Chapter 8 - All Is Well

“Oh that’s funny!” Letr said breathlessly. Notes filled the air as he strummed some tune on his lute.

Bang, bang, bang, echoed throughout the home as Toskr repeatedly slammed his fist into the ground. “More!” He yelled, “More!” Punctuated by another bang.

“Nope, that was it. It took me a while to come up with that joke, alright?” Demitri answered. It was assumed that he had a smile on his face. Back against the wall, Abdo listened to the lively chatter, the scene of what happened was affixed by his mind onto the colorless grey wall that filled his vision.

“Rejoice peasants. I have delivered unto you, glorious feed.” Announced Klaus with a chuckle.

“You shouldn’t be amused by that.” Words slurred, “Vat wash,” Silence followed, “Damn that’s good. What is this? Chickpea and what else?”

“Just chickpea. The flavor is from the spices that he brought over.” Abdo smacked his lips at the description of the snack.

“Now!” Punctuated by a bang, a fist once again convened with the ground. “Tell us about your trip. Did you go to the capital?” Demitri questioned with fervor.

“We weren’t even close the the capital! If anything, we were closer to the Evergreen. Seriously, a few kilometers eastward and I’d be back in the Evergreen!” The tunes stopped, a soft wooden thud followed. Letr continued, “It wasn’t too interesting. It was so close to the Evergreen I was basically still in it.”

“You were at Zephyrpoint, right?” Klaus asked.

There was no confirmation heard. Did Letr nod or shake his head? “You know, Father said, the mayor of Zephyrpoint gets a special discount because of how close it is to Silvanus.” Letr tacked an additional comment. “Does it now?”

“Zephyrpoint,” Abdo’s view now greeted with the children sitting on the floor. Klaus leaned against a wall while the others erected their own. This was far better than the wall he stared into. Eyes quickly bounced between the four. Annoyance pricked at his expression as Klaus’ expression dropped slightly. “That’s at the Ardent Plateau, correct?” Eyes lingered on Klaus for just a hair longer than the rest.

“Yeah. It is.” Letr quickly answered.

The four stared back at Abdo for a moment. “Zephyrpoint…” Abdo said, the four children continued to stare. “What trade did your father have with the town?”

“Spice trade. He was there on business with the mayor.” Another quick response.

“How did you spend your time there? Did the proceedings between the two interest you at all?”

Letr shook his head, “Not at all. I wandered and spent my time at a tavern.” Abdo’s eyes widened, “I know, I know.” Letr threw his hands up, “I’m underage but I drank milk, not booze. Not that the owner cared. He offered me a selection to choose from. Though, I spent my time there with this son, we managed to hit it off.”

A few quick nods, to pad the silence with thought. “What’s the name of the tavern?”

“Tavern.”

“That’s it?”

A nod was all Letr gave. “I see.” The children continued to stare at him. The study flashed in his mind, a foot now pointed in that direction. Eye contact was broken for a moment, as they were flicked in that direction as well.

In that moment of weakness, “We wouldn’t want to keep you.” Klaus’ spoke up. “If you have work, you should return to it.”

“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me, whether you like it or not.” Annoyance pricked once more, Klaus’ expression remained neutral, but, it was his gaze that was off-putting. “The news tablets you like so much, expect my likeness to be carved into it.”

“You about the make an important announcement? Sar…” Demitri turned to Klaus, “What’s his name?”

“Abdo. My brother.”

“Mind his manners.” Was said with a smile. “But, yes, a very important announcement.”

“I sure hope my face won’t be on it. The last thing I want is to be recognized everywhere.” Aurora chimed in.

“Reset assured, your face will not be carved into any. I simply need you with me for the business I am about to conduct. Now, if you’d please.” A hand was extended to her, “We must not be rude to our waiting party.”

“Why do you even need me there? All I do is just sit there. And eat, which I don’t have a problem with but—” A hand over her mouth.

“Shh, questions later, last thing we want is to be late.” The pair moved to the entrance.

“The most interesting sight is further west. At some point, the greenery simply stops.” Letr said to the group.

“Oh, that’s very common. The same thing happens in the Cirrosrata. But it’s due to the cold as opposed to the heat.”

The closer they got to the door, the less could be heard. “Have you ever be–” The door disappeared when they got close enough, “Thanks for fixing the door!” Aurora yelled. “Welcome!” Klaus yelled back. Abdo and Aurora arrived at an estate. The carriage steps made no sound as it shifted under their weight. The only sound was a clink as they stepped onto metal that coated the steps. A lady bowed, “Hello, Sar and Sai. Welcome. My name is Greta, I shall be serving you today.” She took a step to the side, as large metal gates flung open.

“Greetings.” The siblings replied.

Greta replied with a simple nod. “My Sar Jinta is ready for you. Please, follow me.” The siblings moved into the courtyard.

“Look,” Aurora leaned in and whispered, “didn’t bow at the servant this time!” And shot a thumbs up.

