As evening dawned upon Hatlynshire, Anna found herself caught in quite the fray. The entirety of Anatoli Hamlet was in a state of panic. Anna herself was feeling quite scared on the inside. She stood leaning on a wooden banister overlooking the courtyard at the center of the Hamlet. It was quaint courtyard. It was square in shape and covered on all sides by a two story high building which contained all the major offices and administration centers as well as some leisure areas. The first floor of this building was mostly open arches while the second floor at a banister overlooking the yard. All of this was topped with a brick roof with the only other color coming from the various flower wines that grew around the building. It was certainly not paradise, but to Anna it was home.
Anna watched as the residents of the Hamlet scurried around. Various crates and other materials floated around the courtyard as the residents all gathered and counted their resources. Fearing for what was to come. Anna herself had only heard the news through Bon. And she could understand why everyone was so afraid. Ulysses Everton, the Baron of Everton Borough, had apparently been murdered the day before. But news of the death hadn’t reach the Hamlets until this afternoon. Anna understood why the sudden death of someone so important was worrisome. Especially considering the threat posed by the Order of Man.
“Don’t you dare leave the hamlet!” Bon had said to her while storing away his alcohol supplies. “I mean it this time! Those Hunters will be swarming the Borough now that Baron Everton’s dead”
“But doesn’t he have an heir? A son? He must have one surely! He can replace him” said Anna, who had never bothered herself with the lives of those posh Barons.
“I hear he does have a son. But as far as I know, he’s not even thirty years old! I doubt he could take the reins so swiftly. And even then the process of installing him to power may take time. In that time we’re vulnerable and the Hunters will take any chance to slaughter us!”
Anna then remembered looking at how Bon was putting away his alcohol. In wooden boxes that were lined with cloth.
“Why do you waste your time putting away all the wine and whiskey? It’s not like you can do any business when your bar is closed” to which Bon chuckled cheerfully. “Oh my dear, in a time like this. I feel as though we all need a drink to drown away our fears. And that is what I intent to do, I would give you some too if you weren’t a wee lass.”
Anna remembered frowning since she wasn’t too enthusiastic about being called a ‘Wee lass’. But then Anna snapped out of her memory as she tried to focus on one place. She stared at the other end of the courtyard. Directly to a large door that she knew led to the office of Mr. Howards, the man in charge of Anatoli Hamlet. Anna was looking for Caroline, who she hadn’t seen since yesterday where they had spent a few together frolicking about. She knew Caroline couldn’t easily show her face in the Hamlet since her activities as a vigilante had branded her as a criminal. But she had heard from Bon that Mr. Howards had wanted to meet Caroline today. No doubt due to the news of what ah transpired in the day before.
Finally, just as the sun was getting ready to set, Anna saw a figure dressed in a grey cloak walk through the courtyard and towards the door. Anna knew it had to be Caroline. She watched as the figure walked to the door of Mr. Howards’ office. She couldn’t see whether she knocked but she did see the door open. She then watched the door open from the inside letting the hooded figure step in. The door then closed behind the figure.
Anna down to the courtyard from the balcony through a set of stairs. She then ran out of the building and went through a small path next to it which led behind the building. Anna was used to this trail. Caroline had taught it to her when she had first started her band of outlaws. She had acted in secret and her actions were not legal in the eyes of the Circulion Code. But Mr. Howards didn’t know about it at first. Hence Anna had been tasked to find out whether or not Howards knew by spying on him through a window from time to time. Anna knew that third window at the back of the building was the one that looked into Howards’ office. She reached it and then taped on it lightly to check whether it was locked. It was. She then placed her hand quietly on the glass. She then concentrated. Using her power through glass was also something Caroline had taught her. And it often came in handy.
Using her concentration Anna managed to undo the lock on the other side of the glass. Once she did she slowly pushed opened the window as to not create any noise. She then peeked her head into the room. She couldn’t see either Howards or Caroline as the window was covered by a large wooden cabinet. Anna then reached her hands through the windowsill and wriggled her way through. She then slowly stepped into the room and hid behind the cabinet. She had done this many times, and not once was she caught. Howards’ office itself was quite lavish. Howards himself sat behind a wide mahogany desk with a golden three pronged candle holder, in a fancy cushioned chair with a large portrait of himself on the wall behind him next to a red banner with the symbol of Anatoli Hamlet and a white banner with the symbol of the Circle on it. She then peeked her head out the cabinet and listened.
