Chapter 113: The Bird Has the Word

With the matter of Kat’s current transformation at least somewhat handled, the group had a lot of free time on their hands, but also a lot of different things they needed to get done.

Bren wanted to go study some more, digging up things on Edmonton and the mythical Tim Horton’s Ann had told him about.

Lucia needed to go meet up with the hunter and ask him about the scale and anything he could tell them about dragons.

Kat wanted to go get her new armour started using the steel provided by Tym, and Rosalyn was looking forward to some time with Zidane at the Menagerie.

After a brief discussion, they decided to go their separate ways for the afternoon.

This left Ann with a conundrum. It was her first time alone in the big city, and she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. For now, she took to wandering the streets, looking around at the shops and people.

They’d spent a lot of time up in the noble and temple districts, so she went out to the rougher areas, closer to the gates to the outer city. People here were what she’d call middle class. Workers, sure, but skilled and easily providing for their families. As she walked, she smiled as packs of kids ran around chasing balls or playing with sticks. There were things she was worried about with the kingdom, but if kids could play carefree in the streets, it had to be mostly decent.

She strode out, getting to the gates. Moving to the side, up a flight of steps next to an official building of some sort, she took a few minutes to gawk at the structure. She’d seen it before, but getting this close? It took her breath away.

A hundred or so feet tall, and about as wide, the massive entrance towered above her vantage point. She hadn’t realised, on her train ride into Korvas, that the decorative carvings were life-sized. Alfhindur, Human, Bultrong, Thrundol, Grrn, Mulsfar and Inlon history was literally carved into the gates. The architecture and engineering required to make these must have been incredible.

Wait, stupid, magic exists, Ann reminded herself, slapping her forehead. The Notre Dame would have been easy for these people.

“It’s really awesome, in the literal sense of the word, isn’t it?” a familiar voice asked.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Ann said. Turning her head, she found Ilana standing next to her, blue-green wings folded at her sides as she gazed up.

“Kat ditch you?” Ilana asked seriously, though the twinkle in her eye betrayed the joke.

“Yup. Tossed me to the side like a sack of fur,” Ann sighed dramatically, slumping on the railing. “Woman’s a lot.”

“Tell me about it,” Ilana giggled. “How’re you holding up?”

“Eh, been better, been worse? There’s a lot happening, but also nothing right now. Weird spot.”

“I get it. Find a lot of time like that between meetings where I feel like I should be doing something, but all I have to actually do is wait,” Ilana nodded. “Wanna take a walk?”

“Sure,” Ann said, standing. “Actually, would you mind if I picked your brain about a few things?”

“And what would the princess consort want from a diplomat in training?” Ilana asked, batting her eyelashes.

“Gods, that’s really spread, hasn’t it?”

“Yup!” Ilana chirped as they headed out into the outer city.

The guards waved them past, apparently already knowing who both were.

“How bad?”

“Well, it’s been a bit over a week, so things have calmed down a little, but you and Rosalyn are still very hot topics. Gossip is churning around the three of you.” Ilana scrunched up her face and raised her wings to cover her mouth. “Have you heard? That beast of a Lupine corrupting the princess?” she said in a haughty voice, then switched to a deeper tone. “Is it the Lupine or the princess? Remember Katlyn’s trysts? The princess has more scandals than I have coppers.” Another tone change, older and more masculine. “I even heard there’s a third! So indecent. How could someone have enough time for more than one?”

Ann laughed. Ilana was pretty good at impressions, and the twinkling eyes peeking over her feathers said she had a lot of fun with it.

“Not all of them are bad, though,” the diplomat continued. “There are a decent number who support Kat’s position and think you two might finally be enough to satisfy her and keep her out of trouble.”

“That’s… holy shit. I don’t think I’ve ever had to have other people judging my sex life,” Ann sighed. “Much less people happy I’m in bed with the princess of a nation and another woman.”

“Well, with the incident in the Brawler’s Guild, you did make it fairly public,” Ilana shrugged, dodging out of the way of a courier with a massive pack on his back. “People are going to have opinions.”

“What’s yours?”

“Girl, I’ve known Kat for years,” Ilana laughed. “She’s fucked up more than just that. I’m not gonna divulge exactly how, but you are not the first she’s been caught with. Don’t worry about it too much, though you might want to work on being more discreet. Helps in the courts.”

