Marisk

Several days pass until the weekend comes. Libarius and Gracia sit at a table in the cafe, a variety of sweets in front of Libarius.

“Lama will start going to the Magic Institute next week, right?”

“Indeed. That’s what has been decided.”

“Will you take her there?”

“What reason could I have to do so?”

“Because you dote on her.”

“I don’t. And she’s far too much of a layabout besides. I leave before she even wakes.”

“You should probably do it at least once. I think she wants a family, and you're her family now, after all.”

Before Libarius can respond, a hooded figure enters the cafe. Their hunched body is hidden within a ragged gray cloak, stained with mud and dirt. The only part of their body that can be seen clearly are the spindly fingers grasping the top of a crooked wooden walking stick. The figure stumbles forward, stopping at each occupied table as they make their way around the cafe. The customers and workers both are uneasy about the stranger’s actions, but nobody does anything in return. As the figure comes to Libarius and Gracia, Libarius crosses his weak leg over the other, then places his hands atop his thigh.

“P-pardon me, but,” the old man’s voice is crackly, but even then with a slight accent in it, and is interrupted by a coughing fit. His face is pale and ragged as well, short and messy facial hair shooting out of it and weary, sunken eyes.

“My, sir, is something the matter?” The old man begins to shake like a leaf, his walking stick clattering against the floor, nearly falling back off of his walking stick as he sees Libarius’ eyes fixed on him.

“D-don’t look at me with those eyes!”

“My apologies, sir,” Libarius does not shift his gaze, “these eyes of mine even bring children to tears.” In the short time since the old man began to cough, Gracia has gotten a cup of water and holds it out to him.

“Don’t mind him, sir. Do you need some water?” The old man takes the cup with shaky hands and takes a small sip. “Libarius, stop looking at him so intensely.”

“I’m hardly looking at him in any strange way, and it’s proper to look at the one you’re speaking to, isn’t it?” The old man swallows and puts the empty cup onto the table.

“Thank you, young lady,” the old man’s voice is still hoarse, but he seems slightly better now. “It’s been far too long since last I had something to drink. I’m in your debt.”

“No, no, I’ve hardly done anything.”

“I see… You are far too kind, young lady.” Libarius begins to speak in his emotionless voice.

“Now then, sir, there must be something that you need to speak with us about?”

“Of course, of course. My granddaughter disappeared from home, and I’ve been looking for her. I’d like to ask you if you’ve seen her.” Gracia shoots up.

“We’ll help, however we can. What does your granddaughter look like?”

“She’s just a little, little girl. She has dark skin, like those from the southern lands, and her hair and eyes are purple. She might be wearing a cloak a bit like mine.”

“Hm? Isn’t that—” Libarius interrupts Gracia.

“My, how worrisome. Unfortunately, neither of us have seen a girl like that. May I ask your name and where we might find you? I would like to search for her, and I would need to find you once more for that.”

“Mmm. Thank you, young man. My name is Marisk. Unfortunately, I have only just arrived in this city, so I do not yet have a place to stay.”

“I see. Regrettable. If I have news for you, I’ll deliver it to the church then. I wish you well, Marisk.”

“Thank you for your help, young ones. I’ll be on my way now.” Marisk nods his head and hobbles away on his walking stick.

Gracia had quieted herself when Libarius interrupted her, sure he had a proper reason to. She watches Marisk leave, and watches Libarius stand up right as Marisk is gone. Gracia stands up to join him and is able to question him.

“Marisk was looking for Lama, wasn’t he? Why did you pretend not to know?” Strangely, Libarius gives a sharp laugh before he answers.

“Hah! Gracia, you must learn not to be so naive. Even when you doubted me you reneged right away. It’s best to meet that kind of liar with lies of your own. To give the truth and receive falsehood is an uneven trade, after all. Come with me, we must speak of this privately.” As Libarius begins to walk, his cane tapping along, he addresses the room. “Cura, handle this. There are more important matters I must now attend to.”

Libarius leaves the cafe. Gracia follows after him, looking back at the table several times. Without saying a word to her, Libarius leads Gracia through the city. With each turn it becomes more clear where they are going towards, though Gracia cannot understand why. Soon enough they reach the Magic Institute, yet still Libarius says nothing. They continue on, despite Gracia’s protests, to Summe Tetricum’s office. Summe and Gracia are bewildered as Libarius sits down as though it were perfectly normal.

“Libarius, get out of my—” Summe is silenced by what Libarius says.

“That man, Marisk, is more than likely the Black Marsh himself.”

“Libarius, what’s happened?!”

“The Black Marsh has come to collect Lama, Mr. Tetricum.” It takes Gracia a moment to understand.

“Hold on, I thought you said that he never leaves his home!”

“That’s right, Libarius! Why would that man come here for a little girl!?”

“Perhaps you’ve become shortsighted in your genius, but Lama is quite a spectacular subject. For a weakling and a coward like Black Marsh, raising a powerful disciple and sending them out, only to steal their power for himself is the best way to accrue strength. And of course he’s been worried about his lack of strength to such a degree.”

“What do you mean?!”

“There’s no need to be so aggravated, Mr. Tetricum. It’s been a decade already since the death of the Tyrant. Certainly the mages he kept under his control will sooner or later do something drastic. If nothing else, they would all want to gain the power to survive whatever war for dominance that might be brewing to the north. Why else would a shut-in have gone all the way to the southern lands just for a single child? Though there’s no need to worry. I’ve felt it myself now, and he’s certainly weaker than any of us, and weaker than Father. It’s just a matter of dealing with him now.”

“Why didn’t you just do that in the cafe?” Libarius looks back at Gracia.

“I haven’t the magic to do so, as it stands. And he would have quite the advantage were I to first goad you into fighting. The time was simply inopportune. But he can’t do much, so it really isn’t a cause for concern.” Summe stands up.

“Perhaps you’re the one who’s shortsighted, Libarius. This is a man who would have no qualms sinking this city! The common people of Polaris have nothing to defend themselves from him, nor has the city made any particular defense against the mud! We had thought him no threat and he’s taken us by surprise! If he’ll fight then he’s a greater threat than most of these heathens, even if he’s weaker! This is no time to be sitting around chatting!” Summe storms out of his own office, leaving Libarius and Gracia alone.

“LIbarius…”

“There is no need to worry, Gracia. Shall we be off as well? We have a man to find, after all.”