53. Gathering a party.

"That was fast," said Theodore when he saw Maria step into the room.

"Is something wrong?" asked Annie a little concerned.

"No," said Maria in answer to her question. "It is just that the job is here in our city."

"Well that shouldn’t be too hard," said Theodore. "You know a lot about this place, since you’ve been her a while now."

He got a odd look on his face.

"You aren’t looking for someone in the manor, are you?" he asked.

"I don’t think so," said Maria. "But I can’t be sure. It is a little more complicated than normal."

"How so?" asked Annie.

"There are seven people involved," answered Maria.

Annie gasped and Theodore just stood on his hind legs with his mouth open.

"Is that even possible?" he asked.

"Unfortunately yes," said Maria.

"It could be anywhere from a pact made by all seven to one person saving themselves and accidentally taking six others with them," she told him.

The three silently contemplated what had just been said.

"So what are you planning on doing?" asked Theodore.

"Go into town," said Maria. "See if I can’t hear any rumours about an accident or some event in which there were miraculous survivors. If it is someone deliberately using magic or talismans then it will be a little harder."

"I’m going with you," Annie suddenly said.

"What?" said the other two in the unison.

"You’ll do no such thing," said Maria.

"Yeah," said Theodore. "It can get dangerous if the people she is looking for don’t go quietly. I should know."

He shivered remembering the last couple of jobs he accompanied Maria on.

"I don’t care," said Annie. "You are part of my life, and I want to be as much a part of yours as I can. This time I am free enough to help and I will."

A small smile crossed her face.

"Besides," she continued. "We haven’t gone on a date in a while now. And if the people you are looking for have deliberately flaunted death, they may believe that you will come for them. They would not expect you to come with a companion. They are less likely to suspect you if they think Hunter travels alone."

The others thought about this in silence for a little while.

"That is not a bad idea," said Theodore.

"Tue," said Maria. "It would not be unusual for the two of us to spend our free time together in the city. But if I went alone it may be noticed a little more."

She looked Annie in the eye.

"And a date might be kind of fun as well," she said smiling.

Annie laughed and threw herself into Maria arms and kissed her.

"We will leave in the morning" said Maria. "It is too late now to go out."

They returned to bed and Annie cuddled up to Maria.

"Thank you for letting me be a part of this," she said.

"Thank you for wanting to be a part of it," said Maria. "I am lucky to have found someone like you who can see me for who I am."

"I am not the only one," Annie told her. "You have Theodore and all your fellow huntsmen. They understand you as well. You are a lucky person to have stumbled onto us. Your life may have been completely different."

"You are right," she said before falling asleep. "I really am lucky."

The night went by quickly.

The next day the changed into the clothes they would normally wear when they went into town for recreational purposes.

Maria took her sword and dagger as well, but that was not unusual, since the lord’s huntsmen were allowed to carry them all the time. No one would give her a second glance for it.

"Are you coming?" Annie asked Theodore.

He thought about it.

"I don’t have much to do," he said.

"You never have anything to do," mumbled Maria.

"I heard that," said Theodore. "I must admit that I am curious as to how this came about, so I think I will join you."

He hopped up onto Annie shoulder, wrapping his tail around her neck for balance.

They informed Harold Treeborn, the head of the lord’s huntsmen and Maria’s superior in the manor, that they had to leave and why it was necessary.

"Very well," said Harold. "It is not like you are particularly needed right now. But send word if you need any help. We will be ready to come to your aid at a moments notice."

"Thank you," said Maria.

She was glad for the extra help.

She took Annie’s hand and the two walked out of the manor and took the road that would lead them into the city.