"Did you see that? Phlunt was so mad, even his fleas jumped ship," says an asura even tinier than asura usually are (on account of being 16 and also having a congenital degenerative disease). "Canach, you're my hero."

"Why the surprise visit?" asks the Commander, not bothering to hide his delight in seeing Canach.

"The Hunt."

James folds his arms and waits.

Canach sighs. "I'm looking for you, Commander."

"...your Hunt directed you specifically to me?"

"Hey, if there's anyone we know who might be Hunted..."

"Yes, yes, terribly hilarious," Canach drawls dryly. "Minister Caudecus has recently, ah, 'left' the queen's protective custody. And the Hunt was even more insistent than usual that I should help with that. So Anise sent me and a squad of Shining Blade to escort him back to Divinity's Reach."

"And you sought out my help? Canach, I'm flattered."

"Well, who else do I know that loves to bring death and destruction to his enemies as much as you do, Commander?"

"Is Minister Caudecus my enemy, now?"

"Oh, yes."

"Did the Hunt tell you that?"

"My brain told me that, Commander."

"Will your brain care to enlighten us folks who don't have direct access to it?"

"Yes, on the way to northern Maguuma, which is where our intel points to him heading, as well as a flare-up of White Mantle activity, if you'd believe the coincidence."

"Wait, is that the crazy magical hotspot we saw on the leyline map earlier? By the Bloodstone?"

"Why, yes, that is where the Bloodstone is, isn't it, what an even bigger coincidence."

"Didn't the minister claim to not be in bed with those mursaat lovers?"

"Rytlock! I almost didn't see you there, you're so quiet. Ah, wait, I think I might be confusing my sight with my hearing again, my bad, you're the blind one."

"Careful, cactus. Sylvari burn just as easily as weeds," the charr says with a low growl, placing his left paw on the hilt of his magic sword, which is not currently on fire but could very quickly be.

"I'm shaking in my boots," Canach drawls. "Yes, Brimstone, Minister Caudecus did claim to not be White Mantle. As with most things politicians say, you should always be aware that it might not be true. Not that I could ever guess why someone might claim to not be involved with White Mantle, especially in Kryta of all places, but it takes all sorts to do politics."

He growls some more.

"As much as I love watching you two fight, this seems important," says James. "Rytlock, get word to the others. Marjory might be getting a little restless in Divinity's Reach and want in on the action."

"Commander, if you'd like, you can hitch a ride on my airship," says another charr that's been quiet throughout this conversation. "It's on our way; we can drop you off."