The Quiet, Deadly Ticking

[Zaph]

The day had been a long and hot one, both for Zaph, and for Dopey, his wyvern. Fortunately for the two of them, their pointless journey had reached Santaruz, a beautiful city that Zaph had always wanted to visit. The young rider look down at his black wyvern and patted his head. "We're almost there buddy," he said with a caressing tone, "and then you can rest. I know you need it." Zaph yawned, having grown weary from the long journey across the Lycian skies. Zaph and Dopey dropped lower, beginning their descent below the clouds and closer to ground.

As the clouds broke away, the city of Santaruz was revealed. It was as beautiful as Zaph had been told, if not more so, and he anticipated getting to sight-see the city. His heart sank a bit though as he remembered that Dopey would have to sit out on this journey. People of the city never took so kindly to wyverns to begin with, and Zaph would likely have to tie Dopey up to a tree somewhere in the woods before the city gates.

Deciding it was the smartest option, he decided to do just that. The two swept down into the woods, out of sight by people passing by on the road to the city gates, and Zaph leaped off his black wyvern and pet his nose. The two were closer than best friends, and Zaph hated leaving him anywhere. "You stay here," Zaph said with a chuckle, "and I'll bring you something back. Don't worry, I'm not gonna be too terribly long."

With that, Zaph turned and left, wrapping his cloak around him to conceal his armor, and approached the city gates.

[Zaph]

With the sun setting, the young man knew he didn't have much time to stroll about before he'd have to return to the outskirts of the city with his wyvern. As he walked through the busy streets, he glanced and met the eyes of many people, seemingly all of whom gave him disdainful looks. Stripped of his pride and shot down by looks, Zaph stayed quiet, abandoning his prank-like, mischievous nature for the night. He aimlessly walked the streets of Santaruz, hoping to find a shop or inn that peaked his interest enough for him to investigate.

Finding nothing, and with the moon making its appearance from the horizon of the city walls, Zaph decided to head back to Dopey. He turned briskly and awkwardly, making his way back from which he came, towards the main city gates. He picked up his pace, his cloak billowing a bit, revealing that he was a man intent on getting to his destination without any hindrance. Unfortunately, as Zaph's lack of luck usually had it, there was something in his way. Something rather disturbing...

As the rider neared a corner that he had turned on a good half-an-hour back, he heard muffled cries and footsteps coming from an alley beside him. Realizing he didn't have his lance with him, Zaph nearly disregarded the audible encounter, but decided he should take a look anyway. He crept up near the wall adjacent to the entrance of the alley and peeked his head around, looking to see what was causing the uneasy noise.

What he saw made his heart rate accelerate quickly and steadily. Before his eyes he saw a young woman being tied and gagged by a duo of two burly-looking men with black bandannas around their mouths. One was trying to hold the struggling woman still; the other, attempting to take something from her. A vial, it looked like, Zaph determined. A vial of something peculiar that shined a vivid aqua in the dark light. The woman tried to kick and scream, but the men prevented it with great skill.

Zaph knew if he didn't act now, he could miss his chance. He turned the corner quickly, light on his feet, and dashed toward the men.

[Erasmus]

The winter was now long forgotten in the confines of Erasmus's mind. The pious young monk had traveled solitarily on his own, having lost contact with his previous companions. According to his intuition, he had traveled east, which had led him into Lycia.

Although he was born in Etruria, an enemy country to Lycia, Erasmus considered himself neutral. The concepts of warfare and violence still perplexed him, despite his psychological research antics that had been initiated during his time back at home. He had become a monk only to spread the words of St. Elimine, not to master any sort of combat skill.

The sun was now currently setting over the horizon, rapidly lowering the area's temperature. Erasmus was unfazed, seeing as his cream-colored cloak acted not only as insulation, but also as a medium for air flow. He had his tome tucked beneath his right arm, concealing it within the confines of his billowing robes.

After several days of walking, the famished monk was now facing the Lycian city of Santaruz, known for its exquisite architecture and overall visual charm. Erasmus's research of Elibe's landscapes allowed him to navigate with ease, and Santaruz stuck out like a sore thumb.

As Erasmus approached the city's open gates, his cloak masquerading his identity, he heard a shrill scream from a nearby alleyway. He slowly turned his head, subsequently glimpsing a young woman being harassed by a couple of unruly men. Clutched tightly in the woman's palm was a peculiar vial of aquamarine-esque liquid, and its contents seemed to shine in the rapdily fading daylight.

