The Twenty Sixth Chapter 

Earlier that night… 

Everybody was no longer talking. Finally! It wasn’t time to talk. Not until everything was done.  

This ride wasn’t the smoothest. Roads to Trough were the busiest after all, so the paths would’ve bore lifetimes of wear and tear. And this farm wagon wasn’t too shabby. Or was it? The coach that Vaice and Showzy caught seemed leagues better. Cleaner at least. But how was their ride? It better have been good. This ride was trash! But that didn’t matter. They all got a ride. That was the main concern. So now, all that mattered was that they fulfilled their duty. If that’s what we could call it. They weren’t sworn to anything. Not to what they were now attempting. But their honour drove them forward. The honour of Stiquesyard. 

It didn’t feel so honourable, sitting at the back of a farm wagon with the bags of naize and brai. But this was all they could do to make way. So why complain? Neither of the Pack had even reached their transitions yet. It’s not like any of them would have a wagon of their own. Ever… That didn’t matter right now. What mattered was that they all came. And soon, what they would do.  

In the back of the wagon sat Ahgroom, Bop, Rattis, and Humpty. They all knew it was best to have Vaice sit with Showzy in the nice cab. Showzy was the youngest, and was the most nervous, as always. Best to let him sit with his older brother. Humpty was glad. Showzy wouldn’t have shut up. Humpty was sure Showzy was already asking Vaice a hundred questions. What a headache! Thank the Father above that they caught a different ride. Now wasn’t the time to worry. Now was the time to focus.  To concentrate on the task ahead. To make sure it was done. Properly. It was too late to back out now. They were already on their way. 

This creaky old wagon… It was still rattling about. What a way to try settle down and focus. The others would often shift and jerk in discomfort. Humpty could tell. He was doing so himself. How long until they got to Trough. Humpty had never been there before, unlike the others. So, he didn’t know if they were close or not.  

Rattis began to sniff about the air. What was it? He then looked out of the wagon cover. The rest followed his eyes. Not that they needed to. Humpty could already tell. The air smelt cooler. Fresher. Outside the wagon cover, there it lay. The ocean. The real ocean. Hurley sat by the ocean as well, but Hurley was so far in the bay that the waters there never looked like this. These waters were clean. Open. That coast was endless. You could sail out in any direction, and nothing would be in your way. If there was land on the other side of these waters, you couldn’t see it. All you could see was the open waters, the night sky, and sweet, gentle Eluna.  

She was especially full tonight. Not her fullest. But her glow lit the night. And these open waters knew how to make the most of her beauty. It was almost as if she had a perfect twin dancing in the waters below. Only eve’s folk, like the Pack, appreciated the night goddess. She was their light when they were most alive. And tonight was no different. Tonight, they would face danger. And so tonight, they’d need her protection the most.  

Humpty took in the comfort of her light. She was the brightest thing in sight. Her and that disturbing vibrance below. What is that? How had he not seen it this whole time? It was intrusively bright! Maybe because now they drew closer.  

And what a sight it was. This place. It stretched so far across the coast. From up this hill, it looked like this place was twice as big as Hurley. No way! It couldn’t be. Hurley was the capital of Monrosia. There’s no way this place could be bigger. But when you looked, there was no denying how colossal this city was. And Father above, you could tell it was alive. It looked as if it could swallow Eluna whole. Humpty had never seen it before. But there it glowed. This was Trough. 

The amazing sight had shaken up Humpty. The place was incredibly vast. Fear grew at the sight. How many foes would they have to face? A place this big surely had an army. Silly thoughts! Those ideas were not important at the moment. The Pack knew what they had to do. And they would do it right. No matter who stood in the way. As long as they focused on the task at hand, it could be done. Just like Sir Darras, when he needed to save High King Marshall. It didn’t matter that an army stood in his way. He was focused on his task. And he saved the High King. Tonight, the Pack would do that same. And they would achieve what they set out to do. It’s not like an army was there to stop them. 

The farm wagon came to a sudden halt. How irritating! Some naize fell out from their sacks. What was this all about? Humpty had a look. Outside, he saw countless groves of tents. And flying amongst the tents, various green flags. Viridian flags. Familiar ones at that. Humpty noticed the head of leoss upon a red field. Sir Jiusom. He also saw a fist on a sky-blue field. Sir Yolk. The lord knights. Everybody knew those banners. And here they flew, amongst the hundreds of tents. The Army! Really? Maybe tonight wasn’t a good idea. Was the Army patrolling Trough tonight? It was impossible to do anything whenever the Army came to Hurley. They would take you away for just about anything. Even for breathing too close to them. Yet here they were tonight. Here, in Trough. This was not a good sign.  

A caravan was entering the army encampment. It caused a huge block on the road. Damned Army! Always intruding in everyone’s lives. Did this caravan have to stop everyone? Soldiers stood in a line to stop everything on the road. This was ridiculous. This road was more than big enough to let the caravan move and let everyone else through. Why did this caravan get special treatment? 

“Damned Army!” Ahgroom sneered. Bop and Humpty agreed. Rattis just watched, likely unhappy as well. I mean, the Army was being unreasonably intrusive. Blocking the road. And for what? A small caravan entering the encampment. Likely just food too. They didn’t have to block this enormous road.  

After some time, the Army finally let everyone through. Half the crowd waiting charged down the road. Likely making up for the lost time. Was there any reason to rush this late in the evening? Most folk were active during the day. That would mean the same for traders as well, right? Wouldn’t most of the crowds at Trough be traders? Back in Hurley, trade happened during the day. Trough was surely the same, right? 

The roads showed a different story. Countless wagons and carts flowed to and from this port city. Maybe because of the hold up the Army created. But then again, looking down upon Trough, you couldn’t say the city was asleep. No matter where you looked, every section seemed alive. There were countless great keeps plotted all over the city, and each of them bore plenty of light. The Pack didn’t expect the place to be like this. They were Hurley bred. In Hurley, it was busy folk in the day, and eve’s folk in the night. Here, it didn’t look like there was a difference. Would this affect their plans? The idea was to begin in the early morning, as traders began their set up. Did it work that way in Trough? And what of the grunts? When were they active? The Pack hoped that the grunts of Trough would eventually find rest by the morning. That’s how things usually went for grunts in Hurley. 

Things were beginning to look troublesome. But no matter! The Pack would continue as planned. No time to nance now! 

Their wagon driver dropped the Pack off before he entered the city. Said it would cost him a whole harvest to enter the city with a wagon full of hands. Lucky, Ahgroom ran after the cab ahead to fetch Vaice and Showzy. The last thing they wanted was to get split up.  

There was a station to pass before they could enter the city. It seemed the guards were stopping people.  

“What if they stop us?” Showzy shrieked. It shouldn’t have been a problem. Trough was known to be open. And besides. These guards looked nothing like the army soldiers. Just look at them! They looked like grunts, draped in worn out greens. No problem! Humpty knew it would be fine.  

“Oi! Oi! Hold on!” a guard barked to stop the Pack from walking in. “That’s a lot of yas!”  

Oh, what did he want now? Humpty was having none of it. 

“What’s it to you?” Humpty stepped up to the guard. He was ready to shove this guard if things went south. The rest of the Pack would be ready too, since they all knew that Humpty was the fastest.  

“What the badge…” the guard cursed. His guardmate was attending to another wagon down ahead. “Can’t have a troupe of strangers like yous kids rolling in ere’. Whaddayas want?” 

