The office
Inside the captain's office of the Guardhouse on Market Street in the Arathan Capital city, Pyron, Velan, Gilbert, and Tiera found themselves seated, their expressions varying as they mirrored the gravity of the unfolding situation. Captain Talen's cloak hung meticulously on a hook by the door, evidence of the brief respite he sought after fulfilling his duties.
The office itself exuded an air of casual disorder, reflecting Captain Talen's carefree and nonchalant nature. Piles of reports and documents mingled with maps, some half-unrolled, depicting various parts of the Arathan Kingdom. The furniture, though functional, bore marks of age and wear, hinting at the countless conversations and decisions that had transpired within these walls.
Captain Talen's desk, positioned by the window overlooking Market Street, held a collection of items that further painted the picture of his personality. A half-empty mug of coffee sat beside a stack of official papers, evidence of his multitasking between duty and comfort. A few ink smudges adorned the papers, a testament to his occasional absentminded doodling during meetings.
Outside the window, Market Street bustled with activity, the distant hum of merchants peddling their wares and shoppers bargaining for the best deals mingling with the occasional clop of horse hooves on cobblestone. Pyron and Velan could catch wafts of tantalizing aromas from a nearby food stand, their finely tuned senses capturing hints of sizzling spices and freshly baked bread.
Tiera's anxiety surged, her pacing becoming a palpable manifestation of her inner turmoil. She turned to Gilbert with wide eyes, her voice tinged with panic and annoyance. "Oh no, oh no, oh no! This is so bad, Gilbert! Father cannot find out about this. If he does, I'll never be allowed to leave the house alone again! And I just got his permission to go out. We need to do something!"
Gilbert, no stranger to such predicaments with Tiera, grasped the imminent storm. His typically composed demeanor wavered slightly, yet he maintained a gentle yet firm tone. "Miss Tiera, it would be wise to wait and address the situation calmly. Overreacting could exacerbate the circumstances."
Meanwhile, Velan shifted on a bench by the wall, his posture betraying his restless nature. His gaze shifted between the window and the room, a hint of boredom in his eyes. Pyron, on the other hand, sat with refined etiquette, a skill honed by his father's insistence due to his status as the sole son. His calm exterior belied the many royal palace banquets he had attended, a testament to his family's prominent role.
Driven by a mixture of curiosity and boredom, Velan shifted his attention to Tiera. "So, the Captain mentioned your name is Tiera Gilwynn. It sounds familiar, at least the 'Gilwynn' part."
However, Tiera appeared oblivious to Velan's question, her pacing uninterrupted, and even Gilbert seemed lost in his thoughts, failing to register Velan's inquiry.
In an unexpected turn, Pyron took it upon himself to answer Velan's query. "I'm not surprised the name sounds familiar to you. What surprises me is your lack of knowledge about them." Pyron paused for a moment, his voice taking on a more serious tone than usual. "The Gilwynn family is one of the Four Great Families that serve the King of the Arathan Kingdom," Pyron continued, his gaze steady and his voice confident.
"Two centuries ago, a man known as the young lion laid siege to the throne of the Arathan Empire," Pyron gestured toward an impressive tapestry that adorned one of the opulent walls inside the office. The tapestry, a work of art and history combined, showcased five distinct sigils, each intricately woven with vibrant colors and exquisite detail.
At the center, a majestic lion stood proudly, symbolizing the reigning king. Its golden mane cascaded like a regal crown, and its fierce eyes held an aura of authority. To its left, a graceful dove in pure white, wings outstretched, represented the Gilwynn family. The dove seemed to embody peace and prosperity, complementing the Gilwynn family's role as merchants and owners of the kingdom's greatest port town.
On the right side of the lion, a steadfast goat, its horns curling in resolute symmetry, embodied the Greatguard family. The goat exuded a sense of stability and determination, reflecting their expertise in trades such as blacksmithing and carpentry, which contributed to the kingdom's infrastructure.
