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Section One. Part Two.

“My lady.” The Innkeeper smiled and took the gold coins, Chimp let fall into her hand before she bowed. “I will not be long.” Chimp said. “Master Zenos’s belongings should not take me much time to pack.” The Innkeeper had already retreated down the stairs, their business concluded; her mind was already on the days chores. Chimp frowned and taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the door handle. Letting the breath out slowly she smiled slightly, and entered the room.

Chimp was unsure what to expect, but she had not expected the old man to be so plain. No fancy chests, no bundles of sacks and packs littered the room. It was as if his only possessions had been in the satchel in which he kept his books and notes from the School. The bed was freshly made, and apart from some personal affects on the dresser and a change of robes in the draw the room was bare. Chimp shook her head and sat on the bed thinking. The image of the dying warlock came to her mind. “Strathlohome” Chimp heard the old man’s voice clearly. “Phoenix” The tone was unmistakable; he had tried to tell her something important before he died. Nevertheless, what? Chimp’s mind tumbled the words over and over. There were no clues to be found here in the room, whatever the old man had meant, the answers were not here.

“So…..” Garuni hissed as he materialized beside her. The young warlock stifled her yell of shock at seeing the imp and how close it was too her. Darting across the room she turned and backed up toward the door, her eyes now focused completely on the tiny demon. Garuni laughed and tumbled on the spot flipping himself head over heels. “You have no fear of me Mistress.” The tiny imp crooned at her, licking its lips. “The Master is the only one I hungered for.” The imp shivered as if in pure delight at the death of the old warlock. “What do you want?” Chimp asked, at the same time she moved her hand ready to release the wand she had concealed on her wrist, so it would slide down into her hand. “The Master is gone, Garuni is free.” The tiny imp shrugged, before it scampered down the bed to the window looking out. “So you go to Strathlohome?” The imp turned and narrowed its eyes at her. “Get out.” Chimp snarled. “Oh I know.” Garuni muttered then cackled again. “I know more than you.” The imp hissed letting his forked tongue flash for just an instant, before he was gone, the familiar stench of brimstone filling the air.

Chimp scanned the room waiting several minutes before moving to make sure the demon had left before she was overcome. The young warlock bit down hard on her sleeved hand and the tears began to fall. She did not know why, but she cried for the Old man. He had not treated her badly, or well. He had just accepted her for who she was, or appeared too. Chimp let the tears fall into her hands as she sat there in the room silently. Just when things had began to be improving, she though to herself. After so many years of dodging thugs, past lovers and even the occasional seduced older man the young warlock had thought this time she would have some balance, some measure of stability to further her studies. After a few minutes, she stopped, wiping the tears from her face and stood facing the mirror above the dresser. She knew in her heart that she had two choices; either continue with her investigation or give up and spend another year or longer looking for a suitable teacher. It only took her a moment to come to a conclusion. “Strathlohome” She murmured making sure her face was clear before she turned and walked out letting the door close behind her.