1

The next day, after their visit to the Coliseum, Elwin and Emerson were anxious to get some training for one of the guildhall masters. Following the advice given to them by the guildhall clerk, they found the nearby park where the training took place. Elwin was eager to keep up their skills. Real combat had shaken his confident a little bit. He was afraid that too much idol time in the city was not helping. They were already struggling in battle more than he had expected. Uskker had taught him much, Emery had taught him even more, now he was a little curious to see what else he could learn.

It was a strange thing about the city, Elwin thought. They have these parks where people go to relax. Lots of tree, grass and open field, yet everything else around the city was built out of stone or wood. All the roads and sidewalks were flagstone. There were a few main streets that were lined with small trees, but little else. For a farm boy who grew up in the country this was hard to understand. Elwin was used to fields and forests that surrounded his farm back home. But the City of Verant fascinated him. The Imperial Palace had its own garden with a large pond. Elwin had not seen the Garden Quarter yet, but he had heard that all the rich families had lavish estate homes with large properties filled with well groomed trees and flower gardens. For the rest of the citizens of Verant City, the parks, scattered all about the city, were their only respite from stones, wood, mud and cement.

The park they went to was huge, larger even then Elwin’s ten-acre family estate. Large oak and maple trees were scattered about the well-groomed grassy lawn. Many people were gathered around. Mostly people had picnics, played games or just relaxed. But one section of the park was where the training took place.

They were instructed by a grizzled old man who had more scars than wrinkles. He was gruff and not very likeable, but he knew what he was doing. He drilled a whole group of them in several hand-to-hand techniques. He was not shy and would seize one of them by the arm and force them to take a proper stance. They had to hold their weapon just right and stand with there feet positioned very precisely.

More than once, Rith found himself lying on his backside with the old man lording over him. “What’s the matter with you boy! Have you no balance!” The old man hollered at him.

The one time that Anna giggled, it caused the trainer to whirl on her.

“What’s so funny, eh?” The old man bellowed. “You think it will be humorous to watch one of your friends die in combat?”

“I have seen a friend die in combat!” She yelled back. Her face flushed with excitement. Elwin felt a sudden twinge of pain as he understood the reference.

“Well then little girl, if you understand what’s at stake here, then why are you laughing?” The trainer said putting emphasis on little girl.

Anna’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment. After that, Anna decided that hand-to-hand combat was not something she needed to know that much about. Instead, she did her training with a much nicer bow expert. He took her through some target practice. Being the youngest, she had the most to learn, but the bow instructor was patient. He spent many hours with her, showing her the finer point of picking a target and coaxing the arrow into flying true. She learned to hold her breath at the moment of release in order to steady the shot to an even greater degree.

Elwin liked the idea of Anna using the bow. It was more suiting to her skill set. Besides, he did not want Anna to put herself in a position that was too dangerous. He was still being protective of her. He was afraid that if she was seriously hurt or killed, it would be on his hands. He preferred to have her hang back during heated combat. Out of the way of danger. He ability with the bow improved greatly during those lessons and the bow master was quite happy to teach her.

They spent two days doing their drills. At the end of the second day, it had become very hot in the late afternoon. They had gone to the Grand Bazaar to relax and grab something to eat when they bumped into Selby.

Selby looked splendid in new clothing. He wore a white puff shirt that looked breezy and cool on such a hot day. He wore a new wide-brimmed hat shading his face from the sun. He looked a lot happier than when they had last seen him.

“Ah, my friends! How are you?” He greeted them.

They exchanged pleasantries. They asked Selby what he had been doing with his time in the city. He explained that he was still staying nearby. He had won a bit of money betting at the coliseum and now he was just relaxing and enjoying the city.

“As much as I love the Lion and the Gladiator,” Selby explained referencing a local tavern he was staying at. “It just doesn’t have the excitement at night that I was hoping for. I was thinking of going to the Crassidio tonight.”

“Isn’t that the big wooden building by the north gate?” Anna asked. She remembered that she and Rith walked past it one day when they were wondering the Grand Bazaar.

“Yes, that’s right!” Selby proclaimed. “Say how would you like to join me tonight?”

“Absolutely!” Elwin replied. The four companions were quick to agree. A night out was just what they were looking for. After hours of gruelling training, they need to let off a bit of steam. They quickly got excited about how much fun it could be.

“I’m not entirely sure what the name means though,” Rith said.

“Its from the original Verantian dialect. It means classless in the sense that it doesn’t matter what class you come from, everyone is equal there,” Selby explained.

“I like the sound of that!” Anna said.

“Take care friends,” Selby said. “I’ll meet you there at sundown!”

