#steamandshadow

A special sneak peek at book two’s cover! Come join the adventure on Patreon! Not only will backers help me be able to keep writing the series, as I’m writing it as a dice-based rpg campaign, backers can help me decide where else in the world of Crelohi they’d like to explore! While I do have a general arc, I can move the characters around quite a bit, and if you’d like some other viewpoints besides the merry band of rogues who lead our adventure, there’s a whole world of other characters created (and who can be created) of varying classes and backgrounds. We can also (after book three-ish) move backward through time and take a look at civilizations of the past (some of whom are now gone or even lost to time) and dig deeper into the history of the planet. I did a lot of in-depth world-building and would be happy to share it and explore this world with you! Please join my adventuring party! Your choice of full-color or old school hand-drawn style world map! (I’d like to do both, and they’re in-progress now.)

Chapter 8

The backstreets of Qeloura.

(16, Fearn. Night.)

“Storyteller’s Cloak, woman!  What is wrong with you?!”

“She was not trustworthy! Let go of my arm!”

“So you decided to blow up the city?!”

“It was not that big of an explosion! Your city is fine!”

“Yes, except for the part that’s on fire!”

“It’s only partially on fire, and-”

“Partially on fire?!” Gavin stopped running and turned to stare at her.

“Yes, and anyway, you should thank me-”

“Thank you?!” Gavin felt lost for words. What had he been thinking, helping this madwoman!

“You’re welcome.” Suleeta ignored his incredulous tone and carried on. “She was looking for a woman named Branwen McMurrough, whom I assume is some relation of yours, and I suspect she may have been contracted to kill her, as she is clearly a mercenary or bounty hunter, and carries a sniper rifle.”

“She asked you about my mother? What did she say?”

“Only that she was looking for her. She-”

“That’s all she said?”

“Yes! Stop interrupting me!”

“Sorry.” Gavin let go of her arm, watching her carefully in case she was upset enough to set him on fire too. “I’m sorry she involved you, she must've seen us traveling together. I could've sworn I'd lost her.”

“Lost her? You mean you knew a mercenary was following you? And why aren't you worried about your mother?”

“My mother's a bounty hunter, she can take care of herself. Although it is worrying that someone hired a sniper to follow her.”

“Your mother is a bounty hunter?!”

“Oh come on, you set fires everywhere you go, and you're going to judge? Anyway, what were you doing near the tavern?”

“I was going to ask for your help finding someone. Now I'm not so sure.”

Gavin laughed, leaning against a nearby wall. “Don't worry, I'm not in the business. I'm the least dangerous member of my family. Who were you looking for?”

“A bookbinder. He and his family would've lived here some years ago…” She trailed off, caught off guard by the arrested look on his face. “Gavin?”

“A bookbinder. In Qeloura.” His easy smile returned, but didn't quite reach his eyes. “I'm afraid there isn't one anymore.”

“But his family-”

“Why are you looking for them?”

It would be dangerous to share this information, but he clearly knew something. It was her only lead now. She chose her words carefully. “Because I believe the people who murdered him also killed my parents. And I need to know why.”

Gavin’s stare seemed to penetrate her soul, as his eyes searched her face. Now he was serious, she could see he was far less stupid than she’d first thought him.

“I’ll tell you what I know if you tell me how that led you to break into a Nasimani mapmaker’s home.”

“You broke in  too!”

“I was there because I was following my mother’s trail. You didn’t even know her until today. And I know you’re not a thief. So what were you after.”

“Information.”

“I’m going to need more than that.”

“I can’t tell you!”

“Then I can’t help you.”

“Fire take you! Fine! If you tell anyone-”

“You’ll set me on fire. Got it.” He held out his hand.

“You’re supposed to shake it.”

“I know what a handshake is, I just don’t trust you!”

“Hey, I’m not the one wearing explosives here. And you still have my dagger.”

“Fine,” she shook his hand, “but you go first.”

“The bookbinder’s name was Gaelbhan. Gaelbhan McMurrough. He was my father.” Gavin leaned against the wall once more, folding his arms. “About 22 years ago now. We were spending the day by the beach, and my father was supposed to meet us there after he finished with a customer. He never showed up, and mother went to see what was keeping him. My brother and I stayed by the shore until sunset, but neither of them returned. We came home to find the house torn apart, and our father lying in a pool of blood and ink. There was no sign of our mother. I was 6. My brother and I grew up on the streets until the guild took us in. Grandparents found us a couple years later. Didn’t see our mother again for nearly 7 years, we thought she was dead too by then. Said she’d been hunting the people who killed our father, but she kept losing their trail. Given the sniper following me, and now you, I’m starting to think she’s picked it up again.” His sharp hazel eyes focused on her once more. “Your turn.”

