Industry & Intrigue

by Ryan McCall

  “Based on these reports I can confirm without a doubt that the Galrian delegation was nothing more than a ruse to lull us into a false sense of security. They smuggled cannons into the camp, betraying the trust of Emperor Lawrence and our goodwill towards them. Attacking without warning, they slaughtered the town watch, killed the emperor and his guards and destroyed the building where the negotiation delegation was staying.”

  Tessa’s hand went to her mouth. Siobhan would have been in that building.

  “They also attacked the First Army in its encamped position between Sethain and Rampart, with air balloons and a massed cavalry attack. General Munro was killed in the attack. Colonel McGregor took command and led the remainder of the army to Sethain and is preparing the city’s defenses.”

  The men and women in the room were starting to talk amongst themselves in panicked voices. This was by far the most devastating attack Alkos had ever suffered and Tessa was certain the Galrians were only beginning.

  The cacophony of voices was getting out of hand and Sanya stopped it with his booming voice. “Ladies and gentlemen please! We must remain calm.” His words echoed through the large council hall. “I know this is terrible, but we are the pillars of the government. We are at war and we must keep ourselves steady.”

  Tessa was glad Sanya was minister-general. He had brought the council under control through force of will and his strong voice.

  “Yes it’s true the Galrians have hit us hard,” he said. “But we will hit them back even harder. Alkos did not become the great and prosperous empire that it is by letting our enemies run roughshod over us.”

  “What about the Imperial Seat?” called out one councilor. With Lawrence dead, his heir would need to be crowned.

  “The late emperor’s uncle and his family are travelling to the capital as we speak. When he arrives, he’ll be crowned and assume his rightful place on the throne. This government will continue to function and conduct the war against the Galrians for him as much as we would have for his nephew. Alkos will stand tall and prevail against this. And we shall punish the Galrians as dearly as they deserve.”

  The new emperor may have been a McRath but he was not made of the same material as Lawrence. Lochlan McRath was a gouty, middle-aged man, who had recently been diagnosed with Torditch Malady. It was a wasting disease that dried out the skin then infected the brain, causing dementia. His oldest child was a fifteen year old girl. Whether Lochlan endured or not, the monarchy would not be at its strongest for the war.

  Nonetheless the room erupted in clapping, Sanya had won them over. He paused, looked to his right and urged someone over with his fingers. Minister Blake stood up and joined him at the center of the room.

  Typical. This is exactly the war he always wanted thought Tessa.

  “The primary purpose for this meeting was for everyone to hear the official story of what happened at Rampart, but also so each of you knows the strategic situation,” said Sanya. “Sethain will be the first city they hit. The Third Army is stationed there, along with a contingent of the Hydrus Scepters. I have ordered General Marnoch to bring up every reservist we have, and to pull as many Imperial Army units out of the colonies as is feasible. We have also put up a call for volunteers with generous terms for those who serve. I have no doubt that there will be many citizens eager to defend the nation against the barbarism of the Galrians.”

  That much was true at least. Tessa had seen the recruiting stations popping up all over the city. She didn’t like it, or the anti-Galrian stance the media had taken, but it was necessary. Alkos may have the greatest economy and technology in the world, but Galria had double the population and a larger army. If the nation stood a chance of holding them back, they needed more soldiers.

  “Minister Blake has also begun arranging for the Custodian Service to organize the imperial militias in all of the cities and provinces,” said Sanya. “He will now discuss that, so you are aware of the defensive plans we have in place.”

  Before Sanya could step back and give the floor over to Austin, the security minister asked a question, “Before I start Minister-General, I would like to know if there is news as regards to the other foreign powers?”

  Sanya nodded, his face serious. “You may have heard rumors about Ze Feros and Silund, so let me quell those now. Both of their ambassadors are still here in the capital and neither of them have asked to meet with me.”

