Chapter Twenty-eight – Treetops and nighttime visitors
“She said she would come to Rosewood after she sent a few messages to the other plane’s astronomers.”
“I thought we went there to check out the cave,” wondered the illusionist – he hadn’t set foot in the cave during their trip.
“I did while you were out,” said Andin.
“Why was Perc in your bed a few nights ago?”
“She said she was scared of the storm.”
“But you didn’t?” asked Fake somehow knowing the answer.
“No.”
“What’s with you man?” asked Fake perplexed.
Andin shrugged, even he wasn’t sure. Andin looked over his shoulder; they were alone on the bow of the courier ship. “Fake, what’s the Express?” he asked.
Fake looked over his shoulder to confirm it was indeed safe to talk. “They would kill me a hundred times over if they found out I told you anything,” he said smiling.
“It started as a smuggling ring from the Brother’s restrictive customs regulations. It grew into something bigger though. Now it serves as facilitator for nearly anything you can think of; goods, services, publications, I even got the glass music card I used at the pub that night from it,” explained Fake.
“It’s tricky for an outsider to get in; the management is the definition of cautious paranoia. But my particular set of skills was too irresistible for them; I was recruited a week after we reached the Academy.” Andin’s eyes widened in surprise when Fake said this.
“That explains the mushrooms,” laughed Andin.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before; the whole secret society thing was just so irresistible,” apologized Fake.
Andin wasn’t bothered, “These things, they take time.”
“Why did you ask?” questioned Fake, returning them back to the subject at hand.
“I need you to find out if our mystery man paid his way from Perc’s island to the Prestle’s.”
“That I can do,” said Fake looking over his shoulder.
Andin looked back from the bow at the crew, “Are these guys in it?”
“Those two are,” pointed Fake subtly.
“How can you tell?”
“Well for one a ton of courier sailors are, but the Express displays membership by showing any two of five markers.”
“Which are?” asked Andin curiously.
Fake shook his head, “I’m sorry but my contacts won’t be useful if I get expelled for sharing too many secrets.” Andin wasn’t bothered; he was already certain his theory was correct. The mystery man had somehow opened a portal on Perc’s island, sailed to the Prestle’s, and murdered them.
Awhile later Fake entered their cabin. Fake said nothing but looked at Andin and nodded, confirming his theory. They both wanted to discuss the implications but it was too great of a risk on the small courier vessel. The boat rocked them steadily forward as it would for the rest of the voyage.