Here you go, another chapter, but I decided that to make it a double posting so you can get to where you want. Showing off the werewolf. Many of you came here to actually see the Warcraft character and I plan to make it happen, but I wanted to set up the world before he pops in.
Why? Simple: Because you need to know just how the world looks like before I rip it down. That will be occurring soon enough, so enjoy.
The Hand of Suffering
Chapter 03: The Myth of the Wolf
Untouched Valley, Pretoria Village
The village up ahead was a welcome sight, not so quaint and humble as the many others, this was a proper farming and distribution centre. Here they would store and distribute the crops that would feed entire cities, and just looking off to the horizon one could see the massive farms that had recently been harvested.
They could fill their bellies on fresh bread, meat and drink. Maia could already hear the soldiers hollering in anticipation for the festivities tonight. Not that she could blame them, it was a waste not to celebrate life when you had the chance, didn't matter if you were coming from from a battle or going towards it. That is what she believe.
"Quiet back there, try to act like you are professionals!" Alicia called out, giving a short glance over her shoulder, her frost glare enough to cow most into silence or low muttering.
"Calm down Alicia, the men are just antsy, been on the road for the last two weeks and they want to sit back and relax a little." Maia said, trying to placate the blonde before she went on another spiel.
She ran this army by the book, which was boring and very stressful considering she didn't let their soldiers have any time to unwind on the trip here. Her girls had been complaining all week about how much of a slave driver Alicia was, although not within earshot of her of course.
"They celebrated in my home less than a month ago, and in Ken less than a fortnight. I am not having a celebration every half moon and full moon, so tell them they can celebrate when they do their duty. Not before." Alicia replied.
Maia held her tongue, any further prodding and she would risk Alicia getting aggravated again and then the rest of the company would suffer. She was already riled up having command over three separate groups, having no idea how to manage the larger and more experienced units such as the Black Dogs and Rose Company.
Both these companies and their commanders were more experienced than the Iris Knights, and by extension Alicia. Maia was three years older and had more experience under her belt, Vault had decades over either of them, and it is a big step from commanding a company to a legion. Suffice to say this had been a glaring issue as most people didn't like green boys and girls leading them, especially when their commander was nearby.
It had caused a few issues down the road.
Yet, it was better to let her vent as much as she liked, although Maia made sure her aggravation wasn't taken out on the men too much. Better to foster cooperation rather than disunity, although Vault would help but he had made it clear that any attempts on his part would only aggravate Alicia rather than form anything resembling professional courtesy. So it was up to her to keep the girl happy.
"Morale needs to be kept up, we are going into battle soon and against a larger force. We would want our men to be fresh, and we have been marching none stop since departing Ken." Vault had chimed in, taking a swig of his water skin.
The man's smirk was in place as he made the statement, made him look charming and charismatic. She wondered if he was going to try and broker some professional relationship with the Knight of Iris, more times than not they never broke words let alone stood next to one another. He had even given Maia the job of keeping Alicia happy as to not take it too hard on the men as they marched.
"So… that means after we arrive we can have a party?" Maia asked, being sickly sweet and innocent as she teamed up with Vault to convince Alicia.
"…Yes." Alicia groaned out, couldn't fight against their logic in the end.
Smirking at the small victory, turning to Vault and giving him a wink and thumbs up. With some downtime on their hands they could really get around to recuperating after the long march, maybe even get Alicia to do the same. All it takes is a little mead and she was sure she could get the Princess tipsy.
Girl needed to loosen up anyway.
Pretoria Village stood at the base of the mountain range, specifically the split between it that led right towards Zelindo. She could see the forest that covered the foothills that ran between the mountains, perfectly covered and offering a natural defence and deterrent for invaders.
It was called the Greenway pass, protected by the elite tracking unit known as the Hunters.
This pass was the only way to get to Zelindo, from the Untouched Valley that was. If you were planning on a scenic route you would need to go nearly one hundred and seventy kilometres around the ranges that split Ansur in half just to reach the city. Considering the terrain, which was hilly and had a lot of cliffs it made the trip across the valley difficult.
The Northern reaches of Eostia, known as the Frontier, were a mess of mountains, foothills, lakes and forests. It made travel between the different fortresses difficult. That wasn't even considering villages, to reach Pretoria they had to travel nearly eighty kilometres. If you could have built a straight path to Pretoria than you could cut the travel time in half.
It was because of this geographical nightmare that The Untouched Valley received its name, being the most well defended region in Ansur and Eostia. The valley reached nearly to the border of the Badlands, where the fortress city of Diohard sat. If any invaders got by that they would have to navigate thick forests and then try to find ways over sheer cliff walls and plateaus that littered the area.
While not considered one of the seven great fortresses, Diohart made up the three mighty fortresses that protected Eostia from invasion from the Badlands. Some of the toughest and most organised mercenaries in all the nation lived there. But the biggest and most well equipped were the Black Dogs.
Nothing got by them.
"People look sullen as usual." Veronica said, Maia's second and close friend, and she wasn't wrong. "Maybe the orcs have been here."
Maia agreed, at least on the first part. It didn't sit well with her thinking that the orcs had gotten past the Black Dogs, it was impossible, how could they not notice an army like that? Although that thought took a back seat as she looked at the people. They went about their business, talking softly and seemingly without a care, she saw only a few smiles and laughs escape people's lips. One would think that this is normal behaviour, at least from a bystanders point of view.
But for her, it was as if these people were dead.
They were expressionless, didn't have anything resembling human emotions, and just acted like hollow dolls shaped like people that moved. Usually when she rode into town the people were all over them, she had to fight them off on some occasions because they were so excited. Not here. The saddest part was that this was somewhat of a common occurrence since entering the Valley.
Dhurahill, Mulough, Temper Crossing, Mortarstor, Drownholme and now Pretoria. The people had such cold and detached demeanours that rubbed people the wrong way, it had unnerved a lot of her girls when they had stayed in those villages overnight. But after passing several villages like this, it became less unnerving and just downright depressing.
"This place is like a graveyard, not a single cheer to be heard, wonder if the bar is just as miserable." Maia said, if it had been anything like their previous stints in the villages than it was to be expected that their time here would be awkward.
