Prologue

His throat was parched, limbs felt numb, and a bout of dizziness made the tones of grays, browns, and reds in his vision melt together in a fluid motion like a lucid dream. He was dying. His knees hit the ground without realizing. A murder of crows land in the burned tree near him. They look over the remains of the battle.

He forces eyes to concentrate enough to look at the state of the field. The valley’s grass was gone with only dirt mounds spread across the land. Craters still burning Evaflame were littered sporadically around the field with no pattern. Giant rock columns protrude from the ground reaching towards the sky. He stared at the ruin before him. His focus moves to the bodies with armor that littered the field. A breeze blew across the field picking up ashes. His vision lingered on the bodies.

“Davat Davat” he said dropping his head down. A burnt flag laid before him. A spear tip was the only recognizable part of the sigil. Tears started dropping onto the ground “I didn’t want this.” His vision warps again. His face is on the ground. He looks at the side towards the horizon. I can’t feel my body anymore, he thought. His tears still flowing. I am sorry. He closes his eyes.

Smoke rises to the sky on the horizon.

Chapter 1

Encounters

Amadeus was trapped. The arm around the back of his neck was too strong for him to escape from. It constricted him against the body of his kidnapper.

Laughing boisterously his capture pushes him towards his body, “You can’t escape from me you string-bean. You can hide in that highly posh office of yours, but I will get to you.”

“I wasn’t hiding Dimova. I was doing my duties.” Amadeus retorted between struggling pants. “Keeping the city going takes long hours and you are impeding this.”

“You always put that excuse to skip out on drinking with me, but not today.” stated Dimova. Amadeus put an excuse of a struggle again. If nothing more at least for the principle, he thought. One should not kidnap others for drinks.

“Fine Fine I will go with you in peace but just let me go,” Amadeus pull against the imprisoning arm lightly. Dimova looked at him, and then made a show of thinking about it. Amadeus scowled at his condescending behavior. Dimova finally looked at him and smiled releasing his arm. He patted down his clothing and fix his coat’s collar huffing out in mild indignation.

“I swear Dimo you add a flavor of brutish to anything you do,” Amadeus said.

“Inviting a friend out to drink isn’t brutish. Even you high society suits do that. With your extravagant dinners and balls.” returned Dimova with a smile.

“There is a difference between a formal invite and just sneaking into someone's office, waiting until they come in, settled down, and seizure them.”

Dimo raised his eyebrow at him. “Yeah well you had denied me twice already. I just came back and I wasn’t going to take a third one. You know too many rejections are bad for my self-esteem.” he stated while dramatically raising his hand and putting the back of his right hand to his forehead. “Plus if I don’t take you out to relax every now and then you will burn out your candle.”

Amadeus wanted to protest but knew that he was known for being one-track minded when it came to work. That and he could see the genuine concern in Dimova’s face. He sighed accepting the reason.

“Fine let us go.” he relented. Dimova pumped his fist. Amadeus rolled his eyes. He acts as if he had just achieved a mighty feat. Although to him it might as well have been, he thought. The both continue walking the down the cobbled path to the tavern.

After a couple of minutes they arrive at the Amberhal. A two-floor tavern made of stone and wood, where one could tell, that history was etched upon its walls via markings. The building had experienced some wear but that just gave it a more homely feel. They enter the tavern. The place had a bar on the right with the kitchen behind it and the dinner hall to the left. It was fitted with several rows of table where a number of people were eating and drinking. At the northwest a set of stairs lead to the second floor. Just behind the bar table was Hilda, a tall woman of oval face with sharp eyes, shoulder-length black hair and a sense for command. The dark green trousers, loose white shirt, and sash added to that air of command. Which she still was able to give out even with she wore clashing with the look. She turns away from a customer to look at Dimova and Amadeus.

“Ha can’t believe you actually got him out. I owe you 2 gels Dimo.” said Hilda. Dimova laughed. “Give us two rounds of Maraqui and call it even.”

