The astonished look from Larianco was broken by Dave’s resounding voice erupting in her mind.
“Let the system data paths swallow me whole. You just had a god call you a friend.”
‘That’s all you took from that?’
“What else was there to take?” Dave asked, sounding confused.
‘Nexis admitted using me initially.’
“That was always obvious, if I am being honest. I have said since the start you are an anomaly. There is no other Legionnaire with your unique status. You are immortal, after all.”
‘You could have said something to me.’
“Such as? And would it really have made a difference?”
SJ thought about it for several moments. ‘I suppose not. I wouldn’t have developed the way I have without his support.’
“Exactly.”
“Was that a god?” Larianco suddenly blurted out a look of disbelief on her face.
SJ’s focus returned to Larianco.
“Erm, yes. You just met Haber, or Nexis as he goes by currently.”
“I just met a god!” Larianco exclaimed as she flopped into a chair, perplexed.
Larianco reached for the tray, lifted the bottle of nectar wine, and took a drink without pouring it into a glass.
“Have you never met one before?”
“No. When would I ever meet a god.”
SJ knew her comment had been rather daft. Why would an Amatherean ever even consider meeting a god?
“Silly question, sorry.”
“So, you know a god and have been blessed by one.”
“Not exactly. Although, he made the dress I wear.”
“It’s Astral ?”
“Yes.”
“I knew it was special but never considered it was an Astral item. You must tell me everything,” Larianco said, putting the honey wine back down and leaning forward in her chair, resting her elbows on her knees and cupping her face, staring intently at SJ.
SJ answered various questions from Larianco as she tried to dig for every piece of information she could about Haber. When the questions eventually ended, SJ had basically told Larianco everything that had happened to her from her original meeting with Haber to where she was now. She hadn’t mentioned Bob, though, keeping the great blue dragon out of the conversation deliberately. She had never shared the information with anyone else apart from Carlito in the vaguest of terms and wasn’t going to start now. Although she knew Larianco and had fought alongside her, she was still a new acquaintance compared to many of her friends in Killic, even with the reputation gained with the Angolis.
“So, Fran knows of Haber?”
“Yes. She knows of him as she has taken the oath as you have.”
“You really are an exception.”
“If we get back to why you asked me if I knew a god would be good.”
“It was a suspicion that Valiasca had come to. She believes that Jarista is involved with the council and manipulating it through the dark elves and the fae factions. She had concluded that there had to be a god on the other side if this was the case.”
“I am not sure I would say that Nexis is on the other side. I really don’t know why he got involved with me originally,” SJ sighed.
“I have told you it’s your unique ability,” Dave interjected. “How many other immortals can a god adopt on Amathera, with the freedom of choice you have, not being system-bound.”
‘But I am system-bound. I am still under their control and power.’
“You have more freedom than any other Legionnaire I have known and are out of their ultimate boundary of death.”
SJ stood and walked to the table where the map was. Leaning over it, SJ read the various reports that Larianco had registered.
“Would all the attacks have to be committed by fae?”
“The reports I have received would not necessarily all be fae no. Any magic user could have caused some of the damage reported.”
“That means it could be dark elves and not fae responsible for some problems.”
“That is also what Valiasca believes. Although the fae council is under some influence, she still doesn’t believe most of the faction representatives are involved. She has hope that the darkness and manipulation can be forced from the capital.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“The fall into darkness started a couple of centuries ago. I know Fran has spoken to you about what occurred with her due to the stone circle and the accusations she faced after the death of Juniper. The number that has turned towards the dark elves’ malicious accusations and beliefs is still increasing as time passes. The influence appears to be slowly expanding when you consider Raceillia and the naivety of her beliefs. She is a prime example of the continuing growth of malcontent.”
“I still know so little about the fae and how the factions fully operate, but do opportunities exist for all?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Are the chances for all fae the same, or does their position or family decide their future positions or potential.”
“Ah. I suppose it is based mainly on family ties. The oldest faction families are those where the higher roles come from most of the time. Not all, but many will follow in their family footsteps.”
“That means that some may never have the same opportunities that all do.”
“I suppose. I had never really considered it.”
“Do you have nobility?”
“Not in the sense that some races do. We have a king or queen, but they are elected from the factions.”
“So you can be elected through selection to the council?”
“If you get the necessary support, you can be.”
“But I am assuming family ties and general standing can overstep many of those who may wish to succeed or progress.”
“Potentially.”
SJ fell silent as she thought over Larianco’s responses.
‘I suppose manipulating those who don’t hold power is something that the god of darkness would prey on?’ SJ asked Dave.
“It would make sense that he is. They would be easier to influence. The political structure of the races is in many ways similar to that from Earth.”
‘How can we prevent further issues then? If the dark elves or god of darkness are trying to force the fae back into the beliefs of Gavia. How can it be overcome?’
Dave didn’t reply to SJ’s musing.
“From what I can see, the only way the darkness can be eradicated is by changing the beliefs of those who are being persuaded to follow,” SJ said.
