They had been walking for hours. Barton was struggling to keep himself upright, and he realized now why Marius had forced them to make camp. They had set out when Corna first began to shine in the sky, and yet Tarna’s rise had come nearly two hours ago, and they still seemed to be at least a mile or so away from the city gates. Making matter worse was the fact that their horses were now gone. After the strange arrival of the wild meggun, events seemed to spiral out of control. They ate while the meggun sat and watched them the entire time. The slept while the meggun sat and watched them the entire time. Barton even awoke to find the meggun standing right above him. It was almost as if it was protecting them. It made no sense, but at least it wasn’t eating them. They couldn’t complain about that.

Still, Barton couldn’t help but be furious when he found that their horses reigns had been chewed through in the middle of the night. He couldn’t figure out when it had happened, but it was very clear that they had been gone for quite some time. It would be of little use for them to search for their mounts, so instead they slung their packs over their shoulders, and headed out on foot. Now here they were, trying to keep a steady pace as the heat began to bare down on them, and oddly enough, ignore the meggun that was following about ten feet behind them.
“That’s it!” shouted Barton as the heat got the better of him. He turned back toward the meggun and strode over to it quickly. The creature didn’t move. It simply sat there, it’s ears perked into the air, as if confused by the boy’s manic emotions. Barton took his pack and made to sling it over when Marius’ voice stopped him.
“What’re you doing?”
“What is it look like I’m doing?” Barton answered sarcastically, “I’m taking a load-off.”
“Not on the meggun,” Marius said plainly. Barton shot a glare back at him as he dropped his pack to the ground with a thud. He breathed heavily, as the sweat was pouring down his face.
“They where the hell am I supposed to put my pack?” he finally asked. Marius shook his head almost in disbelief.
“On your back.” Barton cast his glare down to the ground, trying to withhold his anger.
“We’re almost there Barton, just suck it up,” Julien said.
“Suck it up?!” Barton shouted, “That’s a wonderful fucking idea Julien. Let’s just throw our packs over our shoulders, and keep following the murderer who tried to abandon us only yesterday. Let’s keeping walking straight for what could be a trap, while we let exhaustion beat us far down beyond any kind of fighting state. Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s all just ignore the obvious elephant in the room that is the WILD FUCKING MEGGUN WALKING BEHIND US!”
Barton seethed, as he tried to take a deep breath and control his anger. He looked away from the two of them and held out his hand for a moment. He took a long moment to compose himself before finally speaking in a hoarse whisper.
“I apologize” he said slowly, “this heat is just getting the better of me.” Marius turned away and began to walk again as he called back over his shoulder.
“Well then let’s keep up the pace and we’ll get out of the sun faster.” Barton hesitated for a moment looking at Julien. She had a look of almost pity etched across her face. Barton hated that look more than any others. He met her gaze for a moment before shouting back to Marius.
“Look, this thing set our horses free, can’t we at least put it to work?”
“Nope!” Barton struggled to control his anger.
“Why?” he shouted back. Marius finally dropped his own pack and turned back.
“I already told you,” he said attempting to be patient, “Meggun’s are intelligent creatures. You don’t ride or saddle an intelligent creature. It demeans them.” Barton swung around to look at the Meggun, that was no resting on it’s hide legs, and letting it’s tongue hang from its mouth as it was panting.
“That’s an intelligent creature!?” he shouted.
“It’s intuitive,” Marius countered.
“How can you say that?” Barton asked, “Did you have a conversation with it or something?” Marius smiled that smug smile he knew all too well and turned to Julien. Her blonde hair was waving in the breeze, and she was attempting to remain invisible in the argument between them. She was sick of being used as a weapon between them.
“Ask her,” said Marius. Barton also looked at her now too, and once again she felt as if she was on trial between the two of them.
“He’s right,” she said, hesitantly showing the bandaged arm that covered the tattoo, “it saw this, and it stopped mid attack.” Barton swallowed hard, knowing how close they were now to having their cover blown. He shook his head at Julien, while she dropped her eyes to the ground, and he looked back at the meggun, who was now staring straight at them, with a smile smeared across its face and its head cocked to the side.
“So,” Marius said chuckling, “do you want to tell me what that’s all about?” He let his challenge hang there over Barton, matching his intense gaze.