Hilda gave a snide look. “You are not good enough for MY Maraqui, but I’ll do it for Amadeus.” Dimova flipped his middle finger. Grabbing Amadeus he drags him to a free table at the end of the dinner hall. “I much appreciate it Hilda” Amadeus said when passing by the bar.

The pair sat down across from each other. Hilda quickly came with two mugs of wine and a platter of small slices of sizzling meat. Placing them down in the middle of both. “Hilda you are a dear.” Dimova coquettishly exclaimed while reaching for a slice of meat. Hilda smacks his hand away giving a scowling face to him and then turning a friendly smile for Amadeus and walks away. As soon as she left Dimova reaches for the meat again. He pops a slice into his mouth. “ah shit,” he began puffing out. Near the bar laughter could be heard. Amadeus watches in amusement. Dimova takes a swing of his wine. A pleasurable shiver runs through his body. He gives out a pleasant hum, “Man I missed this. Nothing beats home grown.”

Amadeus takes a sip of the drink, enjoying the sweet and sour alcohol, and asks, “So how was this campaign? I am, mostly, not complaining about you coming back, but I hear they are running mercenary groups rag. I am surprised you would be back.” Dimova scoffs in response “I missed seeing you blow in the wind on rainy days you lean bean.” He smirks at Amadeus. “However, you are not wrong they are making us work twice the contract time for the same pay.” He takes a swing of the wine. Getting a pleasant shiver from it.

“The king is that adamant of acquiring the Galezan’s border territory?” questions Amadeus. Dimova takes another chug. “It isn’t that he just wants to plant infiltrators . The rumor in the front lines is that a tomb was discovered in the western boarder of Galezan and Kevel.”

Amadeus quirks an eyebrow, “Gold? Artifacts? Or even Armadas?”

“That is what the higher ups think. So, you can see why the King is adamant on this campaign.”

“I can understand that. The Galezan already equal Kevel’s military might with thanks to the Vespir unit and their Armadas. If they keep gaining resources like that, they could mount an assault to the Capital.” Amadeus looks down at his mug and swirls the ale in it.

Quietness envelops the table. Dimova shakes his head, takes a swing of his mug finishing his first round. He signals Hilda for another one. “Enough with my work what about yours? I can see that the city has liven up since last time I was here.” Amadeus smiles a little. “It certainly has. It wasn’t so long ago the city look like it was paying what it owes to Mr. Driie

Dimova laughs lightly.” Haven’t heard of that old fairy tale in a while.

And wayward comes and wayward goes.

Be ready to pay what is owed.

For Mr.Driie Knows the toll.

When they arrive it’s a droll.

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Both recite the poem. Laughing together. He takes another sip of the ale. “So, what happened?”

“Commerce, passion, and marketing of our Maraqui brought life back to the place. Sometime after the last Ripple. A man came to the city. A merchant with skill and charisma. He said he saw the state of the city as was sadden with it. He helped kick start business and drew in external merchants that don’t usually have contracts with the town. Via a marketing campaign based on our renown wines.” Admiration seeping out from his voice.

Dimova gave out a short whistle, “and who is this miracle merchant?”

“Salmel Aram at your service.” a deep smooth voice cut in.

Both men jump startled and turn to look at the owner of the voice. A tall man dressed in fine form fitting trousers, an eloquent white shirt with a golden color vest, and sporting golden bracelets on each wrist. As well as two rings on each hand. He was standing beside their table leaning on a cane with a hexagonal crystal at the tip. He had an angular handsome face and loose wavy hair that cascaded from the top of his head to about shoulder length. He wore several earrings on both ears. Age wise he looked to be in his late 30s to early 40s.

He laughed with a heartfelt voice. “My apologies young master Delain and company. I didn’t mean to startle you. I was passing by to finish the arrangements of a contract with Ms. Elsen and just happened to hear you talking about me. You know any good merchant can’t help but feel they succeeded when word of mouth reaches bars and taverns.”

Amadeus compose himself quickly, “Ah no worries Mr. Aram I was just telling my friend about the changes to the city and your influence on it.” He turns to Dimova and saw him just sitting there staring at Aram. “Oh, so sorry. Where are my manners. Mr. Aram this is my old friend Dimova.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” he gave a swipe of his and bowed toward Dimova. “Say can I interest you in some equipment for your return to the field?” he asks with a smirk on his face.

