Achil & The Kingdom of Jin

Achil

&

The Kingdom of Jin

Book III 'The Chronicles of Achil'

'It served our purpose to see them divided, so instead of making them a strong ally, we made them a weak enemy.'

Achil of Findolin

Adam David Papa-Adams © 2012 all rights reserved

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my good friends Lawrence Bolton, Adam Alexander Papa-Adams and Dan Thairs for their encouragement, support and belief. I would also like to say a huge thank you to all those that believe that everything is possible.

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Table of Contents

Chapter I Rumours

Chapter II Meetings

Chapter III The People of Kush

Chapter IV Masks

Chapter V In the Lands of Mead

Chapter VI The Road to Horrazim

Chapter VII Welcome to Zamora

Chapter VIII Telallamain

Chapter IX Crossing the Nabed Falls

Chapter X Manitou

Chapter XI Connections

Chapter XII The City of Tajiksin

Chapter XIII The Panthurians

Chapter XIV The Wraths

Chapter XV Claw Gorge

Chapter XVI The Red Forest

Chapter XVII The Mighty City of Quinn

Chapter XVIII Qouni

Chapter XIX Shushy

Chapter XX The Great Wilderness Forest

Chapter XXI The Thunder Birds

Chapter XXII Valley of the Orochi

Chapter XXIII In the Heart of the Empire

Chapter XIV Jinopolis

Chapter XV In the eye of the Storm

Chapter XXVI Diversions, Divisions, Deceptions

Chapter I

Rumours

The King stared down at the table with growing anger and frustration. So much of his Kingdom had been laid waste too by the Mandrake Imperium that the rage he felt would not die. He drew in a deep breath trying to calm down. Agoran standing thoughtfully by his side began rubbing his unshaven jaw. Neither of them had slept much in recent weeks. A cool breeze crept through the unguarded balcony; the thin drapes gently rustled in the midday light. The soft sand on the floor awoke for a moment as the papers on the table fluttered, and were about to escape into the air, and would have done except for the swift intervention of Agoran, who placed a large pebble firmly down on top of them. On heavy wooden shelves thick with dust sat both books and scrolls, which were held in chronological order. It was all the memory, knowledge and understanding of his people that thankfully had survived the siege. The room was sparsely furnished, with a few worn chairs that leant up against the walls. Paintings of past Kings hung sombrely against cold barren stone, as though looking in judgment over the present Monarch. He turned round and strode over to one of the shelves pulling out a large folded map which he placed on the table. The two had been in conference since the previous morning, with only a brief respite to gain some much needed rest and nourishment.

It is the only way, said Agoran, stepping tiredly over to the Kings side.

I remember you saying it’s certain death, replied the King, uneasy with what they must do, and the lack of options that had brought about such a decision. How can you expect me to ask my subjects to do this thing?

We cannot delay on this, as it would bring about our utter ruin, replied Agoran, pensively gazing at the King. Achil and his companions did offer to take on this task.

How can any hope to defeat an Empire, the King thoughtfully looked up from the table shaking his head sadly.

They don’t have to defeat them, said Agoran. All they need to do is find a way to delay them, long enough to afford us time to rearm, and build up our border fortifications so that we are ready for their next assault. And the only way that can be achieved is if someone goes into the Protectorate of the Imperium, the Central Kingdoms, and the East; to find a means to disrupt any further plans that might be brewing there.

You are asking my people, said King Paladin with another shake of the head. To stand in front of a storm and not be blown away by it. Yes, I know what you are going to say we have sent out spies to the heart of the Imperium before now. This is different, the others were sent to observe and report back, Achil and his small company will be going to try to ascertain what they have fermenting over there, and if they can, disrupt it. It is an impossible task, even should they survive the journey, which I very much doubt they will do; they will end up in the capital of that vile Empire. Perhaps there is a less perilous assignment we might give to them.

Difficult yes, impossible no, said Agoran stiffly. We’ve considered the few alternatives we have; this is our best option. And his companions our resourceful, as for Nishga, she is more powerful than any of us realise. Remember any person that can treat with a Dragon the way she did, and manage to defeat Marshal Ti in single combat the way Achil did, can certainly accomplish this. Do not underestimate our people, they are more than capable for this task.

The two continued their debate, as unobserved servants brought in food and drink, and took away platters of unfinished meals. And without their noticing, daylight turned once more to dusk, and the night drifted by until dawn was pronounced by the call of a cockerel.

