"First of all, this scroll provides evidence of his schemes in the mages guild, presented by Arch Mage Kellan himself before he left. The barracks would be the other place to look." Sgt. Talos argued with the swordsman.

"Then why didn't you say so before?" Irzen asked innocently enough, "With this scroll, we can take down Zilc by giving this to The Bronze Man. We don't have to go after Sorvor--which I really did not relish doing without our resident mage present."

********

Alyson and Madeous ran over to the party. Alert and cautious with everyone on edge, "Everyone okay? Totally did not see that coming? Just a thought as we passed the barracks, the major's form shivered in the rays of sunlight."

"Shivered into what?" Neven asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Where the hell did you two come from?" Irzen looked around, "You guys just popped out of thin air or what?"

"Maybe you should ask the Bronze Man how time works here in Asylum, Lord Irzen. I had a hard time understanding how it runs when I came here all those years ago." Madeous said.

"That will be one of many questions I'm going to ask that guy when next we meet him," Irzen admitted jokingly, "That and where does he get his awesome tan? Sun Tan City?"

"What?" Talos stepped forward with great concern, "Are you sure?"

"The Bronze Man is not the only one who can SEE people as they truly are, Sgt. Talos, What I saw, was no human." Alyson said bluntly, "something that looked fiendish. A tiefling."

Madeous remained silent and alert. He scanned the crowd for any spies of this hidden enemy within the merchant district.

"A what?" Serna asked no one in particular, "What's a tiefling?"

"A tiefling is someone who is part human part demon," Alyson told the shield maiden, "most are thieves or warlocks by trade however, if they're raised by the demonic parent, well they tend to be evil."

The elementalist turned to the swordsman, "Did I hear that you were lacking a mage in the party? I tried to stay out of this but it seems fate likes throwing a curve ball. So, off to the barracks, then?"

The platinum knight stepped forward, "Alright, Talos and the swordsman take point. With the kids next. Willow and Alyson behind them, and I will take the rear. I have a feeling our suspect is already at the barracks lying in wait for us. Let's go and finish this."

"Agreed," Irzen took his position with Talos keeping a watchful eye out for any possible surprise attacks, "Talos, lead the way!"

"I'll keep an eye on the shadows," Neven offered as he joined Serna's side.

"And I'll keep an eye on you Caliaphy, don't stray too far from me, okay?" Serna warned the fairy.

"I will stay right here with you, Serna," The fairy said hugging the shield maiden.

Serna hugged the fairy back in response.

Willow drew forth his bow and nocked an arrow as he marched alongside Alyson. His eyes were already scannning rooftops and balconies for any more magical ambushes.

Talos lead the party back towards the barracks. The people in the streets gave them a wide berth after seeing the wild magic in the merchant district. Most returned to their work but some just watched as they passed through. Approaching the perimeter of the barracks which once seemed like any other barracks was quite different this time. Even Talos drew his sword and pulled his shield out. Two militia stood watch at their posts at the north entrance as usual. They both turned to the party as it approached, "Halt! State your business!"

"Stand aside, corporals, I have urgent business with Major Zilc!" Sergeant Talos stopped in front of the two guards.

"The major is busy." One said.

"And you're wanted for treason, sergeant."

"Treason?!" Neven looked completely surprised, "What did he do?"

Both Willow and Irzen looked at each other in complete disbelief.

"Wait one moment," The elementalist walked over and noticed both of them acting not themselves.

"Oy! No mag--!!"

Alyson brought up her hands in a brilliant flash of blinding light that caused them to collide and stagger back against the wall of the barracks.

"Ugh! My head," The first guard shook his head in confusion, "Wh-what happened??"

The second guard came to his senses and looked back at the party with Sergeant Talos glaring at him, "Sir? What, what's going on?"

"You were under the influence of a charm spell but no more. And you're welcome," The elementalist replied.

Talos pointed his weapon towards the ground, "Who else is under the influence of this fell magic? Where is Major Zilc?"

The two looked at each, "Don't know. Those of us who were stationed here at the barrack all fell under the spell. Except those who were on patrol. Wait, a couple of the recruits got into a heated argument with the major and questioned his methods. They're probably locked up in the cells for insubordination. Oh, one more thing, there's some kind of magic barrier around the main building."

The elementalist looked skyward and began speaking in a strange tongue. Clouds began to form and the wind began to pick up.

Madeous stepped forward in full view of the two militia, "Call out those who are positioned in the yard of the barracks, now! Call them here unless, you want to be on grave duty for the next day!"

"Yes, your majesty!" One of the corporals opened the north gate and yelled, "Intruders! We need reinforcements now!"

Talos motioned for the party to move to either side of the north gate as the sound of charmed guards ran towards through.

Irzen, Neven, Willow and Serna followed suit eager to see what Alyson was going to do next.