2

The Crassidio stood at the northern end of the Grand Bazaar on the east side, next to the massive stone archway of the inner wall. The building itself was hundreds of years old. The ground floor was fieldstone, but the top three floors were all solid oak stained a dark brown, almost black from many times being recoated. The second and third floors had large balconies the jutted out from the face of the building and shrouding the veranda and entrance in shadows.

Evening had fallen. From within the huge iron banded doors, the noise of drunken merriment could be heard echoing down the street. This was typical of the Crassidio as Selby had explained. They had been in city a few days now and although there were many taverns in the Grand Bazaar, this one stood out as both the largest and oldest. Consequently, it was also the most popular, especially among the youthful and the wealthy.

Tonight, was no different than any other night. The Crassidio was bursting at the seams with music and shouting that emerged from the windows, doors and balconies. The party approached the front door at sundown just as Selby had instructed.

After they ran into Selby in the Grand Bazaar that afternoon, the companions had returned to their inn room. They were staying at the Verant River View Inn now. It was cheaper than staying in the Grand Bazaar part of town. It was half a mile west of the Bazaar overlooking the river, but the name was a bit of a misnomer. Indeed, the river was right there, but the view was more of the harbour where ships docked. It was not much of a tourist area, but the price was half of what they had been paying, so the group was content. Thrift was of dire importance now. Once again, the four were sleeping in a single room in order to save money.

That evening they changed their attire, putting on clean clothes. Peasant clothes, Elwin noted. He realised that he was becoming more self-conscious of their manner of dress. Elwin looked around as the Crassidio came into their view. He saw a few people hanging around near the building and talking. Everyone seemed to be dressed up in a higher fashion than is normally seen on the streets. People were wearing the finest and most fashionable clothing they owned. The party did not have much style, simple breeches and a shirt, farmers clothing. They wore home spun cloaks to ward off the night chill, as well as hiding the fact that they were shabbily dressed.

As they ascended the front porch stairs of the Crassidio, Elwin felt that they had earned this night out. After all their hard work, this was just what they needed. They spent most of their time training the last few days, but they were not just going though the motions. Being so young and inexperienced, they revelled in the opportunity to learn combat techniques from real masters who worked for the guild. They had all worked their hardest to develop new skills and techniques.

Inside, the Crassidio was warm and inviting. The ground floor was one vast common room with a stage at the back of the room where people were performing. Fiddles ground out a tune while a young slender woman in a black lace dress sang loud enough to fill the whole building. As the group wandered around the great room, they noticed two large spiralling staircases flanking the stage that went all the way up to the top floor. Each floor was open in the center looking down onto the stage. Small tables and scattered chairs were everywhere, but most were already occupied. It was barely sundown and already the Crassidio was busier than any tavern they had ever seen. There was good mix of men and women of all ages too, yet most of the crowd seemed to be on the young side, mostly in their late teens or early twenties. Before they had left Selby that afternoon, he had told them that this tavern was a good place to meet a woman who as he put it “weren’t doxies!” Elwin had no doubt about that. Most of the people in the great room looked wealthy. No need to sell your body when you already had more money than most people make in a lifetime. This was not a place for doxies.

For Elwin’s part, he was not looking for love that night. He still had the odd haunting nightmare of Levka, although they were starting to fade. He was there for the drink and the entertainment. It looked like they were going to get much of both.

Elwin looked to Rith and Anna. Were they looking for love? Or had they already found it perhaps? Elwin wondered if his little brother might be infatuated with Anna. They did seem to spend a lot of time together. He was sure that Anna would not let any man in this place touch her. As for how she felt about Rith… Well, that was a complete mystery to Elwin. If she was in love already it did not show on her face. And Rith was tight lipped and somewhat introverted. Even so Elwin thought, he would tell me, right?

Elwin’s thoughts turned to Emerson. Emerson always liked to think of himself as a ladies’ man. He seemed to have a way with women that probably stemmed from being both handsome and brawny. He was not as smooth with his tongue as other people might be, but he was aware of such short comings. Usually, he played the strong silent role, yet he had his moments. Emerson was the first person that he knew that felt Ursa’s breasts, a girl from back home. He was not the only one, just the first. He claimed she lifted her dress for him too, but Elwin doubted that was true. Emerson was just boasting, he thought. Or was he?

3

Elwin was roused from his thoughts by a whistle. Anna tugged at his cloak and pointed up. Selby waved to them from the second floor. The performers were between songs. Elwin heard him shout. “Come up, I have a table!”

The companions climbed the stairs. On the stage a middle-aged man wearing a black toga stepped to the center. A pale thin woman sat behind a piano. This stunned Elwin because he had never seen a piano in real life before. He had heard about them, even saw a drawing of one in a book, but they were such an expensive luxury that no one back home had one.

