"I know I've got company." said the blue fox, not bothering to turn around. "If you'll excuse me, I'm on a mission right now, so I don't feel all that sociable."
"Not a problem." said the intruder, melting into the shadows to wait.
The fox nodded slowly, and returned full concentration to the task at hand. "As you'll doubtless understand, Mr. Mage, I don't want to kill you."
The mage offered no response.
"But this blessed iron is powerful enough to negate all your magic, and there is a possibility if you try to get away using more conventional methods that this blade might just slip a little."
Still nothing.
"Still silence? Very well." Smiling, the fox brought his other paw up in a fist at a calculated speed. The mage crumpled to the ground, and was quickly bound. Satisfied, the blue fox turned around to the shadows by the doorway.
"You must be the mysterious stranger."
The black rabbit stepped into the light once more. "And you must be the heroic bounty hunter."
The blue fox bowed graciously. "At your service."
"Have you let the Taverners out yet?"
"Of course."
"Good. Now, suppose you answer a few questions?"
The blue fox gained an expression of mock outrage. "Surely, sir, you realize doing so would be breaking several of my employer's rules. However, if you'll just stand still for a few moments, my colleague and I will be happy to take care of you."
The rabbit smiled ever so slightly before punching the air next to him. The black bird suddenly reappeared at the spot struck, before falling to the ground in a heap of feathers.
"Now that we have both eliminated our opponents," began the rabbit, "let us continue." Gaining no response from the slightly impressed fox, he went on. "The Taverners were kidnapped by Devan Shell and the Duck Tapes. The Ostrich Peeps have arrived from Tubelectric, you and your avian friend are here doing who knows what, there are a couple of peeping toms outside with a severe headache, and I have a feeling this all has something to do with that mage you have over there. Explain."