Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins
Chapter 4-3
Azula read the thorough report written by the Port Magistrate with a mix of awe and annoyance. The document was signed and sealed by the magistrate and Draeya General who had made a solemn promise before the magistrate to catch thieves. It legitimized Azula’s need for a legion escort to Genad City.
Shaking his head, Azula could only admit that the general had skill in dealing with the corrupt.
Azula turned to look at Draeya General. They stood outside the magistrate’s office. Draeya General’s officers were getting their horses ready. Draeya General stood tall waiting for his officers to get ready. His expression was calm and ready for whatever came next.
Azula frowned when the general looked at him.
“What?”
“What is your name?” Azula asked. “I can’t keep calling you Draeya General.”
“Why not?”
“You called me Azula in the magistrate’s office. If you’re going to be helping my clan, we should know your name. Otherwise, my people won’t trust you.”
Draeya General studied him for a minute, then stepped closer and held out his right hand to Azula. Azula gripped the report from the magistrate in his left hand and took Draeya General’s right hand in greeting.
“Raithion Maenaer at your service. My close family calls me Raith.”
Raithion’s handshake was unexpectedly firm. His palm had calluses, convincing Azula that he was not spoiled despite his high station in life. Damn it, so sexy!
“Can I call you Raith?” Azula asked as he let go of Raithion’s right hand.
Azula grinned and brought the paper he held to cover his lips.
“No.”
“General Maenaer?”
“That is my father,” Raithion said. “You can call me General Raithion.”
“General Raith,” Azula said with a happy smile making Raithion scowl. Azula ignored it and stepped closer to Raithion.
“Let’s go to the dock. My crew is waiting. We can’t delay delivery to Genad. I’m worried something will happen to my family’s workshops if we don’t make it in time.”
“Why can’t you meet us outside the port town? There is only one road out of the port,” Raithion said, folding his arms against his chest. “We’ll wait for you at the exit.”
Azula’s frown deepened.
“No way,” Azula said. “Do you want to stay on the outside, offering protection without understanding what you’re protecting? How can we trust you?”
Raithion narrowed his gaze as he studied Azula. Then, he seemed to decide as he nodded.
“Haedor and I will go with you,” Raithion said. “The rest of the legion will wait for us at the port exit heading to Naga State. Azula, having my legion officers crowding your dock station will make everyone nervous. I assume you’re still conducting business as usual. So, Haedor and I meeting your clan members is enough. In any case, you’re right. Visiting your ship will allow me to understand more about your operations and why anyone would come after you.”
Azula suddenly remembered the people who were following him and Sennin. He had forgotten about those two women when he met Draeya General and was then dragged to the Magistrate’s Office by him. Looking around the busy compound, he wondered if he would catch a glimpse of them.
“They’re not here,” Raithion said, drawing Azula’s gaze.
“What?”
“The two who were following you,” Raithion said. “They retreated when we entered the Magistrate’s Compound. We have not seen them since.”
“Oh,” Azula frowned. “You saw them too?”
“They followed you to the inn but stayed away when they saw my legion officers. I’m glad you were aware.”
“Hm,” Azula shrugged. “A lot of people want to take our ore or tools, sometimes the wares we make. It pays to be vigilant. Then, let me take you to our ship.”
“Alright,” Raithion started to head to his horse, but Azula shook his head.
“You don’t need the horse,” Azula said. “We’ll walk, it’s not far.”
“But—”
“Come on, General Raith,” Azula said, taking Raithion’s right hand, and started leading him to the open gates. “Also, let Lieutenant Haedor let go of my friend. I need Sennin.”
****
Raithion stared at the spot where Azula held his right hand as they walked along the main street of the Port City. He could not remember the last time someone had held his hand. Azula reminded him of an anxious child. Azula’s steps were energetic as he walked. He gripped the report from the magistrate in his right hand like a trophy. The smile he directed at Raithion in intervals made him want to laugh.
“You can slow down,” Raithion said when Azula looked on the verge of breaking into a run. “I won’t run away.”
“Really?” Azula turned to look at him, his grip on Raithion’s right hand still tight. “This is the first time legion officers are helping us with no payment. I’m nervous.”
“Are you afraid I will run away?” Raithion asked with a chuckle, amused by Azula’s logic.
Azula stopped in the middle of the street, forcing Raithion to a stop too. Azula stepped in close and then looked up. Suddenly, Raithion met intense hazel eyes. The noise of the street disappeared and they stood in perfect stillness.
Azula was shorter than him but that did not deter his presence in the moment.
“The thieves we’re chasing or evading have taken twelve of our people,” Azula said, his voice soft but full of passion. “Twelve families are mourning the loss of a breadwinner in their homes. The pain of this loss hurts us all. So, when you walk into our ship and promise to protect, we’ll take your word seriously. That’s who we are. The Sura takes the promise of protection with solemn belief. If you won’t be able to meet us on the same level, then it will be better if you walk away.”
Azula let go of Raithion’s right hand and lifted the magistrate’s report.
“This is nice to have for use later. But it is secondary. Right now, I need to know I can trust you with Sennin’s life, and the lives of the men who are helping me reach Genad City.”
Raithion held Azula’s determined gaze for a minute, then his lips shifted into a small smile. It had been a long time since he met such a passionate soul. The capital city was full of people wanting to get ahead. Thieves, liars, insincere, and without gratitude, that’s what he dealt with most times. To meet such a passionate individual… was refreshing.
Raithion took in a deep breath and let it out with a nod. He reached down and took out a dagger he kept in a hidden scabbard in his boot. Holding the smooth handle, he brought it up for Azula to see.
“Hold it too,” Raithion said, nodding as he held Azula’s gaze.
Azula broke their gaze to study the dagger he held, then brought his right hand to the dagger. He met Raithion’s gaze again.
“What are we doing?”
“Your Sura values your family,” Raithion said. “I’m a soldier first. And my oath is to protect. I will not run away or shirk my duty if you’re under my protection. This is my oath, on my blade, I will protect your people. Do you believe it?”
Azula held his gaze for a moment longer then tightened his hold on the dagger, his callused fingers gripping Raithion’s right hand.
“I believe you,” Azula said, then smiled, a startling curve of his lips that left Raithion stunned as Azula let go of his hand and turned away. “Let’s go, General Raith.”
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