***

Achil stood and looked out from his terrace onto the city of Findolin, parts remained scolded by fire that had yet to be cleared away. Wooden cranes rose above the skyline, a testament to the rebuilding process that was firmly underway. And after the city was brought back from the injury caused to it; what then, everyone was resigned to the fact that the Mandrake would return and commit more wanton destruction. Achil knew most of all that Findolin needed time to mend, time to prepare an appropriate defence. He had already had quiet words with Agoran on the subject and soon he, Andreas, Nicholas and Nishga would start their journey into the Central Kingdoms, and the mysterious east. First though they had to traverse the lands of the Mead.

Achil tried to recall what he knew of those people and their country. The last time he had been there was in defence of Findolin, which was before he had journeyed to Osgaroth. Since that time Mead Raiders had come upon them like a wave upon the sand. It was not known at that time that they were part of the great Mandrake Imperium. Prior to that his understanding of the people of Mead was that they were not a threat; their lands were split into tribal holdings without any major settlements or cities, a kingdom more at war with itself than any outsider, and yet ever since the Mandrake Imperium annexed their lands and colonised them, they had neatly dismantled Mead culture, turning the society into something that resembled the civilisations of the central kingdoms. The Imperium had infected the land like a disease, and before long every part of it had become contaminated. It had become nothing more than a province. So that when the Finns had been provoked into crossing into their lands they had rode into a well-organised, well-defended and well-guarded kingdom under one banner, that of the Imperium.

Achil gazed at his new surroundings; and he was still a little uncomfortable at the opulence that had been afforded him. Once again he had been made Knight Champion of the Realm, a role he had relinquished years earlier, before he left to seek an alliance with the Dragon People of Osgaroth. Unfortunately it meant his chambers were held within the Palace precinct, which had left him feeling too cosseted. Outside a gong sounded, the reverberating noise hummed through the corridors. Achil was thrust back into the present, and thrown out of his reflective brooding of the past. The New King; Paladin, had proclaimed that they would remember the fallen in this manner. Every morning at ten, since the Battle for Findolin had ended, the gong would be struck. And so it was that the sound would be answered to the South, East and West of the city. Achil listened to each echoed response.

He stood looking over his balcony, his view unencumbered by other buildings, taking a sip from a glass of wine and wincing slightly, it was bitter as the day was fresh, his uninvited eyes looked onto distant parks and courtyards. He could see a dog barking at a small boy who was running along one of the narrow cobbled streets; he had a stick and was propelling a small wheel along the floor with it. The dog was dancing at his side. Achil smiled to himself, normality was finally returning.

Chapter II

Meetings

As he watched life go about its business, he was interrupted by three quick thuds at the door. Striding back into his room, he placed his glass on a small table walked passed his bed, which had remained untouched. His inability to sleep was an unfortunate residual effect of thinking that at any moment he might have to be called to arms. Again there was a further pounding. Achil shook his head, familiarity bred impatience, he wondered which friend of his had come calling.

Hey, cried Andreas. This is no time to still be sleeping. We have a meeting to get to, remember.

Achil smiled to himself, Andreas always had more enthusiasm than was necessary for the day ahead.

Wait a moment, he replied yawning. I’m ready, I was just on the terrace.

Achil unbolted and opened the door. There in front of him leaning back against the wall, arms crossed, was a welcoming face.

Taking in the air were we, replied Andreas grimly. The smell of all that soot and ash must be doing wonders for your constitution.

Achil nodded, grabbed a small leather jacket from a peg on the wall, and wrapped it round his thick frame, after stepping out into the corridor he locked the door behind him. Andreas tossed Achil an apple to munch on, thinking that since he had missed breakfast, a little something to eat would not go amiss.

Where is the meeting anyway? he asked softly.

Andreas scratched his grizzled chin, Nicholas set it up, and we're to join him downstairs in the mess hall, so maybe it’s there.

They made their way along the passageway, and down winding stairs, moving through the door at the end; which was open enough to let a shrill blast of cold air invigorate them. They caught up to Nicholas, who was talking about his exploits to some maidens of the city. Andreas took him by the arm, and gave him a playful tug.

Sorry ladies duty calls, he said, as he pulled Nicholas away from his future conquests.

Now you Egrain live where? asked Nicholas quickly.

