Despite our long talk, we were both up early the next morning, tearing down camp and cleaning up after ourselves. After all, it is best to leave no trace after spending time in the wilderness. Our environment is important and comprised of delicate ecosystems and we must be responsible to keep them intact. I took special care of the smoldering fire to be sure it was no longer a danger. It's just as Embery the Hare said: only you can prevent forest fires. We were done rather quickly though, despite our care and consideration, and we gratefully set off, idly chatting the whole time.

"We'll be passing through the kingdom of Mikoril on the way to Burmaise. If the map is correct, we can stop by one of the towns before nightfall for some rest and food."

"Thank mum, I don't want to spend another night in a tent."

"We must make time then."

I gave Eugine V2 a nudge with my foot and he set off, Rose following close behind. Eugine V2 seemed distracted though, and swerved uncontrollably.

"Stop horsing around!" I commanded, Eugine V2 immediately falling into line.

We rode for hours and the forest around us turned to grasslands and arid plains, to a light forest that eventually evened out into a vast desert. From atop the hill we'd emerged on, I could see several towns dotting the landscape along the only pieces of land with vegetation, known as the Filaise River that brought life through Mikoril's desert.

"I'm surprised we can see all those towns from here," Rose commented as I studied the map. "I didn't know they were so close to each other."

"That river and the lake it leads to are the only pieces of life in the desert. Every settlement in the kingdom is along that river. It looks small from up here, but it's a good days' ride from town to town, looking at the map. The one there to the West, that's closest to Burmaise."

"You don't need to mansplain Mortemer, I lived in Mikoril for a wee bit."

"Oh really? Where at?"

"It was a couple years ago, I don't remember the name honestly."

"Hopefully that will play in our favor since you're more familiar with this region."

"I sure hope so."

⧫

"Oh fuck. Oh fuck no," Rose murmured as we entered the small town.

"What's wrong?"

"This is the town I used to live in."

"Bad memories here as well?"

"No, and honestly that's even worse."

She looked in a daze and I decided not to question her. It was clear she was troubled and I didn't want to add to her distress. I immediately spotted the local tavern and motioned towards it, leading the way inside and ordering a room with a couple drinks as the night began to fall.

I drank my saumryan mead silently, constantly looking toward Rose to make sure she was holding up in an imaginably stressful situation. Unlike Dolrin however, she wasn't the center of attention and we managed to blend in. What could be the problem here? With a serving of bread and cheese, we were finally off to our room, following much of the same pattern of the previous night where I could tell Rose couldn't sleep. This time however, she broke the silence.

"I used to date someone here."

"Is that why you're stressed?"

"Yeah. I don't think she's here anymore though. Remember that seer I mentioned? She had a business where she would tell the fortunes of people, but I haven't seen any advertisements. She might have stopped or left."

"Seers are very rare. I doubt she was unsuccessful…"

"You'd think that, but her skills weren't exactly useful as a novelty like most people wanted. She used them to study the future and learn from mistakes that hadn't even happened yet. It was fascinating."

"It sounds like you were close with her…"

"Yeah. I was. My brother and I moved here right after I left Dolrin. I saw the ads and thought it sounded cool so I checked her out, and she gave me one of her usual readings. For individuals they're really vague, since she can't accurately predict every decision out of the hundreds a person could possibly make. She expected me to be upset like most of her customers, but I understood and we started talking about it. She was really cool. After that, I came over all the time to just listen to her talk and look at her drawings. It was fascinating. We played a game where I'd come up with ridiculous circumstances and she'd try to see the future based on them."

"Why are you so troubled then? Sounds like you got along?"

"My brother. I love him, and obviously I don't judge him, but we made our living off stealing after leaving Dolrin. It's obviously a small town, but he still managed to find good targets and we made a decent living. That is until one day, he took on a big score, alone, and we ended up having to flee the town. I never told her what we did. We just left, there wasn’t any time. I still feel horrible about it. I'm scared to see her again, I feel like she'd hate me…"

Her voice cracked and she began to cry again. I rushed over and gave her a fat hug, hoping to somehow comfort her as she sobbed.

"Why do I mess up everything with girls? Like, I'm too young for this much baggage," she cried even harder.

"Rose, I know they were important to you, but that's only two girls. There are plenty more out there that will love you and give you what you need. The world's a big place and we're on an adventure. Basement, your whole life is a big adventure. You're too good to never find anyone who will give you what you need."

"There are a lot more than just two, but thanks. Problem is, I don't even know what I need."

⧫

The next morning we both awoke early, the bright desert sun waking us even through the wooden shutters. After I was dressed in my light gambeson and Rose in hers, we shuffled downstairs to hopefully eat a good meal before setting off again.

“Hey, I’ve been thinking, and I want to check out Eli’s old place. She might still be here.”

“Are you sure you could even handle seeing her again?”

“Yeah. I think. She always knows what to say though, given she’s a seer and all. I just hope things don’t go too bad.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand. Especially if she can see the future.”

