Darcy and Benni followed Jack as he led them out of Ballade. As they walked along the cobblestone streets, Benni kept shooting uncomfortable looks at Jack as the trio navigated a mazelike series of twists and turns.

“I don’t think this was a good idea. We know nothing about him. And I don’t think we can find our way back to the main part of town from here if we tried. This could be a trap.” Benni whispered to Darcy, getting her to slow down.

Soon, Jack motioned for them to stop in front of a large, red brick manor.

“Wait outside. I have to talk to some… friends of mine before we leave town.” Jack said with a mysterious smile. “I won’t be but a few moments.”

After Jack disappeared into the manor, Benni turned to Darcy.

“This has got to be a trap! Let’s get out of here.” He urged.

“I’m sure everything’s fine. Let’s just wait for Jack to return.” Darcy tried to calm Benni. “How about we read the journal for a bit while we wait?”

“Darcy, we don’t have time! Something’s off. Besides, aren’t you worried about losing the professor’s trail?” Benni was panicking.

Darcy ignored him as she pulled out the journal. She opened it to a random page and Benni gasped.

“Darcy…”

The page had a detailed color illustration of the manor in front of them on it. The entry read:

Dear Reader,

While in Ballade beware the residents of Sparrow Manor. Sparrow Manor is the home to the thieves guild of Akiyama. Know as the Sparrow Clan, the members occupy a variety of professions and come from all walks of life and even from various species, they are incredibly loyal to one another and extremely skilled.

Outsiders must be careful, as the Sparrow Clan will often choose targets under the guise of friendship. While most targets are robbed, others are actually brought to the manor with the intention of converting them into new members. Once someone goes into Sparrow Manor, they do not emerge the same.

Why, I still grieve for Astrid. A young traveling companion of mine had the misfortune of being recruited. She was taken into the manor and kept inside for several days. When I finally saw her again, she was a loyal member of the Sparrow Clan. Astrid did not even remember who I was. It was as if she was now someone else.

So dear reader, if you are asked to come Sparrow Manor, please leave. Leave before you are beckoned inside. Leave before it’s too late.

-Irene.

Darcy and Benni looked up from the journal, shaken. The Manor’s door was starting to open.

“Run!” Darcy cried.

She and Benni ran as quickly as they could, not looking back. Soon, they found themselves out of the city.

“Let’s keep going.” Benni said. “I don’t want to take a chance of Jack coming after us.”

“Agreed,” Darcy said.