I climb down the roof and join them in the alley. I inspect the leather case he brought, inside there are quills, small vials of ink, a few rolls of parchment, and lastly a large ordinary looking pouch of gold that he took from the Shade's stash.

“Alright good, did you inspect it for constructs?” I ask.

“I did, found none.” Tsek replies.

“Then let's go.” I say.

“That's half the gold.” Aisha notes. “There should have been two pouches inside a box.”

“Kids only brought me this.” Tsek replies.

“It's fine.” I say. Aisha could be lying to bring me to doubt Tsek, or he could be, either way, I don't care. “I expected the little thieves to take it all.” I chuckle.

I lead the way and Tsek closes the march behind the prisoners. I first head east, then west, then south, then walk around a block of houses before stopping in an alley to wait and see if anyone is pursuing.

We spend a good hour going in circles inside Meiridin, surprisingly, none of my companions complain even though I get lost quite a few times. I end up having to retrace the steps I took earlier in the afternoon when I asked for information at the tavern to find the house we settled in.

Once back there, I tell Tsek to go to sleep first while I stand guard. I spend the night exploring the house and its surrounding area. I find more than a few rainwater barrels left outside, many of them are close to overflowing and that means that those who depend on them are unlikely to be around.

They're too heavy for me to move on my own with a single hand. It would just be too unwieldy, even with my symbiont's strength, so I search for a small carriage. I find a wheelbarrow, which is perfect for what I need.

I tie a rope to both handles, leaving enough slack to pass it around my shoulder and behind my neck which allows me to compensate for my useless arm. I then set the circular cover on the barrel and use my strength to shut it, one usually would require a hammer for that but it would be too noisy.

I set the wheelbarrow on its side and roll the barrel against it. I try to lift both upright at once but it turns out that my back isn't quite that strong, not to mention that my ribs and what remains of my left clavicle are definitely protesting the humongous weight.

I end up using a strengthening construct and a lion strike to get the barrel on the wheelbarrow. I then roll it back to the house we're squatting, on the other side of the prisoner's bedroom as I have no intention of telling them what I'm preparing.

I dismantle all the constructs I anchored within my body and drain half my reserves, a little more than what I'll regenerate in my sleep. I then anchor the flow to the water and, lastly, merge the lid to the barrel.

It won't stop anyone from checking inside with their flow but it's a water barrel, I don't see why anyone would specifically do that when it's just sitting there next to the house and it won't remain there for long.

And, even if it's discovered, I know that many artisans buy flow off of unemployed low-born and store it in barrels for their work so what I'm doing isn't suspicious. The reason I sealed it is that the black-gold color of my energy is too distinctive to fool anyone who takes a direct look.

I might try doing that myself, the gold makes it so that I won't have trouble buying people's energy, the issue is that it'll be difficult to not only find those willing to sell their flow but to do it discreetly without attracting attention.

I head back inside and start working on my lion strikes, the variation adapted for my symbiont which can handle a lot more stress than my human arm, up to a limit as it depends on my bones for leverage.

I think about my options to fix my right arm as I do, realizing that it'll be difficult to find a solution other than walking into a Temple to ask for an Alemplar. It would be possible to get Director Suxen of the institute to do it but, as far as I understand, the woman would be more likely to experiment than to fix me.

I'll first send a message to Celyz and to Brother before trying anything, it'll safeguard me against Vikiana, if what she told me about the lightning construct is true, and I might not be able to later if I get discovered early, ending up on the run.

Tsek wakes up with the sunrise. As soon as he opens his eyelids, I recall the constructs I set around our prisoners and cut my links to them. I give them to him and almost throw him out of his warm bunk to crash into it. I tell my symbiont to be alert, just in case.

“Wake me up if there's anything suspicious.” I mumble. “And don't let me sleep past lunch.”

--- --- ---

'My Lady, tied to a bed with her arms behind her back. Unable to fight back but with her legs wrapped around my waist, preventing me from taking control. Celyz standing tall, above us. Her tendrils tease my two intact breasts while the rest attempt to slip around my body to assault Leomi. My Lady groans in fury, the Princess chuckles in amusement, Elizabeth Vil moans in desire.'

--- --- ---

I wake up sweaty, hot, my intimacy is moist with lust. I dreamed of... Celyz and Lance. Both. I feel good, euphoric, horny, weird. I want to have sex. Some of the feelings seem to be coming from my symbiont's cool substance.

It is affecting me more than it has despite how little it is injecting into my system. This is the first time I use it for an extended period of time, outside of battle and in a moment in my life where things are going relatively well.