The man belted out a sorrowful love song in a deep voice that filled the entire building. The piano tapped out a slow mournful melody. The companions had never heard the song, but it was a popular one in the city. They were fascinated by it. By the sounds that the piano made. By the man’s deep baritone voice.

If all the world and love were young

And truth in every shepherd's tongue,

These pretty pleasures might me move

To live with thee and be thy love.

But could youth last and love still breed,

Had joys no date nor age no need,

Then these delights my mind might move

To live with thee and be thy love.

The song continued while the companions met with Selby who encouraged them to sit down and relax. He already had one pitcher of ale waiting at the table. He accosted a nearby serving wench and demanded another pitcher and four more mugs.

“Welcome to the greatest tavern in all of Verant City!” He gestured grandly with his arms. “Magnificent, isn’t it?”

“It’s hard to take it all in!” Elwin commented. He sat next to a rough-cut post that came up from the ground floor, it was almost a foot and a half wide. There was a dozen of them supporting the central structure.

“I didn’t expect singing. Do people dance as well?” Anna asked clasping her hand before her. Their table was near the railing that looked down on the main floor, they could see the stage from their vantage point.

“Aye! Of course, they do my Lady!” Selby replied tipping his wide brimmed hat her way. His fancy white billowing shirt shimmered like silk in the candlelight. His blue eyes twinkled with excitement. His full beard was neatly trimming. “Once this crowd has a few drinks in ‘em, they’ll push the tables aside and dance. Could I have the honour of the first dance?”

Anna blushed fanning her face with her hand. The deep red hue stood out against her bright white sundress. It was the only dress she had that could be worn to such a place. Elwin knew that she wished she had better clothing, that she was better prepared, that she simply was not this embarrassed!

“Of course, you may!” Anna managed to squeak out. Everyone laughed and the good times began.

Rith looked at her baffled. Elwin saw that he was uncomfortable and with good reason. The older men at the table were smoother than he was. They knew how to talk to women. He still struggled with it. He probably longed to be alone with Anna, Elwin thought. But even that was a struggle for him to say to her. Instead, Rith remained silent and stared out at the crowd of people.

The serving wench arrived with the new pitcher and a handful of battered pewter mugs. Everyone grabbed a mug and filled up. Soon the festival atmosphere lifted their spirits to new heights. They had not been this happy since they had left home weeks before. They had never seen Selby smile like this before. He was a totally new man after only a few days in the city.

New singers took to the stage and preformed. As Selby had predicted, the tables were hastily pushed aside. People began dancing a jig to fiddle music.

“How about that dance Anna?” Selby asked leaning over to her. He used his most seductive voice. Smooth and milky, it caressed her ears.

Anna swallowed hard and looked frightened. Her pulse was racing. “I don’t know how to dance to this music!”

“Aye, but I do! Come, I’ll show you, it’s easy! Just follow my lead!” Taking her hand, Selby led Anna down to the common room floor. She looked back at the table briefly, not sure of what she had gotten herself into, but she went with him anyway.

Rith shot Elwin a worry glare.

“Relax Rith, he’s what ten years her senior. She’s only interested in learning to dance… Hopefully!” Elwin assured him. He and Emerson laughed just the same.

Rith was refilling his mug from the second pitcher. His first mug was already empty. They all had a desperate needed to drink, as the second pitcher was quickly drained.

Suddenly Emerson tapped Elwin’s arm.

“Elwin, look! It’s her!” Emerson pointed up to the third floor. Elwin could see a group of three women leaning on the railing and looking out over the crowd below. He recognized one of them. She was the guard from a few days ago, the one that had winked at Emerson when he waved to her. She was clearly off duty since she was out of uniform and wearing a very luxurious dress. Unfortunately, she was not alone.

“Why don’t you talk to her?” Elwin questioned.

Emerson gave him a horrified look like he just suggested butchering his parents. “Surely you’re joking!”

“Why not?” Elwin teased. He knew the reason was obvious, but he pressed him anyways, just for fun. “She saw you at the café, she looked right at you and winked. She’ll recognize you.”

“She has friends with her for one thing! I can’t just walk up to her like that!” Emerson protested. “This isn’t Salome Hollow. She far prettier than any girl back home.”

Elwin laughed he had never seen Emerson so intimidated before. The moment was priceless. He understood that women often went out on groups like this for protection and comfort. There were no women here on their own. They were all chaperoned so to speak.

After a few songs, Anna and Selby returned to the table.

“Say Selby, you see that woman over there?” Elwin pointed her out. “The one in the black dress with the red dragon embroidered down the side.”

“Aye!” Selby said with a cocked eyebrow. “A fine lass if ever there was one.”

“My friend Emerson here is interested in that girl. What do you think, should he go talk to her?” Elwin asked.

