The group met back at the guild and reported their missions as completed, retelling the events and the appearance of the Children of Deimos.

“Thank you all for completing these requests,” Marci congratulated them with a bow. “I would like to report that the Locksmiths in question, as the citizens of Featherwynd, have been transported and are being hospitalized in Troér.”

Sly sighed with relief. The worried lines there had disappeared as if a huge chunk of her worries had been erased.

“That's good to know,” Lyra said, vehemently signing forms to accept her portion of the base reward. “Maybe we can visit them to see how they're doing?”

“Maybe,” Sly said. “We still have things we need to do. I can message them via Voxlink now that the beacon is repaired.”

That was right. They would have to gather together and plan their next move. The simplest plan was to keep going through Gearford and to the Empire. They needed to continue taking out any Altar or Altar-related incidents caused by the Curse. Now, they had an Apathy illness on the rise, and Lyra was already on edge with the reveal of the Children of Deimos having seen Eamon.

She didn't know how long ago that was, but this shred of news was a clue and a continued drive not to give up.

Sly seemed to have picked up on her somber, if not determined, aura. “Come on, let's get back to the others.”

“Oh, one more thing, you two,” Marci said, calling the two Locksmiths back. “With these scary happenings and a future epidemic that affects your overall personality, unfortunately, I had to report this to the military. Anything that may cause a worldwide scare needs to be sorted out with the government. I just wanted to let you know in case you were given issues.

“Thank you, Marci. The warning is most appreciated,” Sly reassured her not to worry. The two turned to leave. Lyra did not look happy. “I know what you're thinking, but let's try to be level-headed about this. You know our jurisdiction doesn't extend on a world-bound scale, only if its civilians, individually, are at risk.”

Lyra grumbled. “Yeah, I know. It seems like no matter where we turn, they're everywhere, and we have to follow suit to whatever rules they set.”

A conundrum indeed. Sly only shook her head at the development so far. They would need to tune into any news to be informed of revelations in the Empire.

They headed toward the inn where the rest of their party was staying. When they entered the room, they were surprised to see everyone gathered around the radio with a serious, crushed look.

Lyra frowned. “What happened?” half expecting them to tell her the worst.

“Listen,” Cassandra said, turning up the volume so they could hear.

…It is with great concern that we repeat to be wary of the terrorist group Known as the ‘Dawn Coalition’ or any rebel group opposing the Empire. I repeat these are a dangerous group of rebels whose key leader may be a former scientist of the Empire before he reassigned himself as a doctor, before turning to journalism, and now is the de facto head of the Coalition. Do not approach them. Do not engage. Allow military personnel to handle the situation…

The radio broadcast ended, leaving the room quiet enough for them to hear a pin drop.

“Only military personnel, huh?” Lyra mocked. “They want Locksmiths to remove us from everything as a whole!”

“Let's not jump to conclusions, Lyra,” Sly said, hoping to calm her down.

“We keep hearing rumors, Sly, about how the ‘military will do this better’ and ‘Locksmiths have to go through a whole procedure’ to do what we've always done. Now, do they claim they have something to take out of Veilspawn? Next, they can close Rifts or take down Magycte Beast. What about Void Beasts!”

If Sly was truly being honest, she, too, was concerned about the state of her job and what this would entail for the future. Did this apply to only Locksmiths? Or did it affect Custodians? Strega’s? Does anyone have an inkling about Essentia?

Seeing how the situation was getting tense and out of hand, Cassandra stood up, hoping to calm everyone down.

“Let's all get some rest. We still have a job to do. Even if the military wants to do that, they can't make that decision or appeal it so soon. They'll need to have a worldwide meeting before anything can occur.”

Lyra frowned. She couldn’t believe it. “They got the Harmony Tax off the ground with a state meeting, and it went through. It's still going, and the military is going around Aurum in droves to hammer into people’s heads that they are in charge now.”

