Achil & The Kingdom of Jin

by David Papa-Adams

  Chapter XII

  The Mighty City of Quinn

  The four of them clambered on to the bank on the other side, the wash descended from them like translucent tentacles. All were breathing deeply trying to engulf as much air as possible into their burning lungs.

  “What do you think that was?” spluttered Andreas removing the fish that had got trapped in his tunic, and throwing it back into the river.

  “It was a goodbye from the Manitou,” Achil said catching his breath.

  Achil removed his map from beneath his tunic which thankfully was made of leather and still dry enough to be useful. The Jewelled Peak stood before them, its jagged rocky icy face glistened as though it were encrusted with Jewels hence the name, but its real secret were simple salt deposits that attached themselves to its raw barren hide. It was late afternoon when they reached it and accordingly found the mountain path that led up to a small settlement that was overgrown and deserted. It had once been a walled town of sorts, the walls to the front had collapsed and the only thing that could firmly be ascertained was that something terrible had happened. The homes were nothing more than a mass of ruins. The four of them explored as best they could splitting up into pairs. Achil and Andreas found some remains of the previous inhabitants in a large burnt out building. Among the bones were arrow heads, broken swords, crushed helmets all indicators of a battle fought long ago. Achil conjectured that what they had discovered in that small building was the place where the locals had staged their last stand. Achil crouched down holding an arrow in his hands he recognised it from the ones used in the siege of Findolin. Thoughtfully he passed it to Andreas who grunted and snapped it in two.

  “They killed them all, a small settlement like this, burnt it to the ground and for what. How could a place like this ever have been considered a threat?” Andreas shaking his head in disgust threw the pieces to the floor.

  “I think that’s the point. Just by saying no to whatever demand is laid upon you; makes you a threat to their authority. Look at the remains here, they’re mostly children.” Achil spoke with some distain as he stood up, his hands firmly resting on his hips, there was an unease about the place fermented by the unnatural silence.

  “Achil I think you should take a look at this,” said Nishga, peering through an open doorway.

  Achil followed her out of the door, she seemed anxious to show him something, her steps were hurried, her eyes darted warily from side to side. She led him over to the other end of the settlement where there was a small innocuous building which had also collapsed. Quite literally it had been burnt to the ground. Nicholas was busy moving some debris away to clear a space on the floor. There was a hole within which on the surface appeared empty but as soon as Nishga got close to it a small metal case shimmered and solidified in front of them. When she took a step back it disappeared once again. Nishga approached the hole once more this time she pulled out the case and placed her crystal against the lock. Energy emanated from it, there was a sharp click and the lid flipped open revealing a silver sphere. It was unlike any sphere they had seen before. It could not be said to have been an Orb, which as far as everyone was aware were transparent. This object was different. Andreas suddenly turned very serious.

  “You may think yourself fortunate to have found such a thing, until of course you realise what it is,” his voice was quiet tempered by the shock of what it could be.

  The others looked at him unsure as to what could have caused such a reaction.

  “It fit’s the description of what is called the ‘Earth Shaker‘. Within that little device is the most destructive weapon in Suberia. The people here must have been Artisans of a Great and powerful Magic.”

  Nicholas gasped, “Really.”

  Andreas looked at him stoically, “No, not really. How in Suberia would I know what that thing is? As far as I’m concerned it’s just a small metal silver ball.”

  “Andreas.” said Nishga and Achil who were both irritated and at the same time mightily relieved that he had been teasing them.

  “The people here certainly wanted to hide it from their attackers so it must be something important,” said Achil.

  “It is plausible but lets see if there are any clues here, as to why this place was raised to the ground and to what this object is actually used for,” replied Nishga holding up the sphere. “Look at that, there's no reflection and yet the surface is perfectly smooth.”

  “Usually these things have some extraordinary power to them let's find the local temple and see if that’s the case here,” said Achil.

