Sizzle Sizzle
‘Ah…. what’s that sizzling noise?’
Initially alarmed I searched the room in an arrested panic, trying to find any intruder. Then my eyes hit the fur ball of a cat sleeping beside me, and the panic left my body in an instant as the adrenaline died, and memories of last night came back to me.
With a small smile tugged at my face, I scooped that feline who meowed in surprise, but seeing the one who held him, went back to his sleep.
I made my way down the stairs, silently, trying not to alarm the one in the kitchen. Tip-toeing towards the kitchen, I had opened my slippers back at the stairs to not make a noise, I sneaked behind the woman who was making breakfast and said one word in her ears,
“Boo!”
To my credit, my plan was perfect. I had made sure to not make a single noise from the moment I woke up (apart from the slight creaking of bed and a small meow of Mr. Royale, but that can be easily dismissed) and sneaked up on her, trying not to make rustling noises of my clothes or creaking beneath my feet. It was a perfect plan and I already had the outcome in my mind. I just made a small mistake.
To her credit, she was not a normal woman who had spent years working inside a house. But has rather spent years on the field and was not one to take sneak attacks lightly. Even one in the safety of four closed walls.
So when I scared her, she didn’t jump or shriek like a little girl, but flung her arm carrying a hot turner back at me and almost stabbed my neck.
I say almost cause she was also fast enough to realize who I was and stopped just right before she actually hit me. As for me, I had one hand up in the air in surrender and the other reaching for the turner before it destroyed my Adam’s Apple, all while covered head to toe in goosebumps.
For a second we both stared at each other, and then at the turner and back at each other.
“MEOW!!”
Apparently, in my panic, I had dropped Mr. Royale and although he managed to land on his feet, he didn’t look too happy to be woken up in such a rude manner.
“Ow!” I exclaimed as my head twinged with a sharp hotness and I looked at Juliana who was keeping away the turner in her hand and about to pick up the angry feline.
‘I guess I deserved that…’
“Good morning Juliana” I said as I took a seat by the counter on the opposite side of the room.
“Good morning to you too, Oliver. A very ‘exciting’ morning it is, huh” she said with a glare. I swear I am gonna do that again someday.
“Very exciting indeed. What are you up to this early in the morning by the way?” I asked, moving the conversation before she got angrier.
“What do you think? Making some breakfast for us.” she replied, with a raised eyebrow.
“No, I just expected you to have gone home already.” I shrugged.
“And be an irresponsible guest? No, can’t do. So go freshen up quickly, I’m almost done. Unless you prefer cold food.” she said as she went back to cooking.
Although I could eat cold food, why waste the opportunity? So I jumped off the counter and bolted towards the washroom.
10 minutes later I came out of there freshened up and followed the sweet delicious smell of food back to my living room. I had a small dining table in the corner, which I admittedly never used apart from keeping some stuff, and the first time I bought it. I guess I’ll use it for the second time today.
And she even left me the seat of the head!! Aww…
Taking my seat I took in the sight of the food. It was bacon and eggs and they looked delicious.
Thanking Juliana for the food, we both enjoyed the food and it was just as amazing as it looked. The crispiness of the bacon, and the saltiness when mixed with the yolk of the egg, muah! It was just perfect!
“Juliana can you please cook for me daily” I looked into her eyes and asked, with utmost seriousness.
“Haha” Juliana laughed, then looked straight into my eyes and said “Are you asking me to move in with you Oliver? I never thought you were so direct, huh. But I guess looks could be deceiving….” she said with a cheeky smile, and I could feel my face burning a little.
Goddamit! I didn’t think this through, how did it come to this!
“I didn’t mean it like that…. but I don’t see you saying no either” I said as I eyed her.
“Hmm…. I’ll think about it” she said and went back to eating again.
Her ambiguous answer made my heart skip a beat. I don’t know if she’ll agree or not.
But I’ll be a little happier if she did….
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After breakfast, Juliana made it back to her house to shower and change as she hadn’t bought her work clothes when she came in yesterday.
So left with nothing to do in the house, I too washed up and decided to head to the office sooner than usual.
Getting there, I was greeted with the face of Claire buried in a magazine, although it was a different one than I was used to. Walking up to her I decided to talk to her for a while. Although she was a little too chatty, I still considered her as a little sister of mine.
“Hello Claire, good morning. How are you?” I asked.
“Oh, Oliver! Good morning to you too, I’ve been fine just a little bummed out that they decided to lower the salaries of the civil staff from 8 pounds per week to 5 pounds. Can you imagine!!?
“It’s been so tough on me. I couldn’t even afford my weekly subscription to ‘Glimmer’ anymore and had to use this second-rated magazine.
“Not to mention my parties with my friends! I haven’t been on one in 2 weeks and my friends are already insisting that I should change jobs, which of course I won’t do, but it still hurts to see the church and the order in such a situation you know.
“I have never seen Old Kai so petty as well. Yesterday he even refused to pay for my carriage when we came back! Can you believe it?
“I talked with Miss Elliot about how long she thinks it might last, and she says there’s likely to be another reduction if nothing changes soon. This week’s funds are already lower than last week’s.
“I just want everything to be back to normal and C-Captain to come back. It’s been so long gosh, I don’t even wanna think how he is right now.” she had started off cheerfully like usual, but she got more and more sad and depressed as she continued.
“It’s okay Claire, we’ll fix everything. Keep faith in God and he’ll fix everything.” I said as I drew a circle across my chest with one last tap on my lips. Claire mimicked my actions.
“But hey, at least Morgan will join us today, won’t he? I heard he woke up yesterday and you guys went to his home to meet him.” Claire said with her eyes shining a little and I don’t know how to break it to her.
“He…. he'll be taking rest for a week or so. He hasn’t healed properly and the doctor says he might have some hidden psychological stress which needs to be worked on before.” I lied.
“Oh,” her eyes dimmed a little “well then let him rest for now. I’m sure he’ll be fine quickly!”
We talked for a little more and that’s when people started filling in the place. First came Vincent, then Aline and Matheo, then Aidan, then Martin followed by Juliana in the last.
