“The Stellar Observatory has been reporting disturbing signs that a time of upheaval is soon to come. Only with the assistance of the Child of Light may we stand a chance at turning back the tide of darkness. Senior Astronomer Nicolleo also brought in predictions that the strength of champions are needed, and that we must find them and bring them to the fold. Of the Child of Chaos, there is still no news or astronomical readings about them. ”


    - Correspondence on Desk of Orator Vitellius


    <hr><hr>


    They had divided themselves into two teams. The inquisitors, who had still refused to share their names to Sophia, would be following up with the guardians, hoping that their official status could assist in gathering evidence. Sophia would travel with Taurox and Eva to the city and search for jewellers and appraisers who might be able to tell them more about the faux Traxian necklace. Eva nearly flew into a rage when the inquisitors advised her to stay within the academy. Sophia thought that it would be wise for her to do so, but upon seeing her flip out, had refrained from adding her opinion onto the matter.


    Much to her own and Eva’s surprise, the urgency of the task at hand meant that they had set off almost immediately after their little meeting. Sophia knew that Sophie wasn’t that afraid of the sea, which in turn meant she was also somewhat immune. However, travelling at night across the waters, even while in a ferry, was a little unnerving. Adding to her consternation, she had no chance to tell Elaria and Raylani that she was to head out on this mission that would likely lead her to spend the night in Arteria. She suspected that they might expect the worst even though they knew she was capable of handling herself.


    It also didn’t help that both other members of her group were as tense as her, making this a silent and awkward ride. Eva was upset and not much on speaking terms with anyone. Sophia didn’t know Taurox well enough to speak freely. While the minotaur was mostly just busy trying to plan their course of action for when they arrived in Arteria.


    The swaying of the ferry did little to ease the tension they shared. Their operational time was limited to two days, maybe one more at most. By then, the news would’ve already been broken, and without any conclusive proof or a suspect, the dreadful war would likely only increase in intensity. And yet the inquisitors didn’t want anyone else helping us. Just the five of us. The hells is five people going to do? And why aren’t they getting other inquisitors to help? At least her two companions were both inhumanly competent. Guess that comes with being a saint and blademaster, heh.


    As the bells of the ferry rang out to signal that they were preparing to dock. Sophia toyed with her hair to get rid of her nerves. She brushed stray strands aside and caught a glimpse of Eva examining her intently. Trying to pretend she didn’t notice, she turned to the ferry’s window and acted as if she was adjusting her appearance. In truth, she tried to sneakily spy on Eva using the reflections on the glass pane. However, she had a sneaking suspicion that she wasn’t that Eva wasn’t being fooled.


    The ferry rattled as they docked, the crew lowering a ramp for the passengers. In short order, the few other students and staff alongside the trio disembarked. Only now did Eva seem to stop and take in the sight of Arteia at night. Sophia felt momentary relief that the saintess could still enjoy herself. Letting the chilly night air dance its way across her face, Sophia found the minotaur mumbling to himself.


    “Sir Taurox, what’s the plan?” Sophia finally brought herself to ask.


    “Hmm.” Taurox grunted, looking a little surprised that she noticed, “We follow the main road. Should be one or two jewellers there that might be able to help. If not, we go past the Noscali gates and check the other side of the city. After that, find lodging.” Huh, it’s the whole outline.


    “Fair enough, anything we need to know or prepare for?”


    This seemed to make the minotaur pause, the blademaster glancing at her before letting out a soft puff of air. “I doubt it. But given that we’re on the trail of an assassin, keep a lookout for anything suspicious. Even if you think it doesn’t matter, just say it. Who knows, anything could be a lead at this point.”


    “Any suspicions so far?” Sophia tried to keep the conversation going.


    “Not really. Just that it likely was from a group with highly vested interests. Considering that they were able to evade detection going in and out of the campus.” Taurox gave a sobering reply.


    “Then… what the hells are our chances of catching them? Even if we find out more?”


    “Honesty? Or comforting lie?” The minotaur asked, a flash of fatigue crossing across his beady eyes.


    A slight shiver ran down Sophia’s spine, “Both.” She stated.


    “Bold, I like it.” Taurox grinned, “A lie. We have a chance, presuming they haven’t already left the city. After all, if I were an assassin and I failed. I would try to disappear immediately.”


    “Damn.”


    “Truth. We’re not after the assassin exactly. They’e good, and while I don’t doubt the Lady Saintess or yourself, it’d be advisable to not engage if we aren’t fully certain of success.” Taurox said.


    “Well that’s…” Eva growled from next to Sophia.


    “Beside, none of us are armed, though I''d wager that we could take him down between the three of us.” Taurox smirked a little, “In truth, our goal is to figure out who sent the assassin. But in that, we already have quite a bit of knowledge behind us.” Taurox wagged a knowing finger.