“No, that’s what I’m worried about actually. She always knew the best decisions to make. She’d berate me for making a bad decision, tell me she saw it coming a kilometer away and I should have too.”

“That doesn’t sound healthy at all!”

“Neither does abandoning someone you love. I feel so bad… I hope she understands.”

We found Eli’s old haunt rather quickly, Rose wearing a nervous, nostalgic look. After a few bright roads and alleys, she stopped us both, staring dead ahead at a small home.

“This is it.”

She hesitated before walking forward, stopping again before knocking on the door. Scampering feet behind told us someone was coming, and I could see Rose physically tense up as she waited. A small saumryan child opened the door curiously, their pale, scaly face confused.

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“Hi, looking for an Eli? Know her?”

The kid just stared at us. “MOOOOOOMMMM!”

“What is it?”

“There’s some woman here, she smells like BEER!”

There was a moment before who I assumed to be their mother greeted us.

“Yeah?”

“I’m looking for Eli, the seer? Used to live here?”

“Eh, don’t know the name. Sorry. The house was empty before I moved in.”

“Oh. Thanks for your time, sorry to bother you.”

The woman looked confused as Rose sulked away. Despite how nervous she looked to meet Eli, she seemed even more disappointed she wasn’t there.

“Fuck. I was really gearing up for her too. I miss her. She had a really cool vibe, you know?”

“Vibe?”

“Yeah. Ohhhh, wait people don’t talk like that. Sorry, people talk differently in the future and I guess I picked up a few words from Eli. Believe me though, she was even worse with it, I could barely understand her when we first met.” Rose smiled, then almost immediately frowned.

“I see, I have wondered for some time but didn’t think to say anything.”

“Yeah, most people would’ve said something about it by now.”

We climbed back on our horses as we neared the town’s stable, packing up the rest of our gear. Rose did it without a word, her mind phased out in thought. I felt bad not being able to jump in her head to help out, but unfortunately it was a pain she could only deal with by herself.

We quickly put distance between us and that town, hoping to reach Burmaise by midday or afternoon. The desert was hot, but I reveled knowing that Maegiira would be much cooler. I had read once that the kingdom was an arid tundra, snowy in parts of the north. Burmaise, being underground, was warmed by a long inactive volcano that still had some thermal activity. And though I hated the cold, the coziness of the city sounded much more peaceful than the piercing and draining sun of the desert.

My wishes were soon granted as the sand gave way to hardened dirt, and a couple hours later, long grass. Tall spruce trees towered in the distance as a cool wind powered through their branches and ruffled our cloaks, our horses keeping a good pace. I checked the map several times as we continued riding through the open tundra, keeping an eye on the growing mountains in the distance. Snow tipped their tops and I shuddered again as another breeze greeted us, each one colder than the last. Finally after hours of riding, I spotted the enormous rock that contained the entrance to Burmaise.

Trees taller than life and fields of moss surrounded the boulder, making the whole entrance blend into the ground. The old snow was starting to melt away in most parts, but still clung to life on the darker side of rocks and trees. Only a stable and an inn indicated any sign of civilization besides the travelers coming to and from the city on the main road, mostly merchants.

Typically traders were the only ones allowed in, aside from visitors of family and friends. Fortunately my Lord status would carry me through inside where I could hopefully speak to the King. As we approached the gate, I had my sticker ready.

“I am Lord Mortemer of Kansas, the Great Masochist, Duke of San Diego. I come seeking audience with the King among other private affairs.”

“Aye, I see your sticker. The King will be notified of your arrival. Please leave any weapons with your horses at the stable. They are not permitted in the city.”

With a nod the gates opened and we dismounted, dropping our horses off at the stable just outside the giant rock.

"Big place…" Rose wondered, her eyes wide as she gazed toward the high ceiling.

The giant rock opened to a hollowed cavern, a large, brass lift on the other end. Hundreds of runes were carved into the machine and around it, allowing for people to enter and leave the city. The din of visitors echoed to fill the space, becoming a slurry in my ears as we were packed forward into the crowd. Only the high ceiling lit with magical orbs prevented me from feeling claustrophobic. We moved forward in waves each time the lift came back up for another trip, building anticipation as we waited for it to return.

“They’re really shit out of luck if this elevator breaks. Talk about being buried alive,” Rose grumbled.

With the lift fully loaded with us and other travelers, it began to descend, quietly. Gold sparkles of magic floated through the air with its operation, runes in the brass glowing in turn to do their part. I was baffled, and as was Rose apparently as she watched the embers.

We hit the bottom with a heavy thud, most people not even waiting for the gates to open to start moving. We were forced out with them into a massive atrium, the grand entrance of Burmaise. The cave ceiling rose hundreds of meters above us, stalactites or mites hanging there menacingly. In the corner to our right was a large fountain, overshadowed only by a massive waterfall behind it. At a nearby stage, bards played merry tunes that could hardly be heard, all before a towering, metal door. The other buildings were either carved into the walls or built to stand alone, made from the same cave material all around us.