“Claire, could you sit on the second floor with Miss Elliot for a few moments?” Aidan said after Juliana came in. I had noticed he looked unusually stressed ever since he came in, but I hadn’t had a chance to ask him about it.
“Oh, sure.” Claire walked up, without asking anything.
“Everyone!“ he announced as soon Claire cleared the room “The church has received a telegraph from the Emperor’s office. They have discovered the base of the Kuumainen Brethren!
“It’s situated in the Capital city of Corbaux, and a massive operation joint operation between the Inquisition Order and the military led by the Army General himself will be convened on the 25th of October.
”We are to report to Corbaux by the 24th of October, where we’ll be detailed on the plan. Every member of the Order is ordered to report before the 24th and anyone failing to do so will be stripped of his/her position.”
It was a spell of silence and for a second none of us knew what to say or how to react to this sudden proclamation at the show of ability by the military. How did they find it all of a sudden? How come we failed at it for centuries and they did it in a few weeks? Were we supposed to just believe that we were incompetent compared to the short-lived?
“BULLSHIT!” and Vincent was the first to burst “How did they find it all of a sudden? Aren’t they just trying to undermine the authority of the church? Do they think we are blind to the shift in opinions of the public? And all of a sudden they succeeded in one job we never succeeded in?
“Hah, isn’t the Emperor just too much of a paragon? Are they forgetting why he’s called the Mad Emperor? I won’t even be surprised if he knew about their base for years but took him time to send the bait when the public opinion of the church was at its worst.
“Since they can’t kill us, they plan to kill our reputation. Heh, as if he can replace the church! Let’s go see it, let’s go destroy that chameleon once and for all, and then see how he damages the church. They forget that every time Aurinko sinks, he has always risen up. And so will the church.
“As long as God lives, so will we.”
Finishing Vincent’s speech was another stasis in the atmosphere as everyone soaked it in. We all thought the same and we knew the truth behind his words, those were the thoughts we had ourselves and have kept them confined for who knows how long.
It hasn’t happened recently, but was a gradual process. No one suspected a thing, and all of a sudden the common mouth has stopped chanting the name of Aurinko.
And we all knew it was done by the Mad Emperor. No Emperor would want a different party ruling his empire, and he was trying to do just that. Remove us.
But Vincent was right, the church can’t be removed until Aurinko lives. We were a manifestation of his will and if something drastic happens to us, he won’t stay calm. He would stop caring.
So yes, let’s take care of this little bug in our path, and see what else could the Emperor throw at us. Cause we would always rise as the winners in the end.
“Everyone here willing to participate in the operation?” Aidan asked.
Everyone was tired, they had a sense of depression in their eyes from last night and the last few days, but a new light of motivation was ignited within. They too were ready to be thrown around by life, getting up again and being the final winner. And taking care of this organization would be the first step.
So yes, we all did agree to this operation. Cause no one was better than us at surviving.
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The way from Ozart to Corbaux takes a total of 5 days when journeying on the road and 2 when on a steam train. But for this occasion, the Emperor has booked special trains which will run from the ends of the empire and travel to the capital.
Throngs of members will be taking the ride from their specific cities and will travel to the capital together.
Ozart being a city in the mid-outer regions of the empire, we will be boarding the train on the evening of the 18th, the day after tomorrow. Where we will be spending at least 3 more days before reaching the capital on 21.
Till then we were dismissed, sent home to rest and prepare mentally for the upcoming operation. It’s gonna be the biggest operation in the history of Order. Never have the Inquisition across the empire gathered to fight a singular target.
Of course members of The Order across a few cities have come together in a few joint operations, but at this scale? Never.
It was an unprecedented event.
And so was the church preparing for it. I could feel the excitement from the church, as they promised all kinds of monetary benefits as well as ammunition and supplies for the operation. There were special awards for members who bring the head of people at special positions in the brethren.
The highest was obviously the head of the brethren. He has the moniker of ‘Virus’ and a bounty of 300,000 pounds!
He was the criminal the church hated the most.
Deciding there was nothing else for me to do, I went home. It wasn’t that late, barely 2 in the afternoon and so I was hungry. Changing into more relaxing clothes, I went to the kitchen and started cooking.
It was while cooking that I was reminded of a woman who cooked here not too long ago and wondered how the night would go.
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She didn’t come.
I waited for a long time, and stayed awake, trying to keep my mind busy. Trying to think of the ways the operation could go, and tried to write something, but eventually it got too late and I knew she wouldn’t be coming.
Hahhh
I guess I overestimated myself a little.
Tired of waiting, I eventually ended up sleeping.
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The next day went by in a laze. I was visited by people from the office. We talked for a while, discussed all kinds of ways this trip might go wrong, cursed the Emperor for a while, talked a little about their families and how they reacted to the news, cursed the Emperor a little more, talked a little on what we should pack for the travel, and finally cursed the Emperor a little more.
Even Mrs. Ruslanova, tagging Mrs. Choi with her, came to visit, having heard about the operation from their husbands. I guess it was inevitable. It was too big of an operation to be kept hidden. Not to mention their husbands were in relatively bigger cogs in this machine called government.
“Oh Mr. Romero, I always believed in our government. I knew they would find the bastards who have troubled us for so long. I have full faith in your capabilities to finish this operation successfully. In fact, me and Mrs. Choi just came from the church, having prayed for your success, with a donation of 1,000 pounds too nonetheless.” Mrs Ruslanova said.
“Oh, by the way I heard you’ll get to meet General Brix!” Mrs Choi chipped in “If you meet him can you ask him how the Emperor is personally? I’ve heard he’s the only way who is pardoned by the Emperor to enter his palace if required!”
“Ah yes, that’ll be so great!! A personal meet by the Emperor! I might just lose my head!” Mrs Ruslanova too called out in a voice closer to a shrill, beside her.
“….I’ll try to see what I can do” I can only send them away with a perfunctory promise before they simp more over him.
By the time I was done taking visitors, it was already evening and I thought it wise to start packing now. I had to pack some clothes, both formal and informal. Some personal firearms, the ones I owned, and the correct ammunition for safety. And some miscellaneous items like toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, a towel, etc. etc.
Done with packing, it was almost time for dinner. The thing was, I had already cleaned the utensils and I didn’t feel like doing it again. So I considered it wiser to eat out, and that’s what I did.