  The four of them decided to split up once more. At first, it was difficult to know where to look, since everything was in ruins one broken building resembled another. There was no indication as to what building could have been used for what purpose when they got another break, Nicholas had found what could only be described as an alter, though the stone slab top had shattered, the pieces lying on the ground when pieced together had a deity crafted on top of them. The building or what was left of it was in the centre of the settlement, set back from the road. Vines had invaded the remaining flank wall which was the only wall left standing. In its prime it would have been quite an ornately decorated building. Now twisted with its heart ripped out it looked like every other building, another undignified heap of rubble. They looked over the stone alter. Carved into its front were three serpent heads attached to a body that would have coiled all the way round the alter; above the head of the middle one was a sphere.

  “Do you remember in the pyramid of the Mirkoid, you were given an Orb by a serpent? Now doesn’t that picture look familiar,” said Achil, running his hand across the grooves left by the snakes long body.

  Nishga called the others over to the wall. “Look at that.”

  On the wall were two people standing in a room one was holding the sphere from beneath while the other had their hand over the top of it. The next picture showed the two people outside the room and the sphere gone.

  “From what I can make out from these pictures; It looks like a device that can move people from one place to the next.”

  “That’s all very well but we still don’t know how it works,” said Achil.

  They looked around for any further clues as to indicate how the sphere might be used, but none could be found. Frustrated they left the abandoned settlement to the ghosts of its past and made their way onto the path leading down the mountain. Beginning a slow descent, the only obstacle on their way was a large imposing mountain goat that was feeding off long grasses and small tree shoots at the side of the path they travelled along, his horns were shaped like scimitars. Fortunately it barely noticed the four strangers that quietly and cautiously passed it by. By evening they were at the foot of the mountain and had travelled far across the open plain. The moon was lifted high in the night sky, wisps of cloud dangled in front of it like a veil. An eagle with its loud rasping cry gave warning to any creature that might dare challenge it. The four had taken to the road once more, stopping briefly on their journey by a small well. As they rested, in the distance small shimmering lights began to appear like the starry reflections on a stream. They had passed through the Central Kingdoms and had finally reached the first main city of the east, Quinn. In the darkening light it was difficult to see how vast the city was.

  Achil looked at them all in the deepening gloom. It was not just their clothes that looked worn, but they could not afford a longer rest; so from there on in they would have to rely on their courage and their wits, for now they were entering the heart of the enemy.

  "Remember we’re just passing through," said Achil grimly, "Our objective has to be, and must remain Jinopolis. So if there are things here that we see that we don‘t like, that’s just unfortunate, we must ignore them; the priority is the mission, and should we be successful we would have protected our kingdoms, our families, and our friends. Is that understood?”

  They all nodded sombrely. It was late as they made their way along the cobbled
road to the city. The lights that seemed like the quivering flames of a thousand candles suddenly came more into focus. There was a large stone obelisk at the entrance to the city with the words engraved into:-

  ‘The Mighty City of Quinn, Culture, Excellence, and Learning, Pride of the Imperium‘.

  They read the words carefully; there was a sharp contrast between what they said and what the empire and its actual aims of conquest, tyranny and enslavement actually stood for. Achil shook his head in disbelief; they obviously had different ideas and beliefs on what learning and culture meant. When they entered the city they were awed by the magnitude of it, each road was well lit. One thing that instantly grabbed their attention was how unguarded it was. There was an eerie type of silence about the place, for something so well populated. They wandered further in, passed houses and tenements of stone. Along the wide walkways, the streets that had carved deities cut into the paving, there were also lantern posts shaped like the trunks of trees each branch holding a torch that lit up their path. In the distance they could see an arena but no ordinary arena it arched round in the darkness to some unknown distance. As they approached it along a wide boulevard they were greeted by impressive powerful looking Statues. Running along either side were incredible pillars of Minor Gods, each holding up a torch that lit up the Boulevard. Running along the centre were the High Gods. The first was made of marble; it was the Goddess of Wisdom Mauvia wearing a long carved hooded robe. She stood beckoning them forward. Next crafted in solid gold was Ramour God of thunder, his armoured body glowed in the torchlight as though it were alive in one hand he held a lightning bolt in the shape of a spear, in the other was a shield, behind him in silver was Dagon god of the seas half man with his lower body that of a fish, in his hands a trident. Then in bronze robed and hooded, Athrila mighty ruler of the underworld whose hands were wrapped around the hilt of his sword, which stood imposingly to his front. Finally the last statue made of granite was Jin, in his hands a book with the words ‘Law Giver.’ They walked slowly passed these monuments of the Gods and Jin almost mesmerised by the power of what they saw. They neared the arena the largest they had ever seen. There was a roar coming from inside it. At least now they knew where everyone was. There was a clash of sword on sword. The crowds murmur rose and fell like the waves of the ocean. Then there was a complete hush of anticipation, suddenly another mighty roar.

