"Isn't this the weirdest weather ever? Past the start of the new year but still no sign of snow," complained a traveling merchant, shrugging off his heavy winter coat.
"Heard there was a short fall up north a bit but that's all," added another man from the traveling caravan.
"Would you believe that Saillune had a white White Solstice? I heard they were up to their rooftops in snow!" supplied a patron at the bar.
"Do you think that holy tree in Neo Sairaag has something to do with it? The strange weather," asked the first. "The weather's nice and all which makes traveling easier but it seems weird to know it's winter already but no snow or rain."
"This is only something I've heard - "
"What isn't?"
"Shut up and listen. I've heard that the entire valley of Sairaag is like late spring. At least out here it's cold but over there, it's paradise!"
"If that's true, I just might decide to move there!" laughed the merchant.
"Get in line. That place has grown so fast that the Emperor has sent some Baron to keep watch over it."
"Humph. The great Emperor of Lyzeille turns a blind eye when the city was destroyed twice before but now that it's a holy landmark he makes haste to control it."
"What do you expect? Kings and emperors are all the same. Hey there, gorgeous! Several rounds over here!"
The maid smiled sweetly before turning away from the patrons where a scowl replaced the fake sincerity. Damn it, the winter months were usually the quiet ones! But because of all the fuss over a stupid tree, it's been busier than the past two summers. The Innkeeper was raking in the money but her feet could use the rest.
"Excuse me."
She looked down and a real smile crossed her face. It was the cute little boy who had arrived earlier, before the evening crowd arrived. Apparently, his older brother hadn't been feeling well and went straight to their room. The boy had been going up and down with messages.
"Did you get Nii-chan's things?"
"Right here, cutey."
"My name is Lin."
"Of course. Will you two be wanting dinner in your room?" She handed the package to Lin.
"It's okay. We already got it. Thank you!" Lin waved before scampering up the steps leading to the rented rooms. Without so much as a knock, he bounced into the room he was sharing with Nii-chan and Furball. "It's here!" The small wolf Furball hopped to its feet and wagged its tail in greeting. But Zelgadiss was nowhere. Lin looked around the room. "Nii-chan?"
The door closed firmly behind him. Lin turned around to see Zelgadiss standing behind where the opened door would have hidden him. Zelgadiss slipped his dagger back in its hidden sheath with a sigh.
"I already told you to not just come in here unannounced, Lin," the chimera said in exasperation. "Someday I'm going to be a bit more tense than usual and I will throw the blade."
"Gomeeeeeeeeen," Lin sniffled with watery eyes, clutching the paper and string wrapped package.
Zelgadiss was hit with a wave of guilt. Wait a minute, why did he need to feel guilty? He was only warning Lin for the boy's own good! Lin always had a strange effect on him.
"Whatever. Just remember it next time," Zelgadiss grumbled, if only to end those heartbreaking eyes. "Let me have the package."
"Okay." Lin handed it over and hopped onto the bed Furball was on to watch. Hugging the wolf pup to his chest, Lin's eyes were fixed on Zel.
Zelgadiss undid the knotted string and unwrapped the brown paper to reveal the dark blue cloak within. Only today had they reached a town big enough to house a shop that sold equipment for adventurers. Without a hood, he had to sneak into town and remain inside the room. Now the only thing he needed was a new sword. He shook out the cloak to Lin's delight and amended that last thought.
"Lin..."
"Yes?" Lin asked, purple eyes bright. "It's perfect!"
"I don't suppose you know why there are white stars and yellow moons sewn on it?" Zel raised an eyebrow, studying the outside of the dark blue cloth.
"But you're a magician. And the magician in the storybooks always had dresses like that."
"They wear robes, not dresses, Lin," Zel corrected. There was no way he was going to wear this with those things sewn to it. Fortunately, there weren't too many of them and he could probably remove the stitches. "What have I told you about being in town or among a lot of other people?"
"Don't leave your side. If I'm lost, don't go far. If anyone tries to grab me, step on their feet really hard and scream. And...don't attract attention," Lin finished meekly.
"Exactly. And this cloak..."
"...attracts attention."
"That's right. Since this is a good weave, I'll just remove the other stuff."
"I'm sorry."
"Just remember what I told you," Zel shrugged. It was something he was saying often. "Now go to sleep. We've got to leave early tomorrow to make it to Sairaag by the end of the day."
"But didn't you want a sword?" Lin asked, as he scrambled under the blankets, making sure to have a nest for Furball as well.
Zel winced. That had been a bother, as his first reflex was always to reach for this blade. Because of his transformation, his magic was formidable but it was still only a secondary skill. He was more comfortable with a sword but there weren't any reputable weaponsmiths along the road they traveled thus far and probably wouldn't be any until he hit Sairaag, that is Neo Sairaag.
