HARRISON SAUNDONT (POV)
Venturing through Vixens Quarter, the flickering torches lining the cobblestone streets cast daunting shadows across the stained ancient walls. The night air was thick with a mixture of incense and dampness, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that enveloped the area. I pulled my hood lower over my head, making sure to conceal my face from prying eyes, attempting to blend in with the diverse crowd moving through the dimly lit alleyways.
Vixens Quarter was a place of both glamour and peril, a place where desire and immorality danced hand in hand under the shade of night. Brothels adorned with crimson banners and gilded embellishments stood tall, alluring passersby with promises of forbidden pleasure. A place where if you don’t watch yourself, you could fall victim to the corruption it presents and never find your way out.
However, we weren’t here to engage in the frivolous activities Vixens Quarter had to offer. Raja and I had come for a different purpose - to find out the truth. The truth about our old guild members, the truth about why they came here, and what they’ve gotten themselves into.
“Stay close,” Raja whispered in front of me.
He walked hastily, but also with caution. He had made sure that nothing or no one would hinder our progress as we traversed through these streets of temptation. Many people tried, women would call out to us, underdressed and lathered up in make-up with the intent to seduce and entice, but we knew why we were here.
Although we had made it to Vixens Quarter, we didn't actually know where to look specifically for our objectives location, but Raja continued to push on forward. It seemed as if he knew where he was going, or at least he had a destination in mind.
“Raja, slow down.” I called out behind him. He stopped for a moment amidst the ongoing crowd and turned back to face me.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Where are you going? Cedric only told us that they lived in Vixens Quarter, we don't actually know where?”
“I know, Harrison. That’s why I’m heading to the Broker” he said.
“The Broker?”
“Oh c’mon, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten?” he said, “I’ve spent less time than you have in this city and I still remember more.”
It was true. I had forgotten quite a bit since I moved into the inner city. However, my memory was slowly coming back to me. The Broker was a man of mystery, a man who would lurk in the streets of the outer city and sell information to anyone who asked for the right price. He would tend to reside in Vixens Quarter, after all, it’s easier to live in an area like this when your life’s business is illegally selling information.
I continued to follow Raja’s lead as he walked swiftly through the crowded night-lit streets. Making turns deeper into the heart of the red-light district, the things we saw became more sickening. Groups of people could be seen by the sides of the buildings, laid out flat on the ground or leaning against the walls for support as they groaned in their drowsy states that resembled bliss.
“What’s wrong with them?” I asked.
“Most likely on something,” Raja said, “but this looks more like an epidemic. I mean, Just look at all these people. How has the council not noticed this?”
“I’ve come to learn that the individuals on the council seem to choose their priorities.” I replied, “However, this is just sickening,” I said with more worry than disgust.
If these people have fallen victim to some sort of drug, it could be possible that Omar, Alice, and Darwin could be under the same influence. Just imagining them living in a place like this made me feel uneasy.
Not too long after we passed another group of individuals with their heads in the clouds, we approached a shady-looking building that held a black wooden door. Its handle was practically broken and its hinges held on for dear life as the years have not treated it well.
If this was the place where the Broker we knew from our past resided, how old would he be? Would he even still be alive? How could Raja be so sure that he even still stays here? After all, the outside of the building doesn’t really look like anyone was living in it, although, I suppose that’s what the Broker would want it to look like.
He pushed open the squawking door and walked into the darkened room as I followed curtly behind. Raja illuminated the room with an ember flame within the palm of his hand and began walking down the corridor. Eventually, we entered a room, where a cryptic-looking man draped in black clothing sat at one side of a table withstood covering his head and cloth hiding the bottom half of his face.
Raja took a seat opposite the man while I stood posted by the entrance of the room.
“Are you the Broker?” he asked.
He slowly nodded his head while keeping his line of sight on both of us. He seemed to be a cautious man, as expected.
“What is it you wish to know?” the Broker said.
“We need information on some people. Y’know, where they are and what they’re doing. Can you help us?”
“Do these people have names?” he scoffed.
“Well, you probably still wouldn’t know them even if I told you, but they used to be members of the Yellow Vanguard adventuring guild.”
He jerked for a moment as he heard the words escape Raja’s mouth and sat up in his seat as if he were more on guard.
“The Yellow Vanguard you say?” he repeated.
“Yes,” Raja confirmed, “Is that a problem?”
Without any word, he placed his palm out on the table and looked up at Raja expectantly.
Raja sighed in response to his hasty actions, “How much?”
