“My honored lady,
It is my pleasure to inform you that we have been able to accelerate plans by a few months. We have managed to lift the penitent status and have been assured that they will visit during the winter months. My team and myself will ensure their expedient arrival the moment they are free and you will be able to meet with them at last. For your convenience, the other letters in this pile should be news articles from the local newspapers detailing some of their deeds due to their growing infamy.
Your most loyal servant.”
- Letter For Annabel Elizabeth Montroi/Princess Pyra
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“Brightfields is a little far, isn’t it?” Sophia asked.
“About a few hours walk. Faster by carriage.” Sophie answered.
“Ugh. Not saying the Academy carriage is bad, but I’d prefer not to sit in one again.”
“That’s because you were barely in your seat half the time.” Sophie scolded with a smile.
Sophia just ignored her. But they were both in relatively good moods. Despite their quest taking them a little further than intended, there was a sense of calmness that both of them had felt was missing in these past few weeks. For Sophie, it was just an added bonus that she didn’t have to explicitly say the second part out loud. That Sophia had been on the edge of her seat because she was actively engaged in a conversation with strangers. A nice change of pace.
“So, what’s the plan? Do we head for Brigthfields or the guild and Arnold first?” Sophia queried.
Judging by the knowing look on her sister’s face, Sophie knew that her counterpart already knew the answer. But she was obligated to answer anyways.
“Hit the guild first since we’re still here. Might as well also take a trip to the market, visit Karzan too.”
“Sounds good. Heh.” Sophia bobbed her head before chuckling.
“What’s so funny?” Sophie asked.
“It’s just… this feels… nice. Us just… doing things. A good change of pace, I suppose.” Sophia awkwardly tried to excuse herself.
Sophie chuckled in return, “Heh. I guess it is.”
The duo enjoyed each other’s company some more as they smiled. There was a pleasantness that had seemed to grip the city today. A general boost in mood from the warm sun that managed to light up the increasingly cloud and frosty days.
The markets had already returned to normal since the disaster at the Arena. The chaos of that day already a distant memory for most of the citizens given how relaxed they seemed to be moving about the place. On one hand she felt bitter that the fallen did not get the recognition they deserve, especially after all their suffering just for the city to fail them again. On the other, she knew that the burden of repaying the debts fell to the Braveskulls and the city’s leaders, and only time will tell if that would pay out. The citizenry already have stood their ground multiple times. Perhaps, we need not instigate things just yet, just wait for it to play out. And maybe we won’t have to.
They quickly weaved their way between the crowds to where Karzan’s store was. The dwarven merchant now coming equipped with a hooded assistant.
“A dwarven soldiers, probably a guard.” Sophia informed her mentally.
Startled by the sudden voice in her head, Sophie jumped a little before offering a panicked smile of thanks, her heart rate having briefly spiked.
“Scared me. Should’ve given some warning.” Sophie chided, though not ungratefully.
“What? A nice little ‘oh Sophie, I’m about to attempt talking in our minds again’ and scare you anyways?”
“Sir Karzan! Hello!” Sophie ignored her counterpart and called out.
The dwarves both turned to her, the hooded one glancing at Karzan before receiving a nod and lowering his guard. I guess this must be related to the attack on Ary and the others a month back. Guess even the dwarves are a little more on edge.
“Well, well. Oh my. This is going to be a little difficult.” He chortled, “I recognize Sophie and Sophia, but who the hells who.”
The dwarven guard snickered as both Sophie and Sophia rolled their eyes.
“I have a ponytail and hers is a bun.” Sophie informed the dwarf.
“Pah. Ye both wore nearly the same bloody outfit. As if I’d crane my neck looking at the book of your heads.” He laughed, “Aye, aye, but how can I help ye today? Or tis a social call?”
“A little of both. How are you?”
“Both, eh? Interesting, got another venture ye planning? Stumbled onto a troll’s lair? Perhaps tusslin with a dragon, or ten. Hah! Never know with ye. Demons, wars, monsters, I’ll be damned if ye haven’t knocked your nogging with all of them at some point.” He grinned, “Tis alright up here. Things have calmed down for now but…” He paused, his hand stroking his beard, carefully considering his next words, the grin quickly vanishing.
