Luna did her best to maintain her composure as she rode through the city in her carriage. It was rare her sister entrusted the Princess to do something, even more something useful! And, not only was this useful, it was necessary and critical. Lives depended on her to get this right. Perhaps it was inappropriate but she couldn’t help but feel excited, even elated! After those useless weeks with those annoyingly amorous snakes, it was a welcome change, even if she was still exhausted.
“My princess, I suggest you refrain from smiling.” The very old bat on the other side of the carriage glared her way as he spoke. It was a respectful glare though. The kind given by a bat short on already borrowed time. Next to him, Coruscis sat with her nose buried in a book. A book she was taking notes from. Luna didn’t know what her assistant was working on, but hoped it was at least related to this request.
Outside were three Guards, Teuta, Hastam, and a rather angry Dwarf Toss Carraige who didn’t particularly enjoy the thought of interacting with the humans. His complaining could be heard in the carriage.
“If the humans didn’t want trouble, then maybe they shouldn’t have stolen that… thing whatever it was! Bunch of thieves.” The Dwarf complained to any that would listen or were around him. Unfortunately, that was everyone in the carriage.
“What did the fools think would happen? Did they think the High Guard would just put up with that non-sense, like the Common Guard does? The humans are lucky more of them didn’t die. Aye, not that I’m happy to see anyone die, mind you. But what did they expect? Dark races never…” The Dwarf grew unusually silent for a moment as he reconsidered his words. “Well, I suppose they aren’t all bad. Present company as an example. You are all very fine people.” Toss chewed back his words as he became aware of the ire towards him. Given the eye rolls, it came off more condescending than anything else.
The halfhearted apology didn’t last very long as he went into another questionable diatribe against the humans once more, this time working in the Ahuizotls for good measure.
Despite his complaining, most of the carriage did their best to ignore him, as each of them always did. Though, it did elicit an eye roll from Luna, and a sympathetic smile from the bat across the way. “I know that’s just how dwarves are loud by nature, but he seems rather…” Luna struggled to find words that would not be half as insulting as the dwarf’s were.
“I know how you feel princess. It was his mouth that got him removed from the Solar Guard. But, he remains deeply loyal, it would have been a waste to not keep him in the Guard somewhere.” The bat reminded her.
“I’m aware. I leave matters of the Lunar Guard to you and my other generals. That’s why we’ve pay you for all these years, after all.” She returned a friendly smile, only for it to drop as the old bat began another coughing fit.
Luna couldn’t help but wonder how long he would remain in this world for. He was old, and not just for a bat. Even among the neutral races, living into your 70s was considered a long life, and he was almost 80 now. Luna tried to remember his exact age.
As if reading her mind, he responded once his coughing stopped, “I’ve been around for 78 years, my princess. I’ll be around for a few more. But, even you know it won’t be forever.”
General Torrent was one of the first there when she was awoken. His quick, ruthless and cold reputation saw him as the perfect judge over what to do with the awoken and dangerous monster everyone knew her as. She remembered how he had stared at her for what felt like days as if probing her entire existence at a glance. That he chose to quickly kneel was, what saved her from being locked back in that crystal. She hoped that memory and the words he spoke would never be forgotten, “Welcome back, my princess, Luna.” But time was not kind to the mind of an immortal.
It wasn’t just the words, but how they were spoken to her. In almost 800 years, he was one of only a handful who saw her as a legitimate ruler of Illania. More than that, as an actual person, and not just cog for her sister to turn and use.
For a moment, she thought about teasing him and calling him by his real name. However, another coughing fit made her reconsider. The old bat would probably not survive his own anger. He hated his real name.
“This cough isn’t what’s going to kill me.” Again, he seemed to have almost second sense for what people were thinking and doing.
It was one of his abilities that made him so dangerous. How he could read almost anyone. It’s why she was glad he was coming. Unlike her sister, Luna didn’t have many advisors, certainly none to the same competency as what Queen Luminis had.
A bitter smile of acceptance crept up her cheeks as she laid her head back in the carriage. “No, it will be your heart.” Again, her resources weren’t anything like what the Queen had. But, she still had her sources. One which sat next to him.
