Chapter 4: Looming Shadows (2)

As Elijah exited Charles's office, a somber expression etched onto his face, he inhaled deeply, grounding himself for the tasks ahead. The familiar scent of aged wood and lingering smoke from the 'Little Rabbit' pub enveloped him, a comforting reminder of the world within the city walls. He looked around and saw no sign of his younger brothers, so he pushed open the heavy door and stepped into the bustling street, his mind already racing with plans.

Standing at the entrance, Elijah swept his gaze over the crowd, his eyes locking onto a familiar face among the men lingering nearby. With a subtle nod, he beckoned the man to approach.

As the man drew near, Elijah's expression remained intense, his voice low and commanding as he subtly glanced around.

"Sam, quickly gather four others, discreetly," Elijah instructed, his gaze unwavering. "Meet me 'by the wall'. Make sure they are people who have been outside before".

Sam nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. "You got it, Boss. I'll have everyone ready in an hour"

Elijah's brow furrowed slightly, his concern evident. "Take your time. We can't afford mistakes," he advised, his voice tinged with urgency. "Our route must remain hidden. Gather a week's worth of supplies, we might stay that long, and bring that Nicolas along, he might just be useful."

As they spoke, an aether-powered vehicle droned down the street, momentarily capturing Elijah's attention. His eyes followed the vehicle, a dark blue marvel of engineering, its design reminiscent of steam-driven carriages of the 19th century, yet with a distinct twist. Aether-infused machinery hummed beneath its polished exterior, gears and cogs visible through transparent panels, casting a mechanical symphony as it passed by. "Why would the latest vehicle model appear in section 22?." He muttered subconsciously with a frown.

Immediately, a preacher's voice rose above the ambient noise, cutting through his thoughts, although few paid attention to his fervent declarations. Dressed in a vintage suit adorned with brass accents and a mechanical eye that whirred with every movement, the preacher was fervently extolling the greatness of Leo, one of the twelve old Gods, the revered Lord of Triumph and Victory.

"Rejoice in the protection and greatness of Leo, the mighty! For he shelters us from the aether's wrath with-!" the preacher proclaimed, his voice resonating with zeal.

"Another one deceived by the council and Church of Triumph, even the city is called triumph in Eprun tongue, 'Novar'...", Elijah thought inwardly as his lips pressed into a thin line, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the dangers that lay beyond the city's protective enchantments.

His jaw tightened as he considered the perilous world outside, where the air was tainted by aetheric pollution. Breathing it directly for too long could lead to a different kind of aether poisoning, causing hallucinations, confusion, and memory loss, with symptoms worsening over time.

He recalled the varying resilience to the pollution—humans lasting mere minutes, while orcs and trolls endured longer, and elves even less so. And then there were the dreaded fogs, a more extreme manifestation of this pollution, they bleed into reality from the spiritual realm, carrying strange entities along with them, They were feared by all who dared to leave the safety of the cities.

Their appearance was random, elusive in their movement, challenging any attempt to predict their trajectory.

Elijah shook his head slightly, dispelling the lingering thoughts. He turned away from the preacher, his pace brisk as he focused on the preparations for the journey. His mind was a whirlwind of scenarios and apprehension, each step taking him closer to the unknown that awaited beyond the walls.

As he made his way through the streets of Novar, Elijah stopped by a vendor, his expression thoughtful as he selected dry food, primarily meat, and bread. He exchanged a few shell coins, his fingers tapping lightly against his thigh, a sign of his restless energy even though he wore a mask of indifference.

____

No.9 Fortune Street,

Returning home, Elijah paused at the doorway, his gaze settling in the direction of the trap door hidden beneath the dining table.

He took off his coat and turned on the heater to make the house warmer and ward off the morning chill, before placing the bag of supplies on a side stool. He removed his black suit, leaving only his white shirt on before He calmly turned on the radio, the static of the old radio crackled to life.

