{-Zetai-}
She was partially annoyed that this probably wouldn’t climax in her punching someone. Because, frankly, anyone who was going to do that to one of her friends was practically begging to get punched in the face. She was almost too worried, though, to think about how angry she was. This was something serious. Something they didn’t understand.
A punishment the twins never deserved.
Luckily, they could fast travel to Nafrius, and hopefully have this whole thing settled within the day. Presumably. One could hope…
“So,” Reynneak began cautiously, “we know what’s happening and who’s doing it. Do you think we can talk about… why they’re doing it?”
Tinath shrugged. “The twins are basically the symbol of everything Nankohm’s been trying to avoid. Getting rid of them will more or less solve all of their problems. Or, at least, they think it’ll solve all of their problems.”
“But why now?” Zetai asked. “Out of all the times they could’ve done it? I would’ve assumed there’d be better opportunities, like when all three of us are busy with something. I’m pretty sure they’ve got to have information about that.”
“I think I heard someone say they’re planning a big, interregional event soon,” Reynneak offered thoughtfully. “Maybe they want to solve it all before then.”
“I think they just thought this has gone on long enough,” Tinath remarked. “We’re clearly not going to cooperate with them, so they’ve got to do things the ‘hard way.’ I doubt they realize, though, that we’re not just going to sit by and watch it happen.”
“Mrs. Rogers knows at least, though,” he pointed out. “We said as much when we last saw her.”
“Yeah, but I got the impression she wasn’t the most keen on the whole idea,” Zetai said. “For all we know, she’s purposely keeping stuff from them so that they could ‘mysteriously’ fail.”
Tinath shook her head. “Mom hates conflict. She’s probably only still there because of her college friends, but I think that says more about how far she’ll go for them. She doesn’t want to do this—at least, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t. But I doubt she’s going to try to change it. She probably thinks she’s long passed the point of being able to talk sense into Mr. Mair…”
“Figures,” Zetai mumbled. “They make something amazing, but are only interested in getting rid of it. It’s just a failure to them—even when it’s the one thing they’ve built their name on.”
“It’s more complicated than just a failure,” Reynneak pointed out. “This isn’t just what they built their career on—it’s also the same thing that could end it.”
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Tinath sighed. “Honestly, we’re… probably lucky they waited this long, and that Casrane knew what to do. They’ve never exactly been subtle about keeping this entire thing away from the public. That kind of thing only gets harder the longer they try.”
There was nothing more they could say about the situation; they just had to hurry up and do what they could to help. The only thing they could do to help.
After all, they were really only supposed to be unrelated players. This wasn’t something they were intended to get involved in.
Well, whatever Nankohm thought, they were going to be proven wrong—shown they never should’ve messed with the twins.
When they got to Emmyth’s temple in the center of Nafrius, it was like nothing was wrong at all. Another group of players must’ve been trying to find the doves and other NPCs walked around like it was just a normal day. Zetai led the way inside and, after wondering if they were going to have to find Duuzlo, saw him walk out from one of the halls.
And that was a look of someone who definitely knew why all of them were there. He didn’t draw attention to it, though, instead casually saying, “I was wondering when you might come. Would you like to follow me to my office? I don’t believe anyone would bother us there.”
They all nodded and followed him.
It had been a while since they were last here. Zetai couldn’t find herself finding it peaceful, though; it seemed like the only reason they ever came was because something bad had happened.
“Now,” Duuzlo said as he pushed open the door to his office, “tell me what’s going on. Unfortunately, I don’t have anywhere for you to sit, but I don’t think this will take long.”
Zetai made it quick and blunt. “Something’s going on with the twins and Casrane. Vamir said it had something to do with Nankohm messing with their codes.”
“I assume that he was also the one to tell you to come to me?”
“I mean, it doesn’t really seem like Casrane would’ve been able to, so…”
Duuzlo nodded, still in a way that showed he had more hidden. “Just allow me to gather some of my things. You came from Anseshara, correct? I’ll need you to walk me there. I need to be with them in order to help.”
“There isn’t something you can do quicker?” Tinath asked.
Nervously, Reynneak agreed, “It’s going to take a couple of hours to get there. This sounded like something we needed to be quick about…”
“We’re being as quick as we can be,” Duuzlo responded. “I understand all three of you must be worried, but you should know that I understand what’s going on and what needs to be done. All you’ve got to do is trust me.”
“While we’re bringing you there, could you tell us more about all of this?” Zetai prompted. She figured it was worth a shot. “Exactly what’s been going on, I mean. We don’t know any more than what Vamir told us and what Casrane vaguely mentioned…”
After a moment’s consideration, Duuzlo nodded. “There’ll be a time for that soon. Right now, though, I’d like you all to not look like something’s wrong. All that’s going to do is assure Nankohm and upset the others.”
Tinath bluntly questioned, “You mean the reason you’re traveling with us isn’t suspicious enough?”
“It won’t be, so long as you don’t draw any attention to it.” He started gathering a couple of things from around his office. He must’ve gotten everything pretty quickly, because it didn’t take him long to announce, “Alright, I think that’s everything. I’m relying on you to safely escort me to wherever Llewel, Myr, and Casrane are.”