by Ryan McCall
Artropia was an island nation far to the south. It was ruled by the descendants of skylords who had saved their city from Cartral’s’ collapse by magically transportation. The city was embedded at the top of a huge mountain. Few people in the world were ever allowed there. The Artropians were said to have the most powerful magic in the world and they guarded it jealously. They didn’t even allow embassies in their capital. Those foreigners who were given permission to come ashore were confined to the town of Dohlsar at the northern end of the island.
“On top of that I have security ministry officials buying up every genuine magical device I have in stock,” he said.
“Minister Blake and his dogs getting ready for war,” said Tessa. “The man is far too eager for it. I swear he must have been an agorid in previous life.”
Thomas got out of bed.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“We both have work to get back to. You were enjoying yourself to much to notice the time,” he replied.
She glanced over at the clock in his room. “Shit, you should have said something sooner. I have to meet the defense committee in half an hour.” She jumped out of bed and grabbed her clothes.
“You’ve had too much on your mind and you needed to relax. I wanted you to forget your worries for as long as you could.”
Tessa grumbled at him as she pulled on her underwear. “And now I don’t have time to shower. Half of them will smell the scent of sex on me. Not exactly the impression I want to give in an official meeting.”
“Oh I don’t know,” replied Thomas. “The meeting would go smoother if everyone knew the tight-fisted treasury minister had been well fucked and was more amenable to their pleas for funds.”
She threw his pants and hit him in the face. “Ha-ha. You’re hilarious.” She finished getting dressed and kissed him one last time. “I’ll see you tonight,” she said.
He nodded. “Don’t let your sister get to you.”
That was asking the impossible. “She’s my sister, she’ll always get to me,” she replied and she left for the meeting.
Chapter 40
Tanaka was in the middle of sharpening his swords when his employer and friend, Hector Cicero walked into the room. Hector was wearing his Red Knight armor. It was a burnished gold color. The red sword sigil of the knights was emblazoned across the front. The armor was imbued with a number of protective enchantments that ensured the wearer suffered little harm in combat. He had come from a business meeting; the only time he wore the armor outside of battle was to impress someone.
“Ah Tanaka” said the heavy set human. “Making sure your swords are sharp and ready for battle. Good to see.” Hector slapped him on the back. Tanaka normally disliked physical contact, but he and Hector were close and he had become accustomed to the man’s personal habits over the years.
Tanaka put his Minakayan long sword back into place on the rack. His most prized and valued weapons were stored here. A few he never used and were for display purposes, others like the long sword, saw regular action.
The sword was a family heirloom dating back to the Minakayan Period of Warring Clans, several hundred years ago. Despite its age it was still in excellent condition. It was forged from Yinaga darksteel; a metal found in the western mountains of Minakaya. It was highly prized for its strength, durability and resistance to rust. Once forged a darksteel blade would never dull or break. The metal was rare though, the Yinaga mines had been exhausted long ago, and darksteel weapons were worth a fortune.
“We have new supply of firearms,” stated Hector, as Tanaka turned to face him.
“Typhon?” he asked. Tanaka did not have his traditional Minakaya noble mask covering his face. Normally only family members were allowed to see a high noble’s face, but Hector had saved his life several times and a life debt was an exception to the strict rules of Minakayan nobility. So Hector would see the concern evident on his white, foxlike face.
“Yes. Our men will soon have those excellent Typhon rifles in their hands.”
Tanaka sniffed. “I would be cautious of dealing with her. I have heard rumors about the Mordain family.”
“They may be ruthless and I’ll admit she did bargain an expensive price, but when Typhon makes a deal they deliver. It’s costly but the guns are high quality and we don’t have to worry about them cutting corners like Culsyth, Typhon honors its arrangements.”
The Red Knights had previously been buying weapons from Culsyth Firearms until recently. Several faulty guns had misfired during operations in Naikos and the source of the problem had turned out to be inadequate material in the loading mechanism. Hector had been enraged and canceled the contract with Culsyth.
And only too right, faulty weapons could led to casualties. They couldn’t do business with anyone that was willing to endanger their soldiers to save a few crowns.
Tanaka nodded in agreement. He would also prefer to pay slightly more if it meant having reliable weapons. “True, but I am surprised you didn’t take the offer for the new Fleming gun at Huntington Mechanics. It’s all everyone is talking about.”
“I saw the demonstration. I’ll admit, it was impressive,” said Hector “It’s not the performance ability that concerns me. It’s the cost and the fact that it has yet to be proven in battle.”
Tanaka had considered both of those and while he didn’t dispute Hector’s points, he felt it was a mistake not pursuing the new mechanized gun. He had a feeling it would be another world-changing device, like others developed by Huntington. Not obtaining and early version of the gun would hurt them in the future.
But Hector had made up his mind and gone with Typhon. “Anyway, with that sorted there’s something I need you to do for me. Head north to Caer Anvos and take charge of our garrison,” said Hector.
Tanaka was curious. “We have a new contract?” If they did, this was the first he was hearing of it.