    “Oh?” Eva raised an intrigued eyebrow.


    “We know they’re well connected. They had means to not just hire an assassin, but a skilled one. Smuggle him into the Academy, which means that they likely have a mole on the inside. Which then leads me, or rather us, to suspect that they have access to the city guard and by extent, possibly the guardians as well.”


    “Ahh, and why the inquisitors wanted this off the books. The quieter and quicker this is done, the less possibility that whoever it is could call in favours to stop us.” Eva snapped her finger, looking a little disappointed that she wasn’t the one to figure all this out.


    “Exactly. It certainly  puts us on the back foot, but we still have a chance. Adding onto that, we have their faux Traxian special operations heraldry, which meant they knew exactly what they were doing when they equipped the man. So it reasons that these are people who are acting with a political purpose in mind, rather than wealthy anti Traxians hearing about a rally.”


    “Ah! So then we can already exclude a large part of the populace and draw our circle of suspects to those in power, or those who might stand to benefit from the death of a Traxian princess.” Eva seemed a little more invigorated.


    Sophia managed a little snort and drew in the attention of both her companions. Seeing their expectant faces, she just waved her hand jokingly.


    “What amuses you, young elf?” Taurox asked.


    “Nothing much. Just finding it a little ironic.” Sophia chuckled before turning to Eva, “Sophie started this whole thing cause she thought some Carradorians might be after you for the whole thing back home. Now Sir Taurox is basically saying, yeah, could’ve been them. Just a little funny, is all.”


    “Pfft… that idiot.” Eva sighed, a thin wistful smile crossing her face.


    The two girls managed to share a giggle and Sophia noticed Taurox looking pleased at the current scenario. So he does care.


    “She does happen to be like that. I’m a fair bit stubborn myself. Though thankfully, also leagues more aware of myself than her.” Sophia boasted.


    As a bizarre sense of normalcy settled over the group, Sophia couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead. Not every day you get a saintess and templar to uncover some dark plot in Arteria. Bet Sophie’s going to be jealous, Elaria certainly. I’m sure if I tell her though, that she’ll somehow make this a song. How the hells does a void being get so good with music anyway?


    <hr><hr>


    The group waited with bated breath as Sir Lloyd examined the necklace. Sophia was surprised at how casually Taurox strolled into the old man’s jewellry store in the Trinity District of Arteria. It was only when the Trinites and a few more finely dressed citizens gave the mismatched party a few questioning looks that Sophia suspected this kind of casual entry wasn’t exactly common. Still, with the man barely even flinching as Taurox relayed the group’s request, Sophia then got the feeling that this old man was likely more than just a jeweller.


    As Eva grew increasingly antsy, failed to be calmed even by Sophia. The trio heard a sigh and the shuffling of tools being put away. Despite their eagerness, Taurox gestured for them to remain seated while he went to check. After a few seconds of anticipation, the minotaur beckoned them over.


    Old man Lloyd smiled at the two girls, giving off a grandfatherly aura whilst looking tensed up and ready for a battle. With one final look over the assembled party, he let out a far more dejected sigh and shook his head.


    “It’s not jewellery. Not exactly.” The old man gazed at the necklace with disgust, “It’s a metal, obviously. But it feels and seems to be an alloy of sorts, certainly looks a little local, though that’s not my specialty. I’d recommend you find a metallurgist or a blacksmith. A highly skilled one at that. For even I can tell that this craftsmanship is… maybe not exquisite, but certainly serviceable, potentially above average. Which perhaps might narrow the field down. Apologies if that''s not the most helpful of anwsers.”


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    “Hmm, thanks anyways. Good to see you again Lloyd.” Taurox grunted.


    “Likewise blademaster.” The old man tipped his hat. I knew it! He’s connected to the church!  Maybe he makes protective amulets and the sort? I''ll have to check it out sometime.


    When they left the building and started making their way to a blacksmith, Sophia noticed that Eva was frowning and grumpy. Sophia instinctively wrapped her arm around to comfort the girl. Upon contact, the two of them tensed up and froze for a bit, their faces flushed with embarrassment. Sophia’s arms moved in accordance to Sophie’s memories, inheriting the care the original had shown for the saintess. But Sophia wasn’t her, and Eva knew that too.


    Despite the awkwardness, before Sophia could let go, Eva relaxed and just kept walking. The motion prompted Sophia to follow and match her pace. The older girl let out a soft huff and pulled Sophia’s hand down and poked at it. Uncertain, the half elf opened her palm and felt a strange tingle as Eva wrapped her hand around hers.


    Quietly, the two walked behind Taurox, letting the minotaur guide them to their next destination. Eva relieving her burdens momentarily, whilst Sophia just carried on. Eventually, the girl wiggled her ears in a vain attempt to dispel the worry she felt about Eva, forcing her to question the older girl.