Showzy mumbled something. Idiot! Likely scared. You could hear the worry stirring as he erred.  

“What do you want?” Humpty kept approaching. Best not to look scared. “We’re not strangers!”  

The guard laughed, “Yeah yas arh. Look at yas. ‘Urley folk, yous arh” 

“What?” 

“From ‘Urley aren’t yas? The big ol’ city.” He didn’t sound like he meant that. 

“What are you talking about?” Ahgroom joined Humpty. 

The guard gave each of the Pack a glance. “You lot are as ‘Urley as the coin in me pouch. Not that ya look like much coin.” This guard looked at Humpty from top to bottom. 

“You’re wasting our time!” Humpty tried to walk off.  

“Oi! Hold it!” the guard jumped in front. “Don’t yous strangers come walking in like that!” 

“What’s it to you?” Ahgroom noticed this guard was balding. “You skin-top!” That irritated the guard. 

“We can’t just be letting anyone in here. Not unless you got business ‘ere!” 

“What? Since when?” Bop intruded. “We was here yesterday!” 

“Jus’ like some of the hairs on ya head” Ahgroom added. 

The Pack knew they could take this guard on. There was six of them, and only two of the guards. The other guard was too far away to even help this baldy. So, it was basically six on one.  

The guard faced Bop. “Yeah? And where was yas? You lot look like yas never had a taste of the old salty breeze. Don’t lie to me!” This guard was difficult. Too much talk had already happened. Humpty knew. They needed to act – right away! Humpty got ready for a charge. 

“We was helping our folk set up shop,” Bop told. “since you lot don’t want to help us Hurlians! We do it ourselves. We was right near the Dancer last night.” 

The guard thought about it for a moment. Bop was always quick witted. Always knew what to say.  

“The Dancer, huh?” The guard scratched his head. “Well, what kinda shop yous setting up if ya near the Dancer?” 

“What kinda shop?” Damned guard! Bop didn’t have an answer. Humpty knew. They were already taking too long. Humpty readied himself to give the guard a big fat shove. They were about to be caught and… 

“Oii! Whatta ya doin?” The guard from down ahead was now approaching. “Stop doggin’ them badgin’ kids, will ya! Go see that coach over there, ya badge! Before I knock more of that mane of ya head.”  

The first guard gave a vicious look to the other guard. This other guard seemed his senior. And listen to his senior, he did, now approaching a large fancy coach behind.  

“Don’t badge about, alright!” the senior guard gestured the Pack into the city. They took the opportunity and quickly headed off.  “And be careful! Lotta’ folk been going missin’ the past few nights.” 

That wasn’t their concern for the moment. They got in. So next was to locate the target. More folk could go missing soon, as far as Humpty was concerned.

---

From what the Pack had figured out, each of these districts had a unique quality. Asking people where to find this and that began to paint that picture. “The best kaysha is said to be at the Healer’s district, but real traders know they’ll find it in the Builder’s district with all the timber mongers.” “You could try the Elven district. Them folk got strange things.” “Don’t come around the Yarn’s district. Wouldn’t want you lot to dull all our colour.” 

It seemed there were many sorts of districts for different kinds of purposes. Why wasn’t Hurley like that? In Hurley there was Uptown, Downtown, and the Royal Hills, which weren’t exactly hills, but they were definitely royal. Maybe that was it. There was a district for royalty in Hurley, and that’s all there needed to be. Trough could have as many districts as it wanted. It would never be good enough for the King! 

Even with all the places they could search in Trough, it wasn’t clear where they would find cups and poison traders. That’s what the Pack were really after. But everyone they asked kept pointing to one place. These folk never even understood the question. Damn Troughians. All a bunch of lousy drunks. When the Pack asked of where to trade poisons, all would say, “You’ll find the best poisons in the Blue Lamp district.” Humpty shook his head. These folk talked to the Pack like it was fine for a group of youths to go get their cups. Maybe it was allowed here in Trough. Damned drunks! But cuphouses were not what the Pack was looking for. They were looking for traders. How could you trade properly if you were busy in your cups?  

“Maybe we should just go ask a cuphouse where they actually get their poisons or trade.” Ahgroom suggested. “These idiots only know how to point that way, anyway. We might as well suss it.” 

Bop disagreed. “We can’t let others know we’re looking for traders once we’re there. Folk will get suss. Especially after what we’re gonna do.”  

Bop was right. It wasn’t wise to draw any attention to what they were up to. They needed to not be seen. Humpty knew Bop would always think ahead.  

“I think we should go there anyway.” Vaice suggested. “We might find out something. Just don’t ask the wrong questions.” 

“Or the wrong people.” Bop added. “You’re right! We can split up. Then meet back somewhere.” 

“But where?” Showzy worried. “What if people see us?” 

“There’s no way no one’s not going to see us.” Bop told. “We just have to look ‘not important’.” That made sense.  

“Here!” Vaice held up two crates. They were broken. But they could pass as normal crates if put to work. Rattis took the other crate and looked ready to shop.  

“Right” Bop announced. “Me and Ahgs will go with Rattis. You go with these two.” 

Oh badge… Hopefully Showzy wouldn’t be too noisy. 

Bop continued, “We’ll suss a few sales for a bit, and suss a few cuphouses too. See what we can find out.” 

“But what if they catch us?” Showzy asked Vaice. “Where do we go back to meet up?” 

“No one’s gon catch us if we’re not doing anything wrong, you nance.” Ahgroom laughed. 

“He’s right.” Bop told. “We’re here for supplies. See?” He patted the crate Rattis was holding. Rat really knew how to make this crate look like it was his own. It almost suited him, and his dull face. Bop went on.  

“Let’s get closer to the district. We’ll decide where to meet back at before we enter.” Bop handed Humpty the lousy create. Then, off they set.

---

Had the Pack truly entered this city? Each street already had many wagons and traders moving about. And it was nearing midnight. What day was it? Humpy was sure it was Lucilux. But why was it bustling so, here? Most folk in Hurley would be at rest. To restart their duties for Elulux. Damn Troughians! Didn’t they know what day it was? Why was there so many folk out and about? 

But that wasn’t the troubling thing. The deeper down into Trough the Pack ventured, the more dense the crowds became. You could feel it. Humpty grew more annoyed the more he had to shift and avoid walking into folk. And this lousy crate didn’t help either! The Pack’s stride grew slower and more lumberous as the streets grew busier. 

Breathing wasn’t easy either. Not in a bad way. There were so many strange, exotic smells in the air. Food. But the sort they’d never smelt before. Where were they again? Vendors displayed baskets full of vibrant powders. Several shades of purple and red that Humpty would not have been able to name. And the vendor. She was Elf. You could tell by that straight black hair and the shape of her brow. And the fact that she was much smaller than Humpty. Though her garm made her look like every other folk here. Another vendor sold different piles of blue and grey leaves. The smells here were particularly strong. No one could tell what the smells were supposed to be. What sort of person was selling them? Tokeb. Of course. Tokeb faces were all too familiar in Hurley. Many folk who came to Hurley where Tokeb – well, who came to the Agora, really. You wouldn’t find them folk anywhere else in Hurley.  

Why had the Pack suddenly stop moving? Turning around, Humpty found Showzy staring at a Numan who was grilling something. Strange green sausages on skewers. The Numan would turn the sausages by twisting them by their sticks. Dripping juices sizzled in the coals. They did smell inviting. You could almost taste the meat and herb in the air. But there was no time for dillydally. They were here to get things done. 

