influx of people, and businesses many buildings were made to accommodate all of them, and often times the city would just build the buildings wherever there was space, leaving the town's layout sprawling in every which direction. With many back roads, and dead ends the city was very difficult for newcomers to make their way from one place to another.

Arriving at a stone warehouse, towards the outskirts of the city, Vigil knocked on the door, after a few seconds with no answer he knocked again.  Cursing he handed the Uare to Cronk, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a key. Unlocking the door Vigil shouted into the warehouse, his voice amplified by the echoing inside, "WAKE UP!". 

Hearing a falling sound accompanied by quite groaning Vigil made his way towards the noise talking loudly, "Jago I swear to god if you keep falling asleep on duty I'll have guild master schedule you for another week of this."

Hearing the voice of his old master, Jago called out while stretching his back, "Nice to see you too Vigil,"  Standing up he waited for Vigil to round the corner, and when he finally did he saw another unfamiliar face holding onto an Uare, smiling he spoke to Vigil,  "So you've finally decided to accept another apprentice after four years?  Did I set your standards to high or something?"

Snorting at Jago's narcissism, he thought about retorting, but his former apprentice wasn't completely wrong so he ignored it for now, "He's still on the trial period, if he does good on the rest of the observation test I'll accept him

Snorting at the man he responded, "He's still on the trial period, if he does good on the rest of the observation test I'll consider him."

Standing all the way up Jago walked over to Cronk, and spoke "My names Jago, Vigil's former apprentice, it's nice to meet you,"

Going to extend his hand Cronk realized he was still holding the Uare, and instead simply nodded, "Cronk, likewise"

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Pointing to the Uare, Jargo spoke, "We better get that one into a container before he tries to escape," motioning for Cronk to follow him he moved towards the back of the warehouse while explaining, "We have several warehouses and every warehouse is separated into two types, dead and living.  The living warehouses are further separated into types of environment, for example to the right is swamp lands."  Trying to scratch the Uare's chin he spoke, "This little guy lives in the rivers, but they occasionally go on land, so he'll go into the semi aquatic section."

Arriving at the back Jago motioned towards a medium sized, ten by ten by ten foot, container filled mostly with water, but having a small stone island in the middle, "Just toss him in and you can come back in the morning to start the experiments."

Doing as he was told, he put the Uare into the water, and then turned to ask Jago a question in a slightly concerned voice, "Is this what pathfinders do?  Just sit in warehouses all day?"

Scratching the back of his neck Jago spoke with a weak smile, "This is actually a punishment for something I did, normally pathfinders are out in the field guiding people through locations, and before you ask what I did ... let's just say that there is a lot less animals in the living warehouses than there normally are."

Cronk furrowed his brow, and opened his mouth to ask for details, but was cut off before he could speak, "You should probably head off to the pathfinders guild with Vigil before it gets late."  Jago continued speaking through a yawn.

Bidding Jago farewell he made his way towards the warehouse exit where Vigil was currently staring at the darkening sky.  Hearing footsteps he spoke, "Let's go to the pathfinders guild and register you as a trainee you'll get a room to stay in and a meal everyday."

Without waiting for his answer Vigil began walking through the winding back streets of Linden towards the guild hall. 

***

Ethan, Mary, Mark, and Ilo were standing at the corner of one of the many intersections of Linden waiting for their prey to arrive, "Are you sure he's going to be here today?" Ethan spoke a little quieter than what was absolutely necessary.

"I saw him head to one of the warehouses a few minutes ago, this would be the quickest way to get to their guild hall...I think at least." Mary tried to reassure.

Patting Ethan on the back, Mark jokingly spoke,  "Calm down Ethan, Mary's practically a genius you know. She can multiply and everything"

Ethan opened his mouth to voice another one of his concerns, "What is our parents fi-"

But was cut off by Ilo who had gone out to scout, "Mary was right he's coming right now, he'll be here in about five minutes."

The atmosphere turning serious as Mary laid out a map, and went over their plans one more time,

"Ok, last time we did this he had a pouch identical to this one ,"  holding up a small green coin purse she continued, "The plan is for Ethan to grab his pouch while he's not paying attention," Circling an intersection she gestured to Mark, "after that he'll meet up with Mark, here, and hand off the real coin pouch while dropping the fake one on the ground. After that Mark will circle around and go the long way towards the guild hall.  Ilo you'll be on the rooftops again, if something goes wrong bird call me everyone's locations, and try to buy time until I get there." Taking a deep breath she finished  "Everyone understand?" 

Looking around to her friends she saw them nodding their heads in consent, "Alright let's do this."