A Crumbling Society

Part 2-14

"They need to be stopped immediately before more members die from the guilds"

"Agreed, I know the Broomsticks, Calamity, Dark Stark, Ogre Eye, and Knights guilds have all been attacked and lost some members."

"I know a few as well, all friends of ours."

"Whatever is going on, the guilds need to strengthen themselves and draw back from requests and missions."

I interjected, "I think this is great for you guys but where does this involve me, not to be rude or anything".

"You're right to ask, we heard about what happened, the whole realm knows"

"We think it answers the bigger question about Hexwitches and the problem about them, they're invasive"

"They've been up to something here just as much as they have in Earthworld, it isn't you at all"

"The four of us came together to discuss it with Serena on how to face the problem, but we also felt in explaining it all that you would know you did nothing wrong. We all have your back Carson"

I didn't know if I was supposed to be happy or relieved, "Well that's good!", I said awkwardly.

Serena chimed in this time, "So if we all agree Carson is innocent, what good does that do with the problem at large? The council is already blaming him for everything!"

"This means that we will investigate our side of things, the magic realm side"

"While we do this, it's best that you stay hidden and out of sight"

"My guess is that they are killing mages for power, but they are also looking for you"

"This would explain why the council is blaming you for the exposure, since they were originally banned from Valsyri. I think because you're back, they've been more active, they found a way in, and the council might want to question you about it.

I nodded a little, "this was starting to make a bit more sense but how would I know anything, I've only been here the sum of maybe five days. Four if you want to be technical, I've been at Ankastle the whole time!"

Serena looked at me and addressed me alone, "Now you know you weren't the reason they came here; they've been here for a while. The council doesn't know this, but my guild has found evidence that Hexwitches got here a long time ago. There hasn't been a right time to bring it to their attention because of the attacks recently. I think for the sake of this, us guild leaders will work together to figure out why they came and what they're up to. There's got to be a reason they need power, someone had to have let them in to Valsyri. You also have to figure out the exposure of mages to Earthworld bit", she nodded at me not forgetting we talked about it.

"Is there anyone in Earthworld that would betray our kind?"

"What about the villains that have magic abilities?"

"Honestly anyone with mage blood could be behind it"

"It seems that due to the journey Carson has been on, it could be any of several factors related to his experience."

"I agree", Demeter continued, "there are a number of magical villains in Earthworld that could have been the reason behind this"

"I'll second that! I'd say that whomever it is really wants to stay out of view, pull the strings out of the limelight"

"You know, have you checked in to Earthworld since you've been here? It might shed some light on things, my guess would be that they've blamed you there and the word got here"

"Each of these make for good points, they may be worth investigating but I know you'd have to go back to do so. That being said, the group here and the others that will investigate here can claim your innocence. I don't know why the council won't do it themselves, but you have allies looking out for you!"