Emisarry Of Time And Space Chapter 214 215: What a pain.

(A/N A huge thank you to all for the Power Stones and Golden Tickets; they are greatly valued. As always, feel free to leave comments or reviews. ENJOY)

Power Stones, bestow them upon me.

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"Summon Gaf to my presence," the boss commanded, his gaze locked onto the guard.

Without a moment's delay, the guard acknowledged the order and departed.

Concealed within the fabric of space, Thaddeus and Arlen turned their attention toward Erevan simultaneously. Though no words were exchanged, their questioning gazes were evident.

What is our next move?

Erevan offered no immediate response. His eyes remained fixed on the boss, his expression inscrutable, yet his mind raced through a myriad of potential outcomes. A report to the emperor. Internal power dynamics. Falad's current standing. The upcoming elevation ceremony. So many critical junctures converged here, and misinterpreting even one could lead to total collapse.

He made a small, almost imperceptible gesture with his hand.

Wait.

They remained motionless.

Several minutes transpired.

The door swung open once more, and this time, the guard returned accompanied by another Sylgrid. An immediate distinction set this individual apart from the others. He moved with a languid, uninhibited swagger, the pungent aroma of alcohol heavy about him. His green skin was flushed, and a broad grin stretched across his face as he clutched a bottle by its neck.

"This had better be significant, boss," the Sylgrid declared, collapsing into a chair opposite the desk. "I was deeply engrossed in something quite entertaining."

"Silence and read," the boss ordered curtly, sliding the document across the table.

The Sylgrid—identified as Gaf—casually caught the paper and scanned its contents. His jovial expression gradually waned, replaced by a pensive frown. Then, as swiftly as it had vanished, a smirk resurfaced.

"Falad has always favored a fiery approach," Gaf remarked with a low chuckle. "But to endanger the prince's elevation, that's..."

"Reckless," the boss interjected sharply.

Gaf merely shook his head, a glimmer of amusement still playing in his eyes.

"I was about to say 'suspicious'."

This comment elicited a pointed look.

"You suspect he's manipulating us?" the boss inquired.

"Manipulation?" Gaf took another pull from his bottle. "I'm uncertain. But he is undoubtedly plotting something."

Leaning back, the boss began tapping his fingers rhythmically on the tabletop.

"Hmmm..."

"You shouldn't overthink matters, boss," Gaf added nonchalantly. "It tends to make your head appear larger."

An immediate scowl contorted the boss's face.

"You—"

"Meaning," Gaf continued, entirely unperturbed, "whatever Falad is orchestrating, I doubt it directly targets us. And even if it does, our only task is to thwart it. One way or another."

"So, we report him," the boss stated deliberately.

"Absolutely," Gaf affirmed. "Regardless of his intentions, the emperor will never countenance actions that undermine his vision of liberty."

"And what if this is part of Falad's own strategy?" the boss probed.

"Then the objective eludes me," Gaf stated with a shrug. "In either scenario, you are free to stand aside if you harbor reservations. Simply observe the unfolding events."

He took another long drink.

"Eventually, the truth will be revealed, no matter the path taken."

The boss exhaled, clearly conflicted.

"Yet, this presents an opportunity to gain imperial favor," he murmured.

"The decision rests with you," Gaf responded.

A brief silence settled between them.

"Very well," the boss finally declared. "For the present, investigate the humans. Confirm their presence. Avoid any direct contact."

"And should they be located?" Gaf inquired.

"Report back. Maintain observation for a few days. After today, five days remain until the elevation. It is plausible that something noteworthy may transpire."

A grin spread across Gaf's face.

"How fortunate for the prince," he declared with mock drama. "Years of Sylgrid servitude, now served upon a silver platter. My envy is boundless."

"Refrain from any rash actions," the boss cautioned.

"Oh, relax," Gaf replied with a chuckle. "I am fully aware of the required prudence."

"Good. Depart immediately."

Gaf rose, took a final sip, offered a casual wave, and then exited.

The boss motioned for the guard to resume his post.

This was the signal for the trio.

They departed soundlessly, tailing the guard back through the concealed lair until he reassumed his position beside the other sentinel. Once they were clear, the space around them warped, and they reappeared atop a darkened rooftop, distant from the hideout.

"Our plan?" Arlen inquired softly.

"Return first," Erevan responded. "We must ensure complete alignment among our group."

They moved with haste.

Upon their return to their temporary refuge, they discovered Jalen seated cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, with a large sheet of parchment spread before him. A pen moved with steady precision in his hand, meticulously sketching intricate lines and notations.

Seris and Selene stood nearby, their attention fully absorbed by the unfolding diagram.

The instant Thaddeus deactivated their concealment, all three heads snapped in their direction.

Thaddeus let out a soft chuckle.

"One might assume you would have grown accustomed to such sudden appearances by now."

They regarded him with unimpressed expressions.

"Considering our current location," Seris stated dryly, "I believe a startled reaction is entirely warranted."

Her gaze shifted.

"You arrived ahead of schedule. Was the boy lost?"

"Quite the opposite," Erevan responded.

After ensuring the room was secure, he detailed everything – Jak's treachery, their hideout, the boss, Gaf, the emperor, Falad's exposure, and their decision to merely observe instead of intervening.

As his account concluded, a profound silence descended.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone present.

The quiet persisted.

"So, we are to be under constant observation from this point forward?" Selene inquired, a slight displeasure creasing her brow.

"This development presents considerable difficulties," Seris remarked.

"Without the liberty to move freely, our investigation into the jade will be severely hampered," Arlen stated with a weary sigh, sinking into a nearby chair.

"Setting that aside, Falad is undoubtedly more than he appears to be," Erevan commented.

"You suspect they are correct in their assertion that he is involved in something clandestine?" Seris questioned.

"I was present, and the manner in which they discussed him leads me to doubt his purported innocence," Thaddeus offered.

"He is facilitating the entry of another race into his own capital; 'innocent' hardly seems an appropriate descriptor for such actions," Arlen interjected, raising an eyebrow.

"That is not the essence of my concern," Thaddeus clarified, his gaze fixed on the world outside the window. "He professes a debt to Tala and is prepared to jeopardize his own safety to honor this obligation."

"A noble sentiment, it would seem," Seris observed.

"Precisely, his words convey honor, yet our prior intelligence regarding him painted a far less virtuous picture," Thaddeus countered.

"You believe he harbors ulterior motives concerning us?" Selene probed.

Thaddeus offered a noncommittal shrug.

Seris let out a weary sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"What an utterly tiresome predicament."