Battalia: Slay Your Master!

7. Astyr

Mission 6: Journey to Wamba!

Viktor was in Fluer, a city right at the edge of Oberon's territory. It was next to the Demarcation, and the closest city Oberon had near Wamba. He was in a bar, having a drink before meeting back with his assassins the next morning. The Cache were in Wamba, scouting out the resistance. To his surprise, a man sat down next to him.

"Viktor, it's been too long," a smiling Falsch said.

Viktor hated Falsch. He didn't like most people, but Falsch especially irritated him. He disliked anyone who could smile that much.

"Inspector Falsch. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I just wanted you to humor me for a bit."

"I don't like humoring inspectors. It usually leads somewhere."

"This won't. I promise. It's just an episode of curiosity I'm having."

Viktor took another sip out of his drink. "Then go for it."

"I was just wondering if there were any Cache with long red hair that had maybe gone missing over the past few years."

Viktor scoffed. "No. I keep a tight leash on all of them. I do have two with red hair, but neither is long."

"Well, Schwert did tell me you used to have a girl in your group. Her name was Battalia."

"She's dead."

"Dead dead, or dead?"

"I watched her die myself."

While still grinning, Falsch stood up. "If that's it then I don't have any more questions."

"Let me know if you need anything else, Inspector."

Before Falsch walked off, he turned for a brief moment. "I thought you found her dead? At least, that's what the report says."

Viktor had a look of disingenuous surprise. "Sorry, must have been the slip of the tongue. I could imagine it so well, you know?"

Falsch tilted his head. "I see."

...

The next morning they met with Lloyd, Agnus, Grif, and Levee. Grif was in much better shape, looking well-rested and motivated.

"Thank you for forging Creed," Battalia said. "He's truly an amazing weapon."

Grif's face turned red. He looked off to the side, unable to make eye contact.

"Well of course. A beautiful sword for a beautiful woman."

Battalia took this as Grif trying to be polite. Agnus stared at her with contempt.

"Will you guys piss off and die already?"

Levee held his hand out to Battalia, offering a handshake. "I'm sorry if it felt like I was forcing that necklace on you. I know it's not the most appealing thing."

"No, it's grown on me. I'm sure it will come in handy. Thank you."

Agnus grabbed Angie by the shirt and pulled her close. "Now that you beat me you better not lose to anyone else. Win every battle from here on out, or I'll burn you alive."

"Yes ma'am," Angie timidly responded.

They continued their journey north, heading towards the city of Astyr. This would be Angie's first time visiting a city, and it was far from the ideal place to start. Te and Battalia explained the nature of Astyr to Angie. The city-state Wamba is known as the center of trade within the continent of Europa. A continent that contained Oberon, Gunther, The Demarcation, and a few other key cities. Wamba was in the mid-north of the continent, where the land diverted inward. This location combined with Wamba's constant state of neutrality, made it an ideal area for trade within the Europa. However, Wamba's state of neutrality, along with the government wishing to preserve the city's public image, led to multiple trade restrictions. These trade restrictions are quite reasonable for normal businesses, but crime will always follow areas of high commerce and travel.