Somewhere Someplace

Grandberry. The sun hung center high directly above it, shining down.

It was not necessarily the most populated citiedoms, being only modestly populated, and it was also not necessarily the densest either—at least when taken as a collectivized aggregate. However, without question, it was amongst the oldest and, especially, the most fortified, defensible, and complexly designed.

The city itself was built within the foundations of the westward facing side of a mountain—so creatively dubbed thus 'Mount Berry'. Mount Berry was a somewhat small mountain part of no range, being almost eroded in appearance. However, it was sizable enough to provide total protection from its other side and made the city rather irritating to fully encircle and consequently besiege; taking it would be, quite literally, an uphill battle.

The rest of the city was protected by two thick layers of ancient, but still in use, white-bricked elven walls, much like Upperberry, except these walls were even more formidable. Fortress towers, ballistae, and, of course, cannons. This was in conjunction with a simpler stone wall that surrounded the 'extended' portions of the so-called 'outer city', which sprawled outwards into the flatter foothill lands directly preceding Mount Berry and the ancient city proper.

Having once been a legendary grand elven fortress, much of the proper city was a mix and match of aged and ancient elven white-bricked buildings of sophistication as well as simpler wooden and cobblestone constructions of man, with many buildings being chimeric amalgamations of both.

Grandberry was a city segmented into layers, or more accurately 'quarters'. The first and foremost layer, of course, was the extended or outer quarter, which was historically more of a collection of bounded dwellings, camps, shackdoms, and small villages than a single continuous portion of the city; rustic and barely populated.

The remaining quarters were within Grandberry proper, the ancient city being roughly in the shape of a quarter-circle, having not necessarily a true 'center' as much as a 'highest point'. Each quarter became progressively denser and more tightly packed, with available space decreasing the higher the city 'climbed towards the mountain', so to speak; there was the wide Low Quarter, the Middle Quarter, the High Quarter, and, of course, the most starking and renowned feature of this city, separated by yet another set of ancient elven walls: the Palace Quarter; that grand elvish fortress itself.

The Palace of Grandberry was amongst the largest and tallest—if not being the largest and tallest—structures in all of the Central Continent. Being composed of elaborate elvish white, gold, and blue brickstone, its construction and engineering was, indeed, remarkable, with much of the structure being integrated into the mountain itself. It was dominated by pointed arches, pointed buttresses, pointed vaults—indeed, it was rather sharp and pointed… Menacing and intimidating; a symbol of power and authority…albeit more ancient than present. It even had a dedicated landing area for griffons—useful also for…modern contraptions.

Grandberry's engineering complexities extended to Mount Berry itself. The mountain was seeded with ancient tunnel networks, channels, and the like that lead through, above, and below, some servicing as channels for transporting fresh water or as routes for smuggling supplies during siege; this was, of course, in addition to the—closely guarded as such—secret passages that lead directly to and from the Palace… A convenient feature, indeed, for those potentially scheming.

Although contemporary Grandberriens were not nearly as culturally endowed or advanced as the legendary elves who had—somehow through means still unknown—carved swathes of that mountain and constructed what was now Grandberry, they nevertheless knew enough through inherited knowledge from the…previous occupants…as well as through blunt trial and error to maintain the elven constructions, systems, and otherwise keep everything running.

"Well, there it is…" Despite being quite far away, Red could nonetheless see that towering grand palace in the horizon. "Grandberry…" There was a weighty tension in his voice… Truth be told, he really did not want to be here. Even before arriving to Huckleberry and witnessing the events of Humbleberry, he had already heard enough gossips and rumors in Sparklewater from flighters.

However, he had not the choice.

"Is it me, or does it feel…colder now?" Blue remarked, feeling a piercing shiver spread throughout her being.

"What do you expect?" Red simply spoke, turning his eyes to her; "We're closing towards Grandberry. We're a little higher up, so it's colder."

"No, I meant the general…sense of everything." She could not explain it with description or logic, for it was purely affective. "I feel a sense of terrible dread…"

"Like I said." Yet Red returned his eyes to the way ahead. "We're nearing Grandberry."

Despite being on one of the major roads of Huckleberry, theirs was the only wagon on it. The lonely emptiness, the darkened shrubs and grass, the quiet shadowy Huckleberrien forests lurking in the periphery beyond, and most strikingly the odd abundance of crows both near and close to those stone walls afar, cawing and croaking, all made for a bleak atmosphere.

