“How are the rest days assigned?” Orchid asked while adjusting his formal Academy coat.

They’d reached Bismark the night before and had set up camp near the local Garrison.

“One squad will be allowed into the city for each of the four days that we spend here for resupplying. I’ve checked with the local garrison and they say that the resupply convoy from the depot at Otto fort is delayed by a day.” Kowalski reported from the flap of his tent.

“Why is it delayed?” Frowning, he fixed the knives strapped to his belt.

“There were heavy storms to the East. The roads are flooded so, movement is slow.”

“Any reason we should be concerned?”

“No. This is normal. Never expect your supplies to reach on time. Or in enough quantities.” The sergeant recited as if it was a catechism.

“That’s troubling.” Taking some reports out from the chest in his tent, he went over their supply situation. “We should have enough to reach Florenzi. Even if we only get half our resupply.”

“That’s not a good thing, sir. We should make sure that we have plenty of extra food at least.”

“We can place a requisition with the local garrison then. How much do we need?” Orchid scribbled a few calculations and handed it to Kowalski.

“It won’t work, sir. It will take them several days just to process the order.”

“We can’t afford to wait that long.” Tapping his chin, Orchid sat down on the desk. “What can we do? We’ll just have to go without them.”

“That’s a really bad idea.”

“You have some way to get around it?”

The sergeant hesitated, her eyes wandering around the room, the first time Orchid had seen her looking so unsure.

“What is it sergeant? If you know something, tell me.” He insisted.

Sighing, she moved closer to him and whispered.

“There are ways for us to get what we need from the garrison, but they’re methods that aren’t quite reportable.”

“Buying military supplies?” That was surprising. It was one of the offenses that was heavily punishable in the military. Orchid could understand her concern now. For a person who made the military a career that sort of implication could easily result in a discharge.

“No sir. Not buying supplies, more like trading. We give them some of the supplies we have in excess, and in return they give us what they want.”

“What do you need me to do?” Orchid stated.

I doubt I can tell her I’m a Gang boss to ease her mind.

“Nothing sir. Just turn your eyes away from my actions for a while.” She looked relieved that he wasn’t going to question her too much.

“Fine. Make sure you get enough for the whole force. You have my calculations, but use your judgement for whatever you think we need. How are we going to handle patrolling the troops on furlough?” Orchid asked while writing a list of extra supplies.

“We’ll send a file from one of the other squads to assist the local guard if it becomes necessary.”

“Here’s a list of some items that could be useful. It’s not important if you can’t get any of it, but see if the warehouses don’t have any just laying around.” Handing her the list, he dismissed the sergeant.

After a final check of his attire, he went to Anna’s company so that they could head into the town.

Inquiring about her location from the sentries posted near the tent, he found her arguing with Rat while a bemused Leon watched them.

“The dress is fine Lizbet!” Anna growled.

“I feel like a fool Anna. I’ve never worn anything like this before.” Rat grumbled while flaring the skirt of the formal dress that she wore. Her hair loose in flowing waves down her back, the image of the sharp street urchin was nowhere to be seen. Anna had even put some sort of makeup on both their faces. The Rats hands were tightly gripping the cloth and Anna fussed over the damage and wrinkles that would be caused if she didn’t let go. “Just let it be. I don’t want to wear this, it’s a bad idea.”

“Remember what Orchid said. We have to go as refined, noble Lady’s.” Anna was insistent. “You look beautiful Liz. Very beautiful. Isn’t that right Count Savoy?”

Startled at being asked, Leon stared at them dumbly before mumbling his agreement. That only served to net him a glare from Anna.

“He’s right Liz. Rock would fall over himself if he sees you like this.” Orchid called as he reached them.

“Don’t mention him.” Rat ground out through clenched teeth and Orchid raised his hand to dismiss her comment.

“You’re a pretty woman, my friend. It doesn’t hurt if that blockhead notices it. Have you gone to see him yet? We have time if you haven’t.”

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Rat blushed faintly and shook her head in denial. Her attitude a clear sign that she wasn’t going to show herself off.

“Suit yourself.” Orchid shrugged and surveyed the group.

Leon looked like a pure true blooded noble. Short golden hair that fell to the collar of his coat, even with his uncomfortable expression he would pass for a supercilious spendthrift. Anna wore a white ankle length summer dress, a large straw hat that held a massive flower adorning her head.

Probably to hide the purple.

“Looks like we’re ready. When Jacob comes with the carriage we’ll head into town.” Orchid told them and sat down on a nearby rock. Anna flinched when she heard Jacobs name and Orchid studied her with interest.

Leon slunk to sit next to him as Rat and Anna returned to arguing about their dresses.

“She looks happy even though she’s complaining. I don’t understand.” Leon whispered.

“Just let them be. There’s no way we can understand them. I still don’t know why it’s so important to get that whatever vine. She’s being way too evasive on the subject.” Orchid grumbled. “Whenever I mention Jacob she becomes all weird and fluttery. Is a handsome face so important?”

Seeing the incomprehension on Leon’s face, he clapped him on the shoulder and asked him to just ignore what was going on and prepare for their trip.

Two pretty girls and I get the feeling that it’s not going to be as fun as Jacob says it would be, with a flower in each hand.