“I suppose you’ve heard the news then” said a masculine voice. Anna recognized it to be Mr. Howards. Who was a thin man who always wore his Nobleman uniform whenever he was in the Hamlet. Anna always thought the blue uniform with the black hat with a huge feather made him look like a fancy ship captain. She knew it certainly matched his personality.
“Everton’s dead. I suppose that means you have one less person to answer to for some time” said Caroline in a straight and emotionless voice. She always spoke to Howards in a professional voice. Never even letting her posture flinch.
“Yes, I suppose I do. And it will be quite a long time as I hear”
“Why is that?”
“Word among my superiors is that Everton’s son has gone missing. He is nowhere to be found, which is to be expected. Someone with as much power and influence as a Great House member can make themselves disappear to an untraceable extent. Even more so the Evertons, whose main business is in theatrics and deception”
Anna noticed Caroline pause for a moment. Obviously thinking about something.
“Well then, if the son is missing. What is to become of the Borough?”
“That is why I called you here, Miss Dawton. With the fate of our borough unsure, you no doubt expect the Hunters will take advantage of this situation. I expect nightly patrols to worsen over the coming weeks. We might even face a siege if they find a way to get to this Hamlet”
“Are you asking for my protection, Howards? What, your fancy soldiers can’t do that for you already?”
Howards didn’t answer her immediately. Which meant that Caroline was most likely correct in her assumption.
“I am not asking for your protection, Miss Dawton. I am simply requesting your cooperation in these trying times”
“Really now? Cooperation in what way?”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Howards paused again. Anna then heard sound of scuffling. She looked over the edge of the cabinet and saw Mr. Howards lean his head closer to Caroline while putting both his arms on his desk.
“Before I tell you, I want your word that whatever we discuss here stays confidential. Do you understand? This much not reach the ears of the other residents”
“I understand you quite clearly, Howards” said Caroline is unaverred tone. “Only my crew shall know. And I swear on my life that they will keep your secret, for my sake”
“Good” said Howards, reclining back into his cushioned chair. He then took a deep breath as though he was about to unleash a shocking revelation.
“We are running low on finances, Miss Dawton”
“What do you mean? You seem to be doing quite well. I assume you the Treasury handed you a large sum along with the notice to barricade the Hamlet”
“The Treasury released six million Sorasy in funds” said Mr. Howards. “But once divided among the nine Hamlets it not nearly enough to cover the costs of protecting this place”
“Well, have you appealed to the Treasury? I’m sure they’ll give you more. They’ve given it you for lesser reasons than this before after all”
Mr. Howards didn’t seem to enjoy that remark. “I have appealed to them. But they haven’t answered me yet. I assume the other Hamlets have also done so, hence the delay. But even then, it could take weeks before I get an answer. And even with all the money I have locked away in our reserves we cannot survive more than a month if the Hunters act! And believe me, they WILL act!”
Caroline said nothing for moment. Then she replied in a softer voice. It was clear she took Howards worries seriously as she also cared for the Hamlet she called home. “I see, but what do you want from me and my band of ‘lawless bandits’?”
“I need you to help me protect this Hamlet” said Mr. Howards in a rare moment of desperation. Perhaps saying his situation out loud had made him realize the severity of it. “I will give you and your outlaws’ full Noble protection. I shall give you free rein to vanquish our foes. No more hiding in alleyways and avoiding Circulion soldiers. In return, I want to protect our supply routes, our borders and the streets. I shall even provide you with ammunition! No more stealing from my stores, you can have it all! But unfortunately, that is all the compensation I can give”
He then leaned Caroline again. “Please, Miss Dawton. I know you desire revenge. Revenge for what happened to your family and I can give it to you with no consequences from the law. Just say yes”
Caroline went silent for almost a minute. Anna had never heard Mr. Howards, who was usually very calm and often times quite prideful, sound so desperate. Anna did not doubt Mr. Howards’ willingness to help the residents of the Hamlet. But to see him plead with Caroline, who he considered to be a criminal, was something Anna did not expect.
Anna then heard the sound of chair moving. Indicating that one of two people in the office had stood up. Anna guessed it was Caroline. Anna turned away from the room and faced the window, ready to jolt out, but she halted when she heard Caroline talk again.
“I know you, Mr. Howards. You see me as only a cost cutting measure. But even that is more than I expected from you. For if I had stepped into your office a week earlier, you would have had me arrested.”