“Wow you waste no time in trying to obtain new customers huh.”

“My good man everyone always wants or needs something. A good merchant provides these “somethings” to the people. A great merchant can make a customer out of a passerby or a friend.”

Dimova inclines his head is acceptance. "Fair but shouldn’t you enchant the customer with charming fluff-talk and benevolent ass-kissing.” he replied smiling

Amadeus chokes on his drink.

“There are as many ways to entrance a would-be-customer as there are stars in the sky. You I can see are a direct person. You wouldn’t trust my “charming fluff-talk" so I ask directly. Do you require anything?” Aman asks, never losing a firm smile.

Dimova looked him in the eyes for a moment. Then he shrugs his shoulders. “Not at the moment no, but that may change before leaving.”

Laughing Aram open his arms as in a welcoming embrace, “splendid I will give you my best service since you are young master Delain’s friend.” He turns to Amadeus smiling, “I hope you enjoy the rest of your night young master.” Amadeus returned the smile, “As I hope you have a pleasant one yourself Mr. Aram.” He said

Salmel Aram gives a light bow and turns away walking towards Hilda.

As soon as Aman was out of hearing range Amadeus brings his fist down on Dimova’s hand resting on the table. “Agh. What the hell was that for.”

“Your insultingly impolite vernacular. He could have taken the affront as a personal offense and end his partnership with us.”

“Oh your posh-talk is coming out. That must have really riled you up.”

Amadeu’s face halted in a pinched look. He looked at Dimova huffed and decided to finish the last of his wine. “Look he has helped us bring this city from the slow death it was suffering, and he is a pleasant man. Even my father respects him. I just want for this partnership to continue.”

“Alright alright I will behave...” smiling he lean forward “if you do something for me.” Amadeus squinted at him. This can’t be good. He watches Dimova act casually about it but Amadeus could see the almost invisible tapping of his fingers on the mug. He is nervous this can’t be a good deal. Amadeus observe for a few more moments. However, if it keeps him more in line, I can spare a bit of a gamble on this.

“Alright what is it. although it better not be a waiver for prison release under bar fighting charges.” Dimova raised a finger to respond, “or for illegal betting in underground boxing matches,” he goes to say something again “or for any of your multitude of stupid bets.” That got him laughing.

“Ha you got to admit some of those have been good ones.”

“Dimo last time they arrested you for trying to wrestle a bear in the town square.”

“Hey Melain is harmless.”

“She was drunk. How even did you get a bear drunk? Better yet why did you choose to wrestle a drunken bear.”

“Because I was drunk to so it was only fair, we would both enjoying the night.”

Amadeus open his mouth then closed it several times trying to respond.

“Just tell me what you want.” he puffed out.

“Well remember Klen?”

“Yeah he settled in the middle ring 6 months ago. I have visited a couple of time unlike a certain someone.” He shot Dimo a look. “What of him? Did you get him in trouble?”

“No. He got himself a lover.”

Amadeus stayed still for a moment. “Klen? ‘Perfect Romance' Klen. He actually found a person that matched his “ideal love” as he put it.”

“Apparently, he did. He says she just appeared before him one day and he immediately knew she was the one.”

Amadeus chuckled “Of course he would put it that way. Sound right out of a romance poem.”

“Yeah, well he wrote me in letters that he wants me to meet her and knowing I would be in town he setup a dinner for tonight.” He started shuffling around “so...I...huh...I need you to go with me to this dinner.”

Amadeus burst out laughing out loud. Dimova just grimaces at him.

“So you just wanted a date for this dinner with your brother and his soon-to-be-wife.”

“Come on Amadeus it just that you know how my brother is and now with a lover it is going to be way chummier. I need a friend to be there, so I don’t use my sword on myself. I still don’t' want to payback Mr. Driie”

Amadeus let out the last bit of his laugh and started to take deep breaths. “OK you got a point of how saccharine he can be.” He could see Dimova metaphorically sweat. “Hmm fine I will go with you. If only to keep you civil and see your hilarious reactions when they become “chummy” as you put it.” Amadeus kept the smirk on his face until they headed out the door. Of course, after saying his thanks to Hilda. He didn’t want to be another Dimova in her eyes.

