The Newt and Demon

5.35 - High Commander

The bells ceased their clattering. An alliance-wide message popped into everyones vision. Gaels calming words listed a series of protocols that needed to be followed as the fleet from Tarantham approached. Despite his words of warning, each rail gun that could gain line-of-sight was trained on the ships bobbing in the distance. Theo rushed to the piers outside of the harbor, dashing up the steps to meet with the leader of House Wavecrest.

They were faster than I expected, Gael said, nodding to the bay.

Ten ships rested in the bay, swaying with the motion of the waves. Each was far more impressive than anything Broken Tusk had produced. Each displayed deck cannons that looked suspiciously like Throks guns. Theo took in a sharp breath, calming himself and stifling an urge to act. Gaels instructions were simple. The ships would anchor and send a smaller ship to negotiate.

Are you sure about this? Theo asked.

Im certain, Gael said with a nod. As a sign of respect, they will dock out here. Well perform the negotiations right down there.

Despite the elfs calming words, the adventuring army was out in force. Theo watched the map of the town fill with tactical orders, lining everyone up for a counter-assault if that were to come. Even the newly minted fighters from Rivers and Daub were taking part. All the alchemist could do was watch and wait. It took a while for the fleet to launch a smaller craft. When they did, it zipped across the harbor, propelled by some unseen magic.

Theo and Gael descended the steps, standing out on the pier to greet the representatives. Only two figures stood aboard the rowboat. The first was a man who reminded the alchemist too much of Fenian. He wore a black cuirass over an ornate padded gambeson. Matching black cuisses guarded his thighs while engraved greaves and sabatons protected his shins and feet. With a matching black full-visored black helmet tucked under his arm, he jumped from the boat, to the pier and bowed. The woman accompanying him remained in the boat, wearing less impressive robes but brimming with magical potential.

Greetings, Archduke Theo Spencer. Lord Administrator Gaeleithia Wavecrest.

Gael bowed at the waist, and Theo followed suit. A pleasure, the elf said, eyes glued to the pier below.

After both parties had risen to their full height, the armored elf continued. I am High Commander Elmonteir Northwind. Serving as Mouth of the Emperor for this encounter.

The elf flicked a gauntleted hand through his hair, sending the perfectly groomed strands of raven black over his shoulder. Elves really had a flair for the dramatic.

In this capacity, I serve as the Mouth of the Alliance, Gael said, bowing slightly.

Elmon smiled, holding his arms open as though he was expected a hug. Theos brows knit together when Gael opened his arms, hugging the man as though they were family.

I didnt think youd get out, Elmon said, nodding to Theo. Im guessing this one had something to do with it.

Among others, Gael said, breaking off from the hug.

I never approved of the purging of House Wavecrest. Elmon shook his head, his face darkening. The fleet hasnt been the same since.

Gael responded in the Tarantham tongue. Theos knowledge of the language wasnt enough to understand the idiom, but Elmon laughed in response. He noticed the confusion on the alchemists face. It means that the past is behind us. Youre lucky to have him, archduke. Many wars have been started because outsiders dont understand our ways.

Theo composed himself. It was easy to remember back to a time when he had to bite his tongue to save his skin. This was no different. He could poke the bear of Tarantham now, but his people would suffer. They couldnt hold their own against the empire. Instead, he bowed slightly. He has been invaluable.

Indeed, he has, Elmon said, clapping a hand over Gaels shoulder. Theo could sense the nervousness in his friends body. Lets get to it, shall we? The empire is always interested in raw materials. Our spies have informed us you have discovered nodes of demon metals. Youve even made them into alloys.

We have, Gael said with a nod.

The empire is ready to offer a trade deal for those resources. As well as rights to dock civilian airships in your port.

Theo shared a look with Gael. The archduke would like to make a statement.

Elmon smiled, rolling his shoulders. A Wisdom of the Soul message popped up, informing Theo that the High Commander didnt like this breach of protocol. What is it?

Were expecting an unfriendly visitor, Theo said, gesturing vaguely northward. The entire alliance is a no-fly zone. We have a no-questions-asked shoot-first policy at the moment.

Ah, youre worried about the city flying to destroy your alliance, arent you? Elmon asked, laughing. May we continue, Gael?

Yes, High Commander.

