They left the sanctuary just after first light and made their way to the tower. Larianco was apprehensive about speaking to the chancellor about the issues, but SJ had managed to calm her nerves.
"Is Wystria in this morning?" SJ asked a desk clerk.
"Not yet," she replied.
"We may as well get some breakfast while we wait," SJ said.
Several people were eating in the dining hall before their daily jobs began. The crowd was much smaller than it had been now that most of those who had visited for the inauguration had left. After ordering and paying for their food, SJ didn't believe she should get it for free, as she was not attending a council session. They sat and ate quietly, discussing the issues at hand.
"What will you do, about Lashiki? Now you know there will be problems." SJ said.
"I will speak to Val. I am not sure if she can do anything, but these acts of mischief and mayhem have to stop. Lashiki is a town that survives from its crop produce. If they lose their harvest, the impacts could be devastating. Even worse than the costs, Killic suffered several years back."
"I heard about those. The town suffered severely, but at least they still had the fishing side to fall back on."
"Yes. Lashiki doesn't have anything apart from its crop harvests. They are one of the largest wheat providers in the south. The town is situated on the Golgoth plains. It's perfectly flat, and the soil is rich."
"It still amazes me when I consider the varying territories and what they can provide. I always used to take things for granted where I am from."
"I was no different. Being brought up in the fae capital, everything was available. It is only when you go outside of your comforts that you begin to realise the hardships in the world. Especially when you learn that part of that hardship comes from your own kin."
"I need to ask you a question we didn't discuss last night. When I was listening to Carter and Raceillia talk, they mentioned that there had been previous attempts on your life and that you had thwarted them."
"Over my time in Asterfal, there have been several, yes. The most recent was just after Raceillia arrived in the city. It is an unfortunate part of my role. Our kinds poor reputation can drive some to seek revenge for our history," Larianco said. How she answered the question was nonchalant, as if an attempt on her life didn't bother her.
After checking with the desk clerk again, SJ was informed that Wystria had arrived and could be found in her office. Larianco led them there after SJ admitted she had never been to Wystrias office and had left the map at home. The door was open when they arrived Wystria was standing looking out of a window into the tower gardens.
"Wystria?" SJ said.
"Yes," she said, turning to see SJ and Larianco. "Now, this looks ominous."
"Sorry to disturb you, but I have some news you need to know."
"What news?"
"I am aware that a chalice of some kind is being transported to a jeweller in District 10," SJ paused. Wystria didn't respond to the statement. "There is a plan to steal and fence it."
Wystria's eyes narrowed slightly, which was not a clear sign of mistrust but one of question. "And how might I ask, are you aware of a chalice and where it is going?"
"That is where things get a little complex," SJ said. She could feel her cheeks heating under Wystria's gaze. "Is the chancellor in? Because I believe it would be best if he was privy to further details."
Wystria looked from SJ to Larianco before turning and walking to a desk and picking up a bunch of keys. "Come, let's go," she said, ushering them from the office, locking it as they did.
The guards at the chancellor's door came to attention as Wystria approached. One of them reached and opened the door on her behalf. Nodding thanks, she entered.
"Chancellor."
"Morning, Wystria. This is an early visit this morning. I thought you had a big day planned?" The chancellor looked up from his desk, seeing SJ. And you bring guests?"
"Apologies. I have just been informed of a matter, and the ambassador believes you should be aware."
"Indeed. Well, what is this matter that I need to know about? Please, come in and sit," he said, moving around his desk to sit in a chair by a table.
"I have just mentioned a problem to Wystria about a planned theft of a chalice," SJ said.
The chancellor's eyebrow raised at this news.
SJ continued. "You are both aware of the recent issues I have had with attempts on my life. I have discovered who has been behind them and during the process also discovered about the plan to steal a chalice that is being taken to District 10."
"You know who has been trying to kill you?" the chancellor said. "The scriers were unable to confirm from their work."
"That is because she is not a councillor in the truest sense of the word. It was Raceillia."
Both Wystria and the chancellor looked shocked by the news. "Raceillia? But why?" Wystria said.
"This is where it gets more complicated. Since I arrived in Amathera, I have drawn unwanted attention on several occasions, which I know you are aware of. From the investigation I carried out, it appears that this may be linked to the dark elves and certain members of the fae council. Raceillia is one of those who is working on behalf of and with the dark elves. I must add that this is not all dark elves or fae. There appears to be a faction trying to bring the return of Gavia and his beliefs and ways. Larianco is here with me today to show her support for the justice that these beings deserve."
