Chapter 14 – Chance Meeting
The bar was pretty quiet early in the evening, filled with the low murmur of the mainly orchish customers, and the air filled with the sweet spice of the food. Fas and SJ made their way to a booth at the rear, away from prying ears. To any other beings, they would have looked like a couple sharing a quiet meal. If only they knew what topics they were discussing. The details Fas shared over their meal weren't the greatest, but at least they gave SJ some insight into her latest target, as they sat whispering in hushed tones.
The chief's security consisted of various individuals that Fas knew but had little detail on them, never having a requirement to look into them further than knowing who some of them were. There was a close-knit group of five that he was aware of. The troll Tsongy, a warlock whom Fas had already mentioned the power of, along with two dark elven fighters, Tassel and Wernig, a halfling rogue, Oline, and an elven priest, Gallian. Apart from knowing their names and classes, Fas knew little else about them.
An orc server approached their table. "Can I get you anything else?" To SJ, he looked anything but a waiter; his muscles bulged under the white top he wore, and his physique reminded her more of Jay.
"Can I get some more of the sticky pheasant in the spicy sauce?" Fas asked.
"Of course. I'll bring another portion over. For you, miss?" he said, turning to SJ.
"I'll just have some more water, please," SJ said as the waiter smiled before turning and walking back to the kitchen and bar area.
It didn't take the orc long to return with their order, and once he had, Fas continued.
"I can't remember the last time I saw them all together. The only one who is always visibly around her is Tsongy," Fas said as he bit into another piece of sticky pheasant. "But, I do know that they are never too far from her," sighing with pleasure as he chewed. "I wish I had come here earlier. The food's amazing."
"I'm still surprised that you don't know more about them," SJ said. Images of the black leather notebook in Fas's clenched fist were still fresh in her mind, and she wondered what mysteries it contained.
Fas just shrugged, chasing a bite of pheasant with a swig of bitter orc ale. The ale was very bitter compared to the usual ales and wasn't something SJ personally liked as she sipped her water.
"Have you considered what you are going to do?" Fas asked.
"No, not yet. Once the chancellor's visit is concluded, I will return to Asterfal and start monitoring her. I need to understand her movements and when the prime opportunity to end her would be."
"I can perform some checks, but knowing the security she does have, anyone doing it would need to be careful. Although I don't have proof, I know for a fact that many dead bodies in the district will have originated from her orders. Only two nights past, a previous regular at the Black Griffin turned up with his throat slit in an alley not far from the inn. I know he had had dealings with her in the past. She is ruthless in everything she does, even if she keeps her hands clean of direct involvement. Of all the beings I have met in Asterfal, there are few as cautious or as wily and intelligent."
Fas mentioning her intelligence didn't exactly surprise SJ, since she was a mage, but it was stated in a manner of general intellect, rather than in relation to her class. The one skill that Fas wished he had, which SJ did, was the advanced identification skill.
"Do you have anyone on your books who can identify beings?" SJ asked, swilling her water in her glass.
Fas smiled. "I do, but the answer would be no. I can't risk them being discovered. You have previously informed me that it can be sensed when triggered, and considering Urani's paranoia about her security, I would bet that wards or similar protections are in place. It's not easy finding those with the skill who are willing to use it for the means I do."
SJ still wasn't fully aware of Fas's network he maintained in the city, but knew it stretched across all the districts, or was definitely able to if so inclined. He had used it to support her when Raceillia had attacked her to locate her movements. With such a diverse and congested outer city as Asterfal had, it was impossible to monitor everything that went on.
"Do you have any ideas?" SJ asked.
"Not presently," Fas shook his head. "I would be lying if I said otherwise. In some ways, the most likely successful attack scenario would be direct; however, without considering the overarching protection she has, it could indeed be fruitless. We are both aware of mage shields and the problems they can cause, preventing initial damage."
SJ nodded in agreement. There had been various magical shields she had previously overcome, adding precious time towards any attack, and that was before considering other defensive measures they may have had.
"I wish she weren't a mage," SJ sighed.
"Ha. There will be a way; we need to discover it. Every being has a weakness," Fas said emphatically.
"Have you finished now?" SJ asked, looking at Fas's now-empty and almost-polished bowl, where he had wiped up the remaining sauce with his finger.
"Yes. This restaurant really was a good choice," Fas sat back, patting his perfectly flat stomach.
After SJ paid for their meal, they left the restaurant and went their separate ways. SJ said she would check in with Fas once she returned to Asterfal after the chancellor's visit.
The rain from the day's deluge had passed, and the moon shone weakly through the early evening clouds. Water still ran down the streets towards the inner wall, where it was collected and, from SJ's understanding, recycled into Asterfal's water system.
'I think I will call in to see Larianco,' SJ thought.
"It has been a while," Dave replied.
'Yes. She has still been busy dealing with the continuing issues surrounding the fae and dark elf insurgency across the southern regions.'
