315. A Ruby Among Yellow (Patreon)

Martel quickly left the compound, aware that everyone in the entrance hall and the enclosed garden stared at him as he passed by. He felt like the time Father Julius had caught him taking an apple from the fruit tree outside the temple in Engby, yet the priest had turned a blind eye and allowed him to leave with it.

Once back on the street, Martel took a few deep breaths before he continued towards the carriage. He had not seen any sign of Ruby as he left; presumably, she was busy talking to other guests inside. He would just have to wait for her back at the carriage. It annoyed him to think that he had disappointed her. In the future, he would pay a lot more attention to the floor of any entrance and avoid anything that remotely resembled a Tyrian rune.

Turning down the first alleyway, Martel continued his controlled breathing to relax himselfYet something bothered him; he still felt like all eyes were upon him, even though he walked alone. Or did he? Slowing his pace a bit but still trying to look casual, Martel extended his magical sense to feel the heat around him. Something small ahead, rodents or the like; something much bigger behind him. The distance and interference from various objects scattered around the alley made it hard for him to tell exactly, but he felt confident that he sensed people following him.

He was not sure why; if the Friar or the nuns wanted anything with him, they could have done so back at the convent. Perhaps it was someone else entirely; muggers looking for an easy victim, or maybe it was just some poor soul walking home after a long day at work.

Regardless, Martel did not wish to take any chances, but nor was he interested in a confrontation. So he opted for a third option. Behind him, he summoned the brightest light he could, enough to keep anyone blind staring at it. At the same time, he broke into a run and went around the first corner he could, making his disappearance into the alleys.

***

Martel kept up his quick pace until he felt certain that nobody could follow him anymore. He sensed himself lose connection to the bright flame he had summoned, which meant he had placed decent distance between himself and any would-be pursuers. And in case it really had been some innocent passer-by, Martel hoped he had not given them a heart attack.

He continued on his way, keeping his wits about him as he had gone down a different path from where they originally came, and he did not know this part of the city. Luckily, the temple district had its share of bell towers, which he could use as landmarks to navigate by.

He was nearly where he expected the carriage to be when he heard loud noises. It took him a moment to recognise the sounds of fighting. He hurried onwards. It might have nothing to do with him, but if someone innocent was in danger, he ought to help. Given the location, though, he felt a growing fear that whatever skirmish was taking place, it involved people he knew.

Turning a corner, he saw the scene ahead as he stared down the alleyway. Lady Pearl's carriage stood with the door open, the horses stamping their feet and acting nervously, and the driver was nowhere to be seen. In front, Ruby wielded a set of daggers in a flurry, fighting several of the yellow-clad women from the convent with their staves.

Martel felt his mind boil trying to understand. He could think of no reason why Ruby would be fighting with the nuns, and something told him that he ought to side with the members of the clergy. Attacking them just felt outright wrong.

At the same time, he could not bear the thought of betraying Ruby. Seeing her fight, even in her desperate situation, he admired the flow of her movements, how she constantly dodged attacks like the most beautiful dance. He finally understood why her dresses always sat tight to her form.

But she was outnumbered, and the short reach of the weapons meant she had no hope of hurting her enemies; if Martel did not intervene, the outcome was a given.

And still, the thought of revealing himself and unleashing his powers on a group of nuns made him hesitate. It would not be difficult for them to guess that he was the same mage that had visited the convent just now, and this seemed like something the inquisitors would gladly use as an excuse to strangle him. But perhaps, taking a cue from Master Alastair's lessons, he could help Ruby without making himself known.

Pouring his magic into the very earth below him, Martel raised up a clump of dirt and turned it into an elemental bolt that shot straight through the air and smashed into a nun, hitting the back of her head. With a groan, she fell forward, staggering to get back on her feet. Without waiting, Martel launched another at a second target. And a third.

As the only one looking in his direction, Ruby alone looked down the alley to see the wizard at work. Their eyes met, or at least Martel thought so; the distance and the darkness of the night made it hard to tell. It lasted only a moment; taking advantage of the gaps in the ranks of her enemies, Ruby bolted and disappeared.

Martel hid himself, watching as the nuns set off in pursuit; it took a little while for those hit by his spells to get back on their feet and follow as well. The Friar's words about the riddle of three returned to him; he wondered if he had been right to use his powers, or if this had been one time when he should have refrained.

When everything seemed quiet, he tiptoed forward until he reached the carriage. Sticking his hand inside, he grabbed his boots. Those acquired, he scurried away to be out of sight, exchanged his footwear, and began a long walk home to the Lyceum.

~~

Martel's character sheet (no change).