“The Angolis are one of five fae factions that make up their kingdom. The Angolis, Cortharo, Kesiliac, Naqesti and Soliasil,” Dave said
‘I had no idea there were different factions,’ SJ thought.
“I don’t know much about them or what they stand for. Never having a fae Legionnaire, I only know the basic details from the Legionnarius. It’s basically, from my understanding, similar to orc clans. Different orc clans will group together to form war pacts. Fae have been a combined group of factions for millennia, which is the basis of their society and council. The king or the queen of the fae is elected rather than earned through a rite of passage, and it revolves between the various factions. I think the king of the fae was originally Cortharo. When they take the throne, they denounce their membership or allegiance to any faction and should hold neutrality.”
‘Do all factions make up the council?’
“I believe so. You would need to confirm directly with a fae. Sorry.” Dave sounded genuinely upset and was unable to give SJ any further information. “I spoke to Mum at long last. She stated that Gavia had never been tied to the dark elves. All she knows is that Gavia was thought to have been supported by a god, but no one knew which one. Mentioning the dark elves has made Mum thoroughly review some of her database details. She has promised to let me know if she finds or hears anything.”
‘Thanks.’
Once SJ reached the tower, she located Petunia in Alec’s office, which she used while covering his position. As usual, she appeared pristine, as though she had just walked in from a complete makeover. Her hair was perfectly curled, her robes immaculate, and she had no signs of being up half the night.
“Morning, Petunia,” SJ said.
“Ah. SJ, perfect timing. Do you have your report?”
“I do.”
“Excellent. I was going to use your draft version, but since you have the official one, let us go and see the chancellor.”
SJ followed Petunia to the chancellor’s office and, upon entering, discovered Wystria and the colonel, who were also in attendance.
“Please sit,” the chancellor said. Then indicated for the colonel to continue.
“As I was explaining. The theft was foiled, and we took one captive and two were killed. At least one other was injured, but the remainder of the gang got away. I have tower guards currently scouring the districts and looking for them. Other updates include an explosion in District 3 last night and a report that a council member called for the guard to attend a second incident, also in District 3.” The colonel turned to look at SJ.
SJ could feel her cheeks getting hot and didn’t make eye contact.
“Where is the chalice now?”
“In the Astaria still. We never actually removed it from there. I believe I know who the being is responsible for communicating the change of plans. There is a member of staff who is married to one of Jelart’s cousins. From the information, SJ gave,” Wystria looked at SJ. “I believe we now have our prime suspect.”
“I think SJ may have some useful information to add to last night’s events,” Petunia interjected before anyone continued.
SJ cleared her throat, feeling very nervous suddenly. She looked around at each of them in attendance before she began. By the time she had finished explaining what had happened the previous evening, she felt she had just laid her soul out to bear. She refrained from any details surrounding Carter’s death and stated that he had died in the explosion. She only hoped that Petunia didn’t contradict her. She glanced at Petunia momentarily when she stated it, and Petunia sat with a smile on her face, showing no other emotion or reaction.
The chancellor looked at SJ as she finished her story with a raised eyebrow and a wry smile on his face. “It appears you have resolved a rather awkward problem for us disposing of this group. I will have to pass on my thanks to Larianco when I see her. Colonel, we also require this captured dark elf to be brought in for questioning from District 3. I will ask the scriers to complete an interrogation of both of them.”
“Sir.”
“I just needed to apologise for the damage caused in the warehouse district. We never intended to cause so much,” SJ said.
“No need to apologise. The entire district requires regeneration. It is by far the worst in the city and a scar compared to others,” the chancellor said.
“Can I give you my audit findings while we are discussing District 3?” Petunia asked.
“Of course.”
Petunia spent the next thirty minutes going through the audit findings with them. The conclusion was stark, in Petunia’s own words. “He requires to be dragged before the city council and questioned to be made an example of. His treasonous acts alone will receive the death penalty, but his fall should caution others and maybe prevent any other issues. If I consider the tax, he has swindled through the books of District 3. There are several things that, as a council, we wouldn’t have had to do, and if this is happening in more than one district, I dread considering the savings. Once this is all concluded, the tax increases we have voted for across the region will require reconsideration.”
All in attendance were nodding in agreement.
“Indeed, we may,” the chancellor said. “Colonel, would you be so kind as to arrest Lieutenant Jelart and bring him before the council? I will call an emergency meeting immediately. The findings will seal his fate, and the vote for punishment can be expedited. I will also remove all rights that his family holds in the city. We may need to recoup the city funds from his businesses.”
