Appo didn’t have time to sleep. He was used to his work keeping him up for moons, depending on the circumstances. When his mind was running, he slept only as a necessity and preferred it that way. If it were entirely up to him, he would deny sleep the pleasure of his acquaintance. Still, he was tired and weary from the night’s events, and there was still so much he had left to do.

The first thing to do was meet the Heads and update them on his findings. Hopefully, they would request his advice on the next course of action. That was the hope, at least.

As Appo walked through the streets, he once again witnessed Ash come alive. The traders paid no mind to others, speaking openly and shaking hands without a care in the world. He had secretly hoped that the recent events would have persuaded them to avoid the city altogether, but the allure of coin seemed stronger than any rumor of curses. Main Street was still clamoring with activity. Appo elected to avoid pushing through the crowds and turned down an alleyway, running almost headfirst into Mendalla and her guards.

“Ah, there you are Appo! I was beginning to think you were becoming overwhelmed with your task and left us. The Corps has been looking for you all night.”

Appo rubbed his baggy eyes and smiled. “My apologies. It’s a pleasure to see you, madam.”

Mendalla suddenly grabbed her nose. “By Okkan, what is that stench?!” She glared at Appo, realizing that he was the source of the smell. “Appo, did you spend the night inside of a corpse? You smell rotten!”

“Shit.” Appo had spent so much time under the tumbril that he had gotten used to the putrid smell. He tried not to panic, but lying had never been his strong suit, especially when he was caught off guard.

“I slept in a tumbril… I think it was carrying rot flower.” It wasn't quite the truth, but it wasn't an outright lie, either

“Now why on Ostior would you do that? Did that bastard Boah not even think to give you living accommodations? The nerve… you should have mentioned something to me. Tonight, I’ll rectify this error and contact one of our finest inns. For now, unfortunately, we will have to make do with the smell. You happened to catch me on my way to the meeting with the rest of the Heads. I’d like to join us.”

Appo stuttered. “Are you sure? Can I at least clean up somewhere?”

“There is a bath at the manor. And don’t you dare try to reject my offer, I won’t have you speaking to anyone smelling like that.” Mendalla trotted forward, beckoning Appo. “Come along now.”

His hand forced, Appo followed behind Mendalla, flanked by two of her guards. “What is the purpose of this meeting?”

“The Heads wish to discuss you and your work. I’m sure a considerable amount of time will be spent bickering over trite nonsense, but we’ll make sure to give you time. Believe it or not, the Heads are immensely interested to meet the person who wants to shut down Ash on one of our most profitable Holidays.”

Appo didn’t doubt her. “I have information to give, but I haven’t reviewed everything yet. I don’t want to mislead anyone-“

Mendalla waved her hand dismissively. “You don’t have time for that. This is the one chance you have to say your piece unless you want to wait until after the holiday.”

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The group walked on, taking shortcuts past familiar landmarks. Mendalla led the group, standing out from the crowd in her elaborate turquoise dress. Her beaded necklaces clattered as she walked, her strides were so fast that Appo almost had to jog to keep up. “Why is everyone in this town in such a hurry?” he thought. When the manor came into view, Mendalla’s pace slowed. She let Appo catch up with her.

“I do have to ask,” Mendalla inquired, “have you spoken with Boah since our last discussion?”

“No.” In fact, Appo had been avoiding Boah as much as possible since his improvised speech.

“I’d advise you to continue to do so. Boah is not to be trusted, despite what our allegiance may suggest. We believe in the same god, but our similarities end there. He is like all self-made men: egotistical, opportunistic, and thirsty for power. I can tell he senses weakness within the Heads; in fact, I guarantee he is elated by what happened to my daughter-in-law. He hopes it will break me. He is mistaken.”

Appo hated getting involved in petty city politics, even if he could see where Mendalla was coming from. “I understand what you mean.”

“I’ll be honest, Appo, I never had to struggle like he did. My family has quietly ruled its corner of this city for generations. I know naughtt of what it’s like to be in need, or to suffer. But don’t mistake that for callousness. I am firm and I am feared, but I am not cruel. Understand that my intentions are solely for the betterment of Ash. That is why I am giving you a platform today.”

Mendalla stopped right as the group approached the manor gate. Her emerald green eyes met Appo’s gaze. “You’re friends with the mercenary? Jere, right?”

“I don’t think he would say that we’re friends, but he’s been my companion, yes.”

“How is he?”

Appo thought it best to not relay the full extent of their travels together. “From what I’ve heard, he’s been doing fine.”

“Good. I’m curious to hear your thoughts: have you ever thought that perhaps Jere is overqualified for his job? He’d be more efficient running the Guard Corps, don’t you think?”

Appo laughed. “You flatter him, madam. I’m sure he’d agree with you.”

“Here’s the thing: Jere isn’t paid. He doesn’t have a salary. He was bought by Boah.”

“Bought? As in… Jere’s a slave?”

“He may not look the part but trust me when I say so. Jere was brought to Ash by slave traders many years ago. Boah paid a month's salary for him, back when that used to be significantly less. Obviously, he is treated with respect as far as slaves go. He's too good of a fighter to get that much disrespect. But there’s a reason he stays in Ash. He is a prisoner here, and Boah refuses to release him.”

Appo’s mind was racing with questions. Before he could ask any, Mendalla cut him off. “If you wish to know how he ended up there, you’re wasting your time. I don’t know and he won’t talk about it. But that’s not important. The point is that Boah uses others for himself and himself alone. He doesn’t see people. Only tools. Remember that.” Mendalla turned to the gate, knocking a few times before it opened.

The group passed through into the courtyard. Mendalla pointed to a corridor straight ahead. “Walk down the hall and take a left. Look for a pretty girl named Loos and tell her I sent you. It should take her one whiff to figure out why. She will provide you with a bucket of water, appropriate clothes, and will wash your current attire while we’re in the meeting. After that, have her lead you to the Great Hall. Again, she should be able to put two-and-two together. Don’t take long, we won’t wait on you.” With that, Mendalla turned away with her guards, leaving Appo alone in the courtyard.

Despite all he had done and seen, Appo couldn’t help but be excited. He hadn’t had a bath in years.