Since SJ's arrival on Amathera and her discovery of the hatred that she had initially learned about the fae, the problems hadn't lessened, and if anything, they had continued to escalate. The chaos caused by Gavia's followers had only grown over the past twelve months, adding unrelenting pressure on Larianco. Their impact was never direct on Asterfal, but the problems that the surrounding issues brought were constant, hampering trade and relationships across the regions.
"One of these days you're going to have to get involved in it all," Dave said.
'Not anytime soon, I hope. After Raceillia's failed attempt, I've been left alone, which I'm more than grateful for. I have enough issues to deal with as it is.'
"I think you forget how much of an anomaly you are at times."
SJ frowned as she swerved around a rather large puddle on the street. 'I just wish to live and support my friends,' she thought.
"Which you do. I just have a strange feeling with everything that Aletheia has brought that your life will never be the quiet one you hope for."
"SJ!" A voice called out from across the street.
Surprised to hear anyone call her, she turned to see a stocky dwarf grinning as he came over.
"Hi, Daxe. I didn't expect to see you in this neighbourhood," SJ said, recognising the dwarven weaponsmith.
"I'm off to see a friend about a thing, you know," Daxe smiled.
SJ tilted her head, her eyes widening.
"Not that sort of friend," Daxe chuckled. "I have been hoping to see you. I know you came and enquired about The Wolf Blades."
"Yes," SJ said. "Do you have another set?"
"No. I have something better."
"Really?" The Wolf Blades had been a Mythic-grade set for beings above level 30, and SJ had gone to see Daxe about purchasing them, since her accumulated experience was already well past the use requirements, and she knew it was only a matter of time before she would level again.
Daxe beamed. "Yes, unfortunately, I don't have time now as I need to get to my meeting, but if you call in tomorrow, I can show you them?"
"What time will you be open?"
"Ah, usual. As soon as the sun rises, the forge will be lit."
"Okay. I may be able to call in before I head back."
"Great. I'll look forward to seeing you in the morning then," Daxe waved as he headed off.
"That was fortuitous," Dave said.
'He looked very excited about them,' SJ thought. Her Paws of Nightwalker +6 had seen her through many scraps and supported her during the battle of Killic, but they were only a level 15 weapon, and SJ knew that there were many better available to her now. They had set her back nearly 36 gold when she purchased them, and wondered what they would sell for secondhand. The auction house was often full of various weapons for sale, but they were significantly overpriced. The rarity of a weapon added huge sums to the asking price. 'I should also consider new boots again as well.'
"Anything you purchase now needs to be level 30 up."
'Yeah, with the wall upgrades finished and everything in place now in town, I hope to level soon, anyway.'
"Absolutely, most of the guards and others in Killic have progressed significantly over the past twelve months. I am aware that many are also reaching their level thresholds."
The statement surprised SJ. 'I didn't realise you had been monitoring them?'
"I monitor everything," Dave replied smugly.
'If only that were the case,' SJ thought, rolling her eyes. Her best friend may be an AI, but he was so forgetful and easily distracted that she often worried about him. He still struggled to remember the names of beings on occasion.
A wagon trundled past, catching a puddle, and SJ jumped sideways, dodging the spray it created as she continued her journey. The driver didn't even notice as he continued down the street. Her adapted vision was playing its part in allowing her to see the spray before it reached her. The immediate contrast as SJ entered the inner city streets heading to Larianco's was, as usual, significant. The cobbled and uneven streets of the outer city were in stark contrast to the pristine and well-maintained inner city. The roads were all perfectly level and cambered to ensure that rain drained off their surfaces. The air was always cleaner as well, and the scent of the day's rain hung freshly in the air as she walked past one of the open park areas.
Larianco lived in the fae ambassador's residence near the rear of the park, and SJ cut through one of the gates, taking a shortcut. This was the same park Raceillia had attacked her in, and it always brought back vivid memories.
The residence had lanterns on when she arrived, pushing the encroaching darkness away, as SJ reached the front porch and knocked on the door. She heard movement inside, and after several moments, the door was opened.
"Oh, hello," the fae answering the door looked surprised to see her.
"Hi. Is Larianco in?"
"No. She is currently in Maidillian. There has been an upsurge in crop damage believed to be by the you-know-whos," the fae replied. His name was Sarontino, and he was the first male fae that SJ had met. He had arrived in Asterfal to support Larianco after Raceillia's demise and was a confidant of Val, who was Larianco's mentor and guide from the fae capital. "Please come in," Sarontino offered, stepping aside.
"Thanks," SJ said as she entered the residence. The fae residence wasn't as ostentatious as many of the ambassadorial homes that were located in the inner city, and SJ had visited several when representing Killic over the past twelve months.
"Go through to the lounge. I'll grab some drinks. Would you like your usual?"
"I'd just have a coffee if that's okay?" SJ asked.
"Of course, give me a moment," Sarontino said as he moved to the kitchen.
SJ entered the lounge, which hadn't changed. The large table in the middle was covered with maps of the surrounding territories, and SJ walked over to examine them. The number of annotations was significant, and considering when she had first seen them, there had definitely been a considerable increase in activity.
