Chapter 7: Up Against The Wall

　　Without missing a beat, the ten shadow walkers moved swiftly. They swam in the shadows that delighted them to play in the dead of night. They navigated the cobblestone path keeping their chase on the man in the fedora and the Lady. However, Lucille and Rudy stumbled along the cobblestone path, their offbeat pace misaligned with the relentless pursuit they pressed. The darkness they brought extinguished the gas lamps.

　　Lucille`s legs ached from the exertion, her pants chafing and itching. Catching her breath, she instinctively retrieved her notepad and pen, ready to document the unfolding events.

　　"I did not think that they would find us so soon!" Lucille exclaimed, her voice trembling with shock. "Detective! These monsters have got me confused with a noble who looks just like me. I am not who they say they are! I have to start writing this down, so please loosen your grip on my wrist and shoot those Shadow Walkers down!"

　　Rudy, exasperated, shouted back, lowering his gun, "Are you out of your mind? I can`t defeat this creature! It`s a spirit straight out of an ancient epic!"

　　"Don`t these tales always end with the hero triumphing over the villain?" Lucille retorted.

　　Rudolf spat, as he took a left turn. "Damn it"

　　In a moment of resolve, Rudy released his grip on her and threw her up against the wall to safety. He aimed his gun and shot all the bullets into four of the shadow walkers. Unfortunately, the bullets phased through them and they laughed in delight. Rudolf then grabbed Lucille and fled.

　　"Try as you might to flee, we will take you down with glee!" The Shadow Walker giggled maliciously.

　　"Don`t move a muscle!" He screamed, the hand that held the gun trembled. "Or... or else, she`s going to go up high!"

　　"Detective! What are you doing?" Lucille screamed in horror. "Why are you holding me hostage?"

　　Lucille`s words echoed through the night, but Rudolf remained resolute, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and anguish. He struggled to find the right words, torn between duty and his own demons.

　　Lucille`s eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded, "Please, Detective, there must be something we can do. We can`t just give up."

　　"Pitiful, pathetic, cowardly human," the Shadow Walker sneered, its voice dripping with disdain. "Keeping her hostage and threatening to harm Lady Cynthia is indeed a troubling situation, but your actions offer no salvation for Lady Belinda and the consequences you face."

　　The words echoed through the night, chilling Lucille to her core. The Shadow Walker`s presence loomed over them, its calm malevolence casting a dark shadow that seemed to swallow hope itself. Lucille`s mind raced, searching for a way to outwit their formidable adversary.

　　Rudolf`s grip tightened further around Lucille`s wrist, his expression hardening as he faced the imposing presence of the Shadow Walker. Lucille`s heart pounded in her chest, fear and desperation mingling within her. The Shadow Walker`s laugh reverberated through the night, it`s cold disdain cutting through the air. Lucille`s breath hitched as she desperately tried to calm her nerves down.

　　Suddenly, they shot a shadow ball towards Rudolf, which released the grip on Lucille. They rushed towards the detective at an astonishing speed that Rudolf could not evade their attempts. Their dark forms gained fluid-like properties and latched on like a giant tick echoing laughter. Lucille, watching all of this happening, was immobilized by a chilling fear. Rudolf was reaching his hand out as his entire body was being enveloped by a shadow of darkness.

　　"Run!" Rudolf screamed.

　　Lucille felt hesitant, torn between what to do while in dire straits. She felt the need to protect her sister, but the desire to save the criminal detective. Nevertheless, she put those doubts aside and ran as the detective instructed. She looked back to see the seemingly lifeless detective`s body being raised up by the Shadow Walkers. He was a silhouette with the shadow walker`s white lifeless eyes.

　　A bullet whizzed by her hair, removing the hair band which held her hair together. She could not stop now. Regardless of whether or not she was tired, she kept running. Confusion and sorrow engulfed Lucille`s thoughts as she struggled to comprehend the unfathomable. She had always known that he was a distant figure, but now she was faced with a chilling reality that shattered her illusions. Questions swirled in her mind, each one like a dagger piercing her soul. She wondered if Bel remained safe in the inn.

　　"What`s runnin` through yer mind, moonshine!" Dark Rudolf grunted, his lazy drawl refined. He unleashed a barrage of darkness, several shots finding their mark on Lucille`s back. She stumbled but quickly regained her footing.

　　"There ain`t no time for ponderin` what-ifs and could-have-beens. Our focus should be gettin` out of this mess you`ve gotten yerself into. Alive. So we can reach Sordveld and reunite with our parents! Cynthia best be prepared to bring herself and Belinda back."

　　"I`m not Cynthia!" Lucille protested, her voice filled with determination. "I am Lucille Styron! That`s the only name you`ll call me, you twerp!"

　　"Your mother`s blue hair says it all, moonshine. You`ve been disguisin` your true identity with that black dye," the dark figure taunted, a hint of triumph in their voice. Their words rhymed like a mocking poem. "Are ya ashamed of yer lineage? Disgusted by yer mother? Broken down by the death of her beloved sister and the pressures of high society? Come home, Cynthia, and let that bastard die!"

