Ninety-Fourth Day

Dunes Outside Protectorate City

What? That was all Jianni thought as he stared across the firepit. There was Oerth, sitting, laughing, with a drink in his hands. And there, Uruk, telling one of his many fantastical tales. Behind them, his brother Jenta stood… Or… He didn’t. Jianni couldn’t understand it. Where his had had been but a moment before, the moon now shone, bright and big. Then he felt something wet hit his face. He looked up. Rain? No, it couldn’t be. Rain was nothing more than a myth here. Then what could it be? He looked down at his lap, and stared into his brother’s eyes. He didn’t understand. That wasn’t where it should be. He tried to ask Jenta what was going on. But the words wouldn’t come out. He just didn’t understand.

---

Eian kicked the headless corpse into the flames. With two more quick stabs, the men who sat in front of him collapsed, their blood seeping out of their necks onto the sand below. Two brief shouts were swallowed up by the night. Then there was silence.

Eian stared at the final man, who stared back at him. The smell of burning flesh surrounded them for a few, heavy moments.

“Where are they?” Eian asked in a quiet, almost gentle voice.

The man made no move to speak. He looked like a strong man. A young one, though. Inexperienced. Probably not accustomed to seeing a man die yet. Eian might almost feel sorry for the man. But he would think about that later.

“Tell me where they are!” Eian suddenly yelled at the man, attempting to snap him out of his stupor.

The man shook his head slowly. “What are y-” His question was interrupted when Eian skirted around the fire and kicked the severed head out of his lap, then pulled the man up by his hair and slammed his face into the bloody ground.

“Protectorate city. Bandits attacked it. They took prisoners. Tell me where they are,” He growled into the man’s ear.

There was no answer. Eian’s blade flashed and a trickle of blood ran down the man’s neck.
“Tell. Me. Now.” he hissed into the man’s ear.

The man seemed to fumble for words. “Th- the canyon! Jenta said they took him to the canyon! We were supposed to meet them but they never came!” He cried desperately

“Good,” Eian said, his face sliding back into his neutral expression as he thrust the blade into the man’s neck. “May your next life bring you more fortune.”



It was early morning when Eian walked back into their meager camp. Shari had already began to clean up and put the bedrolls when he strode in.

“Oh, is it that time already?” Shari said, looking pointedly at the drops of blood on Eian’s pants. “My, they do grow up so fast. Soon enough, you’ll move out, and then want to get married to some nice young…” she trailed off, noticing Eian’s blank stare. “That time…? I’m making a joke about you being a girl…?” nothing. “Oh, you poor thing… Seriously. Talk to girls.”

Eian shrugged. “I talk to you.”
Shari shook her head. “You’re hopeless. Just hopeless.”

“Are you telling me to find a mate?”

Shari groaned in response. ”Don’t say something like that so casually.”

”I killed four men and burned their bodies and all their worldly belongings to ash. I’m sure that talking casually about finding a mate is well within the boundaries of accepti-“

“Okay, okay! I get it! So did you find out anything or not?”

Eian nodded, turning to look out at the vast desert. ”Get your things ready. We’re going to find a dead man.”

Shari merely rolled her eyes at Eian’s theatrics. For a quiet killer who nigh-on worshiped efficiency, he did have a flair for the dramatic. It brought a slight smile to her face, though. She wouldn’t have had it any other way.

[Co-written with SkullsandSlippers]

94th Day

Sanctum of the Timekeepers

The Sanctum was a massive multi-tiered structure that sat outside of Solaria. It was one of many throughout the landscape of the Ba'Gatha, they served as source of knowledge, and a record of time. They had been around since the beginning of time, the time which they began recording. Since the beginning of time, the Timekeepers established themselves as an entity of scholars and record keepers, beholden to nothing and no one, except time itself. It was their duty to measure time, and keep a record of all the happenings in the desert.

The Sanctum worked like it did any other day. A company of Keepers were incessantly transliterating and replicating older pieces of knowledge, as well as recording new pieces that came in daily from scribes of the cities. Each city had a group of scribes who would deliver a set or records on current events to the timekeepers. The timekeepers in turn would translate the events to the days on which they happened into a general record of history. Because there was no other method of telling time outside of the timekeepers, independent historians were often far and few.

The halls were damp, and mostly dark except for the little of holes of sunlight that marked the great dials that measured the length of day.

Two men walked down a corridor of the labyrinthine sanctum. Both were defined by baldness that had been around since the beginning of time, pointed ears, glowing blue eyes that seemed to never blink, dry hairless faces with many trenches and wrinkles, robes that covered them completely save their heads, and single emblems etched on their foreheads.