“I will go immediately, sir,” the colonel replied, standing to leave.
“I am also concerned about the money lending your report alludes to. This shows no evidence to support it, but your considerations around the shark bait, I think you called them, give me deep concern. Knowing some of the worst off in our city are being manipulated like this is a matter that requires further investigation.”
‘Should I mention my quest?’ SJ thought.
“There is no harm. The quest system is open to all,” Dave replied.
“Chancellor. I picked up a quest during my outing to the cage fights. It has asked me to free the slaves. I was planning to investigate this matter in the future. It isn’t something I was going to do during this visit to Asterfal,” SJ said.
“At least the system has shown this as a problem. I will have beings begin to look into it, but if it involves high level district members, it may be challenging to get details.”
SJ’s display triggered.
Congratulations! Your ambassadorial status has changed.
Appointment: Asterfal Regional Council Representative
Status: Active
Relationship: Ambassador of Killic
Reputation: Liked
Future interactions in Asterfal will allow for an improved outcome. Quest gains increased by 40%.
“Woohoo,” Dave said.
“Wystria. Do you mind speaking to Darwinial and getting him to send runners to the districts and make them aware of the meeting? Once everyone is gathered, we can proceed,” the chancellor said.
“Sir,” Wystria answered as she stood to leave.
“Petunia. Thank you for your efficient duty in concluding this matter. And SJ, thank you for your support. This will hopefully begin to remove part of the city’s corruption, although there is still much more to do,” the chancellor said, shaking his head.
As Petunia and SJ left the chancellor’s office, SJ turned to Petunia.
“Sorry. I just need to speak to the chancellor about another matter.”
“Oh, course, dear,” she smiled.
SJ walked back to the chancellor’s office, knocking politely on the open door, and waited. He had started to write on parchment and, placing his quill in its holder, he looked up.
“SJ. Was there something else?”
“Chancellor. Do you mind if I ask you a sensitive question?”
“You may,” he replied quizzically.
“Do you have an employee based in Killic? Well, not in Killic itself, but at the Wandering Ogre.”
The chancellor’s eyebrows raised as a smile broke out on his face. “You have met him, then?”
“I wouldn’t say met; I know more of him as he has never spoken while I was present. The reason I ask is that we are expanding the township. Currently, the Wandering Ogre is preventing the expansion without them staying independent and not falling under the town’s standing.”
“I see.”
“I can understand that as a chancellor, you must keep abreast of what is happening across the southern region, and I am sure you have eyes and ears everywhere. Killic is growing, and with it, there will be changes. I wish to ensure that as part of the changes, Asterfal is in full support, and there will be no attempts to hinder our progress. Currently, I am not sure that is the case.”
The chancellor looked at SJ thoughtfully for several moments. “So, what are you proposing?”
“I am proposing that Killic is not just a protectorate of Asterfal but joins in a partnership. You are aware of the mine and know the income that it brings to the town. What a small town is today will become much larger in time as the wealth from the mines comes in. I am also aware of the issues that occur across various territories in the south, and Killic is one of the southern towns with the least standing with Asterfal and council members. Many of the lesser towns further are not associated. Especially heading out into the desert region.”
“You are correct. Killic is one of two that are the most southerly.”
“I would like to suggest that Killic is recognised as a garrison town for Asterfal. That way, we can house and support the necessary forces to combat any threats that may be faced from the south as the town expands. This only supports Asterfal further. The responsibility would sit with ourselves to ensure that peace is maintained and issues are dealt with as required once established. We only look at our town borders, but we can easily begin to look further afield as necessary once our new defences finish construction. This would reduce several issues directly away from Asterfal, ensuring they are dealt with remotely on your behalf.”
“It is an interesting proposal. Have you had this conversation with Zigferd?”
“No. I just thought of it now.”
“What would this partnership, as you say, look like?”
“The valley to the south holds the tunnel, which provides access to the desert region. It also allows for further access to the west across the continent's southwest. This valley would be an ideal location for a garrison to be housed, and it can be considered during the current defence expansion. All we would require is funding to support the associated build of anything deemed necessary by the city. A barracks, stables, whatever is required. I am sure an initial guard force can be provided by the town guard we already have, but in time, as the town grows, we may have to recruit from further afield. Killic has been involved in regular skirmishes with Bordon until recently, which means that many in the town are already combat-focused. This would ensure that their training and skills aren’t being wasted and remove the logistics requirement you face when dealing with these issues from Asterfal.”