Emerson studied his mug of ale intensely, refusing to look up or acknowledge that Elwin had really said such a thing.

Selby looked at Emerson sceptically. “That girl over there is wearing a dress that would be an entire month wage for a common man. That makes her high born to be certain. She’s way above your class. What make you think you can talk to her, even in a place such as this?”

“I saw her a few days ago,” Emerson replied looking up at him. “I waved to her, and she winked back at me.”

Selby looked both surprised and impressed. “Well then! Doesn’t that just change everything! In that case, I think you should go talk to her! What are you waiting for man!”

“I can’t,” Emerson shook his head defeated. “She’s not alone.”

Anna laughed at him revelling in his discomfort. “Emerson the mighty warrior, afraid of a young woman! Imagine that!”

He gave her a withering glare.

“What do you think Selby?” Elwin questioned. “Can we help my friend out?”

“Surely we can!” Selby said getting up. He drained his mug and slammed it down.

Emerson suddenly found himself flanked by Elwin and Selby.

“No, no, no!” Emerson tried to protest, but it was useless.

“Don’t think about it Emerson, just do it,” Selby said to him. “Think of it like combat, but in a different form. You have to lead with your instincts.”

This was a good opportunity to be braver than his friend. Elwin thought to himself. Besides, the second pitcher was already finished and they had to wait for the next one to arrive. Time for a bit of frivolity!

Each one grabbed an arm and they dragged Emerson to his feet. Somehow Emerson kept his hand on the mug. Elwin laughed. They held him tight to the stairs, but after that Emerson started to regain his nerve, too late to turn back now, his pride was on the line. They relaxed their grip. Selby and Elwin looked at each other and nodded. Emerson would have more nerve if they went with him.

The ladies were on the floor above them. They had been looking around absently, casually talking to each other while sipping glasses of red wine. The three of them all appeared to be high born. Most likely they were part of the ruling class in Verant City and probably live in the Imperial Garden Quarter, Elwin surmised.

4

As the three men approached, they let Selby take the lead. He was older and had some experience dealing with woman. In fact, he proved to be smooth with the ladies. His stylish clothes, although far from aristocratic, showed that he had some coin and even more taste. He had a roguish smile across his face.

Much like a wolf hunting a deer, Emerson knew the idea was to separate the target from the pack. They let Selby engage the young ladies in frivolous conversation while Elwin simply followed his lead hoping to learn something himself in the process no doubt. Emerson stayed to the back and worked his way around to the side where he could approach the object of his desire without interference.

Emerson moved in beside the woman at the railing. She was looking the other way. He could smell her perfume as he approached. It was sweet, but airy, like a goddess, he thought. Finally, he got up enough nerve to speak. “Ah, so how does one become a City Guard?”

She turned to look at him. A pleasant smile crossed her face. She clearly recognized him. She was incredibly beautiful, he thought. It made his knees weak, he leaned heavily on the railing. It was not the drink that was affecting him. He swallowed hard thinking that Selby might be right. Maybe she was too high above him in class. Was she about to embarrass him? He wondered.

Her fair skin was smooth and clean, lightly covered with a powdery make-up. She had brilliant deep blue eyes and she kept her long fair hair tied up in a bun, held together by two ivory sticks. The long black velvet dress clung tightly to her curvy figure. Beneath was the slight hint of muscle. A side effect of being a warrior, Emerson guessed. He noticed that the embroidered red dragon design ran the entire length of the dress on the one side. From nose to tail it glittered in the light. Emerson felt that she looked stunning in that dress. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. No one back home owned anything so elegant. The sleeves were short, her forearms were exposed.

“Well, it helps to have a daddy with some influence,” She chuckled. Her smile and laugh were both infectious and completely disarming. In an airy voice she said. “And it’s an Imperial Guard, by the way!”

“Sorry!”

“Don’t be. Most people aren’t even sure what the different is, so you’ve impressed me already!” Her voice was so light and charming, it was putting him at ease. “You look familiar. Where have I seen you before?”

“The café, a few days ago,” Emerson replied. But he was pretty sure she already recognized him.

“Ah, yes,” she said. “Now I remember you waved at me. Very bold, by the way.”

“Sorry.”

“Why?” She giggled and took a sip of her wine. She gave him the same sly wink that she had given him that day at the café.

Emerson was enraptured. Her teeth were so perfectly white and straight when she smiled. A smile he could get lost in forever. “May I ask your name?” He ventured.

She reached into the top of her dress with her free hand. Grabbing a fine gold chain, she pulled it out. There was a small medallion on it. It depicted an arch with a capital A beneath it. “I am Quinn, from the house of Aquitaine. Perhaps you’ve heard of us?”