"Don't think the orcs have been here though, this place is still standing, and it is the largest production village in the valley." Vault said, his smirk was gone as his eyes roamed over the people as they passed them, he was on his guard. "We should find the Village Magistrate, he will know what is going on."
Shockingly they found the house in shambles. It had been left to rot it seems, for several years by the look of it. No one had lived here for a long time, there didn't appear any signs of vandalisation, perhaps the Magistrate had abandoned the town some time ago? Although it did bring up some worrying things she recalled when in the other villages.
Just like now they had not found any of the other magistrates along their ride here, not even someone possessing a noble rank. A few Village elders were around, likely elected to lead by the people, but they gave no clear answer on where the Magistrates were. It had been vexing for Alicia, and likely the source of her foul mood.
Because Goddess forbid she has to talk with someone that wasn't of noble birth.
But it was starting to become a concern now that they were at the end of the rope and still there was no one here to speak with. The people didn't approach them, and they didn't really give them any answers. Just directed them down the road to the next village, no 'hello' 'thank you' goodbye'.
"What the hell is going on here?" Maia muttered.
"We should find someone to tell us." Vault replied, dismounting and trying his horse to a post. "Come on, lets stretch our legs and see what the town has to offer."
Alicia and Maia followed, but not before both ordered their seconds back to the main army to begin setting up camp. They could remain here for a few days, these production farms were good places for their forces to set up shop when on deployment. Since this was the main distribution centre for this borough there would be storehouses full of harvested crops waiting to be shipped out. Considering the lack of actually supplies in the previous villages they thought maybe all of it had been transported here to be sent off to the other cities.
"Who is in charge here?" Alicia called out, standing in the towns centre and calling out to the people.
The reaction they got was a little odd, the people didn't seem shocked or worried, only giving them a glance as if taking notice of presence. This wasn't the first time Alicia had done something like this, this would be her third attempt. Every time she did it all Maia could do was stare at the people and see how they reacted. A part of her always got a kick out of people looking spooked and awed by their presence, it was actually invigorating to be looked up to by others and respected.
But here? It just creeped her out something fierce, they all held the same emotionless expression, even the kids looked on with dead eyes and without any childish excitement. It was as if they were a tumbleweed blow into town by a gust of wind.
"The magistrate of this village is not here, his home is in shambles and I want to know who amongst you is in charge. Speak up! We are here on important business." Alicia called out.
The people were silently watching, for a few moments, before they literally turned around and continued with their business without a care. Maia would have found it funny that Alicia was being stood up by the common folk, she really didn't like it when they didn't show proper respect. Although this time around she shared her frustration, this Valley all but screamed something was wrong.
"Stop shouting, you can speak with me if you wish."
Maia nearly jumped out of her skin, turning quickly to find a man standing a few feet from them. Casually dressed in a loose shirt and pants, both of them dull brown in colour. He regarded them neutrally and crossed his arms.
Handsome to a degree, even for someone a few decades older than herself. His hair of the same colour as her own but several shades darker, and his features chiselled. If he smiled she was sure he would be a looker, but that blank face matched almost all those within this village. Already she was having some mixed signals from him.
"I am Alicia Arcturus, Shield Knight of the Seven Shield Alliance, Princess of Feoh and daughter of King Eros. Who am I speaking to?" Alicia introduced herself.
It always shocked her that no matter who the Princess talked too she always used the same polite tone when offering an introduction. After that she was back to being a stone cold professional or just talking down to you like you were dirt.
"Call me Hendricks." The man replied, blunt and to the point.
"I wish to know the reason the magistrate is no longer here, where is he?" Alicia asked, her tone back to normal as she spoke with the 'common' born man.
"He went back to Zelindo." Hendricks replied.
"Shouldn't a magistrate remain in the village? I mean he has to oversee the harvest and people doesn't he?" Maia asked.
"He has not bothered to settle here in years, worried about Orc attacks. He took all his men and what he could carry back to Zelindo. Has not returned since." Hendricks replied.
"His concerns were well founded." Alicia said. "We are in search of a large warband that may have infiltrated the region, has there been any word of any attacks or sightings in the valley?"
He looked at her blankly for a moment, and Maia could have sworn his eyes narrowed slightly. She had no idea if he was annoyed or was thinking really hard, but what Alicia had said must have struck some sort of cord in him.
"It would seem that you Black Dogs have been keeping secrets." Hendricks said, turning to look towards Vault. "You are here about the orc attacks, then I will give you the details the Black Dogs have not bothered to pass on."
Maia now was certain how she felt about the guy, that offhanded comment directed to her mercenary colleague wasn't going to earn him any favours from her. Vault seemed to be of the same mind, glaring at the little punk. Where did this guy get off bad mouthing the Black Dogs?
"Want to repeat that, boy?" Vault said, narrowing his eyes on the young man.
"Secrets, you have not been telling them the whole truth. You are looking for one warbands. I can only assume that these two Shield Knights are unaware of the dozens of orc raids that have been occurring over the last five years on the region?" Hendricks replied calmly, although given what he said she was shocked that he could be so calm.
Orcs have been in the valley for the last five years? How the hell had that happened? She looked to Vault and it seemed that he was surprised by this as well.
"Five years? How is that possible? We have not heard word of this." Maia said.
"Because no one has bothered to report it, specifically the nobles of Zelindo and the Black Dogs. Let us just say that the overseers here do not particularly care for us, attempts to receive help have resulted in the messengers not returning. They are more interested in lining their pockets with gold than safeguarding their only source of food." Hendricks replied.
"What do you speak of?" Alicia asked.
"The Nobles have been bleeding this region dry for years, long before the orcs came along and started ransacking the place. They have not provided aid or assistance in any capacity when there is a threat to our safety. Neither have the Black Dogs. They are also embezzling the supplies and resources for the villages in the valley." Hendricks stated.
Taking resources from any village was prohibited under military law, that was the most important law in the book. Taking away any resources meant for their military was a grave offence, it hindered their army's ability to move quickly and lightly across the Frontier.
Frontier villages like Pretoria existed to act as quick and easy means for armies to resupply when in the field, they would produce as much food and equipment as possible. Store it, and give it to any passing army that came by. The frontier was not an easy place to produce food, but it was needed to make sure their armies were well supplied and stocked so they weren't slowed down by supplies or baggage trains. You steal that food, you hinder an armies ability to resupply and move, and that could cost lives.