Taking a small stroll on the streets, I took in the view around me. It was, it is! One of my favorite things to do, and so I walked, feeling the caressing touch of wind across my face and the flowing of my hair, I paid no mind to it and reached the diner.
I didn’t get anything too scrumptious. Just something light. I didn’t have much of an appetite. God’s gift can heal us physically, but mental traumas stayed, and the recent events have not been merciful to my stomach.
Having had my dinner, I decided to take a carriage back. I know it was only a short distance back, but I always feel too lazy after dinner to walk after that. I have money and this is the best time to use it.
It was a pleasant surprise, reaching home that is. Cause I found someone I didn’t expect to be waiting at the front door.
Getting off the carriage, I paid him the fare. I might have given him a little extra, but I didn’t care about it, and the carriage driver didn’t seem to be in the mood to remind him. Well good for him I was in a good mood.
Walking towards the gate I looked at the beautiful face of the woman standing there. She had an oval face, eyes green and intense like a forest, and black short hair flowing till her shoulders complimenting her beauty.
She came with a suitcase beside her, a purse hanging in one hand and the other hand holding a black cat with a white patch on his head like a crown.
“Hello Juliana, a surprise this has been” I said.
“Hello Oliver, I hope a pretty one at that?” she asked with a small smile suspended at her lips.
“Always been one. Would you like to come inside, it’s getting quite chilly outside nowadays.” I proposed as I grabbed her suitcase.
“I thought you’d never ask. I’m sure your bedroom is much warmer right?” she asked, a sly grin replacing her smile now.
For a second I just looked at her, as if it was the first time I had got to know her, and with a smile of my own said “Of course it is, please join me. ”
With that, she moved in and I too, with the suitcase in my hand got in before closing the door shut.
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It was the next day, and I woke up due to the sunlight filtering in through the slit in the curtains across the window. I lay there on the bed, naked, covered with a blanket, looking at the beautiful oval face that slept beside me.
I wanted to push her hair aside and give her a kiss, but I didn’t wanna wake her up.
So I settled with looking at her.
Everything felt so calm at the moment, so serene. My head felt so silent, devoid of noises. I liked this silence. I felt like I could get addicted to it.
But I also knew this was just the calm before the storm. There was one big hurdle between me and this life I envisioned.
But in a week, it would no longer exist. And that’s when I’ll sleep peacefully the next time, but till then, I’ll suffice looking at this face and try to get back here soon enough.
She turned a little, the sunlight kissing her face, her eyes especially and her eyelids quivered a little. And so I got up, putting on my clothes, I walked to the window, and closed the curtain properly.
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I have seen a lot of fantastical things in my life. Some were very mysterious, some I never thought could be possible, and some outright impossibly mystical. One of the examples being myself. Being able to survive a bomb explosion at point-blank? And walk around just a little more than a week later? Stupidly mystic.
But I can understand that. It’s a God’s act after all. His methods are supposed to be mysterious and I had no business knowing how he does it.
But every time I look at this giant beast of a machine; moving with the swiftness of a hawk, the raw strength of an avalanche, and the comfort of velvet, I can’t help but be mystified and stupefied at the prospect of this being made by humans.
How did they come up with this? How many years did it take them to come up with this? Is it the power of civilization? A person’s strength and wisdom seem so insignificant in front of this….
Rumble
Billowing dark smoke and moving with a rumble, the steam train screeched to a stop in front of us.
“Okay everyone, the train will stop here for 15 minutes, so don’t rush. Every city has been allotted two to four compartments according to the requirement, with 4 seats in every compartment, so there won’t be any lack of space. Let’s move now!” Aidan announced.
And so we picked up our luggage and boarded the train. Claire, Miss Elliot, James, and Benson had come to see us off, so they too helped us take care of the luggage inside.
Interestingly there was another individual who would be taking the train with us today. I totally didn’t expect it, although I should have in hindsight.
It was Old Kai!
Originally with the absence of Morgan, we were 7, two less of our original number. With Old Kai joining us, we were 8 now.
I didn’t expect it, I always thought he said ‘I’m above this nonsense’ and so I imagined he’d enjoy his retirement. After all, he used to be part of the order, has been part of the order for a few centuries, I believe it was from the 6th century to the late 9th?
And due to his long years of upstanding service been given the honour of keeping the blessings, despite retiring to a more paperwork job now.
Curious I decided to ask him as soon as I heard the news (it was a bombshell dropped on us at the station by Aidan), “Why do you wanna join this operation, Old Kai? I thought you were tired of this work now?”
“Heh, what do you brats know? I had fought these bastards for 3 centuries and never came close to anything, and now that I have the chance to remove this shame of my career, of the Church, would I stay back at my home?
“I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive about joining the battlefield, not only cause our opponents are the brethren but also cause it has been decades since I’ve picked arms on a battlefield. One tends to lose their nerves, but what’s the worst that can happen eh?
“I can take a few weeks, even months in hospital if this is what it takes to remove these bastards!” he had said with a manic in his eyes, something I’ve never seen of him.
And so I decided to stay a little away from him…
“Oliver! Don’t space out here!” shouted a huffing Claire from behind me who had taken it upon herself, rather stubbornly, to carry a heavy suitcase and was now having problems with it.
Woken out of my reverie, I mouthed a sorry at her and moved ahead, following others who boarded before me. Moving through a few compartments, we finally stopped and picked the two consequent compartments for ourselves.
To my great chagrin, I was allotted to share the compartment with Vincent, Martin, and Aidan. It wasn’t the company that was the problem. It was the lack of company of a certain person that was the problem.
Cause she was designed to share the compartment with Aline, Matheo, and Old Kia.
‘Well I guess it could’ve been worse if I had to travel for the days with Old Kai’
Setting our luggage beneath the seats, we walked out of the train (except Old Kai, who took one of the upper seats and decided to sleep already) to say our last proper farewell to the rest who came to see us off.
After another 10 minutes of Claire sobbing and motivating us, Miss Elliot trying to calm her, Benson and James standing there awkwardly, we boarded the train again with the final signal given by the station master.
