Irwin's Journey - The Cardsmith

Daubutim watched as a group of badly dressed, dispirited people walked across the square towards Tensor's smithy. Three silver-eyed heart-carded guards walked with them. He stared at a petite woman in the third row, glaring at the ground as she trudged on beside Tanya, the sorceress that had helped him and Irwin long ago. Both had changed greatly, the sorcerers sporting a weary, sad look, new wrinkles around her eyes making her look older than she likely was. Twintin had grown, though she was still shorter than he had been at ten, but her sharp, angry features made her look older than she was.

Twintin, Daubutim thought as he watched her approach. Would she remember him? Probably, though, he had found that other people forgot the most odd things.

"Tssk, they look like they need a year to get back to any fighting shape," Indoutor grunted. "Are you sure our old friend can't send us some stronger carded? Some of those silver-eyed ones would be great."

Daubutim glanced at his cousin, noting the large pack on his back. Part of it was probably filled with cards that were deemed useless here, but compared to what was on Giard, it would be a great boon to the people.

If they are still there, he thought, wondering how much time had passed on Giard. He knew there was barely any time dilation between here and there, mostly due to the amount of portals, but even a few days could be troublesome.

"Just make sure you don't get into trouble with the demons inside the Esterdon ruins," Daubutim said calmly.

Indoutor barked a laugh. "Cousin, who of us has spent years guarding that place? Me. I'll get out of there safely, don't worry. Especially with this little trick," he added as he patted the back of his hand that held his newest cards. He had two full hands now, though he'd not yet managed to combine those in his right hand.

The group, led by the guards, arrived before them, and Daubutim saw a few angry glares focused on him and Indoutor. One of the guards moved forward, looking at them with a frown before turning to Daubutim.

"You are the Apprentice Librarian, Daubutim?" he asked calmly.

"I am," Daubutim stated.

"These are the serfs that are to be handed into your custody. I was told to escort you and them to a location of your choice. Are you ready to leave?"

Daubutim nodded. It had been two full days since he'd spoken with Gelwin, in which he'd scrambled around to create the stages of the trap. It was both simple, and convoluted, with multiple layers, and several roads to success. If he hadn't had the step-by-step process, he knew he'd probably been unable to enact it. All in all, he knew there was only a single way for it to completely fail.

Let's hope he is somewhere close by and doesn't just send out Lamia, he thought as he kept himself from looking up and around.

"Yes, please follow me," he said as he walked away, ignoring the angry glances.

The guards nodded and prodded the group of serfs to follow them as they walked through the district towards a building Gelwin had indicated was where Daubutim was to head to. He hadn't spoken with the ancient sorcerer again but had gotten a simple paper with some instructions, which he had burned immediately after reading.

They continued moving until they were in an area of the city Daubutim had only been once, and that was filled with smaller houses and taller buildings with rooms for serfs. Their goal was a low, wide building covering one side of a square. It had a double door, and as they entered, Daubutim heard worried mutterings from the people behind them.

The inside of the building was filled with containers and large boxes with a path leading to a room in the back. Daubutim's gaze passed over it, trying not to move to the ceiling. He took a look around, then nodded as he turned to the guards.

"Alright. We will be fine from here."

The guards looked at him, and he noticed a few gazes drifting to his hands before going back up.

"Are you sure you will be alright?" the lead guard finally asked. "You will be responsible for anything that happens after this…"

It was obvious what he was implying, but Daubutim just nodded.

"I know."

"Suit yourself," the guard muttered before motioning the others back to the entrance. "Head out."

As soon as the last guard left and the door was closed, the people around them began asking questions.

Daubutim immediately raised his hand, but before he could speak, Indoutor did.

"Quiet! Questions will need to wait until later. We got you free at great expense, so the least you can do for now is shut up and follow orders," he snapped, glaring across the group.

Besides Daubutim, he was the largest person, and many shrank back from his aggressiveness. Only Tanya held her ground, turning her gaze on Daubutim.

"I remember you," she said, her voice slightly dull.

Daubutim clearly recalled her upbeat, happy way of speaking from what seemed like years ago. He knew that for her unless she had gone into many portals, barely a year had passed.

"Yes," he said, the memories as fresh as if it had been mere moments ago. "It was back in Wignut."

A soft hiss came from Twintin, and she glared at him.

"Where's Irwin," she snapped. "And don't tell me he died!"

Daubutim looked at her, then turned back to Tanya.

"We need to talk, but not here. Follow me."

He didn't wait to see if they would but instead moved towards the room. There was a small chance that Tanya and the others would act up, but between their current state and his and Indoutors strength, he was sure they could handle whatever the group tried. He kept his eyes straight, making sure not to look up or around too much, glad to hear the curses and mutterings before the group followed him.