  “Achil do we stop for the night or do we take advantage of every ones preoccupation and get some horses and ride out of here?” asked Andreas.

  All four of them were looking furtively around to see whether they were being watched. They did not realise that they had arrived in Quinn on Jin’s Day of Accession, a day celebrated each year in the Mandrake Imperium. So but for a few guards that were forced to remain on the streets most had already entered the arena or were involved in the festivities.

  “I’m curious to know what’s going on,” said Achil. “Lets find an inn, or some such place where we can stay, rest, and then we‘ll be on our way in the morning.”

  So they all began diligently looking for any indication of where they might stop for the night. None of them noticed a man lurking in the shadows, who crept back into the darkness when one of them got too close.

  It was Nishga who saw the sign hanging from a branch; on it could made out a drawing of a bed, a platter with a hogs head on it that was actually smiling, and an arrow above a building with the writing one league. They followed the direction of the arrow until they came across a large building overlooking the canal. It was made of sandstone, five storeys tall with a flat roof; there was an architrave above the entrance, and large columns of marble to its front. The large windows on the upper levels ran along the front, each with their own veranda. In the dark they reflected the light from the canal which was lit up by a series of statues similar to those in style that ran along the boulevard they had just come from. The doorman welcomed them in. From head to toe he was a distinguished sight. Wearing a navy blue coat and tails, his linen breeches looked like they had never been worn before and his burnished knee length boots were as dark as tar pits. Inside as they entered on a raised platform was the main seating area with a large open fireplace, the flames welcoming all new comers, to one side was the reception. Three Chandeliers, hung from the ceiling. Some of the candles had gone out, and were being replaced by a stout looking man who was standing precariously on a ladder, his belly was breaking free from his shirt, and rested game fully on his apron, his trousers were chequered and just a tad too short giving him a bit of a comical look, no doubt he was a kitchen porter who did a little basic maintenance when necessary. The four of them were guided over to the reception desk where they booked in for the night. There were rooms available but the rates were expensive apparently they were in the best ‘Rest Home’ in Quinn. As they paid their money; from behind them they heard a crashing sound; as the man who had been trying to change the candles gave up his battle with balancing on the ladder and landed with a thud on the floor, luckily due to his rotund shape the pain he felt was due more to embarrassment than any real injury, also the fact that he had landed on top of one of the guests had helped his fall. The woman from the behind the counter went running over to help the man, and the person he had landed upon up. Achil and the others tried hard not to laugh at the scene. And so with keys in hand all went up to their rooms via what was called an elevator that ascended to the upper floors. It was run by an individual who used a handle which he rotated for it to move. The system required little effort from the man as it used an intricate pulley system enabling the lift to move with ease. It was not long before they were at their bedroom doors. Nishga and Achil's room was luxuriant; there was a large king size bed to one side, in front of which was a large chest, to the other side was a wardrobe. They both threw their holdalls down on their beds and went out onto the veranda. Overlooking the canal they could see the torch light shimmering on the water, parents and raucous children were beginning to make their way home from whatever entertainment had been going on. There were also gondoliers on the canal. Young couples were taking romantic trips through the heart of the city. Quinn was very different to what they had imagined. It seemed more civilised. Certainly more civilised than the lands of the Mead, comparable even to Findolin. There was a sharp knock at the door. Achil’s hand went instinctively to the hilt of his sword.

