“This is your selection?” Anton asked the Seocurian store owner. “It’s quite impressive, I must say.”

Anton slowly nodded as he perused one of the few magical stores in Danafra. Cetina stood by his side, silent and watching the Seocurian store owner, like she was some sort of secretary. Behind him, Calo and Sheso idly looked through the numerous books and tomes on display. They hadn’t been given any directions or what to look for but there was every chance they would find something interesting.

“Thank you.” The Seocurian store owner, a middle-aged man with a slightly weathered face, smiled. “Though Seocuria does not have a dedicated a Magical Academy like Graterious there are many Principle Mages within Seocuria, and they need somewhere where they can resupply.”

“And for more than a modest profit too.” Anton smiled. “But most of these books are Beginner. Not that I have a problem with that.”

“Indeed.” The store owner glanced to Cetina, who still said nothing but was looking at him through her eyepatch. “We do have some Intermediate and even a few advanced, but they are quite expensive. Very expensive.”

“Because very few people are capable of using those magics?” Cetina asked.

The store owner nodded. “Indeed. Indeed. But, please tell me if you see anything that catches your eyes.”

He had seen a small group of young Seocurians enter, all with Charms comparable to Axia’s rather than Mezot’s. They looked very excited and expectant, nervous hands touched small swollen pouches hanging from their hips, hopefully, for the store owner’s sake, they were full of gold and silver. Perhaps more alluring were the short sheathed swords hanging from their hips, glowing with a faint magical hue. Anton had yet to find any books on using Principle Magic to enchant weapons but there was every chance one lay hidden in the store.

“Anton.” Sheso idly reached and tapped his back. “Have a look at this. Metal magic. For beginners. How about that?”

“That’s good.” Anton saw the book Sheso pointed to, a thick book with a silvery cover. It wasn’t made from silver but it was nevertheless eye-catching. “Take one of those as well. We didn’t get one from Graterious. Perhaps someone will be able to use it.”

“If they can understand Mezot’s teaching,” Calo said softly. “I listened to one. It was a little...Difficult.”

“Most of our people have spent nearly every waking moment working.” Anton smiled. “Or just trying to survive. It’s going to be a little difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle.”

“Strange enough for us to have full meals.” Sheso laughed. “If we weren’t beaten by Cetina in that sparring match we’d probably be fat.”

Anton looked at the Dark Elf twins. They frowned and tilted their heads.

“Can’t imagine what you two would look like fat.” Anton patted their heads. “Anything but the slender Dark Elves would be weird.”

“We would like-”

“Stop it. All of you.” Cetina sighed. “Now, does anyone see a book on how to enchant weapons?”

“There was something near the front,” Calo said absentmindedly. “I’ll go have a look.”

As Calo began to walk away Sheso quickly gave chase. Cetina sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, almost nuzzling into his neck.

“No one would expect one of my bodyguards to be so demanding.” Anton scratched her chin. “Or as cute as you.”

“Certainly not.” Cetina kissed his neck. “But are we just here for the books? Since we can’t get back to Boreana anytime soon.”

“We might be able to return to Porswea.” Anton felt Cetina tense. He held her hand tight. “I know that you don’t want to-”

“I’m just a little uneasy about going back there.” Cetina took a deep breath. “But I am ready to go there if we need to.”

“Not for a little bit. But there is something more. Remember those people that were looking at the crucified Beast-kin when we first arrived in Danafra?”

“I do. But I don’t like…” Cetina looked around to make sure no one was listening. “What I saw.”

“They didn’t like what they saw. Perhaps...Perhaps they might know something. Even if they aren’t aligned with our goals, we might be able to learn more about the political situation. About the different families and how we might be able to start wars between them.”

“That could work.” Cetina clicked her tongue as the Twins returned. “But it will be difficult with just us. Especially since we don’t look like Seocurians. Calo and Sheso might pass for one, but their skin is too light.”

“Not something we can help.” Sheso held a large book, as did Calo. “We’re born like this.”

“But we did hear something interesting.” Calo placed her book in Anton’s hands. It appeared to be the second book of enchanting objects using Principle magic, her sister held the first. “Those mages were talking about some attacks on plantations, and how the leaders are getting very nervous.”

“I’m sure they would be.” Anton saw a lone Seocurian idly approach, paying more attention to the books than to where he was walking.

