"How long are you going to just sit there and watch?" Felix muttered, glancing up at the rooftop.
A familiar flutter of wings. "I just enjoyed the show," the Crow cackled, landing beside him.
"This time I need real help," Felix said seriously. "Can you follow them—track where they took Kaelan? I'll inform the others."
The Crow gave a nod, then soared into the sky as Felix sprinted toward the castle courtyard.
Sylra spotted him. "Where were you? And—what's with the blood on your hand?!"
"It's a long story," Felix said, catching his breath. "Can you come with me for now?"
Without a word, Sylra followed. Felix leaned in. "I sent someone to follow the kidnappers. We'll get news soon."
Sylra nodded. "Then let's tell the others—before they act without it."
They found the Commander of the Guard—a tall, broad man with scars that told more stories than words. He stood beside the butler, who looked equally tense.
Felix stepped forward. "I think I can find where they took Kaelan. Just give me a bit of time."
Right on cue, the Crow returned, perching on Felix's shoulder. It whispered in his ear—its words unintelligible to the others.
Sylra raised a brow. "You talk to animals now? What did it say?"
Felix turned grim. "They've taken Kaelan to an inn in the main city. He's hurt. But we can't just storm the place—too many civilians, too many eyes. We need to be smart. Quiet."
The Commander crossed his arms. "What do you propose?"
"If they were smart enough to impersonate soldiers and kidnap Kaelan, they'll be smart enough to expect us. We need to go in disguised—different faces, different clothes. Just four of us: me, Sylra, you," he nodded to the Commander, "and the butler. Everyone else? Stay nearby as undercover patrol. If we need backup, we'll use a loud whistle. No noise unless absolutely necessary."
The butler frowned. "But if something happens—"
Felix cut in. "If we go in with full force, they'll vanish before we even see them. If they scatter, I won't be able to stop them all. Trust me. Four infiltrators and backup outside—it's our best shot."
Sylra nodded. "You're a fast thinker. I'll give you that."
The Commander smirked. "Interesting plan. I'm in."
The butler hesitated—then sighed. "Alright. Let's do it your way."
Inside, they began preparing their disguises. Simple clothes, travel cloaks, and even a few fake moustaches. As the Commander adjusted his new look, he grumbled, "Is this really necessary?"
Felix chuckled. "They've seen our real faces. This gives us a chance to surprise them."
Once ready, they exited through the side gate. The Crow flew low ahead, leading the way, while soldiers patrolled behind at a safe distance, blending in with the city's evening buzz.
The capital's heart was alive—lanterns flickered, merchants called out, and travelers bustled between inns and stalls.
From above, the Crow called out and landed on a rooftop, pointing with its beak.
"That one," Felix said. "That's the place."
They approached the inn. As they reached the door, Felix's eyes widened—he pulled a paper from his coat, the one from the village shopkeeper. The symbols matched.
He smirked. "Luck's on our side."
The inn was moderately busy. They slipped in and took a corner table. A young server approached.
"What can I get you?"
Felix smiled. "Something light to start. We want to enjoy the main course later."
As she walked off, he whispered, "The Crow's probably figured out which room they're in by now."
He excused himself and stepped outside. Whistling softly, the Crow swooped down.
"Did you find it?" Felix asked.
The Crow nodded. "Last room on the right from the front. I almost gave up—then I saw a shadow slip out the window and disappear into the woods. When I peeked inside… Kaelan was lying on the bed, unconscious. One guard in the corner. Two others were arguing beside him."
Felix nodded. "Thank you. We'll take it from here, you can ask for the favour later"
Back inside, the others looked up. "What did you learn?" Sylra asked.
Felix smirked. "Just wait. They'll reveal themselves."
The server returned with small sweets. Felix leaned in again. "Can you call the innkeeper for us?"
She looked hesitant. "We don't really have the authority…"
"Just tell him," Felix said with a wink, "some folks from Village Clover are here to see him."
She looked puzzled, but nodded and went upstairs.
Moments later, the innkeeper emerged, smiling nervously. "Ah! Friends from the village, yes? How was the journey? What can I help you with? What are you expecting?"
Felix leaned forward. "You've been rude to your villagers, haven't you? What if I told you we're here to… inspect the entire inn? Maybe check a few rooms?"
The innkeeper's smile faltered. "Oh, no, no—that's not possible. Some rooms are… occupied. Very sensitive guests…"
He fumbled, stammering excuses. He is sweating though his collar.
Felix's eyes narrowed. The game was shifting again