The elevator rumbled down to lowest level in the White Temple, three floors underground. Hitori and Elvira stepped into a dark passage and looked around. The only light came from a scattering of electric lamps. They shone like flickering candles.

To his right, Hitori saw a long corridor, whose end vanished in shadow. In front of him lay another hallway leading to the second elevator. It was only a minute’s walk, but in the dim air the far door seemed a world away.

Elvira hummed next to him, then said, “I see why she didn’t want to come down here.”

“Sister Fáelán?”

“Yeah, Brígh. Anyway, this place gives me the creeps, let’s hurry up and find Mr. Manetho.”

Hitori laughed and stepped to the right. Elvira tucked beside him as he walked. Randomly spaced doors lined either side of the hallway, most coated with a fine layer of dust. After a few turns they heard a faint voice echoing up the corridor. Hitori motioned for Elvira to remain silent as he took a few steps ahead.

Is that…?

Hitori canted his head and closed his eyes. He could make out two voices, too distorted to understand, but… did someone say his name? He signaled for Elvira to stay put and out of sight, then quietly ran down the hall. As he approached the corner he pulled a small mirror from a pouch.

He kneeled down and used it to look down the corridor. Two men stood talking on the other end. He couldn’t make out what they were saying, but one was an old Bachijan man in a long robe. Judging by his dress that was likely Brother Manetho. The other wore loose clothing common to desert bandits, but was somewhat taller than a typical Bachijan.

About halfway down the passage was a deep alcove, possibly another hallway. In any case it was almost completely immersed in shadow. They didn’t seem to be looking his way, so Hitori took a risk with his Dash Tech to pop into place in the blink of an eye. He smiled. A teacher once scolded him for spending Vital Memory augmenting his Dash Tech, but tuning it for stealth paid off.

Yes, yes, you’re very clever. Now be a dear and get a better look at the rogue.

Hitori poked his head out enough to see both men. They were chatting in a familiar manner about business in the city. Hitori supposed they had to mean in Bachija, but he didn’t recognize the districts. From here it was clear the old man was the historian, but the other had his head covered by a hood.

He was very animated, gesturing wildly, suggesting a foreigner. He also had a slight accent, too indistinct for Hitori to guess his origin. Eventually, the man happened to turn his head far to the left.

Virgil.

His blood ran cold. He clenched his teeth and pressed into the wall.

You! … Simpering! … Home wrecking! …

He ducked into the hallway. Where were these feeling coming from?

That son of a bitch ruined everything. Go back out there! I’ll kill him!

Hitori took a few deep breaths, as quiet as he could manage.

Insubordinate brat! He took her from me! Let me out you insufferable bastard!

After a moment Hitori was able to calm down, though he had no idea what brought on the emotional outburst. Unfortunately, whatever it was, it caused him to miss the end of the conversation. Hitori tucked into the shadows, expecting the suspicious man to walk past. To his surprise the moment never came. He checked the hallway.

They were gone. He stepped to the edge of the junction. Looking left, he saw the old man shuffling towards an open door. Bright light from inside flooded the corridor. That would be his office. In the other direction there was no one to be seen.

Hitori stared down the passage in wonder. That way led into an underground annex, and according to the map, one with no way out. Problems for later. For now he returned to Elvira, who eyed him with relief as he stepped into view.

“What did you find?” She asked as he approached. After a moment she added. “Uh, Hitori, you alright there boss?”

He looked up. “Oh, yes, I… think I found a lead.”

Are you going after that jackass? Don’t bother. He’s nothing… don’t even know why he’s here…

“Really? Did you run into to Mr. Manetho?”

“No.” Hitori shook his head. “Not quite anyway. For now let’s grab the rest of the team.”