Shadows Bleed

XXII

XXII

As expected, Vaskarth was elected High Chancellor the next day. I wanted to be happy for him, to be delighted at the news, to believe he would pursue good with his newfound position of power. And yet I found myself only wondering at the cost he paid to reach that position.

His family was delighted, to say the least, which rubbed off on me in some way, I suppose. My face was moulded into a permanent grin throughout the morning and afternoon election ceremony, though how much of that happiness was real I failed to discern.

Being High Chancellor saw Vaskarth away from home for longer days than we were used to, likely catching up on neglected work in the absence of a High Chancellor. Or maybe he now possessed more freedom to do as he pleased and was following his own agenda. Either way, my last days in the Csyirean Isles passed rather quickly and it wasn't long before my bags were packed and we headed for the harbour.

***

Wrenvale Port was a thriving hub of activity during the day. It was somewhere past the twelfth hour and men and women, soldiers and civilians, were working tirelessly to repair their ships, sell goods or prepare sailors for imminent voyages. Even the wildlife was active, hoards of gulls cawing loudly as they circled in the sky, descending at the first hint of anything dropped, be it purses, goods or, what they really yearned for, food.

I stayed by Vaskarth's side as we navigated the docks, making our way to the Mayflower. A short distance behind us trailed Shimei and Yennyfer, locked in a closed discussion.

I presumed that, in his newfound position, Vaskarth would bring an escort, maybe one or two bodyguards. He, however, insisted he never made use of such unnecessary luxuries, that he was capable of looking after himself and his children. As his pupil, I was all too aware of this fact and let the matter drop.

The armour Al had made me was stowed carefully in my rucksack, along with my weapons, belt and 'covert' attire; both outfits were prone to drawing attention in daylight. Instead I wore the clothes Vaskarth had given me as a sort of parting gift, a bespoke outfit made by his own tailor. The resulting wear consisted of a light jacket which hung just past my waist, over top a snug, white lace shirt. A pair of form-fitting trews and tall leather boots accompanied the shirt and jacket.

"I designed these specifically to allow you freedom of movement," Vaskarth explained earlier. "And to match common attire of the Imperium, to ensure you don't stand out too much upon your arrival."

Our route saw us pass through the military district of the port, in the direction of quarantine, where my ship and, hopefully, crew still waited. I sent word to them after settling the deal with Lord Vaskarth at the commencement of my sojourn with House Kenwall. I hoped they had stuck around.

Our first stop was the Administrator's office. It was there that I, or rather Lord Vaskarth, would obtain the release documents to secure the safe and legal departure of the Mayflower. I felt a twinge of nostalgia as I approached the squat, concrete building. Thankfully, I was in better company this time around.

The stern-faced Administrator was in the process of telling off her aide for some, no doubt trivial, matter.

"Yes, what is the problem?" she asked, without looking up, as we approached. Once she raised her head, her eyes lit up as soon. She sighed, "Not you again. What do you want?"

"I," Vaskarth said, stepping forward, "would like to secure the release of Miss Llewyn's ship, the Mayflower."

"Very well," she groaned reluctantly, obliged as she was to follow the High Chancellor's orders. "Issav! Bring me a release form."