Rassa had known that Jeremiah would eventually cross paths with him. The Token Captain was smart, and more observant than most. In addition, Rassa, despite his efforts to blend in, was just too unusual. It would only be so long before an arrow pointed at Rassa, he figured the Captain's arrow would be better than the Kildare's.

Rassa wasn't sure yet which of his oddities had drawn Jeremiah to him, but he'd find out soon. Honestly, Rassa had been surprised he'd had to wait a whole week.

Once in the alley and standing amongst the shadows, Rassa leaned against the wall and waited for the Captain to join him. It only took a moment. The Captain paused just a couple of metres away, saying nothing as he looked Rassa over, then he spoke simply.

"What's your name, kid?"

Rassa frowned at the address, with all he'd been through, he was hardly a child anymore.

"I'm not a kid," Rassa replied.

"You're young, much younger than my old self," Jeremiah replied, "I'll call you a kid if I want to".

Rassa, despite his annoyance, couldn't exactly refute. He let out a sigh, "Phil".

"Well Phil, my name is Jeremiah Token, and while I realise you like to keep to yourself, I've got a problem on my hands that I was hoping you could solve," Jeremiah said.

Rassa turned slightly to face the old Captain, "What makes you think I can solve it?"

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow, "You're a Shadow Magician, are you not? You snuffed out the flames surrounded the Token Warehouse a week ago".

Rassa paused for a moment, "What makes you think that was me?"

"So you know there was a Shadow Magician involved?"

"You just implied that there was, but even if I didn't get the information from you the Tavern Masters thrive in their networks," Rassa refuted, "You just need enough coin or information in return to satisfy them".

Jeremiah frowned, unhappy that Rassa had thought of an excuse so quickly, "Your hood is rather curious".

Rassa raised an eyebrow, "Hats blow off too easily".

"Your friends don't have hats," Jeremiah said.

Rassa opened his mouth to reply then closed it again. He couldn't exactly tell Jeremiah that they were fonder of the sun than Rassa was. That'd be a dead give-away. Still, Jeremiah looked adamant. He seemed positive that Rassa was somehow involved. He was right, but Rassa was still reluctant to outright admit that.

"Look, whether or not this Shadow Magician you're looking for is me, what exactly do you plan to have them do? Just explain to you who started the fire? Maybe help catch the culprit, they are after all, a magician, should be easy for them," Rassa pushed off the wall as he felt anger feel his being, unwanted memories surfacing as his lips continued to move, "Or maybe, when that's said and done, you'll give out another job, or maybe just directly employ them. Once they've signed a contract it'll be harder for them to get out, especially with no outside influence protecting them. In the end, you'll have a Shadow Magician doing your bidding, and who knows how powerful you could become with that in your hands".

Rassa closed his eyes, pushing his pain away. He didn't need it here, and the last thing he needed was to say too much. "Magicians, Shadow or not, are not slaves to another individual's whims. I'd recommend that when you do find who you're looking for, you ask them first if they want to help".

Rassa turned to leave, but Jeremiah spoke again, "I've lived a very long life, tasted freedom from the moment I was born. I too dislike being tied down to anyone or anything. I would never take someone who was not willing into my service, and I'm sorry that you've been led to believe that the world is only full of those who would do otherwise. If you are the Shadow Magician, I would only ask for a clue, a name if you're feeling generous".

Rassa understood then that Jeremiah was an intuitive man, no matter if he'd tried to hold himself back or not, the old Captain had sensed something that Rassa wanted to keep hidden.

Jeremiah waited tensely as he looked at the frozen back of the young man. For a moment, he was sure that the man was just going to walk away, but Jeremiah saw it as the man clenched his fists tightly, then unclenched them.

"I heard a rat came all the way from the Peony District that night to provide drinks for the bonfire," Rassa said, "They didn't drink much".

Then Rassa walked away without another word.

Jeremiah stood in the alley for a moment longer, a faint, sad smile appearing on his lips. That kid was haunted. It was rare Jeremiah came across people like him, and it was certain that he'd never seen one that strong before. The kid's mind was clearly sharp and his judgement sound, he simply warred with himself on whether what he was doing was worth his involvement. Jeremiah could only speculate on what the kid had been through, but it was clear that he was very adamant in never experiencing it again. He'd said only enough to give Jeremiah a lead, nothing more and nothing less. Whilst his words could be him confirming his status as a Shadow Magician, if questioned, both he and Jeremiah could only repeat a phrase that sounded as if it was being passed down a grape vine. Some regular gossip. After another moment, Jeremiah left and headed back to the Token District.

***

"Captain!" Hargreeve called when he arrived, "I was just about to send for you, a messenger arrived earlier; the new cargo should be here in two days. You'll be able to set sail with the tide on the third".

Jeremiah grinned, "Good, make sure this lot doesn't burn".

"Aye, sir".

"Where's Aaron?"

"I believe he's back at the offices, Captain," Hargreeve informed him.

Jeremiah nodded, heading in that direction. The Administration building for the Token Docks was the grandest building along the water in their district. It stood out amongst the many warehouses, calling attention to itself with its grandeur. Aaron was indeed inside, sitting with a few of his shipmates as they ate their evening meal. The lot of them stood as Jeremiah approached them.

"Captain".

Jeremiah nodded to return the greeting, then indicated he wanted to speak with Aaron. Aaron joined him and waited for instruction.

"Take a few men and scour Peony for a rat who bought a lot of Alcohol on the night of the fire," Jeremiah said.

Aaron frowned, "A rat, sir?"

Jeremiah grinned, "A malnourished individual who most likely looked up to no good".

Aaron's eyes dawned with understanding and he nodded, "I'll get right on it, Sir".

Jeremiah pointed back to the table where he'd left his meal, "Get back to that first".

Aaron smiled, "You should eat too, Captain. Drinking with Arthur during the day won't do you good when we're back at sea".

Jeremiah rolled his eyes.