Cassandra’s expression fell. She hadn't meant to make things worse.

“I'm sorry. I only meant to support you when everything else is against you.”

Lyra hadn't meant to snap at Cassandra. She knew she meant well and what she meant by it, but things were happening far too fast with little results, and they made little headway in foiling whatever the Children of Deimos had planned, so they were not one step closer to finding Eamon.

She was just tired.

“Alright, everyone.” Sly jumped into the fray. “Tension is running high. Let's sleep on this and deal with that issue another day. We first focus on our primary mission. We'll get to the root of the Empire eventually. We'll have to end up there at the end of the day.”

Noting that everyone was on edge. They retired to bed for tomorrow.

•†•

Gearford, Troér

By the middle of the day, they were in front of the massive steel doors of Troér. Unfortunately, they weren't able to bypass the doors. Security had increased exponentially, and showing them their badges wouldn't have worked. Before they had been here, they traveled by cart with a civilian named Stephen, who showed identification to enter the city.

They needed transcripts and further documentation to establish the person's identity and business.

“Sorry, I can't be of more service to you,” The soldier at the gate said. “But I can't let you through without the necessary paperwork.”

Lyra was fuming.

Sly hummed. “I assume this has something to do with those rebel attacks on the Empire?”

The soldier pursed his lips together, eyeing his superior across from him, who was checking someone else in case he heard him.

“More or less, ma'am. The rebel interference is just coincidental. That strange anomaly with that tower has made people both anxious and curious. New laws are being placed to form a conjoined system of unity, to keep its civilians in and its enthusiasts out.”

Unity. There goes that word again. Lyra was getting a bit annoyed with the pressing delays.

“Ah, there you all are!” a familiar voice turned their heads.

Seeing the copper-red hair of the smiling bronze-faced man they had helped on the road with their cart was Stephen.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Sly played along. “Yes, we managed to get ahead of you by a few miles. Thought we could meet inside, but as you can see…”

Stephen's cart pulled up. He gestured for the others to come abroad. “Please, good officer, these folks are with me. I hired them as volunteers since I can't pay some employees the wages they deserve. You won't believe the happiness I felt when meeting them!”

Stephen exclaimed with theatrics and laid it thick as he talked to the officers to let us slide.

“Ah, I see. That makes sense. I can let you through with a warning since the system hasn't finalized documentation for ‘hired’ Work. Just don't make any trouble.”

“Wouldn't dream of it! Thank you, good sirs!”

The doors opened to them and into Troér.

Once they were out of earshot, Lyra sighed with relief, slumping against the cart's sides.

“That was a close one. If you hadn't come when you did, Stephen, we wouldn't have been able to get in.”

Stephen smiled earnestly at Lyra's comment. “You've done plenty for me that it would be wrong for me not to aid in assistance. It's the least I can do.”

“And one we greatly appreciate,” Sly commented.

As they rode through the town's steel city and steam engine machines– the streets were more packed than usual.

“I wonder what's going on,” Lyra questioned. “There’s a lot more people here than last time.” And she figured fewer people would be here had it not been for the Altar incident.

“Since that incident that took over Troér, your regale speech has done the opposite of keeping them away,” Alivier commented.

Stephen nodded. “‘Yer friend is right about that. While most people are consumed with worry, plenty want answers and will uncover them however they please.”

“Ah,” a light bulb went off in Sly’s head. “I can only assume that means attracting unsavory types and reporters hoping to catch the ‘next story.’”

He laughed. “Nothing gets by you, Locksmith.”

“So that would probably mean entry into the Empire is a no-go,” Cassandra guessed. “They want to monitor suspicious activity and hope the guilty party will reveal themselves.”

“Right again,” Stephen said. “But, er, I may have a solution for how you may be able to get, at least, near the Empire. It'll be by way of the Hinterlands.”

“That would save us time,” Malakyh said. “But crossing that far stretch of plains will take a few days.”

