by Ryan McCall
Even with his force, it would be a difficult campaign. President Praellis’ Republican Guard reportedly had half a million men under arms. It was an exaggeration. The question was by how much?
A certain percentage of Praellis’ armed forces were loyal to him, the rest were dubious. They would be forced conscripts or former royalist soldiers, many of whom would jump at the chance to fight for the monarchy again. The success of the campaign would hinge on the number of Republican Guard soldiers who would join them.
“My men are as ready as they need to be,” he replied. “They are veterans of many wars. It is your own soldiers that have not had fighting practice in a long time. Nor are they as familiar with their homeland as they once were.”
Ursa didn’t respond to his bait. She blinked a few times. “Good. I’m sure you and your sell-swords will distinguish yourselves fine.”
Perhaps the queen asked her to be more diplomatic, he thought. He decided not to push her further and changed topics. “Is there word on the weather conditions near Senaea?”
“It should be clear skies. There’s a storm front due at the start of next week, so we should arrive with time to spare,” replied the general.
“And everything is in place?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Ursa. “There are still many in Estara loyal to the crown. They chafe under Praellis’ corrupt rule. They will sabotage the ships in Haltoria Harbor so the Republican Navy cannot ambush us while our forces make their way north.”
“And the remaining fleets?” Tanaka wasn’t concerned about the main fleet in Haltoria. By the time it could be deployed, it would be too late to change anything. The real unknown factors were the additional two republican fleets which were usually stationed on the north and east coasts of Estara. If they were patrolling the Summit Sea and spotted the invasion fleet, the advantage of surprise would be lost.
“The Northern Fleet is still stationed in Portus Nova,” replied Ursa. “The Eastern Fleet is on operations. I don’t know where exactly.” He could tell she was as frustrated as he was with that little information. Operations could mean anything from long range patrol to simply being on alert due to the Alkon-Galrian war.
“We need better information,” he said. “Knowledge of the field of battle is the greatest weapon a commander can have.”
“I am aware of that commander,” Ursa angrily replied. “I did not receive these diamonds for nothing. We are doing the best with what we have.” She turned her back to him and walked towards the warehouses, where the last of her troops were waiting.
But will it be enough to regain your homeland? Whether they succeeded or not, it would be an aggressive campaign and his men could use practice. Most of them had been on contracts in the colonies and were not used to fighting enemies who could shoot back. They needed to cut their teeth in a small war like this before being contracted to fight in the larger war in the south.
***
Clara downed the whole bottle of foul-tasting, white liquid. It took several seconds and she fought against the revolting taste, swallowing it all. She reached for a glass of water to wash the taste from her mouth. It was over and done, there was no going back now. It was for the best, but a small part of her felt guilt and regret.
It was her last day in Caer Anvos and the last chance she would have to do it. A week ago, she had discovered that she was pregnant, her monthly bleeding failing to appear. She had told no one.
There was only one possible candidate for the father. Lawrence, the emperor and man she had loved. She had cried herself to sleep the night she heard about what happened at Rampart.
This put her in a difficult position. There was no way she would be able to cross to Estara and find a noble candidate for marriage in time to pretend that the child belonged to a new husband.
To preserve her nation she was going to have to kill the last piece of the man she loved. She had sent her most trusted bodyguard down to a special section of the market and asked her to fetch what see needed.
The white tea was a special blend, brewed by small-time magically talented folk who ran stalls in markets, their talents too minor to join the Scepters or study at Warded Spirals. But what little they did know, they put to good use.
The tea worked as a contraceptive and also for women who wanted to abort a pregnancy in its early stages. Clara had drunk the entire dose, ensuring that she would never bring Lawrence’s child to term. She sat at in front of her mirrors, staring into them. She was beginning to wonder how much she would have to sacrifice for the sake of her kingdom.
There was a knock on the door. “Your Highness?” Her bodyguard.
His voice snapped her out of her mournful contemplation. “Yes what is it?”
“The fleets are readying to leave. We have to go now, Your Highness. The queen’s ship needs to leave with the protection of the fleet.”
“Of course,” she replied. “I’ll be out in a moment.” She gathered up the last of her items and put them into her bag. She opened the door to let in her guards and servants who would escort her to the ship. She was going home after so many years and yet she did not feel happy. It was crazy and she had to stop herself from laughing at the irony. She finally had what she wanted, a chance to return to her rightful place in Estara and she found she no longer wanted it as she once had.
Chapter 71
The Alkos Artifacts shop was devoid of customers. With the war in full swing, interest in rare artifacts had dried up. Though that wasn’t exactly accurate, the regular treasure-hunters, collectors and eccentrics had vanished.
But every day Thomas complained to Tessa about being pestered by someone from the Ministry of War or the Hydrus Scepters. The ministry would inquire about useful weapons he may have acquired, while the scepters were interested in mystical artifacts or rare ingredients for powerful spells, such as dragons blood or sapphire lotus powder.
Thomas always had to give them disappointing answers. His artifact business was lucrative, fueled by collectors and museums, but the value of his items was their historical and cultural significance, not practical applications.