Larianco spoke before either could respond. "I have reported the matter back to the fae capital, and I have been authorised to bring Raceillia in peacefully, but if she won't come peacefully, I have the authority to dispose of her. Her actions go against all the good I have been straining for over my time in Asterfal. We are also aware of a group's expected attack on Lashiki. I am unaware of when this will happen exactly, but a group has apparently been dispatched. My concern is that Lashiki only survives because of its harvest and if it is devastated, I would dread to think what may come of the town."
SJ continued. "The dark elves are the ones planning on stealing the chalice. I overheard a conversation between Carter, the gang leader of the dark elves planning the theft, and a man who I believe is a cousin of Lieutenant Jelart of District 3. They spoke of receiving payment and comments by the man stating that he, who I assume is Jelart, wouldn't accept the terms Carter was asking for. They had initially planned to steal the chalice from District 5, but the man arrived with the updated news for Carter, stating it would now be moved to District 10. Unfortunately, I didn't get the man's name as it wasn't spoken."
The chancellor sat silently once SJ finished speaking and eventually turned to look at Wystria.
"Has it changed?"
"Yes. I was informed yesterday evening that Samwell, our usual jeweller in District 5, has been taken ill, so we are moving it to District 10 to Hamilton."
"What is the chalice they are talking about?"
"It is a relic of Asterfal. It has been in the city since its founding," Wystria said. "It's exceedingly delicate, and one of the new clerics knocked it while cleaning, and one of its stones has broken free, so it requires repair."
"Can it not be done in situ?"
"Potentially, it could be done at the Astaria, but we have always used the same jeweller in District 5 who looks after all the city's artefacts."
The chancellor stood and walked to the office door. Opening it, he spoke to a guard before returning to his seat. "I have just asked for the colonel to be brought here. I will get him to have guards positioned at the jewellers. We can go through the process of moving it, but not take it there and set a trap for them. Wystria, are you able to sort that out? When the colonel gets here, I will brief him accordingly."
"I would, but only a few knew about the new plans, and I am now concerned about where the leak may have come from. If anything changes, that is too obvious. They will know or suspect and may get news back to this gang you spoke of. If Jelart or his contemptuous cousin is involved." Wystria looked like she was about to spit. "Then I will find out who is behind it and deal with them accordingly. Anyone planning such treachery as stealing Asterfal's artefacts will suffer the consequences."
"There is no evidence currently showing that it is indeed Jelart, but if it is, then it will solve a headache we have had for a while now," the chancellor said. Although he didn't state any specifics, it was clear that he had no love for the man. "So, back to the other point you mentioned. Raceillia. I will revoke all rights to the tower immediately, and I will ask the guard to keep a lookout for her."
"Could I ask that you don't?" SJ asked.
"Why?" the chancellor frowned.
"If she gets suspicious, that people are aware of her actions, she may go into hiding more so than she currently is. I know her assumed whereabouts currently, and we," SJ looked at Larianco. "...plan to deal with her."
"Are you going to tell me where this is?"
"I would prefer not to at this time," SJ said.
The chancellor raised an eyebrow at the comment but did not push for details.
"Larianco. I know that for you to come here today and speak openly about the fae must be painful. I have been aware of your hard work for years to bring a positive light to the fae. I will send a messenger to Lashiki, inform them there may be trouble coming, and send a patrol with mages."
"Thank you, Chancellor. I can only apologise once again for the trouble that has been caused," Larianco said as she dropped her head down with embarrassment.
"Larianco. You have always been open and honest. You have nothing to be ashamed of. It is not only the fae that causes issues in the southern region. If anything, over recent times, it has been much less than many other races. Just consider the ogre clans and the chaos they have caused. Never mind the desert gnolls, the goblin hoard to our east in the mountains and the kobolds of Caristar. And that is to name but a few of the problems across the south."
'I never even consider the issues outside of Killic or what else is happening across the region,' SJ thought.
"No, there are always conflicts and problems. I wonder if the desert gnolls he refers to are the ones south of Killic," Dave said.
'When I consider everything that is happening. I wonder how the chancellor and the others do it every day. After all, they are supposed to be responsible for the southern region.'
"It is their choice to do what they do. It gives Killic's problems a different perspective when considering the wider issues. I have become so used to seeing all the issues over my time as an Administrator that I don't pay attention to most of what occurs. I should do, really."
There was a knock on the chamber door, and the colonel entered. The chancellor explained to the colonel about the threat to the chalice, and he discussed arranging a trap for the would-be thieves.
"The guard force in District 10 is one of the most organised in the city. It's captain is Kilbert who started at the tower."
"Kilbert. I remember him," the chancellor said.
