It made sense, perfect sense now that she knew who it was. The cards had fallen into place, and the only being who could have a significant influence on the tower to prevent further actions had to be Otherlisar. Harmyster had to be her relative.
‘I can’t believe that what has happened is happening,’ SJ thought.
“What do you mean?” Dave asked.
‘For real? The tower is in financial difficulty due to price increases, and they are relying more and more on the bank, getting further into debt every day, trying to fund the rebuild of District 3. Yet, it appears that the rumoured gang that is causing problems towards the tower across the districts is also linked to the Lieutenant who is a relative of the head banker for the Amatherean Bank in Asterfal—the one being who would have proposed and agreed to all the city’s loans. If there was ever a reason for a hostile takeover, then this is it. The bank is escalating problems through the gangs to ensure that the tower seeks more support until it gets to the point of bankruptcy and the city leadership collapses. I can almost guarantee that there will be something within the agreements that the banks would have ensured, stating that failure would lead to infrastructure transfer to the bank. If there is one way to ensure that they get the city, it is by these means. Also, who of all the beings influences the largest guilds in the city? If not the tower, it must be the bank. They are in a prime position to cause issues and rises in labour costs, and who of course could deny ever seeing a penny of the coin move through the banks related to this, but the one person in charge of the banking system of Asterfal herself, Otherlisar.’
‘Would this be by the Bank, though, or is this just through Otherlisar?’
SJ thought for several moments. ‘I can’t imagine the bank itself being responsible. If that were the case, then all the way to the capital would be implicated. I think this is a standalone attempt at personal gain, using available resources and connections to implement it.’
SJ watched as Otherlisar took her seat. Harmyster leaned forward and kissed her on her cheek. Not being able to hear what was being said infuriated SJ. The discussion continued in hushed tones, and no sign of discontent was observed from any party. All of their body language appeared positive and neutral. It was a business meeting, nothing more, nothing less. Otherlisar hadn’t been lying when she said she had a meeting with a client. The client that was causing the headaches for the tower.
‘I need to get back to see the chancellor,’ SJ thought.
“No, you don’t. You have been given free rein to work in District 10. Just do what you need to do. The questions can be answered later,” Dave said.
‘Yes, I do. They might be meeting, but I have no evidence as to what they are actually discussing. It is all just conjecture.’
“It’s obvious they are the ones to blame,” Dave hmphed.
‘They might be, but I am not just going to storm in there and kill them. Otherlisar is very close friends with Petunia, and Zigferd speaks very highly of her. I can’t just take her out. Never mind without evidence the problems it may cause. I know the General has given me carte blanche to deal with District 10 issues, but Otherlisar is a key player in the inner city. What impact would it have if she suddenly disappeared?'
“If she is guilty as we suspect of being involved, I am pretty sure she will soon disappear anyway.”
‘Maybe, maybe not. She is a representative of the Bank of Amathera, which is linked to Luxoria. I doubt the capital would appreciate its representatives being murdered.’
Dave grumbled. “And there I was, hoping for some chaos and mayhem.”
SJ rolled her eyes from within her hiding place. ‘Not everything is solved with violence. I have a better idea brewing that can be used to hopefully draw her out.’
Dave was silent for a few moments as he read through SJ's thoughts. “Ooooo. Now that could be fun, but you need to consider if it’s viable.”
‘That’s why I need to speak to the chancellor,’ SJ replied.
“Carlito,” SJ whispered.
He again leaned forward and looked at her. “I think it’s time we go. I have enough information for now and an idea of what to do next.”
Carlito nodded his head and, after finishing his ale, stretched and stood, picking up the backpack and calling thanks before leaving. SJ was jostled around inside, managing to peek out of the bag as they went. Otherlisar’s wagon, which she had taken, was parked outside, along with two others. SJ could see several beings that looked out of place outside the inn; they were obviously watchers or something similar. SJ couldn’t tell which group they were associated with based on what they wore.
Once they had crossed the street and moved down one of the intersecting alleys, Carlito released SJ from the backpack. The backpack had been the perfect way to observe the happenings, but she felt trapped inside.
“I am going to have to go and speak to some individuals before we progress this any further,” SJ said.
“Who may that be?” Carlito asked.
“I have an idea, but I need to get permission first and also confirm that it’s okay to do what I want to do.”
Carlito frowned. “And what is this idea?”
“I don’t want to say yet, in case it’s not viable. I can meet you back at the Griffin later once I have confirmed the details further. Do you think you could see what the fallout is from our visit to the barracks last night?”
“That will be easy to do.”
