Chapter 29 - Clues

"Your words do carry considerable weight," Terry remarked after listening to Will's account. "Father, do you also believe that Lysa is not the true culprit?" Will asked, eyes wide with hope as he looked toward Terry. "No," Terry said calmly. "But after hearing your story, I find it hard to believe that this mage is truly evil. Still, as a cleric, I must follow the evidence. We found her in Lord Roman's chambers, holding the very weapon that took his life. Based on that alone, we are justified in suspecting her." "You see? Uncle Terry and I are of the same mind," Eddie quickly interjected. "I understand," Will nodded. "That's why I must uncover proof of her innocence within three days." "I believe in you, Will. A girl like that couldn't possibly be a killer," said Sophia, walking over from her chores and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Mother," Will replied, deeply moved. "Well, it's getting late. I must be off," Eddie said, rising from his seat. "Will, remember—you have only three days to help her. After that…" "I know," Will said with a firm nod. "If you need anything from me, just ask. I'll do what I can to help," Eddie added before stepping out of the house. Early the next morning. "Will, come down for breakfast!" Sophia called once more. "There's no need, Sophia. He's already gone," Terry replied from the table. "What? He left this early? Did he eat before going?" she asked, concern in her voice. "I don't know. He was already out when I woke up," Terry answered. "This child… he's changed so much. He used to sleep half the morning away," Sophia sighed. "Indeed. Who would've thought a few days away could transform him like this?" Terry agreed. "He's growing up," Sophia said with quiet pride. Outside the Sanctum of the Holy Church, within the Paralar Empire. Will had been waiting for some time, lingering outside the gates of the Holy Church. As a layman, he had no authority to enter and was dependent on Eddie's help. "You're here early," Eddie remarked as he stepped out, surprised to see Will already waiting. "Time waits for no one. I still have no clear leads, so I need to see Lysa again. I hope you'll take me to her cell," Will replied. "Very well. Let's go," Eddie said. Before he had even finished speaking, Will grabbed him by the arm and broke into a run toward the prison. "Hey! Will, slow down!" Eddie yelled, stumbling to keep pace. "I told you—there's no time to lose!" Will called back as they raced through the streets. Moments later, they arrived at the prison. "Eddie, I'd like to go in alone this time. There are questions I must ask her in private," Will said, pausing outside Lysa's cell. "Alright, alright. I'll wait here. But don't take too long—I can't linger," Eddie replied. "Understood," Will nodded, then pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside. "Lysa? Lysa?" he called softly as he approached her figure slumped in the shadows, head bowed and unmoving. "Hm?" Lysa stirred, lifting her head to look at him. "What's wrong?" Will asked, concerned. Her eyes were hazy, her expression drowsy, as though caught between sleep and wakefulness. "Nothing. I was meditating," she replied. "Meditating?" Will echoed curiously. "It's how mages rest. In that state, we can quickly regain strength and magical energy," she explained. "Oh… I see. Well, I still don't quite get it, but anyway—I have some questions for you today," Will said. "Questions? What kind?" she asked. "You said you followed someone and ended up in Lord Roman's room by accident, correct?" Will asked. "Yes, that's right," Lysa confirmed. "I need to know—who were you following?" Will asked, his tone growing serious. Lysa suddenly tensed, her expression shifting to unease. She turned her face away and remained silent. "Lysa?" Will asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor. She sighed. "Alright. I'll tell you. But you must promise to keep this between us. If word spreads, it could cause panic among the people." "Of course," Will nodded, his eyes widening as though bracing for a revelation of great importance. "A few days ago, after we parted ways, I took a small path that led me here. It was late, so I found an inn to rest. But not long after I arrived, I noticed a suspicious man enter. He whispered something to the innkeeper and then headed upstairs," Lysa whispered. "What made you think he was suspicious?" Will asked. "His magical aura. Every mage emits some level of magical energy. This man's aura was eerily similar to that of Pix, the one we encountered in the Bonecrack Arena. Which means…" "Which means he likely possesses a shard of the Demon's Stone," Will finished for her. "Exactly. So, I decided to follow him. I saw him meet with several people in town—ordinary citizens, none of whom emitted any magical energy. But I'm convinced they were plotting something," she said. "That does make sense…" Will murmured, falling into thought. "I came back because I discovered a strange underground organization. I took out their leader and found a letter on him. It was from someone who goes by the codename 'M.' The letter instructed the group to send people to the Paralar Empire to incite unrest. I ran back here out of fear for my parents and friends," Will said quietly. "Codename M?" Lysa repeated, puzzled. "Yes. From what I can tell, this M is their mastermind," Will said. "Will, you should know—the eastern Union has long sought to destabilize the Paralar Empire. It's very possible this plot was orchestrated by them," Lysa whispered. "Why?" Will asked, lowering his voice. "Because the Union is now controlled by madmen," Lysa replied. "In any case, if you wish to save your country, you must find this man and thwart his scheme," she concluded.