Our story continues with the party making their way to a cartographer and architect in Caelhem.
“Who would have thought we would be selected to lead this army into battle against Altgrön? I’m so sorry Zay that we have to do this. I guess we’re past the point of no return now.”
Zayden looks at Jowlani and shakes his head calmly.
“Never apologise for that, remember? I’ve chosten this path just as much as you have. I want to see my country in better days. Even if it means being branded a traitor to achieve that. If the national government of this country entrusts us with this task… we have to accomplish our goals. A supplemental letter from Caelira came through at dawn.
We have to meet with Morris. He’s a cartographer and architect, responsible for building the new headquarters. We do need some more people to join us though. Marques will join us to write everything down and delegate tasks to people like Adnap and Serena.
We can build the new headquarters, but we also need the resources, tools and right people. It’s time to head out. Let’s go!”
As soon as Jowlani, Zayden and Marques leave the inn, they hear a rambling on the floor from upstairs. Marques points right above their heads and says: “What the hell is that? Is that a giant?”
Jowlani knows exactly whose footsteps they are. He points to the other two and starts a countdown from ten to one. “Hear me out. At five, you’ll hear the stairs shaking. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5….”
Major noise coming from the upper floor and you can hear the wood from the stairs creaking, as if the whole building’s about to collapse.
“My goodness, is someone that angry at the world? It’s like a person ten times the size of Adnap is hurling through the inn.”
Midway through the stairs, the voice becomes clear. It could only be one.
“Ow, shit, what the f… dangit, I’m late again! Gotta hurry or they’re leaving without me! There’s no such thing as abandoning the best part of your team! My team! Don’t trip, don’t trip, ouch!”
The trio hear bonks and bangs down the stairs until finally…
“Well, brilliant start to the day. I need a doctor for this forgetful head of mine. Don’t worry guys, I’m fine! FINE, I TELL YOU! ARGHHHHHHHH!”
Jowlani bursts out laughing. “Oh my! Guess someone’s in a foul mood today. What do you need? Food, drinks, meditation… or another stranger in the night? The whole inn heard you.. Be quiet next time.”
Laura storms up from the ground she just fell on, and runs at immense speed at Jowlani.
In doing so, she knocks over the owner of the inn, who’s got a tray full of cold soup to serve out.
“I’m so sorry! It’s all HIS fault! You’ve hopefully got some more. Here’s money to reimburse everything. My apologies for the inconvenience!”
She helps the inn owner up, apologises even more to the customers, and then focus her eyes on Jowlani again, who’s still laughing. Even harder now, because some of the soup splashed onto Laura. She spots it and angrily runs up the stairs again.
“You go alone to whoever you need to see. It’s not fair! Besides, I AM QUIET! You should hear yourself and Zayden! I heard you Marques, shut up!”
Out of sight, the three guys have gained control over their laughter. Thus they head out to Morris, the project manager for the new headquarters.
Located in the Shire for safety measures, the party enters another small hut. It’s a circle-shaped room, with in the midst of it, a long table. The map of Netralies lies on it unfolded. In the centre of the country is a marked by pencil square. That should be the location of the new headquarters.
“Curious about the new bustling city of the continent, I see?” says a person stepping out from behind a red satin curtain.
Jowlani answers: “Yes, we are very interested. We’re sent by the Sovereign to come meet you. You’re our guide for the construction of it.”
“That is correct my dear. I presume you are Jowlani, that’s your partner Zayden… and who are you darling? I’ve not seen or heard your name pop up anywhere.”
Marques is visibly shaken by the affectionate speech of Morris. “Uhm… well, I’m Marques.. and I’m here to transcribe this conversation. So I can delegate the tasks to our allies and friends.”
Morris is wearing clothes that could be seen as flamboyant. Puffed shoulders, long trousers, heels. Dark brown hair, till the waist so long.
“Oh no need to be so shy, dapper and handsome man. There is no time to waste in building all of this, but I would make time in my tightly packed agenda for some.. extra social activities. No transcription necessary of what I just said. But very welcomed as additional private note, if you catch my drift… Well let’s get to business gentlemen!
The new headquarters to combat Altgrön will lie in the middle of the three biggest targets of our nation. Caelhem of the north, Zomerhoven of the midwest, and Faucon-Bas in the southwest. We will try to regain that soon my lovelies. The first phase of construction is already underway, laying down roads. Those roads will provide easier and faster to resources and to transport them to the new place. After that, volunteers from the entire nation will help build. I need some decisions right away from you on the plans. I’ll explain the scenario’s and you two make a choice. But first let me inform you on the general plans…”
Morris tells the trio about the entire construction process. A fortified position with stone walls will be constructed first as outside defence. A tunnel system inside the new city will allow escape for citizens, in case the HQ is taken over in an attack.
An emergency tunnel will be dug all the way from there to Caelhem. It’ll be used for troops and citizens to retreat through. Emergency panels will be built in the tunnels to block sections off. This to prevent the enemy from using the tunnels as direct attack route.
