Summary

As a bizarre storm rains down toads outside, Erin Solstice receives a new customer at The Wandering Inn: a gaunt, well-dressed man who introduces himself as Pisces. He casually explains the strange weather as the result of a miscast spell and orders a drink. Erin finds him odd but serves him, intrigued by his knowledge of magic.

Shortly after, the two members of the Liscor City Guard, Relc and Klbkch, burst into the inn to escape the storm. They greet Erin warmly but are immediately suspicious of her new guest. After a moment of scrutiny, Relc recognizes Pisces from a wanted poster and declares him under arrest on suspicion of being a Necromancer.

Pisces protests, insisting he is merely a Mage, but the guards are unconvinced. Klbkch uses his [Detect Guilt] skill, which confirms Pisces's culpability, and they place him in magical manacles. As they prepare to transport him to Liscor, Pisces continues to talk, asking for another drink before they depart.

While Relc is distracted and Klbkch is busy, Pisces executes a clever escape. He creates a magical illusion of himself still sitting at the table, which continues a one-sided conversation with the guards. The real Pisces slips out the door unnoticed. By the time Relc turns back to the table, the illusion vanishes, revealing the deception. Angered at being fooled, Relc and Klbkch immediately rush out of the inn to pursue the fugitive, leaving Erin alone once again.