“Not particularly,” Barton spat back.
“Well then,” Marius said, slinging his pack back over his shoulder, “what do you say we keep moving.” Barton begrudgingly did the same and all three continued their trek, each keeping their distance from one another.
“It’s an outdated tradition you know,” Barton said. Marius took a large step, trying to reach over one of the larger cracks in the ground.
“What’s that?” he called back as he stared down into the abyss below.
“The journeymen tradition,” Barton said as he followed step over the same crack, “megguns have been tamed for years. They’re used as mounts all over Orphan. It doesn’t make you noble, it just makes you behind the times.”
“Hm,” Marius mused as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, “Well if my people are so low on nobility, then what’s stopping me from just leaving you out here?”
“Because we’re paying you,” Barton said as he ripped off a piece of wheat brag.
“You’re paying me to get you to the Capitol,” Marius said, “Not insult my culture. So if you’d like to keep the deal, I’d suggest you follow the guidelines.”
The trio continued to march onward for another two hours, with the suns baring down on them the entire time. The journey was mostly silent save for some groaning and complaining from Barton. By the time they reached the gates, their water had all but dried up. Sweat was pouring from them, and even Marius was having trouble breathing. All the while the meggun simply trotted behind them happily. Every now and then it’d seem to get the scent of something and take off running after it. It was only a few minutes however until it would come running back and resume following them. Marius couldn’t be sure, but he thought it was protecting them.
As they reached the gates Marius dropped his bag to the ground as Barton and Julien collapsed on either side of him. They all breathed heavily as Marius called out a greeting to the guard.
“Ho there!” The guard stuck his head over the top of the wall, and was soon joined by five more spread across the top of the gate. They all trained their arrows onto the group below, and the message became immediately clear. A small door at the center of the massive gates swung open, and a man walked out, flanked by three men on either side. They were all armed to the teeth, and Marius got the message quick. The most decorated man strode right up to him.
“Joiun Bern. Sergeant of the Port Guard.” the man said introducing himself.
“Marius, of Lik ku’uan.”
“A journeyman,” Joiun stated questioningly, “what business do you have in Rafe.” The sergeant immediately looked down at Barton and Julien, clearly directing the question toward them.
“We mean no trouble,” Marius said, “We don’t bring it, we’re not looking for it. What say we leave our business to ourselves, eh?” Joiun looked at him with an intense stare.
“Is that thing tamed?” Joiun asked, pointing to the meggun that was still standing about ten feet behind them. Marius turned to look at it, and chuckled to himself.
“I have no idea,” he answered as he turned back. Joiun looked at him with great confusion.
“It’s not yours?” he asked. Marius laughed.
“You’d think so, wouldn’t you.” Joiun remained stoic, refusing to acknowledge the joke. 
“Last time I let a journeymen behind these walls, I had a great deal of trouble.”
“Well,” said Marius patiently, “I may be a journeyman, but I’m not that journeyman. We’re just looking to resupply, then we’ll be out of here before you even noticed we’ve arrived. Karry?” The sergeant took a deep breath, before turning back to his archers. He nodded and the men lowered their bows. He took a step toward Marius and got very close to his face.
“I have a perfect memory for faces. Don’t give me a reason to remember yours.”
With that Joiun and his guards moved back and into the open doorway. Barton and Julien remained on the ground for a moment. They breathed heavily in unison, unsure of whether or not their interaction had been a success.
Finally they heard the loud screech of the massive gates as they slowly swung open.
Rafe welcomed them.
The city streets were packed and the port was clearly in full trade hustle. The gate square was filled with by the high noon market place. Rafe was a city of two very different worlds. There was the nobles, a wealthy elite minority whose political and monetary power made them powerful players on the world stage. Their funds supplied the means to keep Rafe a working port city. And there was the labor, an impoverished but highly spirited majority of workers. Most were simply trying to keep alive or support their family, but it did nothing to heed the shame of their employment choices; laborer, criminal, or whore. Those who were ruthless enough generally ruled over their neighborhood gangs, and despite it’s capable port status, Rafe was really nothing more than a city of warlords, all battling day in and out for the right city block. The nobles controlled the cash flow, allowing them to deftly maneuver loyal street gangs. The only rule was that Rafe’s port and it’s foreign vessels were never to be harmed. So long as the city remained open for business, the battles could be played out as long as they liked.
