The Elementalist

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Daniel finished telling us the story, nervously glancing around before looking across the round tavern table at Lantos. Second day here, he bumps into a Knight because, of course, he did. I really shouldn't be surprised at this point. He always had a strange amount of luck.

"Why was she carrying a body? Surely the city is not in that bad of a state that she couldn't get a guard." Lantos said.

I'm more surprised that a Vinna was made a Knight. I would've thought the Outriders would have higher standards than that. Though given their recent performance, perhaps I shouldn't have.

"I don't know, miss Tellock didn't say, but we did tell the guard about the stabbing, so hopefully, they can find the culprit." 

"Already on a first-name basis with the knight Daniel?" I tease.

"Well, you know how it can be. Some people can't help but be impressed by a selfless deed." He said slowly, gaining back his familiar confidence as he spoke. Puffing out his chest in an exaggerated manner and grinning slightly. " And you know me and my preference for strong women."

"Are you going to introduce us? I need to see if she's good enough for my brother's infatuation."

"Don't know about me being infatuated, but I can ask. She did invite me to the Tempest's chapter house, though I can't imagine the conversation. You're both kinda quiet."

"I'm not quiet!" Feigning outrage.

Daniel laughs a little as he speaks, "Yes, you are. Miss Gertrude didn't even recognize your voice that one time at the harvest festival. You remember that."

How can anyone forget Gertrude the gossip? Gertrude the lying gossip more like. She's not the type of person you forget. She knew everyone, and I knew enough to avoid her as much as possible. I had enough rumors circling me without her turning every conversation into some slight against her as soon as you turn your back. How Daniel managed to stay on good terms with her is beyond me.

"Whatever, that doesn't count, and you know that. Now a soft-spoken Vinna is new. What's up with that?"

"Don't know. Some people are quiet talkers. It's not that weir-"

"How soon can you set up a meeting," Lantos demands abruptly.

"M-Maybe tomorrow afternoon, perhaps the day after, I don't know, I would need to go there first."

"Then that is the first thing you're doing come morning. Anna, after your lessons, meet me at the Margravine's manor and bring a nice set of clothes with you."

I was a little confused at that, "Why not travel there together?"

"Prior commitments, I'm the only Elementalist to pass through here in months. A lot of people want my attention." 

That does bring up a question. "What does an Elementalist actually do?"

He spins his wand, "Depends."

Daniel and I share a look, silently debating who should say the obvious. Daniel loss, "Depends on what exactly?"

He gives Daniel a dirty look."I tolerate Anna's disrespect because of who she is. You, however, better watch your tone with me." He continues, straightening his posture, "We function as neutral arbiters for disputes that are worth our time and are given the great privilege to enact the Emperor's justice almost unilaterally."

"For adepts like myself, we usually specialize. Beast slaying, negotiating, recruiting, etcetera. As I said, it depends on personal preference. Masters get even more power, rivaling the Barons and Margraves in political authority. " He mutters something under his breath before abruptly standing up from the chair. "I got business elsewhere to finish. You both should head to your room. Tomorrow is going to need your complete focus.