The plateau where he was walking was not very large, only a dozen or so small shacks sat in the area. Further towards the east it sloped steeply following the prison wall as it circled down into the valley and to the main township of the East Quarter. From this vantage point Lieut could see the small township surrounded by large mechanisms which straddled deep holes in the ground, designed for lowering and retrieving ore and miners.

The plateau that followed the wall to the north abruptly ended as tall cliffs towered above them, stopping anyone from getting to the North Quarter from this location. The only way into the north was a few miles to the south along the undulating terrain of the slopes.

The path Lieut and the dark haired man walked twisted and turned accommodating for the rough hillside and carved a brown trail through the green grass. There were not many trees in this area, the rough slope and blowing wind did not allow for much growth and was mainly covered in tough grass and large rocks. The trees that had managed to prosper in the area were thin and hardy, with not much foliage to rest under during a rare midday heat.

As Lieut crested a bluff the entire compound opened up before him. A few miles to the south the aptly named Southern River sparkled in the afternoon light from Inüer, and even from this distance a few sails could be seen catching the breeze as the small fishing vessels glided across the waters of the man-made lake.

To the west stood many buildings tightly packed together with small streets running chaotically throughout the old buildings. Strangely, the whole of the West Quarter was comprised of buildings, and if it were not for the dividing wall that split up the Quarters the western houses would likely have taken over the whole compound. But as soon as the houses of the West Quarter had reached the dividing walls they had stopped their advance. With no way of expanding outwards the buildings had begun to grow upwards with poorly created rooms stacked on top of each other as they twisted and turned into the sky.

Lieut soon came to the North-Eastern wall and followed it to the south-west. It was not a very large wall in any respect, not two metres high, but it served well enough to mark the division of the Quarters. Lieut regarded the grey stone wall curiously as he walked along, absently wondering how long it would have taken to build.

“These walls you see were commissioned by the prison authorities,” the darkhaired man remarked, “The prisoners were forced to build them by the prison Commander, ‘to dissuade convicts from fighting over boundaries,’ of course it did not work.  It was only commissioned because the prisoners spent more time fighting over the boundaries than attending to their work, like mining and such. This place used to be an actual town at one stage. Pine Vale it was called, only turned into a prison because the Barron in Issia realised that all the thieves and rouges fled to this area when they had drawn too much attention from city guards. So in their continuous need to control everything the Lords of the northern land of Gaianaus decided to turn an outlaw’s sanctuary into the grand Gaia Mountains Penitentiary.”

Lieut did not bother replying, he already knew about the prison and its history, and this man he was with just seemed to enjoy hearing the sound of his own voice.

“And there lies the Convict’s Crucible,” remarked the man as Lieut followed him down the slight decline towards an in-ground arena surrounded by small hills.

The area was only large enough for two combatants to have a comfortable amount of room to engage in combat, and the dirt and rocks in the arena were worn to dust from the countless number of battles in the arena.

“The Crucible marks the centre of the compound and is probably the only form of entertainment the convicts have,” the man continued in a passing and non-important manner, as if the gladiatorial arena did not interest him.

“The convicts,” echoed Lieut curiously, “Are you not one of them?”

“Me?” the man asked as if surprised, “I was merely passing through, and decided to linger a bit.”

“And how long have you lingered?” Lieut found himself asking.

“Ten years,” replied the darkhaired man seriously, all mirth vanishing from his voice and features. “I have been in here since I was eighteen.”

A slight sense of curiosity sparked within Lieut then, but stubbornly he suppressed any further questions he had, telling himself that it did not matter and that only his mission mattered.

The darkhaired man continued to mutter about goings on in the prison, but Lieut was not listening. In fact was getting quite annoyed by it, but he repressed his annoyance and stretched the stiffness from his neck.

Soon they had moved into the West Quarter where broken cobblestone streets greeted them and tall houses made from any bits of material lying around closed about them. But to his surprise the streets were empty, and the doors shut.

“Is it usually this empty?” Lieut asked curiously.

“No,” the man replied seriously, seeming a little bit worried, “I would say that Aurora has commanded that the streets be emptied so that our guard friend may reach her unmolested.”

“So she can have another whore working for her?” Lieut nodded understandingly.

“Aurora’s establishment is considered a sanctuary to most of the female inmates,” the darkhaired man replied.

Lieut scoffed at the thought of a brothel being a sanctuary, “It doesn’t matter,” he said, “Where is Vythe to be found?”

The darkhaired man smiled slyly, “Coincidently, at the brothel.”

Lieut stopped and looked at the man threateningly.

“I should confess, I know Vythe quite well,” the man smiled disarmingly.

Lieut let out an irritated sigh, “Lead on,” he decided.