When he reached the room, he noticed the dozens of boxes lined up, almost like seats, and he nodded as he moved to stand opposite them.

"Alright, have a seat," he said as he motioned at the boxes.

Most of the group moved there, seeming relieved to be able to sit. Tanya and Twintin remained standing, one looking at him with a worrisome look, the other one with unconcealed anger. Normally it would have made him very uncomfortable, as it meant he had to handle it, but right now it was exactly what he needed. A reason to talk about some things and hopefully peak Uxin'tars interest and get him to come closer.

Daubutim focused on Twintin. His father had taught him multiple ways to handle disgruntled or spiteful followers, and although he had never needed to use any, he had practiced them.

"You seem angry," he said calmly. "Why?"

Twintin's mouth fell open, then her anger turned to hate.

"Why? Why!? You got my friend killed just so you could steal her card! You tried to get us all killed, and-"

Daubutim shook his head, raising his voice. "No, we didn't," he snapped coldly. He noticed Indoutor step forward but raised his hand to keep him from interfering.

"Rachel's death was both unfortunate and partly her own fault," he said, recalling how the curly-haired girl had tried to leave the portal during a dangerous time.

"What!?" Twintin snapped. "You could have saved her, but-"

"No," Daubutim said as he shook his head. "I can understand you might not recall what happened, but I do."

Twintin opened her mouth again, but he raised his hand and began talking quietly and calmly, regaling everything that had happened from the vines to how he had found the shield card after Rachel had died. Midway through, he saw Twintin stare at him in disbelief, shaking her head.

"That's not what happened," she whispered.

Daubutim cocked his head. "It is exactly what happened," he said.

Twintin gnashed her teeth, then glared at him. "And what about that anvil? It could have helped! It was so powerful, and you all just held it to yourself! You could have helped-"

"We did help," Daubutim said. "Currently, there are smiths in our world that know the basics of reforging cards."

He saw a look of surprised interest on Tanya's face, but he didn't care. After everything that had happened, none of this mattered. Besides, he wasn't holding this conversation with Twintin for her sake. He kept himself from looking up.

"I don't believe you," Twintin snapped, but Daubutim didn't listen.

Come on, I'm sure you are around here somewhere and want to know what I've been up to, he thought. He barely finished his thought when a weary sigh came from the back of the room, causing everyone to jump in surprise.

"It took you a long time to get back," Lamia said as she walked out of the shadows. Her face was thin and pale, her hair disheveled, and there was a sad look in her eyes.

Daubutim didn't respond but simply stared at her.

At least I'll get her away from him, he thought.

Lamia looked at the group that was softly muttering.

"He wants to know how you got all of them and why."

"I want to send them back to Giard," Daubutim said calmly. What he needed to do now was stall for as long as possible.

Lamia cocked her head and then grimaced.

"He says to answer the questions. How?"

"I paid for their release," Daubutim said. The small lie caused his mind to reel slightly, but he managed to placate himself with the technicality that he did pay for them. Just not in the way he was implying.

Lamia grimaced again, then she sighed.

Indoutor tisked from behind, and Daubutim was happy he had told his cousin part of what was going to happen.

"Did you find him?" Lamia asked, her voice weary.

Daubutim looked at her. Now was the moment of truth.

"Yes," he said calmly, seeing her face go rigid before she looked up in surprise.

"You did?" she said before taking a step forward. "Where is he?"

Daubutim felt a tiny shiver of sympathy at the hope and pain in her voice. She must believe or hope that Uxin'tar would let her leave if he found Gelwin.

"I can't tell him yet," Daubutim said as he shook his head. "I need to figure out how to bring these people back first."

This time his mind balked at the outright lie. He knew how to get them back, and he knew he could tell. His mind began tugging at his consciousness, his normality, and it took all his effort to keep himself in here. Even then, he almost missed what Lamia said. His memory snapped into focus, as did his eyes on her.

"I understand he wants to know, but I-"

Lamia stumbled, her hands clutched on her head. For a moment, she seemed ready to scream as pain rippled over her face. Then she looked up, tiny drops of blood leaking from her nose. "Where is he?" she whispered.

There was a rush of whispers from behind, followed by a snapped quiet from Indoutor.

Daubutim looked up at the ceiling and frowned. "Help me get them back, and I'll tell you," he said.

"You wanted help with your father- tell me, or you will never see him again," Lamia croaked.

Daubutim felt sad at the pain she was going through, but he had to continue. He needed to make sure Uxin'tar was here, or at least close.

"Bring them to Giard," he said, crossing his arms.

Lamia stumbled forward, then sagged on the ground, her head thudding against the ground.

Daubutim nearly held his breath.

I hope Father was right, he thought.