It was essential she kept up tabs on those closest to her. When that day finally comes, she’d need to be ready, and not just emotionally. Luna knew she was lucky to have someone so loyal to her selected while she was… asleep. If her sister had any say in the next pick, she doubted she’d be lucky again.
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust the Queen, quite the opposite. She knew her sister well, and even if she had changed with time, her core self-remained true. Luna trusted Luma to be just what she was, the Queen.
The bat stopped coughing once more and smiled in way a proud grandfather might, “Ah, your spy work is better than I thought. Good. Very good my Princess.”
Speaking of resources, there was one missing resource that was bothering her right now. Neal wasn’t with them. Of course, she knew he was probably still asleep in his apartment, but maybe it would have been worth waiting for someone to go and wake him up. Having a human on her side might have usefule in dealing with this group of humans. Even if he wasn’t born here, they didn’t necessarily know that or care.
Well, if need be, they’d still be able to get him, it would just take time. Time they didn’t have to begin with. Which was why they left with only the three guards.
Something had been bothering her about Neal. Even though she had been exhausted and could barely stay awake, she was still lucid enough to notice he wasn’t present last night nor at the end of it when he and that minotaur would go out for dinks. As tempted as she might have been to inquire, it just wasn’t her place. Guard duties were left to the generals and her captains. It was not something she should be involved with, even if he was a … friend. A part of her did worry what non-sense Sable may have had him doing rather than being in the throne room. Well, maybe when this was over she would bring up her concerns on the side with Sable. After all, that’s what she said she would do a month ago.
It was Neal’s choice to join the Guard, even with her protests. A little pain might be a good teacher for him. But if that was the case, why was he still sticking it out? Maybe, his desire was earnest? Thinking about him, he was so different from the rest of the humans in this world.
As she thought about the humans of this world and the city, Luna turned to her assistant Coruscis. “Coruscis, do you know who’s in charge of the human enclave?”
“On the Guard’s side it’s ultimately general Seadh. For the city and house of commons…” She shifted through her notes, “There is one seat for the house, but it’s been vacant for a very long time.” Shifting around some more, she couldn’t find anything else. “I’m sorry Luna, I don’t see anything about a mayor, governor or other leadership for the enclave. It’s possible they don’t have anything formal.” The rabbit look flustered as she pooled through all her note and the text on her lap. Which Luna could now see was a complete history of the city, along with maps.
Another smile crossed Luna’s lips. As always, she was impressed by Coruscis’ attention to detail and research. The smile dropped as she lurched inside the carriage as it suddenly stopped The sound of a heavy gate squeeing could be heard, and then abruptly stopped.
There was some argument outside.
“The Princess is in there? You can’t bring her through! You know what’s passed this gate?” Luna wasn’t sure who had stopped them but was determined to find out.
Luna opened the door and steeped out. The sun was bright overhead, and she had to squint. Her body and mind were just too used to the night.
“My Princess, I…” The disheveled lion guard, a captain by the looks of it, stammered in front of the carriage. It was clear he didn’t want to be there or know how to fully process the situation.
Before Luna responded to him, she blinked and looked around. It was hard to see, given how bright it was. Still, there was an unmistakable mark of conflict. Some of the buildings near the gate house appeared charred and damaged. Evidence of a fire. Splinters of wood, and some cloth stood in tiny rubbish piles. But it was the occasionally red splotches along the stone street that really told the story. There was blood spilt here.
Swallowing down the carnage, she was thankful that no other deaths were reported beyond the initial two. Just injuries. Turing to face the Guard holding her up, she asked “Are you the captain in charge of this gate?”
The lion’s brown mane shifted as he nodded, “Yes Princess Luna, I’m the captain in charge of all the gatehouses on the west side of the wall. We are underorders to keep the humans inside from coming out and rioting. That means exit and entry are prohibited.”
“By whom?”
“Well, I don’t…” The lion shook his mane, the princess wouldn’t like that answer, “That is I got my orders from general Seadh.” It was all the lion could say, he wasn’t one to question orders.