"Impossible, I have had contact with Zelindo all the damn time, I haven't heard anything about orcs rampaging through here." Vault said.
"Strange, many messages have been delivered, even people being sent to the very gates of your fortress telling of orc attacks. We have been given nothing in response, only silence from protectors more interested in staying inside their walls." Hendricks replied, looking the mercenary king right in the eye. "Also, most of the people who go do not come back, and those that do speak very poorly of your hospitality."
"You calling me a coward boy?" Vault said, leaning in close and matching his stare with his own fiery glare. "You calling me a traitor?"
"While your forces have not bothered to mobilise against these orc incursions it is obvious all attacks come from the north. We are beginning to wonder how they sneak by you so easily. Perhaps you are not as impressive as you make yourself out to be. The other explanation is that you have been allowing orcs to slip by your defences without a fight." Hendricks stated. "A coward no, a fool yes, a traitor maybe."
Vault scowl at that accusation, the muscles in his neck bulging as he glared at the man that had insulted not only him but the Black Dogs as well. She was feeling her own temper rise as she watched this punk insult the Black Dogs. She was about to speak up for Vault's defence when Alicia beat her to it.
"That is a bold claim, do you have no proof other than your word?" Alicia asked.
Maia whirled at her horrified, was she believing this shite?
"Ask the nobles yourself and look at our inventory, we have few resources left to offer you. Your army will likely pick us clean in a day or two." Hendricks replied, never taking his eyes off Vault as he answered the question "The truth is that until five years ago this region was rarely attacked and because of that the nobles who oversee it are using that to their advantage to actually fill their coffers."
"Your attitude and accusations have no grounds. If you have any grievance with me, you best have something to back it up with. Otherwise I will stomp your ass into the ground for speaking ill of myself and my men" Vault stated.
"Considering that I have not seen a soldier in over six years pass through this village or heard of anything similar in the other twenty we frequently hear from, I am within my rights to be less than pleased with your presence." Hendricks replied, weathering Vault's hostile glare. "For even when you make an appearance you do nothing of worth. Five years ago you did nothing to save the three villages to the north, do you remember them?"
"I know of those villages, my men moved to try and stop the orcs, we failed to find them. They had fled before we could do anything. But do not cast any blame on me, I have heard nothing of orc attacks, so do not accuse me out of some misdirected anger." Vault replied, brushing off his accusations.
"My 'anger' stems from your lack of ability to find the orcs, they had moved south and further into the valley. We had to deal with them ourselves, because the Black Dogs saw no reason to come to the aid of the people they are meant to protect." Hendricks stated.
"You are making a very big mistake bad mouthing me boy." Vault said, his fingers curling into a fist.
"Understandable, I am speaking of treasonous things to the east, perhaps we should look northwards as well." Hendricks replied.
"Enough!" Alicia shouted, cutting through the argument and drawing attention back to her. "What grievances you have can be looked upon later, we are here to find these orcs. You will tell us what you know."
Maia hid her embarrassment, along with her scowl, she was meant to be the one that was supposed to keep her head in the game. Not often it is Alicia that keeps her head on straight, usually she gets uppity about something and like a child focuses on something equally juvenile.
"If I am to guess correctly, you are here to deal with that massive orc warband that snuck into the valley some weeks ago, correct?"
Now that threw them all through the loop, he knew about the damn Orc warband and was just messing with Vault?
"Do you know where it is?" Maia asked, crossing her arms irritated.
"No. But a few refugees have fled to Zelindo in the wake of their appearance should give you some clues, you should go there to find out the details for yourself. They can give you a lead on where this orc warband is." Hendricks replied. "Search for Shrine Priestess Hinako. She will point you in the right direction."
"Shrine Priestess? You mean one of Kaguya's priestesses?" Vault asked.
"Correct, she visited the Valley a year ago, she is very aware of what is going on here. I am certain she can shed some light on what is going on." Hendricks replied, turning around and walking off.
The Inn was spacious and quiet, the patrons didn't do much talking and seemed to only be there for a meal. Oddly enough they weren't drinking, at least not the villagers. Vault, some of his sergeants, and her own company were drowning themselves in the booze. It seemed that they kept a lot of ale in stock, and she meant a lot of it, for what reason she could not fathom.
These people didn't seem to drink it. Not that anyone was complaining, they needed to get drunk to get over how utterly depressing this place was.
Maia would have been doing body shots and drowning mug after mug of ale, not unlike how Veronica was – she was drinking three poor bastards under the table at that very moment. But she couldn't bring herself to do it, she felt a tight knot in her gut and she didn't feel like unravelling it. As much as she wished to, along with resolving herself to drink until she got that annoying bastard Hendrick's out of her head.
That kept her from enjoying the bitter liquid in the mug in her hand.
The Innkeeper was nice enough, that was a small mercy, he had giving them some rooms and hot meals. Looking around she scanned the crowd, the villagers ignored them without much fanfare, even the rowdy Black Dogs didn't garner any attention. No scorn or admiration in their eyes, but she had a feeling that they didn't like them very much and their presence was mostly tolerated rather than accepted.
It was annoying to say the least, they were legends through Eostia and yet they were being treated like pariahs. Anywhere else and they would be lauded as heroes, they would be treated like Kings and Queens who had come to visit their quaint little town. They would feed them, give them drink, shower them with gifts and offer you a bed to sleep in and someone to warm it up for you if you wanted.
Admittedly she didn't mind that. Although it has been a while.
Here they were lucky to so much as be looked in the eye. Not that you would want that, those cold dead eyes are torture to look into.
What the hell had they done? From what Hendricks said they had done nothing, but that couldn't be true, not protecting the Valley? Where the hell did he get off saying that? He knew they were Shield Knights, and who Vault is, so where the hell was this attitude coming from?
"Must they act like buffoons?" Alicia muttered, looking up from the map she had been provided by the Innkeeper.
A cheer erupted from a few of the soldiers, Veronica had won another contest. The poor bastard she had challenged was slumped over on the table, passed out drunk. That girl knew how to hold her liquor, never once had Maia seen her tipsy.
"Leave them alone, we have all had a bad day." Maia said, taking a mouthful of ale.
