-So. Let’s get down to business - I said, sitting up.

-Yeah - picked up Jack. - I heard you have some business with me.

-Me? - she asked. - I thought you wanted to take care of your business or something…

-I already did. Now we are getting to your part.

She looked him over carefully. She clearly was not trusting him. Not like I can blame her, this whole establishment looked shifty as hell.

-Look, I don’t think this is the best idea… - she said, unsure.

-Best idea? - I laughed. - This whole endeavor is not the best idea. And don’t think I am forcing anything. This man - I gestured towards the innkeeper - got… some connections. As far as I am aware, you need information. I am just introducing you. That’s it.

-What kind of connections?

-That depends on the information needed - Jack replied, smiling. - I am sure we can find an agreement.

-Hm. I’m not keen on yet another deal…

-No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. I don’t need more servants. And I think you’re taken anyway…

-Don’t make it sound like I’m her husband or something - I replied, falling back down onto the bed. - Too old for me.

-Hey! Fuck you! I’m not that… eh, nevermind - Melle started protesting but changed her mind as both me and Jack started stifling laughter.

-Sorry, my bad - he said, stifling his laugh. - So what kind of info do you need?

She once more looked him over from head to toe, and finally made up her mind.

-The Rubo family.

He raised his eyebrows.

-Wow. You are aiming high. Anything in particular or you just need some random dirt?

-Today someone has invaded my home and kidnapped someone. I need more than just “some random dirt”.

-Rubo? Kidnapping? - he looked at her, curious. - Are you sure?

-Yes I am sure. Can you help me or not?

-I mean, I can sell you some information, but since you are familiar with Mor… I will tell you this for free: none of the family members are actually in town, and they haven’t been for weeks actually.

-So?

-Meaning they couldn’t be kidnapping anyone. Especially not recently.

-Maybe they hired someone. Hell if I know! That’s what you are for, right? Don’t worry, I’ll pay, if you tell me something actually useful that is.

-But what guarantee do I have?

Without even raising my head I said:

-Me. If she acts up, just tell me - I waved my hand.

-Hm. That should work.

It seems like he was thinking something over for a minute.

-Okay, listen up, miss Melle. I am sure that no one from that family was even remotely near your place. In fact, I have been told that in that part of town your mansion is avoided by everyone, meaning if anyone would even try and get close, they would be easily spotted.

-You know me? - she asked, surprised.

-I know everyone in this city, maybe not personally, but at least from the title. Comes in handy in situations like this.

Now when he mentioned that, I suddenly remembered the mountains of paperwork that he had in his inn on the island. They were filled with different names… could they have been literal files about people living here?

-Your info is lacking - she said, pleased with herself - I guess I should be happy… but that makes this even more suspicious…

-Okay, don’t insult me. It’s impossible.

She sighed heavily.

-Listen. I am not talking about someone being taken from the mansion. I have a hideout somewhere far away. Someone from that family teleported there and took her when I was away.

He looked stunned.

-That… that changes things. Are you sure that they teleported?

-Yes. The place is literally weeks of travel by any regular means from here. There were also no signs of anyone leaving on foot.

-Hm… - he stopped to think for a moment. - And are you absolutely sure that was them?

-Yes! You should know. They have been pestering and tracking me already and already tried to infiltrate the mansion a few times.

-Yeah… I remember that… To be honest with you, they actually succeeded, but that is besides the point.

-WHAT? That is definitely important information right now!

-Well, not really - he started scratching his chin. - It’s just one of your outer guards, they apparently work for them, but it doesn’t matter.

-And why is that exactly? - she said annoyed.

-You said it yourself. It’s not like they took “her” from the capital. And you managed to hide the existence of that place from me. I don't mean to brag about myself, but there aren’t many people that can hide things like that from me. Congratulations.

-Yeah, sure, whatever - she said unenthusiastically.

-So - he continued - do you think some half-assed spy that didn’t even manage to infiltrate further than the outer walls, would be able to get the info that I couldn’t? No.

-I guess…

-There is another thing. You say, they teleported. But, there are no mages capable of that in that family.

-So what? They could’ve just hired someone.

-Believe me, if anyone who was even remotely close to that ability would show up in this city, I’d know.

I couldn’t help but feel his stare on me. Come on, leave me alone, I can’t do that.

But, if I had enough time and resources, then maybe…

-And in this city, there are very few individuals who actually use this kind of magic.

-Now we are getting somewhere. If we find out who they used, we can, ehm, have a discussion with them, so we know where she is.

-Ha. I mean, sure, but…

-No buts. Names.

-The only one that has actually been in the city for the past, I don’t know, half a year, I am pretty sure he has nothing to do with that family.

-The name!

-Yeah, yeah. You know him both. It’s Odar Erf, the guard capitan. He is under the direct command of the king.

