I sat on the edge of the fountain, one elbow resting on my knee, letting my gaze drift around. Not a soul in sight, just the sound of water... and there he is, Garsus, emerging like clockwork. Faithful as ever, looking serious—too serious.
Nothing to report, Master, he says, giving me that model-knight stare.
I sigh and shake my head. This guy, I swear, he'd stand guard even if a flock of sheep decided to storm the village. Take it easy, Garsus. We're in the middle of nowhere, where even the goats look bored.
As expected, he doesn't respond, too busy watching for the slightest movement. I drop my head, blowing out a breath as I glance at the fountain, already tired of this mission.
Suddenly, a hooded figure slips in front of me. A woman. She arches a brow and sizes me up with a hint of mockery.
"Didn't expect the Council to send a Magister," she says, her voice calm but just a bit too cocky for my taste. "And one so young."
I shrug, a smirk forming. "Trust me, I didn't expect to be here, either. Looks like we're both in for a surprise."
She sobers up, as if my joke didn't even register. Her eyes lock onto mine with a strange intensity, and for a brief moment, I wonder what her deal is. Then I remember why she's here, why I'm here. Ah, yes, there it is.
"So, you're not going to try to stop me?" she asks, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
I sigh dramatically. "So annoying... First, tell me. The northern forest—ring any bells?"
She chuckles, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "It might've been one of my hideouts. But I have plenty of those."
"So? Are you going to come quietly, or what?" I lock eyes with her, a bit irked by her little innuendos.
She bursts out laughing, this time genuinely, and I roll my eyes. But I'm dead serious.
"So that's your big plan? Stall me until your little foot soldiers arrive?" she taunts.
I sigh and put my hand on my face, already exhausted by this conversation. "No, nothing like that. The Council wants me to handle this personally."
She shoots me a look full of contempt, turns with a disdainful smirk, and takes a few steps away. I watch her back. Then, suddenly, she freezes, spins around, and drops her hood.
A surprisingly attractive woman, actually—a shame she's older... and a criminal. Her eyes widen as she stares at me with a mix of worry and confusion.
"What did you do to me?" she asks, her voice trembling.
I shrug and pat the edge of the fountain beside me. "Come on, have a seat. Take in the scenery."
She glares at me, shocked, before raising her right hand.
"You... you little…" She curses, reaching out toward me.
I stare back, unflinching, waiting for something to happen. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. She looks down at her hand, utterly baffled, and tries again... to no avail. She stares at me like I'm some kind of monster. Her hands tremble slightly.
Well, so much for peace and quiet.
I got up with a sigh, crouched down in front of her, and tried to muster a reassuring smile.
"Shall we go?" I said, keeping my tone light.
She stared at me like I had lost my mind. Yeah, she was completely confused.
Her gaze stayed fixed on me, eyes wide with fear and disbelief. "What did you do to me? Who the hell are you?" Her voice trembled, but I stayed cool, tired of this kind of scene.
Without a word, I focused on my mental link with Vexana. Status report?
But, of course, Fern cut in with his mocking voice. Oh, nothing master. The two lackeys are dealing with some zombies. A bit of a hassle, but they're handling it. Oh, and Vexana's sulking. She didn't appreciate being sent away.
I rolled my eyes. Of course, she's sulking... Before I could respond to Fern, Piper finally showed up.
Good timing.
She appeared suddenly in front of me, her eyes landing immediately on the woman, still half-collapsed and shocked.
I pointed at the woman. "Here she is. Our runaway. Lysandra, right?"
Without hesitation, vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around the woman and binding her tightly.
Piper gave me an odd look, almost shocked.
"Do I have something on my face or what?" I asked, a bit annoyed.
She didn't answer right away, hesitating. "No, nothing..." she finally said.
I sighed. "Mira and Griffin are on their way. You got this?"
Piper nodded, but I sensed a weird hesitation in her. Strange. She's usually more relaxed. I didn't dwell on it—too much going on already.
"I'll be waiting at the village exit."
I turned, ready to leave.
Garsus, come with me.
Of course, he just stood there, looking all serious, ready to stand guard at the fountain like the perfect soldier.
