DARK DEALINGS: A Warlock's Legacy

7. Boar's Anchor

Kadas, Elowen, and Mirra had only taken a few steps from the theatre crowd when they heard a faint scuffle behind them. Mirra instinctively reached for her pouch but came up empty, her hand grasping only air. She whipped around, eyes narrowing as she spotted three young men, just around their own age, sprinting away with her recently purchased trinket glittering in one of their hands.

"Unbelievable!" Mirra growled, clutching her fists. "Thieves! In broad daylight!"

Elowen gasped, clutching Kadas's arm in worry. "Are we just going to let them get away with it?"

But before anyone could respond, Kadas was already moving. Without a word, he darted off in pursuit, his figure swiftly cutting through the bustling crowd. Mirra exhaled, looking at Elowen with a resigned expression.

"Relax, Elowen," she said, placing a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "This sort of thing isn't rare here. Even in the heart of Eldryth, amidst the coven and the knights, there's still crime. Pickpockets, thieves, bandits... The coven's influence doesn't eradicate all darkness."

"But... Mirra, what if they're dangerous?" Elowen's voice wavered.

Mirra shrugged, attempting to soothe her. "Kadas can handle himself, believe me. He's done this before. Think of it as a reminder that even in places governed by magic, there's still the mundane ugliness of greed. Eldryth may be a haven, but it's not perfect."

Meanwhile, Kadas weaved through the marketplace, his eyes locked on the thieves. As he closed in, the group split off, each darting down separate alleyways. He muttered under his breath. They were trying to divide his attention, hoping one of them could escape with the prize.

Kadas smirked, choosing his path. He lunged after the nearest thief, propelling himself forward with a quick burst of energy. Within seconds, he was on the youth's heels, and with a single, calculated leap, he landed a well-placed punch that sent the thief sprawling to the ground. Kadas took a moment to steady his breathing, then glanced around, spotting a nearby knight of Eldryth.

"You, Sergeant!" Kadas called, his voice ringing with authority. The young knight guard snapped to attention. "Take this one into custody. He seems to be apart of the Daylight Bandits."

The knight nodded, moving swiftly to detain the thief, who glared but didn't resist. Kadas straightened, muttering an incantation under his breath. With a flash of green energy, he propelled himself upward, gaining a bird's-eye view of the market and surrounding streets. From his vantage point, he quickly spotted another thief weaving through a small crowd, pushing his way past vendors and bystanders.

Kadas smiled to himself, allowing gravity to take over as he descended with speed. He chanted another spell just before hitting the ground, projecting himself forward in a fast, controlled dive, tackling the young man from behind. They skidded to a halt in the dirt, Kadas swiftly pinning him with ease.

"Now, you're going to tell me where your friend is," Kadas said coldly, tightening his grip.

The thief squirmed, wincing. "I... I don't know—"

"Let me be clear." Kadas's voice dropped, dangerously calm. "You either talk now, or you'll wish the knights found you before I did."

The thief hesitated, glancing at Kadas's cold expression before nodding hastily. "Fine, fine! He went toward the alley near the butcher's shop, right by the old fountain. Please... just don't hit me."

Kadas gave a satisfied nod, gesturing to a nearby guard who had just arrived. "Take him," he ordered, rising to his feet and dusting off his cloak as he watched the young thief being hauled away.

With swift purpose, he headed toward the last location. Using another quick incantation, he propelled himself forward, reaching the alley near the butcher's shop in record time. He arrived just in time to see the last thief fumbling with Mirra's trinket, attempting to pocket it while glancing over his shoulder, clearly nervous.