“I apologize for our past interactions, Miss Dawton. But I assure you, you will not have to worry of being prosecuted every again. If you just accept my proposition”
“I expect that you want to keep this arrangement private. I doubt your superiors would want to know that you intentionally work with renegades and the like”
“Yes, that would be much appreciated. If, of course, you accept”
Anna peeked her head again and saw Caroline turn towards Howards. “No matter what I think of you, Howards. I do not doubt that you are a man of your word” she said. Howards grinned at the compliment. He and Caroline then shook hands. “I accept your preposition”
“Thank you. I suppose we shall begin immediately then?” Howards asked.
“No, my crew and I will approach you tonight when everyone is asleep. It’s better that way. Now if you do not mind, I am needed elsewhere. I know my sister is expecting me, no doubt because of the news that has led to all this chaos.” Caroline replied sternly.
“Good. Good indeed” said Howards with a smile. Caroline then put her hood on and turned around to leave. Anna swiftly turned around and dashed through the window before Caroline could reach the door. Anna then ran back all the way to the courtyard and slowly walked in just as she saw Caroline walk out of Howards’ office. She then eased her pace and pretended to walk in random direction so that Caroline could spot her.
Anna noticed Caroline walk towards her. She slowed down and let her catchup to her. Caroline grabbed Anna’s shoulder. And Anna turned around and acted surprised.
“Caroline! You came!” she said in an excited voice.
“Oh Annie, of course I came. I know you’ve been waiting for me”
“Well I always wait for you. Even when you never come” said Anna, remembering all the morbid times that Caroline missed their engagements in order to pursue something or the other. Caroline frowned at that remark but then smiled again.
“Well I’m here today. So I suggest we make the most of it” she said. She then took her hand out of Anna’s shoulder and began to walk slowly towards the exit leading to the rest of the Hamlet. She then tilted her head sideways and gave Anna a grin.
“But first, you must promise me something”
“What?” Anna asked eagerly, ready to promise her sister anything.
“I want you to promise that you’ll never tell anyone what you heard in that office”
Caroline’s words caught Anna by surprise. An eagerness and cheerful mood diminished slightly and she felt a bit embarrassed.
“You…you saw me? How?”
“My dear Annie, I taught you how to spy on Howards. But you still have a lot to learn. Especially in regards to not leaving a closed window open”
Anna felt embarrassed. She had left the window open in her haste to leave the office. A blunder so obvious it made her feel like an amateur. But Caroline turned around and held her by the chin. Her warm and caring smile always made Anna feel better.
“Don’t worry, dear sister. You’ll master the art of hiding in the shadows one day. I know that to be fact!”
“Then why don’t you let me join your crew?” asked Anna. Caroline’s expression immediately changed. But now that the question was brought forth. Anna wasn’t about to back down. “You know I want to join. I want to learn. I want to fight alongside you”
“Your too young, Annie. Much too young”
“But I want to join. I want revenge as much as you do!”
“Revenge is not worth dying for!” said Caroline suddenly. It was clear that the thought of losing Anna frightened her more than any Hunter. “Revenge is not what I see when I pull the trigger of my gun. To kill is a horrific experience unlike any other. An experience you should never have to undergo. Besides, the nighttime streets are much too dangerous for an untrained child as yourself!”
Anna took a step back from Caroline. Her voice instilled fear but it also filled Anna with anger.
“I am capable of handling myself! I can prove it to you! I am not some imbecile who cowers in fear!”
“Well your performance on the field certainly doesn’t speak in your favor” said Caroline snidely. Anna knew she was recalling to the time Anna froze in fear when confronted with a Hunter. Anna paused and frowned angrily. Caroline then took a deep breath and calmed down before speaking to Anna again. “You are more valuable to me than anything. I don’t want you risking your life at night trying to achieve an impossible task. I want you here, I want you to aid this hamlet. Our home. I want you to keep it safe.”
“Then why do you go out at night and try to achieve this ‘impossible’ task? Why do you put your life at risk even when you know I want you to stay here with me?”
Caroline paused, and then sighed. “I’ve made my mistakes, to watch you repeat them is the last thing I want” she then held Anna firmly by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “So please, Annie. For my sake. Do not go out there. Especially during these times”
Anna avoided her gaze but then nodded in agreement. Caroline’s warm smile then returned. She then let go of Anna and held her hand out to her.
“Come then, why don’t we have some fun while I’m here? Nice days like this do not come often”
Anna looked at Caroline and smiled thoughtfully. She then grabbed her hand walked out of the courtyard with her. She was grateful to have her here knowing that the next few weeks will be nothing but chaos and worries. But still, she couldn’t help but think that Caroline had underestimated her. She still yearned to go outside and exact her vengeance upon those who had taken so much from her. She needed to prove herself to Caroline. And she was going to do it…somehow.
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