The Qubit Zirconium by M Darusha Wehm

Author:M Darusha Wehm [Wehm, M Darusha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, mystery and detective
ISBN: 9781839080678
Publisher: Aconyte
Published: 2021-04-06T14:57:32+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Pplimz Gets Tied Up

Shaded Camp was likely a literal description of the Shadows encampment, but given that they were located at the base of a tree larger than the tallest spirecity, that didn’t exactly narrow down the search.

“This isn’t going to be easy,” Wibble said. “I don’t know of any beings who are better at not being found.”

“Tiama seemed to think we’d be able to find them,” Pplimz pointed out.

“Well, of course,” Wibble said. “We are world famous detectives after all. She has faith in us!”

“I suspect it is not exactly us in which she has faith,” Pplimz said.

“Perhaps the Tree’s influence has extended all the way to our shadowy quarry,” Wibble suggested. “Maybe they’ve become more forthcoming than usual after living here.”

“It’s the Crucible, so stranger things must have happened than members of the Shadows becoming hospitable,” Pplimz said, “though I’ve not heard of any.”

They found the witch, who was still staffing the information booth, and who gave them both a jaunty wave of his Æmbersap wand.

“Did you locate your friend?” he asked.

“We did, thank you so much for your help!” Wibble enthused. “I’m hoping we can prevail upon you one more time.”

“I am here to help.”

“Have you heard of a Shadows guild called Shaded Camp near here?” Pplimz asked.

The witch’s face clouded. “All are welcome at the Tree of Life,” he said, with a hint of bitterness, “even those who abuse the privilege.”

“The beings living at the Shaded Camp don’t abide by your code of peace and tranquility?”

“I can’t say that,” the witch admitted. “No one has ever caught any of them breaking the rules. But their members seem to receive a much higher bounty from the Tree than appears fair.”

“Perhaps the Tree just likes them,” Wibble suggested.

The witch snorted but said, “I would never presume to understand the Tree’s choices. It is possible.”

“You think they’re rigging the game somehow,” Wibble said. “Maybe even stealing the Tree’s boons from others?”

“It is what Shadows are known to do,” the witch said.

“There are thieves,” Pplimz said enigmatically, “and then there are thieves.”

“Yes, yes, there’s a difference between a skill and a behavior. We know,” Wibble said. “But they do go together a fair amount of the time. Can you point us in the direction of their camp?” she asked the witch.

He shook his head. “Hiding in plain sight is also what Shadows are known for,” he said. “But there are several Svarr elves who are known to regularly partake of the libations at Fuzzy Gruen Inn.” The witch aimed his wand toward a walking track leading out of the town. “If you can convince them to talk to you, you might get lucky. Or, possibly, quite the opposite.”

“Well, that’s not ominous at all!” Wibble said happily. “I guess it’s off to the Fuzzy, then!”

Contrary to the impression the witch had given them, Fuzzy Gruen Inn was a comfortable, friendly establishment that catered to the many visitors who frequented the area. Like they had at Werewitch, a vast assortment of individuals mingled peacefully amid tankards of ale, steaming pies, and bowls of root stew.

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