Somewhere within the Border City
Situated in the residential area for the rich and powerful adventurers was a three-story building. The small manor exuded understated elegance with its stone façade and ivy-clad walls. A charming courtyard filled with blooming flowers and a bubbling fountain welcomed visitors, while inside, the manor featured a cosy great hall adorned with tapestries and a crackling fireplace.
In the living room with high-end windows and spaced-out curtains allowed the light of the moon to cast its glow across the chairs and sofas of the dark room. Sitting on one of the sofas adjacent to the window was a middle-aged-looking man with a heavy build. He had red hair and a beard and adorned a red suit with white trousers. From his appearance alone, one could tell he was a man of status. This man went by the name of Baron James Fiege
"Looks like your plan failed," said Baron Fiege to another. "Honestly, I don't understand why you would employ those morons to take on such a mission. Your own subordinates could have done a better job."
The man to which the statement was directed stood facing the opened curtained window with the moonlight falling on his figure. This man was covered in a dark cloak with a hood. He had an air of mystery about him and his demeanour gave vibes of a dangerous character who had been to hell and back.
In response to what his associate said, he replied in a deep and heavy voice, "The objective was merely to gauge the strength of our adversary. If the hired mercenaries pulled it off, excellent. If they failed, no consequence to us.
At this juncture, I anticipate he'll come after us, and that's precisely what I'm banking on." The man spoke in a calm, measured tone, choosing his words carefully. There was an underlying menace and sense that he was always a step ahead. His goals were unclear, but it was evident he was up to no good.
"Hmm… while I understand what you mean, why didn't you take him back then?" The red-headed man inquired. The workings of the hooded man had always been a mystery to him. Every bit of his plans had layers upon layers. And what was even more shocking was that he was just following the orders of his organization. He did not exactly understand what they wanted with Caleb Zane. But he was smart enough not to take his questioning too far. After all, he was only a small-time noble from the Amkesh Kingdom based in the Border City.
"…."
Seeing as he was receiving no response from the hooded figure, he decided to ask a different question. "I believe you already know why Caleb is here in the city. He could stumble into what is happening within the forest if he ventures too far inside."
"Focus on covering your tracks. You don't want your eyes in city hall found out. I'll worry about the target." Saying this, the hooded man turned around and made for the door. He had only come to perch at the Baron's place temporarily.
Shortly after the hooded man disappeared, Baron Fiege sighed tirelessly. "What have I gotten myself into?" He asked himself. He was only a small-time noble who had a hand in the slavery market in the black market of Border City. He had one day been captured and put under the command of that man. While it wasn't exactly like a slave spell, it demanded complete obedience from whoever was placed as his supervisor. From then on, they could only do whatever they were commanded.
...…
Duke Zane's Manor
Caleb was now resting in his room; not that he was tired. The room featured opulent décor and a spacious layout, reflecting the wealth and status of the owner. However, Caleb was in no mood to admire the beauty. His mind went back to the small discussion he had with Sean and Elina.
Their discussion focused on what to do about the potential enemy lurking somewhere within the city. While the target was himself, they could not completely rule out the possibility they could also come for his sister. As long as they had no idea about the motive of their enemy, they could not make any big moves. With Caleb himself being here to investigate the strange happenings in the forest, Elina and Sean would be left alone.
Understanding the concerns of his sister, Caleb had suggested he accompany her until she finished her duties within the city. He would act as an additional security to his sister, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Sean had also assured that they would be fine.
The reality was that mages at the level of Sean were the highest one would see around- at least publicly. This was one issue that eluded him. He knew there had to be higher levels a mage could reach, but they all always expressed this level of strength; like a default mode.
No one would try to do anything stupid now that they were in the heart of the city. The additional knights and forces in the city would provide enough forces to face anything that might come out.
"I guess I now have to consider what to do first." He considered his options. He debated whether to flush out the mastermind using Enoch as bait or go investigate the forest. As he considered his options, he heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," he responded and sat up to receive his guest. Entering was a male servant dressed in his official serving attire.
"Lord Caleb, a message has arrived for you. Sir Sean is waiting in the Great Hall." The servant said before excusing himself. Caleb stood up from his bed and made his way to meet Sean
.....
Sean was among three knights in the Great Hall lost in thought. The message that he received from his men was exactly what Caleb was here for. Shortly after, Caleb approached the group. Once again, the knights had similar levels to Sean, but he knew Sean was stronger. Raising his eyes to meet him, Sean proceeded to inform Caleb what the matter was about.
"We just received word that the garrison is under attack by the beasts and monsters. I ordered them to deliver this message as soon as they received it. This would be the best chance to find out which direction they were coming from."
Caleb nodded in understanding before turning to the knights. "How long since you received the message?"
"Not very long, my lord. We quickly came to report as soon as we received word of it." One of them responded.
"Good work. You're excused," he sent them away before turning to Sean. "Looks like I must be on my way. Make sure to protect Elina. Also, keep an eye on our prisoner. If something does happen in my absence, contact me immediately."
With the communication artefact, Sean could quickly contact Caleb. The distance was the major weakness of communication artefacts, but that was the best they could do.
"Of course," Sean responded and wished him good luck. Accepting his goodwill, Caleb proceeded to the entrance leading to the open courtyard. As he moved forward, he opened his inventory and selected his combat suit to equip.
A swirl of mana around him changed his clothes and he dawned his combat suit. He retrieved a black hooded cloak to complete his look before taking to the skies; in the direction of the garrison.
~WHOOSH~
~BOOM! ~