Hope

“I had no idea you were back,” Irwyn shook his head, somewhat regaining his composure and fully standing back up rather than continuing to lean on the wall.

“Well, I did just return,” she shrugged. That suggested she did not have any actual duties that needed to be attended to first. Though, in all honesty, Irwyn would have already guessed that much if he had to. “So, am I reading this wrong or did you actually manage to find a clue about the attack?”

“You are giving me too much credit,” Irwyn shook his head lightly. “I merely found a competent person that would do it for me. And it is far from guaranteed to actually lead us to the right person. But it sounds like something possible to pursue, depending on how the official investigation is going.”

“Not very well…” Elizabeth frowned, then took a deep breath and relaxed her expression before speaking again. “Half the people investigating are certain there is someone working for the attackers on the inside since any clue they have found had apparently been cleaned up before they could even start to investigate. The other half suspects a mind reader hiding somewhere in plain sight. The latter seems more likely from what I know.”

“Are there no countermeasures to that?” Irwyn asked.

“Some protection is always in use and those have been doubled then redoubled, though by that point there were no good leads left. A possible soul mage is basically the only clue left that might lead somewhere. A specialist has been invited to help, however, due to some… recent events there is an unavoidable waiting list for those across the whole Federation. If it can be confirmed that a soul mage is working with whoever committed the attack or likely means a bigger organization.”

"Could it be necromancers?" Irwyn asked, almost hesitantly. If a soul mage was involved, it left one to wonder.

"Unlikely," Elizabeth shook her head. "Mostly because of the initial attack. The mage who had committed it had to be exceptionally skilled; and slippery as Time/Space mages tend to be. I am not sure if you understand just how rare it is for someone of that prowess to knowingly consort with a necromancer."

“Fair enough,” Irwyn nodded. He had next to no idea how soul magic worked. And if there was, the ‘specialist’ would find out. He imagined that Elizabeth meant top of the field when she said that the waiting list was unavoidable even for her. “Though considering we are also now going to be pursuing, I do wonder how vulnerable I would be personally.”

“You should be resistant to mind reading or other nefarious soul magics,” Elizabeth immediately explained. “Stronger souls become naturally harder to affect and yours seems to already be abnormally potent judging from your Reservoir. I can also arrange for something extra for you.”

“That would put my mind at ease,” he nodded. Irwyn had no doubt it would be no trouble for the heiress to get her hands on a decent spare while it was a more than reasonable request. After all, Irwyn was still weary of upsetting Elizabeth’s family, whoever they actually were, by being perceived as too opportunistic. For the moment what he valued the most was relative safety to grow in rather than overt wealth. “With that said I hope you will be willing to pay my associate a reasonable sum for their efforts, which we can figure out later,” he gave her a moment to nod which she thankfully did without any resistance. Paying out of pocked would have been problematic for his finances though Elizabeth did not stray from his impression she had no notion of ‘lacking funds’. “And, of course, you are invited to come along if you wish, though I hope you will allow for some steps towards discretion,” he repeated since there was no telling how much Elizabeth had actually heard. He was not worried about her safety whatsoever considering Dervish would certainly be shadowing them wherever they went. And her dress could probably stop magic intended for sieges with ease when she wanted it to.

“Thoughtful of you,” she grinned, expectantly. “What do you have in mind for ‘discretion’?”

“Well, I don’t know how recognizable you might be and have gone out of my way not to dig,” he said truthfully. There could only be so many heiresses to house Blackburg and their branches matching Elizabeth’s age and a high level of skill, though asking those questions sounded extremely dangerous even without taking into account how it might seem with context. “However, I would suggest a simple mask. Not suspicious given that I also intend to wear one.”

“You do?” Elizabeth inclined her head. “I didn’t realize you would use those.”

“Well, I am trying to separate my face from more clandestine things,” Irwyn shrugged. “I expect that someone will eventually figure it out but for the time being it avoids retaliation from any enemies I make and might create some opportunities. Let me show you,” Irwyn reached for his pouch, only to realise it had been left at a table, needing him to awkwardly transition into walking over. With a few steps and a practiced motion, he took the Mockingbird mask out and placed it on his face for a few moments before removing it again.

“That is actually really well made,” Elizabeth stepped a bit closer, inspecting the mask in Irwyn’s hand. “I can just barely feel its enchantments at all while actively focusing on it from this close.”

“I was lucky to get it from a traveling merchant on my way to Abonisle,” which was true, though it was understating what Bhaak seemed to be. Most traveling merchants did not travel by effortless teleportation after all. “Supposedly it was made in Steelmire.”

“What a coincidence. I heard that one of their frontmost artisans visited Abonisle and was looking for help from a Light mage,” she nodded and looked at Irwyn with apparent curiosity.

“And he paid quite well for the help, though I only tested the endurance of an enchantment,” Irwyn confirmed what she no doubt suspected; or outright knew. “In fact, Desir - the man who had just been here - had helped me arrange it. He is quite well connected,” he decided to praise the blue-eyed man. It would certainly not hurt if Elizabeth had a higher opinion of them.