Luna didn’t want to force the issue too much. The Guard was just doing his job, he wouldn’t stop her if she just moved passed him. That said, she knew it would be better to have more allies than less.
Maybe she could convince him to work with her. More numbers would be an asset. “I was just in a meeting with general Seadh, along with general Pinguis, my own general Torrent and of course, my sister the Queen.”
“I...” Again, the lion stammered. He didn’t want to be here right now.
With a gential sigh and smile, Luna decided to try a diffrent approach, “Captain, what is your name?”
His body stood a bit strighter as he took a breath, “Bastante, my princess.”
“Do you know who’s in charge of the humans?” Luna asked, she kept that same smile.
Bastante shook his head, “There’s no explicit leadership. The last time the humans tried to create a government inside the enclave, they were arrested.”
That wasn’t what she was expecting to hear. In fact, she had never heard of that. Looking between Coruscis and Torrent, neither of them seemed to know either. “I had no idea. Do you know when that happened and who ordered that?”
“Mama, I don’t….” Again, Bastante took a breath to stop from stammering. “I don’t know who ordered it, I’m not privy to those decisions, and it was a few years before I became a guard here. Honestly, I only know because the humans told me.”
The lion’s stance fell a bit as he realized this wasn’t going to go anywhere. One last time he would warn her, one last time he would try. “Princess, I understand you want to go through. But it isn’t safe.”
Now she was done being nice. The drop in his stance meant he was broken; he wasn’t going to fight them any more on this. “Guardsman, I assure you we are fine. Now, please let us pass. If it helps, this is a royal order.”
He still seemed to struggle with his position. On the one hand, even as a common Guard, he was supposed to follow all lawful decrees, but on the other, he didn’t want to let anyone get hurt. He wasn’t just thinking about the princess either. For the past two years he had managed these gatehouses, and had built up a rapport with not just his guards, but even a few of the humans on the other side.
Luna sighed and looked around. There were a very large number of common guards around the gate. They were also well armed and fully armored. It was obvious they were readying for a serious fight soon. It was a good wedge to start the conversation, “Captain, I know you’re concerned, particularly in light of what the high guard did earlier. I can see you’re readying for a battle at any moment. Would it help alleviate your concern if we took a few common guards as well? They can ensure things stay safe and stable, on both sides.”
Bastante looked between his guards, “My princess, as I’ve said it isn’t safe or stable passed this gate. But…” The lion paused; it was clear his words weren’t going to get through. So long as they were there to ensure things were kept under control, maybe it would be ok. A huff of resignation escaped him, he knew it wouldn’t be. “But, I can’t stop you. Yes, I’ll accept your proposal.”
The captain called out the names of four other guards and stood in front of the carriage. A mixture of neutral races, probably chosen to minimize the impact of the incursion into the human’s territory.
The captain gave some orders to the four common guard and fell back to the side of the carriage. As they started to move, he turned to the princess who was back to sitting inside the plush interior. “My Princess, what you asked earlier. There is no one is in charge of the enclave, officially. But, I do think I know someone who might be worth talking too.”
“Thank you captain.”
A shake of his head, Bastante responded “Don’t thank me. If I can get you there quickly, that less time you’ll be in danger and less time your presence will agitate the humans further.”
Passing through the gate, the city landscape changed immediately. Most of Collisviridis’ streets were well upkept and cleaned, with paved stones that were even and smooth. Inside the human quarter though, was a different story. While most of the encampment streets were in fact paved, it was not done well. The carriage pitched and shifted over stones that weren’t level and missing in some places. Debris also seemed to pile in the streets, not all of which could be climbed over with the carriage. Many of the buildings seemed to exist in various stages of neglect. Though, nothing was quite in ruin, it was more like this section was forgotten by the rest of the city.
To be fair, It wasn’t the worst-looking city Luna had seen, in truth, anywhere else it might have just been moderately poor. But the contrast between the two parts was staggering.
