The True Colours of an Empire_Ch:1_Dragonborn 4

“Well, Eliel, you will be accompanying us on our journey by the end of this hour. Mark my words.” Meadow walks away.

“The guard station is in the opposite direction! You are still new to the capital!” Iriel shouts as she starts walking towards the station's direction. 

Leaving the high concentration of people behind, Iriel finally arrives at the guard station, with Meadow following her right behind. They see a large minotaur man checking through the paperwork piling on his desk. As soon as they go and stand in front of his desk, he says without raising his head, “I’m a bit busy right now. Leave your name, your ship’s name, and the quantity of crew and inventory at the station on your right.” with authority in his voice.

“I am Lady Iriel Lomamantle, and I wish to speak to you about taking Eliel with us on a private journey.”

Now, the man looks up. With his tired eyes he could barely even truly look at the woman. “And what reason do you have for removing one of my men from his duty?”

“You see, sir, Iriel and I are to complete a task assigned by the house, which she resides in. And, having one more fighter power against a rogue mage, would help us in our quest.”

“Eliel is no fighter. Boy can barely wield the sword that he carries on his waist, let alone be a fighter. I’m going to have to-”

Iriel places a large sum of money on the counter. “Replace him. Speak with the Lomamantle house about bringing in another guard for his station. Many of them are losing their edge anyway, perhaps a bit of sun would do some good to their moods.”

Looking at the monthly wage of a soldier of his rank, the guard slides the money over to his side while he smiles at her, “Thank you, Lady Iriel. Eliel is relieved of his duties for the time being.”

The two, then, leave the station and head back over to the tally Man. Meadow slightly flies up a bit and removes the clipboard from Eliel’s hands.

“Hey!” Eliel speaks out in slight anger.

“We got you the month off. Come to Vada with us.” Meadow says, with a smirk on his face.

“Why would you want me on this quest? I’m just simply aware of the area.” Eliel questioned.

“I just simply like your presence. The addition of some company never hurts.”

Looking at Featherbottom unloading his ship, all three of them walk over.

“Oh, Lady Iriel, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Featherbottom asks politely as he places a heavy crate down.

“My father said your ship will help take us to Vada. Supposedly to help deliver some troublesome cargo on board and bring back some with added security.”

“Ah! That added security and cargo transport would help. I was told a special guest would be arriving as well. ‘Drachma' was it, his name?”

“He will arrive shortly. He said that he wanted a drink. That guy was imprisoned for a while.”

“Aye. A man who wants a simple drink is no monster, but his presence might upset some of my crew members. But they won’t say anything to him. His reputation seems to make people chatter like school children do about their disliked teacher. Plus, I know my crew, they won’t even peep without my permission.” Featherbottom chuckles.

After some time, Drachma arrives at the dock with that guard from the eatery. “Horovar Windson here, is one of our companions. He was chosen by your father. He says that he has some special tokens of gratitude for us.” while Drachma speaks, he notices the crew onboard staring at him, “Seems like I have some fans here already.”

As the days pass on the ship, the group starts helping with the ship's cleaning and deck's work as much as they could. While Iriel, Meadow and Eliel help the crew, Drachma and Horovar are enjoying their drinks. Horovar pours a glass down his throat before he starts speaking, “Drachma, as per the lord’s orders, I was to give you these three simple coins.” He pulls out 3 Brass colored coins from his bag. “Based on the reports, these don’t come cheap and would serve you three well in times of need.”

“If these are to be used, then there must be some dangerous magic to be dealt with on this mission.”

T.B.C.

Writer: Alejandro Faverzani.

Artist: Nayeli Zelaya.

Co-writer and art editor: adifferentway.