The Deceiver's Path - Chapter 133 - The Mayor's Mandate (Patreon)

Piper stood outside the villa, tapping her foot as she waited for the driver to pull the sleigh around to the front of the building. She nearly vibrated with excitement at the thought of seeing Selene again. Today, she swore she was going to reveal her true self to her friend. Today, she was going to tell the young woman that she was a demoness.

Raising her hand, she examined the thick woolen mitts provided to her by the guild. After their ordeal in the mountains three days earlier, she and the other aspirants had been issued proper winter gear. Apparently, the storm had surprised everyone—even the weather mages. She couldn’t be sure, but she suspected there was something they weren’t telling her about what had happened.

Luckily, no aspirants had died in the storm. The others had been rescued long before her group, mainly because they had sheltered in place to wait for rescue. She was still kicking herself for agreeing to leave their shelter to set out into the snowstorm.

Because of her decision, Ophelia had suffered severe frostbite. Her friend had spent nearly two full days with the healer as the woman fixed her toes and fingers. There shouldn’t be any long-term damage, but she still felt responsible.

I should have known better than to leave our shelter.

Surprisingly, Ophelia had had zero interest in accompanying her into town today. For now, her friend was content to sit cocooned in a blanket inside their room. Not that she could blame her. A thick layer of snow blanketed the land, growing deeper with each passing storm.

Piper had lived on Alfred’s farm for over a year, and she couldn’t remember this many storms in such a short period of time. Of course, things could be different on this side of the mountains, but something felt sinister about the weather. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

But today wasn’t the time to worry about that stuff. It was her day off and she was heading into Helidros to meet up with Selene. After she arrived, they would set out to find the infernal cult and deal with it. Hopefully, they could convince them to join their side without any violence, because she had no desire to hurt anyone simply because they were infernal casters.

The jingling of a harness made her look up to see a sleigh pulling around the side of the building. In the front sat the driver, looking almost round from wearing so many layers of wool. Two massive horses were hitched to the front, standing nearly twice her height.

Eyeing the beasts nervously, she crept around them and walked over to the other side of the sleigh. Since it was only her going into town today, she decided to sit in the front. At least the driver might provide some company on the long road there.

“Good morning,” she called excitedly. “How are you today?”

The driver only grunted in reply, his wrinkled face scrunching up in annoyance.

The response to her greeting made her change her mind, and she climbed into the back instead. She’d obviously been mistaken about the driver providing conversation on the trail. Instead, she’d have to amuse herself on the long trip to Helidros.

Settling back, she frowned as six more people emerged from the building. The sight of Joanna, her bodyguard Monika, and Nikandros all bundled in expensive-looking furs made her frown deepen. Were they going to join her on the trip to town? The thought of being stuck with them for the better part of the morning immediately killed her good mood.

Joanna spotted Piper a second later and stopped dead in her tracks. The woman’s eyes blazed with fury as she stabbed a finger in her direction. “I will not share a sleigh with that gutter trash.”

Nikandros crossed his broad arms. “I have no desire to join her either. Driver, I demand that you remove her immediately.”

“I’ll do no such thing,” the driver spat. “Don’t want to ride with her? Best get walking.”

Joanna’s mouth opened and closed like a fish plucked from the water until finally she shut it. With a harrumph she walked around the sleigh and looked at Nikandros expectantly.

The young man started when he realized what the noble lady wanted and hurried over to her side. Then he took her hand and helped her up into the back of the sleigh. The entire time, she studiously avoided looking at Piper.

Finally, Monika climbed into the sleigh, placing herself between Joanna and Piper. She kept a hand on her sword as she settled down. While the woman was nominally sitting, she reminded Piper of a predator lying in ambush, ready to explode into action at any moment.

Marco climbed up next, and he nodded at Piper. “Good to see you again. I still owe you for what you did in the valley.”

Piper conjured up a smile for the man. “It was nothing.”

“You saved my group’s lives. I won’t forget that.”

“Yes,” Thalia piped in. “If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

Another woman she hadn’t been introduced to in the valley leaned forward and smiled. “I’m Kyra. We didn’t get a chance to be introduced. You know, with the trying not to freeze to death and everything. Like the others said, thank you.”

Piper nodded in reply, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention. As the others continued to look in her direction, she drew her new fur-lined cloak tighter around herself and peered over the side of the sleigh. She really hoped she’d see a woolly mammoth on the way to town. A non-zombie woolly mammoth, she corrected herself.

With a glance back to make sure they were all onboard, the driver snapped the reins and sent the sleigh lurching forward. For something with runners along the bottom, it didn’t glide along the snow very well.

The sleigh picked up speed as the horses found their pace, and they left the villa behind. Only a thin layer of snow clung to the road, though blowing snow had created the occasional snowdrift that the horses had to break through.