"Keeper Kel," the first spoke, leading the way through the dark hall.

"Yes, Keeper Umian?" the second one replied, as a flash of sunlight hit his pale face.

From a glance, the first Keeper seemed experienced, by the way he walked, the way he talked, and the many wrinkles on his forehead. The last was an indication of age, and perhaps seniority. The second one was the opposite, save for the wrinkles, for his face and eyes were sunken in like a pouch as well. To be a Keeper, as they addressed one another, was to live a monastic life, a life of austerity.

Nobody really knew much about them, some claimed that they were as old as the sands themselves, others said that they came from the sands. Despite the legends, the Timekeepers were easily accessible by those who wish to know of events past and present that have been put down into the memory of the sand.

"What day is it?"

"The 94th day," Keeper Kel replied.

"The 94th."

"The deserts will see much strife."

"Much strife," Keeper Umian echoed behind his senior.

---

Dunes Between Solaria and the Sanctum

The sun was warm, not hot. The sands were soft. A straight road once led to the Sanctum of the Timekeepers from the city. The path had been covered with windblown sand, quiet and still. Between Solaria and the Sanctum of the Timekeepers was open territory. Open in the sense that marauders roamed the sands freely.

In the distance, a large cadre of Solarians could be seen making their way along the hidden trail. Several of the group were mounted on yakolas while their escorts went on foot beside them.

Faeran and Aureliar rode in the back, while Alleara and Estios, who was the head of the escort detail composed entirely of Sunfires, led in the front. Greks and Vallon kept pace on foot along with the other guards. Their bronze armor gleamed in the desert, while their short white capes fluttered in the wind. The Sunfires noted that it was odd seeing a bird ride another beast, in reference to the Vaul delegate, but they kept their mouths shut.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Aureliar whispered.

The portly delegate returned a nod, his mount groaned slightly upon its next step, to which the Vaul said nothing more.

Alleara was dressed in a lightweight dress and a parasol over her head to keep her from the warm sun. They were lucky that the temperatures were of a more moderate nature on this day. She had gone home from the Custodians of the Dead to inform her parents of her new task as the Queen's liaison and investigator for the old queen's death. Her father had been thrilled, her mother wanting to boast and preen in front of her friends. Alleara had left them to pack a small bag. There was a journey ahead of her and she wished to be ready. She had her books, ink and pen as well as some coin for the journey. She would not go empty handed.

Now she walked the sands with the others, their guards around them. She had never left Solaria. She was excited at the prospect of new places but fearful. Alleara had, since her childhood heard stories of the horrors that happened in the deserts outside of the city. Now she traveled with men she only knew by name but not by character as well as an entourage of guards. She felt out of place. Scientists, inventors were meant to stay in their labs, not travel the world. For her own peace of mind and his, her father had sent her with a firearm and powder. She could use it, she just hoped she would not have to.

The guards, their escort of Sunfires seemed very competent and Alleara reminded herself that these were the best in Solaria.

She walked at the front of the group with Estios. Behind her were the two delegates. She still had not decided if they were truly helping with the investigation or doing what they could to hinder her as they gave the impression that they did not like her. Alleara didn't blame them necessarily. This position was as much a surprise to her as it was to them and she could understand the men not taking too kindly to a young woman who suddenly questioned everything. Still she thought that their duty to the queen, a desire to solve the issue of the murders would overrule all. Perhaps they have other agendas or perhaps they are simply miserable men who do not like their incompetence pointed out. Alleara truly felt that things had been overlooked in the original death reports, pieces were missing and the original investigators missed connections or at least possible connections.

I need time to sit and make notes, to see where the connections lay. She adjusted the strap of her bag that crossed her body. It left her arms completely free though it rubbed slightly as she walked. It was a necessary thing though, she would not be caught without her notes this time and money as well as her firearm ensured that she was prepared for anything that might delay them.

"It's funny to think that she would know how to use that," Aureliar observed from afar, in reference to her rifle.

"It won't do her much good," Faeran remained terse.

When he felt necessary, Faeran could assume a cold and calculating mask. After some time had elapsed, the Vaul delegate asked that the group settle in the shade for a brief respite before continuing on their day's long journey to the Sanctum. Estios agreed and the group rested behind a large rock that shielded them from the sun at an angle. The wind picked up and bits of sand followed its call.

Most of the soldiers stood on guard as they snacked on part of their rations.

Alleara found a spot to sit. She removed her bag, her firearm and placed her parasol next to her on the ground. Her hand slipped inside the bag to remove one of her books and she quickly began to jot down a few notes, things that had come to mind as she walked. The shade was cooler than the sun and easier on the eyes. Around her others were sitting or standing and eating. She had no appetite simply wished to make notes before the thoughts drifted away like the blowing sand.