“What is this solution, Stephen?” Sly asked.

“Well, it's more risky than anything, but people have been paying an unlicensed glider to transport any number of things now that the Empire has restricted travel. I wouldn't suggest it, but you all seem to be in a hurry. I can take you to that location if you want.”

Malakyh shook her head. “If it is unlicensed, they are most likely illegal dealers. Trust me. We can't have a civilian tied to us if someone sees us with him while he's dropping us off.”

Lyra nodded. “That's true. Maybe you can tell us where they are located. We can handle finding them from there.”

Stephen hummed. “If you are sure, I can at least get you close enough to it, as I have to make a shipment nearby.”

“We thank you kindly for your contribution, Stephen.” Sly thanked him.

They traveled a little bit longer into the city until Stephen was at his destination. Once everyone got out, Stephen gave them directions to the place where they would meet the unlicensed people.

“I pray the goddess grants you safe harbor and favor.”

They said their goodbyes to Stephen and followed his directions to where they would meet the group.

The location where they were to meet these people was the downtown district, which has rundown and abandoned warehouses and factories—a perfect place for illegal dealings.

Sure enough, a Zephyr glider was in one of the abandoned open warehouses.

Lyra gasped at the massive aircraft. She had heard that they were perfecting air travel, but seeing it in front of her face left her gob-smacked. Eamon would probably love to see this.

“Even if this is probably stolen property, this thing is impressive.” Lyra whistled.

Cassandra nodded. “Indeed. I've only seen schematics of prototypes during duties, but seeing it in person is a sight to behold.”

“Hey, Cassandra,” Lyra whispered. Her head knelt in guilt. “I'm sorry for snapping at you the other day. I know you didn't mean it like that, what you said.”

Cassandra smiled. Turning to her, Lyra faced her as well. “I'm just glad we can talk again. I don't like fighting with those I consider my friends. All is forgiven, Lyra. You have a lot on your plate– we all do– but people, like Locksmiths, even Custodians, will get burnt by what's happening. The same way citizens are being affected by the Harmony Tax.”

“Yeah,” Lyra huffed, suppressing her annoyance. “They want to keep us compliant but made a big mistake messing with the wrong people. Let's hope whoever is piloting the craft doesn't get us caught with it not being registered.”

“If you have a problem with it, no one is forcing you to get on.” The voice came further from inside the warehouse. A girl with a pixie cut silver-haired girl, with blue streaks leaned against the doorway toward the back. Her brown eyes scrutinized Lyra with a lower-lipped frown.

“...you're a Locksmith. Nah, you gotta go. We don't serve your kind.”

It was Lyra who frowned deeply this time. “My kind? Who do you think you even are?”

“Nunya.”

“Nunya?” Lyra repeated. “Nunya, what?”

“Nunya business, that's what.” The girl smirked. Amused by how easily Lyra had fallen for it. The embarrassment made Lyra’s cheeks grow a deep shade of red.

“I'll show you Nunya business when my fists–”

“There won't be any need for that,” Sly said, eyeing Lyra to relax. She was met back with a look that said, ‘She started it!’ Sly sighed. We don't want any trouble or have any reason to report you. We actually want to use your services.’

The silver-haired girl raised a delicate brow. “Locksmiths dealing with rebels?” she whistled. “The world is going to hit the fan.” She barked out a laugh.

“So, will you help us?” Sly asked.

The girl's face dropped like Sly had offended her. “No. Like I said, you're still a Locksmith, and no matter your reasons, you can easily betray us after we aid you.”

Lyra balked. “Are you assuming we're spineless rats?”

The girl shrugged. “You said it, not me.”

Lyra's eyes closed, and her brow twitched as she resisted the urge to latch out and tightened her hands. “Please let me hit her, Sly.” Through clenched teeth.

“That won't be necessary,” Sly emphasized how seriously she meant it. “We are not in the position to betray you because that would also put us in the line of fire.”