“That would be great. I will meet you at the Griffin later or call you,” SJ said as she started to fly towards the roof.
Carlito watched her go, shrugging, before he Shadow Stepped and disappeared from her view.
SJ flew low over the rooftops as she headed toward the inner city. Her first stop would be Petunia. She hadn’t been back since she had asked her to investigate Sister Catherine’s death, and now she had more information to support her next steps in her plan.
The sun was high in the sky, and its warmth felt luxurious as she flew across the city. The city was alive as usual during the daytime. Beings getting on with their lives were none the wiser to what was happening across the wider city and the reasons or repercussions that it may have. It always appeared that those in the outer city with its vast and almost endless interwoven streets were always too busy with their own lives to consider anything further. Traders called, carts and wagons clattered, and even beings fought outside a bar. SJ slowed and watched as some district guards appeared to break it up.
The inner city, with its expansive space, was like moving from a busy city centre to a rural village—the spaces between the buildings and the number of parks and open spaces in general. There were traders, but they were what SJ would class as premium traders. The pet shop being one of them. As SJ neared the Astaria, she swooped low and landed in its manicured gardens near to where Sister Catherine’s body had been found. She had still not discovered who the killer had been, although she had her suspicions that it had been one of the Sanctum. The problem with her conclusion was that the Sanctum only usually worked in their district and never outside. If any gang had been behind it, it had to have been the Handlers, but SJ had nothing to support her thoughts.
SJ landed softly and grew, changing her dress to that of a stylish design worn by many of the wealthier beings of Asterfal. As she approached the entrance to the office side of the Astaria, the cleric, Basilion, who had escorted her previously, was leaving.
“Ambassador. Did you discover anything about Sister Catherine’s death?” he asked on seeing her.
“Unfortunately, nothing that directly links anyone to it. I have come to see Her Worship and update her. Have you seen her today?”
“I believe she is at home today. Her clerk mentioned that she had a guest arriving.”
SJ had forgotten about Petunia’s friend who was due to visit.
“Okay, thank you. I will head over and see her.”
“No problem,” Basilion said as he headed towards the main cathedral, where SJ could hear music. SJ walked through the gardens to see what was happening. As she reached the far side and passed through the bushes lining the Astaria’s main path, both sides of the path were lined with beings, and she watched as a couple walked from the entrance, arm in arm. A small group were off to one side, and the soft lilt of music filled the air. Cheers rose from the beings as they walked down the path leading to a wagon.
‘A wedding,’ SJ thought.
“Life goes on,” Dave said.
‘If only they knew what was happening under the surface of the city,’ SJ sighed.
SJ watched the couple, a tall male gnoll and a human female, as they climbed into the wagon. As the wagon moved off, the beings that all lined the path moved away from the area, probably en route to an inn or a bar to celebrate the marriage. Petunia’s home wasn’t too far from the Astaria, and SJ decided to walk rather than fly. It didn’t take her long to cut through a nearby park before she reached Petunia’s home. The front door was open, and SJ could see two large orcs carrying heavy chests inside.
“Be careful with that,” Petunia’s voice cut over their grunts.
“Hi, Petunia,” SJ called as she neared.
“SJ,” Petunia smiled. I am a little busy this morning. My friend has confirmed he will be arriving soon, so I just had his chest collected from the auction house.”
SJ frowned. “Sorry?”
“Well, he couldn’t very well bring everything with him flying. So, he sent me a private auction to collect his belongings for him. I must say his chest is much larger than I was expecting. I just hope he managed to get what I asked for.”
“And what did you ask for?” SJ asked.
“Brandy,” the grin that spread on Petunia’s face was mischievous.
SJ shook her head. “Do you have enough time to talk? I have a few things I need to discuss with you that are rather urgent.”
“I can spare some time. The staff all know what is needed. Please, come with me. We will go to the garden for privacy.”
SJ followed Petunia through the house. Her garden was beautiful, pristine, and with not a blade of grass out of place. Bright flowers seemed to be blooming regardless of the weather in Asterfal. They walked to one of the gazebos and took a seat.
“So then, what do you wish to discuss? Do you have details about Sister Catherine? We are still none the wiser as to why she was killed.”
“I don’t have anything direct, but while I was looking into her death, some rather disturbing events took place, and I now have some even more harrowing news.”
“What news?” Petunia asked.
SJ started to explain what had happened to her, from her visit to Ulyian to her capture and dealing with Samwell.
“Oh my. You have been busy.”
“Yes. It has been a little hectic. I reported all my findings to General Crawford, but he has stated that he is unable to do anything in District 10 because of political reasons.”