“Tegan Mordain helped to sweeten the deal by offering me information. From inside the imperial palace,” replied Hector. “All this talk of war means we’re going to be busy. All of our southern garrisons have been bought up by Imperial Army contracts. But Ms. Mordain gave me a hint of something else. In the event of war, we’re going to be offered a lucrative contract for an operation in Estara.”
Hector didn’t need to say anymore. There was only one military operation funded by the Alkos government that would contract the Red Knights to Estara. Aiding the Estaran monarchists in retaking the throne.
Hector wouldn’t hesitate at a contract like that. He had served in the Royal Estaran Army before moving to Alkos and was friends with several of its generals. He loved his money more though and the Estarans had never had the funds to contract the Red Knights. Until now that is.
“So in the event it goes forward; I want you leading our men. No doubt you’ll be answering to Queen Clara and her generals, but you’ll still have command of our units.”
“I see,” said Tanaka. “How certain are you that it will go forward?”
“Tegan insists that the money is in place. It’s simply a matter for it to be released by imperial discretion before the queen can approach us. That’s why you need to leave immediately. When the contract starts, I want to be able to tell them I have my best and most-trusted commander ready to serve the queen.” Hector still retained a soft spot of loyalty for the ruling house of his homeland.
“But won’t you need my help here? The potential of war with Galria.”
“No, no. I am capable of running a campaign with government contracts. Our men in the south know how to fight Galrians, they have experience at it.” Hector was referring to the time Tal Feros had contracted a large contingent of the Red Knights during their war with Galria.
“I will pack everything I require and take a train from Rainac Station. We have roughly five thousand un-contracted men in Caer Anvos at the moment. Once I arrive I will start running through the training operations for an invasion of Estara.”
The Red Kni
ghts were a thorough mercenary force. They had plans and contingencies for all manner of military operations. Hector was an equal opportunity soldier and accepted contracts from anyone, though he usually gave priorities to Alkon interests.
But in the event of having to fight in an unexpected location, he had learned it was best to plan. Tanaka had helped develop the plans for a military invasion of Estara. They had accounted for the Royal Army and the fact that Estara could receive aid from New Estara or the Kordate Union.
But even the best of plans could not anticipate everything. Tanaka had not made the plans knowing that Galria and Alkos would be at war. It was an unwelcome variable, but he would adjust as necessary. If there was a larger war in the south, the main effect would be less support of arms and supplies to both sides in Estara.
“Yes, but be discrete about it,” said Hector. “We don’t want is to tip off the republicans they’re about to be invaded. Make it a training exercise for Naikos. That should keep suspicion away from any Estaran spies.”
Tanaka nodded. Then he clasped Hectors wrist with his right hand, while the other man returned the gesture. “Victory and honor,” they both said, the motto of the Red Knights. Hector left the room.
Tanaka walked over to the large cupboard and opened it. There were a number of items inside-revolvers, books, files and a large shelf, full of enormous scrolls. Tanaka pushed his hands around the end of the scrolls, looking for the correct one. He found the one with a red and green marker and pulled it out.
He walked back to his desk and sat down. He placed the paper down and unrolled it. It revealed a detailed map of Estara. The map was so large the edges were hanging off his desk.
He put a book on each of the corners so the map would not roll back. He took his time studying it, becoming familiar with the general outline and geography of the nation. He began committing everything he could to memory. The major cities, rivers, mountain ranges, forested areas and other strategic locations.
If he was to command a Red Knight army for Queen Clara, there was little chance that they could attack straight across the border. The imperial government of Alkos would never allow that, not without risking the ire of Estara’s allies. No, the initial attack would have to be a sea landing. The Red Knights had a small, naval contingent but the Estaran exiles would need to supply most of the required ships.
He continued studying the map until he finally came to a conclusion as to the best place for a landing; the Versium Peninsula. It was a short journey across the Summit Sea from Caer Anvos and was only a short distance south of Haltoria. Seizing the capital early, would be crucial. For two reasons, it would serve as a rallying point for Estarans that were undecided and it would legitimize Queen Clara’s rule. After several hours of studying the map and making notes, Tanaka rolled it back up and put it into the wooden cylinder.
Tanaka packed his weapons and papers into a large case. When he was done, he picked up his darksteel sword, attached its belt and put it around his waist. Then he placed his high lord mask on his face. The mask covered everything, not even leaving holes for his deep green eyes to see through.
The masks were designed by Minakayan mages for all noble-born families. It had no gaps, but one could easily see and breathe through it, thanks to the magical nature of it. In fact to the wearer, it felt as if they did not have anything on their face. Outside of his direct family in the city of Shugo, he had only ever revealed his face to Hector and one other.
Chapter 41
“She’s still not saying anything?” asked Niko.
Brenna shook her head. Inissa Renoch had been in the interrogation room for sixteen hours, but had yet to give them anything useful. They had her dead to rights on the attempted murder of Isaac Gall, but still had nothing to link her to Mikono. Brenna and Snar had even visited the woman’s brothel and questioned her working girls, but they were clueless about a kitsune crime boss. Mikono was smart enough to keep the tarcaine and sex trade well separated.