  “What about Tal Feros? They are duty bound to declare war on Galria as per the terms of our defensive alliance,” said Minister of War, Coll Riach. He didn’t look like much of a military leader. He had a mild-mannered personality and a pudgy face and body. His hair had receded half-way back and he wore a set of thick glasses.

  But he was the man who had successfully expanded the Naikos frontier during his command. He had a brilliant mind for strategy. Tessa wished he was still in charge of the army instead of Airic Marnoch. Coll was better as a general than a politician. His years as the minister of war had aged him terribly, showing in the excessive wrinkles on his face and whitened hair.

  “The Talfey have assured me that they will hold to the terms of our alliance,” replied Sanya. “They are already moving their armies to their northern border.” Once Tal Feros declared war on Galria, it would be the end of Zefey neutrality.

  “And Estara?” asked Coll. “They would love to take this chance to get back at us.”

  “I believe I can answer that,” said Austin. “Before he left for the negotiations, Emperor Lawrence authorized imperial funds to be paid to the Red Knights for a contract with the Estaran exiles. Queen Clara and her loyalists will keep Estara too busy for them to take action. And I’m sure we all wish her success in reclaiming her rightful throne.”

  Tessa already knew about that. She was in charge of the imperial treasury after all. She folded her fingers together as Austin continued speaking. There was far too much relish in his voice for her liking.

  “Ladies and gentlemen. The urgency of war is upon us and since I know you are all eager to get back to your respective governances so I will make this brief. Each city, county and province has militia plans in place. When you return to your stations, the local custodian officers will be meeting with you to implement these plans. The militias are a defensive measure for anywhere the Galrian armies may penetrate past the imperial army.”

  He continued explaining the plans and how they would coordinate with the Imperial Army for several more minutes and took a few questions before sitting down again.

  Sanya looked at Tessa. “Minister Mordain. How are the imperial finances looking?” Tessa had a folder of documents and numbers with her, though she had it all memorized.

  “We’ve been running at a surplus for several years and have substantial reserves to draw upon in addition to the imperial funds, presuming the new emperor releases them,” she replied.

  No one thought for a moment that he wouldn’t. The McRath family had been ruling Alkos for over four hundred years and Lawrence was the first monarch to die at the hands of a foreign power. His uncle would be as eager to avenge him as the rest of the nation. “I have already met with the directors of the Alkos Gold Bank and the Arketh Commerce Bank and both of them have agreed to buy a substantial amount of imperial bonds to aid the war effort. Nine million crowns in total.”

  “Excellent,” replied Sanya. ‘I’m glad to hear that our most prosperous citizens are doing their part.”

  Tessa continued, “In addition the full payment for a one year contract as authorized by the late emperor has been released to the Red Knights. Hector Cicero was most grateful and he has a garrison gathered with the Estaran exiles in Caer Anvos. They intend on setting sail for the Versium Peninsula within a week.”

  “Thank you Minister Mordain,” said Sanya. “I believe that concludes this session. Those of you who wish to remain in the capital to await the crowning of our new emperor may do so. But if you wish to return to your governances I understand. Lochlan McRath has already indicated
to me that he considers the war to be far more important than his crowning. He will not hold it against you, if you are unable to attend.”

  Tessa remained seated while the various officials left the hall. The organic buzz of conversation vibrated through the air. They were in a better mood than when they had arrived. She noticed Austin was talking and laughing with several from his war hawk faction. She tried to prevent herself from scowling at them. They hadn’t started this war, but did they have to take so much pleasure from it?

  With the room empty Tessa stood up and walked over to Nolan Talmach, who was picking up his own folder of documents. “Director Talmach.”

  “Ah, Minister Mordain. How can I help you?” he asked.

  “Minister-General Kodiak did not mention anything of survivors from Rampart I was wondering if…”

  He nodded. “You want to enquire about Minister Mason. I know the two of you are close friends.

  Of course he did. Tessa suspected there was little information that the man did not know.