“Why yes of course m’Lord,” the darkhaired man mocked, and with another smile headed up the slight incline towards the brothel.

As they crested the small hill Lieut saw the flash of blood red hair as Fairris pushed through the front doors of the brothel. Seconds later he heard a muffled cry and the sound of body falling to the floor.

“That was the elf,” the darkhaired man remarked, “It sounded as if she was attacked.”

Lieut shrugged uncaringly, “She should have been more wary.”

“Are you not going to aid her?” the darkhaired man asked in surprise. “After you went to all that trouble to keep her alive before?”

Lieut shrugged again, “She said enough to answer my question.”

“So you do not care if she dies now?”

Lieut turned his perplexed gaze to the man, “If you love helping everyone you meet, charge in to her rescue.”

The man turned and continued walking towards the brothel, “I know Aurora, she will not harm a potential profit.”

Lieut followed, his frustration growing, “Then why suggest that I aid the elf if you know no harm will come to her?”

The dark haired man shrugged, “You went out of your way to save her before, why not now?”

“Now, she is no more use to me,” Lieut replied seriously, which caused the darkhaired man to turn and regard him.

“I am surprised at your lack of caring for others,” the man said with disbelief.

“You know nothing about me,” Lieut replied coldly, and he pushed past the darkhaired man and through the doors of the brothel.

On the other side of the door it opened up into a wide entrance with an arching staircase off to the right that led up to the second floor balcony which was held up by red painted beams. Dim candles burned on the wall filling the air with a smoky haze and bringing a sweat smell of incense to Lieut’s nose. On the plush red carpet surrounded by three thugs the Blood Elf lay in a daze, but he gave it little thought and turned his attention to the peculiar woman standing in the doorway to a side room.

She was a Yineth: a race of all females that were usually reclusive living in the expansive grasslands east of Port Na’brath. But sometimes the odd Yineth would venture forth into the world. Generally they were a peace loving race, close to nature and the earth, clearly this was one different as she was in a high security prison.

Like all Yineth this one was tall with attractive curves and long delicate rabbit-like ears that slanted back from her beautiful face. Long blonde curls fell down around her elegant neck where a silk robe was draped across her shoulders, which was the only thing she wore. Her eyes sparkled with green and blue, and like all Yineth her pupils were diamond in shape.

“Come to the aid the Zirarien?” the Yineth asked as she turned to regard him.

“Hardly,” Lieut replied simply, “But you can tell where I can find Vythe.”

Her laugh surprised him, “Why, he is standing right behind you,” the Yineth smiled.

Lieut spun towards the darkhaired man, anger burning in his golden eyes, his frustrations evident.

“What?” Vythe asked seriously, “You never asked who I was.”

“And you did not care to mention it,” Lieut growled, and he took a step towards the darkhaired man.

“Why should I?” Vythe was quick to reply, “I do not know who you are and you did not say why you wanted to meet with me. If you err of the side of caution you live longer.”

“Very well,” Lieut said through clenched teeth, “But now that I know who you are, you will answer my question.”

“You will have to wait,” Vythe replied calmly, “I have business with Aurora first.” He nodded towards the Yineth.

Angrily Lieut grabbed Vythe by his fancy vest and shoved backwards into one of the red pillars. Before Vythe could react Lieut had his dagger drawn and pressed against the annoying man’s throat.

“I did not come all this way and waste my time waiting until your own business is done,” Lieut snapped, his eyes burning angrily. “You have deceived me once already. I suggest you do not try my patience.”

“I conduct a business in information, if you want my services, you will have to wait your turn,” Vythe glared back, keeping his composure, “I suggest you release your hold on me, else lose what makes you a man.”

Lieut followed Vythe’s eyes down to see that Vythe had drawn a dagger of his own and positioned it on the inside of Lieut’s thigh, where he could easily sever Lieut’s femoral artery. Lieut narrowed his eyes at Vythe who returned the glare. A slight smirk came to Lieut’s face and he calmly took a step back and returned his dagger to his belt.

“Do not fret, my business with Aurora will be short.” Vythe said as he adjusted his vest and hid his dagger up his sleeve.

“Be done with it then,” Lieut replied as he continued glare at Vythe.

Vythe shot him a sarcastic smile before moving past him to talk with Aurora, “My dear Aurora, you look well.”

The Yineth smiled, “Don’t let me get in the way of your lovers tiff,” she joked.

“Gorgeous women always come first,” Vythe smiled back, which made Aurora blush.

“You are incorrigible Master Vythe,” the Yineth smiled, “What information do you have for me?”

“The very best of information I assure you,” Vythe laughed, “But one that will cost a fair amount I am afraid.”

“How am I to know if this information is worth it?”