Yet, I can't tell the symbiont to stop because the pain in my right forearm would cripple me if I didn't have that. I check the house. Tsek is outside the bedroom but opened the door to watch the prisoners.

I get out of the bunk and throw the blanket into the laundry wicker basket, it smells too much like me. I can't let Tsek notice that, the kid would think I pleasured myself in a bed he slept in and be offended.

I step into the main room and take my spare clothes out of our travel sack to get changed. Tsek turns to me just as I take my shirt off. His green eyes lock onto the strap of cloth covering my breast. He immediately flips back around to the prisoners, blushing furiously.

Huh, does he like me? I mean that reaction means he likes women. Reading too much into it because I'm on edge, pent up. Besides, my own cheeks are burning hot and I don't like men, he could have any number of reasons to be embarrassed.

I notice that Aisha's gaze is on us. Whatever that exchange was, she followed it. I'm too preoccupied with myself to even get annoyed at her. I make my way to the kitchen to clean up and do the laundry, hoping that the tasks will distract and help me cool down.

It doesn't work, it actually makes it worse as splashing water on my skin and wiping it only makes me want more. I get down to the laundry, it's taxing to do this single-handed but not so much that it puts a damper on my lust. This house is a bit too small to get the privacy I need to... get comfortable.

I finish by washing my hair. The process of untying all the knots does soothe me somewhat, and so does touching my mask. I can't openly wear it anymore, it is too well-known, but I keep tucked under my shirt. I leave the blanket out to dry over the window's border and walk back to the main room. I find that Tsek is now sitting cross-legged, still slightly red.

“Can you guard them? I'll make us something good to eat.” Tsek says.

“Yea, sure.” I reply, repressing a sigh.

He gets up in a weird manner, turning his back on me as he stands. He adjusts his pants and pulls his shirt down before hurriedly walking past me. I settle down in his place. Aisha is smiling. I stare her down but she starts grinning.

I throw a glance at Vikiana who is boxing in thin air, ignoring us both. Her shackles clinking with every jab. She's getting worryingly good at fighting with those on. I demand that they give me their flow like each morning but don't absorb it inside my reserves as usual since I need the energy to be golden.

“We could use a bucket of water and a change of clothes too.” Aisha speaks up.

“Seconded.” Vikiana says.

“After lunch.” I tell them.

The two nod in agreement. I start working on my constructs while Tsek cooks, the Exemplar interrupts her training to advise me in mine. Actually, mostly to berate me for my lack of focus this morning.

“I'm just starving.” I lie.

“Right.” Vikiana says dryly. “Well, you're better off waiting than wasting your flow like this.”

“It's not like I lack regeneration.” I reply. “But you're right, there's no point if it isn't beneficial.” The Exemplar nods and goes back to her exercises. “Aisha, I'll need you to write an outline of what I need to send the institute to establish contact with the Director.”

“You sure that's all you need?” She whispers, running her blue eyes up and down my body.

Instead of making me mad, the words make me blush further. I'm quite certain Vikiana didn't hear as she doesn't react, or did not want to hear. I assemble a very low powered lightning construct and shock the Shade.

“Ai! That hurt.” Aisha yelps.

The Exemplar doesn't react in any way, confirming my suspicion that she'd rather act oblivious than acknowledge this. I ignore the Shade and go over my plans for the afternoon, I have a lot to do and I'll have to drag one of them along because can't leave Tsek alone with both.

First, find a merchant who trades with the south, second, a messenger north. I shouldn't use any names and stay vague in case they get intercepted or those I give them to read the contents. It would allow me to hire several people to deliver the same messages instead of trusting a single person.

“Food's ready!” Tsek calls out.

I untie the two of them and we settle at the table to have a meal. Tsek surprises us all with a stew of vegetables, he bought them in a village. After lunch, I tell them to go through the house's wardrobe if they want something clean to wear.

I bring a bucket of water into the bedroom for Aisha and Vikiana but both insist on privacy. Which is annoying but not surprising from the Exemplar, the Shake on the other hand... I unshackle them and take Aisha into the kitchen, telling her to use one of the pots because there's a single bucket.

She starts stripping instead. She quickly takes her shirt off, revealing her naked breasts, without a bra. They're about the size of my own, of mine, her nipples are pushing out just slightly.

I maintain eye contact, it is difficult for me to remain stoic despite knowing that she's baiting me. I set my hand on my sword as a threat but she starts taking her pants off and I decide to cut my losses. I turn away and walk, flee out of the room.

“Aren't you afraid I'm going to run if you don't watch me very closely?” She asks teasingly.

