The days following the courier's announcement were a blur for Evan. Elmwood buzzed with preparations for the Hero's Party's return—banners were hung, streets were cleaned, and the tavern overflowed with excited chatter. But Evan couldn't share in the enthusiasm. The courier's insignia haunted his thoughts, a constant reminder of the shadowy figure's warning.
Lila, ever practical, had been busy crafting a weapon infused with the crystal's energy. She called it the "Truth-Seeker," a dagger designed to cut through illusions and reveal hidden truths. Evan admired her focus, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were in over their heads.
On the eve of the Hero's Party's arrival, Evan and Lila met at the Tipsy Griffin. The tavern was quieter than usual, the usual patrons either preparing for the celebration or too wary of the growing tension in the air. Finn was absent, which was unusual for him.
"Something's off," Lila muttered, her eyes scanning the room. "Where's Finn?"
"Maybe he's caught up in the preparations," Evan suggested, though he shared her unease.
They took a seat in a corner booth, away from prying eyes. Lila pulled out the Truth-Seeker and placed it on the table between them. The blade glowed faintly, casting a soft light on their faces.
"We need a plan," Lila said, her voice low. "If the Hero's Party is involved in something shady, we can't just confront them outright. We'll need proof."
"Proof of what?" Evan asked. "We don't even know what they're doing."
"That's why we need to investigate," Lila replied. "Starting with that courier. Did you notice anything else about him?"
Evan thought back to the courier's appearance. "He had a scar on his left hand—a jagged line, like he'd been burned. And his voice... it sounded familiar, but I can't place it."
Lila nodded. "Scars are hard to fake. If we can find him, we might be able to get some answers."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching their booth. They looked up to see Garrett, the drunk ex-adventurer Finn had mentioned a few days ago. He looked worse for wear, his clothes disheveled and his eyes bloodshot.
"You two," he slurred, swaying slightly. "You're asking about the Hero's Party, aren't you?"
Evan exchanged a glance with Lila. "What do you know?"
Garrett leaned in close, his breath reeking of ale. "They're not what they seem. The Demon Lord... he wasn't the villain everyone thinks he was. The Hero's Party... they're the real monsters."
Before Evan could respond, Garrett's eyes widened in terror. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he collapsed onto the table, a small dart embedded in the back of his neck.
Garrett!" Evan exclaimed, rushing to check on him. But it was too late. The man was dead.
Lila grabbed the dart and examined it. "Poisoned. And look—" She held it up to the light. "It's glowing, just like your crystal."
Evan's heart pounded as he scanned the room. The tavern was eerily silent, the few remaining patrons frozen in shock. Then, from the shadows near the door, a figure emerged—the royal courier.
"You should have stayed out of this," the courier said, his voice cold and menacing.
Evan stood, his hand instinctively reaching for the Truth-Seeker. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The courier smirked. "I'm just a messenger. But you... you're a problem."
Lila stepped forward, her dagger at the ready. "We're not afraid of you."
The courier's smirk widened. "You should be."
With a flick of his wrist, he threw another dart, aimed straight at Evan. Lila reacted instantly, deflecting it with the Truth-Seeker. The dart clattered to the floor, its glow fading.
The courier's expression darkened. "You're more trouble than you're worth."
He turned and fled, disappearing into the night before Evan or Lila could give chase.
"We need to follow him," Evan said, his voice urgent.
"No," Lila replied, her tone firm. "He's too dangerous. We need to regroup and figure out our next move."
Evan nodded, though his mind was racing. The courier's words echoed in his head: You're a problem
As they left the tavern, Evan couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The Hero's Party's return loomed over them like a storm cloud, and Evan knew that whatever was coming, it would change everything.