“And how would we do that?” Larianco said.
“That’s the question. How do we change the views of those affected by the misinformation? From what I am aware, Gavia was the darkest of times for the fae, and their standing has been impacted for millennia since.”
“It has. The last time we were a trusted race was before. Even when we have been accepted as representatives, there are still many who do not believe our intentions. Asterfal has taken a long time to come around to accept the fae. I have spent years building the trust of the city’s leaders. Yet, I know that many within the council still do not trust me. Thankfully, the new chancellor is not one to be corrupted easily by others; he holds his own beliefs and will make his decisions based on personal experience. Not the word of others.”
“If there was one thing you could do as a fae, what would it be?”
Larianco tilted her head to one side, pondering her response. “I suppose the one thing I would change is our ability to be a true representative of where we reside.”
“Be a part of the council?”
“Yes. Be accepted as a member of the city, not just as an ambassador. Be allowed to vote and take part in the decision-making process.”
“And you can’t do that now?”
“No,” Larianco scoffed. “I am just a representative for when there are problems to deal with. Never have I been approached for advice or input into anything.”
“Have you not tried?”
“I did initially. I could see problems and wanted to try to support and change the views of the council. It always fell on deaf ears. Never was it taken seriously.”
“Have you ever discussed it with the chancellor?”
“Not the current one. I had previously tried but was always brushed off and told that the city makes the decisions, not outsiders .”
“An idea is not a decision.”
“I know, but many times, I believe they felt threatened.”
“You know that the current chancellor would listen to your thoughts.”
“Perhaps. I have never tried.”
“Maybe it is time for you to do it.”
Silence fell again as Larianco considered SJ’s comments.
“Right. I had better get going. I needed to go and see the chancellor speaking about him, and I also needed to go to the pet shop. I have a terrible little beastie that I could do with some advice about.”
“Oh. I forgot about your pet. I guess he hatched and is bonded to you?”
“He is the little monster. I am being a little unfair. He can be lovely, but at times, he is a trouble causer.”
“Did you bring him to Asterfal with you?”
“I did. He is at my home. I thought it safer to leave him behind rather than drag him around with me. I always wonder what problems he may cause. I can bring him to see you if you wish?”
“I would love to see him. I have never seen a miniature wyvern before.”
SJ thanked Larianco for the wine and left, heading to the tower.
The rain still fell in its fine sheet as she walked to the tower. It wasn’t that far, and SJ didn’t see the need to fly. Her cloak was pulled up tightly around her face, keeping the rain off as she made her way through the wide streets of the inner city. The pristine street surfaces and paths were a vast change from the outer city. As she approached the tower, she was still in awe of its construction and magnificence, standing out like a shining beacon in the centre of the city. Bright pennants hung from flag poles with the chancellor’s coat of arms and colours.
The entrance area was busy as always, with beings coming and going to perform their duties. However, it still surprised SJ how many beings came to the tower so regularly. As SJ reached the top of the steps to the entrance, a guard stepped forward, dropping his pike in front of her.
“State your business,” he addressed SJ.
The man was broad and wore bright blue and gold chain mail, as all the tower guards did. His armour was a stark contrast to the dark skies.
SJ removed her hood and looked at the guard.
“Ambassador. My apologies, I didn’t recognise you or know that you were in Asterfal.”
SJ didn’t recognise the man standing in front of her, but then again, she had seen so many guards and didn’t know the names of any of them apart from the colonel.
“There is no need to apologise...I am sorry I don’t know your name.”
“Jasper, ambassador.”
“Jasper,” SJ repeated. She needed to get to know some of them better. It had always been beneficial to address people by their names if she knew them. It helped break down barriers.
The entrance hall was busy, not just with the usual flow of councillors and their attendants, but there was also a long line of beings waiting to be seen at a new desk that had been positioned outside the dining hall. The main desk was not too busy, and SJ waited patiently in a line to be seen by the kobold she recognised from her previous time in the tower. As she stood patiently, an argument broke out at the table near the dining hall. SJ had been watching beings after visiting the table to be allowed into the hall itself.
The argument was getting heated, and SJ watched as one of the tower guards walked over from the entrance. Not wanting things to get worse, she left her line and walked towards the scene.
“I have told you already that you are not entitled to free food. You don’t reside in District 3 and have not been moved because of the building works.”
“Why should others be given free food? My family are just as poor as those in District 3,” the female human argued back. Two young boys were with the woman who gripped their hands tightly. None of them were dressed well, and SJ could see the patchwork quilt of repairs on the children’s clothes. They were soaked as well, not having worn cloaks when they came to the tower.
The elf that was sitting at the desk noticed SJ approaching. She recognised him but didn’t know his name.
“Ambassador, so good to see you again,” the elf smiled.
SJ returned the smile as she came to stand by the table. The woman turned and looked SJ up and down in disgust. “What appears to be the problem?” SJ asked the elf.
“Those from District 3 who are staying in the inner city temporary accommodation are entitled to collect free food from the dining hall. Yet, there are several who believe they also have a right to it,” the elf indicating towards the woman.
