- Day 17 -

Graham

Leaving the Library, I warp to the magistrates building, only to realise that I’ve spent the entire day in the library, reading just three books and a poem. Granted they weren’t the shortest of books, but I need to become better at managing my time--

*Grumble*

Yeah, yeah. My stomach only reinforces the point.

Hopefully, Graham is working late, as the moon is already well on its daily journey across the heavens, aided by the souls of favoured past… It’s night, Ten-ish, maybe? I’m going to blame that previous sentence on the books I read today! Moving on.

I don't actually know where the Duke lives so if he’s not here, I’ll have to come back tomorrow. It’s more than a bit silly of me to have not found this out before now, but I’ve been a little preoccupied, and honestly though, I don’t see Graham as someone I need to keep an eye on. He’s a predictable and rational old man who would do anything for his country. As long as my actions are of benefit to that end, he’ll always be on side, so there wasn’t any real need to keep tabs on him.

With luck seemingly on my side, the magistrates building was still open, and Graham is indeed in his office, but with a visitor. A tall, slender man? The double doors to his office are open so it mustn’t be a private conversation--

"Sir Draconis--"

Formalities? Ah, this person mustn’t be an ally. Based on Graham's stern expression, something is up.

"--May I introduce Prince Edis Sinki."

Ah... I wasn’t expecting another big player so soon. Big smiles, he’s royalty!

"Ah, Prince Sinki. What an honour--"

I'm meant to bow right? Or is it kneel? Unsure, I end up combining the two, awkwardly, to some amusement it seems--

"Please Draconis, stand, you're embarrassing yourself. It is fine if you are not aware of our customs, I am not my father after all."

Slightly embarrassed, I return myself to a standing pose, copying Graham by placing one arm behind my back and looking up at the prince with a strained neck as he towers over me with a dull expression.

When I said tall earlier, I may have undersold it. The prince is easily six-foot-nine and the tallest man I've ever seen... It’s odd though, when I heard prince, I sort of expected a royal aura to hang on him, but his height is about the only striking thing of note. Looking at him closely, I almost worry he’s going to drop dead at any moment, what with the thin, almost sickly build… He hardly gives the opinion of royalty either, what with the unattractive features of his face. If it weren't for all the gold littered on him, you probably wouldn't believe anyone telling you he’s royalty at all.

"Hmm--”

Apparently done observing me so attentively, the prince turns back towards Graham with seeming displeasure, conveyed by tone.

“--I've been wanting to meet you since your name was rang out to me Draconis. You have no idea how rare it is for someone in my father’s court to promote another so highly, rarer still, one not of our own race."

Race again--

The prince turns back around to face me, quickly and unexpectedly.

"Oh? My words seem to offend you. Hm, that’s interesting; they shouldn't, they’re merely the facts of my Kingdom Draconis. A Kingdom you seem to have taken quite the shine to... Or is it us that's taken a shine to you, I wonder?"

My expression must have changed to match my thoughts, having falsely believed it safe to do so with his back to me, but with that sligh movement, the Prince was quick to pull up on it. He smiles a broad and ugly grin as he gestures to me--

“Tell me Draconis. Are you here for a specific reason perchance?"

I’ve no idea what game's afoot here, so best not play into it any more than I already have with hesitation--

“Yes, I was hoping to speak to Duke Rayford about the library and Firian Cayon, actually, I also needed to talk about some of my Alchemy supplies--”

I know the Prince is asking me for the ‘why’ of coming to Sinki Kingdom and not my coming to the magistrates tonight, but I’ve already had one strike in this conversation. I think it’s safer to play dumb and answer in half-truths.

I still don’t know what happened between my supposed people and the people of this Kingdom, so giving pause for thought to the question would have been dangerous. Instead, I start talking in circles, looping my conversation around itself without ever letting it go anywhere. Having listened to Graham do it on a number of different occasions, I found it quite easy to copy. Sometimes playing the idiot does have its advantages.

As I continue on without end, the prince’s expression begins to lifts into one that can only be described as a surprise. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the Prince cuts me off by laughing, before swiftly moving the back of his hand to hide his mouth behind it. He shakes his head slightly in the silence, taking a moment to collect himself before talking as he walks towards the doors leading out of Graham's office.

"Quite amusing, but… No. I shall leave here, Rayford. Enjoy your stay Draconis, I'm quite sure we’ll meet again before long."