"So," Red eventually shifted his eyes to that silent Raven sitting behind, "as I said: we're here… And don't you think I've waited way longer than I ought to have?" Indeed, he had waited long enough. "Mind finally telling me the real reason, Ms. Bureau Bug. I know we ain't just coming here because of that subpoena." He eyed those mounted infantry trailing left and right. "I mean, why else would the fucking Company be accompanying us, hm? Didn't you say you'd been 'retasked'? Has to be something big if you're heading for the Office infested place you bugs've been avoiding."

Novea sighed, turning her mask-obscured eyes to him… "Listen, as you obviously see, a lot has happened since we left Strawberry… Can we do this later, please?"

"And how much longer is later gonna be, huh? Another fucking week? Lady, I said I was gonna help you bunch, and I stand by my word…" Technically, Red had agreed to assist specifically with their search for the Coastfield bastard girl, although random changes to the point was part for course when cooperating with the Bureau. "Least you could do is stand by yours. You said you'd speak once we were near Grandberry. How much nearer do you need us to be?"

"I know I did…" Technically, Novea had actually said 'they would know more once they were there' and not that she herself would do any of that speaking, but human memory was everything besides reliable or precise. "And I would have earlier, if it weren't…" For the fact that they were held in Humbleberry for a week and were now being accompanied by Company soldiers of dubious intentions. "Use your head, Red. It should be obvious why I haven't spoken."

Red grumbled… "Yeah, I know…" He just wanted to ask anyway.

"Alright!" Suddenly, Sergeant-Major Hathway so rose a hand; "This is far enough!" Him speaking in local tongue indicated he was communicating with both his men and the wagon party. "Park aside!"

"Great…" Red ughed but still acknowledged.

The unicorn begrudgingly obliged to the mandates of its flinging harness, galloping off the road and to the grassy grounds aside, followed in synchrony by the equines of the mounted infantry who immediately formed a surrounding perimeter upon stoppage, although none immediately dismounted.

Hathway's stallion gently clopped forth to the wagon, halting directly to Novea who had flipped herself around and was now leaning out against the wagon's edge to face in kind.

"What's this hold, now?" Novea simply asked.

"Until I have confirmation regarding the…exact situation on the inside, my men will establish themselves here." Hathway explained.

"Hm…" Novea recalled that Sergeant Hathway had not only been receiving messenger falcons on the way hither, but he had also dispatched one of his men ahead of them several hours ago who had not only beat them to Grandberry but also managed to rendezvous back with them well before their arrival.

Indeed… The mounted infantry's horses were capable of traveling at rates far faster than the unicorn's typical…lazy cruising speed.

Regardless, "Did anything…happen, if I may ask?" Novea inquired, wanting to know if there were any…updates or news that could be relevant.

"Not exactly…" Hathway replied; "There is a heightened sensitivity to the Company's relations with Grandberry, and because of that…I've been advised caution." He momentarily gazed in the direction of those outer stone walls… "The situation there is…sensitive in general, and the duke may not appreciate the sudden appearance of further Company soldiers; there could be…misinterpretation."

"So, bad. That's the answer." Novea so remarked; "Things are bad…"

"Precarious would be the better word." Hathway stated. "Anyway," he then transitioned, "here's the plan: your two adventurer companions will continue on from here. We've already made the necessary prearrangements with the old headquarters in Outer Grandberry, although this may only be temporary given circumstances." He looked at Red; "However, your belongings, unicorn, and carriage will be safeguarded there for the time being."

"Great… How kind of you…" Red just muttered. "What's between the lines, huh?"

"Nothing." yet Hathway so replied; "You two are associates in this joint-venture and are therefore to be afforded appropriate accommodations." While his eyes remained on Red, his voice changed directions. "The Company might be many things, but we at least respect our allies and treat them with courtesy—unlike…a certain organization."

"Pfft…" Novea clandestinely rolled her eyes, muttering; "Respect and courtesy on face, but the truth is buried under the mud…"

"But I digress," Hathway ahemed, "you know where the old headquarters is, rightly?"

"Of course I do." Red knew, obviously. "Can't possibly miss it."