"I do not care, can they try acting like professionals and keep themselves from looking like idiots." Alicia said.
"Don't worry about them, they need a pick me us for all the negativity we have been getting here." Vault said, drowning his mug and then shooing away the map. "You don't need that, I know a route though the pass."
"Is it quick?" Alicia inquired.
"Three hours of hard riding." Vault replied. "We get there and see if the Hunters Guild know anything."
"We will also meet with the Nobles." Alicia said.
Why? Those snobs likely don't know what is happening outside their damn mansions, what the hell would they know about what is going on in the Valley? You wanted information you go to a bar or the closest authority that does something. In this case the Hunters.
"Are you seriously believing that guy? We turn up and we are looked at like lepers and disrespected, and you are going to listen to him?" Vault said, he was annoyed, and Maia couldn't blame him.
The princess was many things, and trusting was not one of them. There was a reason behind her being a hard ass to everyone, it boiled down to the fact she thought she was better than everyone else. Maia was starting to remember why she never liked her in the first place, and the girls attempts to rile Vault up by looking into this bogus accusation was just her way to lord over Vault.
"I agree, the man should have showed more courtesy, we have come to save his Valley from destruction, he and everyone else here should be thankful we came at all. But we still need to see if the nobility know anything of important." Alicia replied.
Bullshit, she was digging for dirt to throw at Vault.
"Not our priority, we should focus on the orcs." Vault responded.
"But it is best we see to his claims, if he wishes to challenge the honour of the nobility, we will show he is nothing more than a discontent. I can tell he was ruled by his emotions." Alicia replied. "We shall investigate any irregularities in Zelindo while we search for the refugees. But it is not our top priority."
Just like her, anytime someone makes a suggestion or gives advice she ignores it in favour of her own. Despite saying it wasn't a priority it was something that she obviously wanted to look into, probably only doing it because Vault is involved.
"Don't bother, I can tell you right now his stories don't add up." Vault said, waving for a refill.
"What do you mean?" Maia asked.
"Guy threw around those insults and accusations, said it was my fault and the nobles that this place was being attacked. Where is the damn proof the orcs attacked? Where are all the burned down villages? Why hasn't anyone reported it? That bastard is lying though his teeth. He got us angry because it would throw us off and not think clearly, he was trying to keep us out of focus so we didn't pick apart his lies." Vault stated.
Son of a bitch.
The bastard was playing them, she couldn't believe she was so stupid not to see that the guy was riling them both up. But what was the angle? He had to do it for some reason, what did he get out of it if they riled either of them up?
Didn't matter, Vault had everything in hand and could deal with it. Naysayers were a given in this line of work, success often came with opposition from ones own allies. She sure as hell had a few people around that didn't like the fact a commoner held more power than most nobles.
This was nothing more than some disgruntled man looking to sully their good names because he was a surly son of a bitch. If it happens again she will knock him on his ass.
"Hey Barkeep! Another round of drinks over here!" Maia said, she was thirty and wasn't going to waste the chance to have a few pints.
Nation of Ansur, Zelindo
Dawn had come and gone.
The ride to Zelindo had been delayed, considerably because of the laziness of the Mercenary Queen and that oaf Vault. Both had gotten drunk last night and passed out, along with most of the Rose Company and Black Dog officers.
Worse yet one of her own officers had gotten caught up in the festivities and was late to report in. The girl was put on menial work for the rest of the operation, she hated working with the unsophisticated and undisciplined. Black Dog Mercenaries were lauded as being premier troops along the frontier, but all they did was drink and sleep around, mimicking their commander who was the worst of them all.
Given Maia was formally affiliated with them it was no surprise that her own company was so similar to them.
They were hooligans.
"Finally, we should have been here a while ago, had you two not delayed us." Alicia said, dismounting quickly and making for the gate.
"Slow down will ya, the day is still young." Maia said, her carefree attitude always was something that irritated Alicia.
She was undisciplined and rowdy, her own company slept around and didn't have any sense of moderation. They were the complete contrast to the Knights of Iris, and yet they shared the same honour as her. She had wondered why Celestine Lucross had even bothered making this woman a Shield, she wasn't a noble or from an influential family. She was a common mercenary that was once part of a rag tag bunch of drunks and whoremongers.
"It is midday, we have much to do and little time to do it." Alicia said, not bothering to wait for them.
Not like they would be of any use anyway.
As annoyed as she was it began to evaporate as she was assaulted by a foul smell and the sight of poverty unseen before. Alicia felt bile in her throat as she walked down the street that was laden with food scraps, rubbish, excrement that she wasn't sure was animal or human, and mud. It made her shiver slightly every time her boot sunk into a deep sludge.
"This is… foul." Alicia remarked.
She had heard of the collapse forty years ago, where Ansur became lawless when the governing body of this region fell apart. But she had thought it had moved past this, true it was widely known to be still lawless and untamed, yet this was worse than she had heard.
"Pretty bad here, looks like it is worse than Ansur on a bad day." Vault said, not too far behind.
"I had thought that after the collapse that the region stabilises." Alicia asked.
"It did, after most of the smaller gangs and criminal elements were dealt with the strongest took control. The Rose Company used to be a former gang before they took control over Ansur. After that I took control of it and made it a mercenary company that brought Ansur under the control of the alliance." Maia stated.
"The Hunters and Black Dogs have similar histories. Most of the major military forces of Ansur started off as brigands vying for power, after my dad kicked the bucket I turned the Black Dogs into a military united. They are what is keeping Ansur mostly in check now." Vault said.
"So, the lawlessness?" Alicia inquired.
"Ansur is mostly independent, only the fortresses and larger towns are sworn to the Alliance, but there are a lot of town out there that are neutral." Maia replied. "We leave them be, too much trouble if we try to force them to pay taxes, not like they could pay them anyway."
Given how run down and filthy this place is Alicia wasn't surprised no one had any money, people looked to be starving.
"How can people live in such squalor?" Alicia asked, didn't they have any dignity or desire to rise out of the filth they were rolling in?
There were children who were starving, so thin that they she wasn't sure if they had any organs below the rib cage. For a horrible few seconds she worried if they were dead.
"Most don't have a choice, this is life in Ansur, get used to it." Vault replied.