“My parents were fire-tamers, they protect our lands-”

“I know what fire-tamers are, I’m not entirely ignorant.” He smiled at her surprise. ”I also know that the Chapawee like to start from the beginning of time whenever they tell a story, but given your impatience, and the fact people may be trying to kill us both, please feel free to skip ahead.”

Is that how I sound? Suleeta pushed this thought aside. At least this would be faster. She spoke hurriedly, “They were trying to retrieve information from the mapmaker, that should have been destroyed many years ago, but they were unsuccessful, and she had shared it with other people by then. Other people were after the information as well-I don’t know who-and my parents arrived too late to save your father and were killed along with several others when they pursued his murderers. I was told this much only a few days ago.”

“Pursued them where? Give me a direction, I’m in as much danger as you if these people are at it again. Which I assume they must be if you’re here.”

“North. That’s all I can say.”

“That may just be enough. I know someone who might be able to help us. She’s in Hagsfjori. Don’t set me on fire on  the way, please.” He started walking.

Suleeta laughed, following him. “You sound like my little sisters.”

“You have sisters?”

“Three. Adopted technically.”

“Do they set fire to things too? Or is that just you?”

“Just me. I do it enough for all of us.”

“That I believe. So do I get my dagger back now?”

“I will consider it.”

“Thanks, I feel so privileged. Hey wait, if you knew about my father before you set out, what was on that paper?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The paper you found at the mapmakers, you said-” he broke off, a grin spreading across his face. “You can’t read it either, can you?”

Suleeta stared straight ahead. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

--------------------

“Okay, we should be far enough away from the mob for a civilized chat now. As I was saying about that jacket-hey!

Come back here! I just want to talk!” Askari raced after the shorter woman through the dark streets. “Seriously, it’s on my back, do you have any idea how hard it would be to draw and fire it in these alleyways? I just want to talk!” She rounded the corner and stopped abruptly, finding a pistol pointed at her face.

“I don’t. And my pistol has no trouble at all firing in tight spaces. Back away now, slowly.” Hard green hazel eyes stared unflinchingly at Askari.

“Over there.” The smaller woman gestured with a slight flick of her gun. As she did so, the faint light glinted off something brass on the handle. Askari’s gaze ran down the pistol as she raised her hands. Was that a tentacle? A brass tentacle running up the pistol’s handle could only mean one thing. It had to be her.

Askari backed up slowly as instructed. “As I was saying, I don’t think you stole that jacket-”

“I don’t care what you think-”

“I think you got it from my brother. Kumbakani Kipanga.” She saw a flash of recognition and surprise. Encouraged, she continued. “My name is Askari, Askari Kipanga. My brother said he lost that jacket to a Loakonian girl with green eyes. Takara, I believe.”

“Did he now?” The gun did not lower. “He say anything else?”

“Not much, just that you swam like fish. Oh, and that you were also a pirate.”

“Former. And I’m afraid I can’t let information like that float around, no matter how much I may owe your brother.”

“I’m hardly in a position to go telling anyone, am I? You know too much about my family as well. My reputation may not be hurt by those of my brothers, but knowing that a respected navy captain was related to not only a bounty hunter but also a thief? He’d lose his ship.”

“Made captain did he? Good for him. Itri doing well for himself too, I trust?”

“Yes. They’ll be pleased you asked about them. Assuming you don’t kill me of course. Our family is rather close.”

“So it would seem.” Takara lowered the gun. “What is it you want? Theirs are not the only debts I owe, and I’m on a job right now.”

“So am I. I seek a woman named Branwen McMurrough. All my leads have run dry, I was hoping you might know someone, perhaps some guild contact I don’t have access to. I’d ask Itri, but he’s running dark again, some important patron he won’t talk about. I’ve no idea where he is, and frankly, I’m running out of options.”

------------

Takara fought to keep her face expressionless. McMurrough was Brann’s surname. Another impossible divide, with no way to win. Maybe it was a common name, and she could help them both, but somehow she doubted it. Life rarely worked out like that for her. She remembered the last time all too well. Smoke and seawater. Not again! She might be grateful to Kumbakani for talking his captain into honoring their deal-her information for safe passage to the mainland-but Brann was her friend. For years now. He’d stood up to the Circle for her, he’d found her a job, a place to stay, a new life. There were people who wanted her dead, and Brann had helped her disappear...she owed him her life. Even if she didn’t help her, this woman was a professional, she might find this ‘Branwen’ without help. She couldn’t help her, but she also couldn’t let Askari go. She’d need to keep an eye on her until she could contact Brannaghan. “I don’t have a contact here, but I may know someone. I can take you to him once I complete my job in Hagsfjori.” She hoped her smile seemed friendly.

