Chapter Four Hundred and Fifty-Nine — Plopped Back
Chapter Four Hundred and Fifty-Nine — Plopped Back We made it to the outpost in due time, and I think we surprised the locals.The two guards by the gate saw us coming from afar, then saw all the people we were escorting. It didn't take long for one of them to start running our way."I think I need to chat with him," I said."Go on, kindly long-eared one. Do your duty as leader of this unscrupulous lot of maiden-saviours!" Desiree said."Uh, okay," I said before I jogged past the Exploration guild people and our line-up of bandits. I met the guard with a friendly wave and a friendlier smile. "Hello!""Hello again," he said before he paused and adjusted his belt. "Zat's a mighty big lot of people you've found zere. Folk with zeir hands all tied up, too. Do you mind me asking what's going on?""Right, it's a bit of a long story," I said. "But I came out here looking for Sir Tissue, that's the Exploration Guild grenoil over there. He was to help us find ur friend, a bun woman named Booksie, who was kidnapped out of Port Royal. I directed him back to the exploration guild, but he couldn't leave his recruits behind, so once he was on his way, I hurried back. However, before I made it back to the teleportation point, you mentioned that supplier. After talking with him, we suspected that after Booksie was kidnapped, she had been brought to somewhere around here, so we went and got Sir Tissue to help, along with the Guild recruits he had with him, and we found Booksie, and another girl that were captive, and a bunch of bandits. So we kind of... forcefully tied them up. No one died though! And if they were injured, we gave them first aid."The guard grenoil blinked slowly a couple of times. "I zink I got all of zat," he said. "You know, I always heard stories of the Exploration Guild being a bit... much, but I never zought I'd see if for myself.""We're really sorry," I said. "Does Rockstack have a prison?""We have a guardhouse," he said. "Zere's a couple of cells, but mostly just for drunk delvers and local troublemakers. Zeir not used much here. And I don't zink we have room for all of zem.""Well, that might be a problem," I said. "These folks are kidnappers at the least. Hired bandits too. I think they might be a bit worse than the occasional drunk.""We have a stable," the guard said. "Let me run ahead, we'll wake ze guards for ze night rotation too, maybe turn zis into an all-hands-on-deck situation.""I'd appreciate it," I said. "Does Rockstack have anything like a detective? Or someone in law-enforcement with a class that's good for asking questions? I don't think any of us has something like that, and there's a lot that I'd like to know.""We can have someone like zat come down from Port Royal. We're going to need someone to come down. It's rare zat we have to send a ruffian back to ze city for proper judgement, but it happens. Usually we send a couple of guards up with some merchants and the prisoner, the same guards we'll be rotating out. But for zis many...""Yeah, it's more than you're used to, I get it," I said. "I'll see if any of our recruits mind staying back for the night. Will you be able to get a message out to Port Royal?""We can do that," he said. "We've got a mage that can send messages some distance. We'll have the cavalry riding on over before nightfall."That sounded good enough for me. Made sense that someone would have some sort of long-range communication going on. Though if it was uncommon, it probably needed a specific class or some training to work. Otherwise there wouldn't be a Courier's Guild anymore.I thanked the guard, then ran back to Jean-Pierre to give him the news. He agreed that the Exploration Guild could stick around for a while. Their mission today was supposed to last until the end of the dungeon, then they were meant to travel back to Rockstack in the evening, so technically they were here early.Staying until evening wasn't that big of a deal, then. Jean-Pierre said that he had some discretionary funds, enough to get everyone a warm meal at the Hop On Inn.We entered Rockstack, then with the help of a couple of freshly-awakened guards, shepherded the bandits into the stables. They weren't exactly jail-like, but there was a tall fence all around and room for all of them.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement."Ah, what now?" Awen asked me once they were all locked up."I... don't know. I guess I can try to see if Booksie and I can't teleport back to Port Royal? I'm sure they'll let us if we ask nicely.""I wouldn't mind going back home," Booksie said. She tugged her nightgown down a little, and I was acutely aware that at the moment, the only other thing she was wearing was socks. She hadn't complained at all during the walk, but maybe that was the post-saving adrenaline."I, also, wish to leave this place and its many bandits," Desiree said. "A person of my calibre shouldn't be left behind in such squalor!""Right, of course," I said. "Do... you have family around here? Friends? Anyone that can help you?" I asked.Desiree sniffed. "No."Well, that complicated things a little. Desiree spoke like she was well-educated, and she seemed pretty nice, but I was pretty sure that she didn't have any money on her, and if she didn't have anyone to help..."Okay, well, we can let you stay with us for a few days while you get your feet under you," I said.Maybe the Exploration Guild wouldn't mind taking her in? Or Booksie could use her as a helper in her shop? In any case, we'd help her out too, because abandoning someone was just not the friendly thing to do.I gave Awen a big, big hug, mostly because she didn't really have a good excuse to leave with us, so she'd have to stay with the recruits over here until it was time for them to go. "I'll see if I can't question the bandits," Awen said. "Some