Humpty dropped the lousy crate and grabbed Vaice by the arm. To get him to get his brother going. Vaice understood. Thank goodness. Vaice was always switched on. But a hand came to Vaice and Humpty’s shoulder. It was Bop. He handed Vaice some coin and gestured to Showzy. Fool! What was he thinking? They had no time to play around in this city. 

“We’ll blend in better if we enjoy ourselves more.” Bop looked about the surrounding crowds. These folk were not tired and drained. They were live and merry. Food in Hand. Cups in mouth. Cups? Was that allowed on the streets here? There were guards walking about. But they had food and cups themselves! This damned place! Why were the folk so… easy-going? Showzy took a bite of them green things. Now he seemed as easy-going as the rest of the folk here. Showzy and Vaice shared the sausages with the rest of the Pack. Humpty refused, lest he got too comfortable. Rattis refused as well. He didn’t seem interested. But at least Bop was right. The snack did make the Pack seem more involved with the crowds. Still. They needed to move on. 

Why were these damned streets growing more busy? The Pack was now squeezing through folk just to get movement. Where the hell were they? Humpty regretted picking the damned crate up again. But at least it helped to get folk out of the way. Sort of… It didn’t help that folk were just standing about in the middle of the street. Damned folk! But it was clear what everybody about was up to. The noisy cheers and laughter. Performers. There was song, dance, acrobatics, and tellers of tales. The Pack should have gotten moving, but shuffling through these crowds was near impossible. With the slow movement, Humpty couldn’t help but tune in to what the tellers of tales were saying. 

“The Days of Dark grew more and more darker with every passing harvest. More and more the Fire Countries down south were beginning to crumble.” A teller stood high upon a platform, speaking to the huge crowd that was blocking the way. What could be so important about a damned history tale? “And more and more the Sand grew closer to Monrosia. Of course, the Kwass Sea behind would have protected us. And let alone, so would have the mighty Trident of Trough!” 

“AHHRAHH!” 

The crowds roared in cheer! “Trough will never fall!” a guard cried. Others yelled, “The Trident protects us all!” “And we, the Trident!” Damned Troughians and their damned old Trident. Think they’re so tough! 

The Trident of Trough was a hero of the past. Said to have no fear. He was also said to be the reason no beasts ever came to Trough, or Monrosia for the fact. This teller knew the crowd would grow loud at the mention of his name. You could feel the crowd’s energy grow. The teller waited until they all settled before he continued. 

“But letting the other worlds around us fall never guaranteed that Monrosia would be safe. High King Marshall knew this all too well.” 

An aged man with a large golden crown stepped out before the crowd. The performing troupe sectioned an area for their show. The crowned man was clad in plain grey plates but wore a huge green cape. High King Marshall. Well, an actor who was performing as High King Marshall. Though the real High King was no longer with us, all know who he was. The saviour.  

“If we do not protect our neighbours,” High King Marshall spoke. “Are our neighbours not our enemy?” 

Humpty thought about that. If we don’t protect our neighbours, are our neighbours not our enemy? What did that even mean? They’re just our neighbours… Humpty thought about life in Hurley, and everyone there. He didn’t mind anybody. Expect for those hightown scum! This notion was too confusing. Something Bop would know how to explain.  

“And so our valourous High King Marshall” the teller continued. “Kept watch over our neighbouring lands.” 

King Marshal began to pace about, watching over the crow like they were his children. 

“But times grew more and more dark. Our high king, with his watchful eyes, couldn’t sit by and do nothing for too long. He saw that Olivia was already losing much of its ground.” 

King Marshall stopped his stride. He appeared pained. Upset at what he was seeing. King Marshall shook his head in disappointment, but continued to his watchful pacing. Only this time his face wasn’t so pleased. The teller continued. 

“And even Tamata. They were beginning to be ingulfed by the Sand. It was only a matter of time.” 

Again, King Marhsall stopped his pacing. He stood looking out, hands on hips, concern all over his expression. 

“The Kingdom cannot just sit about.” King Marshall called out. “The Sand continues to sweep over the innocent. As protectors of the Fire, the Viridian Kingdom will not let the Sand spread its defiled hands any further!” 

Another man in blue plate armour and a sky blue cape stepped out beside King Marshall. This man had a strange thin moustache spread across his upper lip, and a small patch of beard upon his chin, almost like a billy. And on his head, a complex woven, gold and silver crown.  

The teller continued, “And so our wise high king knew that he could not sit and wait. Our high king called to any neighbour willing to help. Kwasson herself was not willing to just sit about. And so High King De John joined our valourous High King Marshall to aid the war in Olivia.” 

So, that was High King de John. That Kwass style beard should have made that obvious.  

Both kings stood proudly, watching over the crowd. There was something strangely powerful about the way they watched over everybody. Silly to get on their badside Humpty thought. 

Several men also dressed in capes and plates appeared before the high kings. Two in greens. Another two in blues. 

“The brave Viridian Knights of Monrosia, and the helpful Ivon Knights of Kwasson, answered their high king’s calls to fight the Dark War. 

“First, the triumphant lord knight, Sir Vozindem of Teezy. And the eyes of the Viridian Kingdom, Sir Wilkimia of Rankray.” The lord knights kneeled before High King Marshall. The king gestured a thumb toward his rear and smiled. The knights stood and gave their salute before falling in behind High King Marshall. 

“And secondly, the Kwass Elf, Sir Gerboss of Siyei. And the champion of Kwasson, Sir Lenni of Naldin.”  

With a good view of the knight, Humpty wasn’t convinced about Sir Gerboss’s performer. This performer didn’t look elf enough. He was too tall, and his beard too brown. Most folk knew of Sir Gerboss of the Ivon high court. He was half Kwass, half Elf. And he often came to the Royal Hills in Hurley before he’d journey off to find Lord Arboc. Humpty had gotten a good glimpse of the real Sir Gerboss a couple of times. You could tell he was half Elf. Humpty wasn’t sure what it was. But he could tell. Likely the black, smooth beard and light skin. You didn’t see that much on a man from Kwass. 

“High King De John went to aid the fight in Tamata” the teller told. And with that, King de John and Sir Lenni disappeared into the background. 

“Whereas High King Marshall sailed to Olivia to win over the southern front, with the help of the Ivon forces.” Sir Gerboss joined Sir Vozindem and Sir Wilkimia behind King Marshall. The king and knights stepped onto what seemed to be a ship. Behind them, a blue sky with white clouds waved past. While, below the ship, the blue waves of the sea streamed freely.  

“The Olivian sea was not the easiest of journeys for High King Marshall. But the Ivon Navy were still the champions of the waters during that time.” Sir Gerboss raised his sword in triumph. Humpty had heard how the Kwass used to be the strongest on the waters. But now the Qatahni controlled most of the Olivian Sea. Did the Qatahni ever fight in any of the wars? 

“And so finally, High King Marshall landed in Olivia, at Dudsigi Beach. But the Sand. They knew that the Viridian Kingdom would arrive.” 

A tall figure who wore a long thin, black, silky robe that reached his feet stepped out in front. Most notable was the red and white cloth over his head, which covered all but his face, fixed by a black headband sitting like a crown. Humpty saw his nose and beard. A Tokeb. 

“More of the Fire to be taken by the Sand” the Tokeb performer spoke. “Dudsigi already belongs to me, Tallios, the Zout of the South. I’ll make sure you never make it back to your forsaken island of savages!” The Zout gave an ugly laugh. 