“While an interesting scandal, still no. I don't trust any of you ‘protectors’. You all work for the so-called government one way or another.”

There seemed to be no way to reach this girl, and the group wondered how they would be able to travel to the Hinterlands in a timely manner.

That is until Malakyh stepped forward.

“Would you do it if the Web of Scarlet gave you access to their networks? You would be registered in their system and would be kept under their protection. I can make that happen the minute I return to Federation.”

As if to prove his ownership, Malakyh produced documents in his pockets detailing his involvement in the infamous international black market.

Alivier’s expressionless face said, “You just have that piece of paper on you all the time? Incriminating evidence, mind you.”

The girl's eyes seemed to fall out of her head, and she gaped at them.

“You may hold them if you like if you need to prove their authenticity.”

The girl shook her as if touching the documents was like a sacred artifact.

“No, no, I believe you. I just, oh wow, this is huge. I have to let my family know. Dad will crap his pants for weeks. There's no passing this opportunity up; it's the break we need and gives immunity.”

“Does that mean you'll help us?” Malakyh clarified.

She nodded. “Yeah, yeah. We're still going to have to charge you double, given that all your identities could be exposed before we even get our reward.”

Lyra rolled her eyes. “Always a gimmick.”

The girl glared back. “Take it or leave it. Seems like you don't have a choice in the matter.”

Alivier brought out his hand, startling Lyra. “We’ll take it! Don't mind my poor sister; she's delirious most days.” He kept a tight hand on his lips as Lyra tried to fight him off.

“I can see you have your hands full all the time. Just wait right here.”

As soon as the girl left, Lyra bit Alivier’s palm, letting a shriek of pain leave his lips.

“Good gracious to Lumos’ name. Are you sure you aren't part Veilspawn?”

Lyra spit to the side. Then, she wiped her mouth with her arm. “Just a very annoyed Locksmith who has to babysit an old man.”

“Old!?” Alivier exclaimed, pain written over his face. “I'm hardly that at all. I'm in my twenties, I think.”

Lyra’s flat expression glared at him. “You think? How does no one know their age?”

“Hey! We have bigger things to worry about than sharing our birth years. Besides, I wasn't born like how a typical human is.”

Lyra raises her hands, exasperated. “And there it is, folks! Yet another ‘let's keep this a secret’ that he hasn't revealed yet. Whatever. I should be used to your antics now, but touch me like that again, and you'll remember exactly how old you are.”

Alivier paled, cringing in feigned horror at Lyra’s threat.

Sly sighed. “Goodness, those two.”

“Better those two than me,” Malakyh said with shrugged shoulders. They might have been on good terms but were still on edge with each other.

“Maybe we should find some way to turn him back into a sword?” Cassandra joked with a nervous chuckle.

Sly shook her head. “Oh, please don't give Lyra any ideas because she will learn how to do it again.”

“I don't think I need to see the future to know their bickering will get us caught,” Tierney mumbled worriedly.

“Maybe I can stop them?” Aurora asked timidly.

Sly shrugged a shoulder. “Give it a shot. She usually stops when you give her those big puppy dog eyes.”

While Aurora went to calm Lyra down, the silver-haired girl returned, but she wasn't alone this time.

“So, you lot want to join Forneus Alpha?” a brute man with a puffed-out chest, gray slicked-back hair, and a thick beard crossed his arms over his chest.

Sly stepped forward. “Yes, sir, we're willing to pay double the price.

“And keeping your end of the deal with the Web of Scarlet?”

“I can make a binding spell contract if you would like?” Malakyh offered to the man.

He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Aye, keep that Primal Coven magic to yourself, and we're good. All right, you all can board. My daughter, Jude, will handle your transaction.”

The silver-haired girl, Jude, held out her palm to them. “Good to have you folks aboard. That'll be double the price of 1,000 Gold Aureus.