The Magician's Assistant

24

"She was making everyone feel uncomfortable. Kept asking strange questions, but wouldn't explain what she meant by any of it," the barkeeper said.

"And that's why you kicked her out?" Rachael asked.

"No, I kicked her out when I spotted her knife. I almost called a guard in right then and there, but luckily she didn't try anything stupid,"

"And you said she headed in the direction of the park?'

The barkeeper nodded.

"Alright, thank you,"

The barkeeper nodded again and walked back into the building behind her. Rachael, Gramps, and Erika continued on to a nearby park. After asking around for some time, the group was directed to a nearby hotel.

The hotel was in rough shape. It's exterior was dirty, and the sign that hung above it's front door looked like it was close to falling off.

The group walked inside, and instantly spotted the person they were looking for.

The hotel's front office was sparsely decorated and almost completely abandoned at that moment. A few chairs were clustered around a table, and an old desk sat unmanned. A lone woman stood by it, waiting.

The woman's back was turned to the front door. She had long black hair, and black wings, with a cape partially draped over them. She was wearing a white shirt with black pants. While the woman didn't turn around to look at the trio, she visibly tensed up when they entered the room.

"Excuse me, is anyone back there?" the woman said, seemingly asking for a hotel employee.

"Hey," Rachael said.

The woman turned and examined Rachael. She had red eyes, just like Crowe had described.

"I was just trying to get a hotel employee. Do you need something from me?" the woman said.

"Yes, actually. We're looking for someone who fits your exact description,"

"And why would you be looking for someone like me?"

"We think you may be-"

Erika motioned for Rachael to stop speaking.

"Do you know a man named Crowe?" Erika asked.

Gramps shot Erika a quizzical look.

"Crowe? I've never met anyone who went by that name," the woman replied.

"Alright, can you tell us where you were last night?" Erika asked.

"I... Well, I..."

The woman fell silent for a moment, and a concerned look crossed her face.

"I was out of town. I just arrived in the city this morning,"

"And what brings you here?'

It was Rachael's turn to cut in.

"We heard you were looking for someone. Who is it?" she asked.

The woman's ears perked up.

"That's why I came here. I'm looking for a man. He's a volitant, like me. I have a photograph,"

The room was dead silent again.

"Show me," Rachael said.

The woman produced a small picture.

Rachael hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked up and took the picture. The photograph was old and faded, and it took a moment to make out was actually in it.

Sure enough, it depicted Crowe. He seemed happy, and a few years younger.

"His name is Cadell. I assumed he might be using an alias, but 'Crowe' is new to me," the woman said.

"Crowe... er, Cadell, whatever. Does he have any sort of criminal past?" Erika asked.

"No. At least not one back home. It's been so long since we heard anything about him," the woman said.

"We saw him just a short while ago. We can take you to him Miss...." Gramps said.

"Aderyn," the woman replied.

"Yeah, and we need to do that as soon as we can," Rachael said.