Piper had heard mention of guild mages working hard to keep the road to the town open, but she’d also heard it was growing more difficult by the day. If the snow kept up, they might be trapped in the villa for the winter.

As they travelled, the sun slowly peeked over the mountains, nearly blinding Piper with burning rays reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. Wispy clouds stretched across the blue sky, and in the distance, a massive bird circled.

Squinting her eyes, she realized it wasn’t a bird at all but had a scaly body. And even from this distance, the thing looked huge.

“Does anyone know what that is?” she asked, pointing up at the sky. A small part of her hoped it was a dragon, but she also worried what that might mean for them. After all, wouldn’t they look like prey to a dragon?

Monika half rose to her feet, balancing on the shifting sleigh. “That’s a wyvern,” she gasped. “One hasn’t been seen in these parts for decades.”

“Are we in danger?” Piper asked.

The bodyguard didn’t answer for a long moment. “No. It appears it’s not hunting currently. However, we should report it to the authorities.”

Joanna stroked her chin with her fingers. “Anyone who defeats the beast would earn fame throughout the region…”

“Don’t even think about it,” Monika said sharply. “An adult wyvern could defeat an adventurer with ease. Nearly all of them are awakened and most of them possess dangerous fire magic.”

Joanna stiffened and tossed back her dark hair defiantly. “I’ll have you know I am quite skilled with my spells.”

Monika stared grimly at her charge. “I agree that you are skilled. However, an aspirant like yourself would be little more than a snack for a wyvern.”

The young noblewoman continued to stare down her bodyguard. “My mother will hear of your defiance when we return to Kalmyros. She will be most displeased.”

“Do as you wish.”

Piper turned her attention away from the exchange to the soaring reptile in the distance. Assuming that Monika was telling the truth—and not making up stories to keep Joanna safe—then the wyvern must truly be a dangerous opponent. Once again, she was reminded of how much she needed to grow in power.

The last year and a half had been nice at the villa, but it was time to start leveling again. Going forward, she planned to come into town every day off she had to take quests. At least if the roads remained open.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she spotted a woolly rhinoceros pushing through the snow. And just like her illusion, it was using its horn to clear a path. Her lips curled up into a broad smile as she watched the majestic beast.

So far, she’d seen what looked like a baby dragon and a woolly rhino. And their trip had only just begun. Even with all its problems, this world was still wondrous. Someday she was going to bring her parents here to show them everything.

I just hope they can accept me as a demoness.

But even as that thought crossed her mind, she realized she would never have to reveal her true form to them. Thanks to her illusion spell, she could only show them her old self. Well, a much healthier version of her old self.

The rest of the trip to Helidros was uneventful, aside from Joanna complaining bitterly about the cold. Though Piper couldn’t understand how the young noblewoman even felt the chill with her impressive collection of fur garments. She couldn’t imagine how much they had all cost.

As they arrived at the town’s thick walls, she glanced over at the lake to see the surface had begun to freeze over. A memory of collecting snow from the roof back at the farm to melt it for water returned unbidden. How did a town this size get drinking water during the harsh winter freezes?

Gazing out across the land, she noted that the shepherds she’d seen on her last trip here had disappeared. In fact, she barely saw any animals in the pens. Most likely, they’d headed down the mountains to greener pastures for the winter.

The sleigh reached the gates and stopped a short distance away. The driver spat over the side and glanced back at them. “This is as far as I go. Come back this afternoon if you’re planning to head home.”

Joanna huffed and rose to her feet. “Why, in the name of the Emperor, wouldn’t we head back, you lout?”

The driver shrugged. “Not my concern. Either you’re here or you’re not.”

“I have no idea why they haven’t replaced you,” Joanna said to the driver as she motioning for Nikandros to get down. After he’d climbed out of the sleigh, she daintily took his hand. Then she stepped down carefully, leaning heavily on the young man. Monika agilely leaped down after her ward.

Piper watched the bodyguard’s movements closely. She knew the woman hadn’t gone all out against her illusory troll in the valley. There was no doubt in her mind that Monika was one of the most dangerous residents in the villa. She really hoped they wouldn’t have to face each other again in the future, but who knew with Joanna?

Rising to her feet, Piper stretched and brushed some snow off her cloak. She waited for Marco and his group to pile out of the sleigh before she followed them down.

Marco tossed his cloak back to expose his sword. “Would you like to join us for a drink? I’d be happy to escort you through the town. I hear there are some dangerous parts.”

“No, thank you,” she said with a smile. “I’m meeting a friend.”

“Next time, then,” Marco replied. He motioned for his group members, and they headed toward the heavily guarded gate.

Piper waited for a minute before following in their wake. She’d made plans to meet with Selene at the Aspirant’s Guild in the morning. Her friend should be waiting for her there now.

