Baron Kelly was the first to approve of "Young Miss Olmedo" joining them.
With those things in Annan's possession, their chances of hatching Blackwatch had risen sharply. Kelly only handled the outer circle and had nothing to do with Corruption, but when the Gray Mist came again, he could use the two items to bargain for a better price.
And then there was Young Miss Olmedo himself.
The black-robed Ratfolk was the second to approve. "Young Miss Olmedo" had two Ratfolk wives, so he could be considered half one of their own.
"Burrow, take Young Miss Olmedo out of here," Baron Kelly said. He turned to Thunderfang. "As for you lot, it's time for your reward."
"Young Miss Olmedo thing, come with me." The black-robed Ratfolk turned and entered the corridor.
Annan didn't follow immediately. He edged over to Baron Kelly and asked, "Um... do I get a reward?"
Baron Kelly gave him a knowing smile. "Your reward comes later."
Annan followed the black-robed Ratfolk. "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere else. Somewhere safe, where you can put your talents to use."
"It isn't safe here?"
"How could a place as fragile as a bubble be safe?"
Another poetic rat.
The black-robed Ratfolk opened a door leading to the basement, took an Oil Lamp from the wall, and went downstairs.
Annan followed him down the steps, wondering whether he would find piles of bodies or something similar. Instead, he saw only a Teleportation Array.
The black-robed Ratfolk slotted a Magic Stone into a node of the Teleportation Array, then gestured for Annan to step onto it.
Annan was about to move when he suddenly turned toward the faint commotion outside, startled and uncertain. He sensed a surge of negative emotions.
The hall that had been so cheerful moments ago had changed