Positioned below the lion, a fierce wolf with fur seemingly caught in mid-billow, represented the Martel family. The wolf's intensity captured the family's history of military prowess, guarding the king and commanding the royal guard. Its stance spoke of loyalty and vigilance, qualities integral to their duty.
Lastly, perched above the lion, an owl with wide, vigilant eyes symbolized the enigmatic Darksow family. The owl's feathers were rendered in deep shades of midnight blue and black, signifying their air of mystery and secrecy. The Darksow family's sigil seemed to watch over the others, cloaked in an aura of inscrutability.
Amidst the tapestry's vibrant hues, threads of gold and silver weaved throughout, signifying unity among these four great families that had served the kingdom for generations. The intricate design, a testament to both craftsmanship and legacy, breathed life into the history it portrayed.
"But he did not do it alone; serving under him were four loyal commanders," Pyron's voice brought attention back to his explanation. His finger moved gracefully, highlighting each sigil as he introduced the families. "Their last names were as follows: 'Martel'," he said, pointing to the wolf, "Darksow," he indicated the owl, and then to the goat, "Greatguard." Finally, he concluded, hand resting on his knee as he gestured to the Dove, "and lastly, the family represented by the dove, the Gilwynn family."
"Since then, those four families have been serving every king that has come to take the throne of the Arathan Kingdom," Pyron continued. "Each one of them now rules one of the Four fiefdoms that make up the Arathan Kingdom."
"Martel took control of the Northwest, Darksow the northeast, the Greatguard family controls the southeast, and the Gilwynn family controls the southwest, which happens to be the place where the biggest port town of the Arathan Kingdom is located. They are by far the richest family in the kingdom, and it's not even close," Pyron's tone remained serious as he spoke.
"Yeah, we're rich and all, but the other three great families are not a joke either," Tiera chimed in, her agitation seeming to have subsided somewhat.
Pyron and Velan directed their gazes toward her, expecting her to provide further insights, but their attention was diverted as Vice-captain Reah entered the office, bearing a tray of tea. "Having an interesting conversation, are we?" Reah remarked, placing the tray with tea on Captain Talen's desk. "I hope milk and sugar are fine; we didn't have any honey," she added, offering a refined smile. "Oh, look at the mess in here," she muttered under her breath, initiating a cleanup of the scattered documents.
As everyone settled with their cups of tea, the room embraced a sense of relaxation, punctuated by the anticipation of Captain Talen's return from interrogating the masked man they had captured. Vice-captain Reah continued tidying the room.
"So, about the four great families specializing in different things," Velan's curiosity ignited, an unusual demeanor for someone generally indifferent to history. He was more inclined to place Pyron in perilous situations and indulge in good food afterward.
Gilbert, stroking his majestic moustache, looked up, ready to contribute. "I believe I can answer that question. You see, all four of the great families, though initially rooted in military power, have adapted over the years due to the 200 years of peace we've enjoyed," he began, taking a sip of plain green tea, devoid of any additions.
Tiera seized the opportunity to continue, her voice filled with knowledge and pride. "Indeed, the Martel family has remained focused on their military legacy, with sole responsibility for the king's guard. Approximately 80% of the personnel maintain a blood connection to the Martel family," she explained, sipping her green tea with a touch of sweetness from added sugar.
"In contrast, my family has ventured into commerce, specifically as owners of the Gilwynn Merchant Union," Tiera continued. "Our influence spans the largest port town in the kingdom. While we employ guards to protect our goods during long journeys, our military strength pales in comparison."
Curiosity tugged at Pyron, directed toward the remaining two families. "What about the Greatguard and Darksow families?" he inquired, savouring his tea with formal etiquette.
Velan's tea cup stood empty, having been swiftly consumed with a generous amount of milk and sugar. "Yeah, tell us more," he prompted.
Tiera's gaze moved to the tapestry adorned with the five sigils as she resumed speaking. "The Greatguard family, they maintain a substantial military presence within the Arathan Kingdom's army. Additionally, they're adept in trades such as blacksmithing and carpentry, contributing to the kingdom's infrastructure," she explained, her tea now finished. With poise, she rose, setting her cup down on Captain Talen's table before walking over to the tapestry.
