Embers in the Dust

Spreading out, she assumed as she couldn’t see them, Lyla carefully climbed the wall of the tavern and found a comfortable spot on a banister high above the second floor. The place was nice, with a large bar filled with various things from probably around the world, as well as a few tables and chairs on the first floor. On the wall to the right was a wooden staircase that went up to a second floor balcony that also had some seating, but led further back to four rooms. In her mind, Rhokhishi was giving a retelling of the conversation outside.

She’s asking if either of the twins are able to handle themselves in a fight.

And what did you tell her? Lyla asked.

I said that one has a decent amount of skills, and the other has an ass that makes me do anything she wants.

Ha!

How’s everything in there? Leaf asked.

Good so far, the place seems… wait a second.

Lyla focused a little more. At the end of the hall, she could barely hear the sound of something scraping against the wooden floor.

Someone is here. Second floor, towards the back.

Can you see them? Muffins asked.

Not yet. I’m gonna get closer.

She carefully made her way to the balcony and dropped down quietly on the second floor. She walked forward slowly, then froze as she saw someone coming out of a room on the left. Black hair, and a pale face, the man was grasping at something large and pulling it out of the room. She waited as he dragged a large crate of some sort out into the hallway, then stopped to catch his breath.

A changeling. They’re moving something heavy at the back of the hallway.

Sam is telling us about the building. Rhokhishi stated.

Apparently, the deed switched hands after a purchase two years ago. The elderly couple who owned it moved to Erywood, but the place was remodeled and opened at the beginning of the year. Leaf added.

Is it just me, or is it odd that a tavern isn’t open in the evening? Mr. Muffins asked.

Wait… Where are the stairs? Leaf asked.

On the right side. Large wooden one.

When I was at the Academy, there used to be a metal, spiral staircase. Behind it was a cellar door that led to a basement.

There’s no basement here now, just the stairs. Myla added.

I need to get closer, to see what this person is doing. Lyla stated.

Lyla stepped forward as the changeling made his way back into the room. She could hear him rustling papers around. She moved in front of the box and tried to open it slowly and quietly, to see what he was moving.

She managed to get it open, but she was surprised to feel a hand wrap over her shoulder and shove a small bead into her mouth. She looked over to see the illusion disappear, as the changeling pushed her against the box and placed his hand over her mouth.

“Move and I’ll make you eat this.” His voice was low and still, clearly someone who has had to be intimidating before.

I’m going to pull your invisibility away. It’ll make it seem like you’re the only one here. We’re going to try and make it up to you. Mr. Muffins said in her mind.

“Be careful not to break the bead. Who are you?” He asked while moving back away from her.

Lyla let her connection to her sister disconnect, and opened her mind to his.

There was an attack at Lyrical Lute tonight. They somehow walked through the outer wall of this building and disappeared.

“I don’t know anything about an attack. Here.” He replied, holding out his hand for her to give the bead to him.

Carefully, she rolled it down her tongue and into his palm. It was a clear spherical shape, but inside was something orange, that moved like water inside, swirling around. He took a few steps into the room his illusion was in and tossed it into the fireplace. As it cracked, a fire roared out, sending smoke out into the room and up the chimney.

“A bit much?”

“Can never be too careful. Anyways, you’re in my shop and it’s supposed to be closed today. Leave.”

“I’m just trying to get information!”

“Well, I don’t have any.”

He grabbed her by her arm and started to drag her to the stairs. Lyla let him, acting as if she was struggling against his grasp. He took her down the stairs, then opened the door and pushed her out.

“If you need more help, bring back a Drakewarden or a Warden’s authority.”

He slammed the door shut, and she slumped down next to one of the windows, making it easy for him to see her from inside through the blinds. She raised a finger up and wagged it back and forth, signaling for Rhokhishi and Leaf to wait. Lyla closed her eyes and waited.

Dumb kids. Almost got caught.

She smiled, glad to know that he must not have realized that she could still hear his thoughts. She felt his presence go back up the stairs, then started to strain and grunt against the weight of something. After a few moments, he started thinking to himself again.

Left… Right… Up. Yes!

She tried to gauge where he was in the building. It felt like he was upstairs, but further to the right, in the room at the far end. She closed the connection and reached out to her sister’s mind.

Something is going on. I wasn’t able to see what was in the box, but he’s up to something.

We’re still inside. We’ll take a look. Myla answered.