Seconds ticked by, and he was starting to worry when he finally heard the voice he'd been hoping to hear.

"Do you think you can trick me this easy, boy?" an ancient, croaky voice asked from high above.

Daubutim looked up to see a shadowy figure standing there. It was impossible to know if it was Uxin'tar or some skill he was using, but even if it was, he would need to be close by to use it. Hopefully.

"No," Daubutim answered honestly.

"I can sense those guards hiding around outside. Did you think I'd be foolish enough to come here and let them capture me? Tell me where Gelwin is, or I'll kill everyone in this room!"

This time there was a chatter from behind, some about Gelwin, some in fear, but what stood out to him was Tanya's startled shout.

"Elder Uxin'tar?"

There was no response to her, which Daubutim had not expected.

"Bring them back to Giard," Daubutim said, trying to let some of his dullness flow into his voice. It came so easy he almost feared he would lose himself.

"They are coming inside, but if you think I can't kill everyone," Uxin'tar roared. A dull hiss, like gas escaping through a narrow crack came from all around, and Daubutim frowned as he saw pale gas flow through all cracks in the room.

What card is that?

Before he could speak, he sensed a powerful pressure emanating from Uxin'tar. His breath faltered in his throat as he recognized it as something he'd sensed a few times before. Once when Irwin and he had encountered the Bablibon and a second time when he had spoken with Gelwin.

"Where. Is. Gelwin!"

Daubutim felt his heartbeat rise, and he began breathing raggedly. He hadn't been expecting the pressure, but the other things were in line with what he'd learned.

“In… the… Library," he muttered.

A dull rumbling explosion came from outside, followed by screams and shouts.

"Where! What building?" Uxin'tar growled. "Details, boy!"

The pressure lessened enough for Daubutim to speak normally.

"I don't know," he said, speaking the truth.

There was a moment of silence, then another explosion rang from outside, followed by an angry hiss. Then the pressure vanished completely. A deafening bird screech came from outside, rapidly distancing itself.

Daubutim straightened himself and looked around to see the group huddled to the back wall with only Tanya and Twintin standing before them. Indoutor stood far to the side, looking up with a frown before sharing a quick look with Daubutim.

The door of the building, behind the corridor of crates, burst open, and a dozen guards stormed in. Two turned into bluish blurs that zipped away into the larger area outside of his vision. The others sprinted toward them so fast he could barely see their arms move.

"Everyone, stay still and calm," Daubutim said as he remained where he was.

Two guards stopped before him, their silvery eyes burning bright and angry looks on their faces.

"Did you catch him?" Daubutim asked, knowing the answer already.

"No! And you could have warned us that we had to deal with a soulcarded!"

Daubutim blinked in surprise. He'd expected Uxin'tar to be powerful, but soulcarded? How could that even possibly be true?

"That can't be true," he muttered before he could stop himself. "I saw his hands, he still had cards-"

"Because he is working on another heart card to eventually turn into another soulcard!" the guard snarled.

Daubutim blinked, using the sudden anger directed at him to stop thinking about Uxin'tars soulcards. He couldn't risk his mind spiraling upon itself.

The guard stared back, then took a few deep breaths and took a step back. The one beside him whispered something at him urgently, and the guard nodded as he cast a final glance at Daubutim before leaving.

The other guard looked at Daubutim calmly. "My apologies for my colleagues' behavior, Apprentice Librarian. However, two guards were just killed because we were misinformed. Now, if you don't mind, we will search the perimeter for anything that might lead us to find this murderer. We will come and ask you some questions later."

Daubutim nodded, repressing his surprise at Uxin'tar having soulcards.

Sorry, Lamia, he thought. But I can't take any risks.

"Before you leave, could you look after my friend? She's a smith with Tensor's charter. The murderer had her captive and did something to her mind. She was unable to resist him, and now she seems injured."

As he spoke, the guard's eyes widened, and he rushed to the side of Lamia. He shouted out, and within moments, a blue blur appeared beside him, reforming into a tall guard with striking blue hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She quickly knelt.

"Take this Smith to the central registry and tell them to check her for mind alterations! Don't let anything hurt her, and make sure you use blink because the killer might want to get his hands on her!"

"On it," the woman said as she bent down, grabbed Lamia's unconscious form, and vanished in a blue swirl. There was no blur, no movement; they were there, then gone.

The guard got up and looked at Daubutim, a slightly grateful look on his face this time.

"I'll make sure your friend is helped, but she might not be back anytime soon. We will need to get all the information we can get from her."

Daubutim nodded, then waited as the guard left.

A short while later, a group of guards returned.

"The captain told us to escort you back to Tensor's smithy," they said.