"Already at work I see?" Vallon said as he stood before her alongside Greks, it seemed as though the two were nearly inseparable.

"Just some notes. Observations and such. Everything might be a piece of the puzzle. It would not do to overlook something." Alleara did not look up right away from her book. She finished scribbling her sentence and then raised her eyes slowly to look at the two men. She felt as if they were watching her every move and found it very disconcerting. She would not let them know that they unnerved her though and after a moment went back to work though there was a slight shake to her hand as she wrote.

Estios, for his part, remained standing, watching the sands, waiting for any marauders. He could see Faeran and Aureliar conversing with another Sunfire corporal, who he did not recognize. There was something off about it, and perhaps he would have known more had he listened in on their conversation. Yet his mind was elsewhere. Their break was brief and they were immediately on the road once more. They had not reached the halfway point to the Sanctum before Lord Faeran spoke from behind.

"That's far enough."

Alleara adjusted the parasol over her shoulder as she turned and looked to Lord Faeran. Her eyes flickered to Estios who was still beside her as he had been the entire journey so far. Far enough? "Are we taking another break?" She inquired.

Estios remained silent as he turned to face Faeran.

The two mounted delegates had their eyes set upon the young noblewoman. Their beasts lightly bucked as though the men were ready to off.

"You've been quite the thorn in our sides for some time now," Faeran turned to Aureliar, "Who would have thought a lowborn noble such as her could have convinced the queen to believe her lies?"

"Quite surprising," the Vaul ruffled his feathers before he addressed Alleara directly, "Your journey has come to an end, Lady Delegio."

Alleara was unsure for a moment what was going on. She shook her head as if to assure herself she was not dreaming. Lies? I have not lied and I convinced the queen of nothing she asked for me...

At those words, half the soldiers rallied around the two delegates, unsheathing their swords and readying their bows. An invisible line had been drawn in the sand. The other Sunfires, those who were still loyal to the queen and to their duty of protecting the lady, drew their swords slowly. They were unsure of the situation, but it would eventually dawn on them.

Captain Estios looked at the two delegates, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Captain," Faeran paused for effect, "I apologize that it had to end like this. You will be remembered as a hero..." he paused once more, "Or a traitor."

"And that fate lays with the rest of you as well."

The men were talking as if this were a simple matter, as if discussing what meat to have with dinner. It was as if the decision was already made and she was but a bystander. She realized with a sickening feeling that she was going to die, here in the sand. They meant to get rid of her. The were ridding themselves of a problem because she was delving into things they didn't want people to know. Her eyes flickered between them. "You can't do this."

"Oh, but we are," Faeran said, almost with a hint of joy.

One of the loyalists had raised his sword "Protect the queen-," his sentence was cut off as an arrow lunged into his throat and sent him onto the ground. The swords unsheathe and screams fell onto the sand as both sides raced at each other. Another arrow would have came toward Alleara had Estios not dove in front and activated his solar shield. The situation seemed hopeless as her guards, those still loyal to her, were outnumbered.

"These dogs! How much did you pay them?" Estios roared, it seemed as though he had discarded his earlier taciturn nature.

The tide rose ever higher against them, as the traitors began to nearly surround the loyalists. The sand was bathed in blood and metal. Arrows zipped by nearly as quiet as the desert wind and found flesh.

Greks found himself cornered by two traitors, he proceeded to parry their blows, before returning his blade. Just as one fell, the other was about to strike at his unguarded side, but that never came to fruition as Vallon dove between, piercing the traitor's armor with his sword. The man slumped to the ground dead. They saw that the battle was nearly lost, as even the captain himself was nearly surrounded trying to defend Lady Delegio.

"No!" Alleara pulled her rifle from her back as Estios darted in front of her. She realized that it was only his quick thinking that had saved her life, an arrow deflecting off of his shield. "What do we do?" She called to Estios as she loaded the firearm.

Around her men were dying, struck down by the very men they served with. She quelled the tide of panic that grew in her. She had wanted to help, to solve the queen's murder but never did she think it would lead to the slaughter of good men. "They are killing them!" Alleara lifted the now loaded rifle. She took aim. I have to kill them. She shot. It hit one of the traitorous Sunfires in the back. He buckled to the ground and she proceeded to load the rifle again. Her eyes darted about a little as she readied herself should she need to run.

Greks and Vallon sprinted to the captain and the lady, by now the traitors were nearly surrounding them.

"Captain! Let us handle them, you need to get her to safety," Greks said as he blocked off an arrow with his sword.