“How much do you have on you?” he replied.
“You’re joking,” Raja scoffed.
“I don’t like to be involved in business that I assume to be… tainted.” the Broker said. “Give me what you have, and I’ll tell you everything I know.”
‘Tainted?’ I thought, ‘What does that mean?’
Raja turned his head to face me and I nodded with approval. It may be a bit stingy, but this would potentially be our first real lead onto them, and besides, money wasn’t exactly a problem for either of us.
Raja took out a small pouch with jangling gold coins within it and placed the bag in the man's open palm. He closed his hand and pulled it back under the table, where he opened the pouch to check its contents. His eyes widened with disbelief at the sight of the sleek golden pieces.
“My God, where did you get this kind of money?”
“Does it matter? It’s yours now, so tell me what I want to know,” Raja replied sternly.
He placed the pouch in his back pocket and turned back to face us.
“Right,” he said, “Some years back, the very people who I assume you’re talking about moved into Vixens Quarter and bought one of the larger properties near the edge of the district. No one thought anything of it, even I hadn’t seen or heard things of interest concerning them, for a time. Until things started taking a turn in Vixens.
“What kind of turn?” I asked out of curiosity.
“The bad kind,” He replied, “Don’t get me wrong, this area of the city is no maiden’s dream, it’s filled with more pollution and corruption than you could ever know. The higher-ups just use it as a red-light district to cover up the truth, but I know.”
“So how do the people we’re looking for fall into all of this?” Raja said getting impatient.
The Broker looked down and sighed “I don’t like to make accusations, but a few months after they moved in, the people who lived near the area where they resided began spreading this new wonder drug around for all to use as they pleased, free of charge.
“Drugs? You’re telling me they’re involved in the drug business?”
“No, I’m making a calculated guess. I’m not fond of making assumptions, it reduces my credibility, but, the evidence that says they’re involved in the recent drug abuse in Vixens Quarter wouldn’t be surprising.”
“And why is that?” I asked.
“Well, for one, the building they bought was empty for many years before they moved in, and on top of that, it cost quite a bit. Nothing someone with decent money couldn’t afford, but people who live in Vixen’s Quarter aren't exactly bathing in money,” he explained. “Furthermore, attacks on Senary council supply storages that resided within the Quarter were made after their arrival, and there aren’t that many people who live here that can afford the risk of attempting a stunt like that unarmed-”
“Unless they had arc stones.” Raja finished, “Which is why you think it’s them because they were ex-adventurers.”
“Exactly.” He commended. “They must be attacking and stealing resources from these storage houses and keeping them inside the building they bought.”
“But, why would they randomly start attacking places like that?” I asked.
“My guess is they were hired to do so by their supplier.” he shrugged, “Usually after one of the storages was destroyed, a widespread of drugs could be seen in Vixens. I mean, you should see the place when these people are on it. The streets are completely quiet and the people just lay there as if they’re in a trance for hours on end.”
“What’s the name of this drug?” Raja asked.
“Glimmer.”
“Hmm,” he moaned while returning to his mind.
“Ring any bells?” The Broker asked curiously.
“No, not at all.” He replied.
“A shame.” he said, “Usually when it comes to things that people don’t know about they come to me for answers, but, I have to admit, when it comes to this new drug, I’m at a loss,” he confessed.
“You said that you thought this subject was tainted, what did you by that mean?”
“Sorry, but I’d rather speak no more of this,” he said standing up from his seat. “Don’t get me wrong, I doubt that you two are the type to rat me out, but I’d rather hold my tongue than have unwanted ears hear what I’ve said. Besides, I think I’ve spoken more than I ought to, perhaps I’ll make it an early night. You can find the old members of that guild on the east edge of Vixens Quarter. The building has a tall chimney that has smoke constantly coming out of it day and night.” he said before leaving us in the room alone.
I walked around the room to one of the windows to see if he had completely left before speaking to Raja.
“So, we can agree that that’s not the same Broker that used to be here right? I mean, that guy sounded younger than me.”
“Yeah, no doubt about that,” Raja agreed, “but, that's a problem to worry about for another time, lets's just hope that the information he gave us was true,” he said getting up from his seat.
“Ok, let's continue our search tomorrow.” I suggested, “It’s pretty late and I saw a few inns not too far back on our way down this road.”
