Fearless

dai 48 shō

“Both the cat-human and the fox-human are fine, though I’m surprised you got those two races to get along. From my understanding, the two races hate each other. Oh, one more thing, the current owners would like the dragonkin woman to join them, they have questions.” The doctor said, shuffling down the hallway and out of sight. “What do you think the owners want?” Iris asked after a moment. “I have no clue, I’ll be watching from the shadows, so don’t fret it too much.” Einkapf said, opening one of their eyes. “I heard those fools occupying the tavern saying there was a group was causing the church of golden blessings issues, am I right to assume that the group you arrived with is that group?” A rugged man with an eyepatch asked. “This is the first I’ve heard of a group like that.” Iris responded guardedly. “Ah, so it’s true then, might I ask what you did in the forest?” The man continued. “H-how?” Iris asked “Please dear, I may be old and ragged, but my cunning hasn’t left me yet. And besides, the magic storm coming from the forest and that blue teleportation thingie don’t exactly collaborate with that story.” The man said, chuckling. “Ehem,  perhaps this conversation is over, Iris, please do tell the man your regards.” Einkapf’s voice said from the shadows. “Ah, an interesting spell, am I right to assume its origin is in ogre magic? Nonetheless, I’m not working for those idiots, call me an interested third party.” The man said, lighting the pipe he had just retrieved from the folds of his shirt. “And what does this third party want?” Iris asked cautiously. “Am I really being that vague? To watch the church of golden blessings crumble in humiliation, of course. After all, it’s not the two main parties suffering in their power.” The man said, blowing a smoke ring. “Before this continues, please do wait, I’m coming down.” Einkapf said through the spell. “Very well, I await you here, as always.” The man said, putting his feet on the desk. “So, how is it that a human knows so much and wants to see the CGB crumble?” Einkapf said, looking at Iris first, then at the man. “Contrary to popular belief, quite a few humans despise the rule of the church of golden blessings. Of course, very few of us have the manpower and courage to go against them. For such a small group, you have caused quite a bit of trouble for them, and from what I’ve heard, the two upstairs being tended to, caused quite a bit of trouble even before joining you.” The man said simply. “You know much, I can attest to Rue’s prowess, but was not sure about Oathbreaker.” Iris said. “I see, perhaps you know differently from your previous opinions now?” The man asked. Iris nodded. “So, with those two out of the fight, how will you stand against other powers that saw that light show in the Shrieking forests?” The man continued. “Was it really that visible?” Einkapf asked. “The random shots of magic energy plus the shockwave that rippled through the area, you tell me. Also, I’ve got several hardened people ready already, would you mind if I join you in the days to come.” The man said. “We’ve just been betrayed, what makes you think we can trust you?” Einkapf said. “I thought you might say that.” The man replied, pulling a chain off his neck and putting it on the table, revealing it to be a pendant featuring a grand oak tree.