The Quest Begins

Ignatius stood before the orb, its glowing runes casting a soft light in the dim room. He felt a shiver of anticipation as the orb wrote in the air. This had happened right after he had filled three wine bottles for Zarkon.

A script burned in the air read, "Master, your first quest awaits. You must find the Old Farmhouse Tomb."

His heart raced. Finally, he could move forward with the investigation. Luna would be happy to know they were making progress. "Where do we start?"

Writing appeared to replace the previous. "Seek out, Farmer Jacob. He holds a clue that will guide you."

Excited by the revelation, he seeks out Christie, kissing her as he pulls her onto his bed. 

 "Good morning, Luna." Zarkon said. As she lay looking at Christie and Ignatius.."

Zarkon fills three mugs with brewed coffee, his eye on the wine bottles on the desk. "Thank you, Master."

Ignatius walked to his shower, Christie on his heels. Her wings beat as she floated into the massive bathroom. Luna left, heading for the backyard to train, sword in hand.

Christie and Zarkon dressed Ignatius. Christie combed his long midnight black hair with a brush. Ignatius points to the bottles on the desk. "For you, my friend. Could you check the town records for a farmer called Jacob"

Ignatius opens Luna's door. Stepping inside. Luna was busy drying herself with a towel.

Luna felt numb as Zarkon dressed her, not knowing what to think. Ignatius sat her on his lap as Christie brushed her hair. "We will need our disguises before we leave any ideas."

She knew where to find such wear, having been undercover many times. Unsavoury lude images of herself and her fellow detectives flashed in her mind. "We should seek out a seamstress; they have clothing for such occasions."

Ignatius called for Morgan as he let Luna go. Morgan opened the door, bowing.

Ignatius gently pulled Morgan in for a hug and kiss. "Where could I find a seamstress."

Morgan gave him directions to a seamstress, who was rewarded with a kiss and hug from Luna and Ignatius.

Luna, ready to find a killer, reluctantly seated herself at breakfast. After breakfast, they went to do their ablutions, meeting at the coffee shop's entrance. Ignatius took her hand with a determined nod, and they set off to find Farmer Jacob. His off-road vehicle came in handy. Luna drove.

She had the training as a detective. They saw the old farmer tending to his crops, and upon explaining their quest, Jacob produced an old map.

"This map has been in my family for generations. It marks the location of the Old Farmhouse Tomb. Good luck."

Ignatius scrutinised the map. "The landscape has changed a lot over the years."

We need to compare old maps with new ones in the area. Luna grabbed the vehicle's door handle. "We should find the library. They should have maps from ancient times and the latest ones."

Ignatius thanked her for her insight and climbed into the vehicle.

Luna turned the ignition. "We must also find masks with white gloves to hide our hands and rings."

She drove, not saying a word during the trip. He pulled a meat pie from his pocket. Her confusing thoughts haunted her. She thought of this morning with Igantius and Christie. She remembered her capital experiences. They were worlds apart.

Manhandled many times, yet Ignatius had a gentle touch. She wanted to kick herself for listening to her parents back then. Fear reared in her mind. He should never learn of detective "Easy". She would die if he knew what she did for fifteen years.

At the library, she walked by his side as an equal. The receptionist issued them library cards, welcoming them to the library. They scoured the shelves.

Meanwhile, Christie had left to search out the masks and gloves—with Ignatius as his bodyguard.

Until they found an ancient book with maps confirming the tomb's location. Luna made a copy of the map as he finished his second pie. She placed the map in his hand. "We are set, partner. Let's get these killers."

Christie waited for them near the parking lot, handing them their disguises. With Christie's help, they dressed in the vehicle. "Take care and do not take unnecessary risks."

The going was rough as they entered the unfamiliar field. In the middle stood an old farmhouse with a tomb next to it. Luna climbed out, lifting her dress and drawing her sword. Ignatius cautiously walked forward. Luna's sword, a magical elven sword, shrunk in size as she willed it to.

The length of a knife she had tied the scabbard to her thigh. Ignatius took the opportunity to peek at her legs as she unsheathed the sword that grew in her hand.

They stood before the first tomb, surrounded by an eerie silence—the tomb's ancient stones covered in moss.

He touched her arm with his gloved hand. "Tell me, will the gloves hamper your fighting style?"

Luna shook her head as she scanned the area for foes, her detective skills now in full effect.

"This is it, Luna. The tomb, be careful. There might be traps. You never know."

Luna scanned the ruins, her sword held at the ready. "How does this work."

Ignatius placed his hand on the symbol carved into the tomb, and a faint glow surrounded him. The orb appeared, and the script appeared before him. "Spell Gained: Shield of the Ancients."

Writing appeared before Luna. Spell gained: "Swift Parry." Ignatius said.

A group of goblins emerged from the shadows, their arrows in hand. Luna crouched down in a defensive stance. Her sword was held before her. "We're not alone!"

"Watch your back. They will use any hole they can find." Luna said, shivering.

"They will plough you first and then kill you. The tribe will use me for a long time if we lose this fight."

He placed himself between her and the goblins. He stared down the goblins as they knocked arrows. "We will survive this. I have no desire to see you get ploughed."

She could hear anger in his voice as he spoke. His face had changed, his anger evident. She wondered why his mood had changed.

The goblins walked forward to get in range. Pulling back their arrows and pointing into the air to increase the range.