  “I would like to be able to tell you she is alive and in Galrian custody, but I am afraid I cannot. My operative in Rampart escaped but she could only confirm that the emperor and his guards had been killed. She did see the Galrians taking prisoners, but with the dust and smoke she couldn’t tell one from the other. Minister Mason may indeed be a captive, but I cannot give you a definitive answer.”

  It was not what Tessa had been hoping to hear.

  He must have seen the pained expression on her face. “Hold onto your hope Minister Mordain. It’s all we can do in times like this. If she is in Galrian custody, you can be certain we will know soon enough. They will make no secret of having a hostage as valuable as our foreign minister. If you will excuse me, I have a thousand tasks to tend to. War does bring about a far greater demand for information than in peace time.”

  “Of course. Thank you director,” she said. She picked up her crumpled folder of documents and left the cold air of the council hall. Her siblings would no doubt be pleased.

  Typhon was about to get a boost in sales from government contracts. Although, not if that new gun of Huntington’s proved to be as good in practice as it had in demonstration. She was unsure it was ready to be supplied to the Imperial Army. She smiled as she imagined Tegan’s anger at Alyssa Huntington taking the center stage as the supplier of weapons to the Imperial Army.

  Chapter 61

  The thin scars on Isaac’s belly still itched. He had been told by the doctors that once the skin had healed the itchiness would disappear, but it had remained. It was a constant throbbing that no amount of scratching could fix. He gave them a slight rub through the woolen material of his cloak.

  It improved, allowing him to ignore the itch for now. He pushed through a set of intricate wood and stained glass rotating doors. This was the Justice Branch station of the city watch. It was an impressive building. If he had to guess it was less than five years old, based on the design and the still unstained floors and walls.

  “Cleric Isaac Gall. I’m looking for Officer Snar Bruce,” he said to the desk clerk. The woman gave him an odd look. Perhaps she wasn’t keen on Varonites, it was something he was familiar with.

  She opened the door for him. “Down the hall, first door on the right,” she said.

  When he went through he was in a large room with a multitude of desks and offices. He saw Snar and made his way over. The bear agorid was sitting in what had to be a chair brought in especially for him since it was larger and sturdier than the others in the room.

  Isaac could imagine the other chairs would snap into kindling if the agorid tried to sit in them. He was talking with an elven officer seated across from him. Next to him was an empty desk, Isaac assumed it belonged to the deceased Sergeant Brenna Moreland.

  “Officer Bruce,” said Isaac, getting the agorid’s attention.

  Snar looked over. “Ah, Cleric…Gall was it?” he asked. The agorid stood up, at full height he was intimidating, but his manner was so calm and respectful that Isaac did not feel uncomfortable.

  “Yes,” replied Isaac. “I’m sorry to interrupt you.”

  “Nonsense. We were not in the middle of anything of important. May I introduce Officer Selim en’Vornos.” The elf walked around from his desk and looked at the Isaac, but made no move to shake his hand. His face was stained with anger and pain.

  Grief for Sergeant Moreland thought Isaac. He ignored the elf’s rudeness. He could be forgiven in his sorrow.

  Snar appeared perturbed by the elf’s lack of manners, but didn’t say anything to him. “What brings you here?” asked the agorid.

  “I was released from hospital two days ago. I wanted to thank Sergeant Moreland personally for her efforts in catching Ms. Renoch. But I was saddened to read about her death in the Alkos City Chronicle. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences for her loss. I’m sure she was a valued comrade and friend. I will pray for her and all of you.”

  “Save your fucking prayers cleric. We’re not interested in them,” snarled the elf. “You, your cock-sucking Varos and his Creator can go and fuck themselves up the arse. Brenna Moreland is dead, she’s gone and dead. Not in the stupid fake paradise you fuckwit priests tell yourselves to make your piece of shit lives feel better!”

  Isaac blinked in shock. He had never heard such a vile stream of blasphemy. Clearly the elf was far more upset about Brenna Moreland’s death than he had guessed. Tears were forming in the elf’s eyes.

