No one goes deeper into the Underoads.” Turon leaned forward and whispered. “The tunnels are infested with Rattarga. I reckon that’s where the cult meets. They must’ve found a way to get down there without being eaten alive.”

“So how do we get to these Underoads?” Bane demanded.

 “The nearest entrance is a trapdoor behind Ogslo’s Emporium. It’s a huge building with the name in bright orange lights, you can’t miss it. Brisnik himself lives in a secret tavern. You’ll see the directions when you get down there.”

Bane just nodded mutely and walked away, Sintian not far behind.
Evan lingered however. “Thanks a lot for this Turon.”

“Happy to,” Turon replied. “My sister’s a Realmer at the Blutopolis stronghold. I’ve no quarrel giving Realmers valuable information. You lot save more lives than I can count.”

Evan and Emillia smiled at the half-orc and murmured their thanks once again.

“Oh, and watch out for Rattarga,” Turon warned. “I know you Venators can take care of yourself, but one bite from a Rattarga and you’ll be infected with Shadow Plague.”

Turon scowled suddenly and called over to Bane, who was already metres away. “Oi, the other half of my payment! Hand it over.”

“Sorry, can’t hear you.” Bane called back with a grin.

Evan and Emi mumbled an apology before hurrying after Bane and Sintian.

Emillia looked apprehensive as they left the marketplace. “Are we really going to go into some dangerous underground place? I don’t want no Shadow plague. Hey, what’s shadow Plague?”

Bane shot her a dark look.

“What’s a Rattarga?” Evan persisted.

“You’ll find out no doubt,” Bane smiled maliciously.

 

*

 

Ogslo’s Emporium was a gargantuan building which, judging by the window display, sold everything from pet food for unicorns to spare parts for Airships.

A dozen or so gnomes flitted in and out of the doors, bathed in the orange glow of the shop’s sign. The four of them headed behind the store, looking for the trapdoor Turon had described. When they rounded the shop, Evan spotted a metal grate set in the ground. Sintian bent down and heaved it open, revealing a set of smooth stone steps leading into darkness.

“Rookies first,” Bane gestured to Evan and Emillia.

Evan pretended he wasn’t nervous as he stepped through the trapdoor. Emillia was more agitated, but put on a brave face as she followed him. When the stairs levelled off, the darkness was total. Emillia whimpered.