“But they also said something else.” Calo motioned for Anton to lean closer. She threw a glance to her sister as she breathed into his ear. Thankfully Anton had already grown used to such things, but his lack of reaction rankled Calo. “That there was a family in Danafra, one that managed to survive the purges about fifty winters ago. That’s about the same time as those Seocurian Refugees arrived in Jaka. Right?”

“Right.” Anton remained leaning forward.

“I asked them, since the men were more than willing to speak with two cute girls.” She ran a hand through her hair. “And one of them is still quite outspoken about the treatment of the Beast-kin. And, even better, he apparently takes his children along the crucifixion lanes. Do you know anything about that?”

“I do.” Anton patted her head. “Let’s buy these books, get them back home, then have a look for this man. If we can’t find them then this might have been a slight waste of time.” Anton tapped the books. “Of course these are nice, but I want something that’s really going to help us.”

---[]---

“That was easier than I thought.” Calo murmured. “Too easy...Do you think it’s a trick?”

“I hadn’t considered that.” Anton shook his head. “But the only other option is to kill most of the Seocurians that stand in our way, which is all of them, and have most of the Beast-kin die in revenge killings. And no one wants that.”

After returning the books to Atros they had returned to Danafra to search for the old man. As they had no information to go off their only option was to hope for the best. Thankfully they found him in the exact same location as before, this time with three young children and a young man.

“So…” Cetina coughed. “How are you going to do this? Last time they thought you were looking and they ran away.”

“We’re going to get a lot of attention chasing down a family.” Anton rubbed his cheek. “Especially with skin like this. No. I think we just act nonchalantly until we’re basically on them and then try and strike up a conversation. If they really think the Beast-kin do not deserve their fate then they might, just maybe, be willing to speak with us.”

“Unless they think we are some sort of trap,” Sheso said.

“Only one way to find out.”

Anton tried his best to ignore the crucified Beast-kin. There were less than the first time they had come through, not that it made it any easier to look at. Despite their horrific fate, to die of exposure and thirst, the Beast-kin accepted it in silence.

You have no masters in death…

The old Seocurian Man did not notice their approach. All of his attention lay on the crucified Beast-kin before him, a turtle Beast-kin who had parts of his armoured shell smashed with spikes to support his weight.

“Ridiculous.” The Old Man muttered, loud enough for Anton to hear. “Utterly ridiculous. This, children, this is an utter waste of time and resources. Remember that.”

Well, if they consider Beast-kin to be nothing more than creatures that cannot simply be disposed of...It’s a little better, I think.

The young Seocurian man ran a hand through his short, thick black hair. “But...If they don’t fear-”

“Fear is such a useless tool.” The Old Man shook his head. “For once the Beast-kin realise that they don’t have anything to lose, there’s no reason for them to hold back. But if any of you travel beyond the Seocurian borders, you’ll see human workers. And those workers are paid, which then goes back into the economy to make more money, not...”

One of the young children, a girl wearing bright colours, noticed their approach and tugged on his pants hard. At first, the Old Man frowned at her, his expression quickly shifting to extreme panic as he realised four people were walking straight towards him. When he realised they weren’t all Seocurian, Calo and Sheso’s skin was somewhat lighter than the Seocurians, his demeanour changed.

“Hello,” Anton said. “How-”

The Old Man pushed the children forward and began to run. Run being a subjective term for an elderly man that could barely keep a straight back. His children quickly left him behind, always glancing back for him.

“Do I stop him?” Cetina asked. She hadn’t drawn her sword and Anton certainly didn’t want her to.

“Without hurting him. We need to learn more, and we can’t do that if he’s not going to talk.”

Cetina, and the twins, gave a single nod before breaking into a run. Calo and Sheso reached the Old Man first, much to his obvious surprise, and raised their hands. In a fit of madness, the Old Man tried to run through them but the twins were much stronger. He simply bounced off and into Cetina’s arms.

“What do you Graterians want with me?” The Old Man barely wasted a breath before beginning to talk. “Well? What do you southerners want with me? And you two? Defectors from-”

“Stop it.” Cetina squeezed his shoulders. The Old Man hissed at the pain. “We just wanted to talk.”

Anton, who hadn’t broken into a run, caught up. His children had stopped running and were now coming back, to rescue their father. Calo and Sheso received the silent order from Cetina, turned and gripped their short swords, ready to draw them at but a moment's notice.

“For an old man, you can run pretty fast,” Anton said. He patted the Old Man’s shoulder. “Tell your children, or grandchildren, that we don’t mean you any harm.”

