Search For The Thief

Even though it was morning, the mist was still present in Lanport.

"You sure you saw him around here last night?" Tal asked as he searched left and right.

"I'm sure."

After getting back to my room last night, I told Tal about Crowell and how Lewis plans on quitting Ravagers, but what seemed to get the most reaction out of him was that I had seen the thief.

He even woke me up early so we could search around that area as soon as possible.

We had been searching for about an hour now. Luckily, I left a note on the desk right outside of the guest rooms, so they wouldn't think we went missing.

"Come on, it's not worth it anymore," I said.

Tal shook his head, "You don't just steal from a trained assassin, Din. Or at least you don't deserve to get away with it. I have my honor as an assassin."

I sighed loudly to make sure Tal knew I was tired of this, but he ignored it and continued his search.

"That little thief probably lives nearby if he was just wondering here late at night… or maybe he was waiting for his next target…" Tal whispered to himself.

With no luck around the Higher Central area, Tal decided to continue his search in the city center. As we were walking around, we ran into Crowell.

"Oh my, good morning there," Crowell greeted.

I replied, "Good morning."

Tal was too busy keeping his eye out to greet Crowell.

"I hope your return to your home was no trouble."

"No trouble at all, sir. We just went straight home."

"That's good to hear," he said with a smile. Then he turned to Tal, "Is there something in particular you're searching for?"

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing to worry about," Tal laughed off.

"Hm… I don't think we've been formally introduced yet."

He turned to me to introduce Tal to him.

"This is Tal, he's a friend who's also travelling with us. And this is Crowell, the governor of this city."

They both shook hands, but Tal still seemed to be focused on finding the thief.

"I'm sorry, I'm getting the feeling as if I'm missing something here," Crowell said as he looked to where Tal had been looking. "Please tell me, is there something you're searching for? You've been looking around like that this entire time. My curiosity is at its peak."

Tal thought for a moment and then answered, "There's this kid that we met on our way to the city. He stole something from me and now I want to teach that kid a lesson."

"A thief, eh?"

"Yeah, he was wearing a red cloak, about this tall. I couldn't get a good look at his face, but I'm pretty sure it was a young boy," Tal described the thief.

"A red cloak…" Crowell seemed to recall something. "It doesn't sound familiar, I'd say. But I believe everyone needs a second chance. How about you forgive the little one just this once?"

"Doesn't sound familiar?" Tal scoffed.

Crowell tilted his head in confusion.

"If I remember right, the man that helped stop the kid, he told the kid that this was his final warning," Tal waited for a reaction.

"I don't get what you mean," Crowell retaliated.

"His final warning from Crowell," Tal finished.

A look of surprise filled Crowell's face. It took him a moment before he was able to collect himself.

"You must be mistaken, Tal," he spoke in a calm voice. "You didn't hear the man mention my name at all. You must've been tired from your long journey and only thought you heard it."

"I only thought I heard it?" Tal repeated.

Crowell nodded. He then turned his gaze to me, "Same with you, Din. You must've been tired too if you thought you heard the man mention my name."

What was he talking about? I heard the farmer mention Crowell for sure.

"Now then. You must forgive the kid as well, Tal," Crowell placed a hand on Tal's shoulder. "He's only a kid. He doesn't know better. Just forget about him and everything will work out just fine."

"You know, you're right. I got my pouch back anyways so I had nothing to worry about. It doesn't matter if I feel ashamed that a kid managed to steal from me. Thanks, Crowell. You're not as shady as I thought," Tal laughed.

It was unusual seeing Tal be so obedient. I was sure he would continue chasing after the thief the moment Crowell left our sight.

Crowell bows to us before heading towards the Higher Central.

"What a weird guy," Tal remarked. "Well, what do you want to do for the rest of the day. I don't think we really have any plans until the day we decide to leave this city. Did you want to go look at the harbor to see if there's any ships that are willing to take us to Aegis?"