Emerson shook his head, much to Quinn’s disappointment. “The name sounds familiar, but I’m not from the city. I come from a small farming community in Militar. My name is Emerson, by the way. We don’t really have family names where I come from. I guess I’m son of Emery.”

Emerson was sweating now. The name was familiar, wasn’t it? He thought. Where had he heard the name before? Was it something that his brother or father had mentioned? Was the Aquitaine family involved with the war? They were, weren’t they! It suddenly donned on him. One of her family members was a general that had supported The Emperor. It was too late, he already sounded ignorant. Better go with, he thought.

If Quinn of Aquitaine was offended it did not show, she merely laughed. Emerson started to wonder if she was covering up her own nervousness or mocking him for being a country bumpkin. “It’s alright Emerson, son of Emery, although I am a little surprised! My family is traced all the way back to the tribal era, the Vestillas Tribe of course. About three hundred years ago, my forefathers came up with a brilliant idea to build the aqueducts. They funded the project and were richly reward by many Emperor’s for their contribution to the Empire. Gold, title, ruling class status, the sort of things others only dream about!”

“Wow, that amazing!” Emerson replied honestly. He had never met a woman quite like her before. It was strange to him. He marvelled at her bubbly personality. It seemed so contrary to life of an Imperial Guard. “When I saw you the other day, I thought you looked so beautiful, dressed in armour upon your horse!”

She shifted her weight uneasily from one hip to the other and rolled her eyes. She tittered and took a long sip from her glass to cover her embarrassment.

Emerson knew that he had said the wrong thing, inwardly he cursed himself. Idiot! He thought. She probably gets a million compliments a day! I mean just look at her! She probably tired of such hollow and flattering words. Now you’re just sounding like every other commoner out there! Emerson took a long pull from his own mug.

“So, Quinn, if I may call you that,” he said trying desperately to regain his footing, but the high-born class was so difficult to grapple. What was he to say? She nodded that it was alright to continue. “With all the power and wealth that your family possesses, why work at all? Couldn’t you live a life of leisure? Why become an Imperial Guard?”

“Of course, I could let servants carry me around on a litter if I wished, but how exciting do you think that would be? Some people were born to have a weapon in their hands,” Quinn said. She reached out and squeezed his broad arm muscles. “Isn’t that right farm boy? I bet you’re most comfortable wielding a shovel or a pitchfork?”

“Farm boy? That’s adventurer to be correct!” He teased her gently with his own nervous laugh. “Trust me on this, I’m more comfortable with a sword in my hands!”

“You know ladies,” Selby said addressing all of them and interrupting Emerson in the process. Not that Emerson minded. The atmosphere was intense. Selby had a way of putting people at ease. “We have a large table down on the next floor. Why don’t you three come and join us. Just for a few drinks, nothing more I promise!”

There was a nervous giggle among the women, but reluctantly they agreed. Emerson sensed that Quinn was their leader and if she wanted to join them, the other two would obey without question. He did not know why, but he knew it was true. Normally the high born would not even talk with the lower classes, but since the ice had already been broken and a few drinks had already be consumed, the noble women took them up on their offer. The group returned to the table where the next pitcher was already waiting for them. It was a rare chance if ever there was one.

5

The companions discovered that the other two ladies were named Tass, who was actually Quinn’s cousin and her best friend Luna from the house of Rayne. All three women were from wealthy ruling class families. They were not keen on ale. It was far too common for their tastes. These comments made Anna look dejected as her third mug of ale sat before her. She sipped at it a bit self-consciously. She worried that she might not fit in with these other women. Wine for her was too strong and she preferred the weaker ale.

The upper-class women loved their wine, so Selby order a bottle to the table when he was able to flag down a serving wench. For the aristocrats, the wench did not take nearly as long, much to everyone else’s annoyance.

“Where do you live?” Anna asked. She tried to make polite conversation. She had never talked to anyone so high-born before.

A bottle of vintage red wine arrived at the table.

Tass laughed as Selby filled her glass for her. “Why the Imperial Garden Quarter, of course!” As if Anna was asking the most obvious thing in the world. Everyone in Verant City knew that the ruling class lived there, but Tass’ off-handed way of answering bordered on being insulting.

“The family estate home here is nice, but I much prefer the larger estate in Palantine,” Quinn commented defusing the tension.

Emerson noted that she was shrewd. He did not hesitate to fill her glass for her. The women would have everything they would need without lifting a finger. It was a treatment that he was certain they were accustomed to, he thought. They probably owned slaves that did everything for them.

“Have you met the new Emperor?” Rith asked the women in general.

“Yes,” Quinn said. “My father is good friends with him. I have been to the palace a few times already.”

The other two ladies nodded. They had both met him at the coronation ceremony.