Erasmus was cautious with his approach, knowing full well that St. Elimine would not approve of the behaviors of either of the two men. He resented using his tome, since attracting too much attention would merely be trouble. However, as Erasmus took his first few steps, a young armored man darted around the corner,
apparently unarmed.


Just as Erasmus turned his back to fetch some assistance, he suddenly felt a large, burly arm enclose around his neck, squeezing the oxygen out of his trachea. His relatively frail form was then lifted a few inches off the ground.

During the ordeal, Erasmus remained silent. Before he even allowed his mind to think, he immediately muttered the only incantation he knew under his breath.

A beam of light shot from within Erasmus's cloak, and the man reluctantly released Erasmus, clutching his eyes from the Lightning spell that was clumsily cast.

Erasmus hopped over the groaning man, who was doubled over in disillusionment. He then muttered the same incantation again, this time fueled by the motivation of aiding the young armored man, who Erasmus predicted was fighting for the woman's welfare.

A common cause, he thought. Much as I dislike using violence, it's unfortunately required in some situations...

[Zaph]

OoC: Might want to edit that post... Zaph doesn't have his lance on him. I mentioned it earlier.

IC:

Zaph was taken aback by the sudden appearance of an aid. Perhaps this man had also heard the screams, and Zaph had just not noticed him. However, instead of studying just who his aid was, he took what he had thankfully, and turned to the other man-- the one with the vial in his hands. The liquid inside seemed to grow intensely brighter, as if it could sense it was in danger. Zaph dashed forward.

He grabbed the man's wrist that held the vial. Instinctively, the brute's other hand came forward in an attempt to slam against Zaph's face, but the quick rider ducked under it, grabbing the brute's other wrist. Naturally, then, the burly aggressor came forward with his leg, an attack Zaph had not anticipated. The leg came swiftly into his thigh, crippling Zaph's stance, and causing the release of one of the man's wrists. He then used it to pummel Zaph back with an incredible force, slamming the young man into the wall behind him.

The boxes that Zaph landed into shattered and wood split, flying everywhere. The woman had seemingly made her escape, but Zaph knew she simply had to be hiding somewhere. That vial looked too important to leave.

The young man, trying to regain his composure, shook his head furiously, hoping he didn't have a concussion. As he began to stand, the giant man let out a yelp of anger and rage, threw the vial of liquid on the ground, shattering it and causing the contents to spill all over the ground. He then proceeded to charge at Zaph...

[Erasmus]

The second volley of light was clumsily cast, instead flying straight upwards in the opposite direction before disappating. This also attracted the attention of man Erasmus had just stunned. Roaring, the man charged at Erasmus once more, taking him by surprise. The young monk swifty ducked a punch, but failed to foresee the man's next assault, a blindsided kick.

Erasmus felt the man's booted foot make contact with his ribcage, grimacing as the air was driven out of him yet again. The man then managed to grapple him once more. He looked around for a split second, choking and gasping between each breath, glimpsing a second brawl between the young armored fellow and another burly man. The armored contender was taking a beating as well. This prompted Erasmus to act differently.

Asking St. Elimine for forgiveness under his breath, he brandished his tome with his free, unrestrained arm, and swung it blindly. This foolish venture would prove sufficient - it struck Erasmus's foe in the temple.

The man screamed in agony, released Erasmus, and knelt over in pain once more. These few precious seconds would allow Erasmus to aid the armored fellow, who seemed dazed from his assaulter's last attack. He carefully, yet briskly, readied a third incantation, praying that he would succeed.

A stream of pure light energy formed a few inches above his open tome, hovering about for a few seconds before darting towards its target, who was still attacking the armored man. With any luck, the Lightning spell would stun the individual.

[Zaph]

Zaph sighed with relief. His rescue had come just in time, literally saving his life. Furthermore, it seemed that this well-placed spell that had come from his mysterious aid had been enough to kill the other man, thus freeing the two men from danger. All that remained was the woman, and her broken vial of unknown liquid. Zaph began to breathe normally once more, and looked into the sky. The moon was out, but now hidden behind clouds. It looked, perhaps, like a storm was brewing. And he then realized he had a wyvern to return to...