It’s only as he passes me by, do I notice the six or seven shadows flickering on the floor around him. I had no idea there was anyone but the three of us in here, I really need a proper detection skill!

I continue to watch the Prince until he makes it to the stairs leading down and out of the building. The encounter was so unusual and tense that I found myself counting his footsteps as he walked out of the room, and out of sight. I continued to count until nothing could be heard, straining my ears as I did in an attempt to ascertain his presence. It seems Graham must have been doing something similar as neither of us spoke, both appearing to be waiting until we’re absolutely sure the prince has left the Magistrates building before daring to speak.

With the Prince now gone for a good few minutes, I turn to see Graham's expression finally starting to soften. We continue to just stand in silence for a bit longer, looking to one another, neither being sure if it’s safe to speak when I notice the drink in Graham's hand and decide to break the silence.

“Can I get one of those?”

He gives a slight chuckle while he nods, and gestures me to take a seat.

Sitting, waiting on him pouring the drink, I can see he’s in no mood for light-hearted banter tonight. It seems that Edis character came with something that's put Graham on edge. The very fact that he's yet to speak a word since the Prince left, combined with his blank expression tells me it's serious.

"Is something wrong?"

He shakes his head, returning from the cabinet with two drinks, handing me one before taking his seat.

"I think it's time we had the talk I was trying to avoid."

Graham proceeds to hold a heavy breath before removing his bow-tie and rubbing his neck.

"Do I need to raise a barrier?"

He shakes his head as he reaches down to a drawer on the left side of the desk, removing some file and placing it in front of me.

"Aburi Draconis. The Alchemic Master Merchant Mage. Origin, Unknown. Background, Unknown. Clan, Unknown. Affiliation, Unknown. Training, Unknown--"

"Graham, if you're trying to ask something, just ask--"

"Are you here to start a war?"

Without hesitation... In case my confusion wasn't clearly displayed on my face, I'll bite.

"I'm sorry? I don't understand--"

"Oh come now Aburi. It's clear you're not some ordinary elf that you say you are. I've not said anything till now for obvious reasons, but now that the royalty has gotten involved... and I've just been retired, I'm just going to ask you plainly. What is it you’re really after?"

Ah, the ‘dying horse’ comment Rus made was referring to this I see. Guess that puts Rus on team Edis then. But what am I really after? This must play into what Prince Edis was just on about as well. I get the feeling I’m missing some vital piece of information, something brings all of this together.

Before I get any real time to process the question, Graham jumps back in.

"Fine, if you're going to make me say it--"

[Vacuum Barrier] (50 MP + (2PI * Radius MP) | 10 MP every 5 minutes)

My body just moved on instinct there. I don't know what Graham was about to say, but something inside me knew not to let him finish the sentence outside of a barrier… Graham seems to have decided to pause as well, waiting for the barrier to completely form before continuing.

"Then you are related to the Royal Elvian court!"

The what? I'm glad I put up the barrier now. The last thing I need is Graham's incorrect notions being relayed to various spymasters currently watching me... Whatever the Elvian court is, from his tone alone, I can tell it’s not something I want people assuming.

“Graham, I’m not. I just guessed you were about to say something that would cause me serious problems should it be overheard and my body acted on impulse."

"Aburi, why continue to lie to me!”

He stands suddenly, hammering his fist into the desk and knocking his glass over as he does, spilling the majority of its contents everywhere. The pure anger in Graham’s voice combined with his heavy-handed display took me by complete surprise. He’s usually the calm and collected one.

“I’m not lying--”

“You're eyes Aburi, they show your true ancestry line! Did you think we weren’t aware of elevian ancestry!? Did you think our knowledge of your race to be so lacking? There’s no point continuing your farce Aburi. You're not some simple Dark Elf, only those Royal clansmen of the Elvian family have eyes as deeply red as yours.”

Well, how the fuck was I to know that?

“Graham, I--”

“Granted, initially I was willing to permit thought to you as some illegitimate child who was thrown out and shamed, but with your skills and etiquette, it's been clear to me for some time that you're not who you say you are...and now, the royalty know it too!"

I’m getting a little annoyed at being shouted at here and not being given the decency of being allowed to respond. I understand Graham’s frustrations, but this isn’t how to talk to an ally!