Tessa had warned him that the few highly publicized sales he had made in the past would have a downside. Thomas had made sure all of the newspapers and his professional network knew exactly who had acquired and sold the dead remains of a lava elemental to Warded Spirals; or the Sword of the First Minakayan Lord to the head of the Steel-Raiders mercenary company.
She hadn’t predicted that it would come back to bite him in this particular way. Thanks to those particular pieces of showy business, the army and the mages thought he could obtain powerful relics on a regular basis.
Thomas put his hands on his accounts table, staring at them. “If business stays this bad for much longer, I may have to sell off a few pieces of the well-preserved Cartralan collection.”
Tessa gasped. “No. Thomas you can’t. They’re your pride and joy.” She bent over his drooped shoulder looked at his accounts and scoffed. “Men. All you ever see is the raw numbers.” She took the pencil out of his hands and grabbed a blank sheet of paper. She quickly jotted down his figures and did a few calculations. “Aha” she said in triumph and scribbled out the final numbers. He would be able to keep hold of his prized collection. All it would take is jumping through a few accounting hoops.
She smirked at him in her success and held up the paper to his face.
“What did you…” he started to ask and studied what she had calculated. His face soon broke into a smile when he realized what she had done.
Thomas laughed in joy and looked at her. He pulled her into a deep kiss.
She purred and sucked in a deep breath of air when he let go.
“Has anyone ever told you, you’re a financial genius?”
“I didn’t get my job because of my looks you know,” she replied slyly.
He chuckled. “You would have if I was in charge of hiring cabinet ministers.”
Between the kiss and the flirting, Tessa could f
eel her libido rising. She wouldn’t get a chance to continue it further. A carriage stopped outside the shop.
“Looks like I finally have a customer,” said Thomas. He went over to his main counter and waited for whoever it was to enter.
Tessa crossed her arms in frustration. She was glad he had a customer, but between her brother’s hospitalization and the war she had been so busy, she hadn’t had sex in more than a week and it was starting to frustrate her. She peered out the window to try and see who had interrupted them.
The window was foggy and she rubbed it clear. The cold grip of winter was starting to make its presence known. Once she had wiped the condensation, she could see the carriage clearly.
It was expensive looking and definitely flare-rock powered. It had silver-hued metal paneling and a symbol on the side that anyone in Alkos would recognize. It was a golden cog with a mechanical spike through the middle on an angle. The logo of Huntington Mechanics.
And lo and behold, the figure of Alyssa Huntington herself walked through the door. Tessa gritted her teeth. She had to give the woman credit; she had audacity to show up here of all places. She was flanked by two guards in blue jacketed suits, with large and obvious revolvers in their holsters.
She was wearing a fur-coat, Tessa couldn’t tell what type. She watched as Alyssa walked up to Thomas. He had on his best business service face.
“Mr. Hamilton. I have been told that you are one of the best in the field of artifact related archeology. Is this correct?” asked Alyssa.
As haughty as ever she thought. Alyssa had yet to notice her standing over to the side, next to Thomas’ accounting desk.
“Yes, absolutely,” replied Thomas. “What exactly are you in the market for Ms. Huntington?”
“Advice, Mr. Hamilton. I need your advice with regards to this.” She pulled out a brown and cracked scroll and unrolled it on the counter.
“Oh my, this is incredible,” exclaimed Thomas. “Where did you get this?” Whatever it was had him excited. The last time Tessa had seen him react like that, a treasure hunter had come in with a pile of Kordatian relics.
“I’m afraid I can’t say,” replied Alyssa. “Suffice it to say one of my employees came into possession of it and now says he can lead me here,” she pointed to the lower middle of the scroll, “where I will find the ruins of a Cartral city and a significant flare-rock deposit. I need to know from you, if myself or my employee are being misled, or if there is a possibility that this is genuine.”
Thomas nodded as he studied the map. “I believe I may have several old Estaran volumes that could be helpful. Let me fetch them and we can discuss what value you think my advice is worth.” He left the counter and climbed the small set of stairs that led to his library on the second floor.
With him gone, Tessa took the opportunity to approach Alyssa.
The woman finally noticed her. “Minister Mordain, what a pleasant surprise. I had not expected to see you here.”
“Why?” asked Tessa. ‘I would think someone as capable as you would know all about the personal lives of ministers.”
Alyssa held up her hand. “Please, I meant no offence minister. I do, of course know about your relationship with Mr. Hamilton. But I did not expect to see you here because I assumed that if you were not at the Imperial Ministry you would be visiting your brother.”
The woman bowed her head slightly. “I hope he is doing better. It is a sad day when we industrial entrepreneurs are attacked by the same people to whom we give employment and opportunity.” She even had the temerity to stand there and talk about Luthais like she cared about him.
Tessa scowled and focused her eyes on Alyssa. “Don’t give me that concerned act. There’s no one around for you to showboat for. You don’t give a damn about my brother. All you did was use him.”
“Is everything all right?” asked Thomas as he returned from the second floor.
Tessa had let her emotions get the better of her. She hadn’t realized her voice had become so loud. Dammit. I need to keep myself in check when dealing with her.
