The Hero’s Right Hand

A long night’s rest often made the events of a past day seem like a dream. Especially after attending a gala the likes of which I’d never imagined. But that wasn’t the case as my party huddled around the Greycastle coffee table. No one had forgotten a single moment from the past night’s events. Without a single word I could feel the energy radiating from the group. Vofric was meditative while contemplating how to best utilize the Dicoris’s means. Sariel silently wrote notes regarding rumors she’d heard at the party. I absentmindedly petted Avant while thinking of how best to support Aisha in the search. She muttered to herself about what we’d learned. I’m sure there was more going on inside her head than I could keep up with.

With the permission granted from the Dicoris’s, the Greycastles’ decided to change their operating hours. It would be suspicious if they closed their doors until after our quest was complete. Instead, Mia and Louise worked during the afternoon while Albert assisted our party. His demeanor reminded me of when we first met. As long as the boy was silent he came off as a serious and focused individual. Like a younger and taller Vofric. But the moment Albert spoke the mysterious air disappeared. I couldn’t blame him for the awkward voice everyone dealt with at his age.

“So, Aisha. What’s the plan?” he asked.

Aisha stared at Albert but continued to mutter quietly. He looked to me for guidance and I held up my hand to tell him to wait. After a few seconds the Hero stopped and sighed.

“It’s in our best interest to leave the interrogation to Rusty and instead focus on finding whoever hired the assassins,” she said. “Unfortunately, all we know for sure is that the meeting place is somewhere in Ramshorn. Even if that narrows it down a little it’s not much. The district is massive.”

“Not to mention it’s happening today and we don’t know when,” I added.

Vofric let out a groan that shook the room. “Criminals weren’t so honorbound in my time. It’s possible they are cursed to silence.”

Sariel purposefully placed her notebook on the table for all to see.

“The meeting is likely happening between dusk and midnight,” she said. “There are half a dozen meeting places I know of but it is possible there are more.”

A surprisingly detailed map of the Ramshorn district was sketched across two pages. Enclosures off beaten paths and in hard to reach areas were circled with numbers written inside. Details about certain roads and buildings were scrawled in the margins. Flipping the page showed more of the district. It truly was unmatched in size. The new pages showed off the docks, marine base, and a number of taverns and inns. It seemed like this was where Sariel had spent the most time.

“Some of this is speculation based on what I heard during the gala,” she explained. “It is rather surprising how willingly people discuss their illegal dealings at an event with their peers. Whispers can only remain so private.”

Avant wiggled out of grasp and hopped onto the table. He lightly patted one part of the page and chirped.

Sariel circled it and said, “You’re correct. I had forgotten the rumors about the fish markets. Are there any others you think I missed?”

The owlbear nudged the corner of one page with his beak and awkwardly flipped it back. Light taps along one route reminded Sariel of something and she traced it.

“This route is often used when escaping the guards but no one has deduced where it leads,” Sariel explained.

“You’re saying they just disappear?” Aisha asked.

“I doubt only magic is involved,” Vofric interjected. “Whoever is using the route does so for a reason. It’s active enough that the public is aware of it yet it's still shrouded in mystery.”

Albert hummed. “Meaning the only way through is with someone who knows the secret. Like the assassins’ employer. But that involves knowing where they’ll be.”

Aisha leaned close to the table and closely examined the notebook. She flipped back and forth between the pages, studying every marked location. Inaudible words crept from her mouth as she aggressively stared at unmarked locations. Sariel slowly passed a pen to our leader which she grabbed immediately before circling multiple points. After double checking the marks, she sat back and silently debated what to do.

“If each of us goes to one of these points, we could keep an eye on the potential meeting spots,” I said. “Then we gather info from whoever comes to meet the assassin.”

“If the employer was at the gala, they’ll run the instant they see any of us coming,” Aisha said.

I shook my head. “Not me. I didn’t help during the attack. Rusty had a knife in my back.”

“It’s possible for all of us sans Kargon to watch the area,” Vofric said.