"But we can't leav-" another arrow flew by that nearly clipped Estios had he not ducked in time.

"We'll hold them off for you and her to escape. Don't let our sacrifice be in vain," Vallon charged back into the fray.

"But you won't escape them. There are too many." Alleara raised her rifle once more. "No! Wait-" Her voice caught in her throat. "They will kill him!" She looked at Estios, fear in her eyes. They were killing them and it was because of her.

"As long as you survive, Solaria may see another day," Greks said to the noblewoman, before he turned to the captain," It was an honor, sir. Now go!"

And with that, he too charged valiantly toward his doom.

"No...no..." The tears formed in her eyes making it hard for her to see her shot.

Estios had nearly lost touch with reality until another arrow strafed by, and he knew what he had to do.

"Comon' let's get out of here," he grabbed Alleara by the arm and pulled her into the winding canyon that was behind them.

Aureliar noticed their escape, "Damn you fools, after her!" he commanded several of his men, who pursued quickly.

A hand grabbed her and pulled her. Alleara's feet moved automatically. She was running, doing her best to keep up with the man who held her tightly. Run! Run! Her mind screamed even as her heart wanted to break for the men that were being killed.

"Take my shield and give me your rifle," Estios barked at the woman, he was now fighting for their lives.

Alleara handed him her firearm and took the offered shield. She was warring between crying and screaming. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. They were murderers and she knew in that moment that this was not the first time the Lords had conspired to commit such and act.

As the pursuers chased after them into the cramped passages of the canyon, Estios swung around and fired a round at them, a shot to kill, a shot to warn, and perhaps a shot to slow them. The two continued run through the narrow corridors for sometime, trying to sidetrack or even lose their pursuers.

After some twisting turns, Estios pointed into a crevice leading down another a path, "In there," he whispered.

Alleara did as he said and moved into the crevice. She was very, very aware that this man was all that stood between her and certain death. Her feet hurt, her muscles ached and her face as dirty as her hands now but she didn't care. She ignored all discomfort. What was a little pain in her legs compared to the lives of the men who had charged in to protect her?

As she went in, he traveled a bit further and threw down his helmet in the sand and made some tracks to confuse them, before he rejoined her inside the cramped little confine. They watched and waited for the soldiers to pass by, quiet and still with bated breaths. Adrenaline continued to flow, as Estios gripped the rifle tightly.

Alleara closed her eyes and listened as footsteps ran past them. The longer they stay there, still and hidden away the more her panic drained and left her shaking. She did her best to wrap her arms about her to still the movement. One moment she was travelling, working out the mystery in her mind and the next there was blood and bodies. Her stomach lurched a little. What if no one had helped her? You'd be dead in the sand like the others....

They waited for some time, a very long time it seemed, before Estios believed they could leave their hiding place. Just as he was about to stand up, a familiar voice could be heard throughout the canyon. The echoes bounced off the walls, it was the same hated voice as before. Both he and noblewoman would know the voice to be that of Faeran's.

"Lady Delegio! Captain Estios!"

The captain tensed up as he held his breath, his eyes darting about, waiting for the traitors to suddenly appear.

"I have one of your soldiers here!" the echoes gave his voice a guttural effect that only made him seem more ghastly.

"Tell them your name!"

There was a brief pause, silence.

"You can't speak?" he began to laugh.

"His name is Vallon," he cried out again.

Alleara looked at the Captain. Her eyes were wide with fear. She didn't know where Faeran was but he seemed to know there were somewhere near by. He used the canyon to his advantage she could tell, the acoustics causing his voice to bounce and echo. There was no way for them to know exactly where he was without looking. Her heart stopped as he stated he had one of the guards with him. She shook her head. He is sick. Out for himself and willing to do anything to keep his power. She dared not say a word only released a shuddering breath.

Then there was the unmistakable crack.

And the captain lowered his head for a time.

Alleara jumped at the sound. It echoed around her and she didn't think it would ever stop echoing in her ears. She covered her mouth, pressing hard to stifle any sound she might make. She didn't understand how someone could so coldly snuff out the life of another. Her eyes moved to the man beside her. Those were his men, loyal and traitors alike. They were his men and now they were dead or had turned on him. She wanted to comfort him but she didn't think he'd want that and certainly not from the woman who had caused all of this.

Estios took a single breath before he reclaimed himself, and peered out of their hole in both directions.

"Comon'," he gave her a hand to pull her up before they continued.