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Small groups of Humans lined the streets, glaring at her carriage and the Guards around it. From the windows, she couldn’t see any weapons. But that didn’t mean they weren’t hiding them somewhere. Most seemed as neglected as their section of the city. Clothes that were more tattered than should have been. People thinner and shorter than they should be. But interspersed where the few that worried her. Humans that were larger than the rest, well fed, strong, and taller. If there was a fight, they would no doubt be the ones on the front lines. They were nothing compared to a minotaur, but against an elf they very well might win, if they fought dirty.
From outside the carriage the lion Bastante continued to walk along, directing the carriage to some place further in, but not quite deep. His concerns multiplied as he watched the princess stare around in a daze. It was clearly her first time being in this part of the city.
He had to ask, “Princess Luna, if you don’t mind me asking, what was your plan coming out here?” Bastante spoke through her open window.
Luna stopped staring and looked at the captain, “What do you mean?”
“Well, no offense, but you didn’t seem to even know who to talk to. Were you just hoping they’d take you to their leader?”
With a light blush of embarrassment she nodded and said, “Honestly, yes.”
“I see…” Bastante smiled at her brashness. It was foolish, but somehow amusing, and almost comforting. Despite the stories and rumors, it was almost like she actually cared. Like it wasn’t just politics. Even if he knew it had to be.
Luna continued to defend herself, “I was given assurances that the humans, liked me at least more than my sister.”
“I suppose that’s true, but the humans aren’t fond of anyone in power. I don’t think they’re anarchists by choice, but regardless that does seem to be what they are.”
One last turn and Bastante motioned for the carriage to stop. They were just short of a rather large multi-leveled building. There appeared to be some kind of deck on the 2nd floor with tables and seats. If Luna had to guess it was some kind of tavern or pub.
Stepping out of the carriage Despite the run-down nature of the enclave, this particular section seemed a bit nicer. Closer to what the rest of the lower city looked like. Which is to say, it was still run down, just with a coat of paint.
A few of the human’s outside the building ran inside after seeing her step out. It was clear they were relaying something to those inside. This looked like the right place. Luna waved her group on, letting the common guard continue to take point.
The glares from the humans were strong, and more than a few seemed directed, in front of her. They weren’t glaring at her, rather at the Dwarf Toss. Toss stood proud, and almost appeared to smile under the aggressive gaze. It occurred to her, how bad of an idea bring a dwarf into the enclave might have been. But, it was too late now. At best, she could have had him stay by the carriage, but then she wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on him. Dwarves were a proud race, if a human said something to him, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t act. So long as he was kept on a leash that energy and aggressiveness could be useful and controlled, but only to a point, and again only when she held that leash.
The inside of the tavern was closer to what one might expect of a large nightclub, more than anything else. Inside, groups of humans huddled and whispered. Papers that were on the tables were quickly put away. A few rolled up what looked like maps. By all appearances, this was a group of rebels preparing for something big. It was surprising that they let her in at all given this seemed to be some kind of headquarters for whatever was coming.
Also, something else that was worrying. All the humans in here appeared to be armed with short swords, and possibly some bows. Citizenry was generally forbidden from having weapons in the city. That included the enclave. Though, clearly the humans didn’t feel the same way.
A brief flash from the corner of her eye, and she noticed her general had disappeared. Despite his frail health, he was as spry as ever. A subtle flash from his armor caught her eye as he took a seat on the second-floor balcony, looking over the inside of the bar. A good vantage point, for a general. The old bat motioned to the rather confused waiter who nodded as he pulled something out of his pocket. The human, then ran off. It she didn’t know any better, it seemed like her general ordered a drink.
‘Why, not?’ she tried not to laugh at the absurdity of it all. But, the old bat always had a method to his actions, and he was rarely wrong.
Bastante motioned with his hand, snapping the princess away from her general to a well dressed human behind the bar. “That man’s name is Aaron, he more or less owns this place.”
“More or less?” Luna raised an eyebrow, curious about the response.
“It’s complicated. Property rights aren’t so formal in the enclave.” Bastante shrugged.
The well dressed man quickly walked out from behind the bar. At first Luna had mistaken him for just a bartender, but the way he moved and stood. It seemed like he might have been in charge of more than just this bar.
