Ero Skill Tree

Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-One: Unexpected Connection

The back area of this guild was similar to those I had been in before. It was a series of corridors and doorways from the main walkway. I almost had to wonder, at what they needed all these rooms for. There couldn't be that much administration in a branch this small. It had to be because they were all constructed from a single template.

We were led towards the stairs. From there we were taken up two floors. On the second floor we were led along the corridor. About halfway along the receptionist stopped outside one of the doorways.

She knocked politely.

A woman's voice answered from inside. "Yes?"

"I've brought the adventurers you were expecting."

I heard a chair being pushed out inside. "Please show them in."

The receptionist pushed the door open and then waved us inside the room. Once inside she gave a little bow and left the room.

Just inside the guild master was waiting for us.

At first glance I thought she was a catkin, which was a relief. But then I realised I wasn't quite right. She was a dark blond, but there were hints of another colour mixed in bands with her hair. It reminded me somewhat of Lisa, but it wasn't quite the same.

The guild master smiled as she approached and held out her hand to greet us. "I've been waiting for you. I was hoping we would get word of you sooner, after I heard about you. I'm just glad that you all made it here in one peace."

Serin cautiously shook the master's hand. "It's reassuring that someone was looking out for us."

The guild master laughed. "You must be Serin."

She nodded. "I am."

"You seem a little uneasy about this situation. I don't blame you what with everything going on. I suppose it won't mean much yet, but you can trust me. We're on the same side."

"I hope so."

"Please, come and take a seat all of you." She gestured to the seats in front of her desk then walked back to her own chair.

We did as she suggested and followed behind, all a little on guard. We slowly sat down.

Once all of us were seated, Serin cleared her throat and looked to the guild master. "You were told we were coming. Do you mind if I ask who sent the message? We were unaware that anyone knew we were out here, we left at short notice."

"Not at all. I'm sure the head of the guard already told you this. It was the guild master from Dunshelm, Lisa. She sent you on this quest, did she not?"

"She did..."

"You want to know my connection with Lisa?"

"Sorry, it's just that our mission was sensitive and not everyone would be in support of our goals."

"I told you we are on the same side." She sighed. "But I understand your concern... Lisa is my elder sister, although you may not see the resemblance. We have different fathers."

Serin almost choked on her breath. "I'm sorry, I didn't know... I'm sorry, I don't even know your name."

That explained the markings in her hair.

"I'm Elsa." She paused. "She isn't one for sharing personal details like that... I don't think she would have passed this news onto just anyone. I was only informed when you had taken longer than she was expecting."

"I see."

"And even then, she hasn't filled me in on all the details. Only that it was of great importance to everything that has been happening lately and that I should do everything, in my power to help you. I intend to do so."