“Once we notice anyone approaching we can send Kargon there,” Sariel continued.

Albert hummed. “But he’ll be late if he arrives after the employer.”

“That’s not an issue. These kinds of meetings always have late arrivals due to paranoia,” Sariel assured.

We stared at her wondering how she was so sure. The fifty years she’d been searching for her memories had clearly involved things she’d rather not mention.

She shrugged and moved on. “How good is Kargon at lying?”

“Decent,” I said.

Vofric shook his head, “I believe she asked Aisha because no one can truly gauge their own ability to bend the truth.”

“He’s good,” Aisha answered. “My concern is how much better this ‘mastermind’ will be at reading Kargon.”

“If they catch on, I can always fight them,” I said.

The group looked at me dumbfounded. Even Albert thought I was foolish.

“I don’t doubt you could win in a fight, but then what?” Aisha asked. “We can’t just interrogate them in public.”

“Couldn’t we take them to the prison?” I said.

“Regardless of who gave us this quest, the guards aren’t going to let us use their prison however we see fit. It’d undermine their position.”

Albert chimed in and said, “I can check with Mom if we can bring them here.”

“No!” Vofric barked. He quickly calmed down and shook his head. “I am uncomfortable with allowing you to assist us, but willing to allow it. However, we are not putting your family in further danger by bringing a criminal into your home. Do I make myself clear?”

“Right,” Albert replied dejectedly. “Sorry, Uncle Vof.”

Sariel reviewed the map and asked, “What if we gave chase? Once we know the meeting spot and Kargon meets the target, the rest of us can place ourselves along the escape route. With our numbers it is probable we can see where the path leads.”

Aisha nodded slowly and looked at the map again.

“It’s still possible they can get away but I don’t think we have a better backup plan,” Aisha admitted. “We still need to go scout the area. As long as Kargon can lie his way through this, the backup plan doesn’t matter.”

She gestured for us all to move closer and finally assigned positions.

“Albert, you’ve got the most knowledge of the area so I want you on this apartment rooftop. It overlooks the escape route and the other side has a view of two rumored meeting spots. Sariel, take this spot. It’s the highest and will allow you to provide cover fire if we need it. Once Kargon meets the target, move here.” Aisha traced a thin point of interest and explained, “Avant, go with this alley. It’s the only one that sees this meeting point. And you can call on Sariel for help. Afterwards, go here.”

The owlbear nuzzled Aisha’s hand and she petted him before moving on.

“Vofric, you go to this street corner. Hide in a tavern or something and watch these spots. During the meeting, shift to this position. Kargon, I want you to go here. The building is centralized and the rooftops are close enough for you to get across easily. You especially need to keep your eyes open for a signal from any of us in case we see someone coming.”

One thing bothered me and I asked, “What if there’s multiple meetings happening?”

Aisha groaned and threw her head back. “I don’t know! We hope we get the right one?”
Vofric chuckled and patted our leader’s arm. “No, it will be okay. Rumors of a failed assassination are likely spreading. Groups who use the meeting places will remain wary for the time being in fear of increased patrols. The only reason we know the employer will be present is due to the prisoner’s confirmation.”

“You sound like you have experience with similar situations,” Sariel said.

“Similar, yes.”

Aisha sighed. “I hope you’re right.” She rose to her feet and said, “If that’s everything, we should go. Separately. We don’t want to draw more suspicion than adventurers already do.”

The party tried to think if we were missing anything. My mind was racing with everything we’d already planned. If something was forgotten, I was the last person to figure it out. Aisha left without another word. I studied the map to memorize what I could. Everyone else was already familiar with the area. Even Avant was able to retain the information he needed. The first to leave was Vofric followed minutes later by Albert. Sariel and Avant departed soon after with book in hand.