They both trail up the path to the middle ring. The city was structured like three plates stacked on top of one another only offset to the edge of one another jutting out of a mountain. Stories about the settlers/ builders of the town say that the design was so that the militia on the top ring would be able to see raiders, and invaders from afar. Others say it was just one designer’s eccentric idea of architectural artistry. To Amadeus it was just the city he grew up in, loved, and was now fighting to keep alive.

Amadeus stopped on the stairs leading up towards the Second Ring and looked down at the city below. The sun was setting on the horizon giving a look of serenity to the city. Like a moment of stillness in a pond. When the chaotic whims of nature created the rare, but welcomed, moment of tranquility. Amadeus relishes those moments, but also prefers the vitality that will soon follow for the night businesses come alive when the day one's sleep. It was good to see his people out and about.

He caught up with Dimova, who was waiting on the top of the stairs. He said nothing about the wait but gave a small smile to Amadeus. They soon reach a house located a block down from a cross intersection. The house was a connection of buildings that stood shoulder-to-shoulder. They were moderately spacious and looked well kept. This one had a Sign outside with K and a carved 1. This was Klen’s house. Probably soon to be Klen wifesfamilenamegoeshere.

They both stood outside the door. Dimova checking that all of his clothing was presentable. As much as his off-duty clothing, gambeson, leather arm guards, and his sword by his side, could look presentable for a dinner. Amadeus was just waiting for him while smirking.

“Come on it’s not you the one that is most likely to get married in this dinner, or is that why you brought me here? The news of your brother was all an excuse.” he said while covering his mouth with one hand and putting a surprise face.

Dimova just smacked his shoulder “You wished you string-bean. I am too good for you.”

Amadeus kept laughing. The door suddenly opens. A man about Dimova’s height with a slimmer, but well-kept built, was standing at the door in fine shirt and vest with well ironed pants.

“Dimova you were able to make it.” Klein lunges at his brother wrapping him in a hug.

“Of course, Klen. Would sludge through valleys, battlefields, and mountains to get here.”

Klen pulled away but did not let him go. He caught sight of Amadeus and proceeded to drag him to this now three-way hug.

“Oh Dimo you got Amadeus to come with you.” He squeezes a bit tighter, “Amadeus good to see you out of the office.”

“Yes, it is a pleasure to see you as well Klen.” Amadeus shuffled in the embrace.

Klen finally pulled back releasing them. “Come come there is a lot to catch up on and someone I want to present to you all.”

They were ushered into the residency. A little further down the hallway stood a woman of a stockier build wearing a simple green wool dress. She had cascading blonde hair that framed hair oval face in waves. She was undoubtedly a beautiful woman.

Klen came around them. “Dimova. Amadeus. This is the love of my life. Amelia.”

She gave them both a nod of acknowledgment, “Hello Dimova and Young Master Delain, what an unexpected but welcoming surprise. I have been waiting with my heart in my throat to finally meet Klen’s brother and now I also get to meet their close friend.”

Hey voice surprised them both. It was a smooth calming tone that was filled with warmth. Even if she was also a bit dramatic with her words, Amadeus observe.

Dimova just stood shuffling around nervously. “Ah…Yes...Great to meet you.”

Amadeus elbowed him in the ribs, “What Dimova meant was that it is our pleasure meet you. Someone so important to Klen.” he said while smiling

Amelia returned the smile.

Klen went to hug her side. “Come now dinner is ready we have a lot to talk about.”

Dimova and Amadeus shared a look. Are you ready for this, thought Amadeus. Well this is going to be an interesting night, was Dimova’s own thoughts.

Outside, the residence’s street seems to be empty. A calm, quite path leading to many other routes.

As the hours of the day melted into the night the peace was short lived.

A blood-curling shriek pierces the calm streets.