“I need to see the King first, any idea where he’s at?”

“Do I look like I have an idea? No, let’s just try asking around or something.”

Listening to Rose, I found the nearest guard to ask, jostling through the crowd.

“Excuse me, I am looking for the King, I seek an audience with him.”

“The King eh? He’s right through this massive door actually, literally right next to us, look.”

On the door “King Through Here!” was written quite largely. It was embarrassing that neither Rose nor I had spotted it.

“Oh, oop. Thanks!”

The guard shook their head and I led Rose to the King’s door. Rather than continuing in though, I paused briefly, concerned about Rose.

“Stay out here by the fountain. I don’t want them knowing we’re together, you’ll be safer that way.”

“Hey, the fewer authority figures that know my face the better. I’ll keep a lookout.”

She bounded away to the fountain, leaving me alone. I then gathered my breath and went inside the large door..

The reception room was rather small, but the towering ceiling made it feel enormous, several stalagmites or tites hanging above in an almost threatening manner. A small brestyrian motioned for me to continue into the throne room, which was even more grand. On either side of the path to the seat were tiered platforms made of a dark green stone, intricately carved pillars shooting up to the roof. At the end was the brestyrian king, sitting back in his throne in an almost apathetic way. Like all brestyrians, his skin was a few shades lighter than black, a brown, purplish pigment shining through some parts. His ears were membranes and his nose was flat, being made up of some porous flesh.

"Ahh, I was told about you, Mortemer. What brings a Lord to Burmaise? Not trouble I hope?"

"That is not my intention, sire. I am conducting an investigation for the kingdom of Dolrin and my own estate. We have reason to believe the Lords of Edge were involved."

"I see… I respect your status, however the Lords of Edge are a valued group in this kingdom. I hope your investigation won't bring trouble to this city."

"That is not my intention. I merely wish an audience with them to clarify the happenings in Dolrin and San Diego. That is all."

"I see… If you are not here to cause trouble then I welcome you, my Lord. But do be aware, we are committed to keeping the peace in Burmaise and in Maegiira, and I will not tolerate any disturbance, especially one brought by your warring with the St. Louisans."

"I am fortunately independent of that conflict, Sire. San Diego has remained neutral in all battles Virginia has engaged in. The investigation I am conducting is also independent of the war."

"That is good to hear, Lord Mortemer. In that case, I welcome you to Burmaise. The Lords of Edge are located on level three, room 426. I hope your investigation brings peace to you and others."

I gave a traditional brestyrian bow and exited the throne room, feeling stern and concerned about what the King had said. It was obvious he allied with the Lords of Edge, and my mind was racing as I ran through the many awful scenarios that resulted from their alliance. I couldn't be sure whether the King doubted my intentions or not, and if he was a threat to the investigation, or myself. I was glad, however, that Rose had stayed behind. The King may have known of her, but I hoped she was provided at least a little security.

When I exited the large doors, Rose immediately looked up from a small book she had, her nervous face relieving itself. She packed her few things and sorted the few meters between us, following me through the crowd to a nearby clearing in the street.

“Damn, this crowd is great! I’m exhausted, but look!”

Rose lifted her cloak to show the sea of glittering jewelry she had stolen, eyes wide with a mischievous grin. I was shocked, pulling down her garb before anyone else could see.

“Rose what are you thinking?!”

“I’m thinking, rich ambassadors waiting to see their beloved the King with their finest jewelry to show off. And I’m right!”

I shook my head as she continued smiling, donning one of the fancier bracelets.

“Oooo I love how it goes with my fur! So, what did the King say?”

"He provided the location of the headquarters of the Lords of Edge. I don't think we can trust him otherwise though, they're heavily allied together."

“Think the King is in on it?”

“In on what?”

“This whole conspiracy thing? That’s what you’re thinking too, right?”

“No, actually. I assume it’s something much simpler than that, only the drives of festering ambition that lies deep in men unsatisfied with their lot in life.”

“What?”

“Nothing. We need to learn more about the Lords of Edge. I know only a little from my Lord training.”

“Why? Can’t we just wack ‘em?”

“What? No, that’s the best way for us to get ‘wacked.’ We need to know more about their organization so we can plan for their strategies and structure.”

“Well don’t look at me, I wouldn’t know.”

“Let’s try the local library. Burmaise has always promoted it rather fondly. I imagine anything we’d need to know would be there, especially in their home town.”

“As long as it’s something fun, or it has pictures. Please don’t make me read a textbook or some shit.”

“Unless there is a dramatic romantic comedy about the Lords of Edge, I’m sure that’s exactly what we’ll be reading.”

“It’s going to take me a while then. As soon as my brain sees something educational, I can only read a word per minute.”

“Slow or fast, your help would be appreciated. They have maps of the city right there, let’s move fast. I’m afraid the Lords of Edge grow tired of being neutral…”