Heirs of Hyarch

Myronel had been wondering how they avoided drawing much attention as they walked through Melyn. A group over a hex in size would naturally raise the curiosity of passerby. One with three elves, a Remuati man, and the bird-like Sedat? Them together ought to have everyone staring.

It seemed though that most people were keeping their heads down, hurrying on their business without stopping for anything or anyone. There were a few who shot glances in their direction, but many of them were just children. Even the handful of knights he'd caught glimpses of looked to be preoccupied, even as they undoubtedly were on watch for their group.

It may be working to their benefit, but the tension in the air in Melyn wasn't making Myronel any happier. These people needed relief - or at least a reprieve from the troubles casting their shadows over the city. Myronel wished he had a peaceful answer, but there almost certainly wasn't one. The best outcome, for them and for so many of the folk here, was likely to leave as quickly as possible.

They weren't likely to get Syrkonel to agree, especially now that Myronel saw his house. At least, Myronel assumed it was the Elefae man's home. He could hardly imagine anyone with the wealth and status to own this place to allow it to be used for Syrkonel's business. Then again, a home this size being owned by Syrkonel would make him the wealthiest Elefae in Melyn, and quite possibly all of Hyarch.

"Tayfel?" Another elven man, who had been standing by the door to the house, approached. "Thought the boss told you to just keep watch, not draw attention."

"Changed the plan when some knights showed up. He'll be glad I did too." Tayfel stepped forward, and lowered his voice. "That one took care of all the knights by herself. And...they found the boy."

As much as he understood Edeline's decision to use that spell, in Myronel's view it had likely been a mistake. Going by Edeline's face, she regretted it even more. Once Syrkonel heard the full story, he was going to want that kind of power on his side. The worst part was that they weren't exactly in a position to refuse.

That matter aside, their interest in Zerendel was only getting stranger by the moment. The only explanation that made sense to Myronel was that Zerendel's father was a close friend or partner of Syrkonel. More than likely, however, there was something they weren't aware of that was going on. He probably shouldn't be so interested in the matter, but with the number of men that appeared to be involved, it was hard not to be curious.

"Shit, really? Take them to..." The other elf stopped as he finally saw Sedat. "What in the blood of the Fae is...never mind. Get them inside."

"Never seen a girl with wings?" Sedat quietly asked with a sad smile. The question was clearly not aimed at anyone in particular.

"Sorry," the man replied as they passed. Tayfel gave Myronel a look of apology of his own, but said nothing.

Standing in the entry hall of the house was Syrkonel and another elf, engaged in a quiet conversation. Syrkonel turned at the sound of the door opening. He was wearing much plainer clothing this time, and held a piece of paper in one hand.

"I see we keep meeting," he noted, glancing across the group before his gaze settled on Tayfel. "Why did you bring them here?"

"They found him." Tayfel pointed at Zerendel.

The calm expression on Syrkonel's face shifted to one of stunned relief, but only for a second. "He did survive then."

"Not uninjured," Nela stated.

"But not dead either." Syrkonel handed the paper to the man next to him. "We'll finish discussion of that problem later." He then turned his attention to Tayfel. "I'll want to know what happened. Go wait in the dining hall."

Tayfel headed for a door on the left without protest. Folding the paper up and slipping it into a belt pouch, the other man followed Tayfel out. Syrkonel then walked over to Zerendel, and knelt down to examine the boy.

"What's going on?" Zerendel asked, stepping back to try and hide behind Hamond. Maybe the boy was younger than they had thought...no. Anyone would be nervous in this situation, given they'd barely had a chance to explain just where they were going. They hadn't thought up a solid plan for finding someone to care for Zerendel, after all.

"Just confirming it's you. You probably don't remember me that well." Syrkonel rose to his feet. "Come along. Your mother and father have been missing you."

So they had survived the royal knights and...were here? That left a lot more questions, one Myronel wanted answers before they handed over a child to Syrkonel. Or at the very least...

"We'll be coming too," he declared.

"I would've asked you to," Syrkonel answered, then walked over to the right of the entry hall.

Zerendel did not move from where he stood. "You're making that up," he accused.

"I don't expect you to trust my words." Syrkonel offered a hand. "But surely you would believe what your eyes show you."

After a moment of silent thought, Zerendel stepped forward and took the hand.

Myronel didn't hesitate to follow the pair, making sure he was only a pace behind Zerendel. At the first sign of any betrayal, he could grab the boy and pull him back to safety. It also put him a step away from being in striking range of Syrkonel, but something told him that wouldn't be needed. Or maybe he was just being hopeful.