The man, Aaron bowed but barely, almost like it was an afterthought and maybe even a slight, “My Princess.” The tone was quite formal, at first Luna wondered if she was being mocked. “May I ask what brings you to my humble establishment?”
‘No matter’, even if she was being mocked, she’d have to ignore it. With a smile, Luna spoke pleasantly “I understand you are Aaron, it’s a pleasure.”
The man smiled back at her, even she could tell it was forced. For a moment, she thought about how to approach this conversation, despite his appearance of hopeful revolutionary, a ruler in waiting, Aaron did not seem like someone who wanted to hear empty platitudes.
Luna continued, “I’d like to tell you I’ve heard good things about you, but in truth, I only just learned about you a few minutes ago.”
“Heh, well I do keep a low profile. After all, it’s hard to find anyone who wants to rule this assortment of apes!” He nearly shouted that last part, eliciting a short chorus of cheers from the humans around him.
“I can understand that. I also just learned that your enclave doesn’t have a representative in the house of commons. That seems unjust.”
“Yes, well, useless organization that is. We haven’t elected that seat in some decades now. Some think we’re better off.”
She nodded, “I wonder about that. I intend to find out what happened to your previous representatives and why you haven’t felt comfortable electing a new one. Everyone in this city deserves to be represented. Humans included.”
“It’s simple princess, we aren’t welcome. Haven’t been since I was born, and even before that.”
“I understand that…” Luna stopped herself, she could see a defiant smirk from Aaron. She had to reminded herself, to stay away from pleasantries and false statements. He was liable to see through them. “No. I guess I don’t understand. But I’m willing to listen if you’ll tell me.”
The man sighed and shook his head, before looking at a clock across the bar. He was debating on something. Something that was coming or going to happen. Turning with a smile, he shook his head again. “So this is what they do. Send the princess out to play diplomat. But sure, we have time. Please sit with me.”
Aaron motioned to an empty table with two seats. Conveniently, it hid several of the other tables around the exits. It didn’t take much effort to see they were going to move things out of the tavern while she was occupied whit him. Well, there wasn’t much they could do about that anyway. There were 10 of them, compared to the roughly 30 humans just inside the bar, to say nothing of those outside it. There would be no way to stop them without force, and worse yet, more bloodshed. But that was the wrong way to think about all this in the first place, they weren’t here to start a conflict but to end one.
As she sat across from Aaron, Luna was able to finally get a good look at his features. He had jet black hair, that was well taken care of, unlike many of the other around. His eyes were a deep hazel almost brown, in another context she might have seen them like a friendly puppy dogs, but here they looked more like a wolf’s gazing another predator. When he was standing, he was shorter than she’d expected, maybe a few inches under Neal’s height, but he seemed to have more defined muscle, or maybe just less fat. A few scars around his face and hands testified to a hard life of fighting. “Well, what would you like to know, Princess?”
“First, do any of your people need medical attention? I saw the blood splatter outside the gate. There was a lot.”
The smile on Aaron’s face twisted to more one of scorn but shifted back quickly to his neutral one. “No. I do thank you for the offer, I know it’s legitimate and you’re not just looking to make more arrests. I’ll be honest with you, most of that blood isn’t human. As for those that were injured on our side, they have been taken care of by us. We can’t use magic, but there are healing methods that don’t need them.”
As he shifted in his seat, Luna became aware of padding under his shirt, particularly around his right bicep. Likely bandages and healing ointments under it. It was true, there were ways to treat minor wounds, like cuts and scrapes. Even deep punctures and cuts could be cleaned out and healed with the right medicines. Though it would take a long time. However, cuts down to the bone, for that traditional medicine would have the effected limb… removed.
It was a shame the humans didn’t trust her enough. But, it very well might be too late for those severely injured anyway. She wasn’t a doctor but even she knew you had to be quick to stop death by blood loss. Who knows, maybe Aaron was right, maybe they had beaten back the guard with no losses on their side. There were stories of how brutal and efficient the humans could be in combat. Though, they were from thousands of years ago. During a time when human mages existed and were feared, but now, well, they didn’t exist. Only their swords man, and bow man. Still, that might be enough.
