The Empire’s capital Dextella is the forerunner of the Empire, a place of new technologies, ideas, and policies. It is said the first step forward always starts at the Dextella. The land of opportunity, dreams, and progress. The capital casts a bright light across the Empire and is a shining example that every city strive to be.
Unfortunately every light casts a shadow.
The slum district of the Empire’s capital was one of the capital’s shadows, the streets smelled heavily of excrement and urine. The streets were narrow, only allowing three people to walk side-by-side. The street consisted of brown dirt and pebbles. It was slightly concave and had a small dugout channel in the middle. This channel allowed rainwater runoff to flow out of the slums into the river. The shacks were made out of scraps of wood, bricks, harden mud and any other salvageable materials. Each shack was barely able to fit a family of three, the living conditions in the shacks were dirty and uncomfortable for its residences. It was a place of survival not a place for living.
In a shack that appeared to be uninteresting and ordinary. There contained a hidden door which lead to the Pests’ Hideout. The tiny shack was only a cover up to keep away from prying eyes. The slums was a district where people kept to themselves and had the least faith in the Goddess. In company of death, disease, and hunger many found themselves forsaken and unwanted. Authorities, specifically the Temple’s men, would only be met with scorn here. A perfect spot to be incognito for members of the underworld.
Deep underground roughly two hundred meters under the city exists a network of tunnels few knew how to properly traverse. The tunnels were wide enough for a man to walk without bending and were supported by beams of wood at fixed intervals. No one alive knew who dug these tunnels or the true purpose of the tunnels, but nevertheless it was made use of by members of the underworld. In one of the wide openings within the maze was the Pests’ Hideout. The opening area was around a one hundred meter squared and the height was two meters, slightly taller than the tunnels. The open area consisted of door ways to guard the entrance and separated areas. One area for sleeping, one for paper work, one for briefing, and the last one was supplies. It had no structures besides support beams and some furniture such as shelves, desks, tables, and chairs. The sleeping area only consisted of sleeping bags on the ground. The location seemed too simple to be a headquarter for the biggest group of criminals. It in fact was only the main secret meet up locations. The actual headquarters was in fact the main building of the Golden Trade Company.
The Golden Trade Company is the biggest and richest trading company in the Empire, it is the main front of the Pests’ organization. The dark side of the Golden company was known by few and many employees and executives in the Golden company are ignorant to its underworld dealings. Nevertheless, the main purpose of the Golden company without a doubt is to divert power and financial resources from the Temple. It seeks to limit the influence of the Temple within the economics of the Empire and subsequently the Empire’s dependence on the Temple.
In precisely the darkly lit hideout a meeting was held to conspire against the right-hand of the Goddess: Gilles.
“The plan will be executed at the royal capital, I am sure Gilles will visit to Alfred before leaving the country.” Roach explained to the rest of his council.
Roach was the leader of the Pests and and true leader of the Golden Trade Company. He seldomly is seen publicly due to his haggard appearance and creepy voice. His hunched appearance is too sinister to represent the face of the Golden company and could only pull the strings in the shadows.
“Master Roach, shall I inform Master Francis of the plan and have him move his people in the capital?”
“No, I would like to hear some suggestions from my council before the plan is set in stone.” Roach replied calmly.
“I think the plan has too many variables, it relies on too many assumptions. It assumes that Reverend Father Gilles will visit the slums or live in a poor residential area. If he chooses to reside in the wealthier districts the operatives may arouse suspicion.”
“Although I do not know Reverend Father Gilles personally, from what Alfred told me he prefers a humble lifestyle. I doubt he will live in extravagance. As for his personality I cannot say much except Alfred suggests he is different from the public perception, but I do believe he has a basic sense of righteousness.” Roach spoke with assurance.
“Are we sure of the Temples movements? If they learn of the right-hand’s return they may move before we have the opportunity.”
“According to my information we shouldn’t have any problems with the Temple, but it is a variable. Master Roach may I suggest a distraction near in a city near the holy capital?”
“If it’s not absolutely required I do not want to lose any more of my men. The last distraction lost us twenty loyals. I have yet to find suitable candidates to replace the them.” Another council member rebuked.
Roach realize the plan wouldn’t be so straightforward after all and called for a vote. “Alright with a raise of hands who believes the plan will succeed in its current state.”