Alleara took his hand and stood so that she could follow. "Captain..." Her voice was just a bit above a whisper. "I am sorry about your men. They...there is no excuse for what has happened." She couldn't bring herself to think about her parents, about what they would tell the Queen when they returned to Solaria. She would be named traitor, they would say it was her doing. Alleara could feel it in the pit of her stomach. They were involved with the murder of the queen or at least the events leading up to and after. There were secrets they wished to remain hidden and the Queen asking her to investigate and her thoroughness threatened to expose them. She recognized them for what they were murdering traitors who were afraid that the truth would mean the end of their power and positions.

"Don't be," the captain said plainly, he understood that she felt guilty, but he knew it was misplaced guilt.

He knew they had other things of concern than guilt, for it was possible that the delegates had sent hunting parties after them. A return to Solaria would be ill-advised as by then they would be walking straight into the jaws of death. They had to find another way, should they continue to the Sanctum? He did not know.

She forced herself to look at Estios, there was guilt written all over her face. She knew that if she hadn't been sent to do a job that his men would still be alive. She was angry at the men who attack them and angry at herself. Had to solve the mystery. Had to go looking for answers.

"Let's get out of this canyon," he said to her, then he looked at the shadows of the canyon to determine which direction was east.

That would be the direction that they would go.

Alleara nodded and followed. Though he told her not to feel guilty at the moment the lingering sound of the man, Vallon's death haunted her. "Where will we go? If I can get to the Queen I can explain what happened. She is the reason I am doing this journey. She requested it. Surely she will believe me. I have to stop them before they spread rumors. They will stop at nothing to hide the things they have done." She watched as Estios looked at their surroundings. "I have to fix this. I have to show the kind of men they are."

"The path back to Solaria is fraught with marauders, and perhaps by now they have already ridden back and reported to the queen with lies," Estios shook his head, "At this point..."

The captain was unsure what path they should take. He was lost in the winding canyons.

[Co-Written with VindicatedPurpose]

94th Day

The Fringes of Solaria

The pair began to walk but there was the constant fear of the pursuit. Alleara looked over her shoulder frequently. The silence between them was not uncomfortable. They were both still in the process of coming to terms with what had happened, at least she knew she was and she couldn't imagine what he was thinking.

The sun began to set and Alleara wrapped her arms about her body. She had never slept outside. She knew the evening got colder. Her pack contained a light cloak but she knew it would be of little use and she couldn't ask him to stop moving. She hadn't expected to be outside or walking by nightfall, that hadn't been the plan.

Alleara said nothing as they walked but kept her eyes and ears alert. They could be following us...

The desert was known for its fierce temperatures both during the day and at night.

Estios had already abandoned his ornate traditional armor, leaving it buried within the sands somewhere. He would have been a conspicuous target had he kept it on.

He used to be among those who led raiding parties to scour the border lands of rogues. Now he was a target for slavers, bandits, and, for the first time, fellow Solarians. By then, the two delegates had already returned to Solaria bearing their own tale of the events that transpired. The only witnesses who could say otherwise were him and Lady Delegio, but they were fugitives of the city. To return would be to heed the knell of death on the grounds of treason. It would be their words against that of the city's.

Even as the two transients wandered the canyons, back in the city, Faeran and Aureliar's agents were already at work eliminating any factions that resisted their moves. The lustful dogs hungering for power disgusted Estios. Then he realized the possibility that the Grandmaster himself had become a pawn in their plans and had sanctioned their actions this day. He felt ashamed at what they became. Some of the proudest Solarian warriors reduced by lies, delusions, offerings of bezants.

The dunes around Solaria were now filled with patrol groups and hunting parties looking for a noblewoman and a traitor Sunfire captain.

Estios wondered if there was some more elaborate and secretive cabal at work.

As he walked, he looked very much like a desert merchant by the way his robes had been wrapped around him. A scarf obscured his face from the buffeting wind.

He remembered the offer that Faeran made just before the day was bathed in blood. He could still return to the city, abandoning the noblewoman in the desert. Yet, the more he thought of it, he could not forsake her or his honor or the men that fell trying to safeguard her. He realized that she might be the only hope for the city. Perhaps it was by chance or perhaps it was by the hand of Jeytelh, the captain decided he would let future generations decide. His focus now shifted from dwelling on the past to getting them to shelter and water if they were to survive and one day return to the city.

"Stay close, the wind cuts to the bone at night," he huffed.

Alleara nodded and hurried herself to ensure she was close but not overly so. Her breathing was heavy, not being used to long treks in the desert sands. "You do not have to stay with me." She finally spoke up. "I can't even begin to understand how you feel, your men...but you owe me nothing. This was the queen's mission and now I am going to be an enemy of my people aren't I?"

