Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins
Chapter 5-1
The sun was already fading on the sea’s horizon. The Sura Clan’s ship was well-tended and busy. The crew was loading cargo into the hold. Azula mentioned that the ship would go back to Sura Island once they were ready.
Raithion stood at the top of the gangplank, watching the sun dip down on the horizon. The calm seas in the distance were enticing. He suddenly wanted to join Azula’s crew and discover what Sura Island looked like. Perhaps sail beyond the island and discover what lay beyond.
The sound of a rolling carriage on the deck brought him back to the present. Five men pulled a handsome carriage, shouting orders to each other as they rolled it to the gangplank. There was a scramble as they tried their best to ensure the carriage did not tip over. It was heavy. Raithion suspected the carriage held the burnt ore he was looking for.
“People say the Sura Clan’s hair is that color because their ancestors were born in the depths of the fiery Sura Mountain,” Haedor said, coming to stand on Raithion’s left side. “Do you think it’s true? I mean, it has to be, considering that everyone has the same hair color.”
Raithion frowned at the myth, but before he could speak, Azula stopped on his right, wearing dark gloves.
“The myth is true,” Azula said, tilting his head to the side and winking at Haedor. “We even return to the mountain’s depths every year to commune with the molten fire that springs from the depths of the earth. It’s quite a sight. My godfather holds the molten fire with his bare hands and lifts it up for all of us to pay homage.”
Haedor stared at Azula in total disbelief for a full minute before he scowled.
“Idiot,” Haedor said, making a face at Azula.
Raithion tried to bite back his laugh, but it was impossible. He laughed at Haedor long and hard, gaining a punch on his left upper arm from Haedor. Shaking his head, Raithion looked at Azula and smiled when he found Azula watching him.
“Your godfather must be quite the character,” Raithion said when he could speak without chuckling.
“He is,” Azula said with a small smile. “Now, we plan to get to the capital city by morning. Our supply runs are usually during the day. I hope doing one at night will allow us to escape the thieves plaguing us.”
“I have an experienced driver and his assistant from our Sura Island. I promised their families I would bring them home when we finished this run.”
“What if you can’t keep the promise?” Raithion asked.
“I will keep my promises,” Azula said with determination. He folded his arms against his chest as he watched the carriage below. Five men were busy hooking up black horses to the carriage and checking the *livery to ensure no mistakes happened during their journey.
“The Sura men coming with us are craftsmen. The carriage is too heavy to carry them, so they will ride horses to the capital. Please include them among your legion officers.”
“Where is the ore?” Raithion asked, curious about the ore storage on such a magnificent carriage.
“Hidden,” Azula said. “The carriage is a distraction. We’ll pretend I’m a young master returning from a journey beyond the horizon. Spoiled rotten by my father, who has sent a legion of officers and a fancy carriage to take me to the capital.”
“You are a chieftain’s son,” Raithion said. “Aren’t you just playing yourself?”
“I’m not a spoiled brat,” Azula said. Are you in agreement with my plan?”
“Are the doors on the carriage locked?” Haedor asked.
“Yes, they are lockable from the inside,” Azula said. “I have the only key.”
“The thieves we are facing have been taking over your cargo carriages. Aren’t you afraid you will be kidnapped if you stay inside the carriage?” Haedor asked. “It would be better to ride a horse. It gives you more freedom.”
“I’m hoping a legion led by General Raithion is strong enough to keep me from being kidnapped.” Azula smiled, dropping his arms to his sides. He turned to meet Raithion’s gaze. “The assets in the carriage are too important to leave alone. I will stay inside the carriage. You can have one of the legion officers join me. In case I do get kidnapped and need help.”
Indeed, Raithion thought the ore assets in the carriage were of great interest.
They were the key ingredient in forging silver coins in the capital. Any thief caught trying to steal the ore was a suspect.
Raithion hoped thieves would approach the carriage. Otherwise, the general inspector would focus on the Sura Clan for this crime. He did not want to see Azula arrested.
Raithion studied the younger man, who watched him intently and wondered if Azula ever sat still.
Azula seemed to be on the verge of intense activity at every moment. He vibrated with energy; it was in his gaze, the way he stood, and the way he spoke. It looked like he took nothing seriously, a carefree spirit walking into an inn filled with legion brothers.
However, the care with which the carriage was being handled by Azula’s fellow clan members was enough to let Raithion know there had been considerable planning behind it. Planning that looked centered around Azula.
Raithion hid a smile.
Perhaps there was more to Azula than the eye could see.
“Azula,” Sennin called out from where he stood near the carriage. “We’re done. It’s ready to go.”
Azula lifted his hand as he turned to face his Sennin and nodded in thanks. He dropped his hand and looked at Raithion.
“What do you think about our plan, General Raith?” Azula asked.
“Haedor,” Raithion said.
“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said.
“Pair the Sura Clan members with our legion officers. Make sure they are well protected,” Raithion said.
“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said in agreement.
“I will ride in the carriage with Azula,” Raithion said, startling both Azula and Haedor.
“You?” Azula’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Why not me?” Raithion asked, taking in Azula’s wide eyes. He looked so comical. It made Raithion want to laugh.
“I don’t know,” Azula said, then looked away from him, clasping his hands behind his back as though to contain his energy. “I thought you would assign Lieutenant Haedor or one of your legion officers. Even though I should say I’m glad it is not your lieutenant.”
“Why?” Raithion asked.
“Look at him,” Azula said, peeking at a scowling Haedor. “He always looks on the verge of slaughtering me.”
Haedor scoffed.
“At least you are self-aware,” Haedor said, starting down the gangplank and heading to the road and the waiting carriage.
Azula shuddered, his shoulders trembling as he watched Haedor leave.
“That one will take some getting used to,” Azula said, making Raithion grin and shake his head.
“We should leave,” Raithion said, giving the horizon one last glance. The sunset at the port was beautiful. The seas gave it an extra shade of beauty that could not be found in the capital.
“I hope we get to the capital in time,” Azula murmured next to him.
“We will,” Raithion said, then led the way down the gangplank.
****
Twenty minutes later, a handsome carriage pulled by six black horses stopped at the port exit, heading to the Naga Main Road. A legion of officers surrounded the carriage. The entourage was led by Lieutenant Haedor. Then, they started a fast ride down the major road, hoping to get to the capital in record time.
Inside the carriage, Azula sat on a comfortable bench, assessing the container of food Alva had packed for him. It looked like she had opted for dry-treated meats and fruits, the best type of food when one was on the move. There was no time to heat food on hurried fires this time.
Azula knew the faster they got to the capital, the better it would be for his clan’s workshops. He had made all the plans needed, so now all that was left was the journey. Picking a slice of cured meat, he popped it into his mouth with a happy smile.
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