The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension

by Rodney Mountain

  Chapter 80 - Taliaferro Village

  Paulus remained vigilant, even after he knew he was out of the Cirrus area. He didn’t know how far Ellis LaPorte’s conspiracy had gone, so he went slowly into the village area. When he arrived at the village, he wasn’t particularly surprised to see that a group of LaPorte’s private soldiers had made it ahead of him.

  "Ok," Paulus said to himself as he hid behind a stone wall, "Plan B."

  Taliaferro Village was not one of the largest towns in the empire, but it was large enough that there were places to go. Paulus knew the area better than to go head on to the government house in the town, as LaPorte’s goons were expecting that. In his travels through here, however, he knew that some of his old friends had retired down here.

  Paulus went to a small house on the outside of town. It was far enough from where LaPorte’s people were hunting him that he didn’t have to worry too much about showing himself. He walked up to the place and knocked on the door of the house, getting a gruff invitation to come inside.

  "Who the hell is that?" an old voice grumbled, "I’m just getting up."

  "Not getting up until noon now, old coot?" Paulus asked him, "Has retirement made you that lazy?"

  "You’re kidding me," the old man said, coming out, "Paulus friggen Tally. I thought sure I’d never see your sorry ass again."

  "I’m like a bad penny," Paulus chuckled, "I always turn up. Just like you when you worked for Crian. How are you holding up in your declining years, Edgar?"

  "Hating retirement like a bitch," Edgar grunted, "Would give a lot to not have to sit around and wait to die."

  "I hear ya," Paulus said, "I may be able to scare up some work for you if you want."

  "I don’t need special favors," Edgar said, "I’m too damn old to do much and with that left leg lame I can do less."

  "You can help me now," Paulus said, "More than anyone else in this town."

  "So you’re the one those goons from down south are looking for," Edgar nodded, "How did that happen? You’re a Mullinix Representative, just like I was. They are guard, aren’t they?"

  "Technically," Paulus grunted, "They have turned though, right along with their boss."

  "Ellis LaPorte," Edgar said, "The rumors are true, I take it."

  "He’s the cause," Paulus said, "I need to get this information to the palace quickly."

  "The local head is in LaPorte’s pocket," Edgar said, "You won’t get any help there."

  "That’s why I’m here," Paulus said, "I need food and transportation."

  "I have a bicycle," Edgar said, "It’s old and a bit rusty, but it is yours. I have a bit of extra food, take what you need Paulus. Just get out of here as fast as you can."

  "I appreciate this, Edgar," Paulus said, "Like I said, if there is anything I can do…"

  "Get back and tell the Mullinix what you know," Edgar said, "Solve that mess down south so I don’t have to worry about waking up with Mavelan soldiers on my door instead of your ugly mug."

  "Count on it," Paulus said, starting to get stuff together, "Thanks."