The Dreamer's Fall

Chapter 39 - Don't Look Back

Arthur ground his teeth as Kyren's words reached him. It was Elyria again! He didn't have a doubt in his mind about who had sent the strangers blocking the alleyway outside. The woman was like a lamprey, refusing to let him go.

"There's a dozen men outside blocking the alleyway. One's a fifth circle mage." Arthur announced before staring at Kyren in an attempt to get him to elaborate. "I don't know about the rest."

Thoran frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"There's two third circles too, but the rest aren't mages. They all have their faces covered and are wearing the same thing. It's gonna be hard to spot the mages." Kyren declared.

Foster immediately pulled out his sword and faced the doorway while Jeren lagged behind a step with a confused expression.

Arthur took off his shirt in a flash and equipped his other hidden blade. "I can't explain how I know, but I need you to trust me. There are also two third circles, while the rest aren't mages. They're wearing the same clothing, so spotting the mages amongst them will be difficult. Is there another way out of the smithy?"

"How..." Thoran remained stunned for a moment before snapping out of his stupor. "No, the smithy only has one entrance. Behind it is another building; there's no way through."

Arthur clicked his tongue as he threw on his shirt and began equipping his new armor. The gambeson and mail didn't leave much room for his hidden blades to shoot out, but it was still loose enough to work, at least until he grew a little more.

Foster glanced back nervously. "What should we do, young master?"

Kyren chimed in with half his body through the smithy wall. "They aren't moving. Seems like they plan to ambush you once you step out. The two third circles are to the right, while the fifth circle is to the left. Each side of the alley has six guys."

"They're waiting for us outside..." Arthur repeated the information Kyren had fed him.

"Wouldn't the city guards see a fight breaking out between mages if we fight?" Jeren asked. "If we can make enough noise, they'll swarm the area like flies."

Arthur's thoughts raced as his chest began to tighten. "It's not a bad idea, but the ones outside were probably sent by Elyria, and she could easily have had the city guards back off from the area. It's best not to rely on help coming our way."

"Should we wait them out then?" Foster asked.

"I don't know..." Arthur glanced at Kyren for more information. "It'd be better if we waited for them to enter, but I don't know if more are on the way..."

Kyren tucked his head back inside. "Two guys are taking off their masks and coming in to pretend to be customers. They want to confirm you're still in here. One's a third circle, and the other's a normal human. The third circle has short blonde hair."

Arthur quickly glanced around the smithy. It didn't have windows, but it did have foot-wide rectangular holes on either side above the doorway. They were probably meant to expel the smithy's hot air, but Arthur wondered if he could get a view of the situation without risking his neck. Arthur gazed at the doorway for a moment as a plan formulated within his mind.

"I have a plan! Put your swords away, quickly!" Arthur shouted as he began removing the armor he had just equipped. "Pretend like you're unaware of what's outside. Two men will enter the smithy to see if I'm inside. The blonde is a third circle. The other's a normal human."

Arthur pointed toward the weapons and armor hanging from the wall behind a counter near the doorway. "Jeren, stand over there and pretend to be browsing the weapons. Once the smithy door closes behind the two men, kill the blonde mage without destroying his body and without making a lot of noise. His body needs to stay intact no matter what!"