  “Who is it?” he said finger to mouth gesturing for Nishga to remain silent.

  A note was passed beneath the door. Achil picked it up, and read it.

  ‘The Black Marketeers bid you welcome. Meet our representative at the Statue of Athrilla, in the main thoroughfare at Midnight.’

  Achil quickly opened the door to find an empty corridor. He shut it and passed the piece of paper to Nishga.

  “Um, how in Suberia do they know we’re here,” he said wryly, slightly annoyed but unsurprised that they could have been discovered so quickly.

  “Four new arrivals,” said Nishga. “Three men and a woman think about it; when you booked in and were asked what business we have here in Quinn; you did say you were a merchant, that I was your wife and Andreas and Nicholas were our guards. I don’t suppose there are many people fitting that description. As soon as we left Horrazim, word would have spread this way, and with their network of spies it isn't a wonder they recognised us. The thing is do you intend taking them up on their invitation?”

  “And what would you have me do?” said Achil reading the paper once more.

  Achil walked out onto the veranda to contemplate this turn of events. As he stood on the balcony staring out over the canal, he did not notice among the many people out taking a late evening stroll, one innocuous looking individual watching him. The man smiled to himself and slowly moved off. Nishga joined Achil on the veranda and contemplated the message and its meaning for their mission. She took him by the arm and led him back into the room. There was another knock on the door, before they could ask who it was, Andreas’s voice called out to them to
let him in.

  “You're not going to believe this,” he said unable to conceal his excitement.

  “Okay what aren’t we going to believe,” said Nishga, giving Achil a knowing sideways glance.

  “While I was in the tub bathing, look what was placed on my pillow,” Andreas produced the Orb.

  “Well you’re right I don’t believe it,” said Nishga, taking hold of it and studying it for a moment. “This is the same one we lost. But how…?”

  Achil gestured for everyone to quieten down. Andreas was still standing at an open door. He looked behind him realising that he had neglected to shut it behind him in the excitement. He quickly checked the corridor to make sure they had not been overheard. Closing the door Achil ushered the two of them into the centre of the room.

  “Where do you think it came from?” she said passing it to Achil.

  Achil gazed at it more perplexed than ever. “We also had a visit from the Black Marketeers perhaps they put it there,” said Achil, handing it back to Nishga with a shake of his head.

  Andreas looked astonished. “So you think it could be them.”

  “If they took something like this, why would they hand it back? It doesn‘t make sense.” said Nishga.

  “Perhaps they couldn’t get it to work or they don’t know what it's used for.” said Andreas who was speaking more rapidly than he was thinking.

  “Come on,” said Achil. “Nishga’s right if they were the ones to have taken it they certainly wouldn’t give it back. Secondly they would recognise it immediately for its worth. I bet something like this would turn a tidy profit to the right person. Also we lost it on the mountain side or just before that, when did they have the chance to get hold of it.”

  “Well in that case who then do you think put it their?” said Andreas sitting down on one of the chairs.

  “Um, don’t know. But one thing I do know is that it's not unreasonable to assume that it didn’t come from the Black Marketeers. Nishga, see if it still works but be careful it may have been tampered with.”

  Nishga looked up at him quizzically.

  “I don’t know how it might have been tampered with just be careful when using it. Also see if you can get in touch with the Alchemist and tell him what’s going on. He might be able to put some light on the situation. As for myself I’m going out for a walk on my own. If the Black Marketeers want to talk then we’ll let them talk.”

  Andreas looked like he was about to protest. But before the words left his lips Achil put his hand up stifling anything he was about to say.

  “This is something I have to do on my own. Let's just leave it at that.”

  Achil placed his sword on the bed and left, shortly after he had departed the door to his room opened and closed as if on its own. Achil realised that an unarmed man would attract less attention than an armed one. In fact the only people that carried arms were the black uniformed guards. The streets were less busy as most people had made their way home but there were people out in cafes and taverns, it was as though the city never slept. Achil wandered back down the long boulevard, which intersected a large park. As he stopped to admire Athrilla, the midnight hour struck; someone came up to him and stood by his side.