“Fourth time’s the charm, I suppose.” Abdo replied. His eyes scanned the environment. They followed along a cobblestone path, which separated the courtyard into two halves. On the right was a collection of shrubbery, topiaries and a beautiful garden being tended to by workers. On the left was cages, the closest few contains small dogs, or big cats. The cages were filled with luxurious fur, the animals slept soundly, not minding the worker’s that are tending to their spaces. His sights were monetarily hooked by a metal clink, as the main gate shut.

“Please, do note that you are are only allowed within the dining hall and the latrine, do not wander without explicit permission.” Greta spoke without facing the siblings, “There is a path from the dining hall to the latrine, please ask Sar Jinta for it.” The cobblestone path was no longer a straight line, further down the path widened and a fountain was in the middle, from which more paths went to the left and right. Greta led the pair around it, the water made little noise as it moved from one level to another, “Futhermore, Sar Jinta’s husband is tending to guests of his own, please be mindful of your conduct. That is all.” Allowing Greta to finish without an awkward pause. The whole time, she never turned to face the siblings. Her hands, behind her back, the left clasping the right, back straight, head held high. The sound of her heels clacking against the cobblestone path. Her pristine white clothing. She is very well practiced.

“Duly noted, thank you Greta.” Greta replied to Abdo’s thanks with a nod. Abdo leaned towards Aurora, “Stop looking around so much. It’s getting suspicious.” He whispered.

“It’s fine. My sights didn’t linger at one spot for too long. I’m sure they didn’t notice me.” A thumbs up that followed the casual reassurance did not inspire confidence.

As such, “How are you so sure of it?” It felt appropriate to follow up on her statement.

“I noticed them.” A curt reply with a serious tone. “Also, that does not look safe.” The seriousness dissolved into thin air.

That required no follow, “Safety was the least of the architect’s concerns. No one is meant to be up there. It’s for aesthetics sister.” Leaning in even further, voice lower than a whisper, “Could you take them?”

“Of course not… They’d overwhelm me with numbers, I am just one person.” As if compelled by that statement, Abdo’s head craned towards the now sealed entrance. The then imposing gate now looked minuscule. It could barely be seen, the fountain covered it. His eyes now fixed onto Aurora. Eyes opened so wide, that it could just fall out. A great unease gathered in the chest, causing unsteady breathes.

This caught Aurora’s attention, “No! No!” She spat out, catching the attention of those who were nearby. Her hand quickly wrapped around his. “I said things as they are, which isn’t the right choice. I would never leave you! You know that right?” His grip tightened. “Worse comes to worse, I’ll always ensure you and Klaus’ safety, alright?” Her eyes drooped, her narrowed lips. Her face scrunched up, it may just collapse in on itself. He gave her few quick nods, and the tension escaped. She exhaled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that.”

“I do not wish to be heartless,” Greta stopped moving, “But,” Turned around and faced the siblings, “I must impress upon you the importance of silence when in the home.”

“Apologies, Greta. That was unbecoming of us.” Abdo apologized, taking special care to ensure that it wouldn’t happen again. “That was careless.” Greta observed the siblings and they observed her in return. She couldn’t be read, she had quite the poker face.

“Very well. Welcome to the family estate of Sar Jinta.” Greta announced. They did not notice that they were already at the entrance of the home. The doors swung inward, and revealed an opulent interior. The siblings were lead down a corridor and to the left was a woman, waiting by a couch. A few knocks on the wall, got the woman’s attention. “Sar Jinta, the guests have arrived.”

“Thank you, Greta.” She rose from the couch, and motioned the pair towards the table. The three moved towards the table and Greta excused herself. “Welcome! I do hope the food is to your liking.” Abdo was handed a tablet, which he began combing over. “This is tonight’s menu, make sure you aren’t allergic to any of these.”

“We are not allergic to anything on the menu, thank you.” Abdo answered with a smile. The table was filled to the brim with covered dishes.

“Wonderful.” Jinta spread her hands out and chairs moved out from underneath the desk. “Then let us proceed.” A snap of her fingers and food covers rose into the air, revealing tonight’s dinner. They neatly stacked themselves together and then disappeared underneath the table.

“Before we proceed,” Abdo presented a seedling. It was housed in a glass cover, supported by a wooden base which had a small layer of dirt on it. “Congratulations, on your newborn. I wish health upon him.”

A hand on her heart, “I am touched, Abdo. Thank you.” With eager hands, the gift was accepted. “Now, let’s get onto business, shall we? Feel free to eat while we discuss.” She smiled.

“Grand Accord is just about to conclude. I have to admit, your accusation of foul play is quite late. As such, you must have something of substance.” Jinta snapped her fingers, and a dome of silence was erected around the table. “Proceed.”

That signaled the start of the proceedings. Ledgers simply appeared on Abdo’s hand which were given to her. “The records are up to 150 years in the past.”

The title confused, Jinta, “Records of past Grand Accords?” Abdo simply nodded. Taking it as a sign, she continued reading. The ledgers flicked and fluttered as she finished processing each one.

While Jinta and Abdo were busy conducting actual business, Aurora’s business was enjoying the dinner! “Mhm!” She was definitely enjoying herself. By now she had learned to keep her satisfaction underwraps. As she ate, her gaze bounced between her brother and Jinta, and she quietly listened to the conversation.