Passing through the ranks of guards, which seemed to have doubled since the last time she was here, she headed deeper into the town. The roads had been churned up into a mixture of mud and slush, and soon her boots were squishing with each step.

I really need to buy a better pair of boots.

She stopped to ask someone for directions to the guild, and through some miracle, she managed to find it on her third try. She pushed her way inside and waited for her eyes to adjust to the gloom. Her heart sank at the sight of an empty room.

A moment later the clerk came bustling out from the door leading to the bowels of the guild. She stopped in surprise at seeing Piper standing there.

“Oh my,” Beatrice said, smoothing down her dress. “I didn’t hear you come in. Are you looking for a quest?”

“Not exactly,” she replied. “I was supposed to meet my friend here. Her name is Selene. Have you seen her by any chance?”

“Oh yes…”

Piper’s heart soared.

“She sends her regrets, but Lady Selene was called away on important business. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Piper shook her head glumly. Her plans for the day had vanished in an instant. Now, she had no idea what to do with herself for the rest of the day. She really wished Ophelia was here so they could at least have some fun together.

“You know,” Beatrice said, speaking fast as Piper turned around. “I just so happen to have the perfect quest for you.”

“I don’t have a group…”

“No matter,” Beatrice said, a smile plastered on her face. “This one is incredibly easy. A capable aspirant such as yourself should handle it no problem.”

“No, thank you,” Piper said. “I should get going.”

“Are you certain?”

Piper nodded and then turned on her heel. She strode outside, breathing in the crisp air. The one nice thing about winter was that it blunted the foul smell of the city. Not completely, but enough that she could enjoy standing outside without having to hold her breath.

With nothing else to do, she searched for a tavern to buy lunch and a drink. Hopefully, she’d run into Marco and his group, so she could have some company for the rest of the day.

Piper wandered down the street, passing a man leading a flock of geese, and then stepped over a woman passed out in the street with a bottle next to her. After hesitating for a moment, she dragged her over to a doorway. At least this way, the unconscious woman should be protected from the elements and wouldn’t accidentally get run over by a wagon.

As she straightened up, she spotted a sign for a nearby tavern. She jogged over to the door, considering whether she should order some wine with lunch. The last time she’d drunk alcohol, she’d been taken prisoner by the Dawnward Host. But her luck couldn’t possibly be that bad a second time, could it?

Reaching the entrance, she pushed open the door and wrinkled her nose. The scent of unwashed bodies, vomit, and stale beer washed over her. As her eyes adjusted to the gloomy space, she saw dozens of rough-looking men and women crowding the tables. They were drinking from wooden cups while pouring drinks from clay pitchers.

For a second, she considered finding somewhere else to drink. But then a barmaid wearing a simple dress waved her inside. “Come on in already. You’re letting out all the warm air.”

Piper stepped into the tavern, her boots scraping against the floorboards, and let the door swing shut behind her. The barmaid pointed to an empty table in the corner. With a shrug, she walked across the straw-covered floor and settled down on a stool.

The barmaid walked over and leaned across the table. She wore a low-cut dress, most likely to encourage tips from the male patrons. “What can I get for you?”

“I’ll have whatever is cooking in the kitchen. And do you have any wine?”

“I sure do. Any preference?”

Piper just shrugged.

“I’ll find something perfect for you.”

Piper watched the woman hurry into the back and looked up to find the occupants of the nearest tables staring at her. For the second time, she questioned her decision to enter this tavern. With her clean clothes, she stuck out like a sore thumb.

The server arrived a minute later and handed her a mug full of crimson wine. She waited expectantly at the side of the table.

Piper took a sip and smiled. At least the wine tasted good. She handed the woman a copper piece and watched it disappear into the her bosom.

Leaning back slightly, she crossed her legs and continued to sip on the wine as she tried to decide what to do with her day. She wouldn’t mind having a bath, but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as with Ophelia. What else was there to do in a town like this?

The sound of the front door being kicked open made her heart skip a beat. For a second, she expected to look up and see the sisters of the Dawnward Host framed in the doorway. Her relief at not being confronted by members of the order tasked with hunting her down was short-lived; she watched with growing dismay as dozens of heavily armed men pushed their way inside.

All around her, the tavern patrons sprang to their feet, many of them knocking over their stools. Some darted toward the back door, while others tried to climb out the windows. Those attempting to flee were quickly grabbed by the armed men pouring into the tavern.

A grizzled man with graying hair and an oversized chin marched into the room. He glared at those assembled and then raised a piece of parchment to read from it. “Due to the roads being shut by snowstorms, the slaver caravans have been unable to reach the city. The Lord Mayor has granted me a charter to round up new slaves to keep the mines operating.”

He swept his hard eyes over the crowd. “As of now, everyone in this room is a slave. "

Piper sighed and placed her mug back on the rough tabletop. She was seriously starting to think that drinking brought with it some terrible curse.