"The greatest deceivers stand not in shadow, but beneath the brightest light."
– A Tired Politician
Richard remained silent for a few seconds, then snapped his fingers. The chess pieces reset to their starting positions with a soft clatter. He moved a pawn forward, restarting the game, and picked up the last strip of bacon, eating it thoughtfully.
I enjoyed the cake a bit too much and had already finished the first slice. Richard watched me with open amusement. Faking a small cough to hide my embarrassment, I moved my piece in response to his.
He advanced another pawn while slowly eating a piece of bacon. I brought out my knight—the champion of the previous match. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, responding with his own knight.
Gazing at the board, I relaxed into the comfortable couch and considered my next move. Richard did the same, finally picking up a piece of bread and eating it slowly, crumbs falling onto his robe.
I served myself a glass of wine and sipped it, savouring the rich taste. After that, I moved a piece while twirling the remaining wine in the glass.
Richard countered, then poured himself another glass. I gave him a mildly disapproving look, but he simply shrugged and drank. While I understood the enjoyment of such exquisite wine, there should be limits—especially in the morning.
I brought out my second knight. He responded with his bishop. I had planned something similar but decided instead to advance a pawn, opening the way for my rook.
"Alez."
"Yes, Richard?" I replied with a playful tone.
"I want you to know the plans the Bureau has for you," he said, moving a piece forward.
"And what might those be?" I asked, studying the board.
"Due to the sudden rise in incidents across Paris and the possibility that they are caused by a god—or gods—certain specialised teams of Exorcists are being formed. Not only to strengthen our fighting force, but also to keep them under control."
"And by 'certain teams' you mean me?" I asked as he took a sip of wine.
"Yes. You are the only fae found not only in this country but possibly on this entire continent. Your exceptional arcane prowess has been noted. The Bureau wants to ensure you solve problems rather than become one."
"Richard, this arrangement feels rather sudden—and a bit hurtful," I replied, trying to sound wounded. "Am I not a trustworthy person?"
He ignored my theatrical tone and moved another piece. "Alez, there was once a fae born in the United States. He was practically considered a national hero, but due to disputes with his organisation and the freedom he was given, he left the country and moved to Thailand. This weakened the USA's arcane forces and somehow contributed to a rise in lady boys in Thailand. That was forty years ago—one of the better-known cases involving a fae. Would you like to hear the others?"
"Do humour me," I said, moving a piece.
"Another popular case involves a female fae from Australia who decided to fight crime by mutating toads and riding them. It is said those toads still live in caves beneath the country. Then there is the one from South Korea—a male fae who became a popular singer and dancer. He was so talented that he nearly drained his fans' residual energy during a live concert. These are the cases the whole world knows about. It is possible there are others, but from these three alone, the world has learned to treat your kind with caution. This plan was already in motion. We simply did not know who to pair you with."
The information was… concerning. Were these fae merely eccentric, or was it an effect of their nature? I had no desire to follow such a path.
Possibly noticing my slight distress, Richard continued, "Do not worry. These cases span the hundred years since arcane knowledge became public. Though the Korean singer and the Thailand fae incidents happened almost within the same decade. The Australian fae is the most recent—fifteen years ago."
"I understand," I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Do what you must, as long as I am not kept like a trophy and am allowed to operate freely. I will allow it."
Richard gave a short, playful bow in response and took another sip of wine. I waved him off and moved my piece.
"So, who will I be working with?" I asked as he countered.
"You will meet her soon," he said with a small smile.
We fell into silence once more, rapidly playing the game. I did enjoy chess, but after the second match I was already growing bored. Throughout, Richard countered each of my moves as if he could read my mind. Every strategy I attempted died within two moves, yet I did not mind.
And then he won—using his queen to deliver checkmate. I clapped lightly in genuine appreciation. He looked rather smug as he continued eating.
"Bravo," I said. "You anticipated everything. That sacrifice of your bishop truly set me back by at least two moves."
"Thank you, Alez," he replied. "I am not overly learned in this game, but I am surprised to see you play so well. When did you learn it?"
"Oh, it is one of the many fragmented memories Alexander left behind," I lied smoothly. "I merely put it to good use."
"But I do wish to point something out," I continued.
"And that is?"
"Oh, nothing serious," I said as sunlight streamed into the room. "Just this."
I snapped my fingers. The colours of the board and pieces inverted dramatically as the subtle illusion spell I had woven earlier slowly dissolved.
Richard's face went through a rapid sequence: surprise, disbelief, then anger, finally settling into resigned acceptance.
"And how long has this spell been active?" he asked, annoyance clear in his voice.
"Oh, possibly since we started… or when I moved my hands one too many times… or when I was losing… or perhaps it is simply a trick. Who knows?" I replied, taking a bite of cookie.
"…and this cannot be considered cheating?"
"Oh, Richard, it is cheating. But our true enemies—those truly dedicated to victory—will do anything to win, even make you play the game for them." I stood, picked up the wine bottle, and poured myself a glass before downing it in one smooth motion.
"I must be going. These three matches were more than enough for me," I said, turning toward the door after setting the empty glass down.
"Alez, hold on—there is something you need to know."
I paused and looked back.
"Do you remember your divination of a forest?"
"Yes?"
"Well, we have been called to assist in clearing a dungeon discovered near Paris. It is located within a forest."
"A dungeon?" I had never heard the term used in this context.
"They are subspaces created by the God of Games, inspired by the games mortals play—or so the priests of the blessed say. More information will be provided later. Be prepared to move out on Friday morning."
My mind paused.
"Friday? But today is Wednesday," I replied.
He gave me a small smile. "Yes, I know. This issue should have been dealt with days ago, but we did not know who to send from our branch. Then you divined a forest, so you are heading there, oh mighty fae. Also, pack enough for at least a week."
He waved me off as if dismissing me. I turned to leave.
"Also, Alez, your team member will be introduced to you on Friday. Do be kind. I heard her heart can be so… fragile."
I did not know why he emphasised "fragile", but I ignored it, my mind already alight with excitement at the prospect of a work partner. Oh, the possibilities.
As I reached the door, the elderly butler lady opened it as if she had been waiting for me. She led me to the front entrance and held it open.
"Thank you for your visit, sir. I hope you had a wonderful time," she said with refined courtesy.
"Yes, I did. Thank you," I replied, stepping out.
From behind me, I heard her soft voice: "Till we meet again."
Whatever that meant.