Return of the Runebound Professor

Chapter 383: Tea for your troubles

Chapter 383: Tea for your troubles

After lunch, Lee seemed to feel considerably better. Noah wasnt sure if she was just faking it for their sakes or not, but food did generally improve her mood. Moxie who had foolishly offered to pay for their meal ended up spending nearly fifty gold on Lees endless appetite.

They drew a crowd large enough that Noah wished theyd charged a silver just for the show. If they had, he was pretty sure theyd have made their money back and then some. Once they all finished their food and headed off, it didnt take long for Lee to pick up on Silvertides scent and set off, guiding them toward the old soldier.

I still have no idea how you can do this, Noah said as they walked. Arent there so many different scents in Arbitage? How can you track down Silvertides so easily, especially when we dont have anything for reference? If your nose is that strong, arent you constantly getting overwhelmed by information or something like that?

If Im not careful, I can be, Lee said, coming to a stop at a junction in the street and sniffing at the air before turning to the left and continuing on. But its not really that bad once you get used to it. Some scents are stronger than others, and you can filter them out pretty easily once you get used to it.

Which scents? Noah asked.

Stronger ones.

Noahs eye twitched before he realized that Lee didnt just mean scents that smelled more intense she meant stronger scents.

Like from people that are more powerful?

Yeah. Higher ranked people have more magic. Its easier to track, even if they havent been using it too much recently. Silvertide is basically a walking stick of magic because of his leg. Its impossible to miss him.

Interesting, Noah said. What about Jalen?

He smells strong too, but hes got some way to contain it, Lee said, pausing for a moment to think. Its weird. I know hes powerful, but his smell is covered by a blanket, I guess. Its hard to describe, but he conceals it somehow.

Probably something to do with his Rank 6 domain, Moxie theorized. When you get that strong, you get really good control over your powers. Id be surprised if Jalen wasnt intentionally reining it in so people couldnt track him down as easily. Lee probably isnt the only person good at tracking others down.

Lee came to a stop in front of a small restaurant with an open patio, then pointed at it. Silvertide is here.

Huh. That was closer than I thought, Noah said. It only took him a moment to follow Lees finger over to a table near the edge of the patio, where Silvertide sat drinking from a ceramic cup.

Their arrival hadnt been unnoticed. The elderly soldier raised the cup in greeting, a wry smile flickering across his lips. He took another sip as they walked up to join him.

Id say its a coincidence seeing you here, but judging by the way the little one was sniffing the air, something tells me I may have been sought out, Silvertide said with a chuckle. Or was it the tea? This restaurant is quite good at it. Never quite figured out what leaves theyre using, and the bastards wont tell me. Ive been trying to steal it for years. Give it a shot every time I come to Arbitage, but they always manage to catch me.

Were here for you, Noah admitted. Its about our plant mage problem. Ive got some more information on him. Is now a good time?

Silvertide took another sip of his tea, then shrugged. Tell me, and then I will decide.

That was enough of an agreement for Noah. He took the wrapped dagger out of his bag and set it on the table before Silvertide, who took yet another sip before finally setting his cup down with a slight frown.

He pulled the wrapping away from the dagger, revealing its black blade. His eyes narrowed faintly as he studied the weapon. Nearly a minute passed in silence. Finally, Silvertide moved his hand toward the tea pot.

Silvertide poured himself another cup and, ignoring the steam rising up from the scalding liquid, took a sip from the cup without even blinking. He set it back down on the table with a soft click.

Interesting, Silvertide said, a sage air surrounding him.

You know what it is? Moxie asked, leaning forward. Ive been trying to figure it out, but I have no clue where to even start. Ive never seen its like before, but I know its got some form of magic in it. There are Runes, but theyre well-hidden and either broken or not normal.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Silvertide gave her a nod. Yes. There are.

So? Noah asked. What is it? Is it useful?

Oh, I have no idea, Silvertide said. Tea just makes me feel very intelligent. Ive never seen something like this before.

Noah coughed into his fist, trying to muffle his laugh as Moxie visibly deflated. Lee patted her on the shoulder.

That said, Silvertide continued, a wry smile passing over his features before he abandoned it in pursuit of another sip of tea, this is useful. As you said, Moxie, it has some strange runework on it. How do you know its connected to the plant mage?

Because I think I know who it is, Noah said. The mages name is Wizen, and Ive come into conflict with him before.

That got Silvertides attention but not enough to completely pull him away from his drink. He took one last sip before pushing the cup to the side and interlacing his fingers on top of the table. Go on.