Alyssa smiled at him. “It’s alright Mr. Hamilton. Your paramour is understandably upset about her brother. She has every right to be angry. I would feel the same if someone had struck against my family.”
Inwardly, Tessa seethed. She has to be so damn polite doesn’t she?
Alyssa looked back at her. “Minister, please know that I take no offense at your outburst and would not hold it against you.”
Tessa breathed in and out slowly, getting herself calm. “Of course. I apologize for acting out. I’ve been under a lot of stress.”
She looked over at Thomas, he had several dusty books under his arms and was giving her the look. The one that meant he wanted to deal with his client in private.
“I’ll excuse myself while you conduct your business.” She went into one of the back rooms. She had treasury work she could do in the meantime. After half an hour there was knock on the door.
Thomas opened it and poked his head in. “All finished,” he said.
Tessa left her work on the table and followed him out. Alyssa was leaving the shop and had a satisfied look on her face. “Goodbye Minister Mordain. I hope your brother makes a fast recovery. If there is anything I can do, let me know.”
Tessa slowly walked back over to the front of the shop, with Thomas following her. “So, did you help her find what she needed?” she asked.
Thomas sighed, but he had to know she was going to ask. “Tessa, I’m not comfortable discussing the details with you.”
“That didn’t stop you from getting information from your contact in her company. How she planned to steal armament production techniques from Typhon Trading.”
“That was different,” he argued. “She’s a client of mine now. My clients expect a certain amount of discretion, particular corporate clients.”
Tessa kept her eyes scrutinized on him.
He shook his head. “Fine,” he admitted in defeat. “She has an old map of central Kangur, it contains the location of a buried Cartralan city. My books were able to confirm that the city of Jarpexes may have been located there. She’s going to hire an expedition to locate the ruins. That’s all of it, I swear.”
Tessa laughed. “You are too cute when you’re trying to defend your clients. I could care less about old ruins. I have a war to finance and a brother to check on.”
Thomas smiled himself. She could tell he was still annoyed at her, but it wouldn’t last long, especially with what she had in mind.
“Now,” she said. “Why don’t you put the closed sign up and we can get back to where we were, before being so rudely interrupted.” She pulled him towards herself and locked him into a passionate kiss.
Chapter 72
A tall and lithe elf with a shaven head was chained to a chair. He was naked and covered in bruises, sweat dripping off his body. Lucina had a revolver pointed at him in her left hand and her right hand held a whip, part of which was wrapped around her hand, while the rest dangled loose.
The whip was made of soft leather and on its own would not have caused much pain or damage to anyone. But this whip had been modified. It had sharp barbs attached, designed with hooks like the fangs of a snake. Once they pierced into flesh, they would sink in deep and grab hold. If the wielder pulled the whip back, the barbs would tear out chunks of flesh in the most agonizing way possible.
The elf sitting in front of Lucina was a fellow assassin, Sifyf or’Evro. He specialized in poisons and had established himself in the town of Kelburn. Kelburn was a small town to the north of Longhaven, separated from the city by the wide Hammer River.
“Still so stubborn Sifyf. You’re going to force me to use this.” She held up the whip so he could see the gleaming points of the barbs.
“You think you can intimidate me,” he said. “You’re an idiot Lucina. You may as well take that gun and shoot yourself in the head right now. It’ll be faster and cleaner than taking on the Arm.”
; “So you know?” she asked.
“Everyone knows. You killed Handler Ral, the Prophet only knows why and you’ve gone rogue. Orders are to kill on you site. Didn’t think you’d be stupid enough to come this close to Longhaven. You should be on ship headed for the other side of the world if you want to have a hope of remaining alive.”
“Why I am here is none of your concern?” she replied. ‘What you should be concerned about is telling me where the next master hood ceremony is taking place.” Trained assassins who completed all of their chosen kills were initiated in a special ceremony that never took place in the same location.
Sifyf shrugged as much as he could in his restraints. He didn’t want to cooperate. Lucina lifted the whip up and swung it back. Then she brought it down with all her strength. The snapping sound it made was ear-piercing.
“Arrgh!” grunted Sifyf. He had his teeth clenched and was doing his best to ignore the pain as the barbs penetrated the skin along his right arm. But this was the easy part. He wouldn’t be so calm when she pulled it out.
“Last chance to tell me what I want to know Sifyf,” she warned him. “Once I pull back on this whip, you won’t be in much shape to tell me anything and then you’ll be useless to me.”
He looked up at her through his grimace of pain and gave her a sinister smile.
“Fine,” she said and went to pull the whip back. Before she had a chance, he was suddenly free from his restraints and charging at her. She tried to pull up her gun to shoot him but it was too late. He barreled into her, knocking her back against the wall, the gun and whip falling out of her hands.
“You think I don’t take precautions for someone ambushing me in my own home, you stupid bitch,” he said and laughed. He slammed his knee into her stomach and she grunted, it was hard to breathe. She felt him scratch something on her arm, but it wasn’t painful. She pushed him away and looked for the gun. She couldn’t see it anywhere.