"These people grew up in this, no different than how you grew up in a Palace surrounded by servants." Maia said.
That was a very crude remark, yet the bite of it certainly sunk deep into her heart. She had no idea of the squalor these people were living in, even the slums and shanty towns of Feoh were cleaner than this. The people were fed and heathy, they were looked after and treated well. This was a contest to her home, and she certainly did not like it.
But as they rose up the stairs to the Inner District everything changed, her senses were assaulted by a dozen colours in twice and many shades while many different fragrances assaulted her nostrils. The sudden change had caught her off guard, going from dank dirty slums to a street filled with vibrant colours and powerful aromas was dizzying.
"This place doesn't seem to be suffering as the Outer District." Alicia murmured.
"The cities main markets are here, its expected this place would still be running." Vault said. "This is where all the cities merchandise would be, everything outside of here would be houses and a few pubs."
"The guards however tell me no one below those stairs is invited." Alicia replied, she didn't recall seeing any near the city gate or anywhere on the streets.
"We can find out why soon enough." Vault stated. "I know a guy we can talk to."
As they travelled Alicia took in the sights, sounds and smells around her, it felt so overwhelming. Was this the culture of Ansur before its fall? Was this the last remnant of their ways? Stories told to her spoke of the corrupt and greedy nature of the people of Ansur before the collapse. Was this the same?
It seemed to be excessive, overly flamboyant and bright that it nearly hurt the eyes enough that they would water.
Excessive seemed to be a trait many of the people that lived here shared, mostly eating and drinking. Many stalls sold meats and wine to customers, from their large bellies and flushed faces it appeared that they valued pleasure over anything else. In fact, she noticed several whore houses along the way, many sounds reaching her ears she did not wish to know about.
"What a travesty." Maia muttered.
Alicia agreed, these people were hedonists. A idle thought occurred to her, given the lecherous nature of Vault and Maia along with their respective forces she wondered if it was a standard trait of the people of the region. To peruse carnal delights, along with being negligent in the performance of their duties.
Considering the state of the Outer District she had to guess that these fools were too busy looking after themselves than to care about the people. It would shame a city to have nobles such as these ruling over it, but she did not speak up. This was not her concern, she would look and observe and if she found something amiss she would speak. Hendrick's words came back to her, now she had cause to believe why he said was true.
"Ah! Lord Vault!"
The jubilant cheer stopped them along the steps to the Palace, turning she saw a weighty man wobble up to them. He wore thick clothing and had several silver and golden buttons fastening his clothing to his body, mixed with the orange, red and green colour of his cloths it looked hideous. By his side were several servants, all of them woman and wearing thin translucent frantic that left nothing to the imagination of what lay beneath.
"It is good to see you again, what brings you to our fair city?" The noble said, spreading his arms wide in welcome.
"Lord Undercroft, it has been some time." Vault replied, smirking slightly as he shook the nobles hand. "Here on business I am afraid, so we have to cut the small talk, got a little situation down in the Untouched Valley."
"Really?" Lord Undercroft replied, surprise was evident, although Alicia noted that he looked a little tense. "What has happened?"
"Orcs are raiding there, got word that a massive army of them might have wandered in." Vault said, taking the man by the shoulder.
"That does sound troubling, although we have not heard a word from our scouts on this, and neither have we heard from Diohart or Ken." Undercroft replied. "Perhaps the orcs are laying low in the forests near the entrance to the Valley, the woods are thick there and none dare go there now."
"Possibly, we should discuss this with your colleagues." Vault said.
"I would think it is best I speak with them." Alicia said, stepping forward. "I would like to hear this from you, along with looking into another matter as well."
"Dammit Alicia, can you not do this." Maia had muttered by her side.
"It would be prudent, I am leading this operation." Alicia fired back, these two had been cahoots ever since suspicion had been thrown at the feet of the Black Dogs.
She knew Vault was nervous, always brushing off her attempt to investigate further. Maia supported him as well, obviously the woman still held loyalty to her old superior, admirable in some cases it might prove to be her undoing.
"Then you should focus your priorities. We don't have time to go through everyone, we should split up and divide out duties." Vault said. "I need to go and meet with the Hunters, I know a guy there who comes to Diohart all the time. Maia, go with Undercroft and look into their inventory and storehouses."
"You do not give orders here. I am in charge." Alicia shot back, did this man not understand chain of command.
She was the leader here, she had been put in charge for a reason and he would do well to remember that. If he didn't than she would make sure he never questioned her authority again.
"I said focus on the priorities, we are here for the orcs remember, go to this Shrine Priestess and talk with her. Maia is going to look into what Hendrick's said and I will be doing some talking with the scouts. I won't be anywhere near this witch hunt, let Maia do it and we can all be square. Happy?" Vault said, giving an annoyed grimace as he made the capitulation.
Alicia felt torn, as much as she hated the idea of listening to this man she knew he had made a good point. Her mission was to find the orcs, they were the priority and it was her own words as well, she couldn't go back on them otherwise it would make her a hypocrite. Last thing she wanted was to fall back on her own words, even if it was towards a ruffian like Vault.
"Very well, Maia, investigate the Upper District and search for anything suspicious. I expect a full report from you later." Alicia said.
"You got it Princess." Maia replied, giving a mock salute that did not give her any confidence.
Alicia just signed, as much as Maia was a more effeminate and less aggravating version of Vault she could at least trust the woman to do her duty. If she found any irregularities she would report them, her loyalty to Vault wasn't absolute, and if the man was involved in something illegal they would find out.
"Very well, I will search for the Shrine Priestess." Alicia said.
"Shrine Priestess… but how…?"
Alicia ignore Undercroft as she turned and moved off, she had spoken with Hendricks one last time before departing and he had informed her where the Shrine Priestess was. She was located in a small refuge in the eastern parts of the city, where the old Cathedral was situated. It was not that hard to miss, she could see the high spire of it even now, it would be a long walk.
The trek through the slums revealed a lot more she didn't know about Ansur, particularly the fact there were other races here apart from humans. Elves and Halflings were known to be in their borders, the former was a rarity and Alicia had only met one other elf aside from Celestine and her personal aid Phelorna. Halflings had become a more common sight after their acceptance into the Alliance.