5 hands were raised out of 11 not including Roach’s.
“Looks like we have a long meeting ahead of us.” Roach sighed.
“Here I was looking to go home early.” A council member sighed as well.
“Not all of us have a pretty wife waiting at home.” Another council member joked.
“Let us get back on track we have plenty of work ahead of us.” Roach said as he calmed the council.
After many modifications and debate the plan finally reached general consensus. The council members dispersed leaving Roach to his own thoughts.
A cruel faith, to be betrayed by people whom he saved. Roach sighed.
Elsewhere, two council members who were leaving chatted to themselves in the tunnels.
“Master Roach is not looking too happy today, it seems like he isn’t too fond of the plan.”
“You should know that Reverend Father saved our Master indirectly before. He feels like he owes him a debt of gratitude. To have to kill a benefactor in cold blood must be unpleasant.”
“Sometimes I feel our Master is too kind for this line of work.” The council member mused.
“Not everyone here enjoys what we do, we do what we must.” The other council member shook his head.
“I heard Reverend Father Gilles is a kind and righteous man. Truly a pity for a great man to die.”
“It can’t be helped. I assume it is a necessity otherwise Master Roach would never agree to it.”
“Truly too kind for this line of work”
Both of the council members laughed and gossiped as they walked. They seemed more like chatty school girls rather than sinister members of the underworld.
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There exists a main roadway that connects Elrantel to the main capital. The road is well paved, composed of flat rectangular stones surrounded by concrete and is resistant to flooding, weathering, and prolong use. The main road name is Fur Road since it’s frequented by beast fur merchants. It is 6m wide allowing for two escorted groups of caravans to pass abreast, the road sheer size displays the might and commitment of the empire to its roads.
It is on such a roadway two wealthy merchants are chatting to each other in a luxury two horse coach. The coach was one of the newer luxury designs that had two smaller wheels in front and two larger wheels in the back. It’s primary colour was black with silver patterns intricately laced throughout. The two horses that pulled the coach were black war horses that had twice the stamina of a normal horse. The coachman looked stern and strong seemingly capable to hold his own in a fight.
“Master Farhad, If I knew you were in Elrantel I definitely would have invited you to dinner. We haven’t seen each other since the merchant guild’s meeting.”
“Master Rowan it matters not now that we are traveling together. I imagine we will have many meals together.”
Master Farhad was a man from the southern deserts a land that is alliances with the Empire but not yet conquered. Master Farhad was in his forties had brown-skin, brown short hair, thick black eyebrows, brown eyes, a thick mustache, and a skinny figure. Mater Rowan was also in his forties but from the capital, he had fair skin, blue eyes, blond hair, was clean shaven, and slightly overweight.
“Ah, I am blessed. I do hope Master Farhad would indulge me in some of your travel stories. Rumours say you represented the merchants guild during the talks with the Great Khan.”
“Master Rowan how can I one humble merchant represent the entire merchants guild, there were others with me. In fact I believed myself to be the most insignificant person there.”
“Don’t be humble with me Master Farhad, less flowery talk and more details. What was the Great Khan like? Is he as ferocious and bloodthirsty as the stories? Does he drink the blood of his enemies with every meal?”
Master Farhad laughed heartily. “The Great Khan is fair he does not pillage without reason. From what I have seen he is only cruel to his enemies and is extremely amicable with his friends and allies. The Great Khan is also wise, he knows that a establishing good relationships with the merchants guild will only bring benefits. ”
“Is that so? I hear the citizens live in oppression.”
Master Farhad laughed again. “The Great Khan’s reputation in the Empire sure is negative. On the contrary from my sources I hear the Horde is quite tolerant of religion and culture. I cannot say the same for the Empire.” Master Farhad frowned at thought.
“Why would you tolerate anyone who believes in false gods? Only the Goddess is real anyways.” Master Rowan scoffed.
“Let us not discuss religion, my ears are still sore from the Emperor's ambassadors praising the Goddess. I know I shouldn’t have stayed in the Shemesh embassy.”
Master Rowan then turned serious and asked in a whisper. “What are the chance of invasion?”
Master Fahad frowned and thought deeply for a few moments then spoke softly. “The Shemesh Kingdom does not respect the Great Khan thinking he is just the leader of a few barbarian tribes and the Kingdom of Hao fell due to their lack of battle experience.”