Askari considered. “Very well. I’ll accompany you.”

“Great. It shouldn’t take long.”

Welcome dear reader, to the world of Crelohi.

My name is Lasselanta Nariel, I am a Chronicler for the illustrious Guild of Scribes. It is our job to chronicle all the events within our world’s history, be they the tales of kings and nations, or lives of the common people. Do not mistake us all for mere historians, however, many of us find ourselves patrons outside of the guild both to provide us with an income and to furnish us with information they might not otherwise have shared. After all, while all events are written not all are shared, and some may perhaps be told in a more generous light. We also make very efficient spies. Certain of my patrons have instructed me to follow the events surrounding the airship known as The Magpie, and her crew. A tale which I now share with you.

This is the story of how that crew met, and how that ship attained its name. Of how their varied lives became forever entwined as they stumbled upon a dangerous conspiracy so old it has shaped the very land upon which we stand. It takes place within the western half of the continent of Eshana. A region rife with ancient mysteries and new discoveries, of cutting edge technology and cutthroat mercenaries, of steam...and shadow.

Enjoy your stay, and please, do try not to get captured by pirates, run afoul of the River Lords, harass the Paswellan Navy, or invoke the ire of the Chapawee Nation. If you hear mention of the Circle of Crows know that you are dealing with Thieves Guild and watch your pockets, and if you should find a white owl feather amongst your things then know that the White Duke is watching you and you should be worried.

(All names on the map have been translated from our world to yours, with our Common tongue interpretation below translated into your world's English.)

Prologue:

Una, Chapawee Territories.

(1, Caróg, 593 AP. Evening.)

Dusk fell softly over the small outpost known as Una, a cold mist encroaching from the surrounding hills, and venturing along the unpaved pathways between its handful of stone and lathe buildings, carrying the sharp scents of pine and cedar from the surrounding forests. Few people were still out, most having taken shelter inside the only inn. A blacksmith prepared to turn in for the evening, the embers of her forge a dull glow in the fading light, as she ducked out from under the eaves of her workshop, and waved goodnight to the guard in the watchtower above.

Tiponi peered down curiously into the growing shadows between the inn and the general store. Two figures clad in dark clothing stood in the alleyway below, their appearances a stark contrast; his sienna-hued skin was barely visible in the low light, curly sable hair pulled back into a low ponytail, while her opal-colored skin almost seemed to glow under the short espresso bob of her hair. Their voices were low, and Tiponi crouched closer to the railing to hear them.

“Storm take that thrice blasted vexatiously bothersome woman!” The shorter figure cursed articulately. “She’s the most infuriatingly inconvenient creature I’ve ever met!”

“Technically, we haven’t met her yet.” The taller figure pointed out, his tone low and smooth, and his mocha eyes twinkling in amusement as he leaned against the wall, watching his companion.

“Fine, then she’s the most infuriatingly inconvenient creature I’ve never met! And I wasn’t done being angry yet.” She retorted her voice evening out, though her storm blue eyes flashed in the faint lamplight as she glared at the wall.

“Apologies my friend, do continue to yell at the wall. Your audience is captivated as always.” He waved to the empty alley around them, grinning at her. “Try not to kick it this time though.”

“That may have been a tactical error.” She admitted.

“An understandable lapse of judgment, under the circumstances.” He agreed, still smiling.

She glared at the wall a moment longer before the absurdity of their conversation made her laugh. “This is why I prefer working with you, Itri. Everyone else says I complain too much and drive them mad.”

He shrugged. “It’s part of your charm.”

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “How are we going to fix this? How did I not know about this? Can you stay on her trail while I go-”

He was already shaking his head. “The only thing that will get us past the northern border is the Odyssey Weavers seal, the Lunar Conclave respects the scribes. They’ll only let me through if I’m with you. And you know they won't let you near those ships.”

“If I could do this by myself I wouldn’t have dragged you here in the first place.” She scowled. “We’ll never manage to get this close to her again if we leave now.”

“So, write Brann. Tell him to send someone.”

“I already sent him bad news twice in the past month. He’s got enough to worry about. Neither of our guilds can find out about any of this.”

