Cato knocked on the door. “Lady Agustina, we are here, as per your request.”

The door cracked open. “Come in, and keep your voices down.”

The three filed in as Agustina closed the door behind them.

“What was it you wanted to talk about?”

Lucullus looked over to Cato. “Hold on a minute. What exactly is going on?”

Agustina flashed her ruby necklace. “I know who you three are, though I don’t know your names. And now all of you shall know who I am.”

“What?”

“I am the one you were sent to protect. You’re looking for the Chaodite.”

Tiberius nodded. “You sound familiar.”

“Yea, she’s the one we first encountered, here,” Cato added.

Lucullus reached into his scrip to pull out the letters. “Perhaps you can help us with our search, then.”

“Judging by your stack of mail, it looks like you already know a fair bit about him.”

He shuffled through his letters. “If these are his letters, then I know he has outside connections.”

Tiberius leaned over to look at the letters. “Outside connections? I heard from some of the noble guests about an advisor of the Count who was away for a time. Something about a meeting with House Cibus.”

“That would explain all these letters about him needing to meet with some outside group.”

“Outside group?”

“Yea. I’m not sure if any of your rumors mentioned a specific person, but all of these letters are signed FF.” He showed the letters to Agustina. “Do you know of any FF?”

She shook her head. “I can’t think of anyone with a name like that. I don’t think anyone even has those initials.”

They all pondered the mysteries for some time, exhausting every possible meaning they could think up. At last, Tiberius had an epiphany, one which he was amazed he hadn’t thought of sooner. “The Furum Forum…”

Lucullus perked up. “The what?”

“The Furum Forum. A band of thieves is what they are, despite the fancy name. They’re known to operate frequently in the realm of House Cibus.”

Agustina shuddered at the name. “I, too, have heard of that accursed organization. Nothing good, of course. No one knows where they come from. Thieves just show up, make trouble, and vanish just as fast as they arrived. People might’ve suspected the Duke of being implicated in their crimes, given his complacency, were it not for the fact that they operate in the shadows as well as they do.”

“Then we should leave for Cibus right now,” Lucullus declared. “The longer we wait, the bigger risk we take.”

Tiberius shook his head. “Let’s not act out of rashness. We still don’t know for sure where the Chaodite is. Remember, the whole reason we came here is for him, not solve House Cibus’s crime problem.”

“I know that. But given what we know, our best chance to stop him is to follow his tracks.” Lucullus went over to a table, and spread the letters out. “From what I’ve read of these letters, it would seem that his potential connections to the Furum Forum are a dangerous weapon. He could be returning here with information that may destroy everything we’ve worked for. The dirt he may have could potentially get Agustina killed anyway.”

She nodded. “He has a point.” She skimmed the letters on the table. “And if what these letters say is true, then my people could be in grave danger, should he return with these items. I don’t know what they contain, but I don’t like them.”

Tiberius sighed. “If we leave, and are wrong about his whereabouts, he may return and kill you. We were sent to protect you.

“Then one of you stay behind, and the other two go. If he should return, then one of you will be able to fulfill your mission.”

After some deliberation, the three men came to a decision. Tiberius cleared his throat. “I don’t like having to leave a man behind, but this may be our best option. Very well, Agustina. We shall leave one of us with you, in case the Chaodite returns.” He turned his gaze. “Cato, you stay here. Between the three of us, you’ll take the least risk staying in one spot.”

“Not a problem. But how are you two going to get out of here?”

“I can ensure they safely return the way you three entered.”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Cato chuckled. “You mean up the wall?”

She nodded. “I know when the patrols come through there. You’ll climb down in the gap between patrols, and I’ll make sure no one is around while you do it.”

“I guess it’s settled, then. We’ll see you two when we return.”

Parvum, despite its name, was a sprawling city amid the sea of white in the tundra. By all accounts, it was fitting that it should be such a grand city; it was the seat of House Cibus, where Castle Cibus was located. Its proximity to the newly opened trade routes would only further increase its wealth and prestige. It was a city that was overflowing with both commerce and crime — one, perhaps, fed the other — but its citizens were quite accustomed to the routine of avoiding the crime-ridden alleys, so much of the crime problem for the average person was the odd sneak thief in the night. The foot traffic set with the sun; the streets could be full of life and prosperity in the morning, and almost completely abandoned by sunset.

Pontius arrived in the city by noon. The markets were filled to the brim with all sorts of people, some of which were foreign merchants from the east. His horse was able to convince plenty of the crowds to make space for him, and his prestigious title didn’t hurt either. Even among the merchants and other nobles, he stood out like an adult among children, partly due to his decorated horse, clad with the most intricate armor. From above the heads of all the multitudes, he scanned for the Duri Manor, located somewhere within the Royal District.