Taking my seat near the window, I heard the whistle of the train and it once again dawned on me. I was gonna be part of the biggest operation in history.
I don’t know if it was just me, but I could feel the excitement around me. Palpable; ever-changing, turning from a nervousness to a need to excel and write their name in history; it surrounded me and left me with a cold sensation around.
It felt nice. I liked this feeling.
And so the train trembled, and with a jerk started moving. Looking out, I and others with me, waved to others outside.
As the train was about to pick speed, I caught a passing glance at him. He stood there, looking at me and waving at me with a sorry smile. Morgan… looked sad.
Before I could react to his sudden arrival here, the train had sped up leaving I’m behind and out of reach.
I promised myself, I’ll have a talk with him after coming back.
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The train ride was more or less okay-ish.
As much as I liked talking to others, I was more or less unwilling to share the same courtesy with others I’d never known. And so when Vincent went out and came back with two unknown men while sharing a laugh and discussing loudly, my face nearly gave away my disappointment.
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It was a quick use of the mantra that saved me.
Most of the day went like this, making small talk and hearing about work in different cities. Yay! They only left when it was getting dark and it was time for dinner.
Dinner was served by the train, though if we wanted something more than the standardized meal, we’d have to pay. And pay I did, since food was one thing I couldn’t tolerate being bad, and bad it was.
Well as much as I’d expect from the government.
By 8:30 in the night, after dinner, others too came from the other compartment to sit with us for a while and talk about their day and such. By pure coincidence, Juliana sat near me and it made the talks a little more bearable.
And that’s how my first day on the train passed. The train stopped one more time to pick up passengers from another city. 3 days more to go!
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‘So glad nothing happened in the ride’ I heaved a sigh of relief and thought so as I stood in a line. We were finally at our destination and I was waiting for the line to move.
There was a real possibility of us being attacked by the brethren. Such a mass exodus of armed men was bound to gain the attraction of the brethren and I had no illusion that they didn’t know we were coming.
I can only assume that the Emperor has done an amazing job at keeping them restrained and they are unable to move against us. It makes me wonder, does the Emperor have a counter against their mysterious methods? Does he know magic himself!?
Well that….. sounded very interesting. I don’t know how I never thought of it…. it shouldn’t be such an easily forgettable thought. If two of the biggest forces in the Empire have a form of mysterious protection, then wouldn’t it be the wisest to assume he has it too?
That begs the question, if he really does have it, then what can he do? And is that how he plans to fight the brethren? Does his army have it too? Was I underestimating the extent of this battle till now? Is this gonna be a test between the healing potential of our bodies and the magic of the brethren… No! Wait, not just the brethren! Yes the army too, the Emperor! Yes! He has it too.
What did he have again….? Magic yes, goddamit! Why am I slipping so much? Focus! Focus!!
Yes, so if the Emperor has his own arcane, then how strong is he? How strong is his army really? How do we compare to them…? Are we really the strongest force in this battle……
“Oliver! What are you thinking?” a soft sound snapped near my ears as I came out of my reverie. First I looked at the annoyed face of Juliana, then back ahead at the moving line and how I was blocking the way.
Giving a small apology, I took hold of my bags and made my way ahead. I only carried a suitcase and figured I’d just buy it if need be later.
‘Wait, was I thinking about something?’ I suddenly had a feeling I was missing something important. But Juliana and this incessant itch on my left arm distracted me.
‘Oh well, if I forgot about it, it shouldn’t be anything important’ Very conveniently I dropped the issue and focused on getting off the train safely first.
Stepping into the station felt weirdly cathartic. The station had a level of cleanliness and order that felt like scratching an itch in the back of my head. Ah, how torturous it felt back at Ozart.
But here? This! This was a station. A grand structure, with huge windows and, huge pointy ceiling and wow, they even have a chandelier! The floors were marbled, and a little dirty, but I didn’t expect such a huge transit point to be stark clean.
But at least they tried. I can still see cleaning staff here and there picking up garbage and cleaning areas that get too dirty.
“Let’s go. Someone will be here to pick us up by the station gate” Aidan shouted, getting my attention. I felt a little embarrassed realizing I was the only one gawking around at the clean floors like a country bumpkin. In my defense, it was my first time here, unlike others.
“You’ll get used to it brat. Don’t embarrass us too now. I’ve been here so many times, I am sure they have a portrait of mine at the station master’s office, haha” Old Kai said, moving beside me. He laughed in a very deep guttural voice like he was choking on something.
‘As if’ rolling my eyes internally, I followed the others out of the station. Walking up and down few stairs here and there, we finally reached the exit.
There stood a guy, in completely unrecognizable clothes, with the only oddity being a black and purple bracelet around his left wrist, holding a plaque card that read,
> Welcome to Corbaux!
>
> Mr. Aidan Coca.
>
>
‘Ah yes, hahaha, oh my! I almost forgot why Aidan never uses his last name. Ah, I don’t know why he hates it, it’s such a cute name.’ I looked over at Aidan and I could see his eyes twitching a little seeing his name in public like that. Hence, he walked even faster towards the man.
“Mr. Coca?” the man asked.
“Please call me Aidan, and yes, it’s me. Let’s go now. Me and my team is here.” he said hurriedly.
“Of course, please follow me. Your carriage is waiting for you.” He motioned us as we followed behind him.
Walking out of the station wasn’t as good as I expected it to feel. The air felt heavy and reduced the visibility. There was also too much noise, from carriages or just the people around. It felt like everyone was in a hurry, there was a mood of panic and anxiety in the air and it made me feel uneasy.
Walking a bit, we reached the carriage. Well, two carriages, since one wasn’t enough to hold all of us. And so we all and the guy whose name I forgot to ask took one carriage and others the other one.
Though this time Old Kai insisted on sitting with us, and so Martin changed places with him. I wanted to change places too, but there were some things I wanted to ask the man, and I’m sure others did too.
Getting in the carriage, we waited for the carriage to start. Till then we waited, churning our thoughts. Looking for the right questions to ask in our limited time.
“So… can you tell us what a Royal escort is doing wearing such plain clothes” It was Old Kai who asked first, and it left me confused. Royal escort? Did he mean to say the guy in front of us was an actual royal escort and not a military one! How? And why?
