Chapter 34: Cladding 1

Elania and Yolani strolled through the streets of the central district, the sun-drenched cobblestones gleaming beneath their feet as they passed by grand mansions and ornate public buildings.

Elania slipped her hand into Yolani’s, their fingers intertwining. A smile tugged at the corners of Yolani’s lips.

“It’s nice not having to worry so much about scraping together enough crit for once,” Yolani said.

Elania nodded.

It wasn’t quite possible for her to rally the same brightness as her companion, but the touch was warm and welcome.

Her gaze drifted to the intricate statues lining the street. “Only as long as we can keep the profits rolling in from the airships.”

Yolani’s expression sobered, her grip on Elania’s hand tightening. “Once our people are back on their feet with their trades and businesses, we won’t need to rely on the airships as much.”

A deep breath escaped Elania’s lips. “As long as the war doesn’t fuck everything up.”

Yolani’s face fell, her eyes clouding with worry. “Feels like it’s chasing us wherever we go,” she said. “I thought we’d finally found a better place.”

Elania nodded. “From what we know, it’s probably connected to what happened in Neftasu. The same bastards could be pulling the strings.”

A group of well-dressed nobles passed by, their laughter echoing through the street. Elania and Yolani fell silent for the rest of their walk to the Neftasu Guard barracks.

The guards at the entrance snapped to attention as they stepped up, immediately recognizing Elania. They stepped aside, allowing the pair to enter.

Inside, the raucous celebrations of the previous visit had been replaced by a somber atmosphere.

Hushed conversations drifted from the tables where the men sat, their faces etched with worry. Gaston and several other officers occupied the head table at the end of the hall.

Henri caught sight of them and waved from a different table with some of the regular soldiers, a flicker of a smile crossing his face. Yolani returned the gesture, her hand brushing against Elania’s as they approached Gaston.

“Have a seat,” Gaston said, gesturing to a set of empty chairs.

Elania nodded, settling into a chair beside him. The other officers’ gazes bore into her intently.

Well, she was essentially their new “ruler,” or at least the replacement for Magister Bannon and the rest of the Magistry. They probably had expectations.

She cleared her throat. “As you know, I’ve promoted Gaston to Captain of the Guard. You are the new officer corps he has selected.”

One of the lieutenants leaned forward. “What’s in store for us? Does it relate to the attack a few days ago?”

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Elania met his gaze, her expression serious. “That’s exactly it.”

She surveyed the officers gathered around the table, her statement registering immediately. They all had guarded expressions, but she didn’t blame them. Jumping from one war into another wasn’t ideal.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the news she was about to deliver.

“I’ve negotiated a deal with Arlois,” Elania said. “Contia will cover all the Guards’ wages and expenses.”

The men exchanged glances.

Elania continued, “You’ll be assigned as irregulars, focusing on rescue, security, and anti-boarding defense if the situation escalates.” She paused, letting the information sink in. “You’ll be authorized to carry arms, including artifice rifles, while on duty.”

A murmur rippled through the group.

“Additionally,” Elania added, “you’ll be positioned in the new district with the other Neftasu refugees, providing security and policing there.”

Yolani cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the room. “I’ll be upgrading your weapons to be more effective. The older designs can be vastly improved. We’re hoping they’ll be able to eventually stop even paladins if it comes to it.”

The officers shifted in their seats, their expressions darkening. Mutters about paladins drifted through the air. That was only natural; many good men died due to the Lightbringer's actions.

Gaston cleared his throat, silencing the whispers. He fixed Elania with a steady gaze. “How permanent is this arrangement?”

Elania leaned back in her chair. She glanced at Yolani before turning back to the expectant faces of the officers.

“It’s a fair question,” she said. “The offer can be canceled, but Arlois assured me that as long as things work out well, she’ll help ensure we continue to receive the perks and authorization on an ongoing basis. As for my own plans, it’s just too early to know much. We’re doing our best to take things as they come.”

Gaston grunted. “Suppose that’s good enough.”

Yolani leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. “You’ll be working more closely with the Ironfist now, especially in the new Neftasu District. Expect to integrate with the mercenaries.”

One of the lieutenants raised an eyebrow. “What’s the progress on that front?”

Elania met his gaze. “We’ve secured support from local merchants for supplies and permission for the building conversion and possession. The refugees are organizing their labor to prepare for outfitting the area.”

The officers exchanged glances. Their surprise was evident. Gaston nodded, a glimmer of respect in his eyes.

He glanced toward a nearby table, though. Following his gaze, she saw Henri seated there, his eyes widening as he realized he had been caught snooping.

“You might as well sit with us,” Elania said, gesturing to an empty chair beside Yolani. “Since you’ve been listening in anyway.”

Henri’s cheeks flushed, but he nodded, mumbling his thanks as he slid into the seat. Yolani shot him a warm smile.

“I’m glad you figured something out,” Henri said. “Many of us have been going stir-crazy cooped up in this hall.”

Yolani’s smile turned mischievous. “Well, I’ll need a tester to help modify the muskets. It’ll be interesting. Think you’re up for the task?”

Henri’s eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. “Absolutely. Just say the word.”

Elania glanced at her companions. She hoped things wouldn’t get “too interesting,” as Yolani put it. If they did, it would mean Arlois’ prediction of war had come true.

She turned to Gaston. “We need to be prepared. I know the Guard was bloodied in Neftasu. Everyone who survived, guard or civilian, is a veteran of tragedy.” She paused, her gaze intense. “But things could get worse again, and fast.”

Gaston nodded, his jaw clenching. “We’ll start planning this evening and sort out the men in the morning,” he said. “And we’ll do our best to be ready, no matter what comes.”

Elania leaned back in her chair. They had their work cut out for them, but at least they had a plan. She glanced at Yolani.

“We’ll need to coordinate with the Ironfist,” she said. “Make sure everyone’s on the same page.”

Yolani nodded, her expression determined. “I’ll reach out to Montlas. We can set up a meeting to discuss strategy.”

Henri shifted in his seat. “What about the refugees?”

Gaston let out a tense breath. “We should take a full a census. Get a sense of who we have and what they can do.”

Elania nodded, her mind awhirl. A census would be a good idea. So far, they’d gotten summaries and reports from Darius’ connections and queries from the Ironfist, but nothing concrete. They needed someone to manage the civilian side better.

She just hoped they’d have time to sort it all out.