“I didn’t say ask the guilds, I said ask Brann. You know those are very different things. We wouldn’t be up here if not for him anyway.”

“It’ll take nearly two days for the message to get to him. The expedition leaves in five, and if she’s really headed towards Dearmad falls we’ll be out of messenger reach before then. Which means we won’t know if he can’t send someone. We can’t let them leave, it violates the accords, it’ll mean war, you know it will.”

“It’s Brann. He’ll send someone.”

“I really hope you’re right, because you and I will be trapped in the middle of this mess if he doesn’t.” She sighed. “Come on, we’d better get started. I have a letter to write and we need to get more supplies. Make sure you get yourself a thicker cloak, it doesn’t get warm where we’re going.”

As the two figures stepped back into the street, they failed to notice a young girl on the balcony two stories above, her expression impassive as she leaned back into the shadows, a pale feather twined in her ink black hair.

(Steam and Shadow by Autumn Blaze/Lasselanta Nauriel)

Chapter 9

The Dairataya Forest, north of Qeloura

(16, Fearn. Night, Late.)

“Are you seriously going to sleep in that tree?”

“Are you seriously going to sleep on the ground to be eaten by wolves or bears?”

“Do you hear any wolves Suleeta?”

“If you don’t hear something then it’s probably stalking you.”

“No, you don’t hear them because there aren’t any here, they hunt further north.”

“Where we are going. How lovely. There are still bears.”

“Bears do not randomly attack people.”

“That is precisely what I would want you to think if I were a bear.”

“You have issues. Bears can climb you know.”

“Yes, but, my position is more defensible. I can shoot my crossbow or drop a fire flask on things while they’re climbing my tree. Or while they’re attacking you.”

“Your tree is flammable.”

“So are bears. Everything is flammable if you try hard enough.”

“You scare me.” Gavin watched her nestle into a crook of the large tree with her blanket. She’d slung her crossbow around on its strap so that it hung in front, ready to fire.

He settled back against the tree behind him. “Don’t shoot me with that thing, okay? You still need my help.”

“I’m an excellent shot thank you. But since you’re sleeping on the ground like an idiot, maybe you should tell me how to find this friend of yours in Hagsfjori. Just in case.”

“In case I get eaten, you mean?” He chuckled, “I’ll take my chances. You’ll just have to rescue me if we’re attacked.” Leaves rustled nearby and Suleeta jumped at the sound, eyeing the bushes below her distrustfully. Gavin, who could see the badger quite well from his perspective, tried hard not to laugh. “You don’t leave town much do you?”

“Why?” She peered down at him, her voice laced with suspicion.

“Just an observation.” He grinned, fighting back laughter.

“Try not to roll off in your sleep.”

She snorted. “Try not to get eaten.”

------------------

“I still don’t see why we’re sleeping in the woods.” Takara grumbled.

“I told you; because we don’t want to raise questions about why we just happened to arrive in town the night a fire broke out. Sleeping in the woods won’t kill you.”

“I’ve got nothing against the woods in general, they’re a natural habitat for many things. I’m just not one of them. I like roofs and walls, and beds with pillows. All of which we’d have right now if-”

“We are not breaking into someone’s house!”

“We’d just be borrowing it for a night, we don’t have to take anything!”

Askari stopped walking and whirled around, “No! We are not taking someone’s home!”

“It’s not like we’d keep it! Where would I put it? It’s not like it would travel well!” Exasperation gave way to frustration, as she glared up at the taller woman.

“Just because I’m traveling with a thief does not mean I am one!”

“You’re going to take the moral high ground? Seriously? At least I only take people’s things, you take lives!

“Bounty hunters don’t always kill!”

“And I suppose that thing on your back is for decoration? Or close combat defense if things go bad suddenly? Oh wait, it’s a sniper rifle!”

“Some people need taken out! At least I still have my honor! I did not betray my own people!”

“What?! How dare you-”

“Excuse us,” Interrupted an unfamiliar voice, “as enjoyable as it would be to watch you ladies continue your fight, I’d hate to risk the damage to your possessions. Which we’ll be reliving you of now.”

Both women turned to see a hooded man with a saber approach from out of the shadows, other figures materialized around them, making little sound in thick woods. Several bows were trained on them.

“You’re quite surrounded.” The man assured them as he stepped closer. “I wouldn’t recommend fighting, we just want your belongings, not your blood. So long as you cooperate.”

“She is Guild, surely you don’t steal from your own kind?” Askari spoke evenly, her eyes assessing their number. Beside her, Takara hissed.