The crowd didn’t like that at all. Humpty didn’t either. Mangey hole digger! Folk too began to curse at the Zout. Fortunately, High King Marshall had something to say. 

“The Viridian Kingdom has come because we know the Sand has a soft spot for old Olivia. We knew you hounds would run a much. So, we came to scold you back to your borrows!” 

Three soliders in robes, plated at the chest and shoulders came behind the Zout. These three wore a similar headress as the Zout, but were coloured white and blue instead of white and red. 

“Those heavy plates are no match for the swift swords of the Sand. You’ll regret ever coming to our Olivia” the Zout grinned. 

“Olivia is of the Fire! We’ll take her back, whether you like it or not!” 

At once, Sir Vozindem, Sir Wilkilmia, and Sir Gerboss, leaped ahead toward the Zout. The Zout’s men dashed forward to meet the Fire Country knights. Swords clashed. Three on three, the fighters locked swords in a game of strength. Neither side seemed to be able to push over the other. 

“The Fire and the Sand fought over Dudsigi Beach for three whole days” the teller explained. “High King Marshall was able to land and secure a camp at the beach, but Zout Tallios continued to bring more and more forces. The Viridian and Ivon forces would soon be overpowered if they didn’t bring forces of their own.” 

Out stepped a man in a blue and white cape. He had a very big, brown moustache, and a very big nose. 

“The Sand dare come to Tamata! Don’t they remember who drove them away?” The new man spoke. Sir Lenni then stepped up beside this new arrival “With the help of Kwasson, you Sand hounds fell like rotten plops.” 

Father above, his nose was big. Or was it because of his big moustache? Humpty knew what the blue cape with a white band on each side meant. Very old colours. 

“Statesman Bluenoes, of Tamata, had finally arrived along Sir Lenni after dealing with the Sand at Tamata. And with their arrival, King Riomitos, finally emerged from the capital city of Addin to reple the Sand away from his land of Olivia!” 

A very fat and fat-bearded man appeared from behind Statesman Bluenoes. This man was so big that he had to shove Sir Lenni aside just so he could make way to the front. Spear in one hand, cup of wine in the other, this big round man struggled to walk forward. Humpty could tell by the man’s heavy breathing. And by the way he used his spear to support his gait. 

A blue cross over was marked across his white cape. The cape around his neck was the only thing he wore. That, a plated skirt, and his big belly. King Riomitos then gave a big burp before he spoke. 

“The Sand…” the fat man hiccuped. “The Sand has no deal with the Fire. The Fire Countries,” he gestured behind him “will see you back to your Father above forsaken burrows. Arghh!” King Riomitos raised his spear with a roar. Humpty was sure the oaf burped while he roared. The other men of the Fire Countries behind him raised their hands and arms in unity. 

Zout Tallios and his men shied away at that. 

“The Sand tried what they could, but the might of the new Alliance of Fire would not fall” the teller explained. King Marshall then came back to the front. “The Viridian Kingdom made sure to watch over all of the worlds, so that everybody lived in a safer place. 

“The Sand, of course, was not happy with this.” 

Zout Tallios came foward and refaced High King Marshall. The teller then continued. 

“After having finally dealt with the Water Countries and the merciless Landless Riders, the Sand felt ready to expand its dominance over the Fire. War reigned for countless harvests. A terrible memory for us all.” 

King Marshall and Zout Tallios began to duel. They were evenly matched. The teller continued on as the two kings rallied their strikes and attacks. 

“To protect the peace was the Viridian Kingdom’s main concern.” The teller spoke. “But conquest and expansion was what the Sand had in mind. By then, the Sand’s empire had already grown so far. Stopping them was no simple task.” 

The kings stopped duelling. Humpty noticed King Marshall disappear and another tall built man stepped forward. His brass crown was much too small for his large head, but what distrubed Humpty more was his obviously fake grey beard. Was that stupid beard made of hay? It clearly wasn’t hair. The teller then continued. 

“Zout Tallios tried other ways to stretch the Sand’s reach.” 

In that moment, so incredibly fast, Zout Tallios dashed toward the fake bearded man. Something was different. The Zout dashed forward with true intention to kill. Weren’t they just performers? The Zout went for a slash at this strange king. A fast slash at that. Luckily a man in black plates leapt forward to protect the fake-bearded king. The black plated guard was struck down. Seriously struck down with immense ferocity that was not present in all the other duels of this performance. 

Two other black plated guards leaped forward before the Zout to protect their fake-bearded king. On, the teller explained. 

“The newly formed nation of Luthor was as innocent as any other settlement. But the Sand saw Luthor as land for the taking.” 

“Luthor is not part of this blood filled war” the fake-bearded king cried out to the crowd, looking out for any help. “I, King Harvey of Luthor, ask anybody out there to please help us against the Sand invasion.” 

Suddenly, more of Zout Tallios’ men appeared, nasty grins on their faces. 

“Embrace the Sand, Harvey boy!” Zout Tallios did that ugly laugh again. That laugh really pissed Humpty off. “No one is going to help you. They’re all already dealing with their own problems. That problem mainly, me!” Tallios laughed again. Damned that laugh was infuriating. But at that, the Zout’s men charged forward at King Harvey and his guards. A real charge! These Sand soldiers charged with all their might. And the ferocity of their swords… King Harvey shied back in complete fear. The Sand soldiers were not fooling around. They truly meant to hurt these Luthians. Shrieks of agony blared into the air as Sand swords struck down and slashed at Luthian men. These Sand swords, chopping away at the already fallen soldiers, the stinging chinking of sword on plate couldn’t hide the aggression. And again! The ugly laugh. Humpty glared straight at the nasty Zout. How dare he! 

Everything was happening so quickly. So seriously. Humpty had to remind himself that it was only a performance. The crowd had gone quiet at what they witnessed. A slight brown air was brewing amongst the people. Frustration? Shock? Humpty wasn’t sure. But he knew he felt it too. With sudden silence, the Zout gave a cold command. 

“Finish him.” 

The Sand soldiers turned their heads toward King Harvey. He was their target. Three Sand soldiers on one Luthian king. Instantly the Sand men dashed to a now fleeing King Harvey. Sand swords cocked back in their approach, ready to strike Luthian flesh. King Harvey would not survive. But… 

Green capes leaped forward before the Sand. The strikes of the Sand swords were blocked by Viridian arms. King Marshall, Sir Vozimden, Sir Wilkilmia. The Viridian heroes pushed the Zout’s men back. 

“King Marshall!” King Harvey cried. “Please help!” Viridian swords and Sand Swords clashed. Three on three. Swords locked again in bouts of strength. 

“You dare intrude, High King Marshall!” Tallios spat. “I’ll teach you not to involve yourself in problems that are not your own!” Zout Tallios leaped toward King Marshall. But King Marshall was in tune. He shoved aside the Sand soldier he faced, then turned to his side, ready to engage with Zout Tallios. But Zout Tallios too, made a sudden move of his own. The Zout shifted sideways, his sword at the ready. King Marshall wasn’t the Zout’s target! The Zout’s sword. It struck Sir Vozimden from behind. The Sand soldier engaged with Vozimden took the opportunity to finish off the falling knight. Both Zout Tallios and his soldier thrusted their blades into Viridian plates. 

“Vozim!!!” King Marshall cried. But there was no time to cry. The Sand soldier King Marshall shoved aside reengaged with the king. 