“Very well,”
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AUREUS ELIDAN (POV)
My private quarters were the only place I could feel solace. Everyone expected so much from me - as they should - after all, I am their king, and in times of distress they look to me for comfort. However, what I’ve come to realize from my many years on the throne is that the king doesn’t have anyone to turn to for comfort. Even my advisors who know me well, and know my struggles and burdens, seem to lack the empathy any decent man would show for another. I know that the moment I show weakness or instability, they will attempt to take advantage of my power.
‘It’s so peaceful up here,’ I thought with my head laid back in my chair. ‘What if I just stayed up here, and never went back down?’
A stupid thought, I know, but even kings can fantisize, cant they? The peace and quiet I was enjoying was short lived when I heard knocks on my door.
I sighed. “Enter,” I called out.
The brazen doors opened slightly and Horus’ head popped through before he steped in completely.
“Forgive me for the intrusion, your grace,” he said with a slight bow, “however, it seems most of our guests have arrived.”
He stood at the door with his hair slicked back, covered head to toe in lavish formal clothing that would put some of the noble lords who arrived downstairs to shame.
“You know, Horus, we’ve been doing this every year for so long that I forget what the real reason is,” I said still with my head laid back.
He smiled, “Well, your grace, I won’t insult your memory, but, I believe it may have something to do with your son’s birthday,”
We both chuckled together as the clock in the corner of the room struck midnight. Reminding me that the time for to make my appearance was somewhat past due.
“I know I know,” I said still smiling, “but why do celebrate the prince’s birthday in such a fashion? Basking him with the blessings of the night sky on his sixteenth birthday as if all the others were obsolete. I still remember my own sixteenth party celebration, and I couldn’t quite comprehend why it was such a spectacle compared to the rest.”
“Well, your grace, most people in Zarendal believe that sixteen is the age that a person becomes an adult, after all, it is the age one can be legally married, drink alcohol, and leave the hospitality of their father,” Horus said.
“And what do you believe?” I asked.
“I believe many things about our traditions, your grace. However, I suppose my father taught me growing up that sixteen was the age at which a boy can come to know God personally. That connection we can make with him is something worthy of being celebrated and should be honored with high regard. Yet, despite the fact that the true reason behind the traditions of our ancestors is unclear, they have survived through the ages long enough to meet us in our lifetime. So I think it is our unspoken duty to continue that legacy out of respect and remembrance of what they thought important.” He finished.
“Ahh, spoken like a true philosopher,” I said, “Perhaps hiring you as my personal servant was a mistake,” a smirk formed on my face. “You would have excelled if given the chance.”
“I was also taught growing up that Kings don’t make mistakes, your grace,” he said cheekily.
I got up from my chair and stretched my arms in the air, “Well, you best prepare yourself, as I’m sure from that statement, you’ll encounter great shock during the rest of my reign.”
I picked up the crown that I had placed on my desk and looked at it before placing it on the tip of my head. Its silver body would shine and declare my presence to all who saw it. It had been passed down within my family for generations, and I would once again hand it down to my son when his time came. I felt the burdens that came along with the honor of wearing the ornament as I felt its metallic surface touch my head.
Horus opened the door for me and we made our way through the palace corridors to where the main ball was being held for my son’s birthday on the ground floor. The chattering of voices took me out of my pondering state as I prepared to present myself to the lords and ladies who have come for the celebration. The music played by a string quartet accompanied by a piano made the whole spectacle seem otherworldly. Horus had even gone out of his way to set the ball within thin the sunroom, allowing the glistening light from the moon in the night sky to illuminate the floor as the nobles conversed with one another.
‘You’ve outdone yourself, Horus,’ I commended.
“Spare me the honor, your grace,” he said humbly, “ an arrangement such as this is worthy of our young prince, wouldn’t you agree?”
“If you say so. Speaking of which, where is my son?” I asked as we looked down at the crowd from above within the mezzanine. It would be unorthodox for me to make a speech about his birthday without him being present.
“I believe he is in his quarters with his servant?” Horus said.
I sighed, “Really, what does he see in that boy? I told him he could have any of the staff In my service as his personal servant, and yet, he chose someone from low-elf society.” I moaned to myself.
“Shall I go and fetch him, your grace?”
“Please,” I replied as Horus took his leave.
My son had lived a troublesome life for most of his childhood. More troublesome than you would expect any member of royalty to experience. None of it was his fault, of course. How could it be? No one in this world has control over the way they are born. Some are conceived with blessings, while others, with defects. My son seemed to draw the short end of the stick. However, it didn't stop me or my wife from loving him any less. We thought it made him unique in fact, made him stand out from the rest, as he should. He was my one and only son, and no matter how he looked, nothing would stop me from acknowledging that fact.