“Guild bird are you?” The man chuckled. “Unfortunately, we don’t have anything to do with them. We don’t really care where our money comes from, do we lads?” One of the masked figures behind him shifted their eyes to glare briefly at the back of his head.

“The Crows wouldn’t have you.” Takara spat “We don’t take bandits.”

“Ah yes, moral high ground. Weren’t you two just talking about that?” He circled closer. “I’ve always wondered; what’s it like? Does it do tricks? Glitter like gold?” He stopped in front of Takara. “Does it taste good? Fill your belly like a warm meal? No? Then perhaps it will comfort you in lieu of your worldly goods.”

Askari’s hunting knife embedded itself in the man’s leg before anyone saw her hand move.

“Aagh! You’ll pay for that lass!” The man turned-

“Wait!” The voice came from behind the robbers and was distinctly not Qaceor accent.

All heads turned in surprise to stare at this unexpected arrival; a short young man stepped confidently from the trees behind a startled archer. His dark clothing blended with the trees save for a bright red sash around his waist, and he had twin katanas strapped to his back.

“They’re under the protection of the Nakahi River Lords. Unless you’d like to lose your nearest allies in trade, I suggest you look elsewhere for your coin.” If he noticed the weapons trained on him he gave no sign of it as he strode into the clearing.

The bandit leader eyed the sash warily, one hand on his wound. “And what business do the River Lords have with a Crow and a bounty hunter? On our lands without permission, and no crew to back you up? I’ll need more proof than that sash lad.”

“You’re Black Wolf bandits, yes? Your leader goes by Conall Delaney, you’ve done trade with my father Akio Ikari for years. You mostly rob from Arstigian traders and smugglers and act as an unofficial border patrol to keep them off your lands. Your clan once ruled these lands long ago before the war, and your bandits are rumored to live in the crumbled remains of your ancestors keep. Shall I go on? The details of your last trade shipment perhaps?”

----------------------

The bandit leader chuckled. “That’ll do. You certainly sound like your father. But you’ve not answered the first question. What business do you have with these two?”

Kaito hesitated. This must be Conall himself then. He’d really hoped to bluff his way past an underling. He didn’t even know these women! Stupid hero complex. His sisters told him it would land him in trouble one day. “They’re assisting me in a retrieval mission into Arstiegian lands. We were trying to keep it quiet and hoped to be out of  your lands before nightfall, but I was delayed.”

“They didn’t sound like they were meeting someone.”

Takara spoke up quickly. “We were supposed to meet him in town. But he was late, and some idiot started a fire, and this one-” She nodded at Askari ”-said we couldn’t stay. We were going to meet up over the border.”

“That’s right, they left a note.” Kaito held up one of his Grandmother’s papers. His breath hitched slightly as Connall took the paper from him

“You two know Nasmani?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” Takara looked almost bored.

Connall signaled one of his men forward and handed him the page. The second man squinted at it in the faint moonlight “I see Qeloura, and something about Arstigians in here. It gets a bit emphatic after that. And smudged. It looks water damaged.”

“The people putting out the fire were probably a bit emphatic. It says: Dear river rat, you’re late. Qeloura smells like fish and some idiot started a fire. We’re headed north without you.” Takara looked Connall dead in the eye as she spoke. “The rest is disparagements regarding my lily-livered partner, Arstigians, and my opinion of stout. I’d be happy to repeat it, but I’d hate to offend your sensitive ears.”

Kaito fought back a laugh at the woman’s gall. A glance at Connall suggested he felt similarly.

“Very well. If you’re lying you’re at least good at it. You may pass through our lands, but don’t tarry. And sleep further west from the road, we don’t want you scaring off our livelihood.”

“Thank you. We’ll be on our way now.” Kaito said, ushering his new charges away.

“Wait” Connall held out a bloody knife, “I believe this is yours. Careful where you stick it in the future.” He glared at Askari she took it back gingerly, and whispered: “Don’t wander far from those two lass, you’re not nearly as good at this game as you think.”

The Black Wolf Bandits backed away into the underbrush as one, fading into the shadows and leaving only silence in their wake.

Chapter 7

Qeloura, Qaceor Province.

(16, Fearn. Night.)