"As for the Darksow family," Tiera continued, a note of mystery creeping into her voice, "it's perplexing. They've retained their status as a great family for 200 years without any clear source of income beyond taxes. They seem to lack a prominent role in the kingdom's affairs, yet their legacy persists as an enigma."
With Tiera's response concluded, she returned to her seat, her demeanor a unique blend of noble heritage and casual informality. The extravagant dress she wore spoke of her fascination with elegant fashion, a stark contrast to her commoner-like behavior. The room's focus turned toward the tapestry, the emblematic representation of the Arathan Kingdom's history and the intricate interplay of its great families.
"Though there are rumours" Tiera said with a dark and mysterious tone directing a chilling gaze and smile towards Pyron and Velan.
..... [At another place at the same time]-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mack and Sigmund thanked the cloaked figure and proceeded further into the enchanting alley. As they navigated through the winding paths, the atmosphere changed with each turn. Mystic shops selling exotic artifacts shared walls with hidden gambling dens where fortunes could be won or lost in the blink of an eye. Cloaked figures conversed in hushed tones, and the faint scent of spices and unfamiliar foods wafted through the air. The narrow alleys occasionally opened up into small plazas where performers entertained curious onlookers with acrobatics, fire-breathing, and mesmerizing dances.
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting moment, Mack and Sigmund arrived at the entrance of the Red Lobster Bar. Its exterior was adorned with a faded mural depicting an extravagant underwater scene, a fitting representation for a place nestled within the Blue Lantern Alley. The entrance was marked by a pair of intricately carved wooden lobsters, their claws outstretched as if inviting travelers into their watery realm.
Inside, the bar was alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Blue lantern light filtered through the colored glass windows, casting a surreal mosaic of hues across the room. And just as the cloaked figure had mentioned, Mack and Sigmund's eyes were drawn to a table at the far corner where two figures sat, their appearance matching the descriptions Mack had heard.
The first figure was a woman with a crown of emerald feathers adorning her midnight hair. Her eyes glinted like polished stones, and an air of regal confidence surrounded her. Beside her sat a man with a crooked grin, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the table as if he were always listening to a secret melody. His attire was a mismatch of styles, suggesting a life of adventure and unpredictability.
Mack and Sigmund approached the table, and the woman extended a hand adorned with jeweled rings. "Mack the Mighty and Sigmund the Skittish, we've heard of your reputations. I am Selene, and this is my partner, Reynard. We have an offer that might pique your interest."
Selene reached into a bad that was situated on the table and pulled out a scroll "As you know from the letter we sent you, we are representatives of the Four Finger Heaven. I'm sure you have heard that it's a place where you can trade anything for anything, but sometimes the desired product might not be available at that exact moment which is the case right now" Selene said as she handed over the scroll to Reynard who picked up where she left off.
"The Four Finger Heaven has people of almost every trade in the world but what we don't have are people skilled in Magical Beast smuggling and procuring. Which right now is quickly becoming one of the hottest things on the market. Which is why we're talking to you two right now" Reynard said as he slowly opened the scroll up and showed it to the dynamic duo.
Mack and Sigmund leaned in to examine the contents of the scroll, their curiosity piqued by the potential opportunity before them. The scroll was filled with detailed illustrations of mythical creatures and exotic beasts, each more wondrous and enchanting than the last. The descriptions accompanying the images spoke of the creatures' unique abilities, rare ingredients they produced, and the demand for them across various realms and markets.
Sigmund's eyes widened as he studied the scroll. "Magical Beast smuggling?
Mack's gaze remained steady as he examined the scroll. "Hmm, we've smuggled one or two magic creature's before. It's risky business not many around that would even dare try it anymore in this day and age.
"You're right there aren't many people that do it cause everyone who tries gets caught, but you two on the other hand are still walking free right?" Selene said giving a piercing glare that seemed to go right through them.