Chapter 76: Race for time

Frederick "What?" Frederick asked as he marched over to Ariel. "My sister was here?" he repeated, his eyes wide. "That is what I said," Ariel replied. "Are you deaf?" She cocked her head to one side and tapped her temple. "If you're deaf, then I made a huge mistake bringing you here. I have no need for deaf idiots." She waved Frederick off dismissively. "Forgive me, Elder," Avarius said as he placed a hand on Ariel's. "What is it? What do you want? You can speak, surely," she said with the smile never leaving her face. "What my friend means to say is that we have been searching for months now, hoping to find leads on where his sister is. You see, Frederick and his sister Talia have a wonderful relationship." "I know. This assistant has spoken about you a number of times, but I was afraid I was mistaking you for someone else," she said, tapping Avarius on the nose. Frederick shuddered, grateful that he wasn't the one receiving the old hag's touch. "All right," Avarius said, shrug