“The same goes for the Empire. The upper members of the Temple are already planning to declare the Great Khan an apostle of calamity. I even heard whispers of a call for a crusade against the Khan.”
Master Fahad showed a look of surprise. “You seem to be quite well informed on the matters of the Temple, though is the source reliable?”
“Reliable enough.”
Master Fahad pondered again for a few moments and then his facial expression turned ugly. “It is looking really bad. If the Empire and Shemesh both denounces the Great Khan the flames of war is sure to spread to both our realms. Looks like both of us have to move our south-east branches.”
Little to their knowledge a distance behind their coach a man wrapped in a ragged cloak was eavesdropping to their conversation. The man was Gilles who was also planning to travel to the capital. Seems like I manage to hear something interesting. Perhaps my journey may prove to be unnecessary. No, to avoid casualties I need to talk to the Khan myself. Gilles manage to find himself able to travel with the trade caravan by pure luck. He had been recognized by one of the caravan guards and recommended to join them. Gilles had a good reputation in Elrantel from doing odd jobs and beating up many groups of scoundrels with in the city. The city guards often think Gilles is doing them a favour by teaching troublemakers a lesson and would often look the otherway when Gilles got into a scuffle.
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The trade caravan had coaches, wagons, and carts. Some city guards will often be employed along with mercenaries to help protect the trade caravan from dangers. But as the trade caravan travelled many pass-by-ers will join to have free security. The guards cannot simply shoo off the tag alongs since the main road is a public road after all. This however did not mean they accepted them into the group, since many tagalongs are beggars the guards would never allow them too close to the merchants or their wagons.
Gilles decided to hang with the tagalongs because being with the guards and mercenaries was a bit uncomfortable. He had a hard time being the only person doing nothing while everyone else acted vigilant and protected the caravan.
Seeing Gilles stare at the coach intently an old beggar beside him couldn’t help but whisper.
“Young lad, I do not recommend doing what you think of doing. This group of guards and mercenaries look especially though. Having a life is better than having coin after all.”
Gilles looked at the old man confused then realize the old man mistaken him for a bandit mixing along with the beggars that will attempt a secret robbery. Gilles could only cough and divert the conversation. Giles looked at the old man who had a bald head, hunched back, in rags and walked with a cain. The old man missed a few teeths here and there but overall looked friendly.
“My good elder I am simply curious at the coach design nothing more.” Gilles said with a smile.
The old man found Gilles honorable looking and decided not to continue the topic and instead inquired “may I ask why a young lad is travelling to the capital. The able bodied should be able to find a easier job at the frontier. Always a need for hands around these parts.” The old man asked caringly.
“I have some business that require me passing through the capital not at the capitol.” Gilles smiled at the old man’s concern.
“Don’t fight the Empire’s war lad. Better off finding honest work at a farm.” The old man seemed to have recall a bitter memory.
Gilles also recalled bitter memories and both of them walked in gloomy silence.
It wasn’t long until they passed a few milestones and more people started to join the group. There was travelling performers, more beggars, and even a few stempets. The guards managed to keep the peace and the caravan was also glad to have some entertainment along the way.
It wasn’t long until an official outpost was hit and a few guards tried to invite Gilles to stay at a government owned Inn, but Gilles insisted he made a few friends and wanted to find a private inn with them instead. The guards could only shake their heads and tell Gilles they resume travel at day break.
Gilles and the old man along with a clown who found the pair interesting walked down the road to find a nearby inn. The clown honked his nose at Gilles to get his attention.
*honk* *honk* “Why didn’t you stay in the government inn, it’s going to be a lot nicer there than where we are going.”
Gilles don’t know why this clown was insistent on following him and the old man. He tried to tell the clown off but the clown simply honked his nose non-stop until everyone else begged Gilles to let the clown into their group. The clown had no respect for Gilles privacy and kept asking about his travel plans, background, and personal life. The worse part is every time Gilles ignored a question or refused to answer the clown would honk his nose until Gilles gave up. The noise from the nose honk could only be considered magical. There was no device on the clown’s nose but every time he pinches his nose a honking noise would emerge. If it was truly magic it begs the question on why someone with the talent of arcane arts would choose to be a clown.