“I am no better off than they are. I should have the same rights as they do,” the woman spat angrily. One of the young boys accompanying the woman started to cry, and the slightly older child also looked on the brink of tears.
“Can I help in any way?” SJ asked the woman.
“Get me into the hall for a meal.”
SJ turned back to the elf. “You don’t mind if they come with me, do you?” she asked.
The elf looked a little taken aback. “Erm, no. They can accompany you if you wish.”
“Thanks,” SJ said. She had been planning to book an appointment with the chancellor at the front desk but could always get a coffee. “Come with me,” she said, offering her hand to one of the children.
The older boy reached out and was about to take it when the woman pulled him back. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Do you wish to eat or not?” SJ asked, staring calmly at the woman.
The woman’s eyes flitted back and forth before her shoulders slumped the fight having left her. “Yes. We haven’t eaten a decent meal in days.”
“Then follow me,” SJ said. As SJ entered the dining hall, it was partitioned. On the right-hand side was now an area that had been set up to feed District 3 residents staying in the inner city. SJ ignored the crowded tables and walked over to the left side behind a barrier. A tower usher stood by the entrance to it.
“They are with me,” SJ said as she walked past him. The usher had a look of confusion on his face as she passed but didn’t challenge her.
“Take a seat. I will sort out some food,” SJ said, moving them to a table out of the way of the others who were currently seated. They took seats, and SJ moved over to the counters, noticing a face she recognised standing behind it.
“Lacey,” SJ said, approaching.
“Ambassador. I didn’t know you were back?”
“Just arrived. Could I get three meals, please, something filling and nutritious and a pot of coffee for myself?”
Lacey followed SJ’s gaze as she turned her head to where the three sat. “Of course. Please pay at the end.”
“Thanks,” SJ smiled before taking the copper out and paying the attendant, who sat at a small table at the end of the counter, for the three meals and her coffee.
SJ walked back to the table where the woman sat on the bench, head lowered. Her two children pulled close to her. SJ noticed her eyes flitting around nervously as she looked at the others seated around her. Many were regular councillors or tower attendants, and SJ recognised several. As she took a seat opposite the small family, SJ let out a sigh. “I am looking forward to a nice coffee.”
The woman glanced at her, then looked down.
“The food shouldn’t be too long. I have no idea what it will be, so it will be a surprise when it arrives, but knowing the cook, I bet it’s delicious.”
The youngest boy looked at SJ. He had tear tracks on his grime-covered cheeks, but he had stopped crying.
“I am SJ,” she said, smiling to the boy.
“Harry,” the small boy replied.
“Nice to meet you, Harry. Who are you?” SJ said to the other boy.
“Joel,” he said, looking at SJ warily. Their mother refused to meet SJ’s gaze.
“Nice to meet you as well. I am guessing this fine woman here is your mother?”
She looked up, staring at SJ, shocked at being addressed as a fine woman.
“And your name?”
“Holly,” she replied.
“Excellent. That is the introductions done with,” SJ said. “Which district are you from, if not District 3?”
“We live in ten,” Holly said.
“I have never visited District 10. What is it like?”
“Okay for most. Since my husband died, we lost our home and had to move near the outer wall, and I haven’t been able to pick up any work. I had always told Mark that we shouldn’t have moved to Asterfal, but he had a dream of becoming a tower guard.”
“I assume Mark was your husband?”
“Yes. He got killed recently on a caravan raid, where he had been working as a mercenary trying to get enough experience to level so that he could apply to become a guard.”
SJ did not know about the process for joining the guard.
“Standard practice for many,” Dave said. “Many positions will require minimum levels. Especially in city guard forces, so it is common for those wishing to become caravan guards or something similar to help them level.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” SJ said. “What do you do?”
“I was a farmer,” Holly said. “But there is no need for farmers within the city walls, and those farms outside the walls require higher levels again because of the threat in the territory.”
“So you are stuck then?”
“Basically. My profession isn’t supported inside, and I can’t get a job outside. The money the merchant paid me as compensation for Mark being killed only went so far, and we are now down to our last few coppers.”
“Can you not move away to a lower territory?”
“If I could afford to, I would. Coach travel is too expensive, and there is no way that I could walk with the children.”
As they spoke, a server approached and offloaded three vast plates of food and a pot of coffee onto the table.
“Thanks,” SJ said, pushing the plates forward in front of the three of them.
Their eyes were wide, looking at the mountain of food. Lacey hadn’t held back. There were fresh vegetables, hogling steaks and a deep, rich gravy with thick-cut fresh bread.
“Where is yours?” Holly asked.
“I ate before I came to the tower. I am not hungry, and I will meet a friend for food later this evening,” she smiled.
SJ poured herself a coffee as the family demolished the food in front of them. As they ate, SJ probed about life in District 10. “Have you heard of any of the recent rumours about trouble in District 10?” she asked.
Holly nodded her head and swallowed the mouthful of food she had before responding.