"Good. I don't know how much could have changed in the last few hours, however the arrangement should still be holding; they should still be expecting you." Hathway stated with quite the 'shoulds'…

Indeed, his voice did not necessarily spell 'confidence'.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"You, Raven, and your…partner," Hathway returned his attention to Novea, "are to remain here. We have…certain matters to discuss, then we'll head together on foot."

Novea tilted her head slightly… "On foot…" She eyed the distance hence thither… "From…here?" She did not like this idea.

"Yes. On foot." Hathway, however, reiterated. "And I'll be the only one accompanying, to clarify. As I said, my men will remain established here."

Novea sighed… "Alrightly, fine…" She withdrew from the wagon's edge, picking up her large carry bag, her provided ammunition bag, and revolving rifle. "I get it." She swiftly hopped off.

Antica, enigmatically silent, promptly did the same, grabbing her own backpack before hopping off.

"Alright, well, guess that means we'll be off, then." Red thus said with a wave; "Enjoy your scheming orgy or whatever." With those words, the wagon drove off and away, the unicorn eagerly recontinuing whilst Blue waved a gentle goodbye.

The mounted infantry made a hole in their perimeter so that the wagon could pass. They then dismounted from their horses and began to establish themselves, relaxing and resting.

Hathway too dismounted from his stallion. "Alright," he went straight to it, "things are very complex and there are no longer any guarantees." Indeed, the tone of his voice had immediately changed. "A certain Captain Albert was sent here in advance before the other officers; he was to be the effective commanding officer presiding over our joint-venture."

"Which is to say, in charge of her." Novea, however, was quick to jab.

"No, us." Hathway was quick to clarify; "The Thirteenth Grand Regiment has been given strategic oversight over your 'teams' activities as needed. The Bureau has confirmed this; you should have already been told."

"Oh, yeah. For sure. And that's only because you've made yourselves in charge of her and stole her through technicalities." Novea belligerently countered.

"I am not something 'to be stolen'." Antica meanwhile had to state, garnering that she was now allowed to speak.

"Yeah…" Novea glanced at her… "That's…true, but—ahem—" Shaking her head, she refocused on Hathway. "I need to make this very clear: I am her bird… Wherever she goes, I go; no matter when, where, or what, I have to stay with her, always." This was both a reminder and…an implicit statement.

Indeed… If, hypothetically, the Company had and or was still attempting to…remove her from the picture, this reality would be one of the motivations.

"Yes. Which is why we have been given this oversight." Hathway reiterated; "The colonel already promised we'll minimize contradictions, however, do understand…both de Relevancia and the Thirteenth are part of a greater command; none of us may always have a say."

« Çertissimë, jo subordinùr ad commandù superíos… » Antica mumbled. Oh, she fell under a superior command structure alright; one beyond these denizens' comprehension.

Novea meanwhile grumbled, about to reply, though…

"Much has happened in this week alone." Hathway pressed on; "Things moved faster than expected. I cannot tell you what…our plan was, but I can tell you that…it hasn't gone as intended. And not exclusively just for us, but for your side too…" He proceeded to hand Novea a notice of sorts. "This was delivered to the headquarters, I don't know when."

Novea read the notice, her grip tightening. "You…have to be joking…" Indeed, her voice's tone spoke more than her words… " 'Notice of Summoning for…Nilia de Relevancia'?" Her sight lanced right back to Hathway; "The Security Office wants to see her now?? When?? How?? And why wasn't I sent this notice?! What the fuck?!" Utterly surprised, she was unable to hold character.

"Hierarchy of command, Raven." Hathway plainly replied; "Remember, through your own intentions, madam de Relevancia is not openly known to be associated with the Bureau, and this joint-venture between us is covert. The United Central Company itself is cooperating with all organs of your guild, including the Security Office, and she is listed as a civilian volunteer of the Company." he explained. "Captain Albert managed to intercept it before further delivery; he gave it to the man I sent ahead who then delivered it to me."

Novea…calmed down, realizing the obvious… "Rightly…" Right, of course… Antica's affiliation with the Company was…relatively open information record-wise. This hopefully meant that the Office remained naive to Antica's involvement with the Bureau.