All civilian airships from Tarantham emit a signal. This signal cannot be copied. The empire would provide you with one, allowing you to know the exact position of our airborne civilian fleet. Were also willing to provide you with tactical information, assuming youre willing to send me home with a parting gift.

Theo nodded to Gael. He would dump all the raw materials in town on those ships for some more information.

We agree, Gael said. The Alliance will provide you with a thousand of each resource before you depart. Stones are in block form, approximately 10 units. Metals are in bar form, approximately 3 units. And lumber is in square board form, approximately 50 units.

Excellent, Elmon said, clapping a hand over Gaels shoulder. Our spies have been watching your progress, archduke. The method used to fly the city is an art performed by Dark Core Smiths. They are an abomination. Our spies in Qavell have reported something interesting. They are unaware that you have developed anti-magical shots.

Will our current strategy work? Gael asked.

Only if you aim at the right place, Elmon said, withdrawing a sheet of parchment from nowhere. On it was drawn the image of a city and an inverted mountain below it. Red circles were drawn here and there, detailing the places to fire Theos anti-magic shots. A gift from the emperor. But There is a problem aboard that flying city. Something our spies cannot get a handle on.

Theo bit his tongue.

What information do you have? Gael asked.

A being were not familiar with is controlling the crowned prince. Ah, I suppose hes the king now that his father is dead. We lost contact with a spy when he got too close to the entity. He withdrew another sheet of parchment from his inventory, handing it over. This is the full report. Redacted, of course.

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The alliance wishes to increase our donation to the empire, Gael said, taking the sheet from Elmon. Generously.

Elmon bowed. He withdrew two items from his inventory. An ornate silver artifice, and a communication crystal. He handed them to Gael. Please handle the loading of materials, Gael. My people are tired from the journey.

Without another word, Elmon jumped back into the small boat. In a flash of magic, it soared across the water. Back to the fleet. Gael breathed out a steady breath, sweat visibly accumulating on his forehead. Im getting too old, Theo.

Was that good? Did we do well?

We made out like bandits, Gael said, finally smiling a genuine smile. When the empire is generous to foreign nations, it means they want what they have. Kuzan doesnt colonize, so he relies on trade.

Theo had too many questions to ask. The entire thing was strange. He had viewed Tarantham as enemies for a while now. Especially since Fenian rescued House Wavecrest. But the elven protocols trumped feelings. Since the members of the house escaped the empire, they were protected by law. The alchemist rattled off questions and Gael answered them.

Tarantham didnt send their airship fleet for jobs like this. While they could reach anywhere in the world in a matter of a week, they still maintained a sea-borne navy. The donation that they just made was a gesture of good faith. The tradition of giving away something for free was started a long time ago and was based on a system of tributes in the empire. If Gael offered nothing to the empire, they would have seen it as an insult. Finally, the spies.

Of course they have spies, Gael said, practically rolling his eyes. Just be happy they have spies in Qavell. Look at this.

The document was written in the Tarantham Script. Theo could pick up a few things, but Gael had to translate for him. It detailed a dark entity that had taken residence in Qavell. Whatever it was, it had made a pact with the king before he died. After Karasans death, that pact passed down to Prince Hanan.

Heavenly origin? Theo asked, gawking at Gael. Certainly not.

They wouldnt have written it down if they didnt believe it.

That might have been good, though. Any god operating directly on the mortal plane was at a disadvantage. Theo could think of a few ways to kill it with no preparation. That brought a more concerning concept, though. Hanan wasnt agreeable to Qavells direction. He seemed to want nothing to do with the Southlands Alliance and was eager to shake off the mantle his father had put upon him. So long as the information provided by the elves was good, there was a chance at peace with Qavell.

If youll excuse me, Gael said, gesturing to the approaching ship. I have a ship to load.

Theo nodded, watching as Gael dashed off to help organize the materials. The ship that sailed to the harbor was interesting. It was like the ships that Laedria Wavecrest, the shipwright, had constructed. The most notable difference was the way it sat in the water. The alchemist noticed how it rode atop the waves, most of the hull not sinking beneath. Aboard the ship were many elves, all adorned in glittering armor. It was hard not to gawk. After he had his fill, the alchemist went to get debriefed by Alise and Gwyn back at the town hall.

How was it? Tresk asked, sending her thoughts into Theos mind.

He gave her the executive summary of the events, which had her thoroughly bored. Apparently, the army was expecting an exchange of fire. But everything had gone the way Gael said it would.