When he finally arrived at the manor, he knocked on the door with a slow, forceful pound. His expression began to resemble that of his mother’s signature stoic gaze as the door opened.

The servant at the door greeted Pontius with a deep bow, as was custom. “Marquis Pontius, it is a great honor to have you visit. What business do you have at the Duri Manor?”

“I must speak with Trajan. It is of the utmost importance that I see him now.”

He performed another deep bow. “I shall go find Trajan immediately.” He stepped aside, and allowed Pontius in. “By all means, enjoy your stay. There is wine on the table, and olives in the bowl.”

Pontius nodded. “I suspect wine would do me some good… Do hurry with Trajan. It’s critical that I speak with him.”

The servant darted off, leaving Pontius alone to drink in the dining hall.

Taking advantage of the wait, Pontius filled his growling stomach with olives, and washed each handful down with a generous gulp of spiced wine.

After a few glasses of wine, and half a bowl of olives, the servant returned with Trajan. “As per your request, Marquis.” The servant bowed, and exited the dining hall.

Trajan and Pontius greeted each other with a handshake, and a toasting of wine glasses.

“What brings a son of Archduchess Sabina to my manor?”

Pontius popped an olive into his mouth. “I am here on an investigation of sorts.”

Trajan briefly paused his wine sipping. “Oh? Well… I’ll help in whatever way I can. May I ask what this investigation is about?”

“There have been some disturbing reports related to the Furum Forum.”

Trajan rubbed an olive between his fingers. “The Furum Forum? Have they finally been caught?”

“I, and the Archduchess, have reason to believe that one of the noble houses under Cibus has connections to the Forum… Connections which shall help us to finally end their miserable existence.”

Trajan chuckled. “And who do you suspect is in connection with them?”

“That’s really the heart of the issue. I can’t say with absolute certainty just yet. As you know, the Archduchess is never one to throw around wild accusations. No, not her. Only firm evidence has any place in her court.”

“Then, can I assume that you have come to me for help? I can assure you that I shall help you to find this house in any way I can. If it’s a house within this city, I shall have no trouble twisting their arm a little.”

“That’s nice. Then, I would like to investigate this house, first, if you don’t mind.”

Trajan nearly choked on his wine. After a moment he regained his composure. “I find such a thing to be totally unnecessary.”

“Why? I thought you said you’d help.”

“I didn’t think you would investigate this house.”

Pontius took a long drink of his wine to hide his smug expression. “I give you my promise that I’ll only report things directly related to the Forum to the Archduchess. None of your private affairs, other than any potential ones with the Forum, shall come to light. By Iram, Sophia, Amar, and Mors, I swear it.”

“It is an invasion of privacy. Why am I a suspect?”

“It’s just a simple search. If I find nothing, then I shall leave you in peace. There’s nothing more to it.”

“I shall not have the privacy of my daughters, nor I, violated in something I have nothing to do with.”

Pontius smashed the olive between his fingers. “Failure to comply with my investigation can be an obstruction of justice, if I choose to charge you. Now, what shall it be? Should I come to you peacefully, or shall I bring the rod?”

“Bring a good reason for searching me, and I shall allow it. That is my position.”

Pontius scoffed. “I have brought plenty of reasons. Now, out of my way,” he pushed past Trajan, “I must search your office.”

“If you do, that would constitute trespassing. On such grounds, I shall have my guards throw you out!”

He continued on his way toward the office. “Try that, and your manor shall become ash. Know your place, Trajan.”

The two walked in large strides toward the office, but with Trajan splitting off to fetch his guards. As Pontius approached the office door, he drew a sharp breath, and kicked it down. He went around the room, yanking out drawers, and searching every last place he could think to hide something. Just as Trajan returned with his guards, Pontius found what he was looking for, and stuffed it into his satchel.

“Pontius, I shall give you five seconds to start leaving. Otherwise, I shall have my guards drag you out. Don’t think you get a pass because you are a son of Sabina.”

He laughed. “I was just about to leave. I’ll see you soon, Trajan. Better make whatever deals you need with those filthy thieves. Your days are numbered like the hairs on your head.”

Trajan scoffed.

Pontius strolled out from the manor, and loaded up his horse for his long ride back home. What a fool! The end of his bloodline is soon upon him. As he rode through the city, he saw that it was getting late, and not wanting to camp outside, he stopped at Castle Cibus to stay the night.

The next morning, he rode out from Parvum with great haste. Trajan was bound to have sent word to those thieves about what happened, and Pontius knew he was an easy target. But that was only in the city, where his horse couldn’t move as fast. Once he was in the open country, safety was no longer a concern for him. The armor on his horse was the best in all of Lucium, second only to the horse of his mother, though she rarely ever rode it into battle.