“I been meaning to ask how in the world do you make the honking noise from your nose?” Gilles couldn’t help but finally ask seeing the clown was going to be a traveling companion.
“The Goddess gives many blessings, for I am lucky to receive such a wonderous one.” The clown kneed and praised the sky as he explained.
“Oh really, every Goddess blessing has a name what is the name of yours?” Gilles asked with sarcasm.
“Must you take a fool’s word seriously? I thought you were an intelligent man, but it seems you are too are a fool.” The clown jumped up off the ground and laughed.
Gilles felt it was unfair that no matter where he goes he manage to get a companion that will mock him. He could only sigh. It was then he realize the clown’s attire was slightly odd. Sure the clown’s clothing was typical, very gaudy and colourful, but the hat was odd. The fool’s hat usually consisted of three points with bells attached but the hat the clown was donning had many points giving it an almost colourful cloth crown look.
“Weird hat you have there.” Gilles said as he studied the clown’s hat more carefully and realize each point had a different colour and it had all the colours of the rainbow. It must be an expensive hat certain colour dye isn’t cheap. “Tell me how does a fool have the coin for such a luxurious hat?”
The clown skipped close to Gilles and whispered “I am not just a simple fool” then suddenly back flipped away, put his hands on his waist puffed his chest, cleared his throat, and finally announced with with a regal voice “I am a KING, the KING OF FOOLS! Respect me or die! Worship me or starve! For my army is great and my intelligence is high! All outside of my kingdom are savages!”
The old man found the banter between Gilles and the clown amusing and joined in. “Oh great king what kingdom do you rule?’
“WHAT KINGDOM?” The clown acted insulted before shouting “I am no normal KING I rule all the kingdoms for where man exists there is sure to be a fool leading them!”
The clown drew attention with his loud voice and many people who were observing laughed heartily at that comment. Even Master Farhad who was getting off his own carriage chuckled slightly.
“NOW my steed” the clown said as he looked at Gilles “onward to the land of sleep!” and suddenly attempted to jump onto Gilles back. Gilles however saw the clown’s intentions and quickly dodged which made the clown land on his arse.
“OW! My steed why has thou forsaken your master. Didn’t I feed thy until thee adulthood, aren’t thou strong from drinking the milk from my bosom?” The clown yelled in resentment.
A wave of chuckles again sounded from a growing crowd. Gilles simply ignored the clown’s question again and started walking further away down the road. The clown and the old man quickly followed. A short while before they found an inn.
The inn compared to the public inn for officials was a lot more shabby. It was a simple wooden construction and resembled a giant shack. There was vandalization on the walls and looks rather runned down.
The innkeeper looked at the three and found them odd. Two beggars and a fool? “Beat it if you ain’t got the coin. One room is 20 prandiums minimum. No room for negotiation.”
“Oh we got the coin, a fool makes proper living you see! How much for a room with two beds?”
The innkeeper grunted “25 prandiums only one person per bed.”
“Two rooms one with two beds” The clown then took some coins from seemingly out of nowhere and put them on the counter.
“Thank you strange lad” The old man bowed in gratitude.
“Obliged.” Gilles responded.
“Pleasure doing business.. Here’s two keys. This one is the single room. Room numbers are on the keys.” The innkeeper said with a smile and handed the clown two keys.
The clown gently put the single room key into the old man’s hands and wrapped his arm around Gilles shoulder.
“My old bones are worn out by the long journey and I’ll retire now. Good night to the both of you.” The old man said before he quickly walked upstairs and retired into his room.
The clown looked at Gilles before inquiring “want to grab a bite before sleeping?”
The next two week passed uneventfully, with the caravan traveling during the day and sleeping at outpost inns and occasionally towns or village inns. The caravan finally arrived near the capital.
People started breaking off from the caravan, the tag alongs wouldn’t be able to enter through the main gate and could only enter through the south gate which was opposite. The south gate directly lead into the slum district where the tagalongs could enter.
After bidding the guards farewell and promising to have a drink with them in the capital Gilles and his two companions went into the slum district without any trouble.
“This is where we say goodbye” the old man said with a bit of emotion. “I may never be able to repay the hospitality you two have shown me, but honor this old man with your names and perhaps in the future before I might be able to help in some small way.”
The clown waved the old man off before saying his company was gratitude enough and Gilles did the same.