“It’s the tension right. It’s in the air, like a cancer.” Sophia growled.
“Aye. It dinnae feel right. Like a kettle about to pop.” Karzan nodded in agreement.
Whatever pleasant mood Sophie had instantly vanished like Karzan’s grin. Reality came back swinging and the warmth of the sun had turned into the icy frosty chill that she had become so used to. The truth was that they had done enough to delay their problems, or even stop some of them. Yet, with the coming conference, and the return of the Braveskulls, it was as Karzan had said. Things were about to boil over, they were just waiting for the moment that it did.
“So? What’s the problem this time? Betcha I’ll be able to find something to help you.” Karzan dispelled the mood with a dry chuckle.
“I’m in the market for information about the Braveskulls, and also of one First Minister Bellus of Traxia.” Sophie answered, a more serious expression crossing her face.
The dwarf looked both surprised and amused at the same time. Caught off guard by the requests themselves but also having found them to fall within his expectations. The other dwarf quirked his head sideways in curiosity, the merchant just grunting cheerily and shrugging it off.
“It’s doable. But it’ll be pricey, or at least a favor and then some. These are… difficult topics to inquire upon. At least with what shield the Braveskulls seemed ta have thrown up around themselves.” The merchant spoke.
“And with the First Minister?”
“That’ll just be a pain in the arse.” He snorted.
Sophie chuckled but caught herself, “I’d like that information as soon as possible. Preferably before next weekend.”
This did catch the dwarf off guard, the merchant letting out a soft whistle, “Well, well, this have something to do with why Tharnus is being sent to attend some function?”
“Perhaps. What’s the price?”
“Depends on what you can offer.”
“I’ll tell you something then you can see what else I owe.”
“Alright, what is it, lass?”
“We’re attending an under the table conference between a Traxian princess and First Minister Bellus. We needed some guarantees and insurances so we reached out to a bunch of people.” She told him frankly.
“By the stones, that means the minister will be here? In Arteria?”
“Yup.”
Karzan almost guffawed before reducing it to a small laugh while he rummaged through some of his things.
“Now that’s quite the information to just suddenly drop. I suppose information begets information in its own way, so for that… I’ll look into the Minster, could stand to help myself too. So in return, all I need as payment is this. Catch.” He chucked a bag at the duo.
“What’s it for?” Sophia asked, a little more curious than Sophie.
“Tis a bag of ingredients for a client of mine. Lives on Agrippia farmsteads just outside the city. I could make the delivery, but seeing as ya owe me. Ask for the stablemaster, Peshi, then give it to ‘em.”
Sophie nodded, accepting the package.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“As for the Braveskulls… hmmm.” He stroked his beard before tapping his table, “They are a… let’s say, mutal concern. So… for now, take care of these matters first. I’ll get the minister’s information to you some time next week. We’ll discuss the Braveskulls then.”
“Done.” Sophie affirmed.
“Hah! Well then, good, good. I suppose you’re off then?”
Sophie looked to see if Sophia needed anything, her counterpart shaking her head.
“We’re good.”
“Well then, give Peshi my regards when you see the fucker. Till then, good luck!” He bellowed.
“Blessed by the stars, Sir Karzan.” Sophie bid him farewell.
“Stones build your path.”
The merchant then turned to whisper something to his guard. Sophie and Sophia then walked away, moving towards their next destination, the Adventurers Guild. And then, Brightfields.
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“They’ll be right upstairs, Sophie.” The guild clerk Aralyn plainly informed her.
“Thanks, mam.” She bowed.
She received an acknowledging grunt in reply as the guild clerk moved to handle other clients and adventurers.
The guild hall bustled with activity. Though now, Sophie could at least wave a quick greetings at a few more familiar faces. The Lily Knights having operated from her numerous times during their past few months of civil service work taking on odd jobs.
