The Carnival at Moonbright
Haron's Castle

Rhokhishi used her arcane blessings to cure the party with what little she hadn’t used during the brawl, and then they all stood outside the Athenaeum and took stock of the circumstances. Gisela and Lyla had both been knocked unconscious during that fight; they were all low on energy and health, and there was still much to do before they could rest again. She looked over at Mr. Muffins, seemingly untouched during the entire battle.

“Do you want to explain what happened back there?” She asked him as she walked up to face him.

“What do you mean?”

“You were barely involved in that fight. You make your toys, but you’re untouched. There’s no wound on you. Two of us almost died. What were you doing?”

She saw that Mr. Muffins’ gaze moved away from her, now looking to the rest of the party. An intense mix of confusion and sadness on his face lingered momentarily before looking back into her eyes.

“I… I don’t know, to be completely honest. One moment, I’m reaching for Jimbo and getting ready to blast her face with it, and the next moment, it was as if she was a friend that I didn’t want to hurt…”

“Sounds like enchantment magic.” Leaf considered aloud. “It’s not often you see it, but many have the ability to ensnare your senses, making you believe you’re a friend and not a foe. I sensed she had an aura around her of some sort, but I didn’t know until she got close to me at the end.”

“I did what I could. Though the orange-haired one was enchanting me, I was still able to attack the nymphs. Gave them a good blasting too, with my little toy.” Mr. Muffins sarcastically said back to Rhokhishi.

She could tell the party was tired and that she could do little about it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She moved away from Mr. Muffins, turning to face the group.

“Now what?”

“I think the plan is still the same. Leaf, you recommended we went to Haron’s Castle before the fight. That would probably still be a good idea.” Myla answered.

“They definitely knew who we were, and they seemed to be connected to everything else. We can tell Elysium and Orin what happened here, too!” Gisela piped up. Her size had already diminished, and she was bandaging a minor burn on her arm.

“Well, that settles it. We go talk to them, tell them what’s up, then go rest up?” Lyla asked.

“Wait. Does that mean we’re going to meet the Queen, too?” Myla asked, looking down at her clothes. Small burn holes, smoke stains, and blood splatters on her shirt were easily noticeable. “I always hoped that when I met the Queen, I would look a little better than this… Reputations and first impressions, you know?”

“I think the Queen will forgive us this one time. We may look worse for wear, but we saved some citizens of Moonbright and kept the fire from worsening.” Leaf replied.

The party began their walk toward Haron’s Castle, its high-walled perimeter visible to the West. They made their way through the same alleys and streets that Leaf had taken them through previously. Rhokhishi watched as the group pushed themselves to keep moving, their determination overpowering any need to rest. She carried herself to walk next to Mr. Muffins.

“I’m sorry. I accused you without all the facts. I’m just confused as to what’s happening here. The Dark Order may have tremendous reach, but I don’t know if it was them or just one of these Darklings coincidentally grabbing Sir Ulric’s body. And why do they keep attacking us?”

“It’s okay. It was shit that I couldn’t have helped more. I don’t know what’s happening either, but I’m hoping we will get answers soon,” Mr. Muffins replied, placing his hand on Rhokhishi’s shoulder as they walked.

Across Iredale, they walked through the district as nobles scanned the streets for any sign of what had taken place. Rhokhishi could see their eyes, a look of disgust at the dirty and soiled clothes the group was wearing, but also a look of worry, as they feared for their own life after the loud noises of fighting that occurred.

Making it to the large gates of Haron’s Castle at the northwest side of its perimeter, the group stopped. Rhokhishi let out a gasp as they looked in front of them. The gates had been splintered and blown apart, with debris lying everywhere. Guards lay unconscious, some bleeding out, as healers and other guards moved them away from the entrance and into the castle.

“There was an attack here at the same time!” Leaf exclaimed.

“Was it a two-fold attack? Or something else?” Lyla asked. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Whatever it is, we’ve got to help,” Rhokhishi stated, pulling her sword out and stepping towards the castle walls.

“Wait! We’re not fit for this fight. We can’t just go rushing it.” Myla said, gesturing to the wounds and bandages they all were wearing.

“We don’t have time to rest and heal. It looks like they need help!”

“I know Rhokhishi, and we can. We need to take a moment and think.” Mr. Muffins answered, looking around and thinking. “Leaf, we’re close to the Archmage’s Tower. Do you think there are some potions we could use there?”

“There are, but Orin is the one who makes them and puts them away. I can’t guarantee we’d find anything useful quickly.” Leaf replied. “But maybe this will help.”

Leaf pulled out a small piece of torn paper. On one side, Rhokhishi could see the invoice for Moonbright’s Magical Mixtures. On the other was writing.

“I was going to mention it when we talked to Orin and Elysium. I found this in the elf’s pocket. It may be a trap, but the potion shop isn’t too far from here. It’s in the Ghostway district. We could buy some potions quickly and maybe find out more, then head back here to help.”

“You’re right. The more information we have, the more we can help.” Mr. Muffins stated. “Keep your guard up, though, in case it is a trap. Let’s go.”

The party diverted away from Haron’s Castle and picked up their pace towards Moonbright’s Magical Mixtures. Rhokhishi felt a pang of guilt, walking away from those in need, but she knew they were right. They weren’t going to be helpful in their current state. She shook her head, pushing the guilt away, and the group moved quickly, following Leaf as he guided them to the potion shop.

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