Twas a fine evening, a slow breeze over the died down waves. A fine mist hung over the town square and its usual night - time bustle. The street hawkers were almost everywhere and would tug your sleeve if you got close enough. Perfect place for the travellers and the love birds
to wind up hours of touring around the town's many streets or going about
their day in crammed public transports. For some though shady streetlights,
a busy crowd and the cover of dark provided a different kind of refuge.
One such man, tall, brown haired, waded through the crowd hurriedly, turning side to side like he was looking for something, or someone. He glanced at the device strapped to the inside of his coat, a watch, or better yet, a compass, that was shaking slightly. He stopped. Whatever his haunch
was, it had just been reassured. There was someone he ought to find; Here, somewhere amidst the crowd. He looked around for anything to show. Anything off. He walked some more, looking around him as he went, and that is when he realized that to his left was someone standing on the pedestal of one of the many columns that lined the square. Beyond those silver rimmed glasses was pair of eyes that locked with his
The other man was short, chubby, with a dusty mustache, and he began to back away when he caught his pursuer's attention. He shifted into the crowd, looking back the way he'd spotted his object. There was no one coming after him. He hurried down the street while glancing behind him until someone pulled him into the dimly lit colonnade.
" Who are you, and why did you contact me?" The brown haired man asked as he pressed him against the wall.
"Just an emissary " Came the squealed response. " To warn you of growing concerns ……… Ugh…."
" And just where were you off to in such a a hurry, huh?"
" I was going somewhere convenient, but I guess this place will just have to do. " The brown haired man looked into the eyes of the shorter man,, and heaved him away with disgust. "
" Yeah right. Remind me again why I'm talking to a a dead man?" He exclaimed.
" The extents to which we have had to go to get this this message to you is undoubtedly questionable, I agree, but in this case, the end justifies the means isn't just an excuse. "
" So you killed this man? "
" No. He died of natural causes:. Heart attack. Nothing to induce it. That is why I don't have much time. "
The chubby man reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope, still holding his other hand up.
" You should know, " said the brown haired man, " that I am an officer of the Accordance, and that your treachery and involvement in the dark art should give me reason enough to hunt you down and have you answer for your deeds before the council.
" There isn't time enough for formalities either, I'm afraid, officer Harthrone, the stage's master of disguise. "
That eased the tension. The man in mention relaxed his hold on the former and took the envelope for inspection
" The Queens seal, unforgeable by any means. "
" Kind of you to notice, officer Hart."
" Don't call me that, you don't know me.
" You're right. I don't know you. We never met. You were never here. But that's all true only after you leave. Whatever you choose to do then will be up to you. Completely."
" What's in it? Officer Hart opened the envelope cautiously. "
" It's a promissory note. In there is a mention of fifteen hundred Kolkon currency, to be paid in full. And as you know, Kolkon currency can be changed into any other currency that you can think of, any where, any time. This note also bears the commissioners signature; Details of the addressee of those of the benefactor have been purposely omitted, council style. This, to be precise, is neither a fake nor a document of credence. "
" So what are you suggesting? " The officer asked as he paced around, the look on his face all too believing.
" Treachery in the ranks. "
Thais was what he'd feared. The evidence the facts. The lies. They were all there. He silently understood why he was chosen, and what he would be asked to do before he posed his next question.
" How ... How high up?"
" As far as I know, it couldn't be done by some low ranking officer, or any of your comrades for that matter. Must be an insider, someone who can get things done. Whatever it is someone high up the ladder is pulling the strings here.
" The commissioner? ''
" Likely. Well, more or less. He's being closely watched, but I doubt it."
Officer Hart looked down again at the slippery piece of paper in his hand? It was real. It was frustratingly real. He bit down on the anger welling up inside as he asked again.
"How high up? "
" The council Five. " The answer came abruptly.
The officer's eyebrows furrowed in shock. This was too much to take in. What was happening? What was this madness that made such perfect sense?
" There has been a series of progressions in council affairs under scrutiny, this much we can tell. The rest we leave for you to uncover by yourself. In times like this I believe you will know who to trust and who not to. We will not stand in your way. You are free to do as you see fit. But I have faith you will act according to what is right."
" And exactly who is we? '' Officer Hart turned to look the man in the eyes. A small smile broke loose.
" The cover of dark provides comfort for all. A hope that a new day will arise, and that the light will shine again. I hope to see you again, Officer, but until then ...
The man made his exit swiftly. He was washed into the bustling square; Into the crowd, gone like he was never there. The officer refolded the note into the envelope and pocketed it, that too wiped temporarily from the presence.
It would be a while before he could trust anyone, and for the time being there was something very, very important he had to do.