When it came to a matter of preference, the Bureau's relevants with interest would rather that the asset fell into the Company's shifty hands than let her fall into the Office's grubbier hands.

"It was not directly addressed to the colonel or any of the Thirteenth. Her reassignment to our regiment's oversight remains…confidential." Hathway stated; "Whatever this is, it probably relates to her service in Coastfield."

"Maybe…" Considering the Coastfield branch had expunged almost everything regarding a 'Nilia de Relevancia', that had to be it… Yet regarding what? "There is no…actual address…" Novea noticed… "If this was about Coastfield, you'd think that would be… And why a summoning to the Grandberry hall? That's far… What do they even want with her? It doesn't specify, and they usually do… And how'd they even hear of her?" Realizing her thoughts were bleeding out, she promptly shut her mouth.

Too many questions nevertheless rang in her head… She still felt that there was something…iffy about this.

"You said…this was not…addressed to the Thirteenth." Novea returned her sight to Hathway… "So, how did your captain get this? Was this, what? Just…sitting at the front desk or something and he just…stumbled on it?"

"You joke, but…essentially." Hathway replied; "It was a stroke of luck, really."

"Luck, huh…" Novea mumbled… "Convenient…" She decided to leave matters here. "Alrightly, so… We have this. Thanks… Now what?"

"Well, as I said, things are complicated…" Hathway stated; "Because we are later than planned and the officership arrived earlier than predicted, the retaliation campaign against the Fallen is underway and regiments have already been assembling. The other officers, not of the Legion, have already carved out their command fiefdoms, decided the roles and the whoms; they were unprecedently fast about it too…"

"You're talking like this is a problem…" Novea noticed.

"I'll just say…" Hathway began to say… "It probably would have been…preferable if she had arrived early so that we could have properly introduced her and made our case before…the other officers sorted what was what, who was what, and who got to be in charge of what."

"And why is that?" Novea decided to ask.

Hathway, however, took a moment… He did not really want to…say it. "Because she." Such was merely his reply.

"…she? She what?" Novea stared confused, before… "Oh…" It hit her. "Rightly, yeah…" She glanced at Antica with awkwardness hidden behind her mask. "She…" Indeed, and these were Far Westerners.

"Regardless," Hathway promptly ahemed, "Albert wants her at the headquarters as soon as feasible for…immediate introduction." He eyed Antica… "And, needless to say, she must look appropriate and civilized for the occasion."

"…yeah, she needs to change forms." Novea agreed, eyeing her too; "Already was a given…"

"Yes. And you do have covert dwellings here, Raven." Hathway stated; "So, once we're in the outer city, you'll select whichever den of your choosing and…ready her for presentation. Afterwards, we'll separate. You'll head for the Guild's hall to fulfill your 'subpoena', and I'll take her to the headquarters; once we're finished, she'll be sent to your hall for this…summons." He crossed his arms. "Do we have accord?"

"Yeah, can't be helped…" Novea sighed. "Guess we do."

"Good. It'll be a long walk to the gate, so let's move." This seemingly concluded, Hathway was eager to get going.

However, Novea remained in place. "No… We don't go that way…" she thus said, hesitant though ultimately without any alternatives. "We have another way in… Because this is a 'joint-venture', I should have the discretion, and we aren't too far from the spot. I'll guide you."

Interim

"Hm…" Blue's head was perched next to Red's sitting station. She was gazing out at that grand palace ahead… So tall and elevated, it alongside much of Grandberry proper could be seen despite the terrain.

Although, that mountain was still larger compared to the city itself.

"I could be saying magnificent. I could be amazed with wonder… I have never seen anything like that palace… There are no words I could utter that would bring this sight justice." Yet her voice lacked any fascination or…delight. "And I believed Upperberry was peculiar enough… Though, I suppose it makes sense; Grandberry must have been another legendary elvish city."

"What's making you so talkative, huh?" Red plainly wondered, even though the answer was right in his face far ahead…

"Well, it has felt like some time since it was only the two of us… No assassins or soldiers or knights…" Blue replied, mellow and soft; "You know I am not so talkative when there are…too many unfamiliars…" Indeed, she had felt quite shy or…restricted the last week.

"You can keep talking. It's fine…" Red knew that Blue was becoming increasingly uneased and anxious, hence her reflective talking.