“Have I ever misguided you?” Vythe looked hurt, “My dear, you wound me with your harsh words. Here I am, coming to you with this information when I could have easily gone to one of the other Quarters.”

“I apologise,” Aurora smiled, “I am flattered that I am your first priority. Please, tell me Vythe, what is this information you possess.”

A wide smile came to Vythe’s face, “My dear Aurora, your desires for the North bares such plentiful fruits.”

The Yineth looked at him slyly, “Name your price?”

“I want the elf,” Vythe replied seriously nodded towards the unconscious Fairris.

Aurora smirked, “I am surprised by you Vythe. But if you want to be her first customer so be it.”

“You know what I mean, Aurora,” Vythe sighed tiredly, “I do not wish to bed her, but have her released from your, let us say, employment.”

The Yineth looked shocked, “I am still surprised by you, but very well, if that is your price so be it.”

“Be it so than,” Vythe chuckled, “Now the information for you. It is my great pleasure to inform you that the time to strike Zairole is now, while he is more concerned with what Argyle is doing.”

The information made Aurora smile widely, obviously it was the best news she had heard in a long time.

“Borris,” Aurora called to one of the brutes who were still standing over the unconscious Blood Elf. “Send out the word, we attack tonight.”

With a nod the grubby man departed into the shadows of the room, followed closely by the other two men.

“My dear Vythe you have out done yourself this time,” Aurora beamed, “Will you join us in the assault?”

“You are kind, but no, my place is not on the battle field,” Vythe lamented.

“But you will stay the night of course,” Aurora persisted, “A room and a few girls, is the least I could do.”

“I do not want to impose. . .”

“I insist,” the Yineth cut in, “No imposition I assure you.”

“How can I refuse a beautiful woman,” Vythe smiled in defeat, “But do not worry about the girls.”

“Of course,” Aurora replied, “You never were one for the trivialities of a . . .”

“Where is she?” the now conscious Blood Elf suddenly demanded, cutting Aurora short. “Where is Beth?”

“The other guard?” Aurora asked in surprise, “I am sorry to say that she slit her own throat the moment she got her hands on a sharp object.”

The news turned Fairris’s feature white and she collapsed back to the carpet in an onslaught of sobs.

“Captain Fairris,” Aurora sighed to Vythe and nodded towards the Blood Elf, “Once such a force amongst the guards, now she has nothing, it is terribly sad. Was she not the one to recapture you and your associate Legin on your past two escape attempts, Vythe?”

Vythe nodded slowly, “Indeed she was.”

“Have you finished your business yet, Vythe?” Lieut asked sarcastically, not bothering to hide his irritation.

Vythe turned a tired expression Lieut, “Yes, and thank you for being so patient. If you will accompany me up to the room Aurora has given to me for the night I will answer your questions.”

“I will send one of my girls to show you the way,” Aurora cut in before departing into her private room.

A girl came quickly and indicated them to follower her, “Is one of yous gonna carry the elf?” she asked curiously, “Can’t be having her lying about the entrance like this, all unconscious and what have you.”

“Would you mind Lieut,” Vythe said, “You are clearly stronger than I.”

“She was your payment for the information,” Lieut replied simply, “You carry her.”

With a sigh Vythe walked over to Fairris and easily picked her up, before nodding to the whore to lead the way.

The woman smiled and led them up the wide staircase and to the left of the landing all the way down to the last room. She stopped briefly at the door to open it before heading on her way without another word.

Lieut followed Vythe through the threshold and glanced about the room. On one of the three beds Vythe placed Fairris before he opened the doors to the balcony to let in the last rays of Inüer as He disappeared below the western mountains.

Before Lieut could say anything to Vythe another whore came in carrying a large serving tray of food and drink. The woman left without saying anything and Lieut pored himself a glass of water. Seeing the array of foods on the plate Vythe quickly came over and helped himself to the small feast.

“Are you free to answer a simple question now?” Lieut asked irritably once he had swallowed a mouthful of water.

“If I must,” Vythe replied dryly, “What information are you after?”

“My sword was stolen from me,” Lieut explained, “I want to know who stole it.”

Vythe frowned at him, “This is a prison, but weapons are not uncommon, how am I to remember one sword from the next? Why would I take note of the theft of one from another?”

“Because my sword is unique,” Lieut replied quickly, “Men would kill to possess it, and I will kill to take it back.”

“Is that so?” said Vythe curiously, “What does this sword look like?”

“A black blade with a silver edge, straight crosspiece and lion head pommel,” Lieut replied, “Not one you would easily forget.”

“You are not wrong,” Vythe stroked his chin, “I don’t know about who stole it, but I believe Zairole was in possession of a large sword matching your description.”

“He is the Northern Quarter Faction Leader?” Lieut asked seriously, and Vythe nodded.