“So it’s essential we get things going as fast as we possibly can. After it’s all finished, you can decide on the name of the city and headquarters. The Sovereign has requested your presence one final time. By ‘your’, I mean Jowlani.”
Morris then points at Zayden and Marques to tell them their job.
“In the meantime, you two can go and collect Laura at the inn. Her magic skills will provide valuable information for some parts of my designs. Meet me back here in half an hour. Should we or Jowlani be finished up prior to one another, rendezvous at the tavern of the inn at 21:00, in around six hours. There’s much to do, and we’re short on staff and time. Let’s get to it!”
Jowlani goes to Zayden and tells him: “I guess I’m off to the Sovereign again. I’m curious to see what she wants this time. I’ll miss you around me, but it’s what we have to do now I guess. Love you!”
Jowlani gives Zayden a big hug and kiss and he heads out, towards the Sovereign’s hut.
Morris spots the romantic relationship and spills his mind: “That was really cute of him. No wonder you love him back so much. Does seem like we Altgrönians have compassion and love for each other, no matter what the conservatives say. I’ve read your file Zayden. I know how hard it’ll be for you. Part of my family are the aides of your parents. They think alike, hence why I left. I’m an ally to all minorities. Everyone should be treated equally. That’s why this country ‘gets it’, you know. All the way alongside you two, to end this war as soon as it’s getting heated.”
Zayden doesn’t really have an answer, but he feels the warmth of the support inside. Especially that it’s coming from someone with the same roots as him.
“Thank you Morris. That’s really kind of you. It’s hard to leave Jowlani alone, since he’s still suffering from anxiety a lot. I hope that with time it gets better, and he can stand more on his own. I’m happy to have been surrounded by many great individuals, who’re thinking alike. Fighting for the same cause. Just a land of peace and happiness for all. That’s all I strive for, every day.”
Jowlani has made his way to Caelira’s hut. Protocol dictates that he has to wait once again in the waiting room. Only ten minutes after entering the waiting room, Jowlani is called by a cleric. It’s time for him to see the Sovereign again. He steps into the bright white light. Instead of being stuck in another holding place, he’s now immediately inside the Sovereign’s hut.
Caelira greets him when Jowlani’s able to open his eyes.
“Hello there, welcome back. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Take a seat please.”
Jowlani takes place on a piece of furniture that looks like a sofa, but feels much more pleasant. It’s so dense, yet so soft. A lovely texture, with a purple colour on the seat itself.
“I’m aware that you’re sensitive to textures, and you love the colour purple. So I let this be made as fast as possible doable. Have you ever heard of your family history?”
Jowlani politely nods no. “I’ve not had the fortune of knowing my heritage. My parents passed away in an incident at the border when I was little. No one else in Faucon-Bas could tell me more about that.”
Caelira then stands up from her throne-like seat, and goes to sit next to Jowlani. She gazes deep in his eyes. “That’s indeed unfortunate. Luckily, we here are able to keep track of all movements around the country. We’ve documented everything since the last war centuries ago. From people, to goods, to finances, to historical events since. I see the desire in your eyes to learn and know more. About what happened to your parents. Who you are, where you come from. And to retrieve the lust of life you’ve lost along the way. I will guide you, inform you and help you as long as I’m the Sovereign of this city, and the prime minister of this country.
To do so, I need your help as well. To help me defend this beautiful country on the battlefield, and to help me stay in my position. My brother Remyra is a dangerous man. He’s out to assassinate me. Though he would never do so, if I had a strong man to defend me. I am safe for now, so I eagerly await your return from the new city. See that is tended to quickly and with precision. When you return, visit me immediately. For then, I can tell you all about your past, present, and future.”
Caelira waves her wand and Jowlani finds himself back inside the tavern.
“What the actual hell, ‘Lani. Since when did you know teleportation magic? That’s strictly forbidden to learn in the University! And NEVER be late again! We were worried sick!”
Jowlani blinks rapidly to gain some sense as to where he is. He then sees Laura yelling at him, while Zayden springs up from his chair to hug him deeply.
“What did you do at the Sovereign’s place? It’s midnight. What did she request you to do? Tell me all about it. But first sit, eat and drink something. You’ve not done so in at least seven hours. I’ve missed you, never make me fear something happened to you.”
Jowlani explains what the Sovereign has told him about his family. The request put onto him to defend the Sovereign like a bodyguard when they return.
“It’s a noble request. I would not like you to be alone to defend her, I want to be there too. Though a request from one person with such power, is one we can not deny or amend. If you trust yourself to do this, I’ll be the best partner I can be. I trust you with my mind and heart that you can keep the Sovereign safe. Let’s get some rest everyone, for tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Netralia. The war is brewing, and we’re ready to defend this country like hell!”
I'm Amethyst, 30, and from the Netherlands. I've always had a passion for adventure in roleplaying games. Being able to immerse myself into these universes allowed me to escape the trauma's of my youth. Now I want to share my gaming passion with all of you!
