147 Assistance (2/2)
”How are the farmers?” said Li.
Alexei motioned to the soldiers around him. ”With the full might of my horde, they are certainly well guarded. None of them have fallen to harm and rest within the mansion, albeit perhaps a bit jarred from the whole experience. Alas, it is a shame that I did not send a stronger security detail to the farmers that were slain. I had not foreseen such a powerful attack.”
Li shook his head. ”Don't worry about it. The simple fact that you read ahead to send your men already saved plenty of lives, and in the grand scheme of things, three deaths does not mean much.”
Alexei raised a brow in minor surprise before easing it back into his usual icy expression. ”Indeed, that is so. And the killer? Does it remain in large?”
”I've taken care of it.”
”I must thank you, then,” said Alexei as he bowed. ”I do not tolerate the deaths of any within my horde. Were it not for you, then I would have myself taken flight to bring vengeance upon the killer.”
”Trust me, vengeance has been served plenty enough.” Li cut to the next topic in order, knowing time was sensitive. ”Alexei, can you move the farmers to the Golden Flagon?”
”Certainly, that is a matter of no issue,” said Alexei as he stood up. ”Hm. My informant among the knights of Lys has informed me of the details of this case. I will not question your actions are, but I suspect that you have more details for me than simply moving the farmers, no?”
”Correct. I want you to transport them in your fastest security carriages. Security can be lighter – threats have been dealt with. However, do not just drop them off by the Flagon. Keep them near it but hidden from sight, perhaps in the next alleyway over. Station one of your men outside the Flagon and tell him that when I give a signal, he should bring the farmers over.”
”That can be arranged.” Alexei clapped his hands, his voice raising several pitches and gaining a surprisingly sharp edge of authority. ”I have already relayed the Great One's requests. I trust you to organize accordingly to them.”
In an instant, several of the vampire knights shuffled away in unison, some going into the mansion to fetch the farmers, others going around to get hold of the carriages, others running to the stables to fetch steeds.
”It will take no more than thirty minutes to transport the farmers there,” said Alexei. ”That will be far quicker than the others on the case making their way there.”
Li suppressed surprise at the fact that the count knew the exact reason why Li wanted the transport to be fast. At this point, he could not be surprised by the count's perception. ”That's all I need. The rest, I can handle. As always, thank you for the help.”
Alexei bowed. ”It is my pleasure. Though my visage shows little, know I am eager to see how you will swing this case to your favor.”
Li nodded and turned around, sprouting this time the wings of the moth creature Itzpapalotl to generate the obscuring aura inherent to it. He leaped into the air and then swiftly propelled himself away from the noble estates, down the side of the hill. He circled around and made his way over to the city.
The speed of Li's flight was quick, and no human could have perceived him in the night, his form wreathed with obscuring shadow on top of being as quick as a blur. Within a few minutes, he reached the Flagon. It stood like a shining beacon amidst the darkness, every single light lit within. He landed himself a little ways from the inn to minimize his presence and made his way through the streets until he found himself directly in front of the Flagon's doors.
Li had a little over twenty minutes to figure out how Iona had done with he beastwomen. After that, he had perhaps another half hour before the adventurers and heroes came. Hopefully, Iona had handled with situation well enough that there were no problems by the time they arrived.