“Yes, the one you are so reasonably confident I would beat,” she teased.

“Please, I obviously have to downplay how incredible you are,” Irwyn appeased. “He either wouldn’t believe me or actually might, which could be worse given how out of the norm we are for our age.”

“Yes, I suppose few could match us,” she nodded, a bit hesitantly.

“Could any, actually?” Irwyn smiled lightly but seriously, curious. “Master Daut brought his daughter along, a prodigy and successor to the whole of Steelmire who happens to be no older than us. Yet she was far worse than either you or me. Frankly, I lacked the perspective of this until now but after that I do wonder: how many people are anywhere near us?”

“I suppose I should take some pride in my own achievements,” Elizabeth said after a moment. “Though as far as I know in our generation there would be two. The sole heir to the Duchy of Yellow - who is less than a year younger than me - is said to be completely peerless in magic and could be around us from second-hand accounts; though I despise any comparison to them. I have met them a few times on official occasions and I can only describe him as cruel and… unlikeable,” she actually bit her lip in visible anger. It did not take a genius to realize there was a story of some kind there and a deep impression. “Second is the mysterious disciple of the Soulcatcher - with capital S - the most famous and powerful mage not directly affiliated with any Duke or Duchy. Ever heard of them?"

“The Name rings a bell though I do not know details,” Irwyn nodded. He remembered it mentioned in the book on Names he had obtained back in Ebon respite and thought Elizabeth might have mentioned them at some point.

“They move around, though they have never stayed in the Duchy of Black for long so I suppose the Name might not be so famous locally,” Elizabeth nodded. “But they are the hero of many legends and a thorn in many sides of very powerful people who don’t dare do anything to the man. He is famous for combining his Time and Soul magic to incredible effect, though the truth is difficult to come by since it’s so hard to differentiate it from the slander and folk tale exaggerations. Some say he used to be a serial kidnapper or far worse before coming into his Name, some say he would save people from bandits or liberate entire prisons of… political inmates. But the man is from the Duchy of Purple where they often remain, which is basically on the opposite side of the federation from Black, so our spies don’t have the framework to dig through rumors.”

“I see,” Irwyn nodded, pretending he did not hear her admit that the Duchy was spying on others nor that Elizabeth could reasonably able to access their reports if there were any. It sounded like one of those things everyone assumed were true but was a faux pas to say out loud. “And their disciple?”

“Honestly, not much is known about her even to House Blackburg,” Elizabeth sighed. “Sending spies into the proximity of a Named Soul mage is perhaps the biggest exercise in futility imaginable. All that is known are second or third-hand accounts by people who happened to see them but they consistently speak of her besting local monsters that I would need to hold nothing back against. That being said, there could be more exceptional talents just… hidden,” when she said that she squirmed a bit.

“Something particular on your mind?” Irwyn asked noticing the slight pause and change in posture.

“I suppose…” she hesitated, thought for a moment, shook her head and then stared at Irwyn with sudden intensity. “Although my mother would likely disapprove there are a few things I might wish to come clean with. Mostly because you might accidentally reveal things that have been widely concealed about me.”

“I am all ears,” Irwyn encouraged with a nod, turning his own expression serious. He would be foolish not to treat any extended branch of trust with seriousness.

“In truth, my parents have taken great care to conceal the real extent of my talents,” she sighed softly. “It has been downplayed severely because a talent like mine could greatly upset our enemies; at worst make them do something reckless. This has only been exacerbated by the Ambrosia I have partaken in…” she hesitated for another moment but then returned to stare Irwyn down with redoubled intensity. “In my overjoyed reaction, I have shared the news with you assuming my petition had been finally accepted. Later. I have found out that it was not entirely the case and while my consumption of it was still strictly speaking legal there would be… complications from people who would usually expect to have been made aware of it."

"I understand. Not a word will leave my lips," Irwyn nodded severely though internally he was feeling suddenly overjoyed. Because what he had just been told was seemingly a massive secret. And considering the assumed existence of mind readers the benefactors could not afford to just throw Irwyn to his enemies if their relationship grew sour. They might still try to kill him if things went bad, however, there was no longer a real option of just kicking him out and leaving him to die. And going out of their way to get rid of him would be much more problematic than just handing him over; which meant it was less likely to happen.

"Thank you…" she nodded and took a deep, somewhat relieved breath. Irwyn was not sure who she might have been afraid he might tell. He had nothing to gain and everything to lose. "We should return to the kidnapping you have planned. You mentioned I should get a mask."

"Yes," Irwyn nodded. The conversation had indeed diverted. "The only requirement I have is that it doesn't look like a bird. Anything else is fine."

"Why not?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Yours certainly does."

"Birds, or rather Fowls, have a special meaning to the Guild," Irwyn explained. "It is a privilege and honour to call yourself one, a respected rank that acknowledges exceptionality. It also requires being named by several senior Fowls and it could be very unpleasant for me long term if I was perceived as someone who breaks this tradition and symbology by bringing along someone who misuses it."