He gave a heavy sigh when she uttered those words. He felt no point in saying anything instead he resumed the same taciturn demeanor that he wore when he first met her at the Delegio villa.

Alleara couldn't help but feel guilty as Estios sighed at her and then kept up the silent trudge through the sand. The wind had picked up and the sun was going down. She hunched her shoulders, trying to keep in some heat. She wouldn't complain, wouldn't say anything to him that wasn't necessary. This man saved her life and lost his men in process. There wasn't much she could say. Thank you for her life? Sorry for your men? Sorry you can't go home? Sorry you are stuck with me? It all seemed trite and impersonal.

So Alleara opted for silence and staying close to the man that would have the greatest say in whether she lived or died.

It was the wind that caught them off guard if anything. At night it screamed and wailed like the banshees in childhood stories. Just as they were about to exit the canyon into a wide field of sand dotted by various sized balmora trees. It was one of the few pieces of shrubbery that managed to grow in the arid land. The water that the plant needed seemed to be carried by the wind, or its roots had tapped far below layers and layers of sand into a sizeable aquifer. The interior was hollow which required less nutrients, but its thick carapace prevented loss of water due to the heat.

The wind had covered their ears, but luckily not their eyes. Estios spotted a shadow in the distance which was immediately followed by more shadows. They were soon illuminated by the bright orange sun and the rolling sands that were kicked up by the hooves of their mounts. They carried torches and were galloping at a quickened pace.

Estios signaled to his charge that she remain within the canyon as he crept up to the edge that was the exit to observe the riders as they rode by.

As they neared, the captain could see that they were dressed in a mixture of black and brown. Raiders. Their curved scimitars were held up high above their heads as they gave high pitched shrieks that seemed to rival the wind. They were out for blood. Any blood they could find. As the captain could remember, whenever they were riding at that pace, it meant that a merchant caravan was nearby or perhaps something of value to the bandits. Now they were simply closing in for the kill like the colorful sand vipers.

He retreated from the exit lest he be spotted by them, diverting them from their true target. Normally it was his duty to protect traveling merchants seeing as how they were still within Solarian lands, but it seemed that he had trouble protecting himself and the woman.

"Bandits," he said in a voice that was gruff perhaps because they had gone for hours, or what seemed like hours, without water.

Alleara stayed put where Estios told her to. When he came back and the single world made her pale. "What do we do?" She brushed her hair from her face. It was knotted now. Her face was streaked in places with bits of dirt and sand. She looked as if she had been walking the desert for days, not hours. She had no experience with bandits, with anything really except her lab and her mother's tea parties. The thought of her mother mad eher lip quiver. What would she say when she found out whatever lies the Lords would go back with? Her father? Their work? Alleara shook her head. Now was not the time to break down.

Her hand gripped Estios' arm. "What do we do now?"

He stood there to think for a moment.

"We can't stay here," they needed to find shelter, and the canyons were not really a suitable place. They had to stay put as the raiders passed, but not even his years of experience could tell him about their patterns. Bandits, sand pirates, rogues, whatever the civilized called them, they were known for their random and savage attacks. Yet, they were not so bold as to attack the cities directly.

"We will wait for them to pass," he said as slowly crouched down before taking a seat and leaning against the canyon wall. He let his head fall back as he stared at the lines of eroded rock that ran along the wall across from him.

"Not here okay..." Alleara frowned as Estios then sat down. She was confused but sat down next to him, though careful to keep a respectful distance. He didn't need a frightened woman cowering against him. The wind made her ill at ease, the idea of bandits terrified her.

The older man swallowed some saliva as he rubbed his bearded chin. What was there to say?

The shrieks and screams that were distinctly human had passed by and echoed down the canyon. That was them, he thought, as he shifted his head in the direction of the sounds. He stood up immediately and went to see how far off they were. He watched as they rode off into the distance, and then he waited. He waited for them to turn around and return, return to where he was, but they did not. He immediately ran back to Lady Delegio and gave a nod that meant it was clear. He thought it was odd how he still considered her to be a lady, or a noblewoman, when clearly she no longer was. Perhaps that was because he still believed that this was all some kind of dream; he still believed they could return to the city.

Alleara went stiff as Estios stood up suddenly. He was watching. When he nodded, she was on her feet immediately. She didn't know what was going on but she would not be a burden to him. She closed the distance between them. "Lead the way, I will do whatever you say." She was trying to keep the tremble from her harsh, dry voice. She couldn't remember a time when she had gone so long without food or drink. Servants were always delivering things to her in the lab that she had taken it for granted.