    “Eva? You okay?” Sophia asked, her voice dropping low, trying to be as unnoticeable as possible.


    Maybe because Eva was a saint, or more likely that Sophia wasn’t actually that quiet, she could feel the older girl tense a little having processed the question.


    “No. Not really. But I’ll manage.” Eva gave her a sad little grin.


    “O-oh." Sophia let out a soft squeak, uncertain of how to process Eva''s half confession, "Okay. I’ll umm, I’m not Sophie but I’ll be here if you need me.” She awkwardly continued. She looked away in embarrassment. Sophie’s the one who usually does stuff like this. Hells below, I can’t get used to it.


    Eva at least, seemed pleasantly amused even if her mood wasn’t exactly lifted. Sophia just wallowed in a little more awkwardness as they continued walking while holding hands.


    Getting closer to the dwarven district of Arteria. She found many houses looking for more square and squat than their townhouse counterparts. Most also looked to be made extremely sturdily, like little dwarven fortresses amongst a sea of humanity. They reminded her a little of the houses down in the deeps, but just different enough that she could tell they’ve had a more surface touch. Larger doorways, taller floors, and even little walled courtyards similar to how richer humans would live.


    Two dwarven guards eyed them warily. The fully armoured warriors looked like small turtles with their pikes resting against their sides. Even in the night, their plates made them stand out in the shadow of the streetlights. Past them, a few wispy puffs of smoke belched out from a smithy. Though the lackluster display signalled that even for them, the day was beginning to come to an end and they weren''t exactly expecting another customer.


    One of the guards whistled a low tune and the rhythmic clanking at the forge paused briefly, only to start back up once more. Reaching the outer wall of the smithy, the guards finally roused themselves from their posts and wandered over, their weapons in their hands, but held in a relaxed manner.


    “Sorry ser, no more orders are to be placed today.” The more heavily bearded dwarf announced to the group. He stood almost as tall as Sophia’s shoulders, his beard tyed in neat but long braids.


    “No worries, master dwarf. We merely came to ask for some help in identifying a necklace, specifically the alloy used to make it. No orders, promise.” Taurox adopted a far softer and more regal voice.


    “Identifying an alloy?” The braid dwarf looked over to his comrade who just shrugged, “A most odd request for this hour of the day too. Might I perhaps be informed of yer identity first?”


    Sophia noticed how effortlessly the dwarf’s hands casually moved his pike into a more combat ready position, nearly without being detected. Skilled warrior, old warrior.


    “Taurox, templar of the argent curia.” The minotaur fished out his rosary, “These two are my acolytes.”


    The dwarf seemed to consider something for a moment before he nodded, “Wait here. If the master does not wish to see you, then he does not. If he does, I’ll bring you in.”


    “Of course.”


    "Here, pass me the necklace."


    Taurox did so and the dwarf made a series of hand gestures with his comrade who now moved to block the path while the braid dwarf headed inside.


    “Seems alright so far.” Eva whispered.


    “Don’t count on it. The forgemasters rarely care for unexpected guests.” The minotaur grunted.


    “You speak as if you’ve done this before.”


    “Perhaps.” Taurox smirked.


    The trio simply waited and Sophia could just about catch shadows bouncing off the glow of the forge within. There was a brief but animated conversation, and the figure of who she presumed was the forgemaster simply continuing his work. Damn. But based on how the guard swaggered back out with his arm outstretched wordlessly to the party, she assumed that things didn’t go that badly.


    Making some strange hand gesture in return, Taurox simply gave the dwarf the necklace. Offering a jovial salute in return, the dwarf headed back inside.


    An uneventful minute passed them by as they waited. But upon seeing some shadows shifting in the smithy, Sophia returned to alertness at once.


    “With the stone father’s blessing, the forgemaster has spoken.” The dwarf declared and thumped his chest, “I’ve ‘ad the forgemaster take a look. He says that the bronze on display was of relatively moderate quality but shaped well. Also that it’s been hand crafted and designed, because the edges have the faintest grooves that are bumpy enough to suggest no proper mold was used.”


    How the hells? They were inside for about a minute if not less. And he figured all this out at a glance? Terrifying, Sophia thought to herself.


    “That said, he doesn’t recognise the handiwork, though the materials and style of the piece suggests a local replica of something Imperial.” The dwarf continued.


    “As we thought.” Eva mumbled out loud, her brows creased.


    Ignoring her, the dwarf continued. “He also added that if yer genuinely looking for more about such a piece, then maybe the smiths at Braveskull or Lotkep might know more about it. They certainly use more bronze in their pieces. Even own a mine or two where the base ores like copper or tin might’ve been sourced from.”


    “Many thanks, master dwarf.” Taurox dipped his head appreciatively.