“You know quite a bit… Mr. Kempton.” he replied back with a small smile, not a bit surprised at having his identity revealed.
“Well you live a few hundred years and you get to know all kinds of weird things. So can you answer me, what is a Royal escort doing here? I don’t think this mission guarantees a visit from someone like you. And is this carriage still heading to our original destination?” Old Kai fired his questions, his eyes narrowed as he observed the escort in front of us.
“Let me re-introduce myself, gentlemen. My name is Richard Ortega Miro. You can call me Mr. Miro or Richard if you like.
“As for your question as to why I am here? It was a decree, sent by the Emperor himself, to escort your party to your resting place and I was chosen. Plainclothes cause we don’t wanna spook the public and rest assured, we are still going with the previous plans.” Richard answered with one shocking revelation after another and all with that same smile across his face.
It was unnerving really. This much attention from the Mad Emperor. What did we do to warrant this? Not to mention this level of discreetness?
As silence and grim shock suspended across the carriage, it was again Old Kai who fought off of it first. “Why would the Emperor send such a decree? I don’t believe our team is special enough for him to take notice of us especially” he said, if he felt shaken by the revelation, he didn’t let it show. Neither in his voice nor on his visage.
“Well of course it was to greet Mr. Romero here” he looked at me and I could swear his smile felt wider all of a sudden.
‘WHAT!? Why!!? What did I do?’
Every eye on me, I could feel their judging gaze, trying to discern what about me warranted this attention from the Emperor. It irked me, but I understood their caution. It still irked me.
“What would the Emperor want of me? I don’t believe I have broken any state law, and even if I have by accident, the government and the Emperor don’t have direct jurisdiction over me as part of the Order and Church.” I replied, trying to stay calm and project the calmness in my voice.
“Oh no, please don’t mistake it as a warning. It is nothing but that. In fact, the Emperor has sent a message for you.
“ ‘If you reach there, know that the game has begun. And every game has its rules.’”
‘Ok seriously - what in the damnation is going on here?’ Stupefied and a bit weirded out, I looked around, to gauge other’s reactions, to see if I was the only one who felt that way or if the feeling was mutual.
Apparently, it was. No one said a thing, but the confusion was visible, by their body posture and their faces. Even Old Kai was frowning and I did not take that as a good sign.
“Does…. does he like to send cryptic messages like these? And what does it mean? What game, what rules?” I asked, more in general to see if anyone knew the answer.
“It’s highly unlikely for him to send such messages, but believe me it’s not uncommon for him to use cryptic messages. As for the definition of the contents, I believe only you would know what they mean since it’s meant for you.” Richard clarified.
‘Well that didn’t help much…’ Hopeful I looked towards Old Kai, searching for an alternate answer.
“Don’t look at me brat, I too am clueless. I can only say everything might make sense with time. Let’s wait and see what happens.” and alas I was disappointed as he shot me down with an annoyed look. I believe he was more annoyed at himself than me, but still - asshole.
‘Hahhh, why did it have to get more complicated than it already was’
----------------------------------------
“So if I understand it right, Emperor, THE Emperor, sent you a personal message? My, my Oliver, you are on your way to a nice cozy government job soon enough” teased by Aline, I sat there quietly and didn’t have the heart to reprimand.
Not to mention, this was the most cheerful I have seen her since the incident with Morgan, so I let her enjoy it.
Currently we were in one of the houses allotted to the members of the order. It was part of the houses the government had sanctioned for this operation and circled the base of the brethren.
It must be said, the government has pulled all stops in defeating the brethren this time. And even stranger was the location of the base.
It was actually a manor in the middle of the Sellers Borough and belonged to one of the richest men in the city who wasn’t part of the nobility.
It alone spanned across 400 acres and consisted of a huge park with a fountain in between, a dirt road for the passage of private carriages, and a two-storeyed mansion at the end of it. It was an extravagance I was mind blown on seeing for the first time.
I mean I had read about them, but seeing one in person is a different feeling altogether.
Naturally, such a manor won’t be surrounded by tents and slums. Clearly, this was an area for the rich and the government had poured a shit-ton of money into leasing them for this operation.
As far as we were told, the order would be trapping the base of the brethren under an encirclement of concentric circles of a radius of a km, increasing in 200 meters with a few scouts scattered across the area within.
The army will be the final layer of defense, as they will be responsible for bringing the military provisions and the necessary firepower support and aerial support in case of a bombardment, as well as barricading the area and making sure civilians have evacuated the area.
The whole area was evacuated two days ago. When I asked Richard why so soon, wouldn’t it give away our intent, he had replied, “It’s to pressurize them. To build up mental fatigue. A tired enemy is a good one, especially when they already know we are coming. There was no way for us to pull an ambush anyway. Especially not in one of the richest boroughs of the capital.”
I partially agreed with him. Since they already know we are coming, then it’s better to be dominating about it, lest the other party consider us weak.
But the way he said “not in one of the richest boroughs” ticked me like he’d have put the entire slums in danger had it been the best way for victory. At the cost of every person in the slums if it comes to it.
“Do you know why he could’ve said it, Oliver? Any clues?” Matheo asked.
“No. None of it makes sense to me. I don’t know where he expects me to go and what kind of game I would play. He might as well be having one of his crazy episodes for all I know. And how does he even know I’ll be going somewhere?” I replied. Honestly, I had stopped thinking about it at this point.
It was just pointless and bought me nothing but headaches.
“Let’s not smash our heads on the words of a crazy. But still I recommend you don’t leave the house till the day of the operation. And for the briefing. Stay at home. It’s big enough for you to spend your days without getting bored anyway” Old Kai suggested, as he picked his coat off the coat hanger, took his cane and was about to walk out of the gate.
“Where are you going?” asked Aidan.
“Just to meet a few of my friends. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, so I might take a while to get back. Don’t screw around without me” with those words, he walked out.
“Leave him be, he knows what he’s doing” said Aline “That damn geezer is too old to be worried about anyone much. But he was right you know, Oliver. You shouldn’t leave the house and go out for a while.” she said the last part as she took hold of Matheo and dragged him towards the door, while Matheo just followed behind with a helpless smile.
