Counterpart

Chapter Two

The town was beautiful at night. Just enough shadows were cast along the wooden houses to cover up most neglected areas. Torches were scattered across the perimeter, the murky water giving almost no reflection.

"Small town. I almost can't think of a place that would so eagerly waste oil like this." Magnus leaned forward, the boat giving a slight sway at his motion.

Brutus grunted. "After what happened two days ago? They'll never be modest about their lighting habits again." He's been ferrying around soldiers well past his age of retirement, despite complaining about the work almost nonstop. Magnus hung his lantern over the edge as he tried to make out his own reflection. Black hair fell just below his shoulders, the same shade of his soldier's uniform. "So? G'nna tell me what interests you so much about this boy?"

"You wouldn't believe me. But if my hunch is correct, it's best to have him moved further inland as soon as possible."

Brutus leaned back, stretching out his massive arms. Hair practically covered every inch of his body, yet still left him bald. "Leave it to another mage to train him. No need for a man like you to be wasting time on picking up a pupil." Magnus' anticipation grew as they drifted in to the dock.

Brutus threw the paddles back in the boat as Magnus jumped onto the creaking floorboards. "You've been getting better at manipulating the sails. You ought to be the fastest ride in Evendal before too long."

Brutus let out another grunt as he pulled up the covers of his makeshift bed. "Don't take too long."

Magnus nodded, and made his way into the eerie village. Only a handful of the buildings rose two stories high; even the big ones had every candle inside lit. silhouettes peeked out from their windows at the soldier. It was rare for one of his rank to visit such a town, especially alone. I remember this being one of the more welcoming villages in the south. Even then, the added weight of the longsword at his hip helped to ease his mind.

One of the villagers hesitantly stepped outside of his home. He was an older man, likely among the town's most knowledgeable. "Sir?"

"Evening!" Magnus strode up to him as he stammered an introduction.

"I-has there been another sighting?" The man scanned the town.

"None that I know of. I'm here for the boy involved in the incident."

The man's eyes softened. "Rin Shannon. His sister is the one who turned corrupted." A chill ran through Magnus at his words. "His house is the last one down this road, to the right."

Magnus nodded, and turned to leave before the man grabbed his arm. "I-I haven't seen the event myself, but...those who did claim Rin didn't use labia to best that demon. He's been quiet about it all, though I doubt he's been hiding anything."

"What do the others here believe?"

The man took a moment before responding. "We've had some mixed beliefs. Some want him locked away in the same dungeon as his sister."

Magnus sighed. And everyone here has grown up with him. This isn't a good start. "Alright, thanks for letting me know." The two parted as Magnus set off in the direction of Rin's home. It rested just at the edge of a massive forest. Like all the other buildings here, light beamed through every window.

Magnus knocked. It took the better part of a minute before he heard the locks coming undone.

"Evening." He said as a woman peeked through the door. Her brownish-gray hair was a mess.

"Who..." Her voice trailed off as she took in the soldier's uniform. It looked stylish by anyone's standards, yet still suited for almost any battle. "...You're here for Rin?" She rubbed her red eyes.