She pointed to a tall long building. Nicholas smartly agreed to call on her that evening before saying his goodbyes, and chased after Achil and Andreas.

What are you smiling about? Achil asked.

I think I may have a date, said Nicholas. And look she has to be wealthy to live in such a large house.

He pointed in the direction of her home.

Achil laughed, Maybe, except that happens to be one of the grain stores.

Andreas chuckled, Nice one Nicholas, it appears you’re finally going to sow some oats.

Nicholas shook his head, disappointment etched on his face, there was also a grudging respect for the joke played on him. Perhaps he had misunderstood the directions, and actually Egrain really did wish to see him later. Nicholas gestured for them to turn down a narrow street. The meeting had been altered to take place not in the mess hall, instead it was to be held in Euclid’s Tower, which was well underway to being rebuilt.

When do you think we’ll be asked to leave for the Lands of Mead? asked Nicholas.

He was unable to disguise his enthusiasm, and anticipation for the adventure ahead.

You mean Mead, and the rest, replied Achil. We’re going to head right into the heart of the Imperium. And I’m sure we’ll leave soon. We need to find out what plans are being laid by the enemy. You can be sure that Jin is plotting some reaction to the defeat he suffered here.

Both Andreas and Nicholas gave Achil a sceptical look as he spoke.

I don't think he will even call it a defeat, said Andreas. He cannot afford to.

We know one thing is certain, said Achil grimly. They’ll come back. And the next time they do, they'll make sure they don't leave.

He had a deep sense of foreboding for what he felt was to come, and the sooner they were on their way, the quicker it would be, that they knew what the Imperium was planning.

When we are in those foreign lands, said Andreas. Let us arrange it so our enemy does not return this way. I’ll not spend my days quaking behind walls, waiting for that hour when they descend upon us, and watch this city turn into my tomb.

Nicholas shifted uncomfortably, this was the first time he and Achil had heard Andreas speak in such a way.

You’re right, replied Achil. Long before the Mandrake come back. We need to find out their machinations, and see if we can disrupt such intrigues as they might have.

His companions shrugged, almost sympathetically, the task in front of them could only succeed if the separate factions in the Imperium could be encouraged to have at each other. They followed the path down The Parade Accordier and walked hurriedly beneath statues of past heroes of the City, which led right up to the steps of Euclid’s Tower. Nishga had been waiting for them to arrive. They silently greeted her and entered through large doors made of thick Thavma wood. An Adjutant rose from behind his desk in the atrium. Guided them to the Chamber where King Paladin was waiting for them, with him was the Alchemist, and the four Elementals. King Paladin looking up saw Achil and his companions standing at the door, and waved them forward. On the table were set out maps of what the Finns knew of the Central Kingdoms. The top map contained the lands of their neighbours to the east. Upper and lower Mead, that stretched the entire eastern border of Findolin. The King excitedly tapped his pencil on the map.

Gather round, gather round, he said excitedly. We have been discussing the strategy to be adopted. Agoran, can you fill them in.

The King had a youthful face which was a sharp contrast to the prematurely greying hair that rested on his back. His mind though alert and quick to humour, had certainly aged with the weight of responsibility put upon it. If war and hardship, rather than peace and harmony were the test of what made a King, then he had certainly earned his station. Agoran cleared his throat before giving a short account of their plans. After he had finished there was a stoic silence as the information was slowly digested. The four looked at each other; no one was willing to be the first to comment.

Look, Achil and Andreas spoke up at the same time.

Andreas quickly gestured for Achil to continue.

I do not believe your idea goes far enough, said Achil. I understand the need to be cautious, sadly that need is long gone, and it was lost the first time an enemy catapult fired heavy boulders into our city.

The King threw his pencil down hard on the table, frustrated by such a reaction. Achil, who was never one to hold back on his opinions, stood firm to what he wished to say.

With respect, he continued. If we are to succeed in disrupting the Imperium. We will need one thing, specifically that’s money and lots of it, enough to bribe officials, and to supply arms to rebels when we find them. If we can fuel unrest they might have a full-blown civil war on their hands, then and only then, might we get the result that benefit’s us.

The King looked down at the map.

What about the Wraths, said King Paladin gravely. And the Wendigos, you can be sure they cannot be bought. These are his instruments of fear and oppression. And who knows what else he may have. Any insurrection would be ruthlessly put down before it started. The arms and gold you speak of could return to haunt us; not only that, you will draw attention to yourselves and us, especially since the border is heavily watched, how do you expect to get passed their patrols with an entire caravan of goods, without being spotted. I suggest a compromise. We will give you as much as you need to help those that require it, who are still willing to stand against a tyrant.