Marius walked no amongst their foot soldiers. He was more used to this position anyway. He was a young man, but the scars of war still etched across his face. He had been at the forefront of combat. He had faced the fear of death and the bound of brotherhood. He was a journeyman, and he was a soldier. Those two things were never go to together, so he ran.
Now he was standing in the middle of the bustling crowd, as foreign sailors sampled the port whores, while merchants made their deliveries and back alley deals. The smell of fresh cooking and produce filled the air. Marius always loved this city. It’s citizens were always coming and going, and it was constantly in motion. It was the closest thing to home that Marius had. While not a citizen, he had plenty of contacts in Rafe, and he was known by a few well placed people. Still, he kept himself as much in the shadows as he possibly could.
Marius led Barton and Julien off and into the city, taking a number of twist and turns. They passed through at least five more decent sized marketplace, stopping at least once for some broiled Caricatch. It was the first time either of them had tried anything so exotic. Needless to say they puked it allup about forty minutes later, but up until that point they had greatly enjoyed the experience. Finally after walking for almost an hour, Barton rest himself against a wall. He was exhausted.
“Alright,” he finally asked, all three of them breathing heavily, “where the hell are we going?”
“We’re almost there,” Marius answered struggling to wipe the sweat from his forehead. “it’s just down another two levels.”
“But I feel like we haven’t gone anywhere,” Barton said. A grin spread itself across Marius’ face. His eyes lit up,
“Look up kid!” As Barton did he was amazed by the sight above him. Stacked one on top of each other, were layers and layers of streets. They must have been down almost twenty levels now, and they could only be about two thirds of the way down. At the top of the massive cliff side city was the enormous Harbor Tower, which now shone it’s massive torch flame to guide sailors in it’s direction. It loomed over, and ruled over the city.
“Alright ladies,” Julien said, pushing past both of them, “Let’s get a move on, we can hold hands and sight see later. Right now, I need to get some water.”
They continued to make their way down, passing one more market place, and a small amphitheater a rather dull and overblown epoch was underway. Finally they turned off the main street, and travelled down a small alleyway. At the end was simple and unassuming wooden door, which had little difference from any of the others around it. Julien couldn’t help but wonder if Marius really knew where he was. What if it was the wrong door, and a city official threw open the door. If anyone were to recognize her she would be in a great deal trouble, and she instinctively pulled the hood down a little lower on her cloak. Marius wrapped the door three times quickly and heavily. He smiled at Julien, attempting to ease her obvious worry.
“Don’t worry. Me and these guys go way back,” he said.
“Really?” Julien answered, “Do they like you.” Marius’ smile vanished quickly as his brow raised in thought.
“I don’t know. I did almost get them killed. But that was a long time ago.”
The door flew open and there stood Karion Glass. His large stature was at once terrifying and intimidating. His dark skin was covered from head to toe with tattoos, and large gold chains dangled from numerous piercings across his body. He wore large flowing red robes, and stood almost seven feet tall. Though Julien and Barton had never seen a Marihari man up close and personal, they had to admit, the rumors were well founded. Karion’s eyes caught Marius and he grew deadly serious. His deep voice bellowed.
“You’ve got a lot of balls showing up here.” Marius took the statement with an element of shock. He looked around behind him to ensure the man was talking to him. He hadn’t expected a warm welcome, but he certainly hadn’t expected threats. Julien and Barton held their breath, unsure if this behemoth was planning to kill them with one massive swing of his hand.
Slowly, a grin began to spread across Karion’s face, and his white teeth almost shined in his head. He bellowed a loud laugh, and grabbed Marius’ pulling him into a bear of a hug.
“You son of a bitch,” he laughed, holding him out at arm’s length to get a look at him, “where the hell have you been?!”
“Oh well, I’ve been busy,” Marius answered, still trying to shake off the awkwardness of the greeting.
“Well get inside-” Karion started, suddenly cutting himself off, “Who are your friends?”
“Oh,” Marius answered, “Sorry. Karion this is Barton and Julien. Guys, this is Karion Glass.”
“It’s very nice to meet you sir,” Julien said, attempting to be as formal as possible.
“Please, please,” Karion answered, “Come inside! You look exhausted. Come on, Timon will be so happy to see you!”
