Two elves crouched stealthily atop a large expansive branch overlooking Fritz's camp. Their dark green cloaks camouflaged themselves within the overhead canopy. They watched the adventurer's in silence, like owls overlooking their prey below. A singular human, and an exotic lamia were out of place this far north. The human stood at attention behind two wolfkin. Bottles of liquor, tobacco, and exotic meat kept appearing instantly in his hands before he handed them to the demanding wolfkin. The lamia would snap her fingers and the human would move over. She would hand him a material and an exact copy would appear in his free hand momentarily.

"Surely, there is a rational explanation for this. Maybe he is a djinn? Forced to serve his master's wishes? Why else would he waste his powers in such a trivial fashion? There are tales of such in the south."

"Lower your voice, James." The other said quietly.

"Of course, Princess Nyvere." James whispered as he fingers idly ran down the bandolier of daggers strapped . "It could be some trickery. Perhaps a bag of holding?"

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"I know what I saw. I know what my eyes see, even now. No, there's something else here."

"He looks like a servant."

"You would know."

"Point taken."

The two elves watched in silence. The human below handed another cigar to the older beastkin.

"What now? Shall head down, and ask our questions directly?"

"No. Those three assaulted Blackfang's headquarters directly. They escaped from the guards. They are too dangerous."

"One of them is getting progressively drunker. The other has gorged on enough steaks for three cows now. The lamia is too absorbed in her work. The human looks like he wishes for death. Surely they would offer little resistance?"

"Maybe, but there is another problem."

"What?"

"They are the cause of Trira's stink. If that got on me...."

"I almost forgot. Forgive me princess."

"That town is unlivable. They are already evacuating, moving back to Hueryss. The logging has stopped for now. Our kingdom has accomplished our objective. Blackfang's dreams of ruling it are no more. But we are not heading back. We will continue investigating. A human male with magical powers is groundbreaking. Our Queen should know, but we must confirm. Even better, if we can get him on our side. The beastkin are clearly abusing the man."

"How do we plan on doing that?"

"We wait. Approaching them now would be a mistake. They will be on edge."

"As you wish, princess." James replied.