I place my hands to lean on the banisters of the balcony as I continued to look down on all the chattering of the dignified guests below. I observed as I saw members from different houses come together and converse with one another. Events like these were places they could use to talk business and further the development of their own fortune instead of focusing on the task at hand. Not that I really cared.
As I watched intently, I felt the delicate arms of someone else wrap around my waist from behind. Two drinks in their hands as they did so.
“Why is it you like to stand far away from the crowd where they can't see you, and glare down at them with such judgmental eyes?” Solara said offering me a drink.
“Judgmental? Is that how I look from up here?” I replied, gladly taking the beverage.
“You’re tired, dear. I know,” she said wrapping her arms tighter around me, “but just hold on a little longer for the rest of the night. Don’t perform for them,” she hinted at the crowd below, “but do it for our son.”
“Of course,” I said removing her hand from my waist and bringing it up to my lips. I turned to face her and saw the beautiful dress she wore that complimented her face.
“Oh?” I said with surprise, “Is this one new?”
She smiled and took a step back, “Why, does it not suit me?” she teased as she rotated in a circle to let me see it from all angles.
She filled it excellently, despite the fact that time had taken its toll on both of us over the years, her beauty and figure never seemed to dwindle in my eyes.
“I think if it were red it would have been better,” I teased back, while taking another sip from the alcoholic drink.
“Well, dear, if you wanted my dresses to be perfect, you should have married a fashion designer. However, I think I’ll take your word into consideration next time.” she smiled.
“Next time?” I scoffed, “We're not having another party in the palace like this again, my dear. Unless you want another child?”
“Oh, wouldn’t that be splendid,” she said moving in closer to me again, “Perhaps a daughter this time? I’m sure our son gets lonely.”
“Your joking, right?”
She smiled at me and moved in closer to touch my lips with her own. She moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, “I haven’t made any jokes since the birth of my first child, Aureus. Speaking of which, where is our son?”
“I sent Horus to go and get him. Apparently, he was in his room with that servant he likes.”
“Is that so?” she said. “Well, it seems that they have arrived.” she pointed down to the ball floor where I saw him walking into the room with Horus and his servant behind.
My son stood apart from the typical elves, bearing a unique essence from the moment he entered this world. While our family lineage was recognized by fair blonde hair and sea-blue eyes, his appearance differed vastly. Stepping into the room, he gave off an air of originality, with his natural-born silver hair that glistned under the light of the moon and a white eyepatch to conceal his deformed left eye. Yet, despite his differences, a beaming smile had become prevalent on his face - something I had been graced with more often these days. He clutched in his right hand a pearl-adorned cane that aided his step to compensate for the limp that made his right leg unconventional. Though many would find sympathy regarding his defects, it was his birth that truly stunned the medical practitioners when delivering him. In all the history of our continent, he was the first to ever be born with only nine arc stones slots. Something that no one could explain.
Naturally, his presence caused most of the people to turn and stare as they saw the prince, a cripple, walk in their midst. They would smile back and even greet him graciously in person, but some would no doubt talk judgmentally when behind closed doors.
“Perhaps you should address your son’s arrival” Solara whispered to me again.
“Yes,” I said. I turned to catch Horus’ eye down below and hinted at him to tell the musical group to lower the volume to allow me to speak.
“Welcome!” I shouted from above, stealing everyone’s attention away from my son. “Noble Lords and Ladies, I extend to you my honest greeting on this most joyous occasion - the celebration of my beloved son, Uriel, I thank you for your appearance.” I started, “In the dark of night of our majestic kingdom, we have gathered here today to revel in the company of cherished friends and family to dance and celebrate under the magic of the moon,” I said hinting up at the glowing object held in the air.
“As the stars adorn the night sky, so do your presence and fellowship illuminate my family’s hearts. This celebration is not merely a tribute to my son’s journey into another year of life, but also proof of the unity that binds us as the noble high-elf community we are. Our history is filled with threads of tradition and shared experiences, and tonight, under the enchanting moonlight, we add another chapter to that legacy.” I said with my drink held high.
The crowd cheered in response to my words, and those who had a glass in hand held their own up high as well.
“So let laughter ring high tonight, let the music soar and fill your ears, let the moonlight guide our steps as we join together in harmony, and to my dear son,” I said now facing Uriel, “may you continue to grow in wisdom and grace, and find purpose in your life with many years to come. Enjoy!” I finished by taking a swig of my glass as the rest of the congregation down below followed suit.