“Graham, I’ve already told you. I don’t know what I can say to make you believe me at this point, but I am a merchant. Before you mentioned them today, I’d never heard of this Elvian clan--”

“That’s--”

Graham starts shaking his head and tries to interject, but I don’t let him, raising my voice to drown his out.

“It’s my turn to speak Graham, you came to me asking for help, so I’d thank you for remembering that before you start throwing your accusations around; Start a war? As it’s apparently not clear to you, I’ll say it aloud. I’m not here to start a damn war, I don’t even have a single idea how war and this Elvian clan have anything to do with one another. But forget that for now, back to me; with you being fired, I assume my reward and the expedition is out the window!?”

Having also completely lost my cool towards the end there, and with us both now standing, staring at each other, Graham goes to speak before pausing with open mouth, seemingly taking a good moment to collect himself. He eventually lets out a slight cough, moving his hand in front of his mouth while returning to his seat. Naturally, I follow suit in returning to my seat as well, my temper having already dissipated back to normality. I typically don’t get riled up in conversations, but something about Graham’s tone lit a fire in me there. I guess being accused of lying by an ally rubs me the wrong way… Something to work on.

For a moment, both Graham and I sit in silence, looking deep in thought before Graham breaks off, reaching into the desk drawer and placing a scroll on the table.

“What’s this?”

He gestures for me to pick it up. As I lift it, he explains in a slightly crooked voice, coughing twice trying to clear it.

“It’s… It’s a written guarantee from the King. Your reward will be honoured should you take back Aslogia.”

I take a look, and it does look legitimate, although I would prefer to have someone verify it after tonight. Trust is a two-way street after all.

“Aburi, I…”

He pauses again for another moment before shaking his head. It’s clear to me that he’s having second thoughts on his earlier suspicions. Though I doubt he's abandoned them completely, it seems I’ve at least opened his mind to the possibility that he’s wrong.

Closing his mouth but remaining silent, Graham picks up what remains of his drink before slumping back in his chair with a deep breath. He then proceeds to just sit there in silence, swirling the small amount of remaining alcohol in the bottom of the glass a number of times before finally downing it and returning the glass to the desk. I assume he’s thinking how best to proceed, whether I’m still lying, possibilities if I’m not, and so forth. I decide to give him the time he wants and join him in the silence while slouching back into my chair. I welcome the chance to think about Graham’s words as well.

‘Elvian clan’? Are they awakened ones like myself, or really just another branch of Dark Elves? ...Didn’t Emily mention elves with glowing eyes in the south when we spoke of her uncle? Could they be this Elvian clan? Damn it, I really should have looked into that rumour and the Dark Elves. I’m pretending to be a dark elf for crying out loud, this should have been a priority for me so as not to be caught out. This whole situation might have been avoided had I bothered to do my due diligence!

“Are you not aware that Requis and your nation are at war?”

Graham breaks the silence with a question that causes me to respond prematurely.

“I wa…?”

But, like a switch being turned on, I suddenly see everything clearly. Like a puzzle’s image finally coming into view. It all makes sense and fits together with a neat and tidy bow… Looking back through all the clues, how the hell did I miss it? ...I also see the dangerous little game you’ve been playing with me, Graham. Though granted. It’s a rather ingenious little one too.

“I wasn’t, as I’ve never been to my ancestral homeland Graham, I was born far from it, after all, something I would have answered had you asked. But now that I am aware of the war, a number of dots are finally connecting for me... May I?”

He gestures for me to go ahead with a slight nod.

“No contact with Dark Elves in thirty odd years, General Syvian, Aslogia, stones, three factions, a war, and myself... Drawing the line through the dots, I’d say that the reason you haven’t had contact with the elves is that you’ve been helping the Requis war effort and the elves found out.”

Graham hints a faint smile, showing I’m the right track.

“The answer to why you would help Requis is pretty obvious, they’re likely passing you stones for this support, though I’m guessing they’ve started asking for more support than you can give, either in resources or perhaps they want Sinki to join the war… General Syvian obviously fully supports the war and wants Sinki to join it full force. General Syvian rebelled however so Requis must be starting to lose, and the King fears Sinki will be drawn into a fight it may not win. On the 'why' to that, the dwarfs have probably joined with the elves?”

He gives a nod. Makes sense really, they share a border and humans hate them both equally.