“What’s he like?” Anna asked, the sting of the earlier insult already fading. She ventured forth with child-like glee.

“A very nice person and a strong leader. Our family supported him during the war,” Tass commented.

Emerson nodded. He knew it! His father and brother had mentioned her family. That was where he knew the name from! They were heavily involved in the civil war. Her father must have been a general.

“As did ours!” Luna of the house of Rayne added. She raised her glass in an invisible toast. Everyone else did the same.

“Hail to The Emperor!” Emerson declared. They all drank.

“Some supported the other side, the Empress and her son Pero. They were crushed by my father’s legions at Golden Meadows,” Quinn stated casually. She suddenly had a lace fan in her hands, as if it was pulled out of thin air. It was warm in the Crassidio that night. Summer was fast approaching. She fanned herself nonchalantly.

“House of Thaine is despised at the moment. The Empress’ family supported her much to their detriment!” Tass added.

Selby spoke up. “They thought because they had the Red Dragon Army under their control, they could impose their will on the Empire. Ha! They underestimated the influence and power of the ruling families.”

Emerson had noticed that Luna did not like the conversations about war and battles. She was the youngest of the three ladies, maybe the same age as Elwin and Emerson. Tass and Quinn appeared to be a few years older, but he was not about to ask just how old.

“That’s a lovely sundress!” Luna said to Anna. Quinn was quick to agree with her.

Emerson liked Quinn more and more. She had a way with people that put them at ease much like Selby could, but in a gentle feminine way.

Anna blushed. “It’s not nearly as nice as your dresses! You must have dozens even nicer!”

Anna referred to the red silken gowned that Luna wore.

Tass laughed. “More like hundreds!”

“Luna has a closet larger that some peoples bed chambers!” Quinn said chuckling.

Anna asked what seemed like a million questions of the ladies, questions all about clothing, servants, private bathhouses and massive sprawling estates. For their part the ladies loved to be the center of attention. They impressed the group with stories of all the fabulous things that wealth could buy. It was a world the companions had never seen before, yet it sounded so fascinating. To have so much coin that you never really had to work or do much of anything. Most of the ruling families would spend time visiting with each other and plotting to control this aspect of the Empire or another. Plots, strategic alliances, intrigue this was how the rich filled up their days.

6

Eventually Emerson noticed that Quinn was growing tired of the conversation around the table, so he asked her if she wanted some fresh air out on the balcony. She agreed. Her friends looked distrustful, but Quinn nodded to them that it was alright. Emerson excused them both from the table.

Once they were alone, he assured her that her friends were quite safe. Although he could not vouch personally for Selby, he knew the others very well and assured her that they were honourable people.

“Your friend Anna seemed very inquisitive,” Quinn commented as the strolled out onto the balcony. It was huge, almost a dozen feet wide with another balcony above it and below. It ran the entire width of the front of the Crassidio which was over a hundred feet. There were other people also out on the balcony, but most were smoking pipes or engaged in casual conversation with one another.

“She’s a young girl. Your world intrigues her, I guess. Honestly, I wasn’t sure she should be part of our party, but she is so damn good with a bow,” Emerson said as the cool night air caressed them both. He offered her his cloak, but she refused. So, he held out his arm as another offer which she did take him up on. He could feel the subtle strength in her muscles; relaxed, but still present. He had never met a woman like this before, beautiful and strong. It was a wild combination, unheard of back home.

They stepped to the railing, breathing in fresh air. They looked out at the lights burning all over the city. Emerson looked for a way to make conversation, so he recalled one that he and Elwin had earlier in the week.

“Do you believe in fate Quinn?” He asked, but it sound forced. She gave him a quizzical look. He clarified. “You know, like destiny. I heard an old druid call it Wyd once.”

“Do you always talk high philosophy with women you hardly know?” She gave him a sly teasing smile.

Emerson smiled back. “Sorry! I know it sounds stupid. It was just something Elwin and I were discussing a while ago. This mazy old druid woman said we were wydring. Do you know the term?”

Quinn shook her head. “Sounds like something a wizard would say though,” she said whimsically. “Besides, we make our own fate in life.”

“Now you sound just like Elwin!” Emerson replied.

“Your friend back at the table?” She asked rhetorically. “He sounds pretty smart to me. You should listen to him.”

Emerson chuckled to himself. “We usually do,” he said as much to himself as to her. They stood in silence for a moment on the balcony, breathing the cool night air. Three floors below the streets were excited with young people and revellers, drinking and laughing as the walk back and forth about the Grand Bazaar.

“So do you consider yourself a warrior?” Emerson asked. Again, it sounded like he was trying to force the conversation. He did not like the silence in between. It was always a sign that things might not be going right. Yet as soon as he said it, he immediately thought it was a stupid question and cursed himself for it. He cursed himself for not being smart enough to impress this attractive creature known only as Quinn of Aquitaine.