The music returned and the chatter began once again. I could see down below that people began swarming around Uriel trying to talk with him and ask questions. A small curve of the lips formed on my face as I watched him be forced to speak with elder nobles and leaders of the high houses of the entire kingdom.
“Well, that was something,” Solara said. “You seemed to have riled up the crowd quite a bit.”
“Let them enjoy themselves, I want Uriel to remember this day,” I replied.
“Your, highness,” Horus said addressing Solara. “Might I have a word with the king in private?”
She turned to me, and came to whisper in my ear again, “It’s your son’s sixteenth birthday, don’t let your work ruin this day for him.” she said, then gave me another kiss. “He’s all yours, Horus. I’m going to enjoy the party down there.”
I turned to Horus once Solara was gone, “What is it that's so urgent, Horus?”
“An unexpected guest has arrived, your grace,”
“Unexpected?” I repeated, “The celebration is open to all high elves, Horus.”
“I understand that your grace,” he said, “but this guest isn’t of elven blood.”
“What?” I said shocked, “What are you saying, Horus?”
“Our guest claims to be an envoy from Sunderland, your grace. More specifically the capital city of Haulburn. He claims that he is here in the name of King Solomon.”
“You mean to tell me that a human was able to enter the capital of our kingdom, let alone the country, and appear at the front doorstep of my house while claiming to be sent from another King?” I complained sternly. “And I’m only just hearing about this now?”
“Forgive me, your grace. However, this is my first time hearing this as well. Either there has been a security breach at our borders or I believe our guest has been trying to stay undetected until now.” Horus said apologetically.
“And why would you think that?”
“Just an assumption, your grace. However, human or not, I do think it would be in your best interest to hear what this man may have to say if he claims to be sent by King Solomon.”
It was a strange situation, a possibility as to why the party could go wrong that I had never expected. I mean, who would? The human and elven kingdoms had not been in contact since the days of Nethuin Ranvier. I know from the stories of my father, and his father, and his father before him, that the humans killed the elven prince - one of my relatives when I think about it - and ultimately started the war that spilled the blood of many innocence. Now one of them has landed on my doorstep, demanding to speak with me in person. This should be great.
“Very well, escort him discreetly to my office. I will speak with him there. I don’t want anyone knowing we have a foreigner within our midsts.” I said with a frown.
Horus bowed and left to retrieve this so-called foreign delegate. I had to admit, that in all my years of ruling, I had never quite encountered a situation that I wasn’t completely unaware of. I understood that humans lived within Zarendal, but their population was less than one percent. The same goes for elves who lived in Sunderland. Due to Nethuin Ranvier’s constant promotion of peace between the two nations, our borders stayed open to one another, however, contact was practically non-existent. Until now.
I returned up to my office where I had been before and waited in my chair as I heard the knock of who I expected to be Horus.
“Enter!” I called out boldly.
Horus walked into the room and held the door open for the pudgy man who entered after him. His clothing told me he was within the upper echelon of human society as his ornaments and jewelry were a bit excessive for the average noble. Either that or this human was quite full of himself. However, it was no doubt that money wasn't a problem for this man, as the way he stretched his garments to their extremities it was apparent that he had certainly indulged his wealth in the southern delicacies of Sunderland to great extent.
“Greetings, your grace,” He said with a slight bow. A hint of a curl on his lips.
“Hmm,” I hummed, showing him little respect while putting a hand out to tell him to sit. I wanted him to understand his position in my house. “I hear that you come with word from the king.” I said as Horus left the room and waited outside.
A smirk formed on his face, “Ah, yes. I know King Solomon quite well, but that was just my way of getting to speak with you.” he said fumbling with the rings on his fingers.
“What is it you want?” I said more on my guard. “Who are you?”
“It’s funny, isn’t it?” he said confidently, “Just mention word from the king and dress appropriately and you could probably enter any damn place on this continent.” he laughed haughtily.
I could call for Horus to come in, but if he means to harm me, I’ll have to fight before I get the chance. And it had been a damn long time since I had used my arc stone.
“Calm down,” he said with a hand in the air. The smirk still plastered on his face. “It is true, I have come from Sunderland, and from the court of King Solomon. However, my reasons are not involved with the king's - not yet, anyway.”
“What is your name?” I demanded.
“Your right. Perhaps we should start again,” he said with his hand stretched out to shake my own, “You can call me Lord Lucintroph.”