As I sat silently in the Greycastles’ living room it dawned on me how much responsibility I had. Talking to people was one of the only skills I took pride in. However, I’d never considered a conversation partner an enemy; an opponent. I wasn’t the type to challenge someone verbally. Debating my ideals was easier proven with actions. If talks ever soured to the point of conflict I either escaped or pushed through with my fists. Now I had to chase after someone if they caught me in a lie. Not even with the goal of catching them but just keeping up. Aisha was far better suited to the job.
I shook my head and swore. Relying solely on the Hero was unbecoming of her chosen ally. Both in her journey but specifically in this endeavor. Not only that; I’d volunteered to meet the assassins’ employer. It didn’t matter who could do it better.

Anxiety and anticipation flooded my mind as I made for Ramshorn. Passing the hill that led to the mansions revealed how high up we were just one night ago. The rest of the district was bigger but looked tiny from on high. It took several random turns and random luck for me to recognize a street from Sariel’s map. By the time I got to the center of Ramshorn it dawned on me I had no idea how to reach the roof. Sariel and Aisha had the power to jump high enough. Albert had knowledge of the city. Vofric didn’t even need to get to a rooftop. But the sun was setting fast and I needed to reach the vantage point.

The central building of Ramhorn was a three story inn. Lit rooms made me aware of the residents inside. I circled to the back of the building. Thankfully, there were fewer rooms on this side. A metal ladder hung from the ridge of the roof to outside the ceiling of the first floor. There was no way to lower it further but I could make the small jump. With little effort I grabbed the bottom rung then scrambled to the roof while trying to stay hidden.

Only a few buildings in the district were taller than the one I occupied. The most noticeable being a lighthouse to the west with a peculiar silhouette hidden near the light. Sariel waved to me but I barely recognized the motion. It occurred to me we hadn’t planned what the signals would be. The loss of direction and sunlight compounded into an overwhelming paranoia. Even the surrounding city lights and stars overhead didn’t help calm me down. My natural capability to see in darkness felt pointless if I didn’t use it for the right reasons.

Slowly spinning in place, I looked for buildings I recognized. There was no way to tell if my friends were in the directions I was looking but I stared at them intently. But something stopped me from panicking too much. The signals were unknown but they’d be clear when the time came. The others were sure to send a message I would understand while it remained hidden from the public. That thought alone kept my mind from spiraling.

A broken streetlight flickered on a street corner. The neck must have snapped as it hung lower than others I’d seen in town. But for some reason the bulb was brighter than others nearby. I couldn’t take my eyes off the peculiar light. The flashing was sudden and rhythmic. As I stared, a shape presented itself. The head of a light hammer. Specifically one I’d seen strapped to Vofric’s waist. The realization helped me catch a glimpse of his beard. Based on his location, I knew which meeting spots to move towards. Chances of Vofric getting caught rose as he continued to signal me. I snapped my fingers and a flame burst from my fingertips. Instantly, my ally disabled his light. He had been watching me longer than I had watched him. But there was no time to think about that.

I walked to one side of the roof before turning around. With measured steps, I ran across and leapt off. The gap between buildings was easily traversable. Sariel had created the perfect map for us to be able to measure accurately after one look. The moment I landed, I broke into a sprint. If I stuck to the rooftops it’d be possible to see which specific meeting point I needed to go to. Then I’d drop to ground level elsewhere and walk over. As I got closer I noticed others moving along the rooftops. Sariel had Avant in hand as they moved for the escape route. With surprising speed Albert glided over the city as he made for his perch. I didn’t catch the others but knew they were close.

The roof above Vofric’s original vantage point overlooked two enclosed areas. One was the backlot of the inn and currently sat empty. Hundreds of feet away, in the empty space created by four buildings, was a smaller spot. Multiple tiny alleys connected to it but it could only properly be seen from above or the opening Vofric watched through. But it was hidden unless one knew what to look for. Part of the wall near an alley was broken and made for a window to peer inside. From above I had to look past multiple signs and decorative ropes that had lost their purpose over time. Hidden past the cover was a cloaked figure waiting in the shadows.