“Anyway, you stay safe Oliver. Me and Matheo will go scout for dangers that might be out there looking for you” With a final salute, she and Matheo went out.
“Hahhh, leave them be, they deserve this bit. I too will have to go out. I’ll go ask about the food supply and coordinate with a few of the teams around us to support when on the battlefield. Martin and Vincent come with me. Juliana, can I leave Oliver in your care?” He asked her.
“Yes you can. I’ll make sure he doesn’t go anywhere” she said.
“Good, cmon then, let’s leave while the sun is still high” he motioned for Vincent and Martin while walking away.
“See ya in a while” said Vincent, while Martin just nodded at us.
Left alone, I looked at Juliana and she looked at me. Then with slow steps, she walked towards me and stood in front of me. Looking up at her, I saw a sly smile. She bent her back, leaned forward, and whispered in my ears, “How about we take the rest of the conversation to the bedroom?”
Chills. Literal chills. Gosh, this is why I love new relationships. Maybe not everything bad came out of it.
And so with hand in hand, we walked upstairs, to the bedroom, and locked it.
----------------------------------------
It was the 24th now. And there was a single day before the fateful mission. I had spent every day busy in the house, spending time with others, sometimes with Juliana when we were alone, but mostly alone.
For some reason, as the day came closer to fulfillment, I couldn’t help but feel more and more stoic and somber. I believed in myself and in the blessings of God, but I can’t help but want to spend more and more time together.
I just can’t sit with others for too long for some reason. It was like looking at skeletons. Talking with the dead, and it didn’t feel right with me. I blamed myself for thinking this way, and that led me to distancing myself even more.
Juliana asked me last night if I was okay, and I just froze. I looked at her face for a little too long, etching it in my memory, for what eventuality I don’t know. It was only when she asked me again that I broke off my reverie and assured her I was okay.
And now it was time for the briefing and understanding of the general plan for tomorrow.
Due to the high number of teams called for this mission, it was ordered that only the interim captain and an additional person shall be present for the brief. It was decided I would go with Aidan.
As we were leaving, we also found Old Kai getting ready to leave.
“Old Kai, I’ve decided to bring Oliver for this. I can’t bring anyone else” Aidan said.
“Heh, brat do you think I’d need your permission to attend this meeting? Let me see who dares to stop me.” With that said he walked out, his steps powerful and uniform, as he walked thumping his cane on the ground.
Shrugging at each other, we too walked out and followed behind him.
The brief was prepared to be held at the border of our encirclement, where the army has created the boundary. It was a km walk from our position and we reached there by 1:45 pm, 15 minutes before the meeting time.
The military base was one you would recognize as soon as you reached there. Separated from the inner area by a hastily erected barbed wire perimeter, it was guarded by at least 2 soldiers at every spot in uniform distance. The direction we were going in had the sole gate for entering the base.
The gate was guarded by 4 guards covered in standard protection gear, carrying a StG 44 slung around their shoulder, pistol in their holster hanging around the waist, and certainly pocket knife or a dagger in one of the pockets for hand-to-hand combat.
There were two more, dressed similarly in the gear, but without the StG’s, who sat on a desk beside the gate. All of them were ordered to stand at least 2 feet away from the gate due to being electrified.
I can see the electric current was turned down and the gate open, as throngs of people made their way in after identifying themselves and having their belongings checked by two of the guards.
As we walked, we too showed our badges, and the special identification file sent to us by the church just before leaving. It contained information on our city of affiliation and confirmation that our badges weren’t forged.
Those details then were noted by the soldiers at the desk.
When we looked at Old Kai, on how we gets through the situation, he too bought out his badge and another token. All I could identify about this token was its distinctive aquiline color and that was enough for the guards to let him in without any further checks.
That was surely enough to warrant a few raised eyes around us and I too was impressed by his connections.
We didn’t get the same treatment though, we still had ourselves checked properly before allowing us entry, as part of the protocol.
This was not it though, as what was behind the gate was another patch of emptiness for 100 metres. Only then would we reach the real military base. Although I couldn’t see any, I was sure many snipers were positioned across the empty patch, keeping an eye out for anyone who would act suspicious.
“This place didn’t use to be like this…. the government has stripped every house in this area for this purpose” Old Kai exclaimed from beside us as we walked ahead. I can see people around us eavesdropping on our conversation.
“Hmm”
Finally, we reached another gate, one where we were identified once again before being sent to a huge tent in a single file.
Entering the tent, it felt bigger than I expected it to be. Even crowded, it didn’t feel cramped. In fact, I believed they could easily hold another 3 times the number of people here and still have space left.
The center of the tent found storage on a table with a 3d model of the building. The building was elevated from the table and stood glass, which showed the underground structure beneath the mansion. The underground base stretched far into the grounds of the manor and occupied more space than the mansion itself did.
The table also held many figurines, colored green, yellow, and red.
There were many members across the tent. Some were chatting with others, roaming here and there, some stood patiently, waiting for the meeting to convene, while most of them stood around the 3d model, sharing and flaunting their knowledge of siege tactics.
The interior perimeter of the tent was guarded by soldiers as well and there was a clear lack of any high officials yet. Well, we were 10 minutes early. Considering the time left, we decided to stay put, while Old Kai, a separate entity from us went to the 3d model.
After another 5 minutes, people stopped entering.
After another 5 minutes, on 2pm dot, was when we heard the powerful steps of boots hitting the floor, the tent silencing, as a man in a green uniform, a thick grey bread on his face, sharp black eyes, a crooked nose and a face marred with a scar across his chin near the neck, walked in followed by a procession of another 10 men dressed similarly in green uniforms.
Every man that followed wore several medals, tags of honor, on their left breast. But no one looked at them, as the man who led them, the one with no medals, had the one thing nothing could compare to. He had the Emperor’s insignia, a lone candle epaulet.
The mark of a General. The only person allowed in His army to wield the symbol. It was not only a symbol of undying loyalty, but also an amalgamation of all the achievements in the lifetime, and hence every troublesome medal lost its meaning.
He was General Russell Tyre Francis.
The people following him were the various lieutenant generals and major generals responsible for this operation.