The trio stepped into the doorway behind Karion, and entered the modest flat. It was a small, four to five room affair, and though the high ceilings and wide rooms allowed plenty of floor space, it was very clearly cluttered with an array of trash, treasures, and supplies. Karion called out to his roommate, and was answered by the appearance of Timon Gallaway. A smaller man with flaming red hair and thick red beard, Timon entered the room with a clatter, and immediately made for Marius.
“You son of a bitch! Look at you!” he called as he pulled him in to a tight hug. “Where have you been!?”
“Well,” Marius answered awkwardly, “I’ve been busy.”
“So I’ve heard, word on the wire is a popular council member was murdered in Cabnic with a djerik.”
“Has everyone heard about that?” Timon chuckled and patted Marius on the shoulder.
“Don’t you worry about that brother. You’re amongst friends now. Come, you look like you’ve been starving. Let us eat, and we’ll catch up.”

*****

As the eve began to take hold of the day, Jouin gazed out at the flatlands before him. The dusk was beginning to set in, and the land was quickly basked in a deep shade of violet. The small party was baring down on them, and it would only be a matter of minutes before they arrived. Jouin could see anyone trying to approach the city walls for almost miles away, but it was not often that those approaching flew the Parliamentary flag. He swallowed hard and felt the lump build in his throat. This was not good.
He opened the small door at the base of the gate, and stepped out with four of his best men. They held themselves on ceremony in standard guard position, and he kept himself presented with chest high. He hoped that the Parliamentary guard would come and go with no difficulty. Tomorrow would be one of the biggest gundaren shipments of the year coming through the port, and he didn’t have time to deal with some national guardsmen.
As the party arrived, Joiun realized just how many members the party truly held. At least forty men, all at full fighting force, and armed for war. They rode with purpose, and this was not a simple check in. The men dismounted their horses, and circled out around the gate, ensuring a defensive perimeter was created. One of the soldiers stepped forward, his uniform covered with medals and commemorations.
“Who’s in charge here?” the man asked.
“Joiun Bern, Sergeant of the Port Guard,” Joiun answered stoically. The man in front of him caught his eyes.
“Sergeant Bern. I am Garen Voss, Colonel of the Parliamentary Guard.” Joiun bowed before his superior.
“Colonel, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?” Colonel Voss took a moment to study the man standing before him. He sighed deeply, and took stock of the four guardsmen who flanked the sergeant. A number of archers remained above, and he was sure that there were more behind the gate. It wasn’t exactly an army, but Joiun put himself at the very pinnacle of battle. That alone was worthy of his respect. Still, he had a duty to complete.
“We’re looking for a Journeyman. We have sources that say he was crossing the flatlands a few days ago. We can only imagine that he would be heading for Rafe.”
Joiun felt a deep lump swallow down his throat. He tried to keep his composure and did his best to mask his failure his duty.
“We’ll need access to your logs,” Voss continued, “and free reign of your city for the next few days.” Joiun bowed, trying to aqueous the request.
“Of course Colonel,” he said, “but there’s no need for you to check the logs. I memorize them, and I can tell you, we’ve had no journeymen pass through these gates for months.” Joiun steeled himself, hoping his bluff would work.
“Tell me sergeant,” came a voice out of the crowd, “are you aware of the penalty for lying to a Parliamentary officer?” Joiun squinted his eyes trying to see the crowd and discern the source of the voice.
“Show yourself,” he demanded. He received silence back, and he saw a figure shrouded in black move amongst the ranks. He tried again.
“A soldier introduces himself with name and rank.”
The figure slowly emerged from the crowd, along with three others, all similarly shrouded in long black cloaks and hoods. The center figure stepped forward, and let his hood slowly fall from his head. It revealed a simple face, with short black hair, and black eyes. A long scar stretched down his face all the way to his neck, and he moved his head in an almost animalistic fashion, as if trying to detect Joiun’s hints of dishonesty. Despite his physical nature, he spoke with great eloquence and intelligence.
“My rank is of no concern to you sergeant,” the man said, “you may call me Carnus. That is all you need know. Now I ask again. Are you aware of the punishment for lying to a member of the Parliamentary guard?” Joiun stared back at the man in front of him, with great defiance in his eyes.