    “Aye, aye, whatever. If there’s nothing else, might I recommend ya lot bugger off? Kindly, of course.” The dwarf chuckled at his own joke.


    With one last polite nod, the trio departed from the smithy. They were back out on the streets of Arteria and mingled in with the crowds. Taurox simply pointed northward and Sophia immediately understood. Past the gates and to the All Hogs Arms. Eva looked uncertain but followed along, trusting in the minotaur to know what he was doing.


    It wasn’t the most intriguing of information but they had more leads. However, when she looked at the other two, she found Taurox and Eva both looking as if they just witnessed a person dying rather than contemplative. Curious, she observed their expression for a few more steps before she summoned up her courage to break the trio’s silence.


    “What’s the matter guys? Didn’t we do alright? We got more info, at least.” Sophia asked.


    Eva arched an eyebrow at her before chucking, “Oh Sophie, you goof.” She smiled and froze, “Umm, errr, sorry, Sophia. It’s just you two… sometimes it’s-”


    “It’s alright. I don’t mind” Sophia shrugged and lied, she was, but a little miffed, “Anyway, carry on.”


    Eva looked to Taurox and the minotaur just gestured for her to take the lead. “Well you see, Braveskull and Lotkep are part of the big five trading houses in Arteria. By big I mean like, cross continent big.” The older girl stretched her arms out to emphasize the point.


    “And?”


    “Asking them questions ain’t going to be easy. They are notoriously… shall we say, closed off approach to pretty much anyone. I still remember father… ahh, the Duke ranting about trying to close a trade deal with one of the companies.” Eva’s face dropped a little.”


    “Lady Rosengart is right.” Taurox grumbled in agreement, “There will be little we can do without proper procedures.” The minotaur seemed disappointed, but Sophia still didn’t understand why.


    “Surely it’s just a question or two. We aren’t even accusing them of anything.” She argued.


    “That’s exactly why they’d be suspicious. The moment we try to ask anything, they’ll bunker up and get nobles and lawyers ready. No matter how innocent the question. And before you ask no, they’ll try to bicker with the church too. Have, bickered with the church before.” He corrected himself.


    “If there is anyone who could’ve bought loyalty without a fuss however…” Eva left the words hanging.


    The minotaur look severely displeased with the insinuation but did not express the dislike he felt at hearing Eva’s words.


    “Let’s avoid drawing unnecessary conclusions for now. The situation might’ve just gotten even more complicated.” Taurox bemoaned.


    “Mmhmm, so what do we do now? Surely we can’t just sit around hoping.” Eva squinted.


    “We won’t. But if the trading companies are involved, we’ll need inquisitorial support at minimum. Proper, inquisitorial support. Something to at least get us through the door. So here’s what’s happening, take this.” Taurox reached into his pockets and handed four gold coins to the duo.


    “What are you planning?” Eva growled as she warily examined the coins.


    “I’ll go back on a church ship and call a meeting with the inquisitors. Since it’s late and you’re already in town, you two can rent a room at the tavern, The All Hogs Arms. Consider it a token of appreciation from the Argent Curia.” Taurox tapped his chest.


    “Couldn’t we also go back to campus?”


    “Sure, but we might need to be back here tomorrow anyway. Figured I’d at least give you two some down time just in case things do get rolling the next day.”


    Eva grunted but seemed hesitant, and Sophia could feel the older girl looking her up and down. Turning to meet her gaze, she spied a contemplative expression on Eva’s face, the girl’s eyes touched with a hint of melancholy. In a time like this, Sophie would pinch Eva’s cheek or hug her. Sophia was not her sister, and fought to restrain those urges as her arms naturally tried to move.


    “I… suppose I don’t have a problem with it.” Eva waited for Sophia’s answer, though clearly a little disgruntled.


    Sophia tried to hide her flustered expression to no avail and settled for a polite nod. “I’m good here too.”


    “Perfect.” Taurox clapped his meaty hands together, “Just expect me to return sometime tomorrow and we’ll craft a proper plan. In the meantime, enjoy the night.”


    After trading a few more pleasantries and a goodbye, the minotaur headed for the docks while the two went to rent a room. The room was more like Sophie and Aryana’s when they had first arrived in the city. It wasn’t as luxurious as the room she had stayed in with Elaria or Raylani, but it was nice enough, if a bit chilly.


    Organising what little she brought with her on one desk, she felt a small tug on her sleeve. Spinning to face a potential threat, she instead found Eva with a mischievous little smile on her face. At once, Sophia’s own expression dropped as she figured out Eva’s plan before the girl had even spoken.


    Seeing that she had caught Sophia’s attention, Eva then opened he mouth and said the very words Sophia could feel were already coming.


    “Hey, Soph, I’ve got a plan.”


    Oh no.