The three children, two girls and one boy, looked ready to fight, in the way that children could not understand a lethal threat before them. The young man did and held them back.

“It’s okay.” The Old Man tried to act calm. “I don’t know who these people are, but I don’t think they’re here to hurt us.”

“Eyepatch is hurting you!” One of the young boys yelled.

“Only because he ran.” Cetina gave his shoulders a final squeeze before letting him go. “We just wanted to talk.”

“About what?” The Old Man rubbed his shoulders, letting out winces with every movement. “What could Graterians possibly want with a destitute and failing Great Family?”

“I have an interest in the way that you look at the Beast-kin.” Anton nodded to the crucified Beast-kin. He couldn’t tell if they were actually listening or if they had already crossed the threshold. “Especially the first time we were here. We didn’t hear what you said but you looked mighty disappointed that the Beast-kin were being treated this way.”

“Then you saw us and ran away,” Cetina said. “It was a while ago.”

The Old Man looked them up and down. “I don’t remember either of you, but my mind isn’t what it used to be.”

“Perhaps we should talk somewhere a little more private?” The young man offered. “Somewhere where there aren’t dying Beast-kin everywhere.”

The Old Man gave a curt nod and pointed down a street away from the rows of crucified Beast-kin. His children, or grandchildren, led the way but always kept them within their sights. Eventually, they stopped at a small park, or what passed for a park in Danafra, and took their seats amongst the immaculately maintained shrubbery and flowers. The young man assisted the Old Man taking his seat on a long wooden bench, the Old Man let out many groans and rubbed his legs. The little display of speed earlier might have very well cost him his life if he tried to run the whole way home.

Anton was tempted to heal the Old Man now, to prove his good intentions, but decided to hold off for now. If they found themselves in a difficult spot it might be useful to still have that ability.

“Now...” The Old Man stopped rubbing his legs. The Young man remained standing to his side while the children sat on the same chair, angrily folding their arms and engaging in a staring contest with the Twins. “This place will do for now. What do a bunch of southerners want with an old man like me?”

“I...”

I don’t think I really planned this part out too well...

“What do you think of the Beast-kin being slaves?”

The Old Man did not reply. Instead, he looked at Calo and Sheso. Anton motioned for them to show their ears. All of the Seocurians gasped when they saw the long ears poke free.

“Dark Elves.” The Young Man whispered. “So they are real.”

“We’re not some legend.” Calo sniggered. “Not like the Fire Elves.”

“What?” The other young boy tilted his head before looking at the Old Man.

“Later.” He gently tapped his head. “So you’re not Seocurians...Which makes this even stranger. What do I think of the Beast-kin as slaves?” The Old Man shrugged. “It’s been that way for thousands of winters. And I’m sure it’ll stay that way for a thousand more.”

“Perhaps...Perhaps not.”

The Old Man frowned. “What are you trying to get at, Graterian. If you’re trying to incriminate our family again then you can just forget it. The ruling families have tried that a dozen times already. All of those that took up arms against the Empire have long since perished.”

“Not exactly. If you’re talking about the Seocurians that wanted a better existence for the Beast-kin then I’m afraid that you’re wrong.”

“What?”

“They survived and fled to the Kar Kingdom. To Dragon Tooth bay, where they’ve lived for the past...Fifty odd winters in relative peace. The Kar Kingdom didn’t want to start a war with the Seocurian Empire but were already in a state of collapse, you see. So they just allowed them to live there so they could pull their forces away to try and prop up their regime. Not that it did them any good.”

“What leaf are you ingesting?” The Old Man cracked a smile. “And can I have some? You must all be smoking something very strong if you think that is going to make me confess to something.”

“I can assure you it is quite real.” Anton summoned a small Fire Bomb. The children were in awe of the rippling orange flames, the Old and Young Man were utterly terrified. “And this is nothing compared to what I can do. But those Seocurians survived. So it’s not true when you say that they’re all dead.”

“Wait.” The Old Man raised his hand. “You said they wanted a better existence for the Beast-kin?”

“Yes.”

Slowly a smile formed, followed by a dry and raspy laugh. “Then they told you what you wanted to hear.”

“Please enlighten me.”

Anton’s words, for some reason, dimmed the Old Man’s demeanour. “They didn’t want them free. No. They wanted them as...Paying Citizens, I think they called it. They would still work and die the way they always have, but they would be paid more. Well, actually paid money, that they could spend however they wanted. Can’t get taxes out of a destitute slave and the slave owner is probably powerful enough to shoo away any tax collector, and kill those brave enough to return.”