Luna knew the two were sitting in silence while she thought about the humans. It was hard to pin down exactly what to say, and do. After looking around it was clear, they were planning on something, something big.
“I’m glad your people are recovering. Please know my offer has no conditions or timetable, if you change your mind. But, you are smart enough to know that is not the only or even main reason I’m here.”
“No you want us to stop, ‘rioting’ as the Guards call it. We prefer to call it defending ourselves.”
“Of course, and you were right to defend yourselves even if the High Guard had reason to suspect those who were…” Pausing for a moment, Luna considered her next words carefully. The Human’s eyes had squinted slightly, and some of his muscles were tense. He was already angry about what she might say, even if she hadn’t said it yet. Who even were those killed, why did it affect him so much?
A sudden realization crossed her as she looked into Aaron’s eyes, “I’m sorry. I just realized no one ever told me their names.”
“Sam and Ellina. They had been married 24 years. They were good people, and didn’t deserve to be butchered in their home. Then to add insult, the High Guard set fire to building. You’re probably aware it was being used to store some of the enclave’s food reserves? Unlike the rest of the city, not all of us can afford to buy produce, so some of us organize family kitchens for those who can’t eat.”
There is was, the entry point she needed. “I was aware of the fire. I can have the food replaced, more than was lost in fact. I will also work with the Queen to see regular food shipments sent to the enclave; the crown will pay for it. What you’ve all been through isn’t right, but even more than that, no one should go hungry in this city.”
Aaron’s smile grew, but his eyes drifted away from hers, bittering whatever emotion was there. “It’s not just about food, my princess. The High Guard went too far this time. They targeted that house on purpose to hurt all of us. Because that’s what the High Guard do, stomp on the lower races for the Nobel’s and aristocrats. They think they can hurt us, maybe even starve us to death. We are not so weak. Well Princess, do you have anything to say?”
The High Guard were proud, and it was true their dislike of the dark races ran deep. It was very rare for any of the dark race to join their ranks. Still, murder and attempted genocide was a step too far, even for them. Luna remembered the notes Coruscis had gone over, there was another answer she could think of but doubted Aaron would like it. He wanted an answer though. “I didn’t know Sam and Elline, but the report we received, the High Guard claimed they were known smugglers. Is it possible that-“
A fire lit behind Aaron’s eyes as he yelled and slammed his fist on table “Sam and Ellina never! ...” All around him, the bar grew alert. The Guards with the princess unsheathed their swords. Only the bat on the second floor maintained his composure as he sipped at whatever drink was delivered to him. He didn’t seem to think either side was prepared to fight right now, despite the posturing.
From the corner of her eye, Luna had been watching him. The fact that he seemed unconcerned meant that she could afford to be as well. She trusted her general. There was no real threat here, and she held up a hand to her guards, both Lunar and Common, “Put your weapons away. We’re not here to fight them.”
The common guards seemed less willing to comply, but as Luna’s guard did what they were told, the common guard followed, after which, the various patrons also relaxed.
“Aaron, I’m sorry for that. You were about to tell me something about your friends?”
Aaron took a breath, sweat on his brow showed he wasn’t ready for combat just yet either. “Sam and Ellina, yes they were known smugglers in their youth I won’t deny that but turned cleaned decades ago. We’ve been using them for the past few years to hide and maintain our reserve food sources. They know how to bring food in without the guards knowing. They inspect everything that comes through the gates and things tend to go missing. You already know the city doesn’t always give us what we need, the guards take from the top, and most of us can’t afford much. Assuming anyone would even sell to us. ”
Luna struggled to find something to say, but Aaron wouldn’t give her a chance to respond. “It’s not just food Princess. It’s everything. We’re happy to live in peace, but the High Guard and this city won’t let us.”
“Aaron, please I want to help, to understand your people. I know you’ve been neglected. I have too, I think I can help you. Give me a chance.”
Aaron laughed and shook his head before standing up. “No. You’re not a human Princess, you don’t have a clue what it’s like.” He glanced at the clock once more, “We’re done talking. Princess, the Enclave isn’t safe for you right now, please go back to the castle. I mean this with sincerity, none of us wish you harm.”