Petunia frowned. “I am unaware of the exact details. I have been rather tied up with the Astaria since Sister Catherine’s and the other unexplained death. Can you explain?”
SJ flooded with guilt, hoping it wasn't visible on her face, knowing she was the cause for two of those deaths. She then continued to explain that the bank was basically safeguarding District 10. “And this is where I need to discuss my next steps with you. I have been investigating further and believe that Otherlisar is potentially involved in what has been happening over the finances and issues the tower is facing. I believe that Ernesto Harmyster is, in fact, Otherlisar’s relative.”
Petunia looked a little shocked by the comment about Otherlisar. “Yes. Ernesto is her nephew. His father is a senior official of the Bank of Amathera in Luxoria. Otherlisar has acted more like Ernesto’s mother since his mother died, but she would never do anything against the tower. She is a staunch supporter of the chancellor. I have heard her defend his name on more than one occasion.”
“Is she really, though, or is it an act?” SJ stated more than questioned.
“If it is, it’s been a very good one,” Petunia said. Shaking her head, she continued. “No Otherlisar can’t be involved. I have known her for decades, and Harmyster is labelled as a potential future chancellor.”
That comment really got SJ’s attention. “Maybe they are trying to move forward a future succession?”
Petunia looked almost in pain as she dissected what SJ had said to her. “I just don’t believe she could be involved,” Petunia said, shaking her head emphatically.
“If I hadn’t seen her meeting with the leader of the Handlers myself, then I wouldn’t have suspected her either.”
Petunia’s face shifted slightly, her usual calm demeanour faltering. She leaned forward, her expression growing more serious as she listened to SJ’s words. “Wait... a meeting with the Handlers? You’re sure of this?” Petunia’s voice had lost its earlier warmth, replaced by a sudden sharpness that made SJ pause.
SJ nodded, and under Petunia’s gaze, she felt her wings twitching slightly behind her. “I saw it with my own eyes. It wasn’t just a casual conversation. The way they interacted, the secrecy... It was clear they were discussing something far more than just the usual business dealings. The fact that Otherlisar is involved with the Handlers, combined with everything else that’s been happening, makes me think there’s more going on here than anyone realises.”
Petunia sat back, clearly shaken. “I... I don’t know what to think about that. If what you’re saying is true, then Otherlisar has been hiding a lot more than I ever imagined.”
SJ watched her carefully, weighing her words. “I understand this is hard to believe, especially considering your history with her. But this could be bigger than anything either of us has considered. The city’s financial troubles, the bank’s increasing influence, the gangs—it all leads back to her somehow.”
Petunia’s hands clenched in her lap, her gaze far away. “And if she is involved, what then? What do you plan to do?”
SJ didn’t answer immediately, her mind racing through the implications of what she was about to say. “If Otherlisar is pulling the strings, we need to expose her involvement, but we can’t do it without making sure that I have the evidence to uncover the truth behind what I believe she has been doing.”
Petunia shook her head, her brows furrowed in frustration. “And how do you plan to do that? Exposing her could cause a massive upheaval in the city, especially with her ties to the bank. It could jeopardise the entire financial stability of the city even further than it is being affected.”
“I know,” SJ replied quietly. “But I have no other choice. The tower is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy as it is, and if this keeps escalating, it could tear everything apart. I need to find a way to stop her without causing total chaos. I can’t just sit quietly on the sidelines watching everything the chancellor is trying to achieve go to waste due to what may be a power play and greed.”
Petunia sighed, clearly torn. “You have to be careful, SJ. If you go after Otherlisar, there’s no going back. She’s not someone you can challenge without hard evidence. Without evidence, the consequences you would face would be severe, to say the least.”
“I’m aware,” SJ said firmly. “But I didn’t come all this way just to let this city fall apart. If Otherlisar is the one responsible for all this, then I’ll make sure the truth comes to light—no matter the cost.”
The two sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of their conversation settling between them like an invisible shroud. Petunia finally broke the quiet.
“Where do we go from here?” she asked softly.
“I have a plan, but this is where I would require your support. I would ideally speak to the chancellor about it, but I am uncertain whether I should or not. I have no idea who within the tower may have an inkling of what is going on. I doubt it can all be by chance that these issues are arising. There has to be a direct link somewhere that I just haven’t identified. If I spoke to the chancellor in advance, it may just cause further issues that I really wish to prevent. I don’t know which ears are listening or eyes watching what is happening at the tower.”
Petunia nodded slowly in understanding, as if weighing the risks. “What is this plan?”
SJ stood and paced. “This is where it may get rather risky, and I am not even sure yet whether it will work.”
