Chapter 29

Koa sat at the only table in the room. He had drawn the drapes and left the lamp burning low. He felt more refreshed after his bath, though the meal he found left for him was lacking. Now he sat lost in thought while waiting for Alex to return with Adamend.

He had advised Adamend to spend the extra coin on a proper meal. He noticed Alex was exhausted and, despite everything she had been through thus far, she complained very little. His guilt over bringing Alex here had him doing things he would never have thought of doing in the past. Like taking an easier path toward the Capital, despite the additional two days. And spending the night at an Inn so she could sleep through the night.

"Just like a chipmunk." Koa felt himself smile. He couldn't help but this the girl was just as troublesome as a curious chipmunk.

Voices just under his window interrupted his thoughts and Koa's ears perked up. He counted three humans and something else, a goblin perhaps.

"J-just give 'em here. Quickly, a-fore someone sees." A squeaky voice spoke. It sounded shaky and nervous.

"If you don't hold 'em in the proper way, you'll break 'em. Idiot." The second man responded with a lower voice. His voice was husky and wet sounding, like his lungs were full of liquid.

"Come, come now gents. Ther ain't no needs to be fighin' and such. Morgan'll be 'ere momentarily and all the worries'll be gone." This voice came from the one that wasn't human. It definitely sounded goblin. "Now let's jus pack 'em little 'uns right up in this here chest, eh? Leave 'em for Morgan."

Koa heard the men stuff something into a large wooden container, likely the chest that was mentioned. He heard the sound of a click followed by the retreating footsteps of the two remaining two men.

Once Koa no longer felt any presence, he opened the drapes and peered out into the alleyway below their room. Sure enough, there was a mid sized chest pushed up against a wall. It was well hidden amongst other wooden crates so as to not draw any attention. In fact, Koa may not have noticed it had it not been for the mana that had gathered around the chest. Small streams of white light danced around the chest, making Koa feel uncomfortable. Something wasn't right.