Before I could leave, the imp's mocking voice echoed in my mind. Oh, this is hilarious. Looks like you'll have to get off your ass for once, Master. That's new.
I frowned. I've done more than enough today. Trust me, I'm definitely going to complain to the Council once this is all over.
I kept walking, my mind already racing with thoughts on how I'd give the Council a piece of my mind.
---
I leaned against a tree trunk, arms crossed behind my head, eyes closed.
The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the landscape. I let out a long breath. Finally, a bit of peace after this never-ending day.
I glanced over at Garsus, who stood nearby, stiff as a board. Seriously, this guy couldn't relax if his life depended on it.
Garsus, you know we're safe here, right? You could at least sit down.
He shot me a blank look, like I was talking nonsense. It's better to remain vigilant, Master.
I sighed again. Yeah, yeah, as usual.
Time drags on, and I'm almost starting to think Piper and the others just left me here. Sure, maybe Mira and Griffin ran into trouble with the zombies, but Piper? All she had to do was bring back the runaway, right?
I straighten up a bit and pull out my "rock phone" from my pocket. Catchy name, huh? It seemed funny at the time, but now I regret not putting in more effort. Why did I only make two of these things? Suddenly, I remember it's Mira who has the other rock, not Piper. Perfect. I'm really on top of things, aren't I?
Just then, Garsus steps forward, breaking the silence. I checked, Master. Piper's still waiting in the village.
What? Waiting? For Mira and Griffin? Why not just join me here, outside?
I scratch my head in frustration. Ah, right. I really am out of it today. We can't exactly move Lysandra just like that, not without a teleportation spell. And the villagers…
Where was my head? Oh, right… in the clouds.
I shrug. Whatever. I've done my part anyway.
I lean back against the tree, already planning a quick nap.
Garsus, wake me up if anything important happens, okay?
He nods. At your command, Master.
And me? I close my eyes. I deserve a little rest, don't I?
---
I stretch against the tree trunk, my eyes half-closed, when I suddenly blink awake. Kathleen's standing right in front of me, arms crossed. I startle, then freeze.
Garsus! I scream internally, trying to keep my cool. Why didn't you wake me?
His calm, almost indifferent voice echoes in my mind. It wasn't important, Master.
Not important? I stifle a sigh. Seriously, this guy... Always deciding what's "important" or not. Just when I think he can't surprise me anymore, he finds a way.
And to top it off, the devil's voice playfully sneaks into my thoughts. See? You give him too much responsibility. We all know he's a little short on common sense… but you love that, don't you?
I grit my teeth but don't dignify the taunt with a reply. He's not wrong… but I'll never admit that.
Kathleen raises an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Am I that scary?" she asks in a gentle tone, tinged with her signature irony.
I swallow my surprise and quickly get to my feet. "Scary? No, of course not!" I flash her a confident grin. "It's just that… well, you're a beauty. A marvel, really, Kathleen. Your radiance just caught me off guard, that's all."
She shakes her head slightly, clearly amused, but her gaze turns more serious. "I have to admit, I'm impressed by you—and your team. What you accomplished... Lysandra always slipped through our grasp, but you? You managed to tame her."
I raise an eyebrow. "So, that's it? We're done?"
She nods. "The Council is pleased with your performance. They're already considering more assignments for you."
I frown, a bit irritated. "More missions, huh? I'm not stupid, Kathleen, just lazy. They know I've proven myself. I seriously doubt they need more 'proof' from me."
I extend a hand toward her, an ironic smile tugging at my lips. "So, where's that Council decree, huh? Prove me wrong."
Her fists clench, visibly frustrated, but she stays silent. Naturally, there's nothing she can do. Poor Kathleen. I stifle a chuckle.
I rise slowly, stretching, savoring the relaxed feeling in my muscles.
"Now that I've done my part, maybe I can be left alone for a while, right?" I say, shrugging.
She remains still, fists still clenched, but I can sense she's holding back. Kathleen never reveals her true feelings—not when it comes to the Council. But right now, I think I got to her.
"I suppose you need some rest," she says finally, her voice calmer. "But don't get your hopes up. The Council won't let you go that easily."
I sigh, a smirk playing on my lips. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see."
To be continued!
Next Chapter: Rumors