Orin quietly slipped out of his bedroll and walked over to where Ein was sitting, gazing up at the stars. Lilitha and Zarr were fast asleep, cuddled up together for warmth.
"Can't sleep?" Orin asked, taking a seat beside Ein.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking," Ein replied.
"About the trial, and what could have happened if we were found guilty."
Orin nodded, understanding the weight of the situation.
"I know it's been tough, but we're going to get through this," he reassured Ein.
"How do you stay so calm, Orin?" Ein asked, looking up at him with admiration.
Orin chuckled darkly, his twisted personality showing through.
"Years of experience, I suppose. But it's not all calm on the inside."
Ein frowned, sensing the darker side of Orin's personality.
"I don't know if I can trust you, Orin."
Orin's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Ein's shoulder.
"You can trust me. I may have my flaws, but I'm still on your side."
Ein nodded, and Orin continued.
"Actually, I received a hint from my secret agent. It seems that one of the town guards may be involved in the murder."
Ein's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? That could change everything."
Orin nodded.
"We need to be careful, though. We don't want to make any hasty decisions or jump to conclusions."
Ein nodded in agreement, grateful for Orin's guidance. They both sat there in silence, gazing up at the stars, the weight of the situation heavy on their minds.
But for the moment, they found solace in each other's company, and the hope that they would one day clear their names and find the true murderer.
Orin and his party spent the next three days exploring the town, taking in all the sights and sounds. They visited the local markets, trying new foods and buying unique trinkets to bring back home.
They strolled through the streets, admiring the charming architecture and listening to the lively music of street performers. Lilitha and Zarr were especially fond of the local park, where they played games and chased each other through the grass.
Despite the looming danger of being followed, Orin and his party were determined to enjoy their time in the town. They tried to put the case out of their minds and simply enjoy each other's company.
They laughed and joked, sharing stories of their past adventures and dreaming about the future.
Orin and Ein even found themselves reminiscing about their early days together, when they first started working as sorcerer and swordsman.
They talked about the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of discovering new things. For a few moments, they forgot about the present and allowed themselves to get lost in memories.
As the sun began to set each day, they returned to their lodgings, exhausted but happy. Lilitha and Zarr curled up together, snoring softly, while Orin and Ein sat outside, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
They discussed their plans for the future, making promises to one another and sharing their hopes and dreams.
Despite the danger that still loomed over them, Orin and his party were determined to savor every moment of their time in the town.
They knew that they couldn't predict what the future held, but for now, they were content to simply enjoy each other's company and the beauty of the town they had found themselves in.
Later, the stranger came and shock everyone. Orin and Ein rushed to the stranger's side, horrified by the sight of his injuries.
"What happened to you?" Orin asked urgently.
"I was investigating in Garret," the stranger began, his breaths coming in short gasps.
"But I was attacked by the mad witch. She caught me off guard and I didn't stand a chance."
Orin's blood boiled at the mention of the mad witch. He had long been searching for her, seeking to bring her to justice for her crimes.
"Did you see her face? Do you know who she is?" he demanded.
The stranger shook his head weakly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't get a good look at her. She was too fast, too cunning. But I know that she's the one who did this. Please, you have to stop her before she hurts anyone else."
Orin gritted his teeth in determination.
"We will, I promise you. Rest now, and we'll take care of the mad witch."
Ein was also shocked and angry at what had happened to the stranger.
"We'll help you," he said, his eyes blazing with resolve.
"No one deserves to suffer at the hands of that witch."
As Ein and Lilitha worked to treat the stranger's injuries, Orin stood quietly with his eyes closed. He focused his mind and allowed his energy to flow through his body. Suddenly, he felt a surge of power emanate from him, and it transferred to his eyes.
Orin's eyes opened, and he began to scan the area around him, searching for any signs of the mad witch's energy.
At first, Orin's vision was clouded with the energy he had unleashed, but he quickly regained his focus. He could see the energy patterns of the town and its inhabitants, and he began to filter out everything that did not match the signature of the mad witch's energy.
As he scanned the area, Orin's eyes suddenly fixated on a small cottage on the outskirts of town. The energy he was sensing was coming from inside the cottage. Without hesitation, Orin suddenly fly toward the cottage.
Ein and Lilitha were shocked. They worried about Orin's safety and trying to quickly finished treating the stranger's injuries. When Orin arrived, he found that the door was locked. Orin focused his energy, and with a sudden burst, he shattered the lock, sending the door flying open.
Inside, he found a dimly lit room with strange symbols etched into the walls. In the centre of the room was a cauldron filled with bubbling liquid, and standing over it was the mad witch.