SJ continued. “Rather than your spy sitting in the Wandering Ogre.” The term spy made the chancellor smirk. “I propose that he move into the mayor’s office in Killic and become part of the process going forward. Supporting our joint growth and security. You know my status as a Legionnaire and that the level boundaries will increase as I do, and this is also a unique opportunity to be a part of that process.”
“I will consider your proposal and let you know what I decide. It shows merit, but without looking into it further, I cannot say,” the chancellor said.
“That is all I ask for now. Thank you for your time,” SJ said, turning to leave.
“SJ,” the chancellor said.
“Chancellor?” SJ turned back.
“His name is Bastvik, and he is a cousin of mine. Please pass on my regards when you see him next,” the chancellor smiled.
SJ nodded as she left.
“Well, that was unexpected. Where did that all come from?” Dave said.
‘Just an idea. We are only looking at Killic currently and not the bigger picture. As the town expands, so should our opportunities, especially if I want to continue growing. It’s part selfish. As a garrison town, it will require higher-level beings to offer protection against other territories in the south, accommodate this, and allow for their continual growth. Killic will also have to grow above its current level boundaries.’
“You still surprise me,” Dave said happily.
By the time SJ had been to the dining hall for a coffee, city councillors were arriving in the tower. The message quickly got out that an emergency meeting had been called. SJ was not a member of the city council, so wasn’t expected to attend the meeting, and for the council, it would probably be best that they aired their dirty laundry behind closed doors. It probably wouldn’t have looked best to have a regional member present.
A wagon approached as SJ walked through the inner city, heading back to District 11 and her home. Sitting in the back of the wagon between two guards was councillor Jelart. He looked crestfallen until he saw SJ. As soon as he spotted her, he sneered and spat. That got him cuffed by one of the guards who sat with him, making SJ smile as he passed. Dave giggled in her head.
‘I will go and see Carlito. I must let him know I will be out of the city for a while and will contact him on my return.’
“Sounds fair. It may be worth going via the library before you leave. There may be a book that details more about the fae there.”
‘That’s a good suggestion,’ SJ said, changing direction to the library.
Nearly two hours and almost three gold later, SJ left the library with six books. Each book covered fae history, and the librarian advised her that combined, they would provide her with as much information as possible without being in the fae capital and accessing the Fae Great Library.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived at the Black Griffin. After buying a drink, SJ sat at a table and read a book while waiting. She hadn’t called Carlito and would wait until he showed up. She was in no hurry. As time passed, patrons came and went, and she lost track of how long she had been there, being drawn into the fae history.
The political structure was, as Dave had suggested, with the five factions that made up the fae kingdom. Rumours suggested Gavia had originally been a member of the Soliasil faction, although this had never been confirmed as truly accurate. The five factions all followed different paths and affinities.
Angolis was known as the faction of faith. Cortharo justice, Kesiliac magic, Naqesti life and Soliasil warriors. From the text, depending upon the faction faes were born into would direct their choices. Some faes moved to different factions, but this was a rarity. These separate factions combined were the heart of the fae system. She still hadn’t found out any specifics related to Gavia directly. She was beginning to believe that certain information was deliberately withheld.
“You should have just called,” a voice spoke behind her.
A young server held a tray by her table, a towel over her arm.
“Thank you for last night,” SJ said.
“My pleasure. Thank you for your honesty. I don’t speak to many who are in our trade. I also disposed of a second one last night.”
“Sorry?”
“He had come to find Carter. He had been sent to ensure the guard hadn’t followed them when the warehouse exploded,” Carlito’s comment was matter-of-fact.
It was a loose end that SJ hadn’t thought of since last night’s activities.
“Thank you again. I came to see you to let you know that I will be leaving the city soon, and I am not sure yet when I will be back. It may be awhile.”
Carlito nodded his head and said. “I expected so. I am guessing you will level soon, and once you do, you can join the guild. It will make assigning tasks easier once you are a member. You will receive notifications of recent assignments.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
“You may.”
“Is there anything you can’t change into?”
Carlito laughed, a bright sound coming from the young server girl. “Feathers. Scales and feathers don’t mix well together,” she said, smiling. “One day, you may have to tell me more about your gift if you are able.”
“If I am able,” SJ said, returning the smile. “I will let you know when I return. Would you like this back?” SJ said, moving her hand to her ear.
“No, keep hold of it. I have no plans to take on anyone else. You proved yourself to be quite effective at the Squirrels Sphere.”
That comment surprised SJ. Not expecting him to know about it.
“Anyway, have a safe journey, and I will see you when you return.” With that, Carlito turned and walked away again.
SJ returned her book to her inventory, finished the last of her drink, and left the Black Griffin, heading back home.