The young rider, gaining his composure once more, stood. He rubbed his head, as it was now throbbing intensely, and groaned. He threw off his cloak, revealing now his blue armor, and longed to use his lance as a walking stick. Again sighing heavily, Zaph walked towards his new acquaintance with an amiable face about him. He had to be thankful, after all, because he likely would have died without the aid of this monk. Deciding it would be best to speak first, Zaph addressed him.

"So, uh..." he began, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "Thanks. For the rescue, I mean. I would have died if you hadn't come along. I guess you never really know what happens when the sun goes down, huh?" He tried to flash the new man a friendly smile, but his heart just wasn't in it. The woman was still troubling him. Where had she gone?

Zaph looked over at the brilliant, aqua mess that now lay on the ground surrounded by broken glass. His gaze shifted upward, towards the end of the alley, where he saw the young woman quietly approaching them. She seemed to have been crying, and her arm was bleeding profusely. Something else had happened that Zaph hadn't seen.

Instinctively, the young rider turned to the monk. "I'm Zaph, by the way."

[Erasmus]

Erasmus felt relief blossom within him as his spell not only was cast successfully, but the velocity of it seemed to kill the armored man's attacker. The thought of killing another human being was absurd in Erasmus's eyes, but he knew that he would've felt even more gulity if he hadn't helped the armored man.

The woman's broken vial still decorated the ground, the aqua-colored liquid appearing as a peculiar shade of purple in the dusktime glare. The armored man addressed him, thanking Erasmus for the rescue as well as introducing himself as Zaph. He seemed amiable and likeable, which were indespensible qualities of an ally. He also dismissed Zaph's loss for words, seeing as he would also be speechless at a time like this. Erasmus responded to his statement in a saintly, yet friendly tone, adding in a curt nod as well.

"Oh, it was the least I could do. Saving one's life is always smiled upon, after all. And my name is Erasmus, if you're wondering. Pleased to meet you."

Erasmus took a few steps forward, splitting his gaze into two halves, with one side resting on Zaph and the other side resting on the woman, who was now approaching them. As her figure drew closer, Erasmus noticed that her eyes were glistening with leftover tears, as if she had just finished crying for a long period of time. Her pain seemed to be further accented by her bleeding arm.

Even the sky seemed moody, now that the moon had replaced the sun as the sky's reigning monarch. It was concealed, for the most part. Thick clouds met Erasmus's eyes as he glimpsed them for a brief moment. A storm was on its way, it seemed.

Could this be a foreshadowing...? No, Erasmus. There's no need to be so symbolistic... The young monk's mind rambled effortlessly.

[Zaph]

Zaph smiled widely. "And save my life, you did. I owe you one. Nice to meet you, Erasmus." Concluding their meeting and exchanging of names, Zaph turned his attention on the approaching woman. She ignored her saviors and turned instead to the pool of glowing liquid spilled on the ground, glistening in the scarcely-appearing moonlight. Rain was definitely coming.

The woman let tears and wails out. She fell to her knees and wept furiously. Zaph stammered, beginning to say something as he reached his hand out, contemplating resting it upon her shoulder in a sympathetic way, but backed up and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Still ignoring her rescuers, the young woman sank her fingers into the liquid, caressing what was on the ground in a longing manner, as though she had lost a loved one. Her wails of sorrow turned into rage, and she stood, finally addressing the duo.

Zaph took a step back, ready for her screaming. And it came swiftly.

"This was my life!" She screamed, taking a step forward. Her eyes were proud and intense, characteristic of someone with a strong heart and even more powerful will. She was clearly an independent woman who didn't rely on others often. She began again. "This potion kept me alive! You don't understand! If you hadn't come so late, we wouldn't be in this situation!" She screamed again with anger, raising a fist towards Zaph, who stepped forward in defense, after having been accused of coming too late.

"Hey, lady," he began, stepping forward, his own eyes burning with a growing anger, "at least we came when we did. Looked to me like they wanted more than that potion. Now, why don't you explain to me why that blue crap is so important, so we can either help you, or aid in your pity party?" Zaph scoffed. He hated when people were so aggressive.

Instantaneously, the woman's anger faded, and the sadness returned. She fell to her knees again and wept; clearly, Zaph discerned, this potion was much more important than she let on. By the way she was acting, it must have really been a life-threatening matter.