I quickly jumped down to the other end of one of the alleys. It was a tight squeeze but I slowly made my way towards the meeting place. Stumbling in drew the attention of whoever was waiting in the corner. Their face was covered but the distinct snout of a crimson dragonborn stuck out. Though they didn’t move I felt their eyes on me. The pressure of starting the conversation was on me. It quickly occurred to me we lacked much information about the captured assassins. Based on Sariel’s guidance the employer might not know the information either. That was my one hope to succeed in deceiving the figure.

“Are you the one who hired a gnome to take out the royal family?” I asked.

The cloaked figure looked me over then replied, “Who’s asking?” Their voice had the same bite as Sariel’s.

“A subordinate who got away. She told me to come here no matter what happened.”

The dragonborn smirked. Jagged teeth made it seem more threatening than joyous. “Course she failed. Needed more bodies.”

“How did you know? We paralyzed enough guards and got close easily. Even with the crowd,” I argued.

“Rumors are core to our business. Folks been saying the Hero’s in town. With all the big wigs of Dawncaster in one place, ain’t surprising she was there too.”

A hiss passed through their lips as they spoke of the aristocrats of the city. Smoke wafted from their nostrils as embers illuminated maroon pupils. Hatred burned deep within but the dragonborn was practiced in keeping it under wraps.

“Why didn’t you warn us?” I asked.

“Not my job. You wanted a test, you got a test. Not my problem that you failed,” the figure scoffed.

I shook my head. “You’re saying the targets didn’t even matter?”

“Only an amateur would say that.”

“You’re the one who said it was a test!” I spat.

Even though I hadn’t taken part in the assassination, the dragonborn’s nonchalant demeanor aggravated me.

They shook their head. “Who ever said a test can’t have real importance? Say we tested you with some easy no name targets. You’d succeed and then what? We’d have weak newbies and the guards would be on alert.”

My ears perked up. They said “we” meaning there was a group involved in targeting the Dicoris’s.

“By failing, you don’t take us on. But who says the guards aren’t on high alert after what happened? My comrades are locked up!” I argued.

“Won’t get a chance to snitch, though. Guards might be on high alert but they’ll focus on Dicoris. Rest of Dawncaster is the same as before,” the dragonborn said.

If this person was sure the assassins couldn’t snitch that meant someone within the guards couldn’t be trusted. The way they spoke about the guards’ reaction seemed like they had insider information. 

I sighed. “If your target is the Dicoris’s, isn't having more guards a bad thing?”

“No. More opportunities to sneak in. More folks to use. More fear to force on the royal family. See how they act with daggers at their throats!”

The smoke billowed more fiercely as fire eked from the dragonborn’s nostrils. It took a second for them to realize how riled up they were getting.

They scoffed. “If anything, we can eradicate the guards. Leave Dawncaster defenseless.”

“If the city fell the world would panic,” I replied, not thinking about how a criminal would feel about the situation.

“Who ever said anything about the city falling?” The figure smirked. “Just gotta make sure the Dicoris family isn’t in control.”

I took a breath and asked an admittedly risky question.

“How will you do that?”

Surprisingly, the dragonborn was feeling generous with information.

“We push the timeline.”

The words stuck in my head like darts. A timeline meant this plan was not only well laid out but likely in motion for some time. By all metrics, our mission was already a success but the more I could learn the better.

“Is it because of the failed assassination or the Hero?” I asked, “Seems you’re concerned about her.”

“Little bit of both.” The dragonborn smirked. “Why do you ask? Your job’s done. Or are you interested?”

“Let’s say I’m looking for new employment,” I replied, trying my best to sound convincing.

“So much for loyalty.”

“I did my job and came to meet with you.”

“Goes to show how inexperienced you are. Might be that you’re courageous,” the dragonborn said.

They moved their cloak to reveal a pistol. I’d never seen one in real life. The material needed for one was too rare for them to be common. A magic seal on one side kept it dormant. Pulling a small lever on the side broke the seal and ignited something inside. I had little idea how it functioned except for its ability to fire explosives. Even if the inferno didn’t affect me, the impact would kill me.

