We roll along with another Sassy Snake story.

 
We spend that night at an inn in town. After Pete is tucked in bed and told a bedtime story, we meet in a room nearby, talking quietly so as not to disturb her sleep.

"So, wot we do now, Sassy?" asks Linger in a low rumble.

"I'm not sure right now. You and Icy had a chance to look the town over; did either of you see Bristle?"

"Not a sign of him nor Gem neither."

"Dat right. We looks high and low." Linger smiles at his joke. "We not see dem at all."

"We saw a lot of people trying to get through that barrier, though. What do you make of that, Sassy?"

"Well, from what I saw, there were too many people for it to be just a random act. Probably a quest by the council. At any rate, I wonder what we should do next."

"Why we not try break dat barrier down?"

Icy turns to him with a gentle smile. "Could you do it, Linger? Do you think you could do it, big guy?"

"Me not know, mebbe not. Dere a lot of big strong people out dere and dem not doing too well."

"Exactly." Icy turns to look at me. "Master, what are you thinking about?"

"Hmmm, oh, I was just thinking about that mindbender. It isn't good to have a soul witch on the loose."

"Dat plenty bad, all right."

"I was just wondering if that barrier could be an illusion cast by her. That might explain a lot."

"Master, surely not. Could such a powerful conjurer do that?"

"Doser, you miss the point. She wouldn't have to make that barrier unbreakable. All she would have to do is to convince all of her victims that it was unbreakable. Perhaps cast an illusion of discouragement on them. There are a lot of them gathered together and it might make a tempting target for some very powerful magic caster."

Icy shakes her head. "That almost sounds too pat. You surely don't believe that this could happen?"

"I wish I could examine that wall. If I could prove it exists, then we might have to pursue another angle. If I could prove that it's all an illusion then we might be able to go through it. Trouble is, if she were that powerful, then she would have other defenses out there besides the barrier should anyone think of that."

"Me not tink anywon elsk ever tinks of it. I is not sure you is right. Still it be something to try."

"Okay, Master," says Icy, "tomorrow you can check out the wall. Another problem, though, is what are we going to do with Pete?"

"That's a good question. Do either of you have any suggestions?" When they both shake their heads no, I frown. "Thought that would be the answer. Well, we may as well get some sleep and start fresh in the morning. Everybody flake out and grab some sleep." The others wrap themselves in covers and I go to check on Pete. Pete is sleeping soundly so I tiptoe out to join my crew. Tomorrow will be an interesting day, that's for sure.

Honestly, we don't see nearly as much of Sassy for this mission as the previous to, but her pieces still have their writing skill. She's as sharp as ever and it's great seeing Icy and Linger, as it always is. The "mindbender illusions" thing is also a fun new twist for the force field and it's nice seeing more of lil Pete. Next up are Fumblies and company- a proper co-write- before we get back to Sassy again in a couple pieces!