Spawn of the Outworlder

Chapter 15-Translate The Symbol's Enigma

Luna Rucervus sat in the Goldbeams' home, Graham having left a few moments ago to look for Bethsheba. On the table before her sat a porcelain cup, filled with fresh black coffee, untouched.

The stuff rattles the nerves, can make one paranoid. I can't afford to alter my senses at the moment.

At the other side of the table sat Hosea and Lillian, sitting in their chairs with cups in their hands. Lillian had hardly touched hers, while Hosea was on his third cup. He seems to be quite rattled by my accusations. A bit extreme to shock him so, but I needed to ensure that he would speak with me tonight. For us to succeed here, I can have no doubts about the elements at play.

"I'm sorry, miss," said Lillian, breaking the silence that had been building up since Graham left. "But you've claimed that I'm in danger and simply sat there with no explanation."

"Apologies, ma'am," Luna replied. "But I understand the shock such a discovery can lead to and I was allowing you time to digest my idea." As well as giving Graham and Bethsheba enough time to become "acquainted".

"We've had plenty a' time to 'digest'," replied Hosea, the word spat more than spoken. "Now, you've got to explain, what does locking up Amos have to do with my spouse?"

"First, I'd like to confirm something with you two. Earlier, you said that you were hoping to become established by the Empire."

"Yes," answered Lillian, nervous as to where her answer might lead. "When Hosea and I arrived with the first miners of the town, we had merely assumed that the Empire, being its largest customer, would have undertaken the establishment process. It was only in the last year or so that we discovered that was not the case and that they require a hefty processing fee of 4000 coins to do so. As well as proof that I have family ties to the Elven Groves of old."

"We got founder's rights!" burst Hosea. "We were here longer than anyone so we got first right to the claim!"

"But you do not currently have ownership of it," responded Luna. "Meaning that, should you leave and someone else arrive with the funds to register, they would have ownership over your town."

"Well, yes but..." Hosea fell silent, lifting his eyebrows with a quick gasp of breath. He seems to have realized my theory. Took him long enough.

"That no-good, hen-faced, sonuvabitch!" Hosea howled in anger, his fists balled tight enough to cut off circulation. Lillian, meanwhile, set her cup upon the table and allowed the realization to crash down upon her.

"Remember when I told you of his home? The odd trinkets and ends that he could not possibly have earned on his own?"

"Bastard's got the nerve to accuse y'all of workin' fer the Capital. Meanwhile, he's in their damn pocket!"

"I don't believe it is the Empire he works for," interrupted Luna. "Not directly, anyways. The nearest kingdom, Magnus Columnus, is ruled by King Albus Busiris. Busiris is currently the Empire's largest supplier of Ferrum. I believe that Amos is a mercenary agent for King Busiris, who hopes to drive you from this mountain."

"What makes you so sure of this?" asked Lilian, her confusion growing further.

"It is said that, some many generations ago, the Busiris Family attempted to evict the Elven Groves that surrounded their kingdom. They used a strategy of bribing elves to infiltrate the Groves and breed discontent, similar to the one I believe is taking place now. Under the Laws of Deception, King Busiris cannot directly force you away from the land. But, if he were to hire a mercenary to discreetly convince the others into removing you, the waning resources would cause them to leave, as you've said. The land would be his and he would have enough deniability to avoid persecution at the hands of the Inquisitors."