Eldovian Era 1711, 29th day of the 1st month

"I found them".

Illai had prepared nothing else to report to her master. She'd deemed this the most important thing she'd discovered and hurried back. She'd found the place where Moonshadow had made his base. The place where he no doubt made the charms considering the barrier that seemed to be constructed around it. She'd even seen that little shadow magician that she'd sensed back at Blue Jade. Even if he only had limited knowledge, her master would jump at the chance to secure the investment he represented.

"Found them where?" asked Ishta as he paused his work to look over at the kneeling Illai.

"The Cermine District in Port Leis," Illai reported, "I'm sure Moonshadow's base is there. I saw the young shadow magician who was with him in the Blue Jade restaurant".

Ishta raised his eyebrow, "The one whom you suspected had knowledge of the charm making process?"

"Yes, master," Illai nodded.

"And you didn't bring him back?" asked Ishta.

Illai paused awkwardly, "I tried, master, but there was a barrier surrounding the property...it felt just like the protection charm".

"Surrounding the entire property?" asked Ishta with a frown.

"Yes, Master," Illai reported, "I couldn't go beyond it".

Ishta turned away thoughtfully for a moment. He seemed displeased that such a prize had been kept from him. A Protection Charm that couldn't just shield a person, but an entire property? No wonder Moonshadow had seemed so cautious and quiet about his movements.

"What of Apple Star?" asked Ishta.

"I surveyed the company and all who came and went for nearly a week. I saw no one who seemed associated to Moonshadow. However, it seems that the company is currently dealing with a Magician Team," Illai admitted, "At first it was just an Air Magician of the Master rank, but now four others have joined her, one of whom appears to be a hybrid".

Ishta's frown deepened, "So we cannot infiltrate Moonshadow's base thanks to a large protection charm, and Apple Star is consorting with a Magician team to unknown ends..."

Her Master did not seem pleased despite the information she had gathered. Illai struggled to think up an appropriate plan to move forward. She could gather more information, but that would cost her Master time...

"Might I suggest something, Master?" asked Illai.

Ishta did not seem opposed, so Illai continued, "With Moonshadow gone, perhaps Apple Star will be more compliant. After all, those left at his company are not capable of running it, surely it is not a beneficial deal for Apple Star to remain in".

Ishta's head tilted in thought, "Perhaps, but Falla Startree is not so easily swayed. We will need to prepare appropriate incentive".

Ishta turned to Illai, "You have a day to find that incentive, Illai, I'm getting impatient".

Illai bowed her head, "Yes, Master".

***

"I really don't think it's a good idea to go out, Olly," Kit insisted, "Not with that Ink lady out there".

"She's not there," Olly replied.

Kit frowned, "That doesn't mean we won't run into her".

"We won't," Olly stated.

Kit sighed as he followed Olly through the streets towards the marketplace. They'd take one of the carriages to the opposite side of the Island. They wouldn't get there until midday, but it was worth the early morning. At least to Olly it was. Ever since the night before when Kit had said that he'd introduce Olly to Miss Falla, Olly had been very excited. He'd barely slept. Therefore, Kit hadn't gotten much sleep either.

After a quick explanation to Iah and Sharli, the two of them had headed out. Ever since the Inktress had attacked the night before though, Kit had been curious. How was it that Olly had been able to form a barrier without a vessel for the mist? Considering the size of the Ruin it would have had to be a rather large Evanine Crystal if that was the vessel. But Olly had done nothing but repeat the rune over and over with charcoal and paper. The Mist had responded however. Responded on a scale far greater than Kit had seen even Mr Moonshadow produce before.

Kit had no idea what to make of Olly other than the incomprehensible conclusion that the Mist actually...liked Olly. That seemed like the wrong word to use, but then so were 'obey' and 'control'. Olly didn't appear to be doing either of those things. But the Mist didn't exactly seem to be controlling him either.

In the end, Kit had just decided to let the matter pass.

Before he knew it, he was standing in front of Apple Star Trading Company's Headquarters, having missed the whole morning whilst he thought on the conundrum that was Olly.

"We're here to see Miss Falla," Kit said to Layn who had walked through the lobby at a convenient time. No doubt no one else would know who Kit was, and letting a child and a madman pass through to the boss's office was not going to be good for any future promotions.

Layn led them through, somewhat surprised at their appearance but knowing that it must have been important if the charm craftsman had personally made a trip.

Miss Falla was holed up in her office, working diligently despite it being lunch time.

"Miss?" asked Layn, "Kit is here to see you".

Falla looked up in surprise. She'd had to deal with a team of Magicians yesterday, and now with the charm craftsman. At this point, she was blatantly stressing about what would happen if they were to meet and converse. Kit should have been back at the Ruin, safe and out of prying eyes.

The man beside Kit was one which seemed vaguely familiar to Falla, but she was sure she'd never met him before.

"Kit?" she asked as she stood, "What brings you here?"

Kit hesitated as he looked at Olly, then back at Falla, "Olly here wants to sign the blood contract to be a charm craftsman".

Falla frowned. She had no idea that it had been such free knowledge that she held that contract. Sure she knew that Kit had known, he'd been there when Rassa had explained it, but she had no idea that Kit was allowed to announce it so freely.

"And how exactly does Olly know about the contract?" asked Falla.

Kit sighed, but Olly spoke up before he could reply, "The Mist told me. I wanted to learn runes so the Mist brought me to Kit".

Falla tilted her head, "The Mist...'told' you?"

Olly nodded with an innocent grin on his face.

Falla turned to Kit, unsure how she was going to get a more adept answer from a child but seeking one anyway.

"He's spent a couple of weeks at the Ruin with us. He's done no harm so far. In fact, yesterday he somehow managed to prevent an attacker. Though I have no idea how," said Kit, "In short, he qualifies for the contract if you'll let him".

Falla frowned, "I hoped to make that decision from a pool of my own candidates".

"It's been over a month, do you have any?"

The question floored Falla, and she looked back in disbelief at the child. He really was more mature than she gave him credit for. After a moment, she sighed in defeat, "Well, it is not as if he can tell anybody the method without consequences. And I'm far too busy trying to prevent outsiders from interfering with the business contract to seek a candidate of my own. Very well, Olly, you may sign the blood contract, of course only after you have read it and understand the weight of its terms".

"I understand," Olly smiled.

"You haven't read it yet," Falla frowned.

"The Mist told me," Olly said.

"You don't fear the consequences?" asked Falla.

"They only happen if I tell," Olly replied, as if one would be stupid not to consider that fact.

Falla sighed, then looked behind them to where Layn stood, "Bring the contract".