After a few moments of letting the woman weep, she stood, and introduced herself. "My name is Isabella," she began, wiping the tears from her face. She looked into Zaph's eyes for a brief moment, then looked for a longer period of time into Erasmus's eyes. "I was born with a condition that rapidly destroys my bone structures and muscle cells. With that potion, the process stops altogether. Without it, death awaits me in about a week. That was all I had left. It's not impossible to make, but I normally purchase it from an alchemist in Ilia, far from here. Longer than a week's trip, anyway..."

Her voice trailed off. She sat back, against the wall of the alley, and the rain began to pour down.

[Erasmus]

Erasmus nodded as Zaph thanked him once more. The young monks assumption seemed to be true in the fact that Zaph as an amiable guy.

The woman was now only a short distance away from her two rescuers, and her expression was less than appreciative. She lashed out at Zaph, who promptly apologized, then lashed out again, albeit with less force. Erasmus was not fond of either of their temperaments, but he forced himself to listen.

He was interested in the woman, in particular. She introduced herself as Isabella, and her tale was one of woe. Erasmus listened intently as she fell to her knees and explained her condition to him and Zaph. Her gaze seemed to rest on Erasmus for most of the duration, as if she sensed something within him. When she finished, Erasmus approached her, speaking in a calm, reassuring voice.

"My deepest condolences to you, as well as my biggest blessings. It's unfortunate that the only medium to keep you alive is in a place that's at least a couple months away. I know the way to Ilia, but I fear for your welfare. A week would barely get us out of Lycia."

As the rain began to pour down, Erasmus beckoned for Zaph to approach the ailing woman. The young monk would be willing to make the trek to Ilia, but he himself had just reached Lycia. If they were to make the journey, they'd need far more support, as well as morale. In addition, they were bound to run into danger.

Erasmus gently placed a hand on Isabella's shoulder. "Zaph and I will find you a suitable place to stay for the night. Is that acceptable?"

[Zaph]

OoC: This character is gonna become an important npc. Here she is: For reference purposes, as well as to get an idea of her demeanor, clothing, etc. She is a thief with no lockpick and no vulnerary. Oh, and the image came from another website. I don't claim ownership, but I do claim the laziness that I have that kept me from making it transparent. xD

IC:

Zaph sighed. He knew the journey could be made in a week's time. He had Dopey, after all, the fastest flying wyvern he knew. Dopey could get them to Ilia in a few days time; less than week, certainly. That seemed like their only option, but Zaph, careful as he always was, wanted to know the character of this woman more accurately before he went around offering rides on a wyvern that hadn't even accepted the terms yet.

Damn, Zaph thought, Dopey is out there in the rain without me. He's gonna kill me when I get back...

The young rider also noticed that this monk was a very respectful and friendly person, as well. He seemed to care strongly for others, and was kind towards all. Zaph smiled. He appreciated friendliness, though his prankster nature was still more suited to him. Though, when it came to life and death, Zaph put aside his petty mischief to make room for more important things.

Suddenly, the woman fell again to her knees in tears. Zaph nodded to Erasmus, and he proceeded to approach the woman, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Come on," he said softly, as the rain poured down on both of them. "We'll get you to Ilia one way or another." Being cautious, Zaph didn't mention that he had a wyvern, so as to not raise the hopes of this Isabella too high.

He turned to Erasmus, agreeing with his idea. "We'll pay for your stay at an inn," he began, "but I myself cannot stay. I imagine Erasmus will keep you company in another room, but I..." Zaph knew he would have to spill, or he'd raise suspicious thoughts in either or both of his friends. He nodded his head to Erasmus and made reign-like motions with his hands, trying to convey the fact that he was a rider. "I like nature too much to stay at an inn. Rain always makes me happier." Zaph looked down and smiled at Isabella, who stood and regained her composure.

She walked towards Erasmus, erecting her full figure. She was short for a woman of her age, and had the physic of a thief. An agile and light frame. She met his eye. "If you guys are paying, would you stay with me? I'd rather not be alone, especially with people that are apparently after me."

[Erasmus]

As Zaph made the bold declaration to Isabella that he'd be able to get the party to Ilia in a week, Erasmus couldn't help but find him foolish. What could he possibly have in store that could get them halfway across Elibe in a mere week?

Erasmus nodded at Zaph when he finished speaking, restraining himself from reprimanding him. Although he was perplexed at his cockiness, Erasmus felt a surge of intrigue flow through him when Zaph explained that he enjoyed nature. This was yet another like interest, it seemed.