They left the canyon, by then it was almost dark. A blanket of night was slowly covering them, and yet no shelter in sight. It was disheartening to the captain, they would wander aimlessly like so into the night, he thought. They had been lucky that the canyons were still in sight, as no matter how far they had walked, it had curved and wandered beside them. He thought perhaps they would have to settle for the canyon as they had no other choices. He set about gathering what little sticks he could to make a fire. By this late in the night, the bandits would have returned to whatever holes they came from, at least that was what experience told him.

The fire crackled as the captain fed it with twigs and other sticks. He had been on raids and patrols that required him to stay outside the city for nights, it was nothing new to him. He was not sure about the noblewoman though. Her physical frame had not been prepared for this, he could tell. He had given her his cloak as he watched her keep warm. Perhaps this entire ordeal was also his fault, he had not expected traitors in his ranks. The fault lay with the commander if his soldiers failed to obey him, that was a rule of war. He looked up to the stars to see which way was north in order to determine or try to determine where they were.

Alleara mimicked him, picking up whatever sticks she found that he might have missed. She did not know the first thing about surviving in the wilderness but she vowed not to be useless. She'd learn, watch and do with him. She wouldn't be a burden anymore than she already was.

Once the fire burned Alleara sat near it and tried to keep herself as warm as she could. When Estios gave her his cloak all she could do was thank him. It wasn't enough, now he was left without but she was grateful for his kindness. Alleara huddled inside of it.

"Captain? Why do you think they did it?" Alleara's voice was soft, just audible over the crackling fire. "The Lords...the other men...I have been trying all day and the best I can reason out is they are hiding something. I suspected all was not right when I first began questioning things but why attack us? Why kill your men when it was I they had a problem with?"

Estios looked her in the eyes with intent, but no words to add to her thoughts. He was where she was in trying to discern more of their plans. He was a never a thinker of matters such as these, he was a soldier after all.

He stared into the fire, the dancing flames were bright at night.

His hands were clasped before him, "If I had to guess, I would say they know something we don't. And perhaps we represented a threat to them in some way. As for my men...they've all been seduced by the coin," he paused, "Those that sided with the delegates."

"They need underlings, servants, all of this is just random thought to me," he stared at her again, "I don't really know."

Alleara stared back at him, determined not to let the intense eyes unnerve her. "I think they know something about the queen's death and perhaps the other deaths. I think that the queen setting me on the investigation proved troublesome for them. We present the truth if I can just prove it. I needed to know about the queen's final days." She inhaled. She didn't want to ask him but she needed to. "Captain did they offer you payment for turning to their side or did they simply know you were not corruptible?"

She did not want to insult him in anyway but she needed to know. Cover all bases.

He returned a glare at her one that seemed only to have been further fueled by the flames that danced within his eyes, which was the reflection of the fire pit before him. The brief flash of anger disappeared, he understood that she had a reason, if not the audacity, to ask such a question.

"No," he said.

Alleara nodded. "I did not think so Captain. I have not known you long but from what I have seen I believe you to be a man of honour. My evaluation would be they set us both up, knowing you would not go against your orders to protect the queen's investigator. They mean to further their own agenda and we do not fit into their plans. I am sorry but I had to ask. I cannot rely on my judgement alone. I need to be objective in this if I am to figure out what to do next and how best to succeed. I thank you for your honesty Captain and I am sorry that you and your brave men were caught between the truth and those who hunger for power."

She looked down at the ground. "I hate to think what they are doing now. How they are scheming and if perhaps the queen is in danger..."

94th Day

Protectorate City

One man took the spot of a gray scaled lizard who stepped off the droning airship onto the waiting platform where awaiting passengers crowded about. The lizard’s face was masked beneath a wide brimmed hat, his leathery skin covered by robes. He was supposed to meet with someone in the city. He was not sure when, but he believed it to be soon.

He also had some business in the region that he had to take care of afterward. He brought enough coin for another cup of tea and perhaps a return trip. He knew he did not need any more than that.

---

Solaria

The group of riders were led by the delegates with their entourage close behind. They came through the portcullis just as it was pulled upward at the call of the gatekeeper. Their yakola mounts were unusually fast despite their odd proportions and peculiar form. The townspeople surrounding the bazaars cleared out of the way as the riders trampled down the stone path and swept aside dust and pebbles.

They rode with utmost urgency to the Imperial Quarter. They carried with them a message, one laced with enough deceit to upset the delicate balance that the city had been propped upon.

---

The queen found herself unable to speak as the news came to her. The two delegates stood before her in tattered attire. They looked black and grim and smelled of anger and nothing more from the day’s long ride back to the city. She felt herself about to slip into that same rage had she been born of that disposition.