No need to react, she's trying to get a rise out of me. As long as she's trying to flirt she isn't attempting to escape. And I'm not sure I'd be able to control myself if I actually got close to her while she's bare. I wouldn't normally be fooled but I can't trust she won't get the upper hand right now if I tried to smack her down as a warning.

“Keep pushing, see what happens.” I threaten from outside.

“Hm.” Aisha replies.

I ignore her and focus on the Exemplar with my other sense, noticing that Tsek is fidgeting uncomfortably with a higher body temperature than normal. Ah, he definitely heard all that. I suppose that settles it, he's attracted to women. Can't blame him, I do too.

Once the two are done washing up, I get Tsek to shackle Aisha and tie her back to the bed because I just don't want to deal with her now, too much to do today. I take the Exemplar out with me. I stop at a puddle of water and inspect our reflection.

“We don't look too mismatched.” I say. “You definitely don't look like an Exemplar without your weapons and uniform. Still, do something about your face in case you're recognized.”

“I haven't spent much time in Meiridin.” She replies but does lean down to pick up some dust and slap her cheekbones with it. “Good?” She asks.

“Too much, it looks overdone spread it out a bit.” I reply.

We head out towards the second nearest marketplace, a small plaza with few stalls in its center but many shops and guild annexes around it. I wouldn't want to go to a headquarters, small-time merchants and clerks are less likely to draw attention, still, they're less trustworthy as they have no reputation to protect.

“Tell me about these guilds.” I order the Exemplar. “I need a powerful influential one.” I lie.

“These two next to each other, that one I don't know about so they're likely medium-sized, the rest are small to medium.” She replies. “Keep in mind that we look like low-born.” Vikiana adds.

“Just stay outside and don't wander.” I reply.

I pick a small stone building harboring a stall for a medium-sized trade guild. The clerk at the front desk smiles and looks up to me. His expression darkens when he notices my rudimentary clothes, taken from the galley and meant for the slaves.

“H, hello.” I say.

“There's a 'no beggars' sign on the door.” He responds sharply.

“S, so, rry.” I stutter. “I t, took a bath this morning.”

I then take my small pouch out and clumsily riffle through it, making sure that he doesn't catch sight of the gold inside. He watches with exasperation.

“We don't work for bronze.” He tells me.

“My master wants to send a message.” I hurriedly tell him, still going through my pouch.

“From to who?” He asks with a bit more interest.

“Master Liz to Lady Yvonne Shipwold!” I exclaim with a relieved smile.

“I assume you have money.” He notes.

I triumphantly take a single gold coin out. The clerk's face immediately brightens and he makes an appreciative sound.

“At least he knows we run a business, unlike...” He pauses. “Anyway, where should we deliver it?”

“Izta, Yzla, Iszla? Meiria.” I reply.

“Izla Meria?” He asks with a bit of surprise. “Is your Master aware that the entire island fell to the insects?”

“I, maybe?” I respond unhelpfully.

“I doubt he doesn't.” The clerk sighs.

“Master mentioned Telnur!” I exclaim with way too much enthusiasm. I then let my expression drop. “Does that help?”

“It does, we could deliver the message to the guild down south, yes.” He tells me. “It might take a while as we won't risk going through Port-Odo with the rumors that the city is lost.”

“Lost?” I question, concealing my interest under a confused facade.

“A Semplar said they received a message from Port-Odo's Temple this morning, relayed by Kruzser. It wouldn't be the first time one of the Order's novices gets the facts wrong but we can't risk it.” The clerk explains.

His attitude really took a hundred-eighty degree turn since he saw the gold. I suppress the pull to roll my eyes. He didn't even consider turning me down despite his guild not being able to directly deliver the message.

“What are the contents?” He asks.

“I, hum.” I hesitate. “I can't read, or write.” I lie.

“Of course.” He nods with understanding. “Not to worry, just tell me what I need to write.”

He takes a quill and tiny piece of parchment out of a drawer, placing them on the table. I shift my weight from one leg to another, trying to look like I'm uncomfortable.

“N, not that.” I mumble. “Um, I also have a bad memory so my Master gave me a construct.”

“Oh.” He makes a thin smile and puts the writing kit away. “Give it over then, we'll get it delivered.”

“Right!” I say. “Let's see, where did I...”

I frown for his benefit, make it look like I'm so much of a ditz that I actually forgot where I put the construct. I focus within and assemble a message construct with golden flow taken from my captives.

The first words I shape are to tell Yvonne that this is addressed to the Council's new partner in their steel and mining operations, authenticating the origin of the sender by calling to the memory of when she pinned the one who made the messaging construct to a wall a few months back and told her she had a shot with her crush, the moment they became friends.