“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. If it was a stupid question, she did not seem to notice. “I guess so. I was always intrigued with combat, swords, war. My father says I should have been born a man! The Gods made a mistake when they made you a girl! He would often say to me.”

“Perhaps it suits you?” Emerson offered.

She blushed. Her crimson fan became a blur. “Thank you, I think? But I like to think that I could handle myself in real battle. Of course, all my friends think I’m completely insane! Why would I want to put myself in danger like that? I don’t think being an Imperial Guard is that dangerous. I mean we mostly police young noble brats. They usually don’t fight us. They know their families can buy them out of whatever trouble they’re in, so they usually come willingly. Besides they have me dressed in plate mail armour, which is very confining, heavy and hot.”

“Do you even like doing it?” Emerson enquired.

She nodded. “I guess it gives me something to do, a purpose in life. But it’s still not enough for me. Oh, how I wish for something more real! You know, real combat, I want to test myself. My brothers and male cousins all got to fight in the civil war, but women can’t join. But my father the great general had to go and marry me off instead!”

“You’re married!” Emerson said a little louder than he intended.

She shook her head quickly before he got the wrong idea. “Widowed, actually! My husband was killed during the war two years ago. I moved back to my parent’s estate after that. Honestly this is my first time really going out and talking to people. And I’m glad I did. You seem really nice.”

Emerson gave her a strange look. “How old are you?” He questioned.

“Sorry! I know it sounds rather strange already being widowed at such a young age. I’m twenty. I was married when I was sixteen. Everything was arranged by my father. And no, I don’t have any children,” she explained as if she already knew what question would come next.

Emerson relaxed again. There was another long silence while he processed what she had just told him. It was like she lived in a fantasy world, isolated and with little understanding of what was beyond the gates. He doubted that she could handle herself in real combat. Anna could do it sure, but Anna grew up on a farm doing real labour, training in combat and the bow. It was her whole life. Anna could survive, but Quinn? Probably not. Finally, he said. “Real combat isn’t as romantic as you might think. It’s actually quite gory. I don’t think you would enjoy it at all.”

She looked at him sourly. “I’ve been to the Coliseum many times Emerson. My family has a box there, you know. I’ve seen real blood and guts. I’m not a squeamish little girl!”

“I understand, I’m sorry,” he held up his hands defensively. “I’m just saying that out in the wilderness, when it’s your life that’s on the line, killing someone isn’t as glorious as it appears. And watching someone you know die, well… that’s far worse.”

She looked at him with her deep blue eyes. “Well Emerson, the great adventurer. I bet you’ve seen real combat, haven’t you?” Emerson nodded grimly. She continued. “I wish I could go off adventuring, but I’m sure my father has other plans for me. He had to pull strings just to get me the position I have now.”

“I guess somethings don’t change, regardless of class!” Emerson said. “I’m lucky. My father was a warrior himself, so he considered adventuring a somewhat noble profession. He would prefer I be a soldier, but he accepted what I wanted to do with my life.”

“You men have it so easy!” She complained. “I’m twenty and I still have to do what my father tells me. He is forever introducing me to various noblemen. I have refused two suitors in the last month. I don’t know where he finds these drunken louts! The problem with most high born men these days is that they are too excessive in their drinking and not discrete enough in their affairs! If you think about it though, I am widowed, so technically, I am my own person. I guess ultimately, I don’t have to do what my father says…”

“I get that. I needed permission from my father to leave the farm. My mother was not happy about it, but its his family,” Emerson said. He realized he was still holding her hand. She did not let go, but she felt clammy, nervous.

Quinn’s eyes darted around scanning the crowd. She said. “I told him I wanted to find love on my own, but father just laughed and said I would end up an old maid. I’m sure he’ll keep bring new suitors around until I accept one. I know my father well, it the kind of person he is. I love him, but he’s far too old-fashioned. I need to get out of this city. I haven’t seen enough of the world.”

Emerson could resist no longer. He leaned in to kiss her.

Quinn put her hand up to block him and pulled away.

“No, no, no!” She said looking around again. “Do you think me some girl back on the farm? Does this look like the back of a barn? I’m not so easy Emerson. For me to kiss a commoner in public… Not possible. My father would know before I even got home. I wouldn’t hear the end of it for months.”

“I’m so sorry, Quinn! I wasn’t thinking clearly! We’ve had a lot to drink tonight!” Emerson insisted. “It’s just… You’re so beautiful! I’m really sorry! I don’t understand this city sometimes,” Inside Emerson was panicking. He was sure that he had ruined his chances of getting to know her better. He let go of her hand. Red faced, he turned to walk away.