They all understood the risks required for such a mission to succeed. Achil’s plan was more daring, more costly and time consuming; and time was a luxury they did not have, and so they devised a more audacious plot.

So we’ll enter their lands as Merchants, said Achil, his eyes fixed on the King. Carrying goods that can be sold, such as rugs, carpets and the such like. As Traders we should still have some gold with us, the rest of the money should be made up from selling our goods. And the only time we’ll act against our enemy will be if such an opportunity arises with a guaranteed certainty of success. Otherwise we’ll head straight for Jinopolis the Capital City of the Mandrake Empire, and, once there, let us hope a situation presents itself to us, where we can hinder whatever plans Jin may have.

The King nodded, looked at everyone standing around the table. Achil drew in his breath; the next decision was the most difficult. The King met Achil’s gaze.

So be it, said the King. My less risky path which you believe to be wrong would have been much safer than what you’re proposing. I fear the road you intend taking will prove too perilous a journey, one from which none may return. Should this council agree to such a plan, I will not argue the point. What do you require for such a perilous journey?

Achil smiled awkwardly, Well there are four Elementals, and four of us, how about the transfer of their powers to us.

We will give you all the help we can, said The King gravely. We dare not lose the powers of the elementals to Jin, so the answer to that request is no. Agoran will provide you with everything you need for your clandestine activities to be a success. If there’s nothing else, you four are dismissed.

The King tiredly smiled as he stared back at the map. He was once more talking to Agoran, who was leaning forward over the table, and as he swept his hand across a large section of it, the four of them began to back out of the chamber. A courtier came in, a tall thin surly looking man, in bright ceremonial robes, and dark breeches, that hung comfortably over soft leather boots; he handed Agoran a piece of paper.

Achil wait a moment, said Agoran grimly. We have just received some disturbing news. Marshal Ti apparently still lives.

Both Andreas and Achil looked back at him in disbelief.

We saw him run through, said Andreas. Not only that, they themselves believed him fatally wounded also, otherwise why send the Wolfmen after us.

His voice shared his friend's disbelief in the news. Agoran tore the piece of paper up in his hands and threw it in the bin beneath the table.

Well unfortunately, said Agoran with a shrug. You didn’t fatally wound him enough, or perhaps you did, and there was some sorcery at work that we do not know of, either that or the dispatch could be wrong. I’m afraid there will be things both for good and ill that we will hear of, and only when you are there, will you discover the truth of them, which reminds me, you once told me of a potion the Queen of Askalon gave you, a cure of sorts should you ever be contaminated by those shapeshifter types. If you still have such a remedy, take it with you, it may be of use should someone try turning you into a Wendigo.

Achil nodded, Don’t worry, I already thought of that.

Good; I will see you all later, replied Agoran thoughtfully.

He watched them leave before turning his attention back to their plans.

What do you think? asked Agoran after they departed.

I think there's a lot more to Marshal Ti than we know, replied the King. He is originally from Askalon and they are a people notoriously hard to kill.

***

The four conspirators walked through the atrium; the guards jumped to attention as they passed. Achil barely noticed them, his remoteness the consequence of the news that Marshal Ti still lived; Andreas by his side only added to the brooding. Nicholas and Nishga were walking behind them, and quietly talked about the journey ahead.

I think our mission just got a little bit more difficult, said Achil thoughtfully. The truth is that we simply don't know enough about the inner workings of that Empire of theirs. What we know is that Jin is resourceful, ruthless, powerful, and single-minded; in fact he is your typical tyrant. We believe he holds mastery in the Imperium, but our spies have discovered how powerful the Guilders are, maybe they are the ones with the real power, as they hold the purse strings.

Only when we go there will we know what we are truly up against, replied Andreas. We know that the Wraths are fanatically loyal to the Imperium; whereas the mindless obedience of the Wendigos is something else altogether, they’re controlled by sorcery, and I only think they answer to Jin.

To be honest I think the Wraths are just Wraths, replied Achil. And the Vendigos are just Vendigos, and they fit in with their empire, such creatures are useful to conquer lands with, and keep the populace in check once that’s done. Their Emperor may have the authority to move great armies, still he cannot do it at will, otherwise why did they not come at us with overwhelming force, their attack was only made with sufficient numbers to succeed, and that’s where the Merchant houses come into it.