Thats a good thing, Theo said, shaking his head. Be grateful were not dead. Im pretty sure the empire could flatten us if they wanted to.

Bah! Youre right, but I can still complain!

Theo entered the town hall and all heads turned to him. Administrators and citizens alike all stood as though expecting some good news. The alchemist gave them the thumbs up, then headed upstairs to the reserved meeting room. Alise stood at the back of the room, biting her nails. Her head swiveled to him as he entered. Gwyn was lounging in a chair, feet kicked up on the table. She didnt seem to care what was going on, which he approved of.

Tell me it went well, Alise begged. Gael hasnt updated his report, yet.

It went swimmingly.

Really? Gwyn asked, raising an eyebrow. Thought wed be dead by now.

Theo gave a report of what had happened, including the information they had gained. He could live without the trade deal, but the imperial spies were top-notch. There was actionable information in those reports. The alliance was no longer waiting around for whatever drifted over the mountains. They knew what it was, and how to bring it down.

Im not happy about this dark entity, Alise said, pacing nervously. Its another wolf in the ass!

Ive never heard that idiom, Theo said with a nod. That was a good one.

How many wolves do you have in your ass, Alise? Gwyn asked, a sly smile playing across her face.

At least three!

Once Alise had time to digest the information, she calmed down. The woman had a tendency to get worked up over things like this, but she eventually saw how valuable the exchange was. After that, she firmly joined team Tarantham and began singing their praises. Theo wasnt so sure about the empire and what they wanted, but they had made good on their promises so far. Well, it was the promises of Gael that had proven to be true.

In time, Aarok and Luras entered the makeshift war room to give their thoughts. The fleet from Tarantham was still loading materials onto their ships. Porters from Broken Tusk were loading their inventories up and carrying it to the dimensional storage on the ships. Once they were loaded up, they left without another word. Gael came into the meeting room, finding an empty chair and collapsing into it.

I need a vacation, he said, placing the airship detection artifice on the table.

You did great, Alise said, clapping. Without you, we would have started a war with the empire.

Seriously, Aarok said. Take a week off if you need it, Gael. You deserve it.

I just need to take a breath, the haggard elf said, dabbing his brow with a blue length of cloth. I knew Elmonteir back in the day. Could almost have called him a friend. They sent him because they knew I was handling the negotiations.

Were your houses close? Theo asked.

Gael shrugged. Not that close.

Theo sat, listening to Gael tell old stories about him and an old friend. Something lingered in his mind that he couldnt force out. Not just the approaching city, or the dark being aboard. It wasnt anything that Elmon said, it was something he didnt say. There was no mention of the rogue elf, Fenian Southblade. They would have known him from his original name, not the adopted surname of Feintleaf. The delegation didnt provide information on the missing elf, nor did they ask about him. Which meant they knew everything they wanted to know about the man.

While the others chatted, the alchemist withdrew his communication crystal and squeezed it. He felt the familiar sensation of haptic buzzing in his mind as the magical items connected. A few moments later, Fenians voice filled his mind.

You have the worst timing, dont you? Fenians voice was hushed.

Just checking in. We had a delegation from Tarantham visit town.

Ah. Thats good information. Which company?

No idea. Some guy named Elmonteir Northwind.

So, the Northwind Company. Perfect! How many ships?

Ten.

Excellent intelligence, my dear alchemist. Heres a progress report Im making my way to the coast. Assumed a new identity and scrounged up some coin. Ill be on the sea in a few days, heading home.

Theo paused for a long moment, smiling to himself. Fenian had never called Broken Tusk home before. Maybe you could hijack a civilian airship.

Too dangerous. Theyll hunt me down if I do that. Theyre less likely to miss a single-masted boat, though. Ah! Damn! Gotta go.

Fenian cut the connection off. The brief conversation left Theo feeling happier than before. There was a lot of bad that came with that elf, but the alchemist needed to believe in the cause. Perhaps that was just a lie he told himself to gloss over what could be war crimes. But Balkors undead were coming no matter what. And without the Demon God of Necromancy in his realm, those creatures would still bang against the Southland Alliances door.

Theo? Aarok asked.

Theo blinked, returning the communication crystal to his inventory. All eyes in the room were locked on him. Huh?

We were talking about throwing a party, Alise said, shaking her head. Are you paying attention?

I am now that you said party.

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