Zout Tallios and his free soldier looked up to their next target. Their nasty grins. They faced King Marshall. But the King was still busy fighting his own foe. Tallios and his soldier started toward the king. Until blue capes appeared and fell in towards the Sand. 

King De John and his knights repelled the Sand’s advance. The Ivon forces chased the Zout and his soldiers away. 

King Marshall stood beside the fallen Sir Vozimden. The tall King Harvey came to King Marshall and fell to a knee. 

“Luthor is forever in your debt, High King Marshall. You saved me, and at the cost of your finest. I tell you again, Luthor is forever in your debt.” King Harvey then fell to a knee before King De John. 

“The Ivon Kingdom has saved both me and High King Marshall from this battle. Luthor is also forever in your debt.” 

King Marshall placed a hand on King Harvey’s shoulder. 

“Stand, King Harvey. We are direct neighbores. Luthor. Kwasson. Monrosia. IT is our duty to defend each other.” 

“We are an alliance.” King De John joined the other two king. “We will fight, feast, and flourish. Together. As on!” 

“Many hard battles followed the Invasion of Luthor” the teller stepped before the crowd. “But with the Alliance consolidated, the Fire was able to stop the Sand from spreading its reach over the rest of the worlds. And eventually, Monrosia and the other lands of the Fire found peace. Everything High King Marshall stood for brought this ever-lasting peace that…” 

Something caught Humpty’s attention. Something…. magical? Humpty wasn’t sure what it was, but something caught his attention away from the performance. An air. 

It moved in the crowds. What was it? Humpty couldn’t remember what he suddenly saw. What was happening? He couldn’t let himself be distracted with these nothings. They had a task to fulfill. A duty. Of honour. Then it hit Humpty that they’d been stand there watching the performance. Silly! But Bop said they needed to blend in with the crowds. Beside him, Humpty found Vaice and Showzy still enjoying the performance. The truly seemed part of the crowds. That was likely a good thing, right?  

Now part of the crowds, Humpty looked about at what he could see that would lead them to the poison traders or wine mongers. It was useless. The crowds here were too busy. Not matter where he looked, all he could see were people. There! It appeared again! Wait! What was it? That air. Humpty sure Eluna’s light revealed it for a moment. A person. It was a person, right? But who? Why was Humpty so bothered by this somebody, this something, this whatever. Silly! Humpty thought. Why was he so distracted? It must have been because they stopped to watch the damn performance. That was clearly a bad idea. 

But suddenly, Humpty found himself watching something. Someone. Her soft, earthy hair glowed in Eluna’s light. Something about her… Humpty couldn’t help but be drawn. She was pretty. She didn’t look too different from every other girl. But there was something about her. She was young. Maybe Humpty’s age? Not yet at her transitions? She didn’t have that look that people got when they were sworn. She was different. Wait! What did Humpty even know? He didn’t know a thing about how people looked and all when they were sworn. But there was one thing he did know. She was pretty. Wait! Where did she go? Again! He felt like he lost sight of something important. Was it her this whole time? Humpty felt like he was looking for something he couldn’t explain. An air? A presence? Wait! No! We have things to do here! He reminded himself. It wasn’t important. Well, she wasn’t important. The Pack blended in enough. It was time to go. 

Were the others still watching? The teller was still having a long talk. Humpty saw at the front, standing with the teller, a proud man in a gold lined, purple robe, and a simple gold crown. Young. Yet mature. Looked like how a young king should look. Certain, and proud. And then that fake-beard came to the front again. This time King Harvey wore a green and blue coat. Were those the Luthian colours?  

And there she was again! This time she stopped to watch the performers. Eluna truly knew how to make her stand out. Even with her hair tied back, Humpty swore it sorted of glowed in Eluna’s light. Should I talk to her? No! The Pack had things to do. But what if she was a local? She might have known something. But why would she even talk to me? Better to get Ahgroom to talk to her first. But would she talk to me after? She looked busy. Who was she? Then Humpty noticed she wasn’t alone. 

Two boys stood with her. Country chaps. Their rough hair and tanned faces gave that much away. Farm traders, likely, since they were in Trough. Farm traders or not, Humpty didn’t care. He still thought she was pretty. But why did the three of them all have to dress the same… 

“With High King Marshall gone…” the fake-beard laughed. “Monrosia is no longer as mighty as it once was!” 

And after all we’ve done for you! Humpty couldn’t help but overhear the fake-beard’s rant. On, the fake-beard continued. 

“Monrosia is now just a…” 

Nudging! 

Someone was nudging Humpty on his side. It was Vaice. He didn’t seem so entertained anymore. He looked serious. Good. But what was that matter? Vaice gestured a glance toward the crowd. What could be the problem? It couldn’t have been the girl, right? No. It was what was standing behind her that was the problem. A towering figure. One you didn’t mess with unless you were someone, or something. The Titan. Lord Yolk – or Sir Yolk, as he preferred. The Army! How could the Pack forget that the Army was here in Trough. Not a good sign.  

The Army involved themselves in anything and everything. Protecting the peace, they would say. All they did was make everyone’s life harder, and protect their own interest. What was Sir Yolk even doing? His face. He was enjoying the performance. Was the army even allowed to do that? It didn’t look right for such a big figure in greens to be enjoying himself. Was he alone. No. He had three other… That girl! She was in the Army! Her and the two farm hands. Their strange coats. They were Viridian colours. But she seemed so… 

Something pulled rudely on Humpty’s hand. It was Showzy. The fool was in a hurry. “Humpty! We have to go” Showzy panicked. 

“Don’t hold my hand like that!” Humpty followed Showzy and Vaice out of the crowd. Lucky, they got going. Too many of the distractions were getting to Humpty.

---

The Pack found a clearing at the dock side. There were still too many folks about. But at least they had space to stand comfortably. 

“He was looking at me” Showzy sobbed. 

“No, he wasn’t” Vaice ensured. 

“He was. I think he’s on to us.” 

“Who?” Ahgroom wondered. 

“Sir Yolk!” Showzy scanned the surrounding crowds.  

Ahgroom shook his head. “You still talking about that?” 

“I don’t want to be taken by the Army again!” Showzy kept on his scanning. 

“I haven’t seen any other Viridian colours” Bop mentioned. 

“It might have only been Sir Yolk. Just look around.” 

Bop was right. The only other greens around were the dull, wornout greens of the portguards. But they didn’t seem like they’d be a trouble. The port guards seemed as busy in their cups as everybody else around here. And very busy the folk were. Loud. Loose. Lousy. Lustful. A pair of revelers besides the Pack were busy in each other’s lips. The woman wore a this dress. A very thing dress. Humpty could see the outline of her thighs quite clearly. Concentrate! It wasn’t time to get distracted. 

“There’s a lot of cuphouses here” Bop spoke up. “We should split up here and look around. We’ll meet back here in half a bell?” Bop saw the clock post to their side. The clock was half way past the twenty-third bell. Late, but still early. Just as Humpty liked. Out above the ocean, Eluna still glowed brightly. The sight of her brought comfort, because Humpty knew that they were soon to be lost in the madness of the crowd. 

“Did you see the girl?” Ahgroom asked the Pack. 

“The one near Sir Yolk?” Vaice smiled. “She was real cute.” 

“Yeah! Her!” Ahgroom got excited. They were talking about the Army girl. Humpty figured they would have eventually seen her. She was all he noticed. 

“Yeah. I saw Sir Yolk first…” Showzy explained. “And I was worried. But then I saw her and… And… Well, she was nice.” 