“Already have. Got portable soundproofing things.”

“Wendyl?”

“For a, according to her, fairly new enchanter, her name gets around.”

“She undersells herself by a mile. I don’t even really know her, but I’m aware of what she does. She’s going to be busy if she keeps going with that reputation.”

“Ok, so I know a couple reputations she might have. Which one?”

“Ah, so I’m guessing she told you? Wasn’t sure. Anyway, I was talking more about her normal enchanting work. Girl apparently has a drive for it and people are watching.”

Make sure Kat gets more comfortable with Wendyl. Lock her down, check, Ann thought, adding the task to the mental checklist.

“Good to know. We’ve met a couple times, and she was pretty friendly toward us. Offered to have us at the top of her client list, or free priority, whatever,” Ann said.

“Woah, you need to accept that as soon as possible before someone else takes her up on the offer,” Ilana said, patting Ann on the back. The motion was more of a wing buffet, but it was the best she could do with her Vulhardrin anatomy.

“She’s looking for a bit more of an involved relationship, if you know what I mean, so right now we’re mostly waiting for Kat to make a decision on if she’s comfortable,” Ann said with a shrug.

“Mixing business and pleasure might not be for the best, but that’s a decision for you all, and I’m not getting in the middle of it,” Ilana said, wincing at the prospect. “Out of my depth there.”

They walked for a few more minutes. The buildings turned from stone to wood as they travelled further. Everything was still in good repair, but Ann could see things getting poorer as they walked. More alleys were filled with junk, signs and facades were dirtier.

The people changed as well. These were manual labourers. It was afternoon, so many of them were out and about working. She and Ilana stood out in their relatively fine clothing. Most people around here wore a dirty jacket over a couple layers of shirts, fraying pants, and boots. They drew looks, but no one commented.

“So, you got a few questions from me, my turn,” Ilana decided. “Where’d the new fur come from?”

“Shit, thought I was hiding that a little better,” Ann grumbled, tugging at her kilt.

“I mean, I knew you before, so I was looking, but still, that’s a lot more than you had.”

“Related to an upcoming announcement,” Ann said. “Sorry. I really can’t tell you more until we announce the whole Orenous’ Champion thing,” she whispered.

“Aaah, ok, that at least puts some things into context,” Ilana nodded, the plumage that replaced her hair bouncing. “The Orenous Temple has been setting up an event. I wasn’t quite sure if that was revolving around you, or if that was another religious event I’d missed. Considering the amount of Paladins we’ve seen returning to the capital, I was getting worried. Do I get an invite?”

Gods damn, she’s informed, Ann thought. “Yeah, sure, I can see what I can do. Just no talking about that whole train of thought to other people, yeah?”

“Ann, I consume gossip. I don’t spread it. How do you think so many people trust me?” Ilana said, giving Ann a puppy-dog stare. “Well, unless you’re a friend. Gotta be a good one for that.”

“Well, shit, was going to actually ask you about some of that,” Ann grumbled.

“You’re Kat’s girlfriend. If she trusts you, I trust you,” Ilana said, giving Ann a flat look. “Well, ok, I trust you because she trusts you and you seem like a good person. Helping out with that whole mess with the Seed was a courageous thing to do.”

“Thank you?” Ann said, still not sure how to accept praise.

“You’re welcome,” Ilana replied with a teasing bow. “But, anyway, go ahead and ask.”

“So, Junia’s invited all of us to a ball, and I know diddly squat about who’s who in this city outside of the royal family and Polaris. You were pointing out families when you came to Remmi’s training, so could you possibly, maybe, pretty please help me out?”

“Oooh, a favour from the princess girlfriend,” Ilana giggled, brown eyes wide. “You definitely owe me a favour.”

Ann sighed, then nodded. “Yeah, that’ll work. Just nothing bad, yeah?”

“Swear on my egg,” Ilana said, solemnly raising a wing.

“Wait, you hatched?”

“Nonono, just a saying for my type of Vulhardrin,” Ilana clarified. “Can you imagine how big an egg that’d be? My poor mother!”

Ann barked out a laugh. “I’m still getting used to all this shit. Wouldn’t surprise me.”