But it was the Beastkin that surprised her, it always unnerved her seeing their ilk here. Human in most physical attributes, but possessing animal appendages that made it clear they were not of her species. Most of them were savage creatures, she had even heard of roaming brigands composed entirely of these beasts that terrorised the region.
Given the lawlessness of Ansur it was no surprise they had not been rounded up and exile, or at least imprisoned. Perhaps they are the cause of the turmoil and poverty here, thieving creatures they were.
"What is this?" Alicia muttered aloud.
To her surprise she had come across a large barricade, constructed out of wood and stone, it was a crude construction that was hastily erected. Following it across several streets she eventually found a way through, but as she entered she realised that no one was nearby.
Before she found the wall an entire city block had been abandoned, and as she searched for a way through the adjacent blocks and streets were empty. Something was obviously keeping the people away, but regardless she did not have anything to fear as they did. The cathedral was near and she would not be held back.
To her surprise she found the stench disappearing and the filth on the streets vanished. As they changed so did the architecture. Gone were the dull grey and black stone that was painted with dirt and mud, wooden houses with paper doors lined the streets. The people were different as well, not just looking well fed and healthy, but being of a different ethnicity.
"Yushu immigrants." Alicia muttered, looking around with a frown. "Why are they here? Shouldn't they be in Rad?"
Yushu was the nation of Shrine Maiden Kaguya, a vast empire across the eastern sea. The people there were mostly a mystery to those of Eostia, Alicia couldn't recall much about them and neither did she care to remember. Why were they in this city? This entire district sees to be under their control, were they herded here?
Reaching the edge of the district she came before the Cathedral, to her shock the once devout temple to the Gods had been converted into a shrine to the foreign gods. The once proud statues of the Nine Great Gods was gone, replaced with dozens of smaller ones of unknown deities.
She clenched her fist, these people had not only brought themselves here but also their faith, converting a sacred temple into one of their shrines. Ansur was truly lawless if they would allow this to happen, those nobles are negligent enough to allow a sacred shrine of the gods to be defiled by a different faith. It was a surprise when Celestine had allowed a foreigner, let alone a Priestess of a foreign faith, to become a Shield, many had questioned such an action.
Alicia knew the Church feared for their believers being swayed by false faiths. For these gods were not their own and the people of Yushu did not pay homage and offer prayer to Celestine as her people did. Many call them heretics, her own mother had said as much herself.
"Greetings, have you come to pray?
Her eyes settled on a veiled woman at the entrance to the Cathedral, her words made her blood boil. As if she would pay respects to these pagan gods, this place deserved to be torn down rather than defiled by foreign influence.
"No, I am here to see the Shrine Priestess, I am Shield Knight Alicia Arcturus of Feoh." Alicia replied.
"I greet you in respect, Lady Hinako resides within, she will be tending to the temple and its followers." The maiden said, bowing once more and gesturing into the Cathedral doors.
Alicia didn't waste a moment and stepped inside, again she lamented on the state of within. Hundreds of statues lined the walls and upper balcony's of the church, she had little idea on what each one was but she had to suspect they were individual gods. She recalled that the people of Yushu worshipped over a thousand separate gods, apart from that she knew nothing else.
"I will need to speak with Lady Celestine about this." Alicia muttered.
She caught sight of the Shrine Priestess, she was standing at the end of the chamber and before a massive plinth that held the statues of three gods.
"Priestess Hinako?" Alicia spoke, strolling up to the veiled woman.
"Shield Knight Alicia Arcturus, I welcome you to my shrine, even if you have no desire for worship." The Priestess said, her entire form covered in red robes and a bonnet, a transparent veil hung over her face and shielded it from view.
"How do you know who I am? Have we met before?" Alicia asked.
"Yes, we met once when Miko Kaguyu journeyed to Ken, we did not speak personally, but I remember your voice quite well." Hinako replied, polite and level.
She did not recall that particular meeting, not that it mattered now. As much as she wished to question the woman on the reason for this refuge and the fact she had converted this Cathedral, she had more important matters to discuss.
"I have come to find refugees, the ones from the Untouched Valley, they may be witnesses to an orc warband that has recently invaded the region. I need to know where they are, so that I can question them." Alicia said.
"Of the refugees I can confirm they are in this district, along with word reaching me of the warband being the reason for their exodus from the Untouched Valley. But that is the least of your concerns." Hinako stated, turning and walking off. "I know you seek answers to another question that is nagging at you, regarding accusations lain at the feet of the nobility and Black Dogs."
Alicia must not have been able to hide her surprise, as she heard a satisfied hum from the veiled priestess. With a beckoning hand Hinako bayed for her to follow.
The arrived at the top of the Cathedral spire, entering through a trapdoor to a sealed chamber. It was the Shrine Priestesses personnel quarters, with the bedroll and few items of a personnel nature that were present. The spire actually overhung the cities walls and gave a clear view of the eastern countryside, it was a spectacular view.
It was a very spartan abode with few ornamentation, something Alicia approved of, all of which were nearly place on a single short table next to the bedrolls. The weapon rack at the far side of the room caught her attention, if there was one thing she admired about the Yushu people, it was their soldiers.
Disciplined and well armed. She had been fascinated by the weapons of their people, and seeing the set of swords on the rack and the spear caught her interest. She did not know that the Shrine Priestesses could carry weapons, it was her belief that they swore off committing violence with their own hands. But she was likely recollecting it wrong, she never did pay much attention to their culture or beliefs.
"Tea?" Hinako inquired, lifting up a steaming tea pot.
"No, thank you." Alicia said, straightening herself. "What did you mean by the least of my concerns? I would think that the orc warband rampaging through the region would be of more importance."
"True, but as of this moment they are no longer a threat, so you will have time to focus your effort on this city and those who rule over it." Hinako replied, kneeling on her bed roll and beckoning Alicia to do the same.
It was a little awkward for her, as much as she wished to push the subject regarding the orcs a part of her felt the nagging feeling of searching for the truth. An accusation was made, as much as she had her doubts on the validity of the source she still felt it needed to be investigate.
"What do you know about these accusations?" Alicia sat on her haunches and faced the Shrine Priestess.
