Chapter 114: Meeting
Two more days passed uneventfully.
Riku used his teleportation spells to occasionally come back to the Hummer mansion to check on Lila and Elara, and to imprint some more talismans for the dwarves. The demand for the talismans was very high, but it seemed like the Baron’s family was managing it well. However, most of the time, he was in the Vayne manor to avoid raising any suspicion.
As midnight approached two nights later, Riku-as-Alaric accompanied his mother, and together they headed off for the mysterious meeting.
They travelled for a bit in a carriage, but then Lady Vayne dismissed the carriage, insisting that they walk. Soon, they reached a narrow, oppressive lane wedged between two crumbling warehouses. At its end was a large, sealed sewer grate, its iron surface marked with a faint, dark sigil that seemed to absorb the surrounding light.
As they approached, two heavily cloaked figures materialized from the deepest shadows. They moved without a sound, their presence cold and menacing. Before Riku could speak, Lady Vayne stepped forward.
She gave a curt nod to the silent guards, who immediately bowed their heads in deference. Without a word, they heaved the heavy iron grate open, revealing a dark, spiraling staircase descending into the depths.
As Riku descended, a weird feeling started to take over him. It was not of fear, but of something which did not feel right.
The things seemed too simple. The place, though hidden, was not something no one could find, especially given the might of Capital Wardens and the imperial squads. A single command from Harius would have led to the guards flipping the entire city upside down.
Then how come such things were happening so openly?
While Riku was lost in his thoughts, he and Lady Vayne soon reached the bottom of the stairs. It led to another doorway, guarded by two masked guards. On seeing Lady Vayne approach, they nodded at her, though they did not seem as respectful as the guards at the doorway.
"Lady Vayne, we need to check this person you have brought with you." One of them said politely.