He calmly adjusted the dial, the familiar voice of the announcer cutting through the noise. {~Good morning, citizens of Novar. It's 10 AM and This is your Morning bulletin. In today's top story, the City Council has announced new measures to enhance security at the city gates. Rumors of increased aetheric activity outside the walls have prompted these changes, with officials urging all to remain vigilant. The city council has announced plans to enhance the protective enchantments surrounding our beloved city, ensuring even greater security against the ever-present threats lurking beyond our walls. Councilwoman Marlowe stated that these measures are crucial for maintaining our way of life and protecting our families. Citizens are encouraged to attend the upcoming public forum to voice their thoughts on these developments.}

Elijah leaned back, absorbing the weight of the news. Security was tightening, thus making any expedition beyond the walls even more precarious. 'Was this their cover-up for the Bloodkin sighting?' He wonders.

{In technology news, the unveiling of the latest innovation has residents buzzing with excitement. The 'Aether Communicator,' a portable device allowing seamless communication across the city and possibly beyond, is set to hit the markets next month. Unveiled by the renowned inventor, Professor Aldric. This new device, dubbed the 'Aether Communicator,' promises to revolutionize the way we connect. It is said to be affordable and portable, making communication accessible to all citizens of Novar. The device is expected to hit the markets by the end of the month}

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

A small smile tugged at Elijah's lips at the mention of the communicator, it reminded him of mobile phones from his previous life, and he couldn't help welcoming such a change. Such advancements could prove invaluable in his line of work, offering new ways to coordinate and plan.

{~Finally, whispers of controversy continue to surround Cardinal Veran of the Church of Triumph with section 5. Anonymous sources suggest he may be involved in questionable dealings with Slavers, though the Church vehemently denies these claims. The Council has requested an investigation to maintain trust and transparency... rumors continue to circulate regarding the alleged misconduct of Cardinal Roderick of the Church of Triumph. Sources claim that a faction within the church is questioning his leadership due to his involvement with Cardinal Veran and a few others. They seek to undermine his influence. The church has yet to comment on these allegations, leaving many to wonder about the stability of one of Novar's most revered institutions.}

Elijah's eyes narrowed at the mention of Cardinal Veran. The politics of the city were as intricate as its machinery, and alliances were as fragile as ever... He remembers that he was always in the news for good things along with his connections with the council, but now it appears that they might be at odds and it was only a matter of time before they took action.

"Perhaps the council already has a replacement...", Elijah muttered as the announcer's voice faded, replaced by the warm tones of a vintage melody, the kind that evoked memories of simpler times—before the world became entangled with the complexities of aether and power.

Elijah sighed, the music a soothing backdrop to his thoughts as he contemplated his next move, the weight of the world pressing ever harder against his resolve

He once again glanced at the direction of the trapdoor as he considered taking Dalia along but ultimately refuted the idea, that her pathway wasn't particularly useful in such a journey. "I need more useful pieces..."

__________

It was almost evening by the time Elijah was done with everything that needed to be done, now he had arrived at the Underwood route, an area under the control of Thomas, Like Charles, and Elijah, he was a street to be in charge of but compared to the number His elder siblings' control, he had just one under him. It was the location of the passage that they used to head outside secretly.

Elijah approached the deserted alleyway that led to the meeting point, his footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones in the dim light of dusk.

The shadows stretched long and thin, creating an air of mystery and anticipation. As he turned the corner, he spotted the group of men huddled together near a rusted iron gate, their faces partially obscured by the lengthening shadows.

Sam stood at the forefront, his posture relaxed yet alert, ever the dependable ally. Next to him was a bulky half-orc male, his presence commanding with an unusual adornment: the fangs of a strange beast dangling as earrings. The contrast between his rugged accessories and the crisp lines of his suit was striking, a testament to the balance he maintained between raw strength and refined civility.

Beside the half-orc, Nicolas shifted uneasily, his dirty blonde hair appearing almost golden in the fading light, though his dull skin betrayed the prolonged lack of rest. His eyes darted around, a mix of curiosity and bewilderment evident in his demeanor, yet he remained silent, perhaps out of respect or uncertainty about the unfolding events.

The remaining three men were a varied lot: a wiry, sharp-eyed man who seemed to be constantly surveying his surroundings; a broad-shouldered individual with a calm, steady presence that suggested experience; and a younger man, his eagerness barely contained, fingers drumming against his thigh as if itching for the adventure ahead.

Elijah approached with a nod of acknowledgment, his eyes meeting each of them, conveying reassurance and determination. "Gentlemen, let's move," he began, his voice steady and authoritative as he led them towards the rusty gate, "We need to retrieve our Cargo, they are about a day's journey from here”

Nicolas raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his curiosity evident in the slight tilt of his head, perhaps wondering why he was included in this.