“You will have your payment as soon as I have my sword,” Lieut said and he headed towards the door.

“There is no point going now,” Vythe called out, making Lieut stop before he reached the exit.

“What do you mean?”

“If you go now you will have to go through Zairole’s paid guards,” Vythe explained.

“That will not be a problem,” Lieut replied calmly.

“Save yourself the hassle,” Vythe quickly said before Lieut moved to leave again. “Wait until Aurora’s army head off and use the distraction to get to Zairole unhindered. I will be doing that myself, so I can show you the way.”

Lieut narrowed his eyes, “Why aid me?”

“It has nothing to do with you,” Vythe replied simply, “There will be a lot of coin available once Aurora successfully defeats Zairole.”

Lieut studied the man in front of him carefully, there was something about Vythe that he did not like and it was clear to him that Vythe knew more than he cared to say. But he also had no way of stopping Vythe from going with him to Zairole’s place.

A groan and a cough from the side broke his train of thought and both he and Vythe looked to see Fairris wake and push herself to a sitting position.

“Finally awake are we?” Vythe smiled when the elf noticed the two of them.

Fairris’s features darkened almost immediately, “Not you two again.”

“I think you should show a bit more appreciation towards the two who saved your life, twice,” Vythe responded.

“Appreciation?” balked Fairris, “My friends are all dead.”

“And you are not,” Vythe cut in.

“If only I were,” the elf replied bitterly.

“The whole world would mourn if one as beautiful as you should die,” Vythe remarked dramatically.

“Better that then ending up with the likes of you,” Fairris snapped back.

Vythe smiled, “So there is still a fire there.”

Fairris looked away.

“You two know each other?” Lieut asked hesitantly.

Fairris studied Lieut with her deep blue eyes but did not reply.

“Yes, we are previously acquainted,” Vythe replied, “The previous two times my friend Legin and I escaped from the prison, Captain Fairris was the one to capture us.”

“Captain no longer,” Fairris lamented quietly.

“I think I like it better without the Captain,” Vythe laughed, and tossed a grape into the air before catching it between his teeth.

“Where is your friend Legin?” Fairris asked Vythe, “I suspect he has something to do with this as well.”

“He is around,” Vythe shrugged, “And I am sure he is aware of what is happening, at least I hope he is.”

As the silence came between the three of them, for some reason Lieut found himself becoming increasingly agitated. His eyes kept drifting over to Fairris and then his mind began to imagine, and he had to consciously force himself to look elsewhere.

In an attempt to distract himself Lieut headed for the door.

“If you are still intent on coming with me to the battle, move, or I will leave you behind.” Lieut called over his shoulder to Vythe.

“What battle?” Fairris unexpectedly asked.

“Aurora is attacking the North Quarter tonight,” Vythe remarked as he go to his feet.

“I will join you,” the elf announced with surprising determination.

Lieut clenched his jaw and let out an exasperated sigh, before pushing through the door and moved out onto the landing that overlooked the entrance to the brothel. Down below the large room was packed with fighters from the West all clad in battle garb, which was not much considering the poverty within the prison walls. All the whores were down there as well, and standing confidently upon the steps leading up to the second level was Aurora, wearing tight hardened leather armour that showed as much skin as it protected.

A sly smile crept across the Faction Leader’s beautiful features when she noticed him move down the steps beside her. Aurora’s face brightened more when Vythe arrogantly waltzed down the steps.

“Why Vythe, I am surprised to see you,” Aurora called out.

“You did not think I would miss an opportunity to loot Zairole’s treasures,” Vythe laughed back as he stopped beside the Yineth.

“Of course not,” Aurora smiled, “I only fret that there is no room left in my entourage for you and your friends. And you cannot believe I have the resources to pay you as well.”

“No matter,” Vythe dismissed the thought, “I will take my payment out of Zairole’s cache, whilst I work separately from your group of ruffians. I see myself more as a privateer, the special operative that works separately but for the same ends.”

Aurora smirked, “Of course you do. No matter, but do be a dear and not empty Zairole’s vault before we get there.”

“I would not dream of it,” Vythe smiled widely, “Shall we to business, it would be favourable if this were done whilst the night is young, so that I may have a decent rest before the morrow.”

Aurora smiled again and shook her head before turning her attention to the gathered crowed, “Let us begin, the pleasant orchards of the North will soon be our playground.”

A cheer rose up from the audience in response to the uninspiring speech and the group pushed and shoved each other out of the doors, all eager to kill something.

Lieut waited for the group to disperse before leading his unwanted companions out the main door. The army bustled down the main street of the Western Quarter, and as they moved along many more people joined the fray, eager for some excitement in their otherwise tedious existence.

****

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