Daubutim nodded. "I understand, but I have orders from one of the Master Librarians to escort them to the southern Library building. There should be someone waiting for you there," he said

The guard frowned, hesitated, then nodded. He didn't seem willing to debate if what Daubutim was saying was true.

Daubutim turned to Indoutor. “Good luck.”

Indoutor smirked and nodded before turning to the group of Giardians.

"Follow me, and keep your mouths shut," he said before walking out of the building.

Daubutim emotionlessly watched them leave before walking out of the building. Dozens of guards were still moving around, and he looked up and around.

"Can you escort me back to Tensor's?" he asked one of the guards, getting a surprised look.

It took a few moments to arrange his escort, but after he did, they got him back to Tensors without incident.

Walking into the building, Daubutim headed directly to Ichela, who was standing behind the wooden desk. There were no smiths there, and as Daubutim approached, she looked at him with interest. He'd not interacted with her a lot.

"Lamia, the smith that disappeared, has been found and is now in the central registry. She was likely under some form of mind control."

Ichela's mouth fell open. Then she began nodding.

"I'll get someone out there to find out what's going on right away," she said before looking at him. "Daubutim, right? Irwin's serf?"

"Daubutim raised his finger to point at the pin on his shirt.

"Oh! My apologies, and congratulations on becoming an Apprentice Librarian!" Ichela shouted.

"Thank you. Now please have someone look after Lamia. She is a friend of mine and Irwin."

"Of course! I'll take care of it right away!"

Daubutim nodded and headed out and back to Irwin's room. As he reached the door, he looked around, but there was nobody there. Taking a deep breath, he pulled open the door and stepped inside quickly. Gawarn, Balarn's brother, was sitting on one of the beds, and he jumped up when Daubutim entered.

"Man! That was incredible! Did you see what happened to the buildings?"

Daubutim nodded.

"Yes. But more importantly, did you manage to do as I asked?"

Gawarn grimaced and shrugged.

Daubutim felt a wave of worry.

"They said it worked, but according to them, it was so difficult that they wanted double pay."

Daubutim blinked. "But did it work?"

"Yes, they say they can track him. Listen… I know employing these underground is illegal, but are you sure we shouldn't just tell the guards? I mean, that guy killed guards!"

Daubutim cocked his head, seriously contemplating it for a moment. He'd not expected Uxin'tar to have soulcards.

Wait… perhaps he doesn't and has something else that does this? He hesitated and instantly felt his mind begin to slow.

"Not yet," he grunted quickly. "How do we get his location?"

Gawarn looked at him, then shrugged. "I contact them, and they tell me. It will cost a bit each time."

Daubutim wanted nothing more than to sit down on the bed and rest. He had taxed his mind too much the last few days and needed sleep.

First, I need to talk with Gelwin.

"Alright. I need to head back to the Library. Wait for a few hours, then get his position and find me at the Librarian's eastern entrance. I'll have someone wait for you."

Gawarn nodded. "Alright. I hope you know what you're doing…"

Daubutim didn't answer but walked back out.

--

Irwin stretched his sore muscles, watching Crithann walk away. The towering Viridian showed no sign of having just exerted himself, and Irwin sighed.

Perhaps he has some form of endurance card even better than mine? he wondered.

"You're becoming a monster with that hammer, you know?"

Irwin looked at Greldo, lying with his back against the side of Coal. His friend had been watching his practice sessions for a while now but hadn't been at all interested in joining.

"Well, I'm sure Scintilla and Hotzli will have you spinning around that new toy soon enough," Irwin said as he gestured at the wide short sword lying beside Greldo.

"Probably, but I don't think I'd like my odds against you," Greldo snapped. "Anyway, Scintilla asked me to ask you if you could create another steambath for her and the other Ignitzions."

Irwin grimaced, then nodded.

"Sure, tell them to meet me beyond the wall in an hour."

"What? Not allowed inside the city anymore?" Greldo asked, laughing.

"Crithann told me that the sounds they make are distracting the young Viridians," Irwin said with a smirk.

He heard Greldo mutter something, which he ignored as he cracked his arms.

"It's been three weeks," Greldo said, the hilarity out of his voice.

"I know," Irwin said as he sighed.

"It's time we decide what to do if they don't come back instead of beating around the bush."

"I know," Irwin said, feeling his agitation grow. Still, he knew Greldo was right. "Let's go and talk with the others tomorrow."

"Did you decide what you think we should do?"

Irwin looked out across the rapidly growing town. Another three weeks had grown it to be bigger than the initial one, and another few hundred Viridians had joined them.

"Maybe," he lied.

"Well… that's good," Greldo grunted as he got up. "I hope it doesn't involve staying here for another month."

Irwin didn't respond as he gazed at the town without really seeing it.

Yeah… Sadly, it might, he thought.