　　"Don`t you dare talk about her like that! I`ve left that world behind, and I won`t allow anyone else to die!" Lucille snapped.

　　Lucille pushed herself to run faster, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. The cobblestone path seemed never-ending, the shadows taunting her with each passing step. She could hear the laughter of the shadow walkers echoing behind her, their presence a constant reminder of the danger lurking in the darkness.

　　Her mind raced, searching for a way to outsmart their pursuers. She glanced around, desperately seeking an escape route. And then she saw it—a narrow alleyway, partially hidden by the shadows. Without hesitation, she veered off the main path and darted into the alley, hoping to lose the shadow walkers in its maze-like twists and turns.

　　As she sprinted through the dimly lit passageway, her heart pounded faster in her chest. She could hear the footsteps of the shadow walkers growing fainter, their laughter fading into the distance. She dared not slow down, fearing they would catch up to her at any moment.

　　Finally, she emerged onto a bustling street, filled with the sounds of carriages and the chatter of pedestrians. Lucille slowed her pace, catching her breath and taking in her surroundings. She realized she had reached the heart of the city, a place teeming with life and activity. Alas, the danger was not over yet.

　　She went into a phone booth, and dialed a number.

　　-break-

　　"So I said, there`s more where I came from." Roland jauntily waved, tossing around a glass of lager. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

　　The guild`s tavern was lively at this time, as it was located nearby the redlight district overlooking the port. It was just a stone`s throw away from the plaza, but many locals, and foreigners visiting especially during the festival season, frequented this place either for the tavern or the burlesque house across the block. There were many incidents of wives pulling men by the ear and shouting that became legend amongst the delinquents and foolhardy.

　　Roland regaled his audience with his life story which he told every time he was in a drunken escapade. He was trailing on top of the tables and slightly spilling his lager on some people, and hushing them by giving cigarettes and lit them up with the snap of a finger. Everyone cheered his name, and goaded him to down more alcohol. His party, which sat on the table opposite to the weirdo, was half-amused but barely.

　　"The witches bagged me up and tossed me into the swamp. I squirmed my way through like a man, and beat the witches with my superior sword. They were off crying once I did my piston attack, and that`s how I chased those monsters away!"

　　"Does he ever behave?" One party member said, a man dressed like a priest. "If the guildmaster sees this, he`ll be back to doing janitor work for Friday and I`ll be punishing him with the words of the Codex."

　　"Heh, that`s always what he does." Another chimed in, a hidden man covered in a cloak. "Regardless, he always sobers up in the end and he is as heroic as he proclaims to be. Even if Morgan does help him willingly or unwillingly."

　　By golly, heroic?" A woman interjected. "If I hear that word again, I`d just kill myself. That piston attack on our friends was not the right way to resolve a situation regarding the potion mixup. Silphium is a powerful tonic. Also, has anyone seen Morgan?"

　　"Morgan? He`s probably by the beach." The priest said. "I saw him running down the docks, and in a rush too. He was with two women, but I cannot recall further."

　　Before anyone could discuss any further, the crowd erupted into wild cheers and applause. The tavern`s patrons watched in awe and disbelief as Roland, much to the bartender`s dismay, effortlessly downed sixty cups of lager and ale. Despite his staggering consumption, he remained surprisingly agile, moving through the tavern with a slight stumble but an unwavering determination.

　　"Wow, Roland." A kid-like voice piped up, "You`re so cool! Now, do another trick! 50 ducats if you`re able to handstand and run towards the sheriff`s within a minute or two!"

　　"No," Roland swiftly replied. "I`m exhausted. The night is upon us, and with it comes a fresh start. My young friends and comrades, it`s time to call it a night."

　　After being heckled by the bartender for depleting the supply, Roland moved away from the bar and made his way towards the table where his party was seated. Each of them had a concerned look as they watched the wacky face of his flush crazily.

　　"Kenneth, Lynn, Rina." He said, bumbling like a senile man. "How`s my face Ken? Is it looking green or something? I can`t tell, I`m seeing stars in the tavern sky and I might meet the Lord."

　　"You look like you`ve got scarlet fever." The priest said, standing up to touch Roland`s face. "Your temperature is fine, however. So you`re not dying anytime soon."

　　"Thank the Lord for that," Roland replied with a relieved smile. He slumped into a chair and exhaled deeply. "I might be a bit worse for wear, but I`m still standing. Another adventure in the books, my friends!" The party chuckled and nodded, relieved to see Roland in good spirits despite his drunken escapades. It was clear he had reached his limit.

　　"So, " Rina spoke, "Have we got plans for a quest tomorrow? I found one for ghost annihilation, and it will give us 700 ducats."

　　"Ghost annihilation? That`s absurd." Lynn retorted. "There`s no such thing as a ghost in this world."

　　"Save your opinions for tomorrow," Rina replied. "I`m not done presenting our options. We`ve got a transport quest for Blackthorn for an inventor named Lincoln Pendleton, and a manhunt for two missing people. It`s not a clear pick, since both give a lot of money."