 “Either way you’re foolish,” they continued. “Ain’t gonna hire you. And can’t leave you around since you know so much.”

“Isn’t that your fault?” I said tauntingly.

The dragonborn scoffed and held up their weapon. Even if the seal was broken, it needed time to fire. Clearly the wielder was aware since they continued to stall.

“You’re interesting,” they said. “Might’ve been friends if not for our work.”

“We still can be. No reason this needs to get violent,” I replied.

“No can do. Part of my job.”

Heat emanated from the barrel of the pistol. I had seconds to act.

I grunted. “Okay.”

Without taking a stance I swung my leg at the hand holding the handgun. My gamble paid off and startled the dragonborn. The impact knocked the weapon away. I didn’t bother reaching for it. As I landed on my foot, I spun to backhand my opponent. They dodged and breathed a plume of fire at me. Nearby posters were singed but I was unscathed. Though the fire was ineffective, the dragonborn’s mouth was not. They chomped at me and I jumped backwards out of reach. Instead of reaching for the pistol, the dragonborn snapped their fingers. The weapon exploded between us. There was just enough time for me to ignite to protect myself from the oncoming shrapnel. Unfortunately, I was blinded by the explosion which gave the dragonborn time to get through one of the exits. I saw their cloak turn around the corner as I gave chase.

They expertly weaved through tight alleys and around corners. Even with what I’d memorized of the area I couldn’t easily keep up. Luckily, I could close the gap on straight roads. The longer I pursued, the easier it became to maneuver through the messy corridors. Before I knew it we were on the escape route being watched by my allies. It weaved back and forth into small alleys but always returned to a local street. If not for the rumors, I would’ve thought the upcoming dead end would stop the dragonborn. As we drew close the air grew heavy and a portal appeared hovering in front of the far wall.

There was no physical structure housing it. Whoever or whatever created it was powerful enough to manifest a portal with no assistance. The dragonborn barked something I couldn’t understand. Within seconds the portal began to shrink. It was obvious what my target was attempting. No one in our party was able to open portals. Not even Aisha with her vast knowledge of spellcraft. We needed something to work with if we couldn’t get through. There was more information beyond what I’d gathered. We needed to find the dragonborn and their organization even if we couldn’t use the portal.

I reached for the cloak fluttering a few feet ahead of me. The familiar feeling of warmth inside me signaled my astral arts. An ethereal hand appeared near the cape and grabbed the corner. With a swift pull it caused the dragonborn to stumble. They quickly threw off the cloak and dashed away. Unfortunately, they made it through the portal before it closed. Just as it vanished, Aisha dropped to the street from a nearby roof. Her luminescent eye told me she was scanning for any remnants.

“Anything?” I asked while retrieving the cloak.

Aisha shook her head and replied, “I have no way of knowing where it went.”

“There was no sign of another portal nearby,” Sariel said as she and Avant joined us.

Albert landed with her and approached the building at the end of the street. “This is just an armorer. Nothing special.”

Vofric slowly descended a building and said, “Either we debrief now or go after the dragon.”

“Better we go after them,” Aisha said. “But I have no idea how.”

“I do.”
The dwarf took the cloak from me and tossed it to Albert. Aisha and Sariel shared the same confused look as myself. Normally, Avant looked apathetic to our decisions unless directly involved. Now, however, he gave a nod and cooed with approval.

“But Mama says—” Albert tried to contest. 

Vofric raised his hand and interjected, “That hasn’t stopped you before.” He looked skyward. “It’s a beautiful night.”

I couldn’t help but look upward. Aisha and Sariel reacted similarly. A beautiful white marble hung overhead. Its light illuminated the dim alleys. The air was chilled by its presence. Albert let out a deep sigh and stared at the moon. The dark green of his eyes normally reminded me of a forest. But illuminated in the moonlight all I saw were shining emeralds.