“What is observed here can be surmised as a concidence.”

“I don’t see anything that couldn’t be chalked up to coincidence.” The ledgers were set down. Jinta awaited a response.

Abdo raised a finger, “Posit for a moment that it isn’t coincidence. Luden tried thrice, and thrice he shall fail. The same is no different for those before him. Ulan, Asna, Nonu, so on and so forth.” Raising a finger for each name, “Consider that this is pre-meditated. Why?”

“Luck, perhaps. Though, you’ve decided to take that answer away.” Jinta replied sarcastically. “I fail to see how any of this points to foul play.” Aggression now more apparent in her tone, and Aurora’s gaze flicked towards her for a moment.

“Yes, however,” Another set of ledgers were presented which Jinta accepted. “These are recordings of a conversation,” She began reading the recording, Luden spoke first, but, “between Luden and Anlaf.” Her eyes fixed on the name “Anlaf”. She moved onto the next word, but, in the periphery, that name never left her sight. Aurora’s gaze now moved from the dishes to squarely on Jinta. The atmosphere has changed.

“What?!” Abdo exclaimed, “Our conversation is far from over. Rebuild the dome of silence, at once.”

“That is where you are mistaken, Abdo. Our conversation is over.” Aurora moved her hands closer to her chest, “I will not stand for your slander against Cien.”

“This isn’t slander, Sar Jinta! Slander is unfounded and my words are anything but!” Abdo attempted to reason with her.

“The potential for these documents to be false is not minute.” Jinta’s voice cracked, not that Abdo noticed. Though, it did not escape Aurora. “Do not play me for a fool, Abdo. A fine merchant you are, but, you must learn your place.”

“Sar Jinta, please! Do not deny me my defense of this argument!” Abdo pleaded.

“Your defense are baseless, and unfounded.” Jinta raised a finger for each point. “You have disrespected me,” Pointed to herself, “and disrespected Cien’s integrity. Anymore, and we shall no longer have an amicable relationship.” She said in a firm tone. “Greta! Escort our guests home, ensure they leave.”

The moment the command was issued, the doors opened and Greta presented herself. Beside her were two guards, “Sar, Sai, this way please.” Aurora paid no mind to Greta, or Abdo. Her attention was entirely on Jinta.

“Please, Sar Aurora. I’d appreciate it if you averted your gaze.” Jinta requested, she pursed her lips. Though, her expression remained unchanged. She felt uncomfortable, Aurora definitely didn’t help.

“Apologies, Sar Jinta.” Aurora bowed, “On my brother’s behalf as well. I wish you a pleasant evening.” The siblings were quickly escorted out of the dining hall and into the carriage. Once in the privacy of the carriage, “She didn’t even listen to my offer!” Abdo aired out his frustration, “What did we do? I acted appropriately and so did you. So why was I turned away?!” A fist was slammed onto the carriage door, “MHM!” And he grunted in pain. Abdo rolled his eyes, and tapped Aurora on her shoulder, “Are you listening?” She was staring outside the window.

“We’re being followed.” She said flatly.

“What? How many? Are can you beat them? Are we–” Abdo was interrupted.

“We’re fine.” Her delivery calm, “They have no intent to harm. Though, if they were to act on it, they would be sorely mistaken to.”

“How many of them are there?” Abdo asked in a hushed voice, still afraid.

“Three.” A curt response. Abdo expected more, there were a lot more the first time.

“Were they weaker? So, more were sent? If Aurora could beat these three, could he have beaten the five from before?” Thoughts hurled around in his mind. The potential what-ifs burdened him, what if Aurora or Klaus were hurt? “What if they came in our sleep? They didn’t try anything again after the first time. They invaded our home, why didn’t I try to move us away?”

“But, it’s fine. I mean,” Aurora blew a raspberry, “They’re likely just additional security. Jinta likely wanted to be sure that we made it home safely. I’ll have Klaus whip something up for you. We were there for like, what? Ten minutes? You didn’t even touch your food. I got to eat some at least.” She continued to stare outside through the window. “But, something was wrong.” This easily caught Abdo’s attention, his heartbeat rising. “She was scared. She was really scared. Who is Anlaf?” Turning towards her brother.

“He is no one. A political rival.” He answer.

“A political rival does not inspire that level of fear.”

“Jinta was not afraid, she was simply hasty in her decision.”

“She was fearful.” Her whole body now faced Abdo. “Tell me,” his throat dried up, “who is Anlaf? Did he have anything to do with why you were hurt?”

“You knew about that?”

“Of course, I know about that. I’m your sister, I pay close attention to you and Klaus.” Her eyes filled with determination. “I noticed how you acted when we were at the tavern.” She grabbed her own wrist, “You grabbed my wrist, and pulled me into the room with ledgers.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes drifted towards it, “You only do that when you’re scared. You act all haughty in front of Klaus, Elaria, the merchants, but you never strayed from your roots. So, tell me.” Abdo now faced her. “Who is Anlaf?”