“I guess that’s fair. Being isolated to Lupine would give you some pretty major holes in your knowledge. Anyway, yeah, for a favour I’ll get you caught up on who to talk to, who not to talk to, and draaama.” The woman rustled her wings exaggeratedly at the mention of drama.

“Agreed. So what do I need to know?”

“Let’s sit down. You have something to write with? This is going to take a minute.”

They found a tavern, mostly deserted, with it being early afternoon, and found a secluded table. Ann pulled out a piece of charcoal and some paper she’d taken to carrying since Rosalyn liked her drawings.

“Well, we might as well start at the top and where you’re most involved,” Ilana said, accepting her amber drink from the waiter. “The current monarchy of Korvas, headed by Orlana and Kremdol Farragher. Thankfully, they have a positive relationship with the general populace. Orlana saw the kingdom through the last Swarm with fewer losses than her mother’s reign. People see her might and recognise the benefit of having her at the head of the kingdom. Pretty simple.

“Kremdol is a bit more complicated. He married into the royal family from a previously opposed house. His former family name is Grogan. Their trade is intrigue and communications. They run one of the largest courier guilds in the kingdom and are heavily involved at all levels of politics. If you haven’t spoken to one of them directly, you’ve talked to someone who’s connected to them. His family opposed the Farragher’s more militaristic views on handling the kingdom, preferring peace, commerce, and diplomacy to the sword. Kremdol was able to bridge this divide, though, and after extensive courting of the then Princess Orlana, won her hand in marriage. He was the only one who she didn’t challenge to combat for her hand. Story she’d probably tell you if you asked her. I’ve heard she loves to retell it at parties when she’s had a bit too much to drink. Anyway, that bound the powerful house to the royal bloodline, and since Orlana’s mother’s abdication, the wedded pair have guided the kingdom with a strong but fair hand. He is the caution to her impulse, and she’s the strength to back up his schemes. I say schemes, but it’s not usually nefarious. Plans, I guess, would be a better word.”

Ann was worried her paper would burst into flames as she rapidly jotted down notes. “Got it. Orlana and Kremdol. Good rulers. Kremdol part of a big information family. Any bad things there I should worry about?”

“Hmm,” Ilana cocked her head to the side. “A couple. Information is information and where it’s gotten from and what it’s used for is up to the person who holds it. That’s mostly the stance the Grogan family has on it, and has remained decidedly neutral outside of Kremdol.”

“Sorry,” Ann interrupted, “Another followup. Do the families tend to all be one race? Kat and the rest are Alfhindur. Is it the same for the Grogans?”

“Absolutely not,” Ilana said, waving the apparently ridiculous notion away with a wing. “The Grogans are a large family and equally diverse. You’ll find everyone in the family tree, including a couple Grrn, I believe.”

“No Mulsfar?”

“I don’t believe so. They, while recognised as citizens, keep to themselves. You’ll see more of them if you go further north. Back on track, though, there have been more than a few bad actors in the Grogan family over the centuries. Cathmor Grogan was an infamous crime boss, using leverage and blackmail to extort families and workers out in Thalten. Nevyn Grogan was a long time ago, but sold information to the Bortislav Empire for promises of clemency for her house when the ever promised invasion eventually came. Fool of a woman, like they’d spare an Alfhindur. Pretty sure she’s still locked up somewhere, or closely watched by the Inquisition.”

“Inquisition?” Ann asked, scratching off a section for this new group.

“Spies, information seekers, clandestine operations for the crown. Not everything can be done by the military and they’re the ones who handle things that need a more delicate touch.”

“Sounds… shady.”

“Oh, extremely. It’s a constant point of tension in noble circles. Having a spy network managed by the crown, loyal only to the crown, puts many of them on edge. Personally, I appreciate that a monster under their bed keeps them afraid. I’ve met looots of people who need that in their lives.”

“Ripe for abuse, though,” Ann muttered. “That’s a tonne of power to trust to one organisation.”

“Yup,” Ilana nodded. “I’m not going to mince words saying that what they do is pretty, but I find it necessary, and support it. Honestly, that’s going to be one of the bigger things you’ll need to get used to from the sounds of it. The way things may have been done back home is not how we handle our business. It’s fine to disagree, but be careful who you voice that with.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to touch a button,” Ann said. She scribbled ‘secret CIA bullshit’ on a portion under the Inquisition.