Guilders will always come up short, replied Andreas. For they are governed by the cost of things, while the ideals we fight for are priceless.

Exactly, they underestimated our resolve, and our unity, said Achil. We know if Findolin had stood alone it would have fallen, even maybe with the help of your people that would have been the case. They did not expect to be fighting Askalon and the Cashel also, and even then the war was in the balance. The thing is next time around, we may find that they value our stock much higher. And so when they come, it will be with a vastly superior force.

The cobbled street clanged at the touch of their heavy boots. While Nishga wore soft shoes that made no sound, and cradled her feet against the stones. On the way back to Achil’s chambers, they stopped off at the main square. The smells that were emanating from the many market stools were an infusion of herbs, spices, meats, that came from all over Suberia and overpowered even the smell of soot and ash. It was by disguising themselves as merchants that they would pass into the Mandrake Imperium and smuggle themselves into the capital of Jinopolis. As they walked passed each stool in turn, people would approach them with items both affordable and not. Achil stopped to admire some carpets that had been transported from the Central Kingdoms. They had borders all around, from corner to corner ran the image of tentacled grapevines, in the centre of which were displayed an assortment of woven pictorial flowers, some he recognised; some he did not. And there were birds, and exotic animals of a type that he hoped were more mythic rather than actually existed. Once Achil felt the material, the trader came round to speak to him.

Hallo there sir, may I indulge your ears a moment, The man sounded a little coarse.

Achil, we don’t have time for this, we must get on, said Nishga.

Not just yet, he replied. This won’t take long.

The man Achil faced was a short stocky fellow; the rim of his cloak was worn from being dragged along the ground too much. His eyes were sharp, insistent, with a bulbous nose, and cropped hair beneath a turban that was about to slide from his pate. By the look of him he had made a good living from his small market stall, as his stomach was the first part of him to reach Achil.

Actually I’m just having a look, Achil stared down at the man impassively.

By all means; feel the fine material, the man thrust the fabric into Achil's hand. You’ll never find such quality anywhere. It is the finest woven cloth money can buy.

The man had his hands on his belt, in an unsuccessful attempt to hold his trousers up. The excitement of making a sale, made him breathe more heavily than his frame would allow.

Achil ran his hand across the top of the carpet, its veneer was soft, How much is this one going for. It's an interesting design, one I haven’t seen before.

The man's eyes lit up, It's from Quinn, which is one of the central Kingdoms: it’s of the finest quality. And its only two gold pieces, a bargain if ever there was one.

I don’t know, Achil frowned dramatically; he did love the sabre rattling of haggling. Two gold pieces way too much, how about two silver coins?

The trader fell back as if to faint, Two silver coins, two. Think of my parents, think of my family, think of my business, all those mouths to feed, surely you’re not serious.

The trader grabbed the arm of someone who was also admiring the carpets laid out on his stall.

Sir, he says two silver coins, that’s daylight robbery.

The trader let go of the man's arm, who having a bemused grin on his face decided to stay and watch the exchange further.

I tell you what I’ll do for you, He continued. I can see you’re an honest man who doesn’t mean to rob me of my livelihood. We’ll just say you made a mistake and leave it at that. How about we call it one gold piece and two silver coins?

The man’s face drooped, his eyebrows now began to sag as if he felt a great hardship coming on.

That’s still too steep for me, how about four silver coins, replied Achil.

He tried to look stern, although it was difficult to appear so as the trader's mannerisms, such as throwing his arms up in the air in shock, looked too comical. It was all Achil could do to keep from laughing.

The merchant waved his arms around, Before I say another word I want you to know I am going to forgive you. You don’t mean to cut off my right hand like this. So, how’s about ten silver coins, I can’t say fairer than that.

Well, Achil impassively felt the carpet. You could say fairer than that, since ten silver coins is the same as one gold piece, so why don’t we agree to seven silver coins.

The man clutched his chest as though his heart was about to give out, Well before I die from the disappointment of giving away such a bargain, I’d best cave in, seven silver coins it is. Though what my family and friends would say I don’t know.

They’d probably say you’re a good businessmen, replied Achil, removing the coins from his pouch.

The man rolled the blanket up and handed it to him, with a wink and a smile.

