19 The Underground Council

The Anbernel clock tower was one building that stood out in a sea of gray. It was dark, built with bricks made from some form of black clay. It was a popular meeting place for local alchemists because of its specialty library. Citizens were free to enter, but they often avoided the place because it felt like a bad omen.

The Latrell twins and I approached its heavy looking doors that were about twice our height. The doorman recognized us immediately and allowed us inside. He led to us a long flight of stairs until we reached the floor where the meeting room was. Above us, we could see the gargantuan gears turning in synchronicity to keep the clock hands moving.

Inside the meeting room was a long table where twelve people sat. The twins recognized some of them who were associated with the government. They expressed surprise upon seeing familiar faces of influential leaders. One particular gentleman stood out from the rest. He wore a hood and a mask to hide his identity. He sat quietly at the end of the long table beside the leader of the Sariyan Order as the rest were engaged in loud chatter that filled the room.

"So you came," Marianne XIII said with a delighted smile upon seeing us enter. She had us sit on the empty chairs around the table.

"This is Detective Adrian Latrell. He has been helping us deal with Excidium's latest attacks and prevented them from becoming big catastrophes. We are welcoming him today into the council," Marianne XIII introduced Adrian to the council members. They all gave a nod of approval.

She continued, "We are gathered here today to review updates on our progress and decide on our next actions in response to the current situation. Adonias will be giving us a summary of our progress."

"Adonias?" The name was one that I recognized. Could it really be the same Adonias that Captain Dietrich spoke of?

The hooded man with a mask rose from his seat. His features were hidden under layers of fabric. It was nearly impossible to give a worthwhile description of him. He opened up a leather-bound notebook where he kept his notes. Everyone gave him their attention.

Adrian himself couldn't believe it either when he heard the name. Why would the inventor of the mortis machina be explicitly part of the council that vowed to destroy the group that he was associated with? Was it really the same Adonias?

"In the past month, Excidium has been smuggling large quantities of metal from the Eastern Kingdoms. Some of these imports have been halted by the Sariyan Order and by some of your special forces. One factory producing mortis machina was discovered lately here in Anbernel. Upon intervention, the factory was immediately abandoned and possibly relocated. We were able to seize a handful of their stocks and machines. We request that everyone conduct surveys in their respective cities for any suspicious activity." Adonias' voice was deep and powerful, which reminded me of Master. Upon finishing, he sat back down.

"If anyone has anything else to add, please do so," said Marianne XIII.

One man stood up. "Regarding the assassinations of high-rank mechanics, we've acquired evidence that links the crimes to Excidium. Their motives are still unknown, but we have reason to believe that it has something to do with their mass production of mortis machina." He dropped a copy of a report on the table for the members to view and pass around.

The meeting continued with a discussion of specific actions they were to execute within their jurisdictions. This group was really serious about uprooting Excidium from the kingdom's grounds.

"The meeting is adjourned," Marianne XIII announced shortly after the clock struck five.

The people in the room stayed to chat for a short while before making their way out. After half of the members left the room, I approached Adonias. I needed some answers only he could provide.

"Excuse me," I said politely.

He looked up from his notebook. I could see his slender handwriting in longhand on faded paper from where I stood.

"What is it, child?"

"Are you Master?" I asked him.

"Forgive me, child. I am not who you speak of." He paused for a moment, examining me. "You are a machine."

"I am a half-machine."

He took my wrist gently and surveyed the little scratches I earned from the train incident. "You have the design of a mortis machina. Who built you?"

"Someone I call Master. I am searching for him."

"How curious."

"She is called Aliciel. She helped the detective stop the rebels from crashing the train," Marianne XIII joined our conversation. She seemed particularly interested.

"Ah yes. I've read the news."

"She was heavily damaged from that incident. Her core is broken."

"A broken core? That must have been quite a stressful trial to have damaged a sturdy core such as this."

"Would you be able to fix it?"

Adonias gave it some thought. "I will need some material. Give me three days. After the harbor festival, we shall meet here again at the same time."

"Thank you," I said.

He placed a hand on my head. "No need to thank me, child. You did well."

"Rest assured, Aliciel. Adonias is one of the best mechanics out there," said Marianne XIII.

"Now if you will excuse me, I must take my leave for today. It was a pleasure meeting all of you." Adonias did a little bow and left.

"It looks like we'll be extending our stay here, dear Iris," said Adrian.

"Oh, I don't mind at all. This city is very lovely. It's a relief that Aliciel's core is finally going to be fixed!" Iris was happy for me.

Marianne XIII moved closer to the Latrell Twins. "Do you still have some free time today? I would like to take you somewhere."

"Take us where?" Adrian asked.

"The abandoned mortis machina factory."