“So General Syvian rebelled, taking the Kingdoms remaining stones with him to force the Kings hand. Meanwhile, and just before, I turn up, and you see an opportunity... If I’m from the elves, then I’m likely here to win favour in an effort to get you to turn on Requis. A pincer attack breeding a war on two fronts for Requis would assure a quick end to this war after all. So you decided, why not use me for an impossible task of securing a new source of stones. If I succeed, at worst, you’ll have to reopen relations, potentially pissing off Requis who cannot risk a war on two fronts anyway, and at best, you’ve solved your stone crisis and reliance on Requis entirely.”

“Impressive as always Aburi--”

“So that just leaves the three factions dot. I’m going to say that your faction has no royal support anymore, if it ever did, and you’re besieged by the two other factions as they see you as the weakest link. Eliminating your faction brings the castle down to two voices. One that supports the War--”

“And one that thinks we should be absorbed into Quali as a vassal state, yes, you are quite right Aburi.”

Vassal state? I was going to say ‘doesn’t’. Seems I was still missing a piece but still...

“A prince is actually going for that?”

“Prince Dolran. A cowardly man who meekly obeys the Vitalos family, primarily because he’s in love with their second son Christopher. Something that was just a rumour until recently...”

Graham sighs, shaking his head before shrugging and slowly getting out of his chair and heading towards his drinks cabinet.

“Even if you do somehow secure Aslogia now Aburi, I doubt it’ll save this rotten kingdom… and for what it’s worth, I humbly apologise for my demeanour earlier--”

“Given the situation Graham, I hold no grudge over it… Tell me though Graham, one thing I still don’t understand. If there’s no royal support in your faction, how did you get support for the expedition in the first place?”

“The King. The court wasn’t always divided into three Aburi, recent events have unfortunately galvanised the court into three. Prior to all this, numerous smaller factions existed, but my faction had the King's confidence and ear. He still trusts me and openly supports my plan and faith in you.”

There’s more to it than that, clearly, but Graham is deliberately playing coy. I guess I’ll have to do some digging on my own.

“I see… Hmm, well, I’m slightly concerned that if they’re now openly moving against you, they must also be moving against Alex--”

“Indeed. Your deduction is quite correct. I manage to ascertain earlier today that Alex is being sent to Amaki again, with just one handful of knights and another of stones--”

“You suspect a suicide mission?”

“Yes,--”

He turns back towards me, gesturing to see if I want another drink. I nod, so as not to interrupt him.

“Though I doubt that kind-hearted numbskull will see it that way… Aburi, are you truly just in this for the reward?”

“That... and a girl I guess, if I'm completely honest--”

Graham forgets himself and openly chuckles at my revelation. Seems it wasn’t as evident as I thought.

“Katharine, I see, a tale older than time itself is it? Ha…Suddenly it all makes sense.”

To us both then.

“Yes, well, I may have fallen for the lady, but I won’t lead a fool's folly, Graham. If you see any way of turning this all around, no matter how remote the chance, you had best fill me in.”

He returns to his seat with a crystal decanter, pouring the contents into our glasses.

“Oh, there’s a way, Aburi… I just have to swallow every ounce of pride I have left and join the Prince Dolran faction. Then proceed to convince them of my plans merits over there own vassal idiocy… and then of you being able to pull it all off for us.”

“Is that all? Should be easy then.”

Graham laughs, spilling the alcohol everywhere as it was being poured into his glass.

“Indeed Aburi. Simple and easy...”

...Even if Graham somehow does manage to pull off the impossible there, it’ll be months before the expedition will be back on the table. Far too long of a delay in my mind, especially since who only knows what the other faction will be doing during that time against them. I hate to admit defeat, but the original plan is dead. I told Risk I would cut and run and I’m not a lier… But… I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a massive opportunity here.

Think about it. The thing that’s always playing against us is time. No matter what we do, every time we plan something, people will work against us to thwart it. The constant problem we face here is time itself, as it takes time to implement any plan we devise… But what if we didn’t give anyone time to react? There is still one way to win Graham's little game.

I take a large gulp of the drink and place the glass on his desk.

“Graham, let’s assume I’m still willing to continue to risk my life on all this. With your position now lost and Alex heading off once more, I assume my support is completely cut off?”

Graham nods solemnly.