And their entry was greeted by a uniform thumping of feet, clanking of weapons, and thud of a powerful salute. It was given by the soldiers in the tent.
As for us, we were a separate entity, and were not answerable to the general, and hence had no need for a salute. But his presence certainly pressed us in attention.
The general treaded towards the 3d model, and the people surrounding it naturally, moved aside. The only ones who still stayed by his side were the ones following him, and Old Kai.
The general stopped for a second to look at him, and both of them nodded at each other before Old Kai moved away to stand by our side.
‘What just happened….. how does he know the general!!? I looked at Old Kai in a new light as the stood beside me. Not only me but now almost everyone had their attention on him, probably questioning the same question.
Cough
“Let’s start the meeting now!” A strong voice forced our attention back, and we faced the General again, who now stood with his hands on the table.
Questions can come later, it was time to understand first.
----------------------------------------
Fuuuuu
I let out a deep breath and watch the fog roll around before dispersing in the wind. I continue to do so while rubbing my hands together to warm them. One of my goals in this life is to be able to create rings out of fog by blowing air.
Not through smoking, but letting out a breath in the winter. Ah just how fun it is.
And so I continue hard, all to accomplish my goal. Although I was only restricted to practicing it for 3-4 months per year, I was sure I could make it someday. I had too much time on my hands.
“Oy brat, cut it out. It’s no time for your childish antics!”
A disgruntled man, clad in flexible protective gear with a pistol in one hand, scowled at me and snapped, clearly tired of my “fog tricks”.
“Okay okay, I was just trying to calm my nerves” I backed down.
Maybe I was getting a little annoying. But it’s not my fault. Here we stood in front of the base of the brethren facing the wall of half cement half bullet-proof glass erected for cover and the hundreds of gunners with guns sticking out of gaps in the wall, at 4 in the morning, about to head to this life-changing battle. It was hard not to be nervous.
Even chanting the mantra was having minimal effect, and I needed something else.
The meeting though short, was all we needed. The plan was simple but effective.
The 26 out of the 42 teams from the order would be engaging in a frontal assault against the main force of the brethren, wearing heavy armor, and facing the heavy brunt of firepower. While 16 teams would cover them from the flank, providing fire support, and would move stealthily.
As for the military? They would circle around and try to enter the mansion from behind, engaging with an enemy who tries to escape, meanwhile trying to disengage the traps and any contingency plans the brethren might have prepared and enter the underground structure.
It’s planned to be a complete extinction of the brethren, and anyone who stands before us, even if they be kids and women, shall not be treated with mercy.
Where did we stand in this? We were part of the 16 teams taking the flanks, and hence we were given the much more flexible gear, with strict protection to the head and heart. The worst thing for the order is not death, but immobility.
The others stood beside me, doing all kinds of things to prepare and calm down, checking their gear again, checking their ammunition, etc etc. We all stood silently, and I could see Matheo and Aline exchanging glances more often.
Thinking something, I move beside Matheo and whispered in his ear “Are you more nervous about tomorrow than today?”
Giving me one of his extra charming wry smiles, he whispered back “It’s weird, isn’t it? But I really am. Why did it have to be today? I just don’t wanna die and then take a few days to recover, I’ll miss the auspicious date!”
“What if you survive the day but not Aline? Are you still gonna propose?” I ask, more in a teasing way than seriously.
“Don’t say such things, Oliver” he sighed, removing his helmet and ruffling his hair out of frustration “Then I guess I can do nothing but pick a better day and do it then. But can I ask a favor of you Oliver?”
“Sure go ahead, but on one condition. You answer one thing for me.”
“That works for me. I just wanted you to try to take care of Aline in case we get separated. You don’t have to commit to it fully, and I know she can take care of herself, but will you please try?” he sported a worried look, and I really can’t bring myself to reject it.
It’s not like he was asking me to forget my safety and do just that, I would have totally rejected it. But if it is looking after her once in a while, I guess I can try. I can do at least this much.
“What about you?” I asked, curious.
“I will try to take care of myself too. So do I have your word?” He looked hopeful, as he stretched his hand for a shake.
Looking at it, for a second I felt like rejecting it. Not out of cruelty, but just out of curiosity about how he would react. But I wasn’t that cruel either.
“Sure you do!” I shook his hand, making his smile even brighter.
“Thank you Oliver. I owe you one for this.”
“Sure sure, can I ask my question now?” I asked.
“Sure, if it isn’t too long, I’ll try my best to answer it.” He said, determinedly.
“I’ve thought about it for a long time now, but why is your hair white? Did you dye it? Is it natural?”
“…..”
“What happened? Is it a sensitive question?” I asked, seeing his blank stare.
“No, it’s not. Hahhhh. It’s just unexpected.
“My hair is all-natural, it has been from birth. I know it’s not normal, but I believe it was due to a small quirkiness in my immune system. I believe it’s due to my birthplace, but I could be wrong. The melanin levels in my hair have always stayed low as a kid and they only dropped further as I grew.
“Usually it should have given me lighter skin as well, almost like an albino, but for some reason, my immune system works weirdly only for my hair. But it’s okay. I love them like this now.” he explained. And finally, I know.
So Matheo really isn’t one of those weirdos who would actually color their hair white.
That’s good to know, and a little relieving too, if I must say.
“Enough chit-chat for now! Everyone, be ready, they’ll be starting the operation any second. Do your last checks now if you want to.” Aidan shouted, getting our attention. Sharing a nod with Matheo, I return back to my position.
I have done my due checks, and I don’t think I wanna do anymore.
Looking around I could see two more teams beside us. Their captain and Aidan exchanged a nod and decided to focus on their teams. They were part of the ones Aidan had visited a few days ago.
HUNNNNNN
CLICK-CLACK
My attention was snapped to my left as I saw dozens to hundreds of warriors clad in dark armor sprint towards the battlefield with the blaring of the hunting horn, declaring the beginning of our hunt.
The earth trembled and my emotions flared at this sheer display of strength. The strength of mob, oh how ferocious and wild it was. So savage and violent.
So unrestrained and unstoppable.
And so they charged, uncaring for the injuries and pain they might suffer in the way. We expected traps, and so we got them. Buried explosives, pitfalls, sudden fires, electric shocks, etc. We were prepared for them, and we dealt with them effectively with very few casualties.