"He runs a tight ship compared to most," the colonel said.
"Well, with your new authority and promotion coming, you will whip all the guard forces into shape."
"I only hope we can. You know there will be pushback from several districts when your proposal is announced."
"It isn't a proposal. It is happening. I am sick and tired of their slack-handed behaviour. Some don't care what happens in their districts as long as they claim their tax cut. Jelart is a prime example."
"He is, sir, and 3 is the worst by far."
As SJ listened to the plan the colonel would implement, Petunia arrived in the chancellor's office.
"Ah. Your Worship. Perfect timing," the chancellor said, smiling. It was strange hearing the city's leader call Petunia Your Worship.
"I see we have a full house this morning. What have I missed?" Petunia said.
"I will brief you on everything later, but if possible, I have a priority target for your first audit."
Petunia's face lit up with a huge grin. "Of course, I have been looking forward to the audits. Is Master Valion aware of his duties as an auditor?"
"He is. Although he won't be available to start financial audits for a few days yet, he is still completing the annual tax report for the capital."
"Bah. That will delay the proceedings."
"Did you say financial audits? I used to be an auditor." SJ asked.
"Oh no," Dave groaned.
All in the chamber turned and stared at SJ. "An auditor? It takes years to become an auditor," Petunia said.
"I was one for several years before I came to Amathera."
'Do they actually know where we originate from?' SJ thought.
"Nope. They just know that the system brings you in as Legionnaires. They don't know about the second life aspect and I have never known anyone even attempt to tell them. I'm not even sure if you would be able to," Dave said.
"Well, if you are free to help? I don't want to take you away from your business," Petunia said.
"I would love to," SJ said, happy with the chance to get involved. She wanted to learn more about how the city operated, and finances always told a story. This knowledge could benefit her in any future dealings. She had seen what they did in Killic, but it was on such a small scale and simple compared to what she imagined a city and district the size of them would use.
"Excellent. So then, who is my first victim?" Petunia said.
The chancellor shook his head in dismay. "They are not victims. We are trying to support and assist with their understanding to help them run their districts more efficiently," he said.
"Bah. We all know what they are like, so until I am proven wrong, they will all be my victims."
For such a high-level cleric as Petunia was, she had an evil side to her.
"Chancellor. Before we leave, may I ask a question?" SJ asked.
"Yes. What is it?"
"If things do happen when we carry out our plan, there will be no repercussions against ourselves, will there?" SJ cryptically asking that if Raceillia or others were killed, she or Larianco wouldn't be held accountable.
"If they aren't 'Councillors', then there is no direct requirement for the tower to be involved," the chancellor replied, raising his eyebrows.
"Thank you. Petunia, please let me know if you need me to support you," SJ said.
"Where will you be?"
"For now, drinking coffee," SJ said as they left the chancellor's office.
"I told you it would be ok," SJ said to Larianco as they walked down the corridor.
"I hate how some sully our name so badly," Larianco said. When SJ first met her, Larianco's initial demeanour was one of confidence and surety, and seeing the worry on her face now concerned SJ.
"I think the best time to go for Raceillia will be once the gang leave to attempt the robbery in District 10. It will make it easier with less in the warehouse," SJ said, sitting in the dining hall with a coffee.
"I wanted to try and talk to her if possible and bring her in peacefully."
"Do you really believe that she will come peacefully after what we have discussed?"
"No. I am sure she won't, but from what you have said, she is a young, naive fae who has followed in her father's footsteps. She has probably known no better. I would prefer to save her if I can."
"You believe she can be saved?"
"I believe that there is good in every fae. I wouldn't do the role I do if I didn't, and from what you have told me, it seems that the minority is causing the problems if they are dispatching groups to territories to cause problems. It isn't just general fae causing mayhem. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole continuation of the mischief wasn't caused by his followers since Gavia's death."
"I will go with Petunia today. It will keep me occupied until this evening. At least I know that no one would ever dream of attacking her. So I should be safe."
"I don't know many who could even attempt to fight Petunia. Her tongue is legendary, never mind her abilities."
"I heard that," Petunia called from the dining hall entrance before walking over.
Larianco shrunk in her chair.
"And yes, my tongue is legendary," she smiled as she reached the table. "Right, we have an audit to complete SJ. District 3 as well. We couldn't have started at a nicer location. You will need this."
Petunia handed SJ a small token similar to the one she had been issued as a council member, but this one was gold-coloured. "It gives you authority to perform audits. Let's go. I need to round up the rest of the team."
"I will meet you at the sanctuary later," SJ said to Larianco as she hurried out of the chamber behind Petunia.