"I am certain you noticed the state of the city when you entered, Zelindo is in the midst of growing unrest. I assume that whoever sent you to me did not only speak on the refugees or orcs? Or at least, not this particular orc warband you are hunting?" Hinako stated.
This woman was well informed. It almost worried Alicia that she could somehow read her, see into her thoughts and know what to pluck out. As ludicrous as it sounds she couldn't fight back the feeling this woman was somehow reading her mind.
"You mean…?" Alicia started, but felt herself go silent, unwilling to voice the possibility.
"Yes, I can confirm that the accusations are true." Hinako responded, taking a sip of her tea before placing it by her side.
"I do hope you have proof, as you know making claims against the Nobility without any evidence can be considered a crime in of itself. Questioning the honour of a noble is not something that is done lightly." Alicia stated.
This Priestess better not be wasting her time, as much as she had been swayed by Hendricks concise and blunt words she found his disrespect quite irritating. He had made many claims, but gave no proof and seemed to descent into an argument with Vault. She would have dismissed all he said but she felt it was prudent to make sure that there was nothing afoot.
"Evidence can only be acquired if one looks, and considering that you did not dismiss the accusations I suspect you are willing to look?" Hinako replied. "But the theft of military provisions is a new crime, and the lesser of the ones the nobility have committed these last few decades."
Lesser? How could you say that the theft of military property was considered a lesser crime? It was treason, there would be be a line of pikes with heads on them from here to Ken if there was any truth to those words.
Under the Frontier Arms act it was illegal for provisions strictly reserved for military forces to be seized/taken/used by anyone other than those authorised to use them. The importance of those food stuffs were what kept armies moving, if even one town had nothing to give it could cripple an armies ability to move along the Frontier.
"What do you mean by that?" Alicia asked. "How is committing treason considered a lesser crime?"
"While the theft of military provisions is a serious crime, in comparison to the others committed in the last few decades it is low on the list of their offences." Hinako stated. "They are actively capturing and holding people as slaves, selling them in underground markets and in brothels. Along with ferrying illegal goods, such as banned magical items and weapons."
Alicia recoiled in disgust. The mention of slavery was the greatest taboo in Ansur, for all over Eostia and beyond it was considered the greatest crime one could commit against another. To accuse someone of being a slaver was dangerous, for it often led to people's reputations being sullied instantly even if the claim was baseless.
For this woman to say it so candidly, towards the cities entire aristocracy, it would likely label a curse on this very cities walls that would make none wish to look or speak of it again. That was the danger of saying such a thing, and she was doing it without even caring.
"That is a bold claim, but I will not risk irreparably destroying people's reputations based on words alone. I need proof, and I will go no further until you prove to me that is the case." Alicia said.
"I am surprised that you are willing to defend these men, after having seen the decadence of the city and the abundance of the upper district." Hinako said aloud, it felt like she was challenging her.
It was true that the men were overindulging themselves, but was that not their right? Did their higher standing now give them the privilege to stand above most men because of their noble heritage and birth. These men were rulers and held these titles because of an important reason, for they were the guiding hands of this nation and the Goddess.
They are of refined stock, and while they are subject to temptation like any other human being she knows that unlike the common man they are not so easily led astray. She has her doubts about their effectiveness, but to judge them based on nothing, and label them as corrupt. It was shameful.
"These men are still nobles, it is their right and privilege to be better off than the common man, if they were to suffer like the people than the city would truly be doomed. They must be of sound mind and body, for it is their purpose to lead and guide the people even in the darkest of time. Though fear and suffering they are the guiding hand that keeps cities like this intact." Alicia stated.
"These nobles are having the opposite effect I am afraid." Hinako replied. "Although I believe that you see them as your equals and are unwilling to label them in anyway out of fear of tarnishing your fellow men of standing."
Alicia was glad that she understood, although the idea that the nobles were having a negative impact on the cities situation did not seem possible. What could they hope to gain if they left the city to fall to ruin? These people are their subjects and the people must serve, the nobility in turn must protect and nurture the people to make sure they can serve.
"You have not been to Ansur before have you?" Hinako asked, taking another sip of her tea.
"No, this is my first time within the borders of this nation." Alicia responded.
"Then you obviously do not know who these men are." Hinako said. "These men are nothing alike to the nobles of Ken and Feoh, these men are in fact remnants of the Old Ansur Regime. These men are part of the same nobility of the original ruling body of this nation before its collapse forty years ago."
These men were not of Ur or Feoh? But how was that possible?
Alicia knew that all cities and fortresses in the land were managed by the noble caste, given leaderless cities and expected to manage and control them. The only ones not to be done so are the city of Ansur, Rad and Thorn. Respectfully, this was due in part to them being controlled by military rule, under the leadership of another race or the rule of another sovereign nation. There shouldn't be any other exceptions.
"The Nobles here were accepted into the Alliance out of necessity, conflict with them would have been a disaster for Eostia. They were allowed to rule over the city, collect taxes, and follow the laws handed down by Celestine Lucross." Hinako said. "So long as they pay their due to the crown they are left to their own devices. With no oversight they have been allowed to continue with Ansur's previous avenue of profiteering."
Alicia had no idea that was the case.
If these men were of the old corrupt Ansur nobility that had been destroyed decades ago she had to make sure that this was not ignored. They overindulge themselves and leave the people to starve, while also committing acts of treason against Eostia in turn. Had her suspicions of the Black Dogs not remained steadfast she was certain that this would never have come to light.
"Tell me more." Alicia asked.
"Ansur as a nation is highly unstable, most of it is a broken mess of regions and territories that are virtually lawless and unmanaged. So long as the nobility get their taxes they leave towns and entire areas to the devices of the people. This has caused crime to remain highly active here, along with bandits and raiders to be a common occurrence between villages." Hinako stated. "The Nobles use this to commit their crimes, using the instability in Ansur to hide their crimes, without a central and reliable authority the people are at the mercy of the nobles. People are taken into captivity and sold into slavery."
"How do they do so?" Alicia inquired.
"The Black Dogs and Hunters are their main means of acquiring and moving slaves. The Black Dog's main recruitment centres are in Ansur, as they draw in recruits they also bring in slaves. All are brought to Zelindo where they are caged and prepared to be shipped out." Hinako stated.