His train of thought was interrupted when Isabella fell to her knees again. This time, Zaph reassured her that they'd get her a room at an inn, which seemed to lift her spirits. However, she had indicated that she could use a companion to keep her company. She had automatically moved towards Erasmus upon standing up. He found it odd that she had approached him so quickly. Nevertheless, he couldn't deny her.

"I'd be willing to accompany you, Isabella. You'd need an escort anyway, at this time of night. I'll be sure that you'll reach an inn safely. My name is Erasmus."

The young monk had spoken in his signature saintly tone of voice, so as not to make her any more nervous than she already was. There was one potential setback though: Erasmus had never been to this city before, nor did he have any sense of direction. He'd have to rely on Isabella, for the time being.

Before she could respond, he turned to her once more. "Pardon me for asking, but do you know your way around this city? I've never been here before."

[Zaph]

"And with that," Zaph said, with a shallow bow, "I'll be off. Erasmus, meet me at the city gates in the morning. I'll fill both of you in." He smiled at both of them and waved, then ran off very quickly toward the main city gates. Dopey could sometimes be like a scolding parent when Zaph broke his promises, and the black wyvern was likely to be very, very angry when Zaph got back to him.

Trying to clear his head and anxiety, Zaph darted faster down the empty street toward the gate. Thunder was rolling overhead, and the occasional bolt of lightning could be seen now, albeit barely, through the mask of heavy clouds.

Finally, Zaph reached the gates and left the city. He ran down the dirt road a bit until he came to his turn-off in the forest, where he could see the path he had taken into the city. He slowed to a walk, and before he could even see an outline of his wyvern, he began to speak. "Look, I can explain..." But he stopped. When he came out into the clearing where he had left Dopey, he realized that the wyvern was no longer there. There were huge claw marks on nearby tree trunks, and broken ropes near the base of one of the trees. The only thing remaining in the area was Zaph's lance... perhaps it was an accident, or perhaps Dopey was clever enough to leave it behind for him.

Zaph's heart dropped, and his breathing became nonrhythmic. He knelt down to pick up his lance and looked around the area. Dopey was really gone, and the rain was still picking up. Dopey would never leave on his own, Zaph knew that, and Dopey was also too loyal to go anywhere without leaving some indication of where he had gone. Zaph's only logical conclusion was that someone had stolen his wyvern. But who, when, why, and how where all questions that came swimming into Zaph's mind like the rain came swimming into his ears and face.

Gripping the shaft of his lance tightly, Zaph stood, and looked into the sky. The rain pounded on his face, blinding him, and Zaph wept. Much like Isabella, Zaph felt as though his life were going to end. Dopey was his best friend and closest companion. His most loyal and loving acquaintance had been taken from him.

Deciding it would be best to investigate, Zaph ran back the way he came, towards the city gates, hoping that Isabella and Erasmus hadn't found an inn just yet...

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"Do I? Well yes, of course. I'm from Santaruz." She giggled, seemingly happier than she had been. Or perhaps Isabella had forgotten about the loss of the only thing that would sustain her life. Or even perhaps she was confident in Zaph to get her where she needed to go. Either way, the young woman seemed happier now, which was surely a relief to her two rescuers. "There's a nice inn around the corner."

Isabella nodded for the monk to follow her, and turned the corner, moving towards the only light that was on in the street. A lamp that shone dimly in the dark night was the only indication of the inn that Isabella spoke of. She stopped in front of the door. "You'll enjoy the rooms here, they're pretty nice. The beds are soft, and the--" she stopped. Isabella couldn't quite tell what was in the distance; the rain hindered her ability to see. But she could her gasps for breath and footsteps heavy in the rain puddles.

She whispered to Erasmus. "Someone's coming!" Isabella drew her dagger and brought it forward defensively. When the figure in the cloak approached, however, she stopped. "Hey, you're..."

[Erasmus]

Erasmus felt a surge of relief overcome him when Isabella's mood changed, almost instantaneously. The blonde monk half-expected Zaph to accompany them to the inn, but was disproven when he bid them farewell and told Erasmus to meet him at the front gate the following morning. Erasmus obliged with a slight grin and a nod, then shifted his gaze over to Isabella.

She was confident about where she was going, being a native of this city. Erasmus chuckled as he had her lead the way, the image of Zaph fading into the distance. The inn was just around the corner, and Erasmus was grateful for the convienient placement. His mind and soul were fatigued, but this was not visually evident.

