>>6272681“Any spell, however innocuous, can land a commuter in a cell for the remainder of the trip. Our stalker isn’t just ‘Pretty Skilled’, they’re cautious as well.”
So they’re a mage, you groan. Seems like a whole lotta’ hassle for just one sorcerer, doesn’t it?
The Gnok answers with a sardonic laugh. “Indeed… which is why we’d like to know who’s backing them.”
“There <span class="mu-i">WAS</span> that one businessman that approached me last time I performed in Umberal…” Muses Lutze, her tail thumping harder against the chair, “<span class="mu-b">HOLIS MARSHE</span>? He was pushy, but he wasn’t, well…”
<span class="mu-i">Pushy</span>?
“Yea…”
You’re just spitballing here, you begin in a diplomatic tone, but has she considered… the Spicys?
“Not exactly…” The musician replies with a sad smile. “I already have an… agreement… with them…”
“A contract she signed <span class="mu-i">long</span> before I was in the picture…” Joplin frowns. “Magical, no less. My misgivings aside, the contract ensures no one from The Guild can harm Miss Lutza… directly or otherwise.”
“Rolo wouldn’t let that happen even without the magic.”
Your head tilts to the side. They can’t wiggle around that?
“A magical contract is airtight,” The manager answers with a grim laugh, “As are the penalties if it’s violated. One of the main appeals, actually.”
Right, you nod with a frown, so no Spicys and no small-time chumps. Meaning whoever’s doing this has an agenda and a group to back them up.
“I didn’t say that…” Lutza squeaks as she shifts around uncomfortably in her chair! “It <span class="mu-i">MIGHT</span> be a Guild member going rogue… it might even be a really, <span class="mu-i">really</span> persistent fan, too…”
“Plans have a habit of changing,” Joplin shrugs again, “But you need only concern yourself with learning more about the stalker’s identity. We will handle the rest once you ascertain who they are.”
Easy for him to say, you scoff! What if this mage catches wind of you tailing him, huh? What if he turns you into salt, or something?
“Unlikely, but…” The air seems to wrap around you as a series of hushed mutterings leave Joplin’s lips at a rapid-fire rate! “There,” he sighs as an uncanny glow fades from his eyes, “You’ll be partially-shielded from nastier spells for the next few hours.”
<span class="mu-i">Partially?</span>
“Were we not on the Skyrail I could do more,” Grumbles the mage, “But this should keep you safe during your investigation.”
>CONTD. 