“Some of you have expressed certain concerns regarding the mansion,” Lynx opened. “I thought it would be helpful to have an open forum to discuss them together.”

“How did our names get on our doors?” a woman’s voice asked.

“So far we think it’s an illusion spell,” Lynx explained, and then went on to have a variation of the discussion I’d had with Echo just moments before. I listened impatiently to the exchange as people threw out potential explanations that made no sense, and all failed to explain how the mansion could have possibly known names that some of us had never shared.

Eventually, the conversation burnt itself out and a new question emerged. “When can we bring our families here?”

“Blue is leaving first thing in the morning to get his wife, pack their things, and come back here.” Lynx gestured to the man sitting near him. “Anyone who would like to go with him is more than welcome to.”

“I think we should make sure the place is safe first!” someone cried out, prompting anxious murmurs from the crowd.

“I understand your concerns,” Lynx answered calmly. “If you’d rather wait to get your families later, that’s certainly an option, too.”

Another hand shot up. “Do you think it’s safe here, Lynx?”

Lynx took a moment to think before answering. “We have no reason to think we’re in any immediate danger. Some strange occurrences aren’t enough evidence to conclude that the place is unsafe.”

Truly diplomatic, I thought, noting that he hadn’t truly shared whether he thought it was safe or not.

The room went quiet once again, and it was clear that everyone who had gathered was exhausted. It seemed that no one had the energy to engage in a vigorous discussion.

“If no one has any other concerns to bring up right now,” he continued carefully, “we’ll start discussing our next steps.” No one objected. “Aside from the large kitchen on this floor, each lodging room has its own kitchen, complete with cooking wares, firewood, fire strikers, and even running water. All we need now is food.” He paused, seemingly waiting for suggestions, yet none emerged. “Hopefully everyone brought enough food for at least a few days. If not, see me and I’ll find something for you to eat. The nearest town is half a day’s walk from here, and I know some of you came from further away. We can organize a party to go buy food, but I’d prefer if we were at least somewhat self-sufficient. Tomorrow I want some of you outside foraging, and some of you out there hunting. I’m looking at you, Reed, Dawn, and Arrow.”

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My face fell into a glower, not happy to be volunteered, but now too weary to argue, especially in front of the whole crowd. Typically, I would hunt and slay beasts because I had been hired to, or to feed myself, or to sell the meat. I didn’t just do it for free.

I found my attention drifting, contemplating the long and bizarre day I’d endured. I couldn’t care less about whatever Lynx was still rambling on about; I was only interested in returning to my room and attempting to make myself comfortable. I still needed to bathe with the potion that Finch fellow had given me. Hopefully that would help with my wounds.

“Arrow.” I snapped my attention back to Lynx when he spoke my name. “Are you willing to agree to that plan?”

“What, slaying a beast for the guild?” I yawned disinterestedly. “I suppose I can manage that.”

“Not just that.” Lynx glared his disapproval. “Try to pay attention. I said I want you to commit to staying here for at least a week. I’ve heard how flighty you can be, but I believe having someone around of your strength and abilities will be a real asset, especially in our early days.” He raised an eyebrow. “Will you agree to that?”

Commit to staying a week? I tilted my head and considered the request. I had nothing pressing waiting for me. There was nowhere I needed to be. What was another week away from home? Especially when I still hadn’t decided whether to stay indefinitely.

Still, the mansion was quite…disconcerting. Could I stand to remain here a week after what I had witnessed with the doors?

I drew in a breath and sighed deeply. “Fine. I can do that.”

“Great!” Lynx clapped his hands together and grinned. “And with that, this meeting is adjourned!”

Many tired adventurers were eager to jump out of their seats and file out of the room. I was tempted to join them in an instant, but instead, I thought it would be best to wait until the crowd was gone.

“Just look at you!” November laughed. “You’re becoming a true guild member, agreeing to help out like that.”

I looked at her tiredly. “I’m afraid I ran out of energy for arguing already.”

“I didn’t realize that was possible.”

“Oh, it’s possible, Vember.” I gave her a fatigued grin. “This mission has worn me down quite enough.”

“Then let’s get you to bed, big fellow.” Vember patted my back as she stood up. “You’ve had quite the day, haven’t you?”

“That’s one way of putting it.” The room was emptying out, so I stood up as well. “Perhaps this mansion will make some sense in the morning. For now, I can’t fathom anything that happens here.” We started toward the stairs.

“Of course, Arrow,” November replied. “I know the names on the doors are strange and a bit scary, but I’m sure there’s an explanation. Certainly, it’s some sort of harmless spell.”

“Maybe,” I sighed. “Maybe you’re right. This mansion is safe and there’s nothing to worry about here. Maybe it’s just complex illusion magic that the mage can study.”

“That’s the spirit!” She patted my back again. “You’ll see. Everything will turn out fine.”

Of course, as we would soon find out, we were wrong.