Shaden was taking Clarice to report to the White Hand outlet in Eleywell to add to its numbers. The plan was to drop her off there, take a look at the books and then quickly return to Wind-rise via boat and then onward to Dramond.

Clarice was one of his girls, who had transitioned from working in the club to being an assassin. She was well suited to be promoted to a branch officer despite her lack of experience because she was a talented healer which was invaluable for both dungeon diving and rescue missions alike.

However when he arrived at the office, he stumbled upon a majestic courser and his equally handsome companion engaging the guild for a very personal mission.

"I need your best and your most trustworthy," the Ether courser was explaining to the receptionist, "This is a combination of both a search and a possible rescue mission."

"I understand Sir, we are expecting a new mercenary today that comes highly recommended," the madder receptionist explained.

"I can take this case," Shaden cut her off. He showed her his White Hand badge and her eyes flickered with surprise.

"You are in luck. One of our senior mercenaries has volunteered," she told the ether courser, unable to hide her excitement.

The ether courser turned and looked at Shaden intently as if sizing him up carefully. His companion did the same and Shaden withstood their serious and piercing gazes without flinching. Shaden, though, gradually realized from his movements and his eyes that Tiresias was most likely partially blind but he seemed to have adapted well to his disability.

"One is not enough," the ether courser said at last.

"I will go as well," Clara said, as she came from behind Shaden to show herself.

"This is the mercenary we were waiting on," the receptionist was quick to explain, "This is Clarice Summers."

"I am Tiresias, and this is my companion Odogaron. We are willing to hire you but we will expect you to deliver," he stated, "This is a very important matter and I appreciate your willingness to help out."

"We will put our all on the line for this important matter," Shaden promised.

"I will hold you to it," Tiresias said.

Shaden believed that he could deliver on his promises and he also believed that despite Tiresias' very gentle demeanor that he meant what he said.

"I would expect nothing less," Shaden assured him, "Let's go into one of the consultation rooms and you can give me further details."

"Very well."

The four of them entered the consultation room and the receptionist brought them some refreshments before leaving them alone. 

"This is the fanciest mercenary guild I have ever seen," Odogaron commented. He was looking around the well appointed room in awe.

"It's very fancy," Clara agreed, "But the White Hand doesn't just look shiny on the outside, we also deliver top notch."

"That much I have heard. That is why this was my first stop," Tiresias explained, "My daughter Tindra is somewhere on the mountains to the north west of here. I want to try to find her. I know it won't be easy but I can't rest without giving it my best shot."

"I understand you, the mountain range is vast but most of it is actually uninhabitable because of the severe weather that buffets it," Shaden said in a clear, even tone, "There is a area at the base of Mount Pleasant that we can use as a base camp and then from there we can check out the western clops of Mount Pleasant. I believe if we are systematic we can quickly rule out the probable locations."

"You sound capable, my heart is already more at ease about the decision to hire you," Tiresias noted.

They then spent some time going over the logistics such as time of departure, what supplies to bring and various contingency plans.

Clarice was quiet, taking notes and making sure everyone's cup was full by directing her phantasmal hand to pour more wine or juice as the case may be. She found that Odogaron was looking at her and she met his gaze steadily. After a moment she winked at him and he ducked his head as if flustered. She thought it was adorable and had to also lower her head a bit to stop from giggling out loud and interrupting the other two who were still seriously conversing about the gear needed.

Once they were finished, the four of them parted ways, with a prearranged time to meet tomorrow agreed upon.

***

The journey to the base of Mount Pleasant took half a day from Eleywell. Then it took them another hour to set up the camp. 

Without delaying further, they headed up the western slope, with Shaden leading, followed by Tiresias, then Odogaron and finally Clarice bringing up the rear.

It was a cool, crisp day and there was not much shrubbery in this area, only rocks and small shrubs which meant they could see for miles around. This was in contrast to the vase and east side of the mountain which was covered by a lush fir forest.

"It's a nice view here," Clarice commented idly, "But it feels desolate."

"I'm glad for the cloud cover," Shaden replied, "Without it we would definitely bake in the sun even as our noses got frostbite."

"It might be too early to say this, but I think we could rule out this section," Tiresias said, "It doesn't seem very well travelled."

"I agree with your assessment," Shaden answered.

"I see a pit up ahead," Odogaron stated, "Before we go back let's check it out to be sure."

No one protested this and they went up to the pit and surveyed it carefully. Clarice sent her phantasmal hand down inside of it clutching a torch which saved them from having to brave it themselves and possibly run into trouble to get a good look.

"Nothing," Odogaron sighed, "That's for the best though..."

"Let's head back to camp, we can have a meal and rest for the night and then head over to the west side in the morning," Tiresias suggested.

They turned about, arranging themselves in the same order and headed down. 

They were about a quarter of a mile away from the camp when Tiresias became alert, his ears twitching.

"We have company at the camp!" he declared.

Shaden wondered how he knew for a moment before it clicked to him, that he must have enhanced hearing. Without further hesitation, Shaden picked up the pace! 

"Just in case it's an enemy, Tiresias and Odogaron should stay behind us," Clara said earnestly.

"We can pull out weight," Odogaron insisted and Shaden was not inclined to argue at this point, especially before they knew the level of the threat.

"It's a number of coursers, at least three" Tiresias informed them, "All of us are needed."

"Then let's go!" Shaden drew his scythe out as he spoke and surged forward.