Zelgadiss looked at the valley that had been covered with a pea-green soup-like fog. Now, that fog was gone but there was no sign of the eyrie or the staircases or anything that Loht or Vice had built. The center of the valley was once again dominated by a holy tree but this one was much larger than the one before. Unlike before where Sairaag grew right to the roots, the new town was built at a considerable distance visible from even where he stood from the outermost roots of the mammoth tree.
"That's a big tree," Lin noted.
"It certainly is. Come along and stay close. It's getting late and finding a place to stay may not be easy."
"Okay." Lin latched onto Zelgadiss's hand, much to Zel's discomfort, and the ever cute Furball padded along on the other side of Zel.
As they descended with the sun, the new city blazed with lights set atop black metal posts at the roughly marked unpaved street corners. Someone had been taking care of the city planning. Even though most of the buildings had the rough appearance of just being thrown together, they were sitting in designated spots.
"What are those?" Lin asked, pointing to one of those lighted posts.
"Never seen them before." Zelgadiss looked around, trying to find someplace that didn't look like a dump to spend the night in. The town was still noisy but the noise came from inside the makeshift pubs and taverns. None of it was spilling out into the streets. And the reason was probably the small group of men all carrying clubs and wearing what must be the new insignia for Neo Sairaag, a sword overlaying a giant tree.
"What business do you have after sundown?" brusquely asked the leader of the patrol, looking suspiciously into Zel's hood.
"We arrived late and were looking for an inn to spend the night," Zel replied coolly.
"Really." The leader of the patrol looked down at Lin and the hand the boy was holding. "Are you sure you didn't just wander away from the carnival?"
Zel grimaced, repressing an unpleasant memory related to carnivals. "No sir. If you could recommend an inn, I and my ward will be on our way."
"I don't think so," snorted the man. "Why don't you come along with us for a little chat about you and your 'ward'?"
"By whose authority?"
"Resisting arrest makes you automatically guilty," snarled the lead guard, signaling the others to ready their clubs.
Lin stepped closer to Zel, pulling the edges of Zel's cloak around himself. As if sensing the fear, Furball growled at the strange men, fur rising.
"That's one strange puppy," guffawed one of the guards.
"Let me guess, you don't have permission for that."
"Why would I?"
"No strays in the city, could bring disease. One of you, take this fleabag to the outskirts."
"Furball!" Lin called, opening his arms for the wolf pup to jump into. With his friend safely in his arms, Lin ducked under Zel's cloak again.
"Let go of it, kid." A guard reached out to grab the pup from the hiding kid when another hand grabbed his wrist and held tight.
"I don't want any trouble," Zelgadiss said coolly, emphasizing his point by tightening his grip on the wrist. He knew exactly how much pressure he could put without breaking the bones. "I only want to know the location of an inn with a vacant room."
"And we only want to know about you and the kid," snorted the lead guard.
"As I said, he is my ward." Zel looked narrowly at the lead guard, ignoring the pleas of the guard in his hand.
"We just need proof of that."
"Why?"
"Not necessary for you to know. The priestess can tell us whether you're lying."
That could be problematic, especially if they wanted him to remove his hood. If it was only a lie detection spell then he had no worries. If it came to a fight, he could defeat the patrol easily with a spell or two but then he'd be on the run from the entire town. There were still some things here he needed to investigate. That tree for instance.
"Where is this priestess you need to consult?"
"Follow us," the man ordered. "You two, follow the rest of the circuit."
The three led him with one in front and two behind. Was the new city already having serious crime problems? These men were well-trained veterans, not new recruits. Perhaps they were part of the retinue brought by the Baron person who was supposed to be in charge. It was a good thing Sairaag was not near the borders of Lyzeille else an overzealous kingdom might have tried to annex it.
"In here," gestured the guard to a brightly lit building of better construction than the others. "Priestess!"
"Yes?"
That voice sounded familiar. The door opened to reveal a young lady with long dark hair. Her green eyes looked from the trio of guards to the cloaked person they were escorting.
"Sylphiel?" Zel lifted his hood slightly both to get a better look at her and for her to see and recognize him.
"I'm sorry, do I..." Sylphiel frowned in confusion before surprise and puzzlement replaced that. "Zelgadiss-san, it's Zelgadiss-san isn't it?"
"Priestess, you know this person?" coughed the lead guard.
"Yes, he is an old acquaintance."
"Even so, he still needs to go through procedure like everyone else."
"By procedure you mean..."
Zelgadiss nudged Lin forward. "I'll assume they mean him."
"Good evening pretty lady."
"He's adorable," Sylphiel smiled. "Your son?"
Zel felt a mental arrow hit him. "No. My ward."
"There must be a story behind this. If you don't have anywhere to stay, you can stay here tonight."
"So his story checks out, Priestess?"
Sylphiel nodded.
"Alright then. We'll return to our circuit. Good night."
"Good night. Come in, both of you." Sylphiel ushered Zelgadiss and Lin inside. "I must admit I'm surprised to see you after what Lina-san told me. And now you have a young child with you as well."
"And Furball," Lin added, holding up the wolf pup.