“The requisition order will be null and void with my no longer holding the seat here in the magistrates, and yes, with Alex leaving, you’ll have only a thousand Knights without a leader for support at Aslogia. David and William will no doubt jump ship soon after too as they’ll likely want to create some distance between us. No support is a given until I can convince the Vitalos family of our plans worth.”

Losing political power is like catching the plague for nobility. No one wants to come near you out of fear they themselves may be ostracised for it too. So the problem boils down to two areas. Commander and supplies, comedically, one of which is already solved by losing numbers.

“Had this happened a week ago Graham, I’d have already walked out the door, but after seeing my team at work in the catacombs, I’m still pretty confident we can do this. Is there anyone you trust who could lead a thousand Knights?”

Graham scoffs at me, half laughing as he speaks.

“Aburi, I can’t help but be concerned that you may just be blinded by greed. No matter how you look at this, there’s no way--”

*blink*

I take the large red essence stone from my inventory and place it on the desk in front of him, interrupting him at the same time.

“My confidence is genuine Graham. All I ever needed from the support team was bed and board, anything above that was always just added benefits. All we need to pull this off right now is a commander for the support team who would be able to efficiently move the thousand Knights under their command every day to one of a set number of random locations decided each night prior. Does anyone come to mind for something like that?”

Graham’s eyes remained on the fist-sized red stone as I talked, though it’s clear he was paying attention as he answers without pause.

“Personally no, but I remember Alex mentioning a Colonel West being a trustworthy man--”

“Then your retirement from the magistrates building, when does that take effect?”

“As soon as I hand my letter to Duke Redwall in the morning… Why?”

“Could you, say, draft this Colonel into the support team and order them to depart before first light, before handing in your resignation? For example.”

Graham gives a laugh, seeing clearly what I’m trying to do.

“It would take at least a week to gather supplies for that many Knights Aburi--”

“Does William Trove not already have more than enough supplies for well over four-thousand Knights prepared? We believe he’s working against us, but he surely won’t be aware of all this yet, so let’s use him now while we have the chance. I know it’s a gamble Graham, but if we delay any longer, this plan will probably be dead in the water. We have to try something right?”

“Aburi, they’ll surely just send a runner after the Knights to recall them after I hand in my resignation--”

“That’s the beauty of this Graham, they won’t, or rather, they cannot. You’ve already told me that the King openly supported your idea right? Heck, I’m holding a writ from the King promising me a reward upon completion. So that means to call back the Knights after they’ve been deployed will show active defiance towards the King. Once the Knights leave, they cannot be called back--”

“And if you fail Aburi, the King will hang us all for losing face under the guise of treason!”

“Then you prefer to gamble on your ability to persuade Prince Dolran’s faction instead? You believe that you can do that within a couple of days and prepare to leave a few more after that?”

“...Aburi, the stakes of what you’re asking for--”

“Graham, you came to me for this. The risks are high for us all. I’m giving you an option to see this plan through, but this is your decision. I’m telling you Aslogia can still be retaken, but it’s up to you to decide if it should!”

Graham pauses for a moment, scratching his chin before downing his drink and reaching back into his desk drawer.

“...It’s ironic Aburi but had we still had four-thousand knights at the ready, this would not be possible as it would require multiple Dukes to issue the deployment. My signature is just enough to enact the plan, and I can’t help but feel a divine presence willing this whole thing forward--”

“Divine? Well, while that’s not impossible Graham, in all honesty, we’re just taking advantage of a mistake the opposition has made.”

“In either case, once I issue this Aburi, there's no going back. The writ will make sure they leave on an emergency deployment order before dawn, taking Williams supplies by force if necessary under the King's name. It’ll take them about sixteen days to reach Aslogia as I’ll have them take a random route. I suggest you leave within a day yourself as well. I’ll buy as much time as I can for you to prepare but leave sooner than later.”

“I understand, I’ll go to Katharine after leaving here and try to hopefully leave after first light as well… Graham, I don’t know how to bring this up, so I’m just going to outright ask. Can you keep the people at my residence safe in my absence? With me going to Aslogia, they’re a weakness that could be used to exploit or harm me.”

“I should be able to keep that from happening. I may have lost my seat here, but I’m still a Duke after all. I’ll see to it Aburi.”

“My thanks, Graham... I guess I’ll take my leave then, to prepare.”

“Good luck.”

*Zip*