(In the air over Bronfaire Harbor)

Two days. Takara sighed. It would’ve been faster, but they’d lost a day to bad weather. It would’ve been a fairly pleasant trip if it wasn’t so crowded, but the Crow was an airship built for speed and carrying covert messages, not passengers. She’d had to bribe the two pilot team to take her aboard, and she was Guild for sea’s sake! How Brann had gotten them to fly a private message to him she’d never know. Silver-tongued crafty-

“Nearly there.” The night pilot -Vesna- spoke, breaking the silence for the first time in hours. “We’ll be dropping you at the Qeloura cliff docks, you’re on your own from there. We’ve no business near Hagsfjori, and I won’t risk the Circle’s wrath at our being late for you.”

Takara rolled her eyes behind the woman’s back. “Naturally.” She glanced out the port-side window as they flew lower through the mists, she could make out the lights of the upper docks on the cliffs.

She hadn’t been to Qeloura before, but she suspected Brannigan knew it well. He was quiet about his past, but she’d picked up on small clues over the years. As a rule, they both avoided sharing too much personal information, in their business that sort of thing was unwise at best. She knew he'd lived near Sorrow Watch though, he'd been drinking once, and sang a lovely and slightly depressing song about it. Qasceor had an abundance of those, due to their history. And their love of storytelling. He didn’t speak of his family, or why he left, but she got the impression the two were connected somehow. She could relate to that.

“Oy, Vasco!” Vesna called to her sleeping twin, “Wake up! We need to lower the ropes, so miss Hamasaki here can get out.”

There was a bear-like groan from the rear of the ship, and the bifold partition that separated the cockpit from the tiny living space opened to reveal a tired man with long dark hair, and two bunks behind him. He glanced at Takara as he made his way to the hatch. “Best get your things together, my sister's apparently impatient tonight.”

“Speed is our job darling,” Vesna called, steering the ship closer to the upper dock, “it's what we're paid for.”

Her twin rolled his eyes at Takara, smiling as he cast the mooring ropes through the hatch with practiced ease, snagging them on a cleat, and pulling the ship to. “Thank you for flying Crow Air, watch your step and please come again!”

“Or don’t!” Sang his sister.

Takara snorted as she jumped out, and gave the twins a wave before turning to face the dark town. Her nose wrinkled at the familiar scent of sea air. Not a problem. She wasn’t going to be here long anyway, just passing through. Just ignore it. She heard voices nearby and walked towards them curiously.

----------------

Qeloura, Upper Docks

Suleeta was about to respond when Askari’s stance shifted, the faint glow of the lanterns glinting off something metallic on her back. Suleeta’s gaze caught on the large sniper rifle barely hidden by the other woman’s cloak. Her body tensed once more, she was talking to a mercenary, possibly even an assassin. Whatever this woman wanted Gavin’s relative for, it was not likely to be a friendly chat. She carefully palmed one of the experimental vials off her apron. “Perhaps another time..”

---------------

Gavin froze in the tavern doorway. She was back. He’d been sure he lost his shadow weeks ago, she’d been so ill after that awful tavern in Caorthannba, he thought she’d given up! Now she was talking to Suleeta, were they working together? That’d be his luck, a mad fire-starter and a mercenary both after him. What in the great Stormbringer’s name had his mother gotten him into?! He was about to slip away when he realized something was wrong, although both women wore smiles, their body language was tense. Suleeta was reaching for something…oh no, she wouldn’t. He rushed forward, too late, being thrown back by the explosion “Not again!”

-----------------

Not again! This couldn’t be happening! Takara’s blood froze as the world exploded around her, and she skidded across the ground. Fire. Smoke. Gunpowder. Salt and the sound of waves. Burning. Her head was filled with the sounds of cannons and shouting. So much blood...so many bodies...No! This wasn’t real! She tried to move but her legs wouldn’t respond. Sand everywhere, so hard to run through smoke and sand. She struggled, pushing through the fighting masses to where she’d seen him fall. Not caring which side they were on, only on finding him. The image of her father falling, falling through the smoke, knowing she was too late, and praying her eyes had lied, tears burned in her eyes, so much blood...all her fault...arms grabbed her, pulling her back, pulling her away “No!” She screamed, her sister’s scream echoing in her ears “NO!”

“Calm down!” Her captor shook her slightly, tightening their grip. Her eyes locked hazily onto a dark figure with familiar gray eyes. No he hadn't been there, not then...she blinked. The blood and screaming faded, though the smoke remained. Not real. Her heart raced, as she tried to focus. Not real. The gray eyes remained too, but the face which held them was a stranger to her. “Who are you?”

“Well, there's gratitude. You're welcome for being pulled away from the fire and not allowed to back yourself over the cliff and fall to your death, it was no trouble at all. Especially when you screamed in my ear.”  