  “A great statue isn’t it,” he said casually.

  Achil nodded. The man was slightly shorter than him; his brown hair was neatly tied back. He had a narrow face with dark penetrating eyes. His chin was made more pronounced by some well sculpted facial hair. He had a fine tunic, with brown leather breeches which snugly fell over his ankle boots.

  “Who does he remind you of?”

  Achil shrugged.

  “Look closely, all the faces of the gods even the women look similar to Jin,” The man grunted derisively.

  Achil nodded, the mans ego knew no bounds.

  “I am Tellaboom of the Free traders, the ones known as the Black Marketeers. Most people just call me Tella. You are Achil; Victor of Marshal Ti. Strange I thought you taller.”

  “Sorry to disappoint,” said Achil.

  “Oh! I’m not disappointed. You know how it is the myth is often greater than the man or hero,” said Tella nonchalantly.

  “I’m no hero,” said Achil.

  “Well you’re here aren’t you? That makes you either a hero or a fool. I don’t know which you are yet, but I'm sure in time you will have the opportunity to be either one or both. Anyway would you please follow me.”

  Tella moved off.

  “What no blind fold this time?” said Achil.

  The man grunted with amusement at the remark. “Such subterfuge is unnecessary, if there were any doubts about your loyalty to your cause, they would have shown up by now. And if you were discovered then you would be killed out of hand, for the right price anyone can be bought.”

  They disappeared into the park. Tella walking comfortably ahead even in the dark he knew his way without hesitation over gravelled path, stony paving or dampened dewy grass. The only things to give warning of their passage were the trees and the single hollow haunting hoot of an owl. Achil tried to take note of where they were going but it was proving difficult as he was sure that on occasion Tella would return to an area they had previously been to. They left the park following a narrow track near to it. Turning down a long fenced alley lit only by the moon, they made their way silently through. Some of the wooden panels had cracked and sagged and were of little protection to the backs of small yards that led up to rows of terraced houses. The only obstruction confronted was Achil's inability to see an empty goblet that rattled when he kicked it; it woke a rat that quickly scurried across their path annoyed that its slumber had been disturbed. It ran down the side of the fence disappearing into someone's backyard.

  Tella turned a corner and stopped, drawing back some of the wooden panels. He gestured for Achil to step into the yard opposite. On the other side he was led to the back door of an innocuous looking terraced house. Tella opened it, and he and Achil crept inside.

  “What’s this place?” asked Achil quietly.

  “Its one of our safe houses,” whispered Tella.

  Looking around they were in a barren empty scullery. The hearth was cold and cobwebs hung from each corner. In the middle of the room was a large serving table that had not been used for some considerable time. The door at the other end of the room was open. Leading into a darkened corridor, lit only by the pale moon light that filtered through the first floor window overlooking the stairs. Tella directed him to the top of the stairs, along the hallway and to the door at the far end. Three sharp knocks gave notice of their arrival. The door opened and a flickering soft light escaped into the hall. They entered the room. Achil could make out the silhouette of someone sitting. The chair faced the front of the fire, its back and arms splayed out like petals, obscured his view of whoever was sitting in it. Achil walked round to the front of it, and there in front of him was Telallamain. He motioned for Achil to sit.

  “My compliments, you actually made it this far, that’s quite a journey and a tale you must have,” he said studying Achil. “I note you have lost a little wait since we last met.”

  “I don’t suppose you brought me here for pleasantries. But before we start you should know that we had nothing to do with Ventrigar’s death.” Achil’s face was more serious than usual.

  “I know, you see it was I, who had him killed,” revealed Telallamain, as he took a sip from his goblet of wine.

  “You what!” said Achil, leaning forward in his seat aghast at such a revelation.