She should have known, Vault was a snake and vile human being, but to think he would stoop so low to be the worst of the worst. Alicia knew she shouldn't be surprised, this was a man whose entire character overflowed with arrogance and greed. He cared only for money and woman, how he got either meant nothing to him.
Alicia felt some satisfaction knowing that she would have the proof soon to finally rob him off that undeserved glory and finally see him and those mercenaries brought to heel.
"So they are sent from Zelindo, where do they go? I assume Diohart." Alicia asked.
"To start, they send them along to the other border fortresses and then they are transported to the other fortresses and cities across Eostia. The Black Market extends all across this nation and possibly beyond." Hinako replied.
It was a given that the Black Dogs would be transporting slaves to their home fortress, but the others? Those were under the command of well respected nobles of Feoh and Ken, to think that they would allow such things to go beyond their notice. Let alone mention that the other cities were also involved, it was difficult for her to believe it to be possible.
"You are suggesting that Feoh and Ken are somehow hosting slave markets? Illegal auctions and dealings within their very walls?" Alicia asked, her disbelief clearly shown.
"I suspect you will want proof?" Hinako asked.
"Of course, I know that you are not just saying that slaves are being sent to these cities. As you accuse the filth that rule this city you also label the honourable houses of Feoh and Ken, I will not unjustly accuse the upstanding characters of the nobility so brazenly unless there is reason to do so. But I highly doubt anything you can produce would make me believe it possible for these allegations to be true." Alicia said.
The Shrine Priestess was silent for a moment, something that proved to Alicia that whatever crimes that had been imagined up were false. To believe that she would be tricked into thinking that the shining jewels of Eostia were harbouring corruption, it was absurd.
"Perhaps then we should focus on Ansur then, specifically the Black Dogs involvement." Hinako stated.
Alicia had no arguments, listening intently as she waited for Hinako to provide her with further details on the mercenary company and their master.
"I can provide or you the testimony of several people, specifically those who have suffered through the nobles unjust actions upon the Valley and the Black Dogs nonintervention during the orc raids on the Valley." Hinako stated.
So there had been orc attacks, and the Black Dogs had not stopped them. Cowardly of them, or perhaps when there is no money to be had they do not wish to fight. Either way was just another crime they would reflect on as they wait for the executioners axe.
"So the orcs have been in the Valley? I had thought it to be nothing but hot air, attempts to insult the Black Dogs." Alicia said aloud, although why had there not been any major loss of life or destruction. "Why has this not been reported? I would think that word could have gotten back to Ken?"
"The nobles have ways of making sure those messages do not reach their destinations, but two messages did four years ago reach Ansur." Hinako stated. "Detailing the orc attacks, rising unrest in the valley, and the Black Dogs passiveness. But they were ignore."
"Who was this reported to?" Alicia asked.
"The Mercenary Queen, Maia." Hinako stated.
Alicia felt herself tense up.
Maia knew about this? A whirl of thoughts went through her head, could she have known all along and was hiding it? That woman was actually involved in this somehow.
Alicia had her misgivings with the Mercenary Queen, a common mercenary risen to the prestige that was a Shield Knight. She had been elevated above her stations and used it as her play thing, from her lack of professionalism and her constant defence of Vault and the Black Dogs. Every time she tried to confront the Black Dogs Commander she was forced to step back, lest she come to blows with a fellow Shield Knight, something Celestine had forbidden.
But perhaps that was the case now, Maia was defending the Black Dogs here from accusation. Hiding evidence of their involvement, if that was the case she was well within her right to interrogate her to ensure she was not jeprodisring the safety of this nation.
If Maia was found wanting she would answer for it.
"Who is it that she spoke with, I need names." Alicia said.
"She met with Nathan Walsh personally, he was a former Knight of Ur, a comrade to Grave Levantine during the battle of Lorain and the pacification of Ansur after its collapse. The other is Valeska Notleigh, she was the original creator of the Rose Company before Maia took control of it, a letter was sent detailing the early onset of the orc attacks." Hinako said.
Good, with that she could get what she needed.
"But still, I need some physical evidence. Those names would only carry so much weight." Alicia said. "Even a sliver of proof should be enough for me to follow through with the accusations, with just that I can see to having the Black Dogs and Nobles here stripped of their power and arrested."
"Then speak with the refugees, they can direct you to the orcs." Hinako said. "All of them."
"All of them? Are you saying that there are more orcs here? More than just the warband we are searching for?" Alicia asked, the idea of thousands more of the beast in the valley gave her pause.
They had only a paltry force of a thousand men, one not truly meant to hold back the overwhelming number of orcs. Despite these dark thoughts she had one that nagged her from the back of her mind. If the orcs were here in force why hasn't this entire Valley been destroyed? Why was it not in ruins? Why had they not come across the enemy?
"The orcs had been wiped out, including this warband you search for." Hinako stated. "In Ulfraden is a creature, an entity of great power, it has been the sole reason this Valley has not succumb to the orcs."
"A creature?" Alicia inquired.
"Yes, it is the reason in fact for my being here, I was sent with a contingent of soldiers to investigate its appearance over a year ago after hearing rumours." Hinako stated. "In the last five years it has held back Orc attacks and kept most of the Valley safe, as well as halted some of the Nobles more callous attempts to destroy the valley."
"How does this help me?" Alicia asked, this sounded like some sort of fanciful tale.
"Because if you can prove the orcs have been coming here for years you can prove that the Black Dogs are guilty and that will give you the chance to investigate." Hinako stated. "The orcs are there, that should be enough to start things off, after that it is up to you to continue."
It was a start she supposed, but she would need to speak with the refugees regardless, see what they knew and then move on. Although she now had some doubts, this woman spoke a great deal regarding the corruption and evil here. But the mention of the orcs was a mere afterthought, more than that she says they were all gone.
Defeated from the sounds of it.
"It is the only lead it seems, take me to the refugees." Alicia said, rising from the mat and moving for the door.
"At the door you will find my attendant, she will guide you there." Hinako stated.
Alicia had a lead, and while going to the refugees was a formality it would give her a clearer picture. She had what she needed to interrogate Vault and Maia, after that she could see to the end of the orcs and see what else there was.
An unknown creature in Ulfraden, wiping out orcs, it had to be a joke.
Hope you liked it, enjoy and let me know what you think.