I sat up on the bed.

-He’s arcane? Huh. Good to know.

-What, you know him? - she asked.

-Not exactly. Just met him once, that’s about it.

-And that’s it? - she looked at the innkeeper with doubt in her eyes. - No one else? I find it hard to believe that someone that is close to the king would even try doing something like this.

-Right? Well, there’s been some gossiping…

-So you know something!

-Don’t get too excited. While that is definitely something you would be interested in it’s…

-I don’t care! What is it?!

He sighed heavily and looked at me.

-There’s been some talk about a new arcane mage that has been in hiding for a long time. They say she is a protege of a very famous figure, but haven’t been seen in months.

I rolled my eyes.

-Why would I care if she's not here! Damn you and your bullshit…

-Correct me if I’m wrong. - I interrupted - but I think he’s talking about the exact same person you are looking for.

-Wha…

-Ah! So it’s how I thought… Well, that would explain how you managed to hide the existence of that hideout of yours - he said, staring into space, thinking.

-Fucking damnit! - she slammed her fist into a wall. - You knew!?

-I told you, there’s been some gossiping. I guess that’s why you think they kidnapped her? Ha. But still, how would they even get to you? That makes no sense.

-All this time. I’ve been trying to hide this. And some random fucker that has nothing to do with any of us had managed to find out… talk about dissapointment.

-Don’t be so upset - he said, unbothered about just being called a fucker - I only learned that by chance, and I didn’t believe it. Until now that is. Don’t worry, I am not going to share that info with anyone, since you are one of Mor’s people.

-What do you even… have between you? - she asked, looking me over.

-Oh come on, you make it sound weird - I said, gazing into space. - We just are… partners in crime, heh.

Jack laughed.

-Well said. In any case, I can get you to meet with Odar...

-No. I don’t doubt the king. He for sure has nothing to do with it.

-That’s not what I meant. He is the head of the guard after all. And kidnapping is illegal. Well, mostly. Technically you could just try and get his official help…

-That is one option. But not yet. I don’t want to involve them unless I don’t have a choice.

-Understandable. Well then, I guess I might have something else…

He went back to scratching his chin.

-I can send some of my people to gather info about the Rubos and their head’s current whereabouts. Maybe arrange… a meeting.

-A meeting? You think I want to talk with them?

-I never said that - he smiled slyly. - Let’s say, I’ll tell you the place where he’s at, alone, for example during the night… You can then “meet” him on your own terms. I can also set you up with a “private security” for your meeting, so it can go the way it would please you.

You did not have to be a genius to figure out that he just wanted to set up a kidnapping himself. Of course he was not going to say that out loud.

-Hm. Interesting proposition. But I assume that service won’t be free?

He smiled.

-While I am grateful to Mor and am willing to help him and his associates, this is a bit more than just a helping hand for a friend, so yes, I indeed would like to get something in return.

-What? Money? I don’t have a problem with that, although if you need more than…

-No, no - he interrupted her, waving his hand - I think you have something more valuable than that.

-What that might be?

-At first, I wanted the confirmation of those gossips I shared with you, but thanks to your very colorful reaction, I already got those, so I won’t be beating around the bush. I want access to your protage’s skills.

She smiled sourly.

-That’s a bit much. Besides, she is her own person, I cannot just decide for her.

-Oh, I know. I am not asking for some eternal servitude or something. Just sometimes, I might even need, for example, a quick escape route out of the city. I want you to provide me with that.

-One time thing? - she asked, surprised.

-As a payment for this information, yes. I can’t just monopolize the person, right? - he laughed.- But, after that, I might need it for other purposes, but if that was to happen, I assure you, I will pay handsomely.

-After? You are planning to escape.

-Maybe. Who knows. But that second part is just a future offer, nothing to do with this. I just wanted to put an offer on the table. So how about it?

She was silent for a good minute.

-I cannot force her to do anything.

-So that is a no.

-But - she continued - I can try and… convince her to help you, if the need arises.

Jack smiled once more, this time twice as wide.

-Glad we could agree on something - he smiled slyly.

-Uh-uh… Do you need a… proof?

-Proof? Nah, I already have a safety net - he looked at me.

-Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I am not promising anything either, but I can try.

-Good enough for me. Now, excuse me…

And he left the room.

-Got to say - Melle interrupted the sudden silence that fell in the room after Jack left - I did not expect you to have that kind of friend…

-Was that a compliment? - I asked, knowing very well that it was not. - Thanks.

-Eh… you are unbelievable…

-So are you. What do you want to do with that guy?

-Whatever is necessary.

-Ah, so the same treatment as me. Want me to make sandwiches? - I said, remembering our first meeting.

-That’s not what I… - she stopped mid sentence. - You know, that is actually not a bad idea.

I rolled my eyes.

-Yeah, sure, if you actually manage to bind him.