Takara reddened, pushing her away. “Thank you, I'm fine now, just...just brought back some bad memories is all.”

“So I gathered.” The tall woman sat back, looking her over thoughtfully, her gray eyes focusing on Takara’s cape. “Where did you get this?” Her hand reached out to touch the sleeve.

“From a friend.” Takara pulled the fabric away, her eyes narrowing.

The woman's eyebrows rose “Indeed. Not many people have friends in the Paswellan navy. Not many officers give away their coats either.”

“I didn't take it off a dead man if that's what you're implying.”

“Actually I was-” her head whipped around at the sound of voices and running. “Perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere. I believe there are about to be a number of people asking questions about a fire, and we'd do well not to be here when they arrive. I don't think either of us wants that kind of attention right now.” She offered her hand.

Full of misgivings, Takara took it, and the two quickly ran into the shadows, in the opposite direction from the shouting.

-----------------

Kaito stared. “By the rivers what is going on?!” Another fire! He watched from the treeline, as figures scrambled around, rushing to put out the flames before they reached the buildings. Most of the activity seemed to be centered around the tavern. It was amazing how quickly a fire sobered people up. Particularly when their drink was directly in the path of that fire. Kaito shook his head, warily skirting the town, not wanting to be involved again. As he did so he noticed several figures moving through the shadows ahead of him, also away from the fire. He watched their progress suspiciously, “Please don’t be headed north, please don’t be...great. Just great.” With a sigh, Kaito continued his journey north. Right behind the running figures. He’d really better get good news in Hagsfjori.

Chapter 6

The edge of The Dairataya Forest, near Qeloura.

(16, Fearn. Night, Early.)

"We are lost."

"We are not lost. I got turned around."

"What is your people's definition of lost?! We have passed this tree three times!" Suleeta pointed at one of the giant oaks. "That is the same owl that has been staring at us this whole time!"

"Oh come on, how can you possibly tell it's the same owl?"

"Because she is glaring at us like we are fools! She has looked more irritated each time we have passed!"

Gavin glanced dubiously at the owl. It did seem to be glaring at him. The tree was definitely familiar too. "They always look like that. And we've passed it twice, at most."

Suleeta threw her arms up with a cry of frustration.

"It's dark," he began defensively "I just got a bit turned around-"

"I offered to make you a torch!"

"And you probably would've made me into a torch and burned the forest down! I'll pass, thank you."

"That was an accident!"

"Oh? I suppose someone else put those flammable, and explosive things in your bag, did they?" He retorted. He picked a direction and started walking. He hoped they reached Qeloura soon, he truly needed a drink.

"No, that was your fault."

"MY fault?!" He stopped and turned around to stare at her.

"Yes. You were too heavy, and the rafter broke."

"Too heavy-" he couldn't believe this, his mouth searched for words, "you're the one who pulled me up there, I was going to go out the back window!"

"If we went out the window we couldn't have observed him, to see what he did. We would learn nothing." She explained practically.

"Observe him! You blew up that poor guy's house!"

"We don't know it was his house."

"He had a key!"

"Which he could have stolen."

"This is insane. You are insane! Listen pyro princess-"

"I am not a princess!"

"Really, that's the part you're going to object to? Whatever. Look, you said that paper mentioned Qeloura-"

"It does!" She replied defensively, holding the paper closer so he couldn't see it.

"Fine. Good for it. I'm taking you there, as requested, and there is where we shall part ways. Me to find a drink, and something for these burns, and you to do...whatever it is you intend to do." He turned and strode away again in what he really hoped was the right direction.

Suleeta followed, slipping the torn paper into her satchel while Gavin wasn't watching. Not that he could read it anyway, as it was in Nasimi. Which was good because it didn't mention Qeloura at all. At least she didn't think it did, Suleeta couldn't actually read it either. But Gavin didn't need to know that.

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All day. They had walked all day. And they had not stopped arguing once. All. Day. As the fourth of six children, Askari was both appalled and impressed. How could anyone talk so much in one day? She didn't need her tracking skills to follow them, she had but to follow in the wake of their ceaseless chatter. She didn't even have to be particularly quiet. They were too busy arguing to notice her presence! She had never wanted to give up a contract so badly just for the sake of quiet! The fact they'd gotten lost several times, which, of course, they had ALSO argued about, did nothing to improve her mood. At last, they'd finally found the road again and made it out, she wasn't sure she could take much more. She sat in one of the large oak trees at the edge of the forest and surveyed the town ahead. It was late, but the town was clearly still awake, the faint sounds of laughter and singing mixed with the loading and unloading of cargo on the docks, and near the railway. She glanced at her quarry. Unsurprisingly they were still arguing, but they had finally chosen a direction and headed toward the docks. Askari's eyes narrowed in suspicion. He'd better not be headed to another tavern. If he headed for another blasted tavern she'd have to either reveal her purpose, and question him, or abandon him entirely. The northern lands of Eshana had terrible taste in liquor. She slowly climbed down and followed them.