Achil placed the blanket beneath one arm, and eyed the trader casually, Tell me you say these blankets come from the Central Plains. How far have you come?

I pick my wears up on the trade route, replied the man. At the crossing of Horrazim on the borders of Upper Mead. That’s where most free traders and merchants purchase their merchandise. It has the largest auction house in the West. If there’s anything you want, I can get it for you.

The man looked encouraged by the sale he had just made, and thought that he might be able to turn Achil into one of his regulars.

That’s fine, thanks once more, replied Achil.

He jostled himself free from the small crowed that had gathered round the man's stool, and catching sight of Nishga gestured for her to follow him.

Come, let's return to my chambers, said Achil.

Nishga nodded, Andreas and Nicholas have gone back to their rooms, to prepare for our travels.

She held Achil casually by the arm as they walked. Her hair gently brushed aside by a cool breeze. They walked away from the market place, and out onto an avenue which cut in half the royal gardens, it was a long promenade flanked by statues that stood prominently and stoically above them. The apple blossom on the trees shone in the sunlight like a myriad of stars lighting their path. Achil lifted the blanket over his shoulder.

When I spoke to the trader, said Achil, his face more pensive than usual. He told me the main trading post for free traders and merchants is found at a place called Horrazim, have you heard of it?

I don’t know of the town, Nishga looked up, and sighed. Such a place has to be our first port of call. And after that, what path do we follow?

Achil smiled with quiet determination, Yes; after that, it's into the unknown.

Nishga shrugged, Well I always did like visiting new districts. The only problem I have is that I never know what to pack for such journeys.

I would suggest your Crystal, said Achil. Although I do advise we keep your talents hidden, until they’re truly needed.

The guards saluted as they passed through the gates of the palace of the Kings. Standing in rows above them were proud regal banners displaying a golden crown with an eagle hovering over it. They were rustling mournfully in the breeze, as if recounting the troubles of the realm. In the centre of the square was a statue of the founder of the city. Just behind it a man approached them. He was tall and lanky, walking with a slight limp due to one leg being slightly longer than the other.

He spoke breathlessly, Sir would you like us to set the table for you, and your guest.

Achil nodded with a smile, Thank you Nash, there will be others joining us I believe; maybe three or four more.

The attendant took the blanket, and hurried away as best he could; to ready the dinner. Achil directed Nishga to a nearby bench. Where they sat talking, soon enough Andreas and Nicholas turned up, and the four of them made their way to dinner. The palace being a veritable maze of corridors that all looked similar, made finding his rooms, a more difficult task than it should have been.

When they eventually entered Achil’s chambers, there were people placing food on a large central table, with bottles of wine added on either end, around which were situated glass goblets. There was a piping hot goose, a small piglet, a steaming lamb shank, vegetables of all shapes and sizes, and two bowls of sweet fruits. Nicholas did not wait for any invitation to be seated; he went straight for the table. And poured himself a goblet filled to brimming, he jabbed his fork into the lamb shank and cut a piece off, and placed it on his plate. The others stared at him and smiled. Nicholas had not changed since their first meeting; and it was not long before everyone was heartily eating. There was a heavy knock on the door, and an attendant quickly answered it.

Sorry to disturb you folks at supper, said Agoran, sitting himself down at the table. I’ve just finished with the King, and wanted to tell you the outcome of our meeting.

So when do we leave? asked Achil.

Everyone stopped eating and just stared at Agoran.

With the importance of secrecy Agoran’s voice quietened, We would like you to leave on the morrow at dawn. Everything is being currently prepared so that you pass as merchants. The King and I believe that there should be no time limit for what you have to do, remember though, we will need at least a year, maybe two, to prepare an appropriate defence. We do not know what awaits you out there; all we have is the information from our spies, which is mainly conjecture, nothing significant. Do you have any idea as to where to head to first?

We intend first stopping off at Horrazim, replied Achil. Apparently it is the main centre for trade in the west.

Agoran nodded, That’s good, where did you hear that?

We spoke to a trader who gets his goods from there, replied Achil.

Interesting, said Agoran. I thought Horrazim a small and unimportant settlement.

At one time it might have been, replied Achil. Now it’s part of the Imperium; it has grown; your spies should have told you that.

Agoran grimly nodded, "Very well, I have here papers. They say you are part of the new order of Guild Merchants from Upper Mead, which has only recently been established, I will not go into how we procured them; you all know that you are not the first group to be sent into the Imperium. There