When I was traveling in Dawnforge with Moxie and Lee, we ended up stumbling into a criminal underground by accident, Noah said. Some idiots came after us and we traced them back to their base.

And you met Wizen there? Silvertide asked, tilting his head to the side.

No. We met someone else his name was Gentil. Real shitstain of a human. He pretended to be benevolent, but he was a psychopath. He wanted to capture Moxie for some reason, and he had Alexandra around as one of his soldiers. Wizen used some form of Mind Rune to force Alexandra to do what Gentil wanted.

Silvertides lips pressed thin and his eyes narrowed. Mind magic. Despicable, wretched magic. What happened to Gentil? Can we question him?

Only if you can contact the afterlife, Noah said. Hes dead. I sent him to kingdom come. There might be a few scraps of his flesh scattered around the remains of his base, but I doubt it. We took that dagger from him, though and Gentil revealed that Wizen wanted Moxie. We never found out why.

I see, Silvertide said. He drummed his fingers on the table, his displeasure evident. Wizen has both powerful Plant Runes and Mind Runes, then. And, considering the way he was using the former, hes focusing on magic that lets him control things from afar, without getting his own hands dirty. Do you know anything else?

Not much, Noah admitted. Most of our information came from what we heard from Gentil as well as a talk I had with Father. The only thing I know about his motivation is that hes after the Torrins for some reason. They must have something he wants, but I dont know why hed want Moxie in particular. Its not like shes in good standing with the rest of the family.

Curious, Silvertide said. He was silent for several seconds. Then he seemed to remember that he had perfectly good tea in front of him that might risk going from scalding hot to just merely warm if he didnt drink it, so he rectified the problem. And Moxie, you cant think of anything that may have drawn his attention?

Nothing, Moxie said. I have no idea what the Torrins would have that hed want so badly, and even if I did, I dont see how hed accomplish anything by attacking Arbitage. Why wouldnt he go for Blancwood?

My thoughts as well. The Torrins dont have a strong presence in Arbitage, so it doesnt make much sense if it was his end goal. Silvertide picked up his pot, going to pour more tea, only to find that it was empty. His nose scrunched in disappointment.

Is there anyone you know that could help with the dagger? Maybe some of the other Enforcers? Noah asked.

Yes. Neir may very well be of use here. Hes always enjoyed studying old Runes, Silvertide said. I didnt realize your group was so wrapped up with this problem, but I suppose I shouldnt be surprised. You seem to have a talent for it.

Thanks, Noah said.

That was not a compliment, Silvertide replied. He reached into his pocket in search of something, then paused. A grimace passed over his features for a second, then faded away. He brought his hands back to rest on top of the table and let out a sigh. If youd be willing, Id like you to accompany me to a meeting in three days time. You know enough about this that I believe the other Enforcers would benefit from speaking to you all.

Noah shrugged. I think Id be fine with that, especially if it keeps Wizen out of our hair. As much as I want him dead, Ive also got a class to teach and a life to live. I dont care to spend it with my skin crawling because Wizen could be lurking in the shadows.

Oh, trust me. I know what you mean, Silvertide said darkly. He pulled the top of the tea pot off and peered into it, reaching in and pulling out a small pinch of leaves to rub between his fingers in thought. This will be helpful. We havent had any good leads before, but the dagger changes things. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Do you mind if I hold onto it for a short while?

Noah glanced to Moxie, who shrugged.

Sure. I dont want the stupid thing. Just let me know if you figure anything out.

I will. Say, have you ever eaten at this restaurant before? Silvertide asked.

No, I dont think so. Why? Noah asked.

You really should. Their tea is fantastic. It can be a little expensive, though, Silvertide said. He brought the pinch of leaves toward his pocket, still nodding.

The door to the restaurant flew open and an elderly woman skidded out, thrusting an accusatory finger toward Silvertide. No! Hands off the leaves, thief!

Ill see you in a few days! Silvertide flew from his chair, vaulting over the patios railing and sprinting off, his cane clutched at his side. The old woman didnt even flinch. She sprinted after Silvertide, hurling curses as she gained on him. The two of them turned a corner down the street, then vanished though the old womans voice marked their position as they faded into the distance.

A polite cough caught Noahs attention as he turned, still baffled, to find a neatly dressed waiter standing at their table.

The tab for todays meal still hasnt been covered, he said. Silvertide said he knew you, and Im afraid I need someone to pay for the meal.

Noahs eye twitched.