Chapter 19: Low Street (1)

Chapter 19: Low Street (1)

Wed probably get better results if we werent dressed as mages, Satahsusar said as she climbed out of the cart. Looking around Harborview, she sniffed as though shed detected a foul odor.

Xerxes dislike of her grew stronger. You think this place stinks? Try smelling an Abhorrent up close.

Ninsunu cast a sharp glance at him. Seer Xerxes, you might be the same rank as Seer Satahsusar, but in terms of seniority, youre far from being her equal. Please consider that.

He ducked his head. Yes, High Seer.

He looked away from Satahsusar, who was apparently returning the favor. He was hoping to avoid mentioning that hed been born in Harborview. It wasnt a big secret, but neither was it common knowledge, as his father had moved the family out of the neighborhood before Xerxes reached his teen years.

Though the neighborhood they lived in now was no shantytown, it wasnt a place that people vied to move into. In fact, his familys current abode would be considered substandard for virtually all Isinian mages. Almost everyone from Gandashs family to Mystic Aban Saddi lived in the hilly Garden Terrace area closer to the keep.

This way, Ninsunu said, leaving orders with the soldiers to stay put until she called for them.

You really want to go into this slum alone? Satahsusar said.

This isnt my first time dealing with cultists, was the answer.

He glared at Satahsusar, expecting a quip, but she didnt say anything.

By the time his father became Sighted, his mother was already pregnant with baby Xerxes. The following years had been full of hard choices. After all, though Sighted individuals did have a small level of physical superiority compared to Unsighted, until they achieved their first breakthrough and became Seers, they would have to struggle to outperform talented athletes and professional soldiers. And without any spells to cast, they had little else going for them.

Rich families could afford to have children drop everything to focus on magical studies. But a young man struggling to feed a family while living in Harborview couldnt just sit around all day meditating to build a chamber of energy. In fact, his father had only become a Seer a few years before Xerxes himself became Sighted.

In any case, Xerxes didnt want to get into all of that. Yeah, you could call me a Harborview local, I guess. Whats the street name?

Low Street, Ninsunu said.

Xerxes looked at the five streets that fed into the small square. He pointed at one. Thats it right there. You can tell by the marks on the corner bricks.

She peered in the direction hed pointed, craning her neck to make out the details on the corner of the building.

I see what you mean, Ninsunu said. Thanks, Seer Xerxes. It would have taken me quite a while to piece the clues together. Glancing at the locals in the square, she lowered her voice. Theres a personal residence near the end of Low Street. A mansion of sorts. The owner is Enki, who runs a fishing business that I believe to be a front for cult activity. The reason you two are here is to provide two possible options, depending on what plays out. Xerk, youre the muscle. Be ready to crack skulls at a moments notice. Sata, youre our clairvoyant. If this turns into some sort of mind-game, youre going to be the star of the show.

As a Hasasu Seer, Satahsusar wasnt truly clairvoyant. But she could sense emotions via spellcasting, an ability that could come in very handy during investigations, interrogations, and the like.

Not giving any further explanation, Ninsunu crossed the square toward the street Xerxes had identified. Satahsusar followed, with Xerxes bringing up the rear.