They had been demoted to be steel ranked adventurers, the seventh out of ten ranks due to Sophie’s spat with the authorities of Arteria last month. However, with the help of the vice guildmaster, they were earmarked to still be able to take up to silver ranked quests or fifth level quests. The guild having understood that they can still reliably accomplish tasks of that scale. It probably also helped that their unique backgrounds also played a factor in the leniency from the guild.
Making their way up to the second floor where some of the more senior adventurers gathered, they garnered a few curious looks. There were one or two mumbles but like with most things in the guild, people mostly kept to their own circles. It didn’t take long for the duo to find Runebound however, the group having nestled themselves in a gloomy little corner.
Arnold seemed to visibly perk up when he spied the duo approaching, a sly grin plastered across his irritating visage. Though Sophia hadn’t interacted with him much, Sophie could still feel the aura of annoyance that her sibling felt. It would seem that their disliking of certain things, remained mostly mutual. Though neither felt overtly hostile at his presence, merely a cautious disdain.
“Now isn’t this a strange sight. If I didn’t think we were squared away, I’d say you came looking for me.” Arnold smirked.
“Hello there.” Sara put on a smile.
“Good to see you again.” Gil warmly welcomed her.
They unnerved her even more than before. They’re becoming more human.
“Hi.” She quickly bobbed her head.
Sophia choose the wiser choice and just let out a grunt.
“Seeing one of you is rare enough.” Arnold snickered, “But two? The winter holiday’s might’ve come early. We setting off for Gratia?”
“Not yet.” Sophie answered.
“Then why are you here?” He demanded a little less friendly than before.
“I was wondering if you could help. I’ve got a conference, Traxian delegation. Just need more hands to keep it safe. And funny enough, people I can at least trust.”
“No.”
“So I was wondering… huh?”
“Dealing with the empire, right? That’s a no.”
“But-”
“I respect you. You hold the cards on visiting Gratia, of course. But I’m not putting myself and the others on an Imperial shit list.” His expression shifted once more, but this time with none of the jovial bounce that usually accompanied him.
“But what if we could trade you something, or at least pay you to make it worth while?”
“With what? And sorry, Sophie. It sounds like an interesting job, too job. No. We won’t be helping, that’s the end of that.”
“Look, we have information and-”
“Enough, Sophie. He’s made his position clear enough. You’re bascially selling yourself out if you keep trying to push. He knows we walked in with nothing to offer.” Sophia chided her, her counterpart’s mental voice a harsh growl of disappointment.
Sophie tried to push back but flinched from the mental pressure exerted by her sibling, only managing to eke out a soft mutter. She felt weak, powerless, now made painfully aware of just how much difference she had in mental fortitude compared to Sophia. Yet at the same time, she felt a tenderness, a care for her that was hidden behind the oppressive feeling.
“Fine.” She sulked.
“Fine.” She repeated out loud, unable to hide the reluctance in her voice, “Fair enough. I’ve troubled you enough.”
“Look kid, don’t take this the wrong way, it’s not that we don’t mean help, Sophie. It’s just that the Empire’s a beast of its own, be careful. Don’t get yourself all broken to hells and back. Anna’s waiting for you in Gratia. Or well, both of you.” Arnold let out a resigned sigh.
Sophie and Sophia both grunted, taking the time to at least wave at the group as they left.
It was a disappointing outcome but not entirely unexpected. She had hoped for something more, at least a promise of support. But not to have come up empty handed. Though Sophia was right, they didn’t have much to offer in the first place besides pay, and at this point, Arnold seemed to be working for a purpose beyond money yet definitely less than noble. But one in which she couldn’t discern his true goals.
Whatever the case, it was too late now. They had already walked back downstairs. They had already admitted defeat.
Sophie sighed.
“What? Really think we needed them?” Sophia asked quietly.
“Huh? No, but we do need the numbers.” Sophie admitted.
“Perhaps. But just as he is right that messing with the empire is foolish. So is it in reverse.”
“That involving him is a bad idea?”
“Correct.” Sophia nodded, giving Sophie a pat on the shoulder, “We’ll make do without them. Safer for us too.”
“I suppose.”
It was Sophia’s turn to sigh heavily.
“Onwards?” Sophie suggested.
Sophia groaned and nodded, “Let’s go see if we can get Sir Taurox on board then.”