  “It had to be done. Like so many others he was regrettably working for Jin. So before he could do too much damage we dealt with him. Unfortunately we were not all together successful. With Ventrigar’s death the Imperium know that something is up. Jin will suspect one of the recently put down rebel factions here in the east. He cannot conceive that a small kingdom such as Findolin would have the necessary wherewithal to carry any threat. He has increased the Shadow Warriors along his main carriage lines and his can
als.” said Telallamain, his tone again matter of fact.

  Achil sat back. “Shadow Warriors I know of them, but who and what are they exactly?”

  “Some are Vendigo, fanatical demon possessed men. Unless they were used in the war against your people you have yet to make their acquaintance. They are an elite warrior cast in his army a sort of specialised guard. You have to be particularly brutal and nasty to become one the reason for that is that it's easier for the possession by a demon to take place apparently.”

  “Oh nice,” said Achil, barely concealing his contempt.

  “What did you expect, you are not here to play at warriors, you are here because you’re warriors,” replied Telallamain.

  He reached over the side of his chair and picked up a scroll that had been lying close by. He unrolled it to reveal a map before continuing.

  “From Quinn you will continue on to these cities; and aim to reach the Wilderness and the lands of the Dragon,” He gestured loosely over the map. “This is where the Orochi and Typhon among many other smaller more vicious creatures reside. Jin does not concern himself with those lands with its high peaks and deep forests. As far as he is concerned it is the perfect breeding ground for all of the deliciously nasty beasts that he uses from time to time against his enemies. Only a madman would approach his great city from there which means it's perfect for you. To travel in such a place you will need this.” Telallamain handed Achil a small circular box.

  “What’s that?” said Achil baffled by it. There was a small glass lid beneath which was a small arrow on top of some small letters.

  “It is what we call a North finder. Simply put it is an instrument that always points north you can use it to navigate by.” said Telallamain.

  “Interesting, is there anything else that might benefit us that can help with our journey?” asked Achil.

  Achil kept secret the return of the Orb. Since Telallamain had not mentioned it; he would assume he did not know of it, which meant that for the time being they would not know who placed the Orb so conveniently on Andreas’s pillow.

  “Is everything okay Achil you look distracted,” said Telallamain, whose one eye seemed to be staring right through Achil into some unknown distance.

  “Yes of course; I was just thinking about the lands of the Dragon that’s all,” said Achil quickly.

  “Well that’s understandable, how is your money situation. I assume you could do with more.”

  Achil nodded, “I didn’t realise how expensive things were here in the Imperium.”

  “Yes, and they're only going to get more so. The Central Kingdoms and the Eastern ones are not for faint hearts and Baloukas as we say.” Telallamain unclipped a money pouch and threw it across to Achil. Achil opened it, surprise showing on his face; it was filled with small Jewels.

  “That will pay for your troubles from here to Jinopolis.”

  “Why are you really doing this?” said Achil suspiciously.

  “Isn’t it obvious I have a vested interest in you succeeding,” Telallamain’s lips curled up as he spoke.

  In the half light it was difficult to see his face except for one brief moment when the fire light reflected off of his one eye. Achil caught a glimpse of something, a flash of intent, was it power or malevolence or simply both. Whatever it was it sent a shiver down his spine; whoever Telallamain was, he was a man not to be trifled with.

  “Before you leave, one final thing, remember who your friends are, and trust no one,” said Telallamain sitting back in his chair, and staring into the fire.

  Achil got up to leave. Tella had been quietly waiting at the door. He opened it and Achil walked out into the hall. While he had been talking with Telallamain others had arrived. Some decidedly nasty looking characters were in the hall. Achil barely got a glimpse of them in the dark. Tella pointed to a young blond haired looking girl at the end of the hall way. The pale moonlight bounced off her golden hair while everyone else seemed to remain in shadow.

  “She will be your guide back to your friends. You will appear less inconspicuous as father and daughter. And as such you will draw little attention to yourselves,” said Tella.

  Achil nodded. The girl took him by the hand and led him out of the house and into the street; Tella watched them as they left. He then beckoned one of the tall burly men forward.

  “So what’s your name little one,” said Achil wondering how old she was.