"I understand," she nodded seriously, then turned curious. "You have earned being called one then, right?"

"Yes, after the mess in Ebon Respite I was named Young Mockingbird by my teacher," he said, feeling a pinch of pride.

"Yes… the Old Crow," Elizabeth frowned slightly.

"You are familiar?" Irwyn raised an eyebrow. But of course they might be. It was Old Crow who had arranged for Elizabeth's family to take an interest in him.

"I have… seen a recording of him negotiating with House Blackburg after the disaster in Ebon Respite," she hesitated through kept a light frown. "He seemed… rather manipulative and cunning."

"As devious as a real old crow," Irwyn couldn't help but smile with nostalgia. "That's what we used to say about him."

"Irwyn…" she hesitated again, then breathed out and spoke. "I don't know how to broach this so I am going to be straightforward. Don't you think that the old man might be manipulating you too?"

"Obviously he would be," Irwyn nodded. That much had always been self-apparent.

"And you don't mind?" her voice rose half a note. Was she getting upset on Irwyn's behalf?

"I don't mean to insult you…" Irwyn spoke carefully, "But I don't think you quite understand what the Old Crow had done for me. For all of us taken under his wings."

"Perhaps. But there is a limit to debts and what should be tolerated because of them," Elizabeth said and Irwyn saw she clearly did not understand. So, he tried to explain.

"No, I think you have the completely wrong idea," Irwyn put his thoughts in order the best he could. "I don't think you have ever starved Elizabeth. Felt it gnaw at you as your limbs grew weak, mind fogged and body withered. Until fatigue starts coming sooner and sooner day by day as you desperately try to stave it off. When you would kill for half a loaf of rotten bread."

"And you have?" Elizabeth shot back, quieter, looking a bit uncomfortable.

"Probably not," Irwyn shrugged, then smiled at Elizabeth's confused blink. "I barely remember anything of my childhood before I was taken in but I know people who had gone through that. I have a friend whose older brother froze to death in the heart of winter to shelter their sleep. And almost all of the people the Old Crow takes in had gone through something like that, better or sometimes worse. Just desperate kids with no one else willing to help."

"Even if he helped you so, does that forever justify all and any deception?"

"Deception?" Irwyn asked, slightly confused.

"You have admitted yourself that he manipulated you."

"Ah, I see now," Irwyn nodded. "But I would not call that deception. You see, the Old Crow has been especially honest about such things, at least with us. The week I joined he spoke to me and the other child who did; addressed us in front of everyone. He said: 'You, so young and weak, were robbed of a chance. Without recourse, you were doomed to obscurity and misery. I will mold you while you are meek and in turn teach you to help yourselves. Then, when one day you are great and accomplished - when you have achieved your potential - I merely ask that you be willing to help me in turn; all I want is a promise."

"And you remember that speech?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you very young? How would a child even understand it."

"Of course I didn't," Irwyn chuckled, fondly. "There is the genius of it though: He would repeat that same speech to everyone who joined; right in front of all the other children. So even as a kid, it would stick with you. And when you hear it a few times, you start to wonder what do all those fancy words mean? So you ask the older kids, and of course they know; they had once been the same. And then you know what you had sworn and can never forget."

"And what, he just trusts you to keep that promise?" Elizabeth scoffed. "No deserters or traitors. No selfish people who would sink the whole ship?”

“To a certain degree, yes. He raised up to keep promises, among other things,” Irwyn nodded. “As for those who may have sought to betray us… There were probably a few but you know, what we did wasn’t exactly safe. From time to time people would not come back from jobs; even some of the most experienced adults. Often, we would find out what happened to them, even saved them; sometimes we would never know. You see, I once had the same question when I first became… more open about showing my magic in closed company. Old Crow told me it was better if I did not know whether some of those vanishing had been traitors and I left it at that.”

“I am not an idealist, Elizabeth, neither is Old Crow. He helped many orphans but we did not take in the crippled or those beyond recovery. And we ran those kids through harsh Trials when they reached their teens. Trained and as prepared as they could be without experience - and some who had slacked without even that - but many still die. Each of us took to it… differently. I, frankly, barely remember anyone besides my close friends. I am not sure if I ever cared for anyone beyond arm’s reach, which has worked fine for me. If you still cannot understand why I respect the Old Crow so much, that’s fine but don’t try to change my mind.”

“I… apologize,” Elizabeth said after a moment. “I think I let my own biases and experiences cloud my judgement.”

“I have noticed you rarely ever speak of your family positively,” Irwyn nodded slowly. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“...no,” Elizabeth said stiffly after freezing for a moment. “I think there is nothing I want to talk less about.”

“In that case perhaps we should head in a more pleasant direction,” even Irwyn knew it was best to leave it at that. “You have clearly improved your magic over the past few days but so have I. Perhaps we should put that to the test.”

“Yes, I do like that idea,” a smile returned to her lips. As she extended her hand to put it on Irwyn’s shoulder. Then they were somewhere else.