For the next three weeks, I had nothing to report and I felt like a fool. Only one question kept playing through my mind- was Quinn who I met my first night in the Lower City the same leader of the mercenaries?
"Maybe its suspicious we're in the lower city every night?" asked Alistor. "Or he just used you to get the girl back."
I sighed. "Maybe..."
The last few weeks in Charm speaking class had been hard on me mentally. We were doing book learning now that Aslan was gone and all my classmates had been groaning. Luckily, Guardian Rook hadn't told them it was my fault.
I was beyond frustrated with myself. I wanted to bring down this threat to the capital myself. I felt I had to prove myself more capable than the males especially the Nephilium for them to keep allowing females in the program.
"Eve, you can't be mad at yourself for not achieving what even seasoned Guardians have tried," he said gently placing his hand gingerly on my shoulder in comfort.
"Yes I can," I said. "I have to prove to the king that he didn't make a mistake-"
"You don't. He wouldn't have made an exception if he didn't believe you were talented."
Alistor had a point, but it didn't squash all the doubts I had. For the rest of our walk to the Lonely Dove Tavern, we stayed quiet. The place was more alive than ever tonight and we had to push our way through. Sasha wasn't there and neither was her brother, but someone else was. The man I believed to be Quinn was sitting with Aslan.
"Quinn," I greeted as we approached.
His head snapped to look at me and a broad smile played across his face- a wolfish grin. I realized finally he was a werewolf. His eyes were a bright amber almost gold. No reason he seemed to find me with ease- he could sniff me out.
"Come join us," he said pleasantly. "I promise we won't bite."
I sat beside him and Alistor beside Aslan. I could smell his musk of pine and the woods.
"I've heard you have been here nightly with your friend."
"Aye. Since I first arrived here for training. I traveled with Sasha and Twill and see them as friends."
He smiled wickedly.
"It is as much risk to yourself and your friend here," he said nodding at Alistor. "For you to be here in the Lower City every night, Nephilium. One might believe you are a wolf in sheep's clothing as I assumed you haven't been caught because you haven't been sent home."
Alistor had been right.
"Perhaps we are just more clever," I said pleasantly. "You made me curious after all, Quinn, You promised with the safe return of Aslan you would make a powerful ally. I was curious what you meant by that."
I could tell he found me amusing as he studied me with his amber eyes intently.
"You have heart, Nephilium, I will give you that."
He took a sip of his drink.
"What if I told you that the Blood Moon mercenaries aren't your true enemy or threat?" he asked as his wooden tankard banged gently back onto the table.
I looked at him curiously. "Then who is?"
"There is a secret sect of Guardian's that call themselves the Keltcher."
"I've never heard a mention of this group," I said looking at Alistor who shook his head.
"That's why it is a secret sect," he said with a grim smile.
"Sounds more like a wives tale to me," said Alistor.
I had to agree with him- this had to be a ruse to throw us off the mercenary's tails.
"Don't believe me?" he asked ignoring Alistor's remark all together.
I shook my head.
"Do me a favor then, Nephilium," he said. "Ask random Darklings about the Keltcher. Watch how they pale and their whole demeanor change. The Keltcher are savages."
"So what makes you a powerful ally if you can't deal with them yourselves?" I asked.
"I have eyes and ears all over this city, girl. I know all. I see all. I just need someone believable to step forward to the king with these tyrants. He won't hear our words because we are seen as liars and thieves, but you. You can make him bend and see us. See what is really happening. See the threat that dwells behind his own walls."
I looked at Alistor for help. What Quinn said was true. We had the king's ear, but this wasn't the news he wanted. He wanted the Blood Moon brought down- not to learn that there was an internal threat that was the reason the ban was lashing out.
"The ban is a group of vigilantes, Quinn. I can't help if they won't step down."
He laughed mockingly. "And let the people here be without protection? You ask too much. We aren't your enemy- the Keltcher are."
He had just said we. Was he apart of the ban as I had first thought?
"How many are in this secret sect?" I asked.
He shrugged. "It is hard to say. They all wear leather rogue armor- light plate metal with mostly leather armor and have deep cowl red cloaks. I'd say at least ten, but they are ruthless. Don't underestimate their power by their numbers."
"I will see what I can find out of this sect, Quinn," I said. "But it won't be easy."
"It will be easier than you think. You are a Nephilium from a respected family."
A small chill went down my spine. Had he been researching me?
"I'll try," I said again.
He nodded. "I wish you the best of luck."