"As if I need your permission…" she teased, before aheming; "I am surprised you haven't yet exhaled agasp, 'you're telling me you've never been to Grandberry?' " She mocked his voice.

"Yeah… I don't need to ask. Could already guess." Red, however, replied; "Grandberry's one of the slaver cities… Though, looks like business has been low since we're the only ones on the road."

"That is certainly just this road." yet Blue lowly remarked; "I heard that there is a dedicated port of entry, to segregate the stream's flow."

"Yeah…" He was hoping she would not already know that. "Just… Don't think too much about it, alright?"

"But I am thinking about it…" Blue thus sighed… "What else would you prefer I think about, then? The booms that have been thumping beyond or… well, that." She pointed to, indeed, that… Once vague and blurry from the distance, now becoming so very obvious as those stone walls drew closer and closer.

"Well, those booms…" Red opted for the least egregious; "It's just drill fire. Back in that Humbleberry camp, I heard something about the duke trying to organize a standing army—centralizing it around himself and away from the vassals… Makes sense, since that's all he was doing beforehand."

"The Alliance has been…making gains, rightly?" Indeed, Blue had paid attention to similar gossips.

"Beh, like some random Humbleberrien levy would know anything from the front; they're just repeating shit." Red was blunt. "The war's been a stalemate and both have their backers… The Alliance has the Empire and ironically the Rejinards, while the Loyalists have the Coalition and the Company." He abruptly paused… "Or, I guess, had the Company."

"What do you mean? 'Had'?" Blue opted to ask.

Red, however, deliberated; he knew these discussions tended to perturb Blue. "That sergeant bathtub back there said something the other day about the Company having some agreement with Humbleberry; that they'd 'told' Grandberry about it…"

"Rightly, I remember that…" Blue tapped her chin… "It was something regarding the surplus grain harvest?"

"Yeah. And one thing you have to know… When a Far West power you're cosey with 'tells' you about an important agreement with someone else, they are probably warning you, especially if they suspect you're up to something. Far Western diplomacy is a stupid play of formalities, civility, and appearances…" Red so explained; "But Grandberry then went ahead and not only attacked Humbleberry but burned all those important fields—in spite of the Company."

"…and, thus, this all means?" Blue just wanted him to say it rather than explain it.

Though, Red again hesitated… "Something is going to happen." he finally said it, straight and simple. "Could be tomorrow, next week, next month, two months… But there's no way around it. Otherwise, Grandberry will've made the Company look really fucking weak, and other realms might get stupid ideas… Company's already been in the shit toilet even before losing their Coastfield seaport."

"Ah… So, they must make an example…" Blue so lowly remarked.

"Yeah. And when a Far Western power wants to make an example, they make a fucking example." Red was forewarningly blunt.

Blue exhaled, turning her eyes away to the sky up high… "Thus, everything must always be making examples and displaying them…" The crows were becoming louder.

"Yeah…"

There was a silence as the wagon eventually completed its approach, the unicorn seeming more stimulated as they finally arrived at that open entrance gate. Two stationed guards hailed their halt.

A dreadful pit sunk within Blue's stomach now that they were as close as could be. "The smell…" It was beyond awful.

One of the guards approached the wagon, staring up at Red who stared back. He was no ordinary guard or Grandberrien, it was immediately apparent; he was something else entirely.

But Red knew who and what he was.

"Unicorn, Far East and Far West armor… Darkly crimson hair. Yep. Dragon Slayer." And he knew him too, despite having never met.

"Guardsman." Red plainly greeted.

Yet this indifferent guardsman kept his demeanor focused. "We were informed to anticipate your party." he stated; "You can freely proceed. Undersecretary has been expecting you. Head for the hall immediately; do not keep her waiting." He then gave Red a pointed glare. "Also, we've heard of your tongue. Our advice: mind it inside."

"Didn't need to tell me twice…" Red just replied.

Indeed. It was already self-evident.

The wagon proceeded to pass through those stone walls, hanging upon which…as if on display…were countless corpses. Bodies both fresh and rotting, having been stripped naked, disemboweled, and emasculated… Strung around the necks were wooden signs carved upon which, so bold and clear, being a single word

'TRAITOR'.

Truly. There existed no stauncher of a warning. For Red and Blue both knew…they were entering a tyrant's holding.