Erasmus casually listened as Isabella described the luxury of the inn. Soft beds were a must for his weary body, as were decent-quality rooms. Before Isabella could finish her description, however, she stopped abruptly and withdrew a dagger from her cloak.

She was armed? Erasmus thought to himself. It perplexes me as to why she didn't defend herself. Ah, no matter.

Isabella seemed frozen in an offensive stance, dagger at the ready. She was facing a cloaked figure, but her intensive demeanor changed as the figure approached.

An acquaintance of hers...?

[Zaph]

Zaph's breathing was hard from running back into the city and to the inn. The two were easy to spot, under the only light in the city streets at this time of night. Completely out of breath, Zaph lowered the hood of his cloak, which caused Isabella to lower her guard. "Dopey is gone!" he shouted carelessly. "I-I mean, my wyvern-- I mean, my uh... Okay, so I have a wyvern. That's how we WERE going to get to Ilia in a few days time. I'm a Rider. Turns out we aren't riding anywhere, because my wyvern, Dopey, has been stolen." Zaph finally finished, then attempted to catch his breath. He leaned on his lance wearily.

"He's... he's my best friend..." Zaph said softly, not caring whether or not he was heard. His only person-- or animal, rather-- to confide in was gone. He had to find Dopey; that much was certain. "So he couldn't have gotten too... far..." Zaph stopped. That's not true. Dopey could fly. He could've gotten pretty far.

Letting the rain ease his spirit, Zaph spoke up again. "Looks like I'm staying here tonight. But first, we have to find my wyvern. If we don't, Isabella could die, and I could be sad and lonely forever. Heh..."

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Isabella's guard had dropped, and she replaced the dagger she had previously chosen not to use. She hadn't known the malice the two brutes had planned, and it had all happened to fast, she'd forgotten it was even there. She sighed heavily, and opened the door to the inn. "Come on," she said, "I'll help you. I know these streets. And you saved my life, even though my life could only last another week, if I don't help you. I owe you that much." She turned to Erasmus. "And you'll help too, right?"

While she waited for his reply, she motioned the men to a small table near the door. The innkeeper behind the desk gave them all a strange look, but otherwise left them alone. He knew Isabella, and knew when to stay out of her business. Isabella gave him a nod, implying that she'd be getting a room soon.

"So," she began. "There have been rumors of a pirate group going around stealing wyverns that have been left... alone, um, so to speak." She was trying hard not to accuse Zaph of being a careless owner. "This group is said to reside in a cave outside the city; a cave big enough to house a small wyvern or two at the same time. From there, they are said to sell the wyverns into a cargo-carrying slave trade for good money. Odds are, he'll be gone by tomorrow midday. I say we stay the night here, then see what we can do tomorrow. Besides, the rain is too heavy to do anything about it now. We'd all get killed. We all need rest..."

With that, Isabella stood, and motioned for the two men to get up. "Well, you DID say you were paying..."

[Erasmus]

Erasmus gasped slightly. It appeared that the cloaked figure was merely Zaph. Upon closer inspection, he looked out of breath and rather critical. As he explained his ordeal, Erasmus listened intently, firstly wondering why in St. Elimine's name he named his wyvern Dopey, then secondly nodding as Isabella agreed to find the missing creature.

Erasmus subsequently nodded when Isabella asked for his assistance. The threesome was now filing towards the inn. While Isabella spoke with the innkeeper, Erasmus took a seat at a nearby table, relaying the recent events. He was now officially loyal to Zaph and Isabella, it seemed. Perhaps this would be a good experience after all.

After a few moments passed, Isabella and Zaph joined Erasmus at the table. Isabella spoke first, describing a certain band of thieves who sold wyverns to a cargo-carrying slave trade. Apparently, they were nothing more than a bunch of greedy men. Once she finished speaking, Erasmus spoke.

"Hm... I'd be willing to lend my strength to aid you both. But I agree... one cannot function without sleep. I'll handle the payment, comrades. Zaph, rest assured, we will find your wyvern."

With that, Erasmus strided over to the innkeeper and paid the 30-gold-a-night fare, or 90 coins total. The innkeeper laid out three room keys, which Erasmus promptly distributed to the two individuals.

"Shall we meet here tomorrow morning to discuss a strategy?" he asked.