Chapter 22

“So this is Uliaz.”

Sika stared at the entrance to town as her ride rode off into the sand, she adjusted the brown cloak around her body before pulling the mask out of her pocket.

“I’d better hide my Light.”

The mask seemed to be of an elderly woman, she placed it over her face before walking towards the town.

Without knowing who the Shadow Mage it was important to keep the light within her hidden, it was easy to sense the Shadow, but the opposite was also true. She suppressed her magic the best she was able, and since her appearance was also Blessed by the Celestial she had no choice but to hide her face as well.

The guards gave her a few looks but a few coins in their hand was enough for them to ignore her. Lito gave her some basic funds to get by, she wasn’t expected to be there any longer than a few days, the longer she took, the more people would be converted to the dark.

While she wanted to save money, most people weren’t willing to speak with her unless she bought something first, she couldn’t blame them considering she was hiding her appearance. No one had come across a Shadow Mage no matter how many people she asked.

It took over an hour to get any real lead.

“You really haven’t come across a single Shadow Mage.”

“I’m afraid not my lady and I am one of the most informed people around,” Belik said. “You could check the Guild though.”

“A Guild…I will do that, thank you.”

Buying something from the store she dropped it in the bag she had bought at another stand, she was hoping the inn’s weren’t too expensive in this town.

Entering the guild, if it could be called that considering it’s appearance she approached the main desk, the woman behind it seemed disinterested in any kind of interaction. However when she approached she, unwillingly, straighthned herself and looked at Sika.

“Excuse me I have some questions I’d like to ask you.”

“Are you become an adventurer?” Ava questioned.

“Well no but-”

“Then I don’t have any answers you need,” Ava said sitting back down.

Sika was glad she was wearing a mask as she felt her whole face twitch from her response.

“I just wanted to ask if you’ve seen a Shadow Mage.”

Ava’s eyes raised to her at the question, her eyes moved to the few adventurer’s in the room, while they continued to sip their drink, their eyes glanced over at the stranger.

“I understand it’s a strange question,” Ava said holding her hand up. “I assure you I’m not one…so there’s no need for nervousness.”

She glanced back at the Adventurer’s who returned to their glasses.

Ava knew that wasn’t why they were paying attention but left the matter alone.

“A Shadow Mage…”

Ava’s eyes moved over to the job board, which was mostly empty save for a few quests.

“I’m afraid I haven’t seen any. It’d be strange for a Shadow Mage to ask for employment at the Guild of all places anyway.”

“A fair point…sorry for wasting your time,” Sika said walking away from the desk.

The sun was staring to set and Sika was no closer to finding the Shadow Mage than when she first arrived. She was starting to believe there really wasn’t one here, but there was also a chance they were hiding, which meant she needed to make absolutely certain. She had only covered one district, she’d check the rest the next day.

A small growl came from a stomach and touching it she realized she hadn’t eaten in some time, she had reached the edge of the Bazaar so there wasn’t much to choose from, though a delectable scent hit her nose even through the mask.
“What a nice smell…”

Turning she followed it coming to a small stand at the edge of the Bazaar, and old elf was sitting at the stall with loaves of bread on sale. When she approached the stall owner looked over at her, offering her a small smile.

“Good day Sir Elf.”

“Good day to you young lady.”

“...I’m surprised you would say that consider my mask.”

“To an elf you are still quite young my dear, I imagine the face under it is far younger. Ah my apologies, my name is Venilis.”

“Sikali. Sir Venilis may I ask you a question?”

“Just Venilis is fine and sure…if you make a purchase Lady Sikali.”

The maiden’s eyebrows twitched under her mask, she was used to it but she really was running low on funds. She didn’t want to think about how much Silver she had spent today.

“I see you follow you use your fellow merchants tactics,” Sika said pulling out her pouch. “Also Sikali is fine.”

“I couldn’t Lady Sikali, after all reverence must be shown to a Deity.”

Sikali’s hand stopped just above her pouch, she raised her fake face to Venilis who only smiled at her.

“You are very astute…I suppose it’s true Elves are very observant.”

“We’re just extra sensitive to those Blessed by the Deities, I can tell you’re suppressing it, but not enough for me to miss it, Miss Light Mage. We can speak frankly.”

Sikali watched the old man before setting a silver on his stand, she reached up and removed her mask but kept her hood up so only he could see her.

“Ah I see your appearance was Blessed as well.”

“I will admit I’m surprised you sensed the Light in me Venilis”

“I didn’t Lady Sikali, but there are only two people that would be looking for a Shadow Mage, another Shadow Mage, and a Light Mage. I took a guess.”

Venilis took the coin then set her change back on the stand, Silkali blinked surprised to actually get change before she noticed the actual price on the bread.

“Few people give me a silver coin for my bread. One of my regulars does it all the time.”

Dropping the coins back into here pouch she eyed the older man before speaking again.

“Apologies but I’m focused on my mission. I need to find a Shadow Mage, there’s rumors that one is around.”

“Rumors? May I ask where they came from?”

“I’m afraid I can’t share that.”

“Well Lady Sikali I won’t be of much help then. I could have asked around but as you can probably guess, asking about Shadow Mages without providing a good reason is a recipe for trouble, it’s how word got around about you after all.”

Sikali went silent fiddling with the mask in her hand, she didn’t want to share information tied to the Light Mages, but this was the closest she had gotten to any information about Shadow Mages.

“...very well. I’ll share what I’ll know.”

Sikali told Venilis what she knew, omitting certain parts. The older man stroked his beared but nodded along with her until she finished.

“I see…thank you for sharing that with me. I’ll speak to a few people, I’m sure one of my regulars will interested in hearing this.”

“The one who also pays with a Silver coin?”

“Yes...I’m sure he will be very interested to hear a Light Mage is hunting Shadow Mages. We must do our due duty of course.”

Sikali nodded smiling at the older gentleman.

“I’m glad you understand. One less Shadow Mage means one less problem.”

Venilis didn’t respond his eyelids lowering slightly before he folded his hands behind his back.

“Ah I’ll be closing up shop soon, young lady I wish you the best of luck in your search.”

“Thank you Venilis,” Sikali said putting her mask on. “If you hear anything let me know.”

“Oh young lady your bread.”

“Ah it’s fine. Deityhood comes with a cost, mine was taste.Thank you again.”

With a nod she wandered off making her way towards the next district, deciding to try her luck there.

“It seems things are going to get complicated…” Venilis mumbled watching Sikali leave.