Corodite ... More Valuable than Gold

The one who's providing weapons to the Howl Chief, Lyolis thought. "And tell me, who purchase your weapons?" The words escaped her. Everybody heads were now turned towards her, eyes narrowed, lips pursed. She stammered, "because I am curious as to who would by such things… We are in a time of peace."

Weebert nodded, "indeed… Yet war is always on the horizon and always imminent. And when it happens I'll be ready." The man laughed. "But besides rifles and cannons — we make the revolvers — the Womberwheel Guns."

Lyolis shook her head, "I am not certain I know of this weapon."

"Sure you do." He chuckled. "The Womberwheel Gun is the only revolver in existence to fire alchme rounds. Sure there have been a few knockoffs, but those are used by outlaws and thieves...nothing of quality."

"And quality they are," the Mayor said.

Lyseria asked, "are you the one who supplied the soldiers their weapons during the War of Nations?"

The table went silent and Lyolis felt less embarrassed for her outburst. Now all heads were on her mother.

"Hold your tongue," Leofort whispered, giving her a nudge.

"It is not a problem," Weebert said. "We did indeed."

Lyserias smirked and took another sip of wine while the table went silent once more.

Noticing, the butler waved his hand, "And next to the Weebert—"

The man interrupted, "Is my wife Lysa Womberwheel." She was a thicker woman with a gentle smile, with the blondest hair bluest eyes of them. He then focused on a short girl who seemed very familiar. "And finally we have my daughter—"

"Tonsi," Lyolis said.

The girl smiled and pale cheeks grew pink. "You remembered."

"Oh, good," Lefort chuckled; "you've met."

"Yes," Tonsi nodded, her cheeks perking. "On the train just before we were attacked."

"Attacked!" The Mayor raised a hand. "Exactly why we've called this assembly." He stood to his feet, waving his cape from his back. "My friends...I humbly apologies for the events from the other day."

"And you should be," Weebeet snapped. "My two little ones have been having nightmares all week."

Lysa placed a hand on his forearm, "it's not the Mayors fault, love."

"That is besides the point, Dear." His eyebrows furrowed. "What are you to do about this?"

"I assure you," the Mayor said; "I have tasked my legionnaires to find these men and bring them to a swift justice."

"Good…"

"Do we know why the Yurks attacked?" Leofort asked. "I know of their people well...They're easily provoked, but do not attack without thought and reason."

"I am uncertain…" The Mayor said, sliding his index on his mustache. "But it could mean war."

"War?" Lyolis and Tonsi said together.

The Mayor looked to both girls and then sat, "but these matters can be discussed at a later time."

"War is not the answer—"

"Lyolis," Leofort boomed. "Leave the matter be."

"But father…"

He leaned over, shooting a gaze that made her lips stick together.

The Mayor perked up, smiling. "I know things have been tense so I've set up a special event I'd like you all to attend." His waved his hands and spoke, "A ball — and on of grandeur."

Lyolis fought her tongue from speaking illy.

"Oh, that sounds magnificent," Lysa said.

"Splendid," Lyseria said, boredly.

Leofort and Weebert less impressed while Drajorik Gordon smiled broad, not a wrinkle on his face.

"What a great idea! Do you have music?"

"I was just about to ask if you'd be willing to play?"

"But of course!" His words rang throughout the room. "It'll be a night to remember!"

There was no more talk of war or the train when the food came; lobsters from Railford City with steaming potatoes and veggies that glowed a neon green of alchemy; Lyolis was cautious of the veggies; after everybody had their fill suddenly they were laughing and toasting, even her mother had a smile that hung on her face.

"I'd like to be excused," Lyolis said, at the sight of Zoar laughing with the others.

"Is everything ok?"

"Fine," she pecked his cheek. "I just need to use the restroom."

Instead Lyolis walked from the dining room to the study; she spent most of her time there since arriving, losing herself in books filled with adventures and romance; stories of lives that were much less complicated than her own. She plopped down on a dark sofa that matched the wooden shelves and rugs scattered about the room.

Lyolis mumbled, "If war is imminent for the Yurks, than it could be imminent for the Cyoakian…"

"You're correct," a voice squeaked from the doorway.

Lyolis drifted onto the pale young Womberwood whose smiled was much warmer looking than her ice blue eyes.

"Tonsi? Have you followed me?"

"Not purposely...I just thought you knew were the bathrooms were."

Lyolis eyebrows elevated and she laughed. Tonsi laughed with her then joined her on the sofa.

"Have you heard anything of Boone or Rynan?" Lyolis asked, unsure why they suddenly came to mind.

She shook her head, "unfortunately not...My parents haven't let me out of their sight for days now."

"And neither has mine...they've been acting—"

"Odd," Tonsi nodded. "Like something is troubling them."

"Yes." Lyolis admitted, sharpening her tone. "And I'm beginning to understand why."

Tons noticed her change of attitude and perked up, sitting defensively. "Is it in regards to the question you asked my father?"

Lyolis nodded.

"I was afraid of that…" Her voice trembled. "And it is why I've sought you out."

"What?"

"Why did you ask my father who he sold his guns to?"

"Curiosity…"

Tonsi placed a hand on Lyolis hand; her cold flesh made her flinch and pull away.

"My apologies…" The girl squeaked.

Lyolis looked away, "my parents are worried the Cyoakians maybe going to war." She took a deep breath. "A war that we cannot win…"

Tonsi face paled, "why do you say such things?"

"Because somebody is supplying our enemies with powerful weapons…" Her eyes found the girls. "Somebody such as your father."

Tonsi gasped, "No. He'd never do such a thing." She twiddled her thumbs. "My father is a brilliant man...He would never risk his business by providing the indigenous with weapons for their conflict...it's against the law."

"Then who else? Your father said himself that there are no other competitors."

"A competitor with our quality of Alchme Wheel Guns...There are always competitors in any thriving market."

"Then why has he come?"

Tonsi's spoke calmly, "my father is here trying acquire Corodite — it is a strong, lightweight mineral that can make powerful weapons — he's trying to make a deal with the Mayor for its use."

"Corodite?" Lyolis asked. "But what if the deal in return is to make weapons to be used against my people? Could that be possible…"

Tonsi lips sunk, "there's always that chance...but if it were true, my father would be unaware."