The Seocurian refugees were lying? Perhaps Ndale was old enough to remember. But, if I was in such an awful predicament as them, perhaps a little bending of the truth isn’t too bad. Especially when the alternative is death.

“And what do you think?” Anton asked. “You were telling your...Grandchildren?” The Old Man nodded. “That fear was a pointless tool. That it was much better to have them as part of the economy than just being a drain.”

The Old Man shrugged. “Just a thought experiment. Comparing the two systems, even if one barely functions...”

“I see.” Anton folded his arms. “This isn’t what I was told, but it is understandable. But I think you will agree when I say that this Paying Citizen thing is far better than being just a slave. At least there is some measure of freedom, perhaps even the possibility of becoming equals one day, as far-fetched and ridiculous as that seems.”

“Who are you?” The Old Man frowned. “Who would spout such nonsense.”

“I will not give you my name now, but know that I plan to see all of the Beast-kin freed from their shackles.”

The Old Man glared at him, his eyes furiously scanned the surroundings. “Are you insane?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“You can’t just say things like that.” The Old Man slowly calmed when he couldn’t see anyone, Seocurian or Beast-kin. “They’ll have you killed. And me. Did you think about that? And they’ll kill the children as well. They’re all that’s left of House Alal. All that’s left after the purges.”

“They’ll think that I’m a crazy southerner.” Anton smiled. “A southerner with seemingly limitless pockets who has already purchased several hundred Beast-kin for a plantation that doesn’t exist. In addition to acquiring even more, without having to pay a single copper coin.”

This would be easier if Kal was with us. Just one flash of her ear and face would be more than enough. But at least this way they might think that this is some bizarre entrapment scheme, rather than going running to the other slave owners.

“You are clearly insane.” The Old Man folded his arms, even tried the same with his legs but quickly decided against it. “But...If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, and I think you are saying what I think you are, then we need to have a chat somewhere more private. This has already been dangerous enough.”

“Are you worried about a Beast-kin gardener?”

“Are you not?” The Old Man scoffed. “Who thinks of hiding something from a beaten-down dog with a pair of shears?”

---[]---

The Old Man, whose name Anton still had yet to learn, led them through the city towards the north. The buildings on this side grew ever larger and more ornate, with large perimeter fences. Strangely the architecture resembled less of the other Seocurian buildings and were more in line with Graterious and Bebbezzar.

Trying to emulate who you perceive as your betters?

One building looked far worse than the others. While it had not fallen completely into disrepair it was not far away. Given a few more years of poor maintenance it would have to be demolished, if only to protect the former occupants.

“Anton.” Calo pulled on his shirt. “How do we know this isn’t some sort of trap?”

“I don’t.” Anton gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “But we have to take this risk, this jump. How else are we going to find someone that might be able to help us? The normal Seocurians certainly aren’t.”

“We’ll keep as alert as we can.” Calo’s face hardened. “But don’t let us die because of this.”

Anton gave a single nod as they neared the iron fence. The other houses had multiple, well equipped Seocurian guards. This merely had one, a man who was but a few years younger than the Old Man, with equipment to match. He barely noticed their presence as they passed through. He didn’t even notice the twins as they pulled faces and gesticulated wildly.

“Not...Not a great bodyguard.” Sheso jabbed Anton’s side. “Imagine if Cetina and Rasha were like that.”

Anton took a glance back to the sleepy Seocurian guard. “I’d need to get some new ones. Any ideas, Cetina?”

Cetina’s eye narrowed but a small smile crept up her lips. The Old Man knocked on the door and waited.

“We…” He turned and frowned at Anton. “Are not doing well. But we preserve.”

“What other choice do we have?” Anton asked aloud. The Old Man smiled and slowly nodded.

The impressive door creaked open. A young Seocurian woman poked her head out, followed by a young Shark Beast-kin. He wore a butler uniform but it was ill-fitting at best.

“We have some guests.” The Old Man said. “We’ll be in the sunroom. So prepare something to eat.”

Both gave a curt nod and opened the door. Inside lay a rather plain but well-maintained interior. Though they lacked wealth they clearly looked after what little they had very well.

But they have a Beast-kin servant. Is it to keep up appearances?

Anton laid his eyes on the Shark Beast-kin. He spoke quietly to the woman but there appeared to be no hostility or subservience in his voice or movements.