Sarontino entered after a while, carrying a large pot of coffee and two mugs.
"Do you drink coffee now?" SJ asked, surprised.
Sarontino smiled; his smile was beautiful. The male fae were very similar looking to the female fae in relation to their features. There was little that distinguished them apart; their looks were just as breathtaking, and Sarontino was a perfect specimen. The only significant and noticeable sign that he was a male fae was his wings. Male fae's wings were a different shape; a female fae's wings sat vertically on their backs, like those of a butterfly, a male's wings tucked in horizontally, like a moth's.
"Yes. I wholeheartedly blame you for this," Sarontino said, passing SJ a steaming mug of her favourite bitter nectar. She blew on its surface and took a sip.
"That's good. Is it a different type?"
"Yes," Sarontino smiled happily. "I'm glad you realised. Larianco still isn't a fan. There is a new trader in the outer city. They opened only recently and have a wide selection of choices. This is ograrian."
"I'm going to have to get the details from you," SJ smiled.
Sarontino sipped his own drink, letting out a sigh. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I was just coming to get an update and see how things were going," SJ said, looking at the maps again.
Sarontino sighed. "It's chaotic. The reason Larianco has gone to Maidillian is to resolve the latest round of problems. Their first season harvest was due, and over sixty per cent of their crop was destroyed. Paulid contacted us just this week about his concerns. It was related to the uprisings. You've met Paulid, haven't you?"
"Yes. I know Paulid," SJ said. Paulid was the human mayor of the region of Maidillian. She had been introduced to him at Otherlisar's dinner party on her first visit to Asterfal. "There seems to be a lot more activity."
"There has been. It seems to be increasing. The problem we face is determining whether the incidents are supporter-related or unrelated. Recently, several claims have been attributed to fae dissidents, which Larianco has proven were caused regionally. The political landscape is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate."
"I can only imagine. I'm glad you're dealing with it all rather than me."
Sarontino smiled. "I wish I weren't at times. Every time we appear to make inroads and step towards better relations, something always seems to happen, knocking us back to the start again."
"I still can't fathom the politics in the capital and how they must play out. I don't understand why they don't do more to stop it," SJ sighed. She still knew so little about the fae capital, but from everything she had been informed about through Larianco and Sarontino, there was a constant battle of mistrust between the five fae factions, a couple of which still held grudges about the way the fae were treated by the other races after Gavia's rise centuries before. "At least in Asterfal, you have the respect of the council."
"Which we still hold, mostly thanks to you for that," Sarontino said.
SJ blushed slightly. "I didn't do that much to help."
"Really? A fae becoming a confidant of the South's largest city chancellor, and you don't think that helped with the stronger relations."
"Well, perhaps, but it wasn't all me. Larianco has done more than her fair share of work, as well as you."
Sarontino nodded in reserved acceptance. "How long are you here for?"
"Only overnight."
"Ah, one of your fleeting visits, I see."
"I'll be back again soon. I have some issues to resolve. When do you expect Larianco to be back?"
"Not for several days yet; she only set off two days previously."
SJ nodded in understanding. The travel times to the surrounding regions varied, but several were at least a few days' travel, and without portals interlinking them, everything took time. Only Legionnaires had portal access the way SJ did, although she still wasn't aware of many who used them. That was mainly because the only other Legionnaire that SJ knew on a personal level was Darren. Dave had always stated many Legionnaires didn't use portals, but she couldn't believe this was the case. They would be stupid not to set them up.
Darren had set up a portal that allowed him to travel from the home he shared with Alice to the valley wall, where the newly built hunters' lodge was situated. As the chief hunter for Killic, he was often required to oversee the regular hunting and scouting patrols to the west. To allow him to create a portal, Alice had added his name to the deed for the lodge. This had been approved by the town council as the structure wasn't his outright and only had deed rights for this purpose.
SJ still wished that Killic had its own portal, but the political ramifications of such a request would go beyond anything she had the sway to address. Even Asterfal didn't have a portal because they were so expensive to build, maintain, and run.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Sarontino said as he placed his mug down and stood, moving to a desk. He rifled through the parchment until he found what he was looking for. He walked back to SJ and handed it to her.
"What's this?" SJ asked, taking the parchment.
"The list you asked Larianco for."
SJ took the parchment and read the list; it was the complete list of Larianco's enchantments. She had asked for it, knowing she would soon be able to upgrade her equipment, and wished to plan ahead.
"Fantastic, thanks," SJ said.
"Not at all. I have added a couple of the bottom ones that I have access to as well."
"I didn't realise you were even an enchanter?" SJ asked, surprised.
"I'm not very skilled. I've never focused on it properly, but I have a couple that may be of interest to you."
SJ scanned the list. "I see; they could indeed be useful. Thanks."
The pair sat chatting over coffee as SJ caught up on the latest news. She always found it fascinating to discover what was happening in the fae capital and broader political landscape. As time passed and darkness swallowed the world outside, SJ thanked Sarontino for his hospitality and headed back home.