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The journey to Brightfields had been relatively uneventful. In fact, to Sophie, everything was, despite the setback in recruiting Runebound, a little too calm. They had even dropped off Karzan’s package to the stablemaster of the farmstead outside the city without problems. Sophie had been expecting trouble, and still, none came.
She could feel Sophia having much the same doubts she was. However, unlike her, her counterpart controlled and hid her emotions well. The stoic demeanor that had been so present in the weeks prior now resurfacing once they were outside the city walls. Eyes that were more observant and far less carefree.
With her own guard raised, they two boarded the carriage to Brightfields with a few other passengers. They were a mixture of city and country folk, all embroiled by talk of potential Traxian attacks and of a phenomenon that Sophie hadn’t heard about yet, goblin raiders. Based on their recounting, it seemed that raiders had begun becoming more active recently. But with a fervor that seemed unusual to their species. Better ask Sir Taurox about this when we see him.
When the carriage jolted to a halt and the passengers disembarked. Sophie found herself at a very different town than she remembered. Gone was the unhindered and uninhibited nature of the houses. Large perimeter walls have been hastily erected, reinforced by palisades and guard posts that dotted the countless flowerfields surrounding the town. Armed guards also seemed to be watching all the approaches with hawkish gazes. There was a tension that lingered in every second that watched over the arrivals, Sophie afraid that they might randomly call them out to be interrogated or searched. But the moment never came.
A few houses seemed brand new and others haze battle scars on them. Memories of the Battle of Brightfields, a shameful time that reminded Sophie of her own limits. Of when she had failed to properly protect Aryana and had gotten the girl hurt, possibly even worse if not for the timely intervention of Sir Taurox. How ironic that we’re trying to look for him around here, heh.
“Thanks for the ride.” Sophie tipped a few bronze Artes to the carriage driver.
The man muttered his appreciation for the tip and set off for his next stop, leaving the duo behind at the entrance of the town.
Two guards eyed the new arrivals but the duo already anticipated this, Sophie holding up her guild badge for them to see as they waved her through.
“Seems a little different than the happy-go-lucky town in your memories.” Sophia managed a quip.
“Happy-go-lucky and a little racist to elves, but yeah. Definitely a lot gloomier.” Sophie murmured.
“Don’t worry. Ary’s fine. You did your best back then.”
“Mm.” Sophie grunted unconvincingly.
The two were now left with a small conundrum. Mainly on ‘How to make contact with the rangers’ followed by ‘How to find Taurox’. They had gotten to the town, but had no way of contacting the rangers.
“Find trouble?”
“Find trouble.” Sophie agree with her sibling.
Together, the two headed over to the town’s tavern. A quaint looking brick building with a central structure and some clearly self made annexes attached to it. The Shining Flower, how nice. Sophie glanced at her counterpart.
“They might hate us for being elves.” Sophie informed her.
“Maybe.” Sophia smirked, “Or maybe they’ll be more surprised we’re twins. Or not care, you saw the guards.”
“Whatever, ready?”
“Following your lead.”
Taking a deep breath, Sophie pushed open the door to the tavern and they found a bustling little establishment made up of mostly humans and beastfolk whiling their day away. A few curious eyes turned towards them, maybe even a scowl or two. But for the most part, they seemed a little more put together than the last time Sophie had been here.
The tavern keeper motioned for them to come over to the bar and only slightly raised a brow when he found two nearly identical elves seating themselves at the counter. To Sophie’s pleasant surprise, he only had one question for them.
“What’ll you have?” The tavern keeper asked as he thrust a crudely written menu at them.
Before Sophie even had a chance to peruse it, Sophia snatched it up and scanned it before letting out an amused little snicker. Oh no.
“We’ll take two floral blends, thank you.” Sophia tried to pleasantly smile at the tavern keeper.
Though the smile seemed to fall flat from Sophie’s point of view, the man just grunted and moved on. All in all, less judgemental than expected. More indifference if anything.
Their gazes swept across the tavern’s main room before landing upon each other. Their collective minds arriving on one simple deduction, this will a little troublesome.