The old man looked regretful and could only bow slightly before walking away.
“Why are you still following me? The journey is over we have reached the capital.” Gilles said with a look of disapproval at the clown. ಠ_ಠ
“Why not, we are going the same way aren’t we?” The clown replied with his usual grin.
The grin looked both genuine and fake. It seemingly said that the clown was happy to enjoy the misfortune of others.
“Oh are we now? I am just passing through the capital.”
“Oh? So am I.” The clown puffed his chest.
“I’ll be going that way.” Gilles started walking.
“What a coincidence so am I.” The clown followed.
“Ah I changed my mind I’ll be going the otherway.”
“So have I.”
The exchange continued with Gilles going a direction before another and the clown insistent on following until they manage to reach the checkpoint from the slum district into the lower district.
“Halt!” said one of the guards at the checkpoint. “What business do you two have in the lower district?”
The clown simply looked at Gilles waiting for his response first.
Gilles reached into his pouch and held up a pendent that had a golden turtle on it.
The guards looked at each other and then whispered amongst themselves, it didn’t take long until they reached a consensus.
“Would the kind sir allow an escort to the Golden Company. It would be a great fault on our parts if anything happened.”
Gilles simply nodded.
“And is the fool your companion?” The guard inquired then looked around, but the clown was nowhere to be found.
Gilles looked around as well and simply shrugged. One less headache I suppose.
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In a luxury residence in the nobleman’s district Roach was again pondering about the conspiracy to kill Gilles. The thought troubled him for the pass weeks. He sincerely hoped it wouldn’t have to resort to the death of a benefactor. He finally made up his mind to at least talk to Gilles one last time before the plan.
A newly trained maid approached Roach with tea. Her hands were nervous and shaking, she was quite scared of Roach. The face and stature of Roach was indeed too sinister for the new maid. She had to muster all her courage just to hold the plate with the tea set.
Meanwhile Roach paid no attention the to approaching foot steps and still was in deep thought. I just have to convince him, I just have to. “I must.” Roach carelessly said his thoughts out loud.
The sound of Roach’s creepy voice startled the maid at an unfortunate time. She was just putting down the tea set when she heard the sudden eery voice. The maid flinched and lost control of her hands and the tea set along with the tea came crashing down onto Roach.
“AHHH” Roach screamed in pain from the hot tea.
“Sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to sir! Sorry!” The maid said quickly in a panic. She knew her life was over, she started tearing up, both fear and panic overcame her.
The head maid quickly approached when she heard the commotion.
“I’ll bring you a change of clothes Master Roach.” The head maid said calmly.
“Damn, She’s the new maid right?” Roach said while still in pain.
“Correct, Master Roach. She just finished her training.”
“Train her more carefully.” Roach said in a chilling tone.
The new maid face started becoming more and more pale. Train, am I going to get tortured? I never should have taken this job. Her face is now completely pale and she is on the verge of passing out.
The head maid couldn’t help but laugh inwardly as she dragged the new maid out of the room and instructed another maid to bring Master Roach a new set of clothes. The head maid was especially mischievous today and decided to bring the new trainee down to the basement. The new maid seeing where they were going was on the verge of passing out. She couldn’t help but plea to the head maid “I am too young to die, I have brothers at home that need me, please show mercy” as she teared up.
Seeing the new maid starting to cry the head maid let go and started to explain in a soft tone. “The Master isn’t actually evil like the rumours, when he said for me to train you better he just mean a light scolding.” The head maid then started looking sad as she explained further “the Master often gets mistaken for being cruel because of his looks, but I can guarantee with my life that the Master is kind man.”
The new maid sniffles and still had a look of disbelief “really?”
“Do you know why you are currently here?”
The new maid sniffles again and shock her head.
“It’s because Master upon hearing an old maid had a injured leg he sent her away and secretly gave her enough gold to retire without ever needing to work.” The head maid said as she started smiling.
The new maid looked slightly better but doubt can still be seen in her eyes.
“Alright be more careful next time. Trust me with in a month you will see I am tell you the truth.”
While the head maid was chatting with the new maid the house butler entered Roach’s and informed Roach “Master Gilles has arrived at the capital and wants to seek an audience.”
Roach made a complex expression and commanded to the butler “bring him here.”