“Yeah!” the others agreed. 

“I didn’t even watch the performance anymore” Showzy continued. “With such a gentle face over there…” 

“Yeah. She was the sort of lass I’d take to the royal gardens…” Ahgroom grew more excited. “…so we can find a quiet spot and….” Ahgroom made a stupid kissing face. The others giggled. Ahgroom turned to Bop and started making the kissy face to him. Bop pushed Ahgroom’s face out of the way. “I’m sure you saw her too, Rat.” Ahgroom turned to their quiet friend. “What did you think of her?” 

Rattis didn’t say anything. But he looked away and smiled to himself. The others cheered. 

“Ahh! Rat! You cheeky bugger, you!” Ahgroom smacked Rat’s shoulder. “Come on! Would you?” Ahgroom started making the kissy face to Rattis. Bop joined in and started kissy facing Rattis too. Rat tried to flee from their kissies. 

“I think she’s in the Army” Humpty told everybody. “We should be careful.” 

“What? What do you mean?” Showzy was doubtful. 

“She was wearing Viridian colours. I saw.” 

“I saw that” Vaice mentioned. “But it didn’t look like a normal army coat, so I wasn’t sure.” 

“You’re right” Bop nodded. “That coat was really different. But it looked like something from the Army.” 

“Maybe it’s a different coat for girlies” Ahgroom smiled. 

“There were two other fools with her,” Humpty told. “wearing the same surcoats. They looked like country folk.” 

“That explains why they were so close to Sir Yolk.” Bop thought about it. 

“Oh. So is she from the Army?” Showzy sighed. “Such a face…” 

“I don’t care!” Ahgroom smiled. “She can put me away all she wants!” 

The others laughed. Vaice smacked Ahgroom’s shoulder before pretending to put him away. 

“But it means we need to be careful” Humpty reminded. “The Army is really here.” The others settled down and agreed. 

It was not easy to figure out where to start. Or what to start on. There were so many things happening. The chaos was confusing. Humpty saw Ahgs, Bop, and Rat, head into a cuphouse of their side of the district. Humpty, Vaice and Showz should have done the same. 

But where were the cuphouses? On this side, all Humpty could see were people. Many in their cups, sitting and standing everywhere, on everything. On tables and benches, crates and barrels, roofs and balconies of buildings that didn’t look open for business, atop wagons and food shacks that were open for everyone, even upon boats and piers out in the water. People. Everywhere. On Everything. Busy in their cups, or in each other’s lips. 

Where were they all getting their cups from? Maybe the three should have turned around to where Bop and all went. But that would be a waste of time. They split up for a reason. Humpty saw that the clock post was still only halfway past the twenty-third bell. Had only a minute passed? It felt like Humpty, Vaice, and Showzy were already there for ages. Likely because this place felt too busy. 

“I can’t find any cuphouses” Humpty told the brothers. 

“Me neither” Vaice agreed. “Where are they all getting their cups?” 

This was not good. How would they find a trader if they could not even find a cuphouse. This was not easy. 

“Maybe the food carts sell cups” Showzy thought. 

“What? No.” Humpty disagreed. “It that even allowed?” Showzy wanted more food again, didn’t he. 

“We might as well ask” Vaice suggested. “We might get lucky.” 

The closest food cart was selling puffnaize. You could smell the warm naize roasting in the pot, until… *Pop!* *Pop Pop!* *Pop!* Like hundreds of little hands knocking on the pot lid from the inside, he naize kernels popped and puffed. 

Humpty saw Showzy’s face. Showzy wanted some. Too bad the Pack didn’t have much coin. Coin wasn’t common for those from Stiquesyard. The three saw the seller sell cups full of puffnaize to revelers. The very same sort of cups that everyone was drinking their poisons from. Then Humpty noticed all the cups were the same everywhere, like these wooden cups were the Troughian standard. That was interesting. Would that mean everything would cost the same? But that wasn’t the question for the moment. 

“You got cups here, cook?” Humpty asked the puffnaize vendor. 

“Huh.” The man didn’t turn to face Humpty. “50 each.” 

“Wow” Humpty couldn’t believe it. No wonder everyone was drunk. “That’s cheap.” 

“50 chips, not bits.” The puffnaize vendor finally looked at Humpty. “And that’s silver too, young laddy.” 

“50 silver chips? That’s way too much!” Nothing that Humpty had ever eaten even cost that much.” 

“That cost too much” Vaice intruded. “What are you pouring? Kwass red? You’re joking!” 

The cook turned away. “I’m the one selling here. You take it or leave it.” 

“Well, what are you even pouring?” Vaice stepped closer. 

“Some fine ale from the cast.” 

“Ale? For 50 sly chips?” Vaice couldn’t believe it. Neither could Humpty. That sounded more of the cost for a small barrel. Wait! Was he selling barrels?” 

“That’s 50 a keg, is it?” Humpty asked. 

“Hah!” The cook turned and gave them an annoyed face. “50 a cup. Didn’t realize you Hurlians were so cheap.” 

“We what…” The Humpty began to notice. Folk were watching. All the reverlers about. Many of there were watching the three talk to the puffnaize cook. And he knew the three were Hurlian. This was not good. They caused too much attention. Would it be fine if they just walked away? Everyone was watching them now. The three didn’t even want any cups. They were just trying to find out who traded them. 

How did things end up this way? The three needed to leave. But with everyone looking, they’d seem suspicious. How would they accomplish their task proplery if everybody thought they were suspicious. They needed to blend in somehow. Should they have bought cups? But for 50 silver chips? They didn’t even have such coin. How could they ever… 

“I was wondering what took you boys so long.” Someone spoke from behind. The voice put his hand on Vaice and Showzy’s shoulders, then smiled. “So, what wine does he have?” 

Vaice answered, confused at the sudden stranger. “Umm. He’s only got ale.” 

“Ale? Come on. Let’s move on.” 

Who was this man? The three didn’t move off with him yet. He was clearly a stranger. Humpty didn’t recognize this man, with his long tied hair and light facial fuzz. He didn’t dress quite Troughian. But that traveller coat of his did blend in. But what was strange was that dark purplish glow that Humpty felt off him. A glow Humpty had never felt before. Humpty grew concerned. No! It was not the time for humpty to get distracted with imaginary things They needed to leave. And this man was helping them. Could they trust him? That glow of his was interesting. It made humpty want to follow him. Silly thoughts! This imaginary folly didn’t mean anything. 

“Oh” the stranger spoke up. “Yous wanted some puffnaize, didn’t yous.” 

“What?” Humpty was confuised. 

“You could have just said so, instead of just standing there.” The stranger smiled. 

“You Hurlians gon get something or what?” the cart vendor demanded. 

“You not proud of where you’re from?” the stranger spoke to the vendor. “Men from Dallarcon usually hold great pride in Hurley.” 

Man from Dallarcon? Was the stranger talking about the vendor? 

“How did you…” the vendor grew silent. 

“Selling in Trough has made you forget your roots.” The stranger grinned. The vendor did not look happy. “Give us three of your puffnaize. And four cups.” 

The vendor gave a look to the three boys. “Cups are 50 chips. In silver.” 

“You’ll take 5 chips for the lot. And you’ll consider that a deal. Unless you don’t want to sell here anymore.” The stranger had that strange glow about him again. It wasn’t hot or cold. But it felt like if you got too close, it would make you numb. This guy was powerful. Humpty didn’t know how to explain it, but he knew he felt it. The vendor felt it too, as he began to fill cups with puffnaize and poison. 