Yet she was raised from a humble beginning as a street orphan. She became a faithful of Jeytelh. Some say that Jeytelh recognized her devotion with reward. Others say other things, that her devotion was a face, and that she pulled herself up through means that were sacrilegious and defilement of all that the Sun Lord stood for.

Now she was the head of a city of various peoples, the head of one of three of the largest settlements in Ba’Gatha. That meant that she was bound to a certain character that was queen-like, but she still had not seen herself as a queen.

She was unsure if she could believe the two delegates as she was still unsure in believing herself.

The main court hall was filled with sapphire crystals of muted tones that could not bring a glow to pierce the cloud of thoughts that gripped her visibly.

“Are you…certain of this?” her hesitation evident and marked by Lord Faeran.

“Without a doubt,” representative Aureliar spoke, “Had it not been for the actions of warriors still loyal to the city, we would have been lost.”

The firmness of his voice could not be denied.

“She fled along with an accomplice, a Sunfire captain. He was a good soldier, but that was merely a front. It’s possible that they are somehow involved in the late queen’s murder,” Faeran stated, “But to what ends we do not know.”

“However, we have reason to believe that House Delegio was planning rebellion…” the Vaul delegate spoke.

“A lowly house such as theirs?” the queen raised her brow in disbelief.

“They did not act alone your majesty,” Aureliar replied, “Yet we know not who else they have coerced to their side.”

“All we know is that her father is an alchemist, but that alone is enough,” he added.

“What…what do you-” the queen looked at him, ““How certain are you of the claims that you have made against this family?”

Aureliar paused, “That the father poisoned the queen, that he contrived the poison that would be her demise, and that the daughter attempted to have us murdered? It seems clear as Jeytelh’s light,” he cleared his throat, “Your majesty.”

Faeran sighed, “If one captain turned traitor, who knows how many among the Sunfires have been-” he paused to gauge the queen’s expressions, which fluctuated according to his expectations.

She walked to a nearby column and stared out into the city where the lights flickered off one by one until all were asleep with the night. One moment she looked stunned, in another she felt angered, but in the end she was lost, lost within the palm of the two delegates’ hands.

“What are your orders, my queen?”

“I want you to investigate the Delegio villa.”

Lord Faeran nodded.

“I understand,” he paused “And what of the other possible traitors within our ranks?”

Aureliar knelt on a single knee, “Your majesty, if I may, I would like to spearhead the effort to root out any more of the conspirators.”

She paused for a moment to consider her options before she replied with a solemn nod while facing the city from her balcony. The luster of youth began to fade from her countenance.

The two delegates withdrew from the court hall immediately. They had set their plans in motion, and now they were pressing their offensive.

-

Dawn had not awoken yet, but the birdsongs were drowned immediately.

“Search the grounds!” Lord Faeran’s growl sent the boots crunching alongside his pompous stride.

The stoic and stout Sunfire soldiers pushed through the front gate of the Delegio villa. Their gleaming armor was always impressive and they inspired fear in enemies and allies alike. Their steps were almost in unison like the lockstep of the army, and as such they produced a repetitive clanging that sounded almost like drums of war. Now they were of a single purpose and order. They cared not for the outer furnishings and plants that adorned the exterior. The servants scattered unaware of the impending fall that would bedeck House Delegio.

Lord Faeran entered the grounds with Aureliar by his side, the two seemed nigh inseparable.

The soldiers searched the dwelling of the minor family, leaving no stone unturned, no rooms unchecked, no person unscathed. Their rummaging knocked over pottery, ornaments, and portraits. The office of Mathus Delegio was ransacked, his files and journals scattered on the floor. The bedrooms were searched, and the silk fabrics ripped beyond recognition without any justifiable reason other than simple malice.

Mathus and Malena Delegio stood to the side with their servants unsure what provoked the sudden intrusion into their lives at this hour of the night. Their daughter was still unaccounted for.

“My lord, I beg of you, what is the meaning of this?” he pleaded to the Vaul delegate that waited outside, while Faeran searched the house.

Aureliar isolated him within an indifferent gaze, “You will know well enough soon.”

“Take them into custody,” Lord Faeran came out of the main hall with a vial of clear blue liquid in hand, perhaps it was evidence of some sort.

Mathus looked to his wife, and she to him, stupefied. Mathus had never seen that liquid ever before in his life.

“By order of the queen, House Delegio is to stand trial,” Faeran added.

“On what grounds my lord?”

“Treason,” as Faeran said this, a group of Sunfires grabbed Malena and Mathus by the arms, escorting them out of their home and to the dungeons beneath the Palace of the Sun to await their day of trial.