by Gavin Green
***
The black tent flap whipped open, revealing a damp and foggy morning. Devlin stepped out and watched a car drive by on the lonely road next to his camp. His eyes followed until it was out of sight. He strode out into the field toward his steed. The black and gold beast saw him and slowly walked to meet him. Devlin patted the steed's mane as he fed it a Verden carrot and then a small Lore fruit, gifting it before the task that awaited them.
Devlin checked a coat pocket to make sure the items were there, and pulled them out for simple inspection. A handful of lost and stolen Verden objects of worth lay in his palm, some of which held admirable craft. Rings, watches, earrings - some new, some heirlooms - had been gathered in his travels when the misplaced items had caught his eye. Devlin had some reluctance in pawning the small amount of his cache, but his current mission would require human funding.
With the valuables back in place, Devlin returned his attention back to his steed. "It's time to go slumming," he said softly to himself in the quiet morning. The steed immediately transformed into a racing-style motorcycle, black with gold trim.
Devlin took a deep breath, and suddenly he was in his manifested form. A human stood in his place, with youthful good looks and shoulder-length blonde hair in celebrity fashion. A concert t-shirt was covered by a black leather jacket with gold studs, and black cargo pants were tucked into combat boots. He knew the style was a bit anachronistic, but liked it nonetheless.
After he strapped the black and gold half-helmet on, Devlin mounted and started the motorcycle. He let out a long sigh, and watched his breath plume in the cold morning air. He was about to begin acquainting himself with the residents of Ballaghadaere, but for more than one purpose.
Of course, the magistrate's mission needed to be accomplished, but he also wanted to unravel the mystery surrounding the area. In doing so, he might just uncover the schemes of that cunning seer, Enochia. He thought it might do her well to relearn her place in the scheme of things. He hoped for that place to be under his heel.