Perhaps they might be what we are looking for. One way to find out.

They did not go far into the mansion before turning to the side and entering a large room, set up with an assortment of lounges and a large glass window that allowed the Seocurian sun to stream through.

Sunroom. Very appropriate name.

Anton touched the seats. Though well maintained, like everything else, there was little that could be done to reverse the ageing process, doubly so when exposed to so much sunlight.

“Please. Have a seat.” The Old Man gently motioned towards the couches. “I believe that there is much to discuss.”

“Indeed.” Anton took his seat but the others did not. Cetina seemed a little glad that she didn’t have to tell Calo and Sheso to stay on alert.

“My name is Qinos.”

Qinos leant back into the couch. The Shark Beat-kin almost rushed to his side when he made a faint groan and winced. Qinos gently waved him back and the Beast-kin looked at Anton. While his physical body was rather intimidating, at the very least his large, jagged teeth, rough skin and narrow eyes, but his demeanour was anything but.

“And I am the leader of this household.” Qinos smiled as he waved to the ceiling. “Not that it’s worth much now.”

“Were you around when the...Radicals, were purged from Seocuria?”

“I was.” Qinos slowly nodded, his eyes misted over as he recalled a distant memory. The children took their seats and watched Qinos intently. “It was a long time ago. And I don’t really remember it that well, but I know that it was a very tumultuous time.”

“I imagine. Do you happen to remember someone by the name of Ndale?”

Qinso lightly frowned. “No. Not from memory, but it could have been someone from a family that I simply did not know.” Qinos’s frown turned to a smile. “But he would probably have to be my age, at the very least.”

“It was just a thought…” Anton leant forward. “But onto what we were discussing before you decided to bring us here.”

Qinos tensed.

“Why didn’t you call the guards when I said that the Beast-kin should be freed?”

Qinos frowned. “Because it is something utterly insane to say outside.”

“But acceptable for you in here?” Anton nodded to the Shark Beast-kin. “In front of a Beast-kin no less?”

“Alal has been in our family since he was born,” Qinos said. “He has not suffered the deprivations that the others have.”

Alal tried to smile but it held a great pain, the knowledge that he was living a decent life weighed heavily on his heart. Just like Kal when they saw the Beast-kin slaves in Porswea.

"Before we go any further I would make to like something perfectly clear."

Qinos's brows furrowed while his children tensed. Did he think that Anton was actually a Seocurian spy? It was something rather outlandish, but certainly possible.

Anton summoned several Lightning and Fire Bombs, more than enough to destroy the mansion if he so desired. He withdrew them almost as fast as he made them. He didn't want the Danafra guards to descend on this place.

"A Graterian Mage?" Qinos tried to keep his mouth from dropping open. "Here? In Danafra?"

"Yes. But..."

Let them think I am from Graterious. Just in case. No need for them to think over things that don't concern them.

"But that is not important. I merely wished to show, to demonstrate, that I am no mere punk or time waster."

Qinos frowned slightly, he likely had never heard the word punk but still gathered its general meaning.

"We're still going in circles." Qinos looked to Alal. "Could you please get us something to drink? Cold water will be fine."

Alal gave a curt nod and quickly scurried from the room. He was barefoot but his small claws made faint clacking noises against the floor.

"I'll get right to the point." Anton shuffled back into his seat and leant forward.

I wonder if this is how spies felt when they were trying to make first contact with someone? Fearful, from both sides, that it might be a trap.

"I represent a group of parties who are greatly interested in the freedom of the Beastkin."

The Seocurian servant, who's name Anton still did not know, gasped. Qinos shot her a glare but did not verbally reprimand her. The young children were disbelieving while the young man looked rather interested.

"We have been through here once before." Anton continued. "And we believe that your...temperament, towards the Beastkin, is in our best interests."

"And what could you, sorry." Qinos smiled. "Your group, possibly gain from such an action? Money? There is more money to be made as slaves than to free them."

"That's...Not entirely true though. Is it?"

Qinos's bones creaked as he leant back.

"Slaves do not pay taxes, nor do they have the money, or freedom, to purchase anything. I imagine that a significant part of the Seocurian economy relies on exports? To the point where, if it were to stop, you would suffer severely."

Qinos said nothing but Anton could see he was seriously considering his words.

The Young Man leant close to Qinos. "Isn't that similar to-"

"Hush, boy." Qinos shot him an angry glare. "It is better to stay silent at times like this."

"So that is one reason." Anton smiled, acting like he didn't hear. "A good enough reason for some."