----------------

"Here we are, Qeloura, in all her salty smelling, whiskey infused glory. And this is where we part ways,  m'lady." Gavin bowed "Have fun, and try not to burn it all down in one night." With that, he spun around sharply and headed towards the tavern.

Suleeta gazed out at the bay. She'd read about the ocean, she imagined it as a rather large lake. It was definitely large. She approached the cliff edge and stared down through the mist at the lower docks. They were a long way down. The cities of Bronfaire Harbor were known for their multi story docks, as the bay was surrounded by tall cliffs. The lower docks were used for naval ships, while the upper docks were for aerial ships. A steam-powered elevator system moved between the two, its engines humming even at this late hour. The salty air tickled her nose as it mixed with the scents of oak and damp grass. And coal. She turned slowly, looking at the town. What now? She knew little more than she had when she left home. Now she was in Qeloura, she had no idea what she was going to do here. She'd claimed it was on the paper in the hope she could learn something more about the bookbinder, but he was dead, and she had no idea whether his family had stayed here afterwards, or left years ago. She bit her lip. Blast. She would need the idiot's help again. Steeling herself, she too spun around and walked towards the tavern. A tall figure stepped out of the shadows suddenly, blocking her path.

----------------

The interior of The Wild Rose Tavern was warm, loud, and smelled of crab, sausage, whiskey, and beer. Gavin breathed it in appreciatively. Home. He sat back, sipping his drink, and mulled over the events of the past few days. He still had no idea where his mother was, the trail had run cold in that mapmaker's house, but he did know there were other people searching for either her or whatever she was after. Or, given her profession, she may have been after one of said people. The man who'd entered the house with a key had arrived after the house was trashed, so he was probably not involved. At least not directly. The crazy woman though...he sighed, he didn't want to think about her. She was pretty, in a mad way, and clearly involved in this mess somehow, but he wasn't certain he wanted to know how. He was better off forgetting her involvement entirely. Especially if she was on a different side from his mother. He shuddered at the thought of those two meeting, they'd probably blow up the entire continent of Eshana. And that would be if they got along. He tried not to imagine what she was up to, wandering through the dark streets of a strange city. What if she ran into a cutpurse or something? Those poor unsuspecting street thieves being set so carelessly ablaze. He imagined her lost, and alone, frightening dockworkers, setting people on fire. Badgering other people into helping her, like she had with him. She argued better than his brother. Bossed him around more too. He frowned at his drink. He was doing a poor job of forgetting her. Storyteller’s grace he was going to help her, wasn't he? He was going to help the crazy firestarter. This was probably the worst terrible idea of all the terrible ideas he'd had yet. He tossed back the remainder of his drink and stood.

---------------

"Excuse me miss" A low-pitched husky voice interrupted Suleeta mid-stride.

She tensed, one hand on her vials, and saw a tall athletic woman, with smooth brown skin, and long braids step out of the shadows. Her clothing partially hidden under a dark green cloak. Her hands were palm out in a gesture of peace. Suleeta relaxed her stance slightly. She would hear this woman out. She spoke common, but her accent was different from those Suleeta had heard before, Paswellan perhaps? Southern Eshana, certainly. Another place she'd never been.

"My name is Askari, and I search for a Qasceor woman called Branwen McMurrough. Do you know where I might find her?"

McMurrough? Wasn't that the idiot's surname? Suleeta considered the woman carefully, debating whether to share this information. "I do not know her."

"No? Then perhaps you've heard the name before? I'd appreciate any help you might give me.” The woman smiled, her teeth bright against the darkness around her.

"I'm afraid I do not know many Qaceor, and am unfamiliar with this city. I would not be much help to you."

"Then perhaps we might help each other." Askari stepped closer, "I can certainly recommend a better establishment," she added gesturing at the Wild Rose Tavern. "Their drink is quite unpleasant."

Suleeta hesitated, she did not trust this woman, but she did need help, and this woman had offered, which would mean she didn't have to find and convince the idiot. After all, she had no reason to trust him either. She knew he was a thief, and had only his word that the mother he searched for was uninvolved...