Chapter 63
Zeth sprinted through the streets, heading for his meeting place with Erza. He had absolutely no leads on what may have happened to Turn. Almost certainly, it was the Blood Mages, but why would they take him? And where would they be keeping him? Did they somehow find out Zeth was their enemy, and they’d captured his friend to draw him out?
Hopefully Erza, being an adventurer in contact with law enforcement, would know what was going on. Or, if not him, Rosalie would, and he’d be able to find her by speaking with Erza. He was just desperate to do something about this kidnapping—whoever had taken Turin, he wasn’t confident they’d keep him alive for long.
Normally, Zeth met with Erza back behind the tavern, where the storage room full of his magic gear was kept. However, upon arriving there, he didn’t find the man. An empty field was all there was back behind the building. Zeth was technically a little late today, and Erza had never missed a meeting before—this was weird. Where was he? Had he heard of the kidnapping and was out looking for the criminals? Had even more people than Turin been stolen?
Hoping to find his employer somewhere, Zeth looked around the outsides of the tavern, not finding him, and then went inside. And, sitting at one of the back tables with Alfon and Rosalie, there he was. Zeth’s heart rate settled slightly—at least not everyone was missing. He hurriedly walked up to the trio, who were in the middle of what looked to be a serious discussion.
Erza noticed Zeth's approach, stopping in the middle of his sentence to address him as he walked up to the table. “Ah, Zeth. Sorry, I don’t have time to work today—there’s been a development in the bounty situation. A few, actually. Rosalie was just updating me on everything she learned.”
Rosalie nodded. “This may be shocking to hear, but I discovered an entire lair which the Blood Mages—multiple—were operating out of. They’re numerous, extremely powerful, and seem to hold a large amount of influence over your town. I have reason to believe they're involved with your guild, and even that they have ritual circles in the storage closets of one of their office buildings. And in case you haven’t heard yet, your newly-appointed mayor has been killed. He was a part of their cabal. So, while I understand it would be a drastic measure, I recommend you and your family pack up and leave town, preferably going as far away as—”
“My friend’s been kidnapped,” Zeth interrupted.
Her expression morphed into one of concern. “What? What do you mean?”
“My friend, his name is Turin. I went to his house today, and he wasn’t there. Everything was a mess, like there’d been a fight. Half-eaten breakfast, stuff was knocked over—no way he just left like that. Either he’s been captured by someone, or was forced to flee, or something.”