"You have Seocurian backing?"

"Everyone would prefer to stay anonymous."

Qinos grumbled, unsatisfied with Anton's non-answer but knew he was not going to get a better one.

Alal returned with a wooden plate and several glasses full of cold water. Condensation ran down the exterior in small droplets.

"Here you are." Alal's voice was remarkably similar to Irso's, though of a slightly higher pitch.

"Thank you." Anton did not wish to drink, many poisons were invisible, and merely pretended to sip, only letting the water touch his lips. He didn't feel anything but Cetina didn't partake, neither did the twins.

Alal quietly moved back to his previous position, standing by the Seocurian servant.

"So...You wish to help the Seocurian economy?" Qinos scoffed. "Strangest thing I've heard today."

"We intend to do more than that." Anton began to search for one of his hidden gold coin pouches. "Much more. But we need someone in Seocuria that can help further our interests. Keep their eyes and ears open for any word. And..."

Anton placed the heavy purse onto the table, deliberately clinking the coins.

"Should the Seocurian Empire, as we know it, fall, that there will be someone able and strong enough to enforce order." Anton smiled. "Someone that we know we can trust."

The young man approached and took the purse. Anton knew he would never tire of the utter bewilderment when they realised just how much wealth they had in their hands.

"T-This..." He managed to stammer out before swiftly passing the bag to Qinos. The elderly Seocurian had a similar reaction, though he managed to control himself better.

"This...Is a lot of money." Qinos mumbled softly. "I don't think our family has seen this much..."

Alal and the Seocurian servant glanced closer. They too were shocked.

"Just gold coins..." Qinos managed a smirk. "If these had been plates or rings I'm sure that I'd have fainted."

"Don't do that." One of the young children pleaded. Qinos simply smiled before turning his attention to the purse.

"But as..." Anton motioned to the Young man.

"Gwili."

"As Gwili pointed out, you appear to have had similar thoughts as well."

Qinos glared at Gwili once again. "Perhaps I have. There is no harm in having a theoretical discussion."

"I'm sure the other families would disagree."

"True...True."

"So, we would like to make an investment." Anton continued. "You are free to use that money however you see fit. Personally, I would hate to see it invested in any sort of Beast-kin slavery, but if you must you must."

Anton received a quick glance from Cetina.

"But I would try to first rebuild your prestige." Anton looked around the room. "This mansion would be a good start. More money will follow, if you are willing to help us, and in so doing reclaim a place at the top of the Seocurian Empire."

"And let's say we accept..." Qinos ran his fingers over the coins. "What would we have to do?"

"Right now? Listen. Listen for anything unusual in the Seocurian Empire. Especially anything disruptive. Attacks on military convoys, slave plantations and mines. Those sort of things."

"That's it?" Gwili asked incredulously. "You give us all this, for that?"

"For now, that is all that we want. In time things will change, but will let you know. So. Do we have a deal?"

Qinos took slow, deep breaths as he mulled over what Anton had said.

We can't give away too much information. Otherwise, well, there's not much else to be done except for torching this place with everyone in it. And I don't feel like killing innocent children...

Anton's stomach churned as another suppressed memory tried to come back. While he quickly pushed it aside it was the context that sickened him the most. Thankfully no one appeared to notice.

"What...What you have given us." Qinos placed the purse by his side. "Our family is poor but also quite large. Unlike the rest of the families they work long hours." His eyes flicked to Alal. "Admittedly not as long as the Beastkin, but still a considerable time. In order to build up our family again, in the eyes of the other families, they would need time, time that is currently spent working to organise events and parties."

"Parties?" Anton raised a brow.

"It's the quickest way to raise your prestige in Seocuria. Hold a lavish and entertaining party. Everyone will talk about it, and there will be many from the lower classes that will wish to partake in that prestige. Offering wealth and financial opportunities."

"I see..."

Should have asked Kal...Wait a minute. I still can. But how do I distract them while I use the rings?

"Cetina?" Anton gently tapped his ring. "I'm not very good at the particulars. Could you please get from them exactly how much one of these parties would cost, for someone in their current social standing? I just need to stand up for a moment."

"O-Of course." Cetina put on her best business smile.

Anton stood up and Cetina began asking questions before there was any chance for Qinos to object. As Cetina began asking for a very detailed list Anton moved to the twins.

"Could you two pretend to be going through something with me?" Anton whispered. "Just...Act like your speaking to me, but just keep talking."