  “I’m Alicia, and you are Achil. I am to take you to the statue of Athrilla then I will leave.” said Alicia who started to skip along the ground.

  “I see,” he said thoughtfully going over his encounter with Telallamain. The street they were going down was narrow. Achil thought they were probably in the older part of the city. As they made there way down one road, the houses on either side had women of ill repute standing outside them, semi-naked, selling their wears. They seemed to greet Alicia as the two of them passed.

  “How is it you know these people?” asked Achil.

  “Oh I’ve lived in this neighbourhood all my life. The Black Marketeers own the houses that they work from. And stop the women from being beaten by bad clients.” said Alicia as she began skipping again.

  “How do you know all this?” Achil said a little taken aback that someone so young knew of such things.

  “My mum was one of those women we just passed. She doesn’t want me to grow up and learn her work, so I was given to Telallamain. He’s teaching me something else.”

  “I’m actually afraid to ask, but what’s that?” said Achil staring sympathetically down at the little girl.

  “I’m going to become an assassin,” said Alicia calmly.

  Achil stopped to face the little girl.

  “Let me get this straight you're going to become an assassin,” said Achil.

  The little girl stared up at him with her big blue eyes.

  “You don’t have to be afraid, I’ve only been told to take you to the statue of Athrilla and nothing more. I won't be killing you this night but perhaps another day,” She smiled sweetly up at him.

  “Well that’s a relief I think,” he said perplexed by the whole concept of what she had just revealed to him. He felt she could not really understand what she meant. She let go of his hand and began skipping off.

  Achil stared after her before following, not quite knowing what to make of his new friend or enemy. While they went Alicia took it upon herself to show him some of the places that she was most fond of. They passed the exotic animal enclosure, where most of the strangest animals ever found in Suberia were kept. She picked the lock on the chain opened the gate and took him through. She said it was a short cut. Alicia then took Achil to the great Ambermariner. She said that some elder of Quinn had the idea of building the largest mariner to be constructed, it was in the shape of a pearl but of course it was the size of a very large house which had been filled with tree resin, and once it had hardened it had been smoothed off, until you could see through it. They had then filled it with water and put all kinds of creatures from the sea into it. What was amazing about it was that when you peered through the amber, the creatures looked bigger than they actually were. When they got to the Ambermariner Achil realised why she had got so excited over it. Inside there were all types of sea creatures. She pointed at some, a bull shark with its two horns on either side of its head, a flat fish stinger, the Mighty Darco that lay at the bottom with its eight legs. There were so many types of fishes of different shapes, sizes and colours; it was hard to imagine that such creatures existed, except there they were in front of him.

  “I’ve never seen the like of this before, it's amazing,” said Achil.

  “I know,” replied Alicia. “It's really great. If you look over there that fish has a sting that will paralyse you instantly. That one over there has a poison that will kill you slowly over time depending on the dose you’re given. That one there can cause a lot of pain."

  “I think I get the picture, that’s quite enough lessons on poisons, thank yo
u very much. I’m sure you’ll make a fine assassin one day,” responded Achil, a little disturbed by how she pleasantly articulated the ways and means of killing or even torturing people. “In fact I think the worse things get in this empire the better you‘ll do.”

  “Do you think so, I hope you're right. I’m going to work really hard to be the best I can,” said Alicia excitedly.

  “Yes. In fact I’m sure you’ll cause a lot of people, a lot of pain,” said Achil knowing that his sarcasm would be lost on her.

  “Oh I hope so. Not to worry, I wont kill anyone whose innocent, all the people I kill would have deserved to have been assassinated, so its not like I‘m actually really committing murder or anything like that,” said Alicia happily. “Look over there you can see the top of the statue of Athrilla through the trees. If you don’t mind I’ll be off now, nice to have met you Mr. Achil.”

  “Yes. Don’t work too hard now,” Achil called out, as he watched Alicia skip off into the distance waving back at him as she did so. He turned shaking his head. That was the strangest girl he had ever met. He hoped he would never have to meet her again. The people of the Mandrake Imperium were just wrong.