A Place to Belong

The white stone columns and silent walls of the Great Hall of Haubern cried the wishes of the Republic- freedom and equality. Unfortunately, Chen lamented, such things are impossible to achieve right now. They had, for a time, wallowed in the idea that a people can remain equal and free if they just try hard enough- if they want it enough.

But things were more difficult to pave in reality. The real world was an imperfect bust of an ideal one- crumbling, misshapen and drab. Reality trumped dream. That was the ugly truth, but the only truth. And the only thing Chen and the others could do is to accept that ugly truth.

The victory of the Yea vote of the plebiscite doesn't mean the death of the Republic. The Union wasn't a dagger, driving straight and true to the Republic's heart. Instead it was more of a medicine- bitter but good. The Republic was falling and the Union caught it in its arms.

Chen sighed. The Great Hall still smelled like old stone. The light was still dim despite the slits in the domed top. Sounds still echoed inside, going on and on until only silence remained. But it felt colder now that the Bouvin was gone. It felt different.

The five Magistrates sat on their respective seats. The stone seat felt cold on Chen's butt. As always, the session was opened by Herberk with some mistakes. Devik was slow to correct him this time.

"All five of us know about our agenda for today" Chen went to the point.

"Where should we begin? Tribute? Defense? Trade?" asked Vedur

"Tribute" Chen answered. He paused for a moment, making sure to remember what he and the monarchs agreed. "Our lieges request a small tribute every month in exchange for protecting Inkit against external threats"

"How substantial is this said tribute?" Devik raised his quill

"Five hundred gold coins"

Devik snorted. His little body bobbed. His grin then froze on his face when he noticed that Chen wasn't laughing. "You serious? Not jesting?"

"I never jest"

Devik sucked his own tongue. The squelching was loud. "Insane. They serious? One of my Servus earns more than that through corruption"

"Not anymore but yes. Vanadis is richer that all of could ever imagine. I think the idea of a tribute even insulted Queen Lucia a bit. But it is customary for a vassal to pay its overlord for protection. Five hundred would probably be a drop in their ocean of treasury. The tribute is more of a formality"

"Their demand rests on other aspects, yes?" Vedur asked.

"Military. They want men to reinforce their campaigns against Wismar" Vulek, the new Magistrate of war, guessed.

And he was right.

"Ten thousand men, all in good condition and fit. No diseases and not addicted to Basilisk Root. No past history of crimes and must be volunteers" Chen shrugged "Volunteers fight harder and are braver, the King said" Chen said.

"Ten thousand men" Vedur caressed his stubble "Not impossible but not easy to assemble. It would take us long"

"They would help hasten the process actually. They control the orator's guild. They have the underground gangs in their palm. Their propaganda is superb. The youth would flock into the banners"

"Then that settles it" Herberk said "You know what to do Devik. Armies cost money. We need to arm them, feed them, pay them, and train them. The blacksmiths will be busy soon"

"Actually" Chen looked at Herberk "They want the Inkish legions to be trained in the Castonian way. The armors and weapons, formation... you know the stuff. They are sending officers to train our youths. They also request the Magistrate of War to accompany the Inkish legions once training is finished"

"Fine by me" Vulek said "I have my father's blood. I will carry the torch of the Republic into battle"

Chen smiled. Vulek was indeed Bouvin's son, the same pride although Vulek was more tamed. But he could see that Vulek had Bouvin's competence.

"And for diplomacy? We will have it all?" asked Vedur

"Open borders, free trade, military protection, except royal marriage though"

"Trade" Vedur found the best deal Inkit would have in all of this. Protection was still uncertain as Wismar still reigned strong. A head-on and inevitable collision between the Wismarine army and the Union's legions would bear unpredictable results. But trade would surely benefit Inkit. Vanadian goods would again flow in the market.

Chen coughed to gain their attention. The next part would be the hardest. He took a piece of rolled paper and put it on the table "The monarchs also requested that we impeach all of the names written. More names would follow and we are expected to do the same"

Herberk frowned as he reached for the paper. His frown grew deeper. "These are most of our Servuses and their Assistants. We can't do this Chen. The people have elected these names into office"

"I agree" Devik said "This request of them is too much"

Vedur grabbed the paper from Herberk's hand "Corruption huh? The same thing that stalled our development. I say we do as they requested and impeach these people"

"Vedur..." Herberk's tone brimmed with surprise

Vedur looked at Chen before continuing. "The people have spoken. The people voted for Inkit to grab the Union's help. We are sick. The Republic is sick. It is dying. And I tell you brothers, the medicine is painful to swallow. Impeaching these officials will be difficult, yes. But aren't we the Magistrates of Inkit? Are we not the protectors of the people? We will find a way even if it grinds us to dust"

Chen's smile was wide. He nodded to Vedur. They were of different personalities and they have disagreed many times before, but their love for the Republic were both true. He put his fist on the table.

"For the Republic of Inkit"

*********

As Avery walked in the streets of Haubern, she couldn't help but feel that things hardly changed at all. Some who voted Nay during the plebiscite were either leaving, causing troubles or preaching imminent doom for the Republic.

But Haubern was bustling with the addition of the Castonian soldiers. The brutish stereotype Avery thought of them was broken. They were people just like them, a little tough on themselves and stern with orders, but they still sing in taverns, visit brothels, drink until their bladders give up. Some fancied the food of Haubern. Others raveled in the plays and songs of bards.

The queue in her favorite baker was long when she arrived. About a hundred people were in front of her. Nevertheless patience would bring her good bread so she waited.

"Girl" A familiar voice said from behind. When Avery turned her head, she saw the cheerful chubby and his broody lanky cousin queuing behind her.

"You two didn't die?"

The cheerful chubby laughed "You think me and my cousin are stupid to accept the bribes? No we declined when they bribed us to join the attack against the Union's monarchs. Coins can be earned many times but we only have one life"

"And I say we should have accepted the bribes" The broody cousin said "The only ones who died are those who joined Magistrate Bouvin in a last stupid charge"

"The casualties are limited because the monarchs provided mercy. Those lads who joined the attack but surrendered after are still alive because they are lucky. I'm not putting my life in the hands of lady luck for a few pieces of gold"

"Well good for the two of you" Avery said "So what now? You two going home?"

"No, we have other plans" The cheerful chubby grinned.

"My cousin here wants to volunteer to the Inkish legions. I'm still debating it in my mind" the broody lanky cousin said.

The cheerful chubby wrapped his arms around his cousin "Oh come on, you have already decided, I know" He looked at Avery "Girl, we are going to Wismar"

Their talks continued until they reached the front of the queue. Avery bought three pieces of steaming beautiful bread and bit them goodbye. Strange people, she thought. But then again, everybody is strange in their own way.

She was also strange. Last week she had probably the most profitable job in all of Inkit. She would have become wealthy beyond her imagination. But she quit after getting a taste of its smut. The Assistants cheat the people. That wasn't her field. That would never be her field.

She made her way through several alleys and corners. It was near midday when she arrived at the place.

The building was tall, half a dozen stories. The thick columns were carved with intricate designs. The Great Hall of Haubern, although considered the center of the Republic, paled in comparison to this. People dressed in togas walked bearing scrolls. On top of the main door, the words 'Orator's Guild' were etched in stone.

Avery smiled as she went inside. She hoped, deep in her heart, that she finally found the place where she belongs.