“I won’t take offence. I know you’re coming from a different point of view. Anyway, I’d advise avoiding them as a lighter topic of discussion. That is for closer confidants. Now, to the other houses.”

Ilana spent the next hour going over the various families. By the end, Ann had two pages full of bullet points on as many as she could fit. There were more, and she did her best to memorise the information, but would probably need a refresher later.

Like she’d been informed, the political landscape was mostly divided between the Expansionists and Traditionalists. Kremdol and Orlana did their best to maintain neutrality, but fell on the Traditionalist side more often than not.

The Grogans belonged to and headed up most of the Traditionalist group. The Feehans, an agricultural family, the O’mearas, a mining group, Murane, devoted to textiles, and a litany of others made up the ideology’s support base.

The expansionists were unsurprisingly made up of families who benefited from war or gaining new territory. Arthur Forgold, to Ann’s complete lack of surprise, aligned with this faction, as did his family. Others included mining and manufacturing families and guilds. More territories and more clients were always on their minds.

“So, Traditionalists are about things as they are, while Expansionists want to change and move out,” Ann said, finishing up a couple notes. “Gotta say, sounds like the Traditionalists have good heads if things are going well.”

“There are some issues with their viewpoint, mind,” Ilana said. “There are those who are opposed to change. Should the Bortislav Empire succeed in breaching the Belt of Seeds, and we’d stagnated, our forces may not be able to stand up to them. On the other hand, the Expansionists aren’t all about taking more land through conquest. My family, for instance, aligns with their ideals, but along the lines of diplomatic missions. There are many, many, manymanymany nuances to each ideology and I encourage you not to paint each with too broad a stroke.”

“Gotcha. Political parties not all unified. Many differing opinions. Careful with saying shit that’d generalise,” Ann said, writing it down. “I’m gonna have to study all this. It’s a lot.”

“Ann, it’s my full-time job,” Ilana laughed. “You’re not going to be perfect at this, and you are going to make some enemies. More enemies, I should say.”

“More?”

“Well, after Arthur dragged you all back to the capital, he made it clear that he did not approve of your relationship. Since you’ve been training with Remmi, her enemies have taken notice. I’ve heard rumours that the Powell’s first son was trying to wedge himself in as her apprentice for a long time, and you being chosen over him has rankled the house.”

“God damnit,” Ann groaned, ears folding back. “Haven’t even met him.”

“He was there that first day you were introduced. He left right after Remmi cleared the area. Be warned, he may try something. Other than that, the rest of the nobility maintain suspicion regarding your origins and unknown status and are keeping close eyes on your coming and going. The incident in the Brawler’s Guild definitely didn’t help with that.”

“I figured,” Ann nodded, her tail drooping at the mention of the fuck up. It had been a fun night, but the consequences seemed to be catching up to her.

“Once you announce your patron, though, I think a good portion of that concern will evaporate. Orenous has a reputation, and her temples even more so. Debauchery from her Chosen,” Ilana whispered the word, “would be accepted as part of your nature, rather than a choice. Probably. Maybe? That’s where this whole thing gets messy. Someone like you’s never existed. Gods, it’s so exciting!”

“Glad someone’s happy that I’m around,” Ann said, relaxing a little. “Besides Kat and the rest, I mean.”

“I’m sure you’ll make friends. You’re a friendly lady, and my intuition on that kind of thing is rarely wrong. Also, you haven’t told me a major lie yet. You’re definitely lying about where you’re from, but I’m just running with it.”

Ann blushed. “Sorry about that. That’s actually one thing I really can’t talk about.”

“It’s fine,” Ilana sighed. “Just me being curious. Everyone’s got their secrets, and I’m no exception. Honestly, it’s good for you to have that. Means you can keep your lips shut when you need to. Way too many people can’t learn how to do that.”

“Rosalyn, for one,” Ann laughed. “Gods, the girl can talk.”

“Oh? A little drama in the trio?”

“Nah, she’s just very, very talkative when she’s nervous or happy, or really, anytime she’s not scared.”

“She was quiet when we first met. No way, did I scare her?” Ilana looked horrified as her plumage bushed up on her head.

“Most new people do,” Ann said, waving away the concern. “Ya know, you told me a lot. Let me tell you how we actually met.”

Ilana leaned forward, listening closely.