Worse news had been the ambush of a watch transport. Both of the officers running the transport had been killed, though the targets had clearly been the Stoneskin gang members. After taking out the officers, the attackers had opened the back doors and shot everyone inside like fish in a barrel.
“How’s Inspector Pym?” she asked.
“I don’t know. He’s on leave. He refuses to talk to anyone right now.” Inspector Harton Pym was a watch officer in the Dock district and a good friend of the captain. His only son had been one of the officers transporting the prisoners. There was no way the Stoneskins would let this go unanswered. The watch commander had pressured Niko to find a solution quickly. They needed to apprehend Mikono and Lorek before the street war escalated further.
On top of all of that, there was also the LRC massacre. The case had gone to Imperial Branch, since it was political rather than drug or gang related and Brenna didn’t envy them. She had heard the scene was brutal. One of the few socialists who hadn’t been present was screaming at the watch for justice, but there was little they had been able to find. She hoped that this didn’t lead to a retaliatory measure by the socialists. Labor riots in the city would be catastrophic when they were on the brink of war.
Brenna’s arm slumped on her desk. She didn’t know what to do. Inissa was as high up as they had ever reached, but she wasn’t interested in cooperating. Snar sat at his own desk, staring at her with his big black eyes. She was the senior officer, she was meant to show him how to crack cases. But if Inissa refused to give them the location of Mikono’s base of operations, there was little they could do.
Then Selim came swaggering up to her desk and dropped a piece of paper in front of her face. She looked up, he was grinning like he had won a fortune.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Messenger from the hospital. The priest woke up. Told our man everything. Once we get samples off those barrels, we have her for tarcaine smuggling.”
“How does that help us?” The woman wasn’t talking for an attempted murder charge; Brenna didn’t see why she would suddenly change her mind when it came to a lesser charge for drugs.
“We haven’t tried this on her yet,” he replied and he pointed to the top of the paper.
Brenna looked at the title, then quickly read further down. How could she have forgotten about something like this? “We have the bitch,” she said quietly.
She stood up and looked at the captain. “Captain, I believe she’ll tell us everything we want.” She slapped the paper onto his chest and he quickly tried to read it. “Snar, we’re going back in.”
“Yes sergeant.” The agorid stood and followed her to the interrogation room. Brenna sauntered into the room, showing the woman sitting down that she had her. Inissa looked at her curiously. Brenna could tell she sensed something, though she had no idea what yet.
“Well Ms. Renoch, in spite of your attempts on his life, Cleric Gall is up and talking.” Brenna let that sink in to her. Inissa still stared back defiantly. Brenna continued. “So that means we’ll soon have tarcaine smuggling to add to the attempted murder charge. Anything to say?” The woman didn’t respond. Brenna sat down on the other side of the table.
“I didn’t think so.” Brenna held up the piece of paper and acted excited. “This is something interesting I just learned. Officer Snar could you please read it for me, the third paragraph down.” She handed the paper to Snar.
He moved it towards his face and read, “Any persons found guilty of level four or higher drug crimes, will be subject to the harshest possible sentencing. If this occurs during war time, the sentence may include penal conscription for the Imperial Army.”
Brenna watched with joy as the woman’s eyes betrayed her sinking realization of that statement.
“You wouldn’t,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“That’s right you drug bitch. We could be at war any day now. All I have to do is keep you locked up in our cells until it starts. Then I’ll submit my paper
work for your charges and you can see the treatment you’ll receive at the hands of an Imperial Army magistrate. And if you refuse to talk, I’ll make it my personal goal that you get sent out to Naikos.”
Brenna grinned and looked up at Snar. “How would you like to face down the wild hordes of his people? No offense Snar.”
“None taken sergeant,” he replied.
“Or you can tell me what I want to know and I’ll have you processed today. I’ll make sure you’re first in line for sentencing tomorrow, before there’s a chance of a war. What do you say?”
Inissa’s shoulders slumped and her knuckles were white from gripping the table. She looked to be done resisting. “Fine. I’ll fucking tell you,” she said, relenting. “The main warehouse is at one hundred and seventy eight Kalbirch Lane in the Torphin district. Barus is always there. I don’t know if Mikono will be there or not, she tends to keep her distance from the drugs. But with the gang war it’s risky for her to be alone at the tojitsu academy.”
Brenna pulled out her notebook and jotted everything down. “What will we find there?” she asked.
“Tarcaine, I’ve no idea how much,” replied Inissa. “More than enough to make up for what the Stoneskins hijacked. And weapons, lots of them. Mikono has Barus on the warpath, she’s ready to hit back against Lorek hard. You’ll never get in there. Barus has dozens of armed men and he’s not one to lay down quietly, even if you manage to surround the building. The inside is like a dammed fortress, layers of defenses.”
Good to know thought Brenna. “That’s our concern, not yours. Is there anything else?”
“No point in holding anything back is there? Mikono keeps a long-term secondary storage of tarcaine.”
Now she was getting to the choice information. Brenna kept pushing her. “For what?”
“Insurance. As far as I know she’s never touched it. If ever there was time, it would be now. And no, I don’t know where or how much there is. You’ll have to ask her yourself, or you could tear about her building looking for it. You watch people are so good at that.”
