The Mouse
Alex stepped out of the carriage in front of an old creaky three-story building. Just like the road, the building is grey. Cletus and Kyzer followed him like two bodyguards.
As he reached the hotel entrance, the fat leader of the caravan stopped him for a quick chat.
"Alex, your room is on the third floor, and you will be sharing with these two gentlemen here," said the leader showing Cletus and Kyzer.
"Got it," said Alex, walking inside but was stopped.
"Wait, I have not finished yet. Your food would be served in an hour, and I also mentioned the Bird to the Chefs."
"Cool,"
"Alex, I promised Tom that I would make sure nothing will happen to you. But, if you went out and got yourself killed, I don't know how I will explain to Tom and Miss Rose."
"Is it that bad here?" asked Alex, reevaluating the thought for sightseeing.
"Yes. I booked this high price hotel just for your safety."
"This is a high price hotel?" asked Alex as he looked at the creaky wooden building. One small hurricane, and it will fly to the heavens.
"Those smugglers and criminals will not dare to come here. This is the closest hotel to the garrison, " said the fat man, as he showed the compound wall near the tall town wall, which was two blocks away.
As Alex looked at the dirt roads and the homeless people near the caravan, his mood for sightseeing vanished.
"Ok, I will not go outside unless there is an emergency," said Alex.
"Really?"
After convincing the fat man that he would not go out, Alex finally arrived at his room on the third floor.
The room was not that great, but it had three beds. Cletus and Kyzer already occupied two beds, leaving the bed near the window for him.
Alex saw the caravan still unloading through the window before opening it. On the cue, Varis flew in.
[I am hungry,] said Varis.
***
On the other side of the town, two men sat around the round table in the basement of the Vulture's bar.
The room was dimly lit, as the magic array on top of their heads only produced a small light orb, illuminating the room poorly, creating shadows in the corner of the room.
"Young master Simon, Randal noticed the caravan come in. Shall we proceed with the plan tonight?" said the man in a long black coat.
"Yes, but let's wait till we are completely certain," said Simon taking a sip of booze. Just then, the bracelet on his hand vibrated, and the silver pearl gleamed.
Simon raised the bracelet up to his chin and listened to the message before replying.
"Good Job, Randal, Keep watch. We will contact you when the plan is finalized," said Simon into the Silver pearl.
"Young master seems like we are going tonight. I got the strongest sleeping powder with me, and I know a hotel employee who would let us in for a few gold coins." said the other man who wore a long black coat and an eye-catching scar on the left eye.
"Good work, Hack. You and Randal will be rewarded once the mission is completed, But I wish your captain was here. An Elite rank Ranger will be a good backup."
"Young master, Didn't you say he was only a Rookie. How hard could it be to steal a bow and kidnap him," said Hack.
"The guy got some skills, Hack. He killed seven Mad-eyed Hyenas," said Simon.
"Then it might be troublesome. But we have no choice. Our captain is on an escort mission, while Declan ran off to Tyros to study for the test," said Hack. Simon stayed silent as he sipped his booze.
In the shadowy corner of the room, a small light flickered. An eye the size of lemon floated near the ceiling, looking down at the two people discussing their schemes.
***
Alex opened his door and saw a hotel employee carrying a large tray of food. The employee entered the room and started distributing the food.
[Finally, food is here. A few more minutes and I would have starved to death.] said Varis.
[Cool down,] said Alex, receiving his share of food.
"The hell!" cursed Alex, looking at the food. A watery soup and half a chicken. Alex ate better food when he was in the howling crater and surrounded by terrible demonic wolves.
[The hell!] said Varis while shrieking beside him. Alex looked at the small plate in front of Varis and started to snigger.
"Hehe, buddy, you never had a grilled mouse before," said Alex teasingly.
Varis could not answer as he involuntarily gagged, looking at the beady eyes and the burnt fur of the black mouse. Only after Alex put the lid back on the plate, he relaxed slightly.
Alex strongly believed that the chefs just caught one of the mouses from the kitchen and put it on the grill.
"Alex, what kind of food are you trying to feed me. Do you want me to die,"
"Alright, you can have some of mine," said Alex giving him half of his chicken.
[That's too small and too gross. I want a real meal like in the Moon Palace.] said Varis. Looking at the slight drool at the corner of his Beak, Alex sighed helplessly.
"I have spoiled you too much. Let me talk to the leader and see what we can do," said Alex going down to the lobby.
He soon came back bearing the bad news.
[There are no other dishes? What kind of stupid restaurant did the fatso bring us.] complained Varis while shrieking and jumping on the bed.
Kyzer and Cletus laughed at their chicken as they enjoyed the show. Their black tiger ears trembled slightly indicating they are trying to stifle their laughter.
Alex never had any siblings, but judging based on jumping and shrieking, he was sure Varis was throwing a tantrum now.
"Alright, we can go out and eat," said Alex as Varis finally calmed down.
Alex wore his black leather armor made from great bison and took his gun and machete as protection. He also wore his purple wristguard just in case.
"Do you guys know any good restaurants here?" asked Alex as he tied his shoes.
"Alex, you shouldn't go outside. It is really not safe out there. Also, the fat guy will not allow you," said Cletus with a grumpy face.
"Do not worry, I have my way to exit the building. I will trade your information with my chicken," said Alex.
"On the other side of the Old clock tower, there is a good tavern called Pirates Club," said Cletus with a smile and took away his chicken.
"Thanks," said Alex as he stood near the window and looked down. A 10-meter drop from the third floor. Alex hesitated.
[I will go first.] said Varis and flew in the sky gracefully.
Steeling his nerves, Alex jumped down. The air blew on his face, and the ground came fast. As his legs touched the black cobblestones, he bent his knees and rolled down to the side.
'Not bad, It seems I did remember some parkouring tips from Uncle Jack,' thought Alex as he walked north deep into the town.
Just as Varis flew out, one of the homeless guys on the street raised his head and shortly observed a figure jumping down on the ground. He quickly raised the silver bracelet to the chin and spoke quietly.
"Young Master, the target is on foot and heading north into the city," said Randal.
[Follow him from a distance and be aware of the bluebird. Just give us the general direction, and we will find him.] came a voice in Randal's head through the pearl.
"Yes, Master," said Randal as he followed Alex like a mouse.