CLOCKWORK HEARTS

Divided faiths

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm amber glow across the settlement. Clara felt her pulse quicken as she approached the wooden gate, her eyes tracing the silhouette of guards patrolling above. Tobias walked beside her, his steps careful, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any hint of trouble. The air was tense, filled with anticipation. They had reached the first of the settlements that Victor had mentioned, and Clara knew they were about to face one of their greatest challenges yet—convincing these people to put their trust in Mechanica.

- This place is more fortified than I expected - Tobias muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Clara nodded, her eyes studying the barriers and watchtowers. - I suppose they've had enough reasons to want to keep outsiders away. Let's just hope they're willing to hear us out.

The wooden gate creaked open, revealing a stern-faced woman standing just beyond. Her eyes were sharp, her gaze flicking from Clara to Tobias with suspicion. She wore worn armor, her stance rigid, suggesting she wasn't one to be easily swayed.

- State your business - she said, her tone curt.

- We're here to speak with your leader - Clara replied, her voice steady but respectful. - We come from Mechanica, and we bring news and a proposal.

The woman's eyes narrowed. - Mechanica, you say? We've heard whispers, but nothing good. Why should we let you in?

Tobias stepped forward, his eyes meeting hers with a sincerity that couldn't be faked. - Because we're fighting for the same thing. We've heard the faction's been trying to sway you, and we want to make sure you hear the truth before deciding where your loyalties lie.

The guard eyed them for a moment longer, then gestured for them to follow. - Alright. I'll take you to speak with our council. But know this—if I sense even the slightest hint of deceit, you won't leave here unscathed.

Clara nodded, her heart pounding as she exchanged a glance with Tobias. - Understood. We appreciate the chance to speak.

The settlement was bustling with activity, people moving between small, makeshift homes and market stalls. Clara felt the weight of many pairs of eyes watching them as they passed, the whispers following their every step. It was clear that Mechanica's reputation had preceded them, and not all of it was good.

They were led to a large structure at the center of the settlement—a building made of thick wooden planks, its roof thatched and its entrance guarded by two imposing men. The guard gestured for them to wait before disappearing inside. Moments later, she returned, nodding toward the door.

- You may enter. But be warned, the council does not take kindly to threats or false promises.

- We're here for neither - Tobias said, his tone firm.

Clara followed him inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. The room was spacious, filled with a large table at its center, around which sat several individuals, each wearing expressions ranging from curiosity to outright distrust. At the head of the table sat an older man, his eyes sharp, his posture commanding.

- Who are you, and what business do you have here? - the man asked, his voice carrying a weight of authority.

- My name is Clara, and this is Tobias - Clara began, her voice steady. - We come from Mechanica. We know that the faction has approached you, and we understand that you may have doubts about aligning with us. But we're here to tell you the truth about what we're fighting for.

The man's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Tobias. - And what is it you're fighting for, exactly? Power? Territory? Control?

- None of those - Tobias replied, his voice unwavering. - We're fighting for our people—for freedom from the faction's rule. They want to divide and conquer, to pit us against each other so they can take what they want. Mechanica is standing up to them, and we want you to stand with us.