"Okay..." Calo looked to her sister and shrugged. "Not really sure what you want us to do...But we'll do our best."

While Cetina kept Qinos distracted with complex and redundant questions Anton used his ring to speak with Kal. While she didn't know she was with Marion, who confirmed what Qinos had said. Once done Anton returned to the chair and allowed Cetina to finish her question.

"After giving us all this money, now you want a detailed list of what it would actually entail?"

"Thank you for humouring me." Anton smiled. "But I will trust your judgement."

Qinos was still clearly confused but did not push the conversation further.

"Now. We will be far away from Danafra, even Seocuria, most of the time. So we need a way to both communicate and to arrive quickly, not to mention move money and any people around."

"These people you represent have some very deep pockets if they're able to deal with that conundrum."

To be fair, I think the communication pens are the most expensive thing. The Portal Stones I can just pick up from anywhere.

It took some time to explain and demonstrate exactly how the portal and Communication Pens worked. To ensure Atros's safety the portal would be broken on both sides and only used when absolutely necessary. He also inquired about magic proofing materials, like Mezot's old room, but Qinos did know of such a thing.

I wonder if it was actually all a big lie? Without knowing, or h the capability to know Principle Magic I might just never know.

“This...This look like relics of the Old Gods.” Qinos’s frown quickly changed to sheer bewilderment. “And...Still, you give these to us?”

“We have high hopes for you.” Anton smiled. “Seocuria will change. It’s just a matter of if you can pick up the pieces, and ensure the Seocurians have a future, or...It will collapse into nothing, only for Graterious to assume total control. I don’t think you want to be caught up in Graterian political games. Especially between the triumvirate.”

Qinos still looked bewildered but took the items nonetheless. “I...I will agree to this...Agreement. However, I will still need to speak with the rest of my family. They will need to be made aware, so they can listen for anything strange. And so they do not question or damage these artefacts.”

“My thanks.” Anton held out his hand for Qinos to shake. Though not a Seocurian custom he took and shook it, slightly apprehensively though. “But now we must be off. I hope that our investment was worthwhile. I look forward to hearing of your families ascendancy in Seocurian politics.”

Qinos gave a nod as Anton beckoned everyone to follow. Alal and the still nameless servant jumped and led the way out of the mansion, leaving Qinos is silence.

The two servants bid them a good day and hurriedly closed the door behind them, the sound of a metal latch locking echoed from behind. Calo and Sheso clearly had questions but Anton signalled for them to wait until they were clear of the mansion, and its sleepy solitary guard, who still barely noticed them pass.

I wonder if that's a ploy? It's certainly fooled me.

"Okay." Calo looked along the streets, seeing that no one was nearby. "Was all, or any of that wise?"

"Surely they could just tell the other Seocurian families and then we'd be in serious trouble." Sheso quietly added.

"There is." Anton nodded. "There is that chance. But there's every chance the others will think that they're hiding something else. If they've been contacted by someone like me...Well, why them in the first place? It raises a lot of questions. Questions, and attention, I think they would rather not have."

Anton looked to the mansion once more. Now that he truly looked he saw that it was in an even worse state than he first thought. The support beams had rotted, covered in dried salt carried from the port, the stones had fractures running everywhere and had begun to disintegrate, that too bought on by the salt.

"I think they're going to just appreciate the money, if nothing else."

"Qinos isn't stupid." Cetina frowned. "He can easily guess what you want, with that last little bit you threw him."

"I think that he believes we'll have the Beastkin as equals, which they deserve to be, but not that we want them out of here." Anton sighed. "I don't think there's much chance of the Beastkin and Seocurians reconciling in our lifetimes." Anton patted the twins' heads. "Even yours, for that matter. But having someone friendly to us in charge will go a long way to preserving peace, no matter how fragile. Besides, it only needs to last until we have the Beastkin out of Seocuria. Everything else is just a bonus."

"A big gamble." Cetina gave his hand a squeeze. "I hope it works."

Anton laughed. "So do I." He motioned for them to start moving. "A very big gamble. And, hopefully, the last one I'll have to make for a very long time."

"You shouldn't talk like that." Cetina took his arm around hers, ignored the narrowed eyes of the twins, as they calmly walked back towards the west, where the Dark Elves were waiting with a portal back to Atros.

---[]---

"Do you think they're crazy?" Gwili asked.