  “Officer en’Vornos! As a member of the Alkos City Watch, you will conduct yourself in a respectful manner to all citizens, regardless of race or religion,” a voice shouted.

  All three of them looked over. A tall man with several days of stubble and tired, brown eyes was standing there.

  This must be their commanding officer he thought.

  “Take yourself down to the filing room and organize these for me,” the man said. He handed the elf a sheaf of papers.

  Selim straightened and recomposed himself. He took the papers. “Yes, sir.” He left to do as his commander ordered.

  The man who had interrupted held out his hand to Isaac. He shook it and the man said, “Captain Niko Tolov. I’m sorry about that Cleric Gall. Selim is a good man and officer, but he was particularly close to Sergeant Moreland. He hasn’t been doing so well.”

  “I understand captain,” replied Isaac. “I have seen many hit with the emotional turmoil of grief. My members often come to me for counsel and I have seen the same anguish on their faces as Officer en’Vornos. As I was saying, I was saddened to hear about the death of Sergeant Moreland. She helped me a great deal.”

  Niko nodded. “Thank you for coming cleric. It means a lot and I’m sure it would have to Brenna as well.”

  “Not that we do not appreciate it,” said Snar. “But I suspect you did not brave the remembrance crowds in the city merely for your condolences.” The agorid put one of his paws to rest on the wooden table and Isaac heard it creak. If the huge bear agorid wanted, he could break the table effortlessly. He had to remind himself that Snar had been raised as an Alkon and not in the wilds of Kangur like the rest of his kind.

  Snar was referring to the ‘Never Forget’ movement that had been building up steam since the Galrian sneak attack. Citizens were holding rallies and chants all over the city with signs like Never Forget and Vengeance for the Emperor. They had gathered in force around the city as today was the crowning of the new emperor. He was expected to address the people at Azure Square in front of the palace. Many expected him to give a reverent, rallying speech about the war.

  Isaac chuckled. “I can see why you earned your watch uniform Officer Bruce. You’re not wrong. It was my main reason, but not the only one.”

  The captain’s curiosity was perked now. “Oh? You have something more in regards to the tarcaine smuggled through your church? As I understood it, Inissa Renoch was responsible for that and she’s in custody, as are your members who were assisting her. We made over forty arrests
when we took down the organization responsible for the drugs”

  Isaac folded his arms, the air in here was colder than he would have liked. This watch station could use better heating. “She was, but I ‘m concerned she did it with tacit consent from a higher authority,” he said.

  “She was only a lieutenant in her boss’s organization, but I do not think that is what you are referring to” said Snar.

  Isaac shook his head. “No, I’m not talking about that. I mean she had consent to use my church as a place to smuggle drugs. And it did not come from me.” He sighed. He had mulled over this while stuck under blankets in the hospital bed, it was now or never.

  “I believe that she was allowed to use my church by High Cleric Ethan McSheora.” He looked at the captain and the agorid and watched their reactions as his accusation sunk in. Snar blinked a few times but didn’t say anything. The captain looked like he had eaten a lemon.

  “I see,” said Niko. “Do you have proof of this?”

  “No I don’t” he said and rubbed his hand at his forehead. The skin on his fingers was dry and rough. “But I can’t imagine this woman simply decided that she could use my church to store drugs so freely without approval. The high cleric introduced her as an old friend to me. As loathe as I am to believe it, he must have known about her criminal connections and that she intended to use the church.”

  “I thought that Varonites could never question their church elders?” asked Snar. “Yet you are doing just that.”

  The agorid was well read. “Yes, you are correct officer. Church elders are to be held in the highest regard. All I can say is that recent events have left me with a much more open mind. Besides this is not a church matter, regarding one of my flock or a matter of faith. Those are where elders are to be deferred to. This is a matter of legality and ethics.”

  Niko had a grim look on his face. “It’s not a hard leap to think that Inissa Renoch had permission, given how brazenly she was using your church. But I can’t start harassing the High Cleric of Varos without evidence. Despite what your more radical members like to claim, we need a justified cause.”