Curse of the Crystals

Chapter 4: The murder Investigation - part 1

When Itzal went through the city again the next day, things were relatively quiet. He summarized that the guards didn't want to bring the news to the public for now and were trying to hide it. All in all, Itzal figured he'd just wait things out. When the next two days were equally event-less, he figured they were actively trying to cover things up. It didn't make a lot of sense though. How in the world did they expect to keep something as big as the death of the General Guard hidden? Itzal figured he'd better test things out by very carefully spreading some rumours about it to the right people. Lo and behold, half the town was soon talking about the vanishing of the General Guard.

It was time to give Lancaster a visit again, now that this part of the stage was set. The smell of cheap booze was strong, wafting out of the house the moment Itzal opened its doors. It seemed like Lancaster wasn't in a state for deep conversation, despite it being early in the morning. With a heavy tongue, he spoke up. "Itsssal, what 'ya want?"

After a short sigh, Itzal figured he'd at least try to get some information out of this. He wasn't sure how yet, but surely there'd be something. "Just curious to learn what's gotten you wasted this early in the day."

"It's all the bullshit, it's all bullshit, just bullshit..."

Itzal debated leaving, but Lancaster continued talking a bit more clearly.

"Some bastard killed sir Adalwin, and now we're without a General Guard, and the two remaining Sergeant Majors are just arguing all the damn time now that Whitefield can't be the voice of reason between them... It's a mess and it's bullshit."

Itzal faked surprise. "Someone killed the sir Adalwin?"

"Yeah... some cloaked freaks... got into his mansion, killed him and fought his personal guards before managing to run off. It's a mess."

"Do you have any clues regarding their identities?"

"Who do... do 'ya think it is? Those bloody Forest Elves." Lancaster slammed his fist on table. "We should just throw them out all-together!"

Itzal smirked. "That'd be pretty inconvenient for me."

"Ah... nah, you're a good one, you're okay for a Forest Elf..."

"I see, thanks a lot." Itzal sighed. Talking to Lancaster when he was as wasted as this was always a pain and a half. Besides, it was pretty ironic that Lancaster called him, the actual assassin, one of the few so-called 'good ones' among the Forest Elves. Itzal figured he'd give trying to learn something new out of the drunkard another shot. "Is anyone looking for those murderers?"

"Eh.. yah, I think it's eh... Sergeant Major Rockforte himself, I think, he was pretty close to Adalwin, I think." Lancaster stood up, looking around for more booze whilst struggling not to fall over. It seemed like he was going to drink the entire day away.

"Alright, thanks. I'll leave you to it." Itzal quickly made his way out of the house, as even the lingering smells of the city were better to breath than than the air in that place. His next task would be a tough one. Sergeant Major Rockforte was known for disliking Forest Elves, so trying to find a way to work with him would be tough. Keeping the fact that he was trying to solve his own crime hidden would be equally tough. Of course, there was also the risk that his cloaked 'friends' would be caught and would tell the guards about him, which would raise even more suspicion. All in all, it sounded like it would be a fun endeavour.

He arrived at the Sergeant Major's mansion wearing his best outfit, the types of robes that were just elegant enough to look a few leagues above what the peasants wore, but still simple enough to not anger any nobles. He wouldn't even dare to look like he was acting above his lowly Forest Elven status, after all. As he approached the guards in front of the mansion, he was immediately given a few glares. This would be a tough job.