Sebastina said nothing for the moment. Instead, she carefully examined the dagger in her hand, little by little. Only after a long while did she raise her head to look at Mulan.
"At the very least, it is your command, Lord Apostle, and I will do everything in my power to carry it out. When you believe the time is right, just tell me the target and the location."
"You will be told when the time comes. All you need to do is make sure you are in peak condition."
"Yes!"
Mulan surveyed Sebastina's study. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke up.
"Lord Apostle, have the research findings the Raven Messenger took last time been put to use?"
"You will find out."
Mulan's gaze lingered on a few books on the shelves before finally returning to Sebastina.
"Find a reason to request leave soon. I will approve it as quickly as possible. Keep that dagger safe. There will not be another one anytime soon."
"Understood."
After saying this, Mulan glanced at the bookshelf once more, then turned and left. He could sense that the book was terrified of him, but there was no need for him to do anything. It was Sebastina's treasure.
Several days later, Sebastina met the Raven Messenger again at the old tavern. This time, she also received a set of Route Directions.
Half a day later, aboard a train bound for the border, Sebastina saw the Raven Messenger once more.
The train rattled along with a rhythmic clackety-clack as Sebastina wondered where her true destination would be.
The sound of flapping wings snapped her out of her thoughts. A few seconds later, a raven landed on the windowsill.
"Caw!"
The raven called once, then hopped onto an empty berth. Within seconds, he transformed into a human.