Arriving at the door to a room. Syrkonel knocked it twice, paused, and then knocked three times more. A code of some sort, Myronel realized. The door almost immediately swung open.

"What news do you-" The elf standing there, a stout man with a noticeable belly, stopped talking at the sight of Zerendel.

"Father!" The boy stumbled forward, almost tripping over his bad foot, before throwing his arms around the man.

A strangled gasp from inside the room followed, and an Elefae woman rushed out to hold the boy. Just behind them, Myronel could see a girl of about two and a half hex years peeking over their shoulders with a smile of her own. While Zerendel hadn't mentioned a sister, there was no one else it could be.

"You're alive...you're alive..." Tears ran down the innkeeper's face. "How did you...thank the Fae you survived."

"I hid, but..." Zerendel pulled back and looked down at his leg. "I can't really walk that well any more, so...I don't know if I can help much with chores now."

"That doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're here." Zerendel's father looked up at Syrkonel. "Thank you for keeping your promise."

"I can't say I did," Syrkonel said, "These travelers found him instead."

All of the reunited family now looked at Myronel. "Thank you so much," the father said, "If there's anything I can do for you at all...ah, sorry, I don't even know your name."

"Myronel." While it was hardly the first time they had helped folk without knowing their names, for some reason this felt awkward. "I believe we owe you an apology anyway."

"An apology for what?"

"We spent the last few days staying in your inn," Myronel admitted, "We obviously had no one to pay for the rooms, so-"

"Don't worry about that," the innkeeper cut him off. "My son's life is worth far more. You can stay in the Rider's Rest as long as you need. It's not like I can go back there soon anyway."

"Neither can they, given that the knights are after them too," Syrkonel said, "Larimel, Indygola...I'll let you catch up with your boy. I have other things to discuss with these folk."

"Thank you again," the woman, presumably Indygola, spoke up. "May the grace and glory of the Fae continue to go with you."

"May they be with you and your family as well," Myronel told them. They retreated back into the room, closing the door behind them. A second later, he heard the metallic sound of a latch being shut.

"A couple of my men were there to keep watch on things, just to be safe," Syrkonel quickly explained, "They were able to distract the knights and get them out of there, but the boy got left behind. I had thought the knights had him...until now."

"Is that innkeeper a close friend of yours?" Myronel had decided to go ahead and ask.

"An associate. I always take care of the men working with me." Syrkonel nodded in the direction of the closed door. "That aside, let's go somewhere where we can sit."

While Syrkonel was likely involved in illegal trade in some manner, Myronel could respect that degree of loyalty. He had no reason to doubt the Elefae man was lying to them either. Perhaps not a clean-handed sort, but a reliable one, and in days like these that might be the best anyone could hope for.

"We don't have time," Edeline told him, "We have an urgent task to complete, and then we need to leave this city before the knights find us again."

"It won't be that simple," Syrkonel said with a frown, "I believe you seek something similar to what I was, considering you number one less than when I met you at the gates."

So Syrkonel had noticed Jylania's absence. That meant there was no reason to be evasive, which was a bit of a relief. They'd already had to be cautious about what they said while Zerendel was still in their care, although him being mostly stuck in bed made that easier.

"And what would you know about that?" Edeline retorted.

"Edeline." Hamond lifted a hand to her shoulder in an effort to calm her.

"My people tell me quite a lot." Syrkonel showed no offense. "I have some idea where your young missing companion is, and I also know that the knights are not the only ones who are hunting for you now." He paused for a moment. "And I know why...Lady Hallowscroft."

If word of that had reached here already, it was likely in the hands of the knights as well. With them being able to put together Edeline's spells with her name and face, that particular advantage of surprise was gone. One way or another, they couldn't just roam the city looking for Jylania. They needed a plan, and Syrkonel's information might be the way to go.

"I knew this was a mistake." Edeline wasn't going to try to hide it. "Those people in Lasfont better be grateful."

"Lasfont?" Syrkonel paused, "Not a place I've heard of in some time. It's all the more reason to come talk. Besides, I owe you for finding Zerendel, and I do pay my debts."

Myronel nodded, believing Syrkonel meant every word. "We'll take you up on the offer of seats."

"Long as there's room for me," Sedat said from where she stood, further along the hall.

"While we're there, perhaps you could also explain to me just what she is," Syrkonel immediately added, as Myronel tried to hold back a quick laugh.