Bang bang bang
Finally, only after they had depleted the traps and we had gained enough ground were the firearms employed. Also when we employed ourselves.
While the enemy was occupied, we moved, trying to move behind them. As for the charging party, they slowed down and employed the cover of shields. But we didn’t expect something. What if the enemies are suddenly behind us?
And that’s what happened when a large portion of ground opened up and hundreds of swordsmen, clad in similar dark armors with swords in their arms, sprang out behind the charging party and engaged them in combat.
While we restarted ourselves from shooting, in fear of friendly fire, the enemy knew no such restraint.
One good thing about trained individuals, we can adapt. So with the sudden emergence of enemies, we didn’t fall helplessly, or stay shocked, but changed formations accordingly. A large part of the force was dedicated to dealing with the armored enemy and the last with blocking the gunfire.
With a sudden shift of burden on us, we too moved quicker. Exchanging speed for stealth, we were discovered shortly, but we had already reached near the walls, and so I with other teams, bombarded the wall with a shower of grenades. And… the wall fell apart like a castle of cards.
‘That…. shouldn’t have been so easy. Did they prepare it too hastily? How could it be?’
But fully intending to make good use of this slip-up by the enemy, we charged in. There we found the enemy line in shambles.
Many dead. We saw some crying. Some running around, muttering crazily. Guns in hand, some charged at us…. and missed their shot. There was no order, no formation, a lack of discipline. Something I would have never expected out of them.
‘Why is it like this? How could it be?’
It was so confusing. Why is defeating one of the strongest organizations in the world suddenly so easy? Are they even trained?
Among the shared confused glances, we still did our work. Disposing of everyone who still resisted, or could prove to be a nuisance.
After 5 minutes of what felt like rooting out weeds, we had disposed of everyone but the ones who surrendered. We needed to interrogate them quickly, and understand what is happening! Is this a fake base? Are we fed misinformation? Or are they just the sacrificial goat and the swordsman the real deal?
Walking to one, I manhandled him to sit properly and look into my eyes before asking “What is happening here? Who are all of you? And where are the others? Answer me!”
“Hahaha, sob, there’s no one! Hahahaha, there’s no one!! You fools! HAHAHA THERE’S NO ONE!!” The man laughed in between sobs as he answered frantically, his head swaying violently, his eyes out of focus.
“What do you mean by there’s no one? Where did they go? How did they evacuate?”
“Hahaha there’s no Kuumainen Brethren!!! HAHAHAH IT’S ALL JUST A RUSE! IT’S ALL JUST ONE MAN!! IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN, HAHAHAHA”
His words electrified me. I didn’t expect this, but I for some reason knew it, he wasn’t lying! I don’t know where the feeling came from, but I knew it! The increasing tingle in my left hand told me the answer.
“How could it be!? Don’t lie to me!! Then who are you? Mercenaries? Paid gun?”
“Hahahaha no, no, no! Hahahaha, I am just a homeless guy who got taken away. Toyed by the ones above me, but you hahaha. The high and mighty got toyed with by just one man hahaha! Ah, he was right. He was right! It’s the salvation we wished for.” With those words, his eyes rolled upwards and he died.
Everyone we spared, they all died. In the same way. Every interrogation resulted in the same answer.
“We need to alert the others as well as the military. There’s no time to lose!” someone in the crowd suggested.
But when we saw the situation at the front, we were shell-shocked. We had won.
The enemies lay there, dead, warm blood still pouring out of their bodies. It left me, with all my adrenaline feeling weird. And uneasy.
How did we win? Why is it so easy? Where is the clash of magic and healing? Is it really as he said, that there truly exists only one man. One man behind everything?
Suddenly the missing news of homeless flashed across me. Why does it make sense? I don’t want it to make sense! Is it really the trut- arghhh!
My thoughts were disturbed by a sudden piercing pain in my left arm. It hurts so much. Unable to stand properly, I kneeled down and clutched my arm while shouting loudly.
“H…ey, a…r..e u o..ay?” I heard someone ask me, but I couldn’t understand it. The voice felt muffled and I felt myself growing distant. Distant from everything and everyone. My vision slipping, I entered a dark space.
There a star shone brightly. It was so close yet I couldn’t feel heat from it. Mentally squinting, I saw through its radiance. Beneath all that heat and light, it looked like a puzzle. The most complex puzzle, with millions, no, billions of pieces joined in ways that shouldn’t be possible.
Feeling lightheaded, I stopped and my vision returned to the star in all its glory. I don’t know if it was me…. but the star seemed brighter. Every second, it seemed to gain radiance.
After what felt like hours, it got so bright that I could no longer observe it and so I was forced to close my mental eyes. The light still burned an impression in my mind, and I knew it was getting brighter.
Just when I thought I couldn’t handle the headache, everything went dark.
Cautiously opening my mental eyes, I was greeted by a pitch darkness. The star was there no more. Instead, what felt like ash caressed my skin.
With another jolt, I woke up in the real world. And for a second I wished I hadn’t.
Everything since the beginning of this operation has gone wrong. The ease of handling the enemies, the sudden reveal, and now the strange dream. But I kept the one certainty about this situation. That we would survive. No matter what.
But now? Seeing my arms turn to ash, my lower body crumbling as I lay there like a broken statue looking at others around me who similarly turned to dark ash, being scattered in the wind; I didn’t think so anymore.
I felt strangely calm about it. I was dying. I knew the truth, I could feel it. My left arm told me the truth.
At my left, I saw Matheo, who seemed to be crawling towards somewhere open his mouth to say something but couldn’t and instead turned to ash. Just a little away was Aline who followed her partner shortly.
Aidan, Martin, Vincent, Old Kai,…. Juliana, unknown faces of others all of them turned to ash. Their remains flew in the air.
I too was down to my head. It didn’t hurt. And so I continued to look around me. It was silence, a graveyard of ashes. It looked pretty. The sight of ash swirling in the air, settling on the ground. It looked so pretty.
As I enjoyed my final moments of crumbling, I only held one thought in my mind,
‘At least they didn’t suffer.’