The stranger led the three boys off further down the district, cups and puffnaize in hand. It sure helped them blend in. Made them feel more comfortable. Well, except for one thing. Who was this guy? And why were they still following him? It did feel rude to just leave all of a sudden. 

“Ah… Thank you.” Humpty called out. The stranger stopped to face the lot. 

“You three are up to something.” The stranger smiled. “And I feel like I saved you lot.” 

“Oh. No. We was just asking for cups.” Humpty was careful how he answered. The townguard back at Hurley were tricksy with their questions. Made you guilty of something if you said the wrong thing. The stranger didn’t seem to believe Humpty. 

“Well, Hah rah!” The stranger raised his cup before them. “You three don’t really seem to be looking for cups. At least act like you’re going to drink them!” 

He was right! The three didn’t even sup their cups yet. They needed to blend in. 

“Hah rah!” They tried to cheer. It wasn’t the Hurlian cheer. But they were in Trough, so they may as well have cheered the Troughian way. 

The ale was not good. It was strong, the taste of the poison and the brai – at least Humpty was sure it was brai. What other grain was that bitter. The stranger spat out his sip. 

“This is just local piss.” His face wasn’t pleased. “No matter. Let’s just finish it.” He raised his cup before the others. The three knocked their cups to his and down their cups. Nasty stuff. But the three were no strangers to poison. They were Hurley bred. Stiquesyard raised. Cups was their sport. They took the ale with unchallenged expressions. 

“It’s quite nice” Showzy smacked his lips. “A nice strong brai flavour.” Trust Showzy to enjoy the weird things. The stranger gave him an unsure look. 

“It’s okay. Wouldn’t be my first choice.” 

“I like that it’s different. Is this what Troughians always drink?” Showzy asked.  

No! Humpty grabbed Showzy by the arm. That fool! Wrong question! What Showzy asked definitely made them seem like outsiders. 

“Yeah!” the stranger smiled. “Heavy in their cups, these Troughians. They need their cups strong.” 

“Why is that?” 

No! Don’t ask him more… 

“Because sailors need their cups strong, when they’re out at sea. They need the poison to last the whole voyage.” 

“Ohh…” Showzy looked out to the many ships on the bay. 

Hunmpy had had enough of this stranger. Why were they talking comfortably with him? 

“Why did you get us this puff and cups? You don’t know us.” Humpty gave him a serious look. 

“You’re right!” The stranger ate some puffnaize out of Humpty’s cup. “I don’t know yous.” 

“Well why did you get us all of this?” 

“Mmm… These aren’t bad” he was enjoying the puffnaize. “Does a man need a reason to help some strangers?” 

“We didn’t need help!” 

“But you did” he smiled. 

“No. We was just looking for cups” Humpty reaffirmed. 

“Yous seemed like you were looking for something else.” 

“What do you mean?” Humpty asked. 

“If you just wanted your cups,” the stranger ate more puffnaize. “You would have just moved on elsewhere. Maybe to somewhere more suited to your age, or your price.” 

This stranger was sharp. Was he watching them? 

“But that’s not it” the stranger continued. “You lto are hiding something. And you’re trying to find information.” The stranger was on to them. Not good. 

“No, we’re not…” 

“Please!” the stranger chuckled to himself. “This one is looking around too much, like he’s scared his being watched” he pointed to Showzy. “This one’s too busy defending you, like you were leading an attack” he gestured to Vaice. “And your questions are too strange.” 

“What was strange?” Humpty wondered. 

“You were asking about kegs.” 

“Oh. I was joking. His price was too high.” 

“That’s the thing. You didn’t look like you were joking about it. That’s what was strange. You lot from Stiquesyard obviously can’t afford a keg.” 

How did he know they were from Stiquesyard?! 

“Who are you?” Humpty got ready to shove this stranger. He was dangerous. He knew too much. 

“Hey. Calm down.” The stranger made a supressing motion with his palms. “I’m nobody. I just happened to walk past you lot.” 

“Why are you watching us?” Humpty couldn’t trust this guy. Vaice got ready to deal with him too. 

“I’m not watching you three.” the stranger remained calm. “It’s just you threestood out when I walked past. So I thought I’d help yous.” 

“Then why did you help us?” Oh no! Humpty wasn’t supposed to say that the man did help. 

“You reminded me of my nephew. A tough young lad.” The stranger smiled. “I’m actually looking for him right now.” He seemed genuine when mentioning that. 

“Your nephew?” Vaice asked. 

“Yes. He’s about the same age as you lot. Doesn’t like to be treated like a kid, just like you lot. He doesn’t know it, but I’m actually looking out for him. His father asked me to. And when I saw you three, I felt like I should look out for yous as well.” 

“Thanks, old man” Showzy spoke. 

“It’s alrite.” The stranger looked about. “Hopfeully I helped to draw off the attention. I’ll now be on my way. I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for here.” He began to walk away. 

“What’s your name?” Showzy asked. But why? 

“Vehrr” The stranger turned his head and answered before disappearing into the crowd. 

“I like him” Showzy told. 

“Yeah. You can tell he’s a good guy” Vaice agreed. 

“We can’t trust him yet.” Humpty was careful. 

“Yeah” Vaice understood. “He did know too much about us.” 

“Exactly!” Humpty hoped they were aware. “Too much. He’s dangerous.” 

“Yeah. But I don’t know. I can just feel he’s a good guy” Vaice told. 

Showzy agreed. “He was just looking out fo us.” 

“I don’t know.” Humpty didn’t want to ease. “He likely wants something out of us.”

---

There was a lot more cups here where they now stood. A lot more cups. And more revelers. With less of that lustfulness, it seemed there were fewer people in each other’s mouths. Thank the Father above for that. Seeing the men and women so intimate made Humpty shy. Almost as if he too should be getting intimate. Back there must have been the place for haremholds. Well, blue lamp areas were truly for haremholds. So it made sense to feel such lustfulness about.  So where was everybody here getting their cups? 

Cuphouses were much more obvious here. Half the dockhouses here appeared to have bar counters serving cups. Bingo. Just what they were looking for. The crows here also appeared much younger. That was a good thing. It meant it’d be easier to blend in. Right? 

Much of the younger revelers appeared to be around cart vendors rather than cuphouses. Benches, barrels, crates, seemed the preference for the young in their cups. Was that the rules here in Trough? In Hurley, youth were not permitted their cups anywhere. You had to have lived 20 harvests before you were allowed your cups. It didn’t look that way here in Trough. 

A group of kids suddenly shoved past Humpty. Humpty was shocked. “Oi!” 

“Badge off!” the pushing kid knarled before walking off with his gang. 

“That’s a nasty bunch” Vaice thought. 

“Yeah. He had a few cups in him” Showzy noticed. The kids each had cups. But Humpty swore those kids were too young. They must have been 7. How could someone be serving such children? Cart vendors. 

There were several carts bunched together. Some grilling foods, others with barrels. The folk serving were actually quite young. Seemed to be reaching their transitions, much like Humpty and the Pack. Folk their age already making coin… What had the Pack been doing this whole time? 

The group serving seemed approachable enough. Humpty stepped toward them. A young reveler sitting with his crowd called out to Humpty. 

“Wait!” the reveler got up and approached the three. His long tied up hair was quite interesting. Very dark and almost straight, like an Elf. His face was human, though. “You strangers seem quite fresh.” 

