Veil of Shadows

Chapter 22. Masquerade

"Well. Wraith's gone. I was kinda looking forward to using her as a punching bag."

Nobody had to turn around to understand that it was Blaze who had said it. Wolf glanced at the map again and said, trying to change the subject "There should be a town called Rifthold up ahead."

"I hope this won't turn out like last time." Ranger said, and for once, everyone agreed. "Notch arranged for us to stay the night at a place called the Silver Inn." Wolf continued.

As soon as she said it, they crested the ridgeline, and there before them was Rifthold, settled in the far end of the valley. Night was falling, and even from the distance they could see the lights of the town.

Less than half an hour later, they were at the entrance to Rifthold. It was a relatively large town, considering the location. Finding the Silver Inn was easy; it was hard to miss the sign.

The innkeeper must have been notified of their approach, as he stood at the entrance, an overenthusiastic grin plastered on his face. "Welcome, Hero Squad! While you're staying here, all services are open for your use."

He led them inside, and they took a moment to study the inn. In less than a few seconds each of them had mapped the entrances and exits, and most of them had spotted a hidden trapdoor.

"Where will we be staying?" Ranger asked, and the innkeeper replied cheerfully "I've reserved rooms for each of you. You can stay for as many days as you wish. Notch has the cost covered."

Wolf shook her head. "We'll be heading out tomorrow at first light, so that was an unnecessary gesture." The innkeeper added hopefully "We're hosting a masquerade tomorrow night, and I was hoping you would stay for it."

Ranger had to literally clamp a hand over Patch's mouth to stop her from squealing.

The rest of the Hero Squad pondered the idea. "I don't see any advantage in it." Toxic said, earning glares from both Ranger and Patch.

"I'm staying for the masquerade, even if it kills me." Patch declared.

Wolf said reasonably "I think getting to Shadow's base is more important than a masquerade." Pro spoke up, saying "It would give us a chance to rest after a few days of nonstop traveling."

Patch nodded vigorously. Dave raised an eyebrow and said "I suppose it might do us good to have a day to relax." Ranger breathed a sigh of relief. The more people on their side, the better.

"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm staying for the masquerade." Blaze said, and Wolf groaned, knowing she was outvoted. They looked at Wolf, waiting for a response.

"Fine. I'll stay for the masquerade." Wolf mumbled.

~ Time Skip to the Masquerade ~

"It might have been helpful to buy a mask." Patch said.

Ranger grinned like a maniac and pulled out a white half mask. Patch took it and quickly put it on, singing "Hide your face so the world will never find you."

Ranger reached into the bag again and pulled out a mask of her own. It was black and hid her entire face except for her eyes and mouth, and two bits hung over the mouth, looking like fangs. Ranger slipped the mask on.

To put it mildly, Ranger looked demonic.

Then, someone walked by, bumping into Patch. She stumbled forward a pace and looked over, surprised. "Sorry 'bout that." The boy apologized quickly, holding out a steadying hand.

She brushed off his hand and replied "It's fine." The boy looked uncertain, but nodded and continued walking, turning down a long hallway and entering another room, closing the door behind him.

Ranger shook her head and walked into the main room, Patch following close behind. "Why don't you go and enjoy yourself? Go back to your room when you've had your fun." Ranger said.

Patch nodded gratefully and branched off from her mentor. For a few moments, she stood on the edges of the room, studying the people and making sure nobody was armed.

A jolt of pain shot up her arm.

Patch's eyes widened, and she quickly pulled up her sleeve to find a puncture wound in her arm. It was small, almost like a needle. One word exploded in her mind. Poison.

Moving over to a secluded spot in the corner of the room, Patch leaned against the wall, taking steadying breaths. Her vision blurred over, and the world spun.

The world sank into darkness.

Meanwhile, Caken emerged from his room, and grinned as he saw Patch. He made his way over and inspected the puncture wound. Slowly, he slipped the cover over the needle of the poison ring.

Patch did not return to her room that night.