*  *  *  *  *  *

The shaky carriage had caused Jacob to face a blistering series of insults from him until Anna had tugged on his sleeve and begged for leniency. Her infatuated smiles and simpering at the handsome Banner mercenary had irritated Orchid even further so the unfortunate man became their impromptu driver. The original driver was dismissed with a handful of red crystals and Orchid’s assurances that the carriage would be kept safe and returned by the evening. He justified the change by citing security and secrecy, which was how Jacob clumsily drove the carriage towards the gates.

His anger hadn’t been at the appearance of the carriage. He’d become furious when he’d checked the axels and discovered that they were loose. Too loose, which meant that the ride would be uncomfortable at best. A quick illusion had rectified the look of the carriage by placing the crest of the von Hohenzollern family on the doors and the four of them had sat inside while Jensen’s squad rode on horses in formation around them.

Orchid sat on the padded cushions to one side with Rat next to him. Facing his companions, Orchid explained the mode of dress he had forced on them.

“The thing is, at auctions like this, the best way to keep the price down on items that aren’t very rare is to have a powerful background. Most people aren’t interested in getting into disagreements with the major families or powers, so to avoid issues we’ll flaunt your family Anna. There aren’t many people who’ll raise the prices on goods that the Dukes family wants.” His voice shook with the rocking of their conveyance.

They’d nodded in agreement but Rat interjected.

“That doesn’t explain why I have to dress up like this though.”

“The reasoning behind that is a masterstroke, if I may say so myself.” Orchid grinned in pride at the ruse he had developed. “A single member of the von Hohenzollern would be here on business so they would be limited in what they could spend. However, if we go as two foolish couples who are just amusing themselves and spending money for no good reason, who in their right minds would enter a bidding war with those people who are so careless with money?”

Waving his arms dramatically he laughed, caught up in the excitement.

“So, why am I a couple with you?” Rat demanded.

The grin slid of Orchids face and he mumbled.

“Height.”

“What?” She asked, leaning forwards since she couldn’t hear him.

“Height. I’m not tall enough to accompany Anna, since she’s the main thrust of our deception. Leon is well known enough that it wouldn’t raise eyebrows if he was accompanying her, even if it was only in an official capacity. If they find out our identities, it allows us to continue the ruse. Remember, we’re not hiding who we are, we just want the Vine cheap. Also, they look good together.”

Rat nodded as she studied the proposed couple, who were looking really uncomfortable.

“I can see what you mean by that, but what reason is there for two couples to go? Why couldn’t we be their attendants or guards?”

“No one would believe the duke hired child guards even in our Cadet uniforms, and groups of young nobles are well known to act rashly and spend money in droves to show off.” Orchid clapped his hands to emphasize his next point. “Which is why I told you all before. We have to act as couples, so whether or not you like it, think of it as acting practice and behave foolishly besotted.” Glancing at Rat he added. “Think of me as the person you’d prefer I be.”

Ignoring her glare, he considered Leon before pointing at him.

“You. Don't even talk. Your acting will have us exposed in seconds.” The thought of their fight was still fresh in his mind and he didn’t think the people who were attending the auction would ignore that sort of pathetic performance.

Fighting with the two who felt insulted their carriage rattled its way to the Gate.

The guards at the gate stared at the crest in astonishment before calling for their captain. That worthy was a slightly overweight bull of a woman who rushed towards the carriage in a huff while apologizing for the delay. Almost fawning over them, the captain went out of her way to try and please them. Anna responded in a flowery speech that was so unlike her, Leon stared in open mouthed wonder, until he received a kick in the leg and glare from Orchid.

Passing through the city gates, they followed the Captains directions to the Auction house that was located near the center of the merchant district.

The city of Artists was a strange merger of magic and the arts. Hundreds of years ago, a frustrated mage made his home in the small village of Bismark after a disastrous tenure as a court mage. He was a talented mage with a compulsion for the aesthetics of magic, which hadn’t endeared him to the more militant factions that were in power at the time. Without much to do, he started improving the appearance of the village with his magic. Slowly, the buildings started to rival those of the Capital and the roads became smoother and flatter.

After word of his works spread, some unsuccessful artists came to see what had come to be known as the village of Art, for inspiration. They eventually settled and became the first Artisans Guild of Bismark. More people moved in and under the mages leadership Bismark became a center of arts and crafts that rivalled the Capital. The mages name had long been lost, but it was his passion for the appearance of magic that changed the fate of the village of Bismark and made it the series of colorful buildings and stone towers that it was today.

The auction house was in one of those originally remodeled buildings. According to the Captain they had questioned, it was the original village meeting hall that the mage had reinforced and rebuilt, making it a separate compound that eventually absorbed the nearby houses. They pulled up to the compound and Orchid slid out of his seat, hobbling a little with the discomfort in his rear from the uncomfortable journey.

Turning back to the carriage he held his hand out and smiled at Rat.

“Come dear Lady, an adventure awaits us within these halls.”

She sniffed at him but held his hand as she stepped down, a stiff smile plastered on her face.

“Smile happily, Liz. We’re a happy couple, remember?” Orchid murmured as they locked arms and moved out of the way so that the others could descend. Once they were down, Orchid waved Jacob away and they headed into the compound, the sound of the rickety carriage drifting away with their every step.