The conversation was over, for now at least. The talk did not go the way she had hoped. Obviously why her sister sent her out. Now, anything that happened, could be pointed back to her. No, she had to do more. There was one more thing she could try. Another human. Neal wasn’t from this world, but maybe. At the very least he seemed more aware of conflict than she did.
As she walked by Toss, the dwarf did his best to up lift her spirits in the way only a dwarf could, “Don’t be so hard on yourself princess.” He smiled up at her, with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, “The humans know nothing but violence. They seek any excuse to fight and kill, there was nothing you could do. This city will be better when their numbers are thinned.”
Around the bar, every human glared their way. A few seemed to have their hands on their weapons, but didn’t pull them.
Without even thinking about it, Luna spun around and slammed her hand against Toss’s face. Despite the heavy dwarf’s frame, he was pushed back from the shear force. Immediately, it began to grow red and welt up. Bringing the dwarf along was clearly a mistake, despite their strength, they could not be trusted around the human, that much was clear.
“That’s enough, Toss.” Her voice was deep, but smooth, and cold.
“I’m sorry, my Princess.” Toss’s dropped his head in embarrassment and with a bit more humility, walked out towards the carriage.
The rest of the humans maintained their aggressive stance, but did not attempt engage. Instead, they watched the small dwarf creep from the tavern, along with the rest of the Guard.
One last time Luna turned to face Aaron, “I’m sorry for my Guard’s outburst. It was not warranted and he will be dealt with when I get back to the castle.”
Once more, Aaron barely nodded in acknowledgement. Seemingly more of an insult than a sign of respect.
General Torrent was already waiting inside the carriage for her. He was indeed fast for his age. “I hope you paid for your drink, General.”
“Of course I did. What do you take me for, a human.” The general smiled at his own joke.
The death glare that Luna gave him, made the general rethink his poor tastes in jokes. He did give a half hearted apology at least.
A quick decompressing breath later and she asked him, “Well general, what do you think?”
“Well, they hid their maps very quickly. But, there were a few things laying about. There were sewer maps and what looked like guard patrols.” He tapped his nine fingertips against his thighs while he thought about it, “I think they plan to try and sack the upper city.”
“Why go so far? Just for food?” Luna sank in her seat and rubbed at her eyes. She didn’t understand.
“It’s not about food anymore. At least, it’s not just about that. They want pain for pain. The high guard came in and sacked their enclave. They want to do the same.” General Torrent stated as matter of fact.
“Vengeance for vengeance’s sake.” Luna repeated, and shook her head. It was like a belief from the age of the great wars.
Coruscis sat across from her, but strangely didn’t have her head buried in any books nor was she writing anything. It was odd for the rabbit to just be there like that. She was thinking about something. “Coruscis, you seem to have something on your mind?”
The rabbit shook her head, “I agree with you it just, doesn’t make sense.”
Luna jumped in to defend Torrent’s point, “They are humans after all. We have to accept they’re a bit different from us. Toss wasn’t completely wrong; they are violent by nature.”
Again, the rabbit shook her head, “I don’t think that’s it. If it was just violence it wouldn’t be this targeted. Sacking the upper city, just for vengeance. That seems, a stretch, doesn’t it?”
The bat coughed a few times before speaking, “I’ve know the humans for most of my 78 years. They are violent lot. Why do you think you know more than I do?” The general didn’t mince any words as he spoke to her.
“I’m not saying they aren’t violent just, it doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t know. And when I don’t know something I try to find an answer. Maybe we should try asking an actual human, like Neal?”
Luna nodded to that point; he was going to be her backup plan. Now, it seemed like that backup was their primary.
Where was he anyway?
A light set of coughs out her window altered Luna to Hasta and Teuta, who appeared to have been listening and had something they needed to tell her. She’d need to talk to them about ease dropping later.
“Princess Luna, getting Neal involved, might be a bit…” Hastam spoke first, but paused. “difficult.” Teuta finished what he couldn’t.
Their explanation didn’t take that long, but it was news to the three inside the carriage. Even general Torrent was taken off Guard. It was rare thing for him to be blindsided, and he hated it when happens.