of them look like they might be willing to talk. Maybe if we offer them some better food.""You don't have to go that far," I said. "I'm sure someone will question them.""Yes, but we might not learn about it. Other than being Booksie's friends, we don't really have many ties to all of this," Awen said. "Trust me?"I blinked, then nodded. I did trust Awen, and I supposed that she was probably right. On paper, my friends and I really didn't have too much business with all of this. As far as the law was concerned, we probably didn't have much business being informed about any developments. Mathilde might be informed of. Cholondee probably had people around who'd be willing to share what they were told with her, but my friends and I didn't really have a finger on the pulse.Oh, unless Caprica asked? Even then, who would go and tell the Sylph embassy about anything?If we didn't work to stay in the loop, then we'd silently slip out of it, and then Booksie would get kidnapped again because the people in the loop were slower to act.I gave everyone a goodbye hug, even those who didn't look like they were used to hugs, then I gave Awen a second goodbye hug because she was one of my best friends. Then, with all the goodbyes said and done, I grabbed Booksie and Desiree's hands and pulled them along with me as we went to the local mage's office.It took a bit of explaining to get him to agree to teleport us back right away, as opposed to waiting until nightfall to go with the rest. I think he was ready to argue about it for a while, at least until Booksie started to complain about being cold. He relented almost right away after that, and with a powerful surge of magic, we were whisked away only to reappear within the Mage's Guild."How impressive," Desiree said as she looked around, then checked herself over. "Magic of this versatility ought to be far more common! No longer will noble souls have to trudge across the land, but instead, faithful magical servants will whisk them away unto faraway lands in a blink!""I'm just glad it didn't upset your tummy," I said."Hmph, as if my stomach would dare rebel against me! It is made of iron and steel and-" Desiree cut herself off as she emptied her tummy all over the floor.I was quick to flood Cleaning magic all over as Mage Procko ambled over, looking somewhat unimpressed. "I see zat you've made some friends. I don't zink zat ze teleportation circle has been used zis much in a while.""Hi sir, and I'm sorry. It was... several emergencies, all at once.""Zat is usually how it goes with emergencies. Trouble begets trouble, after all."
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Chapter Four Hundred and Sixty — Speedrunners
Chapter Four Hundred and Sixty — Speedrunners The Mage's Guild being just across the way from the Exploration Guild was a big win for us, because it meant we didn't have to go far.Still, almost the moment we stepped out of the Mage's Guild, Booksie hissed and leaned her weight to one side and off of her foot."Booksie?" I asked as I stopped. So did Desiree, the fox-girl's twin tails twitching worriedly. "Are you okay?"Booksie raised her foot from the ground, then twisted it around to see the sole of her foot. The skin was all torn up, littered with small angry red cuts that surrounded a long diagonal one that oozed blood. "Just... missing shoes," she said."Oh my gosh," I gasped as I bent forwards. "Booksie, your feet! Oh no." This was, undoubtedly, my fault. I should have noticed right away that she was without shoes. I had noticed, but Booksie didn't complain and I thought it was okay.But just because a friend wasn't complaining didn't mean they weren't hurting."I should've given you my shoes. I should've carried you!" I said. I Cleaned off her feet as best I could with some magic. Infections were no joke, and I felt awful already."It's fine, Broccoli," Booksie said. "You came and saved me, you didn't need to do anything more. My feet will heal up in a bit. I have some old healing potions at home.""But your feet are hurting now," I said. I glanced at my feet, then at Booksie's. My shoes probably wouldn't fit. "I'm sure they have potions and healers at the guild. Unless you want to go straight home?"Booksie sighed as she gingerly lowered her foot. "I would love to go back home, but... but that would be irresponsible. Let's head over to the guild. I'm sure people are worried and showing up might help with that.""Okay," I said. Then I scooped Booksie up, an arm under her knees and another around her back. She squeaked, then blinked and looked around."Well, this is different," she said."It's a princess carry," I said with a nod."Very appropriate," Desiree said. She was nodding too. Just in case, l looked down, to see if her feet were hurt, but she was wearing sturdy, well-made shoes that looked like they were made for long hikes.I adjusted my hold on Booksie. "Is this comfy?""It's not so bad," Booksie said. She shifted a bit, making herself comfortable. "But, ah, this is a little embarrassing. What if Rhawr saw me?""Who is this Rhawr you speak of?" Desiree asked."That's her fiance," I said. "He's a big blue dragon.""You wish to marry a dragon? How would that... hmm, well, perhaps you long-eared ones are more brave than I'd initially suspected. Is he going to be envious if he sees the good captain carrying you like a bride?"Booksie's cheeks reddened. "Well, I can hope," she said.I giggled, squeezing Booksie a bit since I couldn't properly hug her like this. "Come on, let's go see Mathilde. She's going to be very... very about all of this."We crossed the street, surprisingly only earning a few second glances. I supposed that of all the districts of Port Royal, this one had the highest density of strange people. I imagined that the locals were probably used to things, what with Abraham often hanging around this part of the