-Come on, not everyone is a monster like you.

I probably should’ve felt offended by that remark.

-Maybe. But you most likely won’t be able to feed him anything, and I don’t think he’s just going to drink or eat anything from you just because you asked.

-I’ll manage somehow. Most people in the capital are only known to use green magic, that I am sure of. I can handle that with ease, even if that’s the head of the family.

-You also were sure that I was a spy, wanted to kill you and…

-You are an abomination! - she interrupted, angry. - You can’t blame me for not predicting that!

-Of course. But what if that guy is as well? Who the hell knows at this point, maybe he is the arcanist, or he’s hiding his real skills?

-We can ask that information broker of yours. He’ll know.

-He didn’t know about your place, nor about you. It’s clear that his sources are lacking.

-Oh come on, it’s not that bad.

Jack came back, this time holding some sort of scroll.

-You’re back - I said, trying to peek at the contents of the paper. - That was quick.

-Yeah, it was honestly faster than expected. You’re lucky.

-Let me guess, so it happened that one of your “agents” was already tailing our person of interest.

-How perceptive of you! - he replied, smiling. - Yes, I have my people follow some targets of interest. He was one of them. This - he raised the scroll - is the latest report.

I just shook my head in disbelief. That man was really something else.

-Don’t keep me waiting then - Melle said, impatient. - Where is he?

-Yes, of course - he looked at his paper. - Currently, he is preparing to leave the city.

-So we must hurry!

-No, not really. He’s supposed to leave during the night with a caravan to Kruro.

-That place again - I noticed, annoyed. - I swear, why do people even travel there?

He grinned at me.

-You know, officially, on our continent there is only one active port town, with access to the Outer Sea that is.

-But it’s not Kruro. I’ve been there, even the boats were converted to housing, so what’s the point?

-Come on, you really believe that? You think no one tried to make some coin ferrying people without the crown's permission?

-Ah.

-Yeah. If you want to get anywhere on the Outer Sea without the country knowing about it, Kruro is the place for you.

-So our target is fleeing the country - said the hag.

-Yeah, if what you told me is true, no wonder. They kidnapped a pretty important person.

-Speaking of - I interrupted - is he alone? Maybe he’s got the girl with him, that would make everything easier.

-No - he shook his head. - From what I gathered, he was alone.

-So, when are you going to arrange our “meeting”?

-I was just thinking about that. I feel like during the trip would be the best, after the caravan leaves the city. I can easily get you on. After that, everything should be easy, as far as I know he doesn’t have any guards either.

-Convenient. What about the caravan’s security? They will surely intervene when I try to attack him.

-I would prefer for you to not attack openly, I mean you will be in the forest for the most of the time, there surely will be a good time to grab him without anyone noticing. But if the push comes to shove and he’d start to fight back, I can take care of this.

-How?

-Let’s say the guards will turn a blind eye. Go on a break for example. Would that work?

-Can you do that?

-Of course. Everything for my dear clients - he grinned slyly.

Melle started staring into space for a good moment, thinking.

-That will work. When are we leaving?

-I am going to send a message and you can join them whenever you feel like it, just make it there before the sunset.

He looked at us both.

-I don’t know if I’ll have time to meet you before you leave, so good luck and farewell. And Mor... I’ll try that method of yours after you come back.

I nodded in response.

With that, he left us to our own devices.

As soon as he left, Melle looked at me intently.

-Thank you.

-For what?

-You didn’t have to do any of that. Yet you did.

-Well, not like I’m going to just let my employer get kidnapped.

She chuckled.

-You haven’t even tried to get the position though. Eh, never mind that.

-So, what exactly do you need help with? I feel like you’ll be fine by yourself with your plants…

-Yeah, my magic is pretty well suited for all this… but do you really believe that man?

-In which part exactly? - I asked.

-The guards letting me… us… do this.

-Ah. Well, I assume he’s just going to pay them off. You are his investment after all, so I think he’ll at least try his best.

-But what if that’s not enough? What then? I can’t just fight a full squad of guards…

-I mean, your magic can restrain people, you think you wouldn’t be able to get all of them?

-I don’t know. I never used it on more than five people… and if this is actually some decent caravan, I feel like there will be more than four guards present.

-Okay, okay, I get it - I sighed. - If it comes to that I will try and bail you out.

-Thanks, but I must ask, how? Our magics are not exactly compatible.

-That is if I use the fire. I always have other options.

-What about blowing your cover?

-It won’t be a problem unless we leave witnesses.

She looked at me, a bit surprised.

-You’re willing to go that far? Why?

I stared off into space. That was a good question.

-I guess I have a weakness for old hags with kidnapped daughters. Is that enough for you?

She shrugged.

-Understood. I don’t need to know.

But, to be completely honest, I didn’t know why either.