Too presumptuous, you fool! He thought. He did not understand the wealthy, but he knew she was right. They were from different classes, different world. He should have paid more attention to the social cues and drank a lot less. He should have approached a girl that was more his class maybe.

Before he could make it back to the table, he felt Quinn’s strong hand on his shoulder. “Emerson, please!” Her voice had an edge to it, like she was almost pleading with him.

He stopped and turned to face her. “I don’t want to cause you any more trouble,” he said in his flattest tone.

He thought that she seemed confused by her own emotions and frustration in the difference in stations in life. Was there something in her own pleading voice that disturbed her? Her expression was unreadable.

“I must apologise to you, I fear,” the words seemed so unnatural falling from her lips… her full luscious lips. Emerson sensed that the words almost stuck in her throat when she spoke them. The ruling class did not usually apologize to anyone. They did what they wanted. She fought back her pride. “Its fine, we’ll just forget it,” she sighed and stared into her wineglass. “I am enjoying being out with my friends for the first time in a long while, I’m enjoying your company, but this is also a public place. I am well known in this city. I must be careful about what my parents will hear. You don’t know what my mother is like…”

“Believe me, I know mothers,” he said.

“I’m sure you mother cooks and cleans and makes your clothing. You know what my mother does? Nothing, because she doesn’t have to. Servants do everything for her,” Quinn said. “So, she interferes in our lives for fun.”

“Maybe we should just return to the table and talk with the others,” he said hesitantly.

“Yes, your right,” she looked uncertain about something. Then she said. “Maybe it’s the wine, but you know what… Fuck it!” She leaned in quick and gave him a quick kiss, right on the lips. She pulled back and looked around. No one seemed to be paying them any attention. “Do not tell anybody, understand?”

“Yes, my Lady,” Emerson said completely bewildered by what had just happened. Her smell, her taste still there on his lips.

“Now be a gentleman and escort me back to the table,” Quinn told him. She took his hand again and they walked back to join the others.

7

“…And so, I had to pull him up out of the pit trap!” Anna exclaimed pointed a finger at Elwin. There was much laughter from the group at the table.

“What was I supposed to do, that thing stole my sword!” Elwin said defensively. “I had to get it back, it was a gift from my neighbor.”

“They are called kobolds. And you’re the one who fell asleep on watch!” Rith piped in.

“It was one time! It was morning already!” Elwin tried to defend himself, but Selby and the two women with them could not stop giggling. “You and Emerson should have been awake already.”

“You have to take watch at night?” Luna asked. She looked at Elwin. “Is it that dangerous on the road?”

“Yeah, it can be,” he said with a shrug.

“You were almost killed,” Emerson pointed out as he and Quinn returned to the table. He held her chair for her.

“Quinn!” Tass said. “And where have you two been? Anna here was telling us some wonderful stories. They had some interesting adventures already.”

“I like this one here,” Luna said wrapping her arms around Elwin’s neck. She had quietly moved into the seat next to him while Emerson was gone. Emerson always sat on Elwin’s right side. “I could use a personal bodyguard to protect me from, what was it again? Kobolds? Goblins?”

“We have fought both and more,” Emerson said sitting down next to Quinn. He refilled his mug with ale.

“Yeah, have you ever seen an ogre?” Anna asked them. “They are twice the size of full-grown man!”

“Now that was scary,” Rith added.

“It’s this guy right here. This is a real warrior,” Selby said pointing to Emerson. “We got into a bar brawl in Golden Meadows and Emerson fought three men at once. Even smashed one in the face so hard with a pitcher, that he broke the guy’s nose.”

“Really?” Quinn said in surprise. “Three of them?”

“What was I supposed to do, they had me surrounded against the bar. I was minding my own business. They were drunk and looking for a fight. We were strangers and then the saw this,” he pointed to the clasp of his cloak that had the symbol of the Frey family and the Empire.

“Did you say Golden Meadows? They do not like The Emperor there,” Tass said shaking her head. “I would avoid the place from now on.”

Selby cozied up to Tass. “If only we had met you sooner! We could have avoided all of that hassle!”

“Take me with you on your next adventure. I could be your guide!” Tass proclaimed.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think your wardrobe is going to fit on my pony!” Emerson joked. The whole table laughed.

“Awe! Isn’t that cute! You have a pony!” Quinn teased.

After that the group at the table broke down into laughter, jokes and other funny stories that they could come up with. The night ended with a drunken Anna telling everyone how much she loved them. Rith passing out. Selby with his arms around Tass. Quinn secretly holding Emerson’s hand beneath the table and Luna draping herself over Elwin’s shoulders. It was the best time that any of them had since leaving home, the feelings of camaraderie and family had bond them all together that night.