city.The front doors of the Exploration Guild were propped open by a wooden block, and there were lots of voices mingling together within.I stepped up to the entrance and peeked inside. There were a ton more people than usual. Adventurers and explorers lined the walls, all geared up as if they were preparing to face the final boss of a big dungeon. Lots of grenoil, but plenty of other races too. Between the combat groups, support staff scurried around in a hurry.In the middle of it all, by the reception desk at the back, was Mathilde and Abraham, both of them in the centre of the storm."Looks like we might have kicked the hornet's nest," I muttered."Can you set me down?" Booksie asked. "I'd like to preserve what little dignity I have left."I nodded, set her down, then brushed my hands through her hair quickly to untangle it. Then I used a bit of Cleaning magic to make sure her nightdress was nice and tidy. "There! It's the best we can do, I think.""What is this place?" Desiree asked as she looked up at the building."Oh. This is the Exploration Guild. They're... explorers. For dungeons and stuff? They-we, I guess-make maps and check out dungeons and visit faraway places. There are parts of the guild scattered across a few countries."Desiree nodded along. "I know of no equivalent where I am from, but the principle is sound. Though, it seems like this kind of organisation would attract the foolhardy and the strong in equal measure."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it."That sounds about right," I agreed. I gave Booksie's shoulder's a squeeze. "Ready?""Ready," she said.We stepped into the guild, and there was a hush as a few people paused-mid speaking. Their pause caused others to turn and look our way, which cut off even more conversations until an awkward hush filled the room. It was banished a moment later as murmurs started up.I walked with Booksie at my side and a curious and unphased Desiree tailing after us. "Hi Mathilde!" I said. "We found Booksie."The guild-leader sighed, but there was some tension that left her shoulders. "Yes. I can see that. Calamity stopped by to warn us, but it's good to see her with my own eyes. "Miss Booksie, I'm glad to see you safe.""Thank you," Booksie said. "Um, did you gather all these people to help?""Indeed," Mathilde said. "New as it might be for you, you are a person of interest to the city now. Your disappearance was... a cause for concern.""The catboy said you went on a little adventure," Abraham said. "Haha! Catching bandits red-handed and saving princesses! All in a day's work!""Who is this tail-less loud man?" Desiree muttered."I'm Abraha-"Mathilde smacked Abe's tummy with the back of her hand. "Go make yourself useful. The poor lady's in her nightclothes still. Find something for her.""Haha! I'll fetch my emergency trousers!"Mathilde gave a few orders to some of her staff, then gestured us forwards. "Come, we'll talk in my office."We followed after the grenoil lady, stepping into her office just behind her. "Will you be calling everything off?" I asked."No," she said.That threw me for a loop. I'd kinda just asked to make conversation; I didn't expect a flat no. "You won't?" I asked.Mathilde turned towards us once she was behind her desk. "It wouldn't be politically wise to call things off after so much capital was spent in the first place. You'll forgive me for saying so, Miss Booksie, but your kidnapping has set off quite the... kerfuffle."I gasped. Not a kerfuffle!"I'm sorry," Booksie said. "I'll sleep with a knife under my pillow from now on."Mathilde let out a breath that was suspiciously close to a chuckle. "Fair point. Still, even if this isn't your fault, it has cost the guild a lot. In order to save face, I intend to turn this gathering of our best and brightest into a manhunt. And for that, I need to know who ordered your kidnapping, and why it occurred.""I don't know," Booksie said. "I can speculate, but... well, I wasn't exactly in the best shape to have a polite discussion with the bandits that captured me.""I was."We all turned towards Desiree who stared, tails twitching at the end."Captain Bunch, who is this young woman?" Mathilde asked."Oh, this is Desiree Chartreuse. She was captured as well. We freed her when we freed Booksie," I explained."I was held for a tremendously long time. It was harrowing and horrifying in equal measure!" Desiree said. She looked particularly smug. "But my cunning intellect allowed me to listen as my captors plotted their evil schemes.""Hmm, you could tell us about them, then," Mathilde said."For a price," Desiree agreed. "I'm the most shrewd of negotiators, after all. I shan't let such an opportunity pass so easily!""You are aware that with the bandits captured as they are, we'll have plenty of opportunities to question them," Mathilde said."Ah, but time is passing on, and I have what you want now."Mathilde scoffed, but she gestured for Desiree to continue. "What's your price, then?""I wish to stay with the good captain! She has proven herself capable of combating vile bandits and their ilk, and her ears are most long and numerous."Mathilde looked to me, and I shrugged. "I... guess I don't mind. We have an extra room on the Beaver and we'll probably be staying with Booksie, at least until the marriage and maybe for a day or two more after. Beyond that, I don't really know what we'll be doing or where we'll be going.""Is that good enough?" Mathilde asked."It's perfectly acceptable," Desiree said. "Now, let me speak of the dire things I cunningly intercepted from our captors-they even let slip the identity of their cruel leader, the enigmatic and mysterious figure they only spoke of in hushed whispers."I had a bad feeling, all of a sudden."They named him Sir Rainnewt, and he was most interested in my capture!"
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