"It seems like you've picked up quite a group, Zelgadiss-san. I still have some dinner I'm keeping warm. Have you eaten yet?"
"Yea, food!" Lin cheered, throwing up his arms and dropping Furball. "Oops."
"No, we haven't. You've seen Lina?"
"We can talk about that after you three have eaten."
"So Lina and Gourry are still here."
Sylphiel nodded. "I was expecting them back for dinner but they return at such odd times that I usually just leave some dishes covered and waiting."
"It's been over two weeks since then. Why is she still here?"
"Partly because of the weather," Sylphiel smiled. "It's much warmer here than outside of the valley. The second is because she got a commission."
"For what?"
"Searching for missing people."
"Kidnapping?"
"Yes, but not all of them children. That's why you had the rough greeting by the patrol," Sylphiel said apologetically. "The Baron is really being put on the spot to find out who is behind it."
"He must be desperate if he hired Lina. I hope he isn't picky about what condition the missing people are returned in. Lin, slow down or you'll choke."
"Bwaisoood."
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Zel scolded. He noticed Sylphiel just smiling and watching him. "What?"
"Iie. I just thought this is a very unusual scene." The wheels in her mind were turning, contemplating this side of Zelgadiss she had never seen. He seemed more approachable. "You said he was your ward?"
"His mother died and I'm taking care of him."
"You aren't going to take him with you on your search for a cure are you?" the priestess asked worriedly.
"I'm not sure." Zel looked over at Lin who was scolding Furball to finish his meal. "Lin is very attached to me but I have no thought of giving up my search."
"But you will be staying here for several days?"
"Yes."
"Perhaps then you could help Lina-san? You do have two people and a puppy to take care of now."
Zel mulled over that, money was going to be an issue. Not just food for an additional two mouths but clothes and other things for Lin. When he traveled with the others, money was rarely a problem. Of course, Lina made her money by raiding bandit camps, not a practice he imitated, and Amelia just charged it to her royal account.
"Do you know where Lina and Gourry are now?"
"At a carnival near the east side of Neo Sairaag. Recently, the string of disappearances have been been linked there."
"So they've been happening here before then? Any patterns?"
"I'm afraid I don't really know the details. Perhaps Lina-san could give them to you tomorrow."
"This food is delicious!" Lin bubbled with flaky crumbs and jam around his mouth from the tarts he ate for dessert. "I want to cook too!"
"You never said you knew how," Zelgadiss commented, handing Lin a napkin to wipe away the crumbs.
"Mommy taught me."
"Would you like to help me make something for breakfast in the morning?"
"Really? Arigatou!"
"He's such a cute child," Sylphiel gushed. "I hope my children are like that."
Zel raised an eyebrow. "You're married?"
"Eh? Iie. I was just thinking...That is..." Sylphiel stammered blushing.
No secret about who she was thinking about. Zelgadiss excused himself and Lin under the excuse of fatigue from their journey. Sylphiel immediately returned to herself, apologizing for the lapse, and showed them to two rooms they could use. Except Lin insisted that he and Furball stay in the same room as Zel.
Zelgadiss!!
Zel woke up suddenly in the middle of the night with the sensation that he was covered in sweat. But he really didn't have duct glands in stone skin. A very strong sense of deja vu haunted him. Fire rushing around him, screams, footsteps running, an overwhelming sense of helplessness, and something else he knew he forgot but couldn't remember what it was. Feeling very hot suddenly, Zel threw off the blankets and got up out of bed.
The light that streamed into the room was too bright and even from those new-fangled streetlamps. Someone had come up with the idea to enchant a stone with a Lighting spell in a way to enable the spell's duration to last beyond its customary two to three hours. Neo Sairaag was the first city to be using them.
He could easily see Lin in the light shining through the window. The little boy lay askew in the other bed with pillow and sheets thrown in all directions. Furball somehow managing to avoid the mess was curled up like a ball of fur in a corner of the bed. Rolling his eyes, Zel straightened out the toddler, retrieved the sheets, and tucked him in. Then he went to stand by the window.
The weather was very odd. As was the glowing light by which Zel could see from the new holy tree and the lake in which it stood. People claimed that there were magical properties to the water and tree. It was true the glowing was only visible at night. As of yet, no one had reported any other abnormal things relating to the tree but then, with the factions of mages and priests in the growing city, no one had been allowed to approach within a hundred meters of the outgrowing roots.
It was the result of his encounter with Loht, but what kind of result? Was this really a holy tree or one rotted from within by corruption? If he could survive falling into the boiling mass below Loht's platform, couldn't Loht have as well? If so, then Loht would surely want revenge against all of them. The baby would also be the mad elf's target.
Zelgadiss would need to remember to tell Lina this tomorrow if she hadn't figured it out already. As if. She probably considered the whole mess done and over with. If Loht was behind these disappearances, he'll already be luring in two of the people he wanted revenge against. And a third one would soon be coming.