“If you wish to accuse me of dishonesty, then I suggest you press the charge formally,” Joiun spoke, “though I warn you. I have at least a dozen witnesses who would corroborate this fact.” Carnus scoffed at this notion, and looked at the four Port Guardsmen who were trying to remain invisible.
“Ah yes!” Carnus spoke “Your men of course. Tell me, are they willing to die for you?”
A silence hung over the air, as the tension became palpable. Voss dropped his gaze away from Joiun, and the Port Guardsmen swallowed hard. Joiun looked around for signs of confirmation. He hesitated.
“Was that a threat?”
“A threat?” Carnus laughed, with a wide smile across his face, “No it was simply a question. You see, lying to a member of the Parliamentary Guard is considered an act of treason against the Democratically elected government of Olivia. An offense, you as a man of the law I’m sure know to be, punishable be death. So you see, you state that a journeyman has not breached these walls for months. However, I see on the ground before me a clearly outlined boot mark with the pattern of Callaba bark, a manner of boot exclusively worn in Olivia by journeymen!”
Carnus’ anger was beginning to rise, as was the fear of all in the situation.
“So I ask you again, are your men willing to die for you?! Because if they wish to corroborate your story, it is best the realize that their word could very easily become their last.”
The silence hung in the air again. Joiun remained still, extraordinarily nervous. He was not sure there was a way out of this situation. Carnus studied his eyes, and Joiun silently pleaded for his life.
“Tell your men they are realized of duty. This gate is now under the watchful eye of the Parliamentary Guard. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the city until we have completed our search.” Despite his fear, Joiun flashed defiance at him.
“Nobody gives orders to my men but me.”
Carnus stared back at him. He let his gaze wander to the other Port Guardsmen, all trembling with fear.
“Men you are realized he called.” Silently each one stepped back, and quickly retreated into the gate. Joiun was left, alone standing in front of his charge. Twenty years he had been guarding the gates of Rafe. Now it appeared that his duty may be coming to an end. The man standing in front of him was not a typical Parliamentary Guardsmen. There was something dark about him. Something sinister. Carnus stepped forward and got very close to Joiun’s face.
“You’re a good man Joiun Bern. You’ve done your duty well. Know that. But failure is not something that can be tolerated. You harbored a criminal. A murderer”
“We received no word of-”
“Ignorance is not an excuse for incompetence. Your kind taught me that.” Carnus drew his finger down the scar on his face.
“If I’ve wronged you,” Joiun began, though he suddenly stopped short. The blade hit hard as it dug into the meat beneath his ribs. Carnus slowly twisted it, ensuring that it would release the blood quickly. He leaned in close and whispered into his ear.
“Wrong is a perspective this day and age has no use for. This is a balance of the scales. It is a good death sergeant. Go quietly. It suits you better.” Carnus quickly withdrew the blade, and Joiun fell limp to the ground. Carnus lazily wiped it clean with his cloak and re-sheathed it. He turned back to Voss.
“Tell your men to move as quick as they can to the port. All exits are closed as soon as possible. No ships in or out. Get a log of all passenger ships that have departed in the last few days. Also, knock around some heads. Find out if anyone’s heard of a journeyman and a couple of kids trying to find passage of any cargo ships. Do whatever you need to do.”
Voss nodded to his men, and they quickly moved into the gate, spreading out into the city. Voss hesitantly walked behind them, stopping next to Carnus. He spoke softly, ensuring no one else would hear.
“The order’s were very specific,” Voss said, “no unnecessary casualties.”
Carnus cocked his head, smugly.
“They were very specific, success, at all costs. Would you rather return as a failure with clean hands, or a murderer?” Voss shook his head, and made to move off into the city. Carnus grabbed his arm, stopping him.
“We don’t make the world. But we all must live in it.”
Voss studied his eyes for a moment, and then violently shook him off. He shot a look of disgust at him.
“You believe what you want to believe. But don’t ever lay your filthy journeymen hands on me again.”
With that Voss strode off into the city.
Carnus remained, turning back to his comrades, shrouded in black behind him.
“Sniff him out,” he order plainly, “bring him to me.” The figures said nothing and moved silently into the city. Carnus stepped in behind them and took a deep breath inhaling the salty air of Rafe.
“Where are you Marius?”