‘Let’s get back to Killic,’ SJ thought.
SJ sat on the small jetty by the lakeside, casting a line into the water. She had been fishing for several hours in between reading her books.
“Bite,” Brian said.
SJ scrambled for the rod, yanking it out of the water.
“How many times do I need to tell you? Your strike must be short and sharp to set the hook,” he shook his head in dismay.
“Sorry,” SJ said as she reeled the line back in.
Brian grabbed the line as she swung it back to the jetty, replacing the missing bait with a new fat worm from the bucket they had brought. The garden was full of them.
“Gently cast it this time. You aren’t trying to reach the other side of the lake.”
SJ rolled her eyes and, following Brian’s guidance again cast the line into the water. As soon as it settled and the cork bobbed on the lake’s surface, she placed the rod on the small V-shaped holder Brian had asked Terrance to create for him. She picked up her book and carried on reading.
It had been two weeks since her return from Asterfal. SJ had returned via her portal to the cottage before meeting with the coach and wagon to get a lift back to Killic. She could have used her soul stone to return to Killic, but she wanted to spend some time at Farleck with the skeletons. She enjoyed their company, and they always made her laugh. The way they bickered reminded her of a group of siblings or close work colleagues, always jibbing with each other.
She had left five gold with Lurtew and Yawnee to cover any problems with the house while she was away. She had mentioned that she might see Otherlisar next time she is in Asterfal to look into opening an account with her they could use for the house, especially as she wanted Otherlisar to open a bank in Killic at some point if Zigferd could be persuaded. His stubbornness was becoming legendary.
Isavil and Zigferd had settled into their home, and SJ often called to see her. Compared to the stark, drab home Zigferd had lived in before, it was now homely and inviting. When SJ spoke to Zigferd about her discussion with the chancellor, he was furious at first, but slowly, Isavil and Alice were chipping away at him, and he started to come around to the idea. Expanding the town in that manner would give them direct ties to Asterfal, as SJ had suggested, and ensure they received fair compensation.
SJ had informed Kerys of Malaki’s passing. Kerys had celebrated by offering everyone in the inn a free drink. That had been short-lived as the news in Killic spread quickly, and many more had arrived within minutes. The most interesting conversation that SJ had had since she had returned to Killic was with Nexis. He had confirmed he had spoken to some of his siblings and was awaiting his ‘elder sister’ response on the terms he had used. Nexis was no wiser if Jaristi was involved unless he went to the fae kingdom himself, which he had been forbidden from doing. When SJ had quizzed him about being forbidden, he made up some tale that SJ hadn’t believed.
She had been to see Patch as she had promised Cristy she would. Only yesterday, Cristy had called her. It was the first time she had spoken to her since her initial arrival at the conclave, and she was excited by her news. She had so much to tell SJ but didn’t want to do it over the stones. She had babbled away about a bear and an eagle or something like that. SJ got lost in her words. Cristy hadn’t been able to confirm how long she would be at the conclave, but hopefully, it wouldn’t be too long.
Jay had returned to Asterfal for now, and SJ made Cristy aware that when she did return, he would bring her back to Killic. After visiting Killic, he had loved the small town and, in the couple of days he had stayed, had struck up a rapport with Gary and Setu, playing cards.
The cottage was beautiful as usual; the skeletons took amazing care of it. Terence had been carving decorations recently and even taking orders from the town. Zigferd had commissioned him to carve a life-size wooden statue of Killic, the founder, to be placed above the main gates at the crag entrance to the plateau. It had taken him a while to locate a tree large enough for the task and the three skeletons to move it back to the cottage so that he could complete the task.
“SJ. SJ.” Charlotte called as she ran down the path.
“Shhh,” Brian motioned with his finger. “You will scare the fish away.”
“It’s happening. Come quick.”
At the comment, SJ dropped her book, and they both sprang up, leaving the rods as they ran back to the cottage. Rushing through the front door, Terence was bent over the table. In awe, all four of them stood as the shell crack grew larger and a tiny claw appeared, poking out.
“Come on. That’s it.” Terence said, watching intently.
Slowly, more cracks appeared in the shell, and muffled sounds came from inside. Then it happened: the top of the shell cracked, and the point of a snout stuck through the hole. Again, it pushed its snout against the crack until the top gave way. Sitting in the remains of the egg was the most amazing creature SJ had ever seen. It blinked its eyes several times, looking around at its spectators. Before it turned and looked directly at SJ, it made a low-throated growl and lowered its small head.
This is the End of Book 3 of Amatherean Tales – One Flew Over The Dragon’s Nest
