Falen:
Knightfall said:
At the Embassy of Ticinum:
The night goes surprisingly uneventful. Falen has the best night sleep he's had in a long time.
Falen wakes to a knock on the door. A young Puer (aka boy, page), named Vitus, tells him that it is just past dawn and that the fog has broken outside. He offers Falen a simple breakfast, as the Prefectus has gone to an early morning event for ambassadors and their staff.
"He asks that you not tell anyone in Old City about Legatus Avitis's death until he can inform The Five, personally," Vitus says as he offers a plate of bread, grapes, and cheese along with a mug of wine to Falen. "Scriba Amphion did mention that you plan to go to see a Avitis's relative in the Temple District, at some point. He says you're free to talk to her about the matter. Word has been sent to her, I believe."
Puer Vitus pauses. "The Scriba has gone to run some errands this morning, so I'll be at your service, if you need a guide in the city. I know both Old City and New City quite well, and have been to the Temple District a dozen times in the past. I admit to being a bit unknowledgeable about the Mining District and Wizard District but those areas of Bluffside are more restricted than the others. Of course, New City has been under martial law, but I hear that is ending soon. A powerful priest-knight of the Purifier complained bitterly to The Five, and now they'll soon have no choice but to life the restrictions."
Falen thinks to himself that Vitus is likely meant to spy on him and see where he goes and who he talks to in Old City. He wonders to himself if he'll have to lose the boy in a crowd at some point.
Knightfall said:
He continues chatting incessantly as Falen nibbles of a piece of cheese. "Just in time too. Old City is so overcrowded due to that mess that happened in New City. Do you know about that? There was a huge battle and an explosion of magic. Part of the outer wall was destroyed, I hear. Of course, that was more than a month ago. That's why the Bluffside Elite are hunting the renegade sorcerer and his Loyalists. I forget his name. There is a big reward for information about him, but it has to be good. Lots of rumors floating around the city."
The boy keeps talking without taking a breath. "I hear he's some sort of fiend in disguise. A demon from the lower planes come to steal souls and damn the city to darkness." He shivers. "I wouldn't want to meet him, or the Old City Killer." He finally breathes. "Did you hear about that? There is a serial killer loose in Old City." He pauses again. "Well, if the rumor I heard this morning is true, he was caught by the Elite and Sectarian Guard, working together! That almost never happens. Of course, it could just be a rumor, but if they did catch him, it's more good news for Old City. Life can get back to normal. Well, as normal as it can get with the renegade running around blowing up stuff with magic and terrorizing the citizens."
Falen listens the casually to the young man's chatter but his mind locks on to the word 'Loyalists'. That seems familiar to him, but he's not sure why. He shakes his head and wonders who this renegade sorcerer is and why the local guards would be having so much trouble tracking one man. Perhaps he's more than just an arcanist or has secret connections in the city who are protecting him.
Hearing about a serial killer being caught makes him raise an eyebrow. Bluffside is definitely going through a crisis. And now there is the letter to consider.
Knightfall said:
Puer Vitus notes the look on Falen's face. "Is the cheese not good? I told old Maxima that it looked a bit old and moldy but she says it's supposed to look like that. I can bring you something else if you wish?"
"The food is fine," Falen replies.
"The cheese is quite good."
Vitus sighs in relief and smiles. "I'm glad you like it. You could always ask Maxima for more."
"This is enough. I should get going," Falen says. He gathers his things while Vitus stands and waits, watching.
'Yes, I'm definitely going to have to lose him', Falen thinks.
"I am looking forward to visiting the Temple District," Vitus says. "You'd think they'd all be so solemn, but some of the faiths are lively. There is always a festival of some sort going on."
Falen ponders his options. If he can distract the boy and keep him talking, perhaps he can slip away.
"Tell me more about this renegade sorcerer and the serial killer."
"Well, the killer has been the bane of Old City for many months now. He's been leaving bodies around the district to taunt the Elites and some think that he's responsible for the death of the Lord Mayor who was murdered in his home. I hear he's killed over two dozen people and that each body was displayed in a grotesque manner." Vitus shudders as he follows Falen out into the hallway. "I really hope he's been caught."
Falen simple nods as he walks through the embassy's anteroom and out past two new guards protecting the entryway into the building. They let him pass without any concerns and Vitus close behind. The day is bright and cheery. The contrast between the fog of the previous night and the new day is startling. The streets around the embassy are busy but not frantic. Old City definitely has the feel of a nobles' district.
"As for the renegade, it's probably better that I show you." Vitus motions for Falen to follow him down the street. He stops and waits for the unseen seer. The boy refuse to let him out of his sight. Falen sighs and follows behind. The boy takes Falen to a postboard and pulls a broadsheet off of it, one of many, that show the identity of the renegade. "Ah, that's his name! Phelix Del Cannitha!" Vitus hands the parchment to Falen and looks at the others on the postboard. "I wonder if he really looks like that."
Falen's blood goes cold. The name and face stick in his mind.
"I need to go to see the commander of the Regulars," he says as calmly as he muster. He hands the parchment back to Vitus with some nonchalance.
"Oakfirst? I thought you wanted to go see Lady Nazaria first?"
"That's what I need you for, Vitus," Falen replies calmly.
"I need you to go to the Temple District ahead of me and let Lady Nazaria know I'll be a bit late. I want to talk to this Oakfirst and tell him about the Regulars who accosted me. I won't be long."
"I really should stay with you," the boy's tone changes. "It's my job."
"If you feel you must follow and watch me for the praefectus, so be it. But I wonder what Commander Oakfirst will think of Ticinum pages keeping a close eye on new visitors in Bluffside, hmm?" Falen keeps his back to the boy as he wanders away casually.
"N- no, it's not like that," Vitus says. He's still young and trying a bit too hard. He sighs. "I will go ahead of you and tell the lady to expect you you in a few hours."
"Good lad," Falen walks away more quickly but turns his head and flashes a smile at the boy.
"I will see you later. After I've spoken to Lady Nazaria, perhpas you can show me around the Temple District."
Vitus nods and heads off in the other direction.
Falen waits until the boy is out of sight, he goes back to the postboard and looks at the broadsheet more carefully.
'Phelix Del Cannitha... Who are you and why do you vex me?' Falen ponders.
The unseen seer tries to memorize the face before rushing off through the district to try to find some local guards who can guide him to wherever Oakfirst might be right now. The letter will have to wait be delivered. And what if this Lady Nazaria is league with the renegade sorcerer. He must find out more about this Phelix person, first.
