Seth and the Prometheus Guild

Orders

"Ever since Russo died, Luanne's power base in the city council has been waning. He was her most ardent supporter, without his backing she can't do as she pleases anymore. This missing child is actually beneficial to our cause - since she took over, not only was a citizen killed under her watch, students also go missing. We just need a few more small incidents to tip the scale."

Seth yawned and once again marveled how much The Director underestimated his senses. Gregory had picked him up half an hour ago and entered the office first - only to be forced to endure The Director's tirade. Seth had been lying outside on the refreshingly cool marvel floor ever since, hearing everything clearly through the thick wooden door. He'd rarely heard The Director so animated.

"She might have climbed the ranks back in their fancy cities, but now she is in my territory and should have known who to listen to instead of assuming she could simply take over. We're practically glued to the Uncharted Region, there are different rules here. Too bad she hasn't realized this yet. If she fails to find the child, maybe headquarters will even be forced to step in."

A short pause ensued, maybe in case Gregory wanted to speak up, not that he had until this point, before The Director continued: "Though I can't say this particular instance is beneficial to me either. After all, she disappeared in my school, under my watch ... How is the search going? If we can find her before Luanne's cronies do, the glory will be ours and the blame hers."

"No news yet, sir."

"Hmm ... how about your colleagues at the Guild? What do they think?"

"Dissatisfaction is spreading."

"Perfect. Let's use this momentum to our advantage. God bestowed me with the creature when I needed it most after all, it will be a good asset to bring Luanne down. You brought it?"

"It's outside."

"Good, bring it in, it'll help us stir up the townsfolk. In a small town like this the mayor has less power than the baker's wife and it's time to let Luanne feel it."

Heavy steps sounded and then the door opened. Gregory stared at Seth lounging on the stone floor for a second before ordering: "Come in."

The Director was seated behind his desk, his outer appearance deceivingly calm. He uncrossed his legs and leaned back, giving Seth a small smile. "Well, there he is. How are you doing, Seth? Everything alright?"

Seth shrugged.

"I'm sure the disappearance of your classmate didn't faze you. That's why you should be able to carry out a small task for me, correct?"

Seth nodded.

"Gregory will bring you to town and then you should just ... have some fun. Don't kill any people, as that could bring reinforcements we don't need, but everything else is fine. Why not go after the pets? People usually get emotional about that. Do you understand what I expect from you?"

Seth nodded again.

"Perfect, Gregory will take over now. I'm sure I can depend on you, Seth."

Only understanding this as the dismissal it was after Gregory gave a short salute, Seth followed him out of the room and to the stables. On the way to the stairs a fluttering heartbeat caught his attention, almost drowned out thanks to Gregory's heavy boots. Seth turned his head, catching a glimpse of one of his classmates staring at him from the other end of the corridor. It was the one he'd beaten during the first Capture the Flag game, Grey Eyes.

Ignoring him, Seth turned back around and focused on the task ahead.

He returned to school during the cover of night, several hours later, his hands covered in blood. In lieu of other options, Seth had been licking them clean but the taste had turned bitter about half an hour ago.