　　The party exchanged glances, pondering their options. Each quest held its own allure, and they needed to weigh the risks and rewards before making a decision. The prospect of a hefty payout was tempting, but they also had to consider the nature of the quests and their capabilities as a group. It was a decision that required careful consideration.

　　"Missing people?" Roland said with a pique of interest, "Who`re these missing individuals, Rina?"

　　"According to the information, they were a couple from Mafacy. They`ve been missing since Sunday," Rina explained. "The quest was posted by a man named Kilroy. They seem well-off. Should we consider taking this quest?"

　　"Nah, I`m not interested." Roland scoffed. "Let`s go with the transport quest. It`s a good excuse to leave Loreinstad."

　　"I might not be able to join, as I still have my duties to fulfill at the parish," Kenneth said, standing up from his seat. "I hope that`s not a problem."

　　"No, no, not at all. What about you, Lynn? Do you have other obligations that may prevent you from coming?" Rina asked.

　　"I`ve got some things to take care of as well," Lynn replied. "Home`s messy and stuffy. Don`t talk like that again, Roland. Speak normally."

　　Rina and Roland exchanged glances as they realized they would be embarking on the quest alone. Roland`s snoring indicated he would be of no help in the decision-making process. Rina sighed and nodded, accepting the situation.

　　"Just the two of us then?" Rina answered. "It`s not a problem right?"

　　"No, it`s not a problem," Rina replied, her voice tinged with disappointment. "We`ll manage. We`ve handled quests on our own before."

　　She gathered her belongings and stood up from the table, looking down at Roland, who was now sound asleep. Rina gently shook his shoulder, trying to rouse him.

　　"Come on, Roland," she said, her voice laced with a hint of frustration. "You can`t sleep here. We need to head back to the inn and make preparations for tomorrow."

　　Roland groggily opened his eyes and blinked, struggling to regain his bearings. He slowly sat up, rubbing his temples and yawning.

　　"Right, right," Roland mumbled, his speech slurred. "Tomorrow... quest... I`m ready."

　　Rina shook her head, knowing Roland would need some time to recover from his intoxication. She offered him a hand, helping him to his feet.

　　"So, same place at noon, guys?" Rina asked, addressing Kenneth and Lynn.

　　"Yep," Kenneth and Lynn answered in unison.

　　Rina glanced at Roland, still struggling to find his balance, and made a quick decision. Rather than relying on him to walk on his own, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She walked along the street, avoiding eye contact with passersby, and then crouched down slightly. With a grunt of effort, she hoisted Roland onto her back, his weight supported by her strong shoulders.

　　"You`re going to have to ride, Roland," she said, adjusting her grip to ensure his stability. "Don`t worry, I`ve got you."

　　Roland, surprised by Rina`s strength and resourcefulness, could only manage a mumbled response. He wrapped his arms around her neck, holding on tightly as she carried him through the streets of Loreinstad.

　　As she walked, Rina heard a bloodcurdling scream pierce through the air. Her curiosity piqued, she immediately veered towards the source of the sound, her instincts as an adventurer kicking in.

　　Rounding a corner, Rina found herself in a dimly lit alleyway. There, she spotted a woman being cornered by a dark man wearing a fedora and holding a gun at her. She hid against the wall, holding Roland still as he dozed in a dream.

　　"Now then. Don`t resist. Let me take you home."

　　"Never!" The young woman screamed.

　　Rina`s heart raced as she witnessed the distressing scene unfold before her eyes. Without a moment`s hesitation, she sprang into action, carefully maneuvering herself and Roland to remain hidden in the shadows.

　　Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Rina stepped forward, her fists clenched, her voice calm but assertive. "Let the woman go. You`re making a mistake."

　　The man turned towards Rina, his unnerving white eyes filled with a mix of surprise and annoyance. He tightened his grip on the gun, his gaze flickering between Rina and the woman.

　　"Oh, a hero, huh?" he sneered. "This doesn`t concern you, so stay out of it."

　　Rina quickly ran towards the dark figure and released a punch. However the punch simply phased through her and she was shocked. Just as the dark figure was about to make his next move, a voice echoed from behind him. "Hold it right there!"

　　Startled, both Rina and the man turned to see a group of city guards approaching the scene. They had been alerted by the commotion and were now closing in on the alley.

　　"You`re with the guild right?" The constable leading the party said, approaching the woman. "Let us handle this. We`ve gotten a call from that woman about a dark man harassing her. Talk about a coincidence, we got the wrong guy earlier."

　　"What do you mean you got the wrong guy?" Rina said, confusedly.

　　The constable sighed, realizing he had misspoken. "Apologies for the confusion. What I meant was that earlier today, we apprehended someone who matched the description of the suspect, hurting him in the process. Turns out it was this prick, not the poor man we arrested."

　　Caught off guard, the dark figure hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Rina, the woman, and the approaching guards. Sensing the odds stacked against him, he made a split-second decision and swiftly retreated into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

　　With the immediate danger gone, Rina approached the young woman, offering her a comforting hand. "Are you alright?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

　　But the woman was silent.