Qinos barely heard his grandson, his attention lay firmly on the small table before him, lying on a bag of magical stones, a large purse of gold coins and a pen that would mimic the actions of the other.

What...What madness is this?

"Qinos?"

"Hmm?" Qinos looked up. Gwili did not face him. Instead, he looked out the window, towards the disappearing forms of four very strange people. "Sorry, Gwili. My mind was elsewhere. As you can probably imagine."

His other three grandchildren, mercifully quiet during the proceedings, hopped down from their chair and began to inspect the purse of gold coins. They held them in their hands like they were the most fragile and important things in existence. Certainly, it was more wealth than their family had seen in some time.

When the rest hear about just how much money this Anton is going to throw at us, for information...There's no way they're going to say no.

Qinos shook his head before running a bony hand through his hair.

"Greed...Greed is always a good motivator. And corroder of morals."

"Qinos?" Gwili moved from the window to sit next to him.

"Just a small thought." Qinos smiled.

"I think we should do it," Gwili spoke sternly and with conviction, something Qinos rarely saw in him. "We have been given this for information? Seems like a very good deal."

"Too good." Qinos plucked a gold coin from the purse. "No one would give away so much wealth for so little. Besides, didn't you hear what he said near the end? Threatening us with Graterian invasions if we don't agree."

"Surely he cannot be that powerful?"

"No...Not politically. Certainly.” Qinos felt the conviction ebb from his voice. “Surely. But...But. I do think that he thinks that he can. At the very least he’s managed to convince those three that he can. But to have only women…”

Qinos shrugged. He had once had a harem, a small one compared to some of the other families, but they were long gone now.

“But...It is the only way that we will restore our family to greatness.” Gwili lazily gestured to the walls, specifically the walls. Though much physical work had been done, it could only delay the inevitable, and soon the mansion would become uninhabitable. “We’ve been working harder than any family since the purges and yet we’ve only gone backwards.”

“I-”

Gwili raised his hand. “You have done an excellent job of guiding us through these troubling times...But it’s just not enough.” Gwili nodded to the purse of gold coins. “And this is not something that’s just going to come by us again.”

Qinos sighed. Gwili was right, in a sense. There was simply no way for their family to rise, no matter how hard they worked or even schemed, not with the other families keeping a firm eye on them, but…

“We will work with them for now.” Qinos softly sighed. “For now. We’ll take their money and give them what they ask. But...But if they ask for too much, or wish to make us their sacrificial pawns in some mad game, then we’ll cast them aside.”

“Wouldn’t that be rather difficult? They know where we are.”

“We won’t use this money to restore our mansion or our prestige.” Qinos faintly smiled. “We’ll invest it, to make more money. A bit of a gamble, but we can drastically increase what we have if we are daring enough. Then we can rebuild our prestige and hire and train an armed force large enough to fend off them and the other families.”

“Not to mention it would put them on edge.” Gwili smiled. “I like it.”

“Do…” Alal spoke up, his voice shaking. “Do you think that one day we will be free?” The Shark Beast-kin’s nostrils flared. “That...I won’t have to hide…”

He looked at Lethu, their only Seocurian servant, as they gently brushed their hands against each other.

“Don’t do that here,” Qinos whispered harshly. “You never know who might be watching.”

The two whipped their hands away. Qinso softly sighed as he looked back to the purse of gold. He had stumbled upon the two, some time ago, locked in a very passionate embrace. Though their relationship was more than forbidden they seemed deeply in love. Qinos was more concerned about the children that would inevitably follow, even though he had warned them it did nothing to stop their nightly rendezvous. Probably the opposite, actually.

“But would we be free?” Alal asked. Determination swelled within his chest. “I love-”

“I know!” Qinos stopped himself from shouting. “I know. I don’t know if they mean to have you free, but I doubt it will happen in our lifetimes. Even your children, which…”

“Are we going to have a new brother or sister?” One of the young children asked.

Qinos gently held their head. “Unfortunately, I don’t think that would be a good idea.” He glanced to the two servants. “They would live a terrible life. A Half-Breed isn’t going to live a good life.”

Lethu held her stomach. Qinos could only hope that there wasn’t a life slowly growing within.

“Which only makes what he said even more confusing…” Qinos slowly nodded. “While we give them information we will try and investigate on our own. Find out what they’re really up to.”

“Dangerous?”

“Yes.” Qinos looked out the window. “But being an unknowing pawn in a game of nations is even more dangerous. And I don’t intend to be simply used by some uppity Graterian and his loyal harem.”