Cerberus Rex, Nameless

From Bad To Worse, 14

Noarwin passed under the city's northern gate where the roar of a river overpowered all other sounds. Mist curled from white water and spread across the slope leading to it. Noarwin navigated the carved path down and then crossed a massive stone bridge over the beast. The mist thickened, blocking sunlight and turning the sky twilight. Trees lifted overhead, their leaves knitting a canopy that grew thicker the further Noarwin traveled. The vegetation, earlier limited to grass, blossomed into glowing flowers and light-bearing bushes. The blue-hue of the wood deepened, and Noarwin stopped when a figure appeared in his path.

"Who enters the Mist Wood?" they called.

"Gavriel Noarwin, a friend of the Mist Dwellers," Noarwin replied.

"Welcome, Gavriel Noarwin. Your companion is waiting for you." The silhouette broke and joined the mist. Noarwin's gaze skipped across the immediate vicinity, but the watcher was nowhere in sight. Noarwin crossed the threshold and entered a world detached from the one he spent his days in.

He had entered the High Plane from which magic found its way to all others. He followed its path, careful not to stray less he get lost and then end up in unfavorable company. Glowing runes on stones marked his way, blades of grass bowing over the path in favor of their faint blue light. The fog closed up behind him, his vision no further than six feet ahead. Then he came upon the stone as tall as three men before the trees grew denser. It peeked at a disjointed point, a glowing symbol at the top center.

Captain Fairwind stood before it, reflecting the forest's glow.

"Arne, I thought I might find you here," Noarwin said coming to stand beside him.

"It is a good a place as any other to reflect," Captain Fairwind replied. "What news?"

"I've learned from a source there is someone who may have answers. Have the names Daliah, Gessy, Ruby, or Gunilla crossed your sight?"

Captain Fairwind stayed quiet, his one blue eye intense. "She is in the city. I leave her to you."

Noarwin nodded before bowing as he stepped backward, but Captain Fairwind stopped him.

"It's time to upgrade, Gavriel. Trade in your saber."

Noarwin paused at the information but needn't be told twice. Captain Fairwind's cryptic command gave Noarwin room to use the methods that suited him and presented a rare opportunity to shop for himself. But the first meant he'd likely have a run-in with Sir Sefu. Not that Noarwin minded. Despite Sefu's exasperation at having to come after Noarwin for overstepping boundaries the council imagined applied to him, Noarwin and Sefu considered themselves important allies. Especially since Sefu couldn't stand dealing with Captain Fairwind directly.

Noarwin retraced his steps. He caught sight of the Watcher as he left the mist. It did nothing save remain in place, its ambiguous figure poised to confront those who found the entrance Captain Fairwind had placed there for his convenience. So far, Noarwin hadn't heard of anyone finding it. Even Noarwin needed to be shown the way. The first time he secretly followed Arne there, he became lost only to have the captain come for Noarwin himself. They'd been younger back then, but not by much.

Noarwin spent his trek considering his options. Perhaps he should include Sefu in on this one? Though Noarwin doubted the Council Guardian would have any leads on a nameless, faceless wizardess. He tread toward the city center anyway. The bridge that crossed over the lower part of the capital carried carriages back and forth. Guards patrolled or traveled to their assigned posts. A very few nobles chose it as their pedestal for parading themselves. Ladies fanned their necks and faces under the proud sun. A few looked faint. Gentlemen in their finery squinted in the brightness and pretended they didn't sweat under their heavy adornments.