I then mention that the construct which was taught to that peasant on the eve of Castle Lance's fall is more important than they know, to keep it an absolute secret, which satisfies both my loyalties without betraying anyone.

Greedy merchants might get a bit too interested if they sneak a peek so I add a throwaway phrase, writing in flow that it could garner us several dozen silvers a year. High enough to be believable but not so high that anyone with power would be interested.

I get a little emotional as I write my apologies if my attempt to reach the sister fails, that she should give the next portion of the message to 'L' if it does. I give my thanks to 'C' and delay escalation of 'investments' because she is free to make her own in Meiridin. Finishing by writing that 'C' is one of the few outside of Family that deserved my trust.

The reason I add that isn't only that I believe it, that I feel that way, but also to ensure that the deal I made with Celyz doesn't die with me. If Cetyz is freed, Celyz will feel bound to retreat from Caeviel, whether or not I survive. I hope she'll understand that it stands even if they hold me captive. This is more than necessary considering Port-Odo has no doubt fallen.

No matter the personal cost, I so vowed. My symbiont pulses in agreement. It won't come to the worst, I won't let it.

The Clerk seems to be rapidly losing patience to I get to the last part of the message. I shape an almost entirely separate section of the construct for Leomi in the eventuality that I die.

I inscribe in a few words that 'E' loved her and that 'J' left for Hetlan to find her brother and leave Caeviel with him, that 'J' would forgive her in the end, even if 'J' never reaches out.

She'll make her peace with that, eventually. I can't let her believe that Jessica died, it would be pointless revenge if I'm dead, I would rather die thinking she'll go on with her life. I copy the construct and send it inside my pouch, through my hand, just in time.

“You'd know if it was anchored inside your body!” The clerk shouts. I jump exaggeratedly and seize my pouch to search inside.

“Ah, um, sorry.” I mumble. “It was in my p, pouch, stupid of me, I saw it just a minute ago.”

“Truly.” The clerk agrees.

I smother the impulse to knock him out and take the small golden ball out of the pouch. I cut my link to it and hand it over. He seizes it and jams it inside an iron flask which makes watery sounds. He then assembles a fire construct and takes a wax stick out to seal the flask with it.

“Looks rudimentary. Whatever, it's done. The payment and you can go.” He declares flatly.

“T, thanks.” I say.

I extend my hand out, holding the gold piece between my index and thumb. He holds his palm out but I don't drop it. He frowns and takes hold of the coin, pulling it out of my fingers' grip. He pockets it in a flash.

“Um, change?” I ask.

“Change? This is expensive, and we'll be paying holding fees to the guild in Telnur.” He shakes his head and throws a pointed look at the door over my shoulder.

I keep playing the shy, clumsy, idiot, low-born and rush out of the building. Vikiana is waiting outside, she hasn't moved since I left her there. She's so cooperative, I could almost trust the woman. If I were stupid.

“Remember my threat?” I ask.

“Which one?” She questions with a small smile.

“The one about the lightning construct.” I reply. The corners of her mouth drop.

“What did you do?!” She exclaims.

“Quiet.” I utter harshly. “I sent the information to someone I trust. If this goes wrong because you betrayed me, the Empire will have bigger problems than the Rykz.”

“Are you insane? How will the one you sent it to know if you just died trying?!” The Exemplar snaps.

“I am insane, or so I've been told.” I grin and knock on my wooden mask under my shirt. “But you shouldn't worry, it was coded in a way that only the Rykz would understand and I specifically told my guy or girl to release this to them only if it is revealed that I was betrayed.” I lie.

“Still much too risky.” Vikiana counters but does relax a tiny bit.

“Then make sure this doesn't go sideways.” I tell her. “The information will also be given to the Rykz if it is discovered that my symbiont ate me alive. Considering that the Rykz found out where their Princess was taken, I doubt you could keep that a secret.”

“We're not trying to escape and we've done as you've told us, Elizabeth.” She says, frustrated.

“Take it as a way to guarantee that you'll keep doing that.” I reply.

I then copy the message construct a half-dozen more times and head out through Meiridin's streets to look for another marketplace, someone else to give a message to.

It takes me half the afternoon to find and pay merchants to deliver the message. I cut the deal short with those who don't have flasks like the first one did, considering that they might be trying to take the gold and not deliver it.

I change my low-born act and the recipient at every guild. Some I send to Meria's Council, others to Cecil. I even send one to the tavern owner but that one is so vague that the woman might take it as a prank. The last, I send to Port-Odo. By the end of the day, my gold pouch is almost empty and I decide to keep the rest to send a letter to my brother.