Elijah continued, "Sam, bring the provisions along, we'll find the rest of our equipment in the pickup truck. We‘ll move quickly and quietly. Based on the recent news going around, The drainage route is our safest passage if we want to get the latest information on the items, it is thanks to the lack of oversight since the death of the previous monitor.”

As he spoke, he arrived at the gate, “This task is very important boys,”

As they pulled open the gate, an old house appeared before their eyes. Without a word, Elijah led them behind and made their way to the entrance of the old drainage system, Elijah greeted an elderly man sitting discreetly nearby. The man, a long-time guard under the Serpens family, nodded warmly. His eyes, though aged, held a sharpness that belied his years. "We won't be long Mr.Haal, so as I always say, see you in a bit old friend," Elijah said with a smirk, appreciating the man's unwavering loyalty since his childhood. Mr. Haal just laughed silently but didn't say anything as he was unable to, he lost his tongue at a young age.

The sound of distant city life faded, replaced by the rhythmic trickle of water and the faint rustle of unseen creatures in the darkness. The air was cool and damp, clinging to them as they navigated the narrow passage. The half-orc led the way, his bulk a reassuring presence in the confined space. Sam followed closely, ensuring everyone kept pace.

Nicolas stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing, a determined expression replacing his earlier uncertainty. He believes that doing this would probably clear his debt with the Serpens.

Upon reaching the other side, the group emerged from the shadows into a secluded area. There, an old pickup truck awaited them, its paint faded and chipped, partially concealed under a cover of leaves and a makeshift car cover. The men approached the vehicle, their movements efficient and practiced as they retrieved their equipment.

“This area is still under the protection of the enchantments, so we better gear up here before we move”, Elijah handed out aether masks with filters, each man securing his mask with precision. “These masks would only be active for a day, remember to switch to another after 24 hours. It will recharge over that time.”

The soft click of the filters engaging was a collective sound of readiness as Elijah confirmed the time in his pocket watch, this way he could keep track of when they needed to switch.

They took off the cumbersome suits and donned some protective clothing, securing straps and adjusting layers to ensure a snug fit. Brown cloaks were draped over their shoulders, the hoods pulled up to obscure their features and blend with the natural surroundings.

Weapons were checked and fastened securely, compasses slipped into inner pockets, and water flasks clipped to belts. Aether-powered lanterns and torches were distributed, their glow muted under the cloaks. The medical kit and provisions were stored within the confines of the truck, alongside climbing gear and other essential equipment.

With their gear in place, Elijah placed his aether mask over his face, it covered from his nose to his jaws, the soft click of the filter engaging, a reminder of the impending challenges beyond the city enchantments and runes.

He looked at his team, noting the mix of resolve and anticipation in their eyes. "Let's move," he said, his voice slightly muffled by the mask, yet carrying the weight of his leadership.

The men nodded, their faces obscured yet their determination palpable. Cloaked and hooded, they climbed into the truck, Sam taking the driver's seat while Elijah settled beside him.

The others positioned themselves in the back of the truck, their eyes scanning the surroundings.

The engine rumbled to life, its sound a low growl as they set off. The road was rough and uneven, mere tracks through the dense cover of trees, branches brushing against the sides of the vehicle. Their mood was vigilant and focused as they navigated the bumpy path, each jolt a reminder of the road's unofficial nature. Sam's hands gripped the steering wheel with practiced ease, his eyes fixed ahead, while Elijah kept a watchful gaze on their surroundings, ready to spot any signs of danger.

The trees loomed tall around them, their branches interlocking overhead to form a natural canopy, casting flickering shadows that danced across the truck's surface. The air was filled with the earthy scent of leaves and damp soil, mingling with the faint, comforting smell of the vehicle's worn interior.

In the back, the group maintained a silent vigilance grabbing the vehicle's metal frame for balance, their senses attuned to the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Each man was aware of the significance of their journey, the gravity of their mission weighing on their shoulders yet buoyed by their shared purpose.

As the truck continued its journey through the forest, the world beyond the city unfolded in all its untamed beauty and mystery. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but together, they were ready to face whatever lay in store, united by their resolve and guided by the flickering light of their aether-powered lanterns.