Forgotten Magic

Chapter 41

"He was the sheriff of Vardaros back in the day," Eugene explains.

"And he was the first guy to ever arrest us,' Lance adds, putting an arm around his friend. "And the second. And the third. In a way, he was family. Captain Quaid the Blade, we called him. He was known for his cunning, strength, and bravery. But above all else, he was proud of his city. His pride was infectious. People loved Quaid. And they loved Vardaros."

"What happened to him?" Raps asked.

"He quit." Everyone glanced at Vex. "Or that's what I was told. It was before my time. But the few people who are still here from the glory days say he met his match. No one here's much from him anymore."

"Do you know where we could find him?" Rapunzel questions hopefully.

"I do. But it's gonna cost ya."

After a bit of convincing, we are off to find Quaid.

"So how would you know this 'Captain Quaid' if he was before Vex's, and definitely before your, time?" Nickolas asks.

"Well, I think he thought I was some wayward kid and tried to help when he caught word I was in town and associated with the Baron. I don't know what he heard, but I'd like to stay out of his way."

"Alright. We're here."

Rapunzel raps on the door, and to my surprise, it opens a crack.

"Captain Quaid?" Raps asks.

"Who's asking?" A gravely voice inquires.

"It's Rapunzel."

Slam.

"Told ya everyone hates you," Vex deadpans.

The princess turns back to the door defiantly. "Uh, Captain Quaid?" She knocks some more, then looks through the mail slot. "I-if you don't open this door, I will uh...I'm just gonna keep knocking." She raps on the door. "And knocking." She knocks a bit too hard. "Ow. And when my knuckles start to hurt, I'm just gonna knock with my other hand. You do not want to test the commitment of these knuckles, mister." She swings her fist, as if to break the door down, only for it to open and Quaid to stick his head out. "Hi."

He brings out a sand timer and flips it over. "Three minutes. Not a grain more."

Vex and Rapunzel walk in. Then Lance and Eugene try, but are forced out by Quaid. Cass walks around back. And Nickolas and I hang back by the caravan.

So, we tried to get Quaid in shape. Or more accurately, they tried. But...it was useless. Somewhere, I decided to head back into the caravan. And after a long moment, I pick up the small box containing my mom's letters and open it.

July 9th

Dear Quirin,

That is really interesting! Galcrest? And an alchemist, huh? Cool!

I'm going for it! Wish me luck! And don't worry, I won't get caught! And I'll give him enough clues that it's me.

Ooohhhh...okay. Sure.

Well, it was a little thing. Y'know, because there's no one in the kingdom anymore to invite. Except King Edmund but he would not accept. So it was just my parents, and Daniel's parents. We're so happy.

Your friend,

Isabel

It still confused me. What was she talking about? I didn't have Quirin's letters, so I was missing half the information. But going off the previous notes, Quirin had in fact met Annabel. My mom was talking about pranking 'Hector', and something about a celebration of some sort...