“What do you mean by that?” Vaice responded. 

“You’re not far in your cups. That’s what” the new face laughed. 

“I meant the strangers part” Vaice told. “And how would you know about our cups?” 

“You’re playing, right? You three are Hurlian as coin. And you’re too stiff to be far in your cups.” 

“Why do you think we’re Hurlian?” Humpty interupted. This stranger laughed and looked the three up and down. 

“Tattered as they are, them shirts be too fancy.” 

The pack checked their shirts. The young stranger continued.  

“But the give away be your trousers.” 

The pack check their pants. Were they too fancy as well? 

The stranger laughed to himself. “I don’t know about fancy, but only city-folk where those.” Looking around, there were a few folk wearing trousers. Not many, but clearly traders or visitors. Most of the young folk wore tighjt breeches. 

“What’s it matter to you?” Humpty asked. 

“It doesn’t” the stranger laughed. 

“You don’t seem far in your cups either” Vaice pointed out. Are you going to sink some?” 

“Are you going to sink some?” the young stranger seemed caught off guard. “I was thinking to give you strangers a warm welcome.” The stranger called out to some of the young cart vendors and raised four fingers in the air. In a moment, the three and this young stranger were brought four cups. 

“Are we gonna sink?” this stranger raised his cup before the Pack. Was he trust worthy? Vaice raised his cup before this stranger. Humpty and Showzy had to follow suit. 

“Hah rah, city boys!” the stranger crashed his cup into the three’s. But suddenly, most of the youths around raised their cups towards the Pack and gave the Troughian cheer. 

Attention was on the Pack. Not good. Not good at all. Everybody was likely aware they were from Hurley. Eyes were looking, curious, mistrusting, uninterested. The stranger before them was watchful though. Likely waiting to see if they’d take their cups. Humpty knew those eyes. Cups was his sport. And this stranger wanted to see if the Pack was game. Vaice tipped his cup into his mouth. He was never the type to show fear. He made sure he got ever last drop. Humpty and Showzy knew they had to do the same. Hurley wasn’t weak! 

“Hurlians! I like it” the stranger was satisfied and finished his cup. “Come sit with us. There’s always room for our neighbores.” He gestured toward where he was sitting with his group. Vaice followed his lead. 

The other youths sitting around were welcoming. They made room along the crates for the three to sit. 

“We’re gonna need more, Batta!” 

The one serving cups approached. “How many?” He looked about. “Just give us all your cups!” Everybody handed him their cups, other’s finished off their fill. 

“I’m Dieh” the young stranger introduced himself. “This is Pony, Dan, Virri, Penno, Delly, Shemma, Mo, Dinn. Oh, there’s too many of yous!” Dieh couldn’t be bothered naming the rest. His group didn’t feel hostile, luckily. These were Troughians. Young. And in their cups. Possibly trouble the Pack would run into in the near future. But this lot just seemed to be enjoying themselves. 

Pony, one of them, stood up. 

“Pony” he gestured to himself. “Don’t be scared Hurlians. We’re all here to enjoy ourselves. Join us.” 

Humpty didn’t want to be stuck with this bunch. There were things to do. “We actually don’t have much coin to join you all.” 

“Coin doesn’t matter!” Pony reassured. “You sit with us, we take care of you.” 

The one who was serving brought a crate full of cups. The Troughians shared the cups around. Pony made sure the Pack got their cups too. 

“Tell me your names.” Pony took a light sip. 

“I’m Humpty.” Humpty took a quick check on Vaice and Showzy. They seemed fine. He introduced them as well.  

Pony raised his cup. “To Humpty, Vaice, and Showzy! Hah rah!” The Troughians cheered and drank. Welcoming it felt. Humpty checked in Vaice and Showzy. Their faces didn’t look worried about cups. The three tipped their cups bottoms up. Finish your cup. That was the Hurlian way. The Troughians cheered at that. Pony wanted to follow suit and tipped his cup bottom up. The rest just sipped. Dieh came back to the three. 

“Hah Rah, lads!” he raised his cup. 

“They already finished theirs” Pony laughed. 

“True Hurlians” Dieh cheered. “I like it” and finished his own cup. He took all their empty cups and went off to get more. 

“You sure it’s okay we don’t have coin?” Humpty asked Pony. 

“Don’t worry about it!” Pony gave a friendly pat. “We got this covered.” 

“But it cost yous a lot. The last vendor we saw asked us for 50 sly.” 

“50? Yeah that sounds about right” Pony told. “Usually 20. Or 40 from a vendor.” 

“Chips, he said” Vaice added. 

Pony’s eyes were shocked. “50 silver chips? This dude was trying to rob you.” 

“That’s what we were thinking. Who pays 50 chips for a cup?” 

“There’s a lot of rich merchants coming into Trough. They drop marks like nothing. He just likely saw yous was Hurlian. What did he look like?” 

“Old. Balding. Red and white stripped shirt. Selling puffnaize.” 

“Hah! Puffnaize” Pony laughed. “Yeah. That old fool chases big fish, he does. Don’t worry about him. You were in the classier part of Edmund.” 

“Do you know him?” Humpty wondered. 

“Don’t know him know him. But I know who you’re talking about.” 

Dieh came back with five cups. 

“Oi” Pony called to Dieh. “The puffnaize dude asked this lot for 50 sly chips a cup.” 

“Badge that old crumb!” Dieh knew who they were talking about. “Don’t worry, lads. You come to Trough, you sink with us! Hah rah!” 

Cups clashed. Flipped. Then finished. Pony and Dieh finished their fill as well. The oen serving the cups came with another 5 filled cups. 

“I knew you Hurley lads,” Dieh grinned, “would finish your cups right away. So, I got us back up!” They passed around the cups. 

“Hey!” Dieh got loud, but quickly soft. “Can we take it easy this round? I know you Hurlians can sink.” 

Vaice laughed. “I thought we was fresh?” 

“You were fresh!” Dieh stood. 

“Were you fresh too?” Vaice also stood. 

“Of course, I was. I’m still good.” 

“Well, let’s sink then!” 

“Let’s sink!” 

“Monrosia!” Vaice raised his cup. 

“Hah rah!” Dieh clashed his cup with Vaice’s. And down their cups went. Dieh was surely not okay. His face had already gone completely red by the time he came back with the cups. So much for asking to take it easy. Humpty was glad though. He could already feel the poisons working. Vaice would be fine though. He was strong in his cups. They were Hurley bred. Poison was almost a daily routine for eve’s folk. It would take a lot to get the Pack off their feet. 

“Hah rah, Humpy and Showzy!” Pony cheered. 

“It’s Humpty” he corrected. 

“Sorry. Humpty!” and they cheered to a mild sip. Pony seemed more sensible. 

The server came back with another two cups. Clearly for the two champions over there. Pony asked the server to bring everyone some bites. Humpty felt bad. These guys were clearly the same age as the Pack, and yet they were treating the Pack so well. 

“You sure you don’t need coin for…” 

Pony raised his palm before Humpty. “You’re with us. We’ll take care of you.” 

“but won’t this cost you all a lot?” 

“This is nothing for us.” 

“Nothing? How?” Humpty didn’t understand. “How much are cups?” 

“We ask 50 marks to strangers. 20 to friends” Pony smiled. 

“What do you mean you ask 40 marks to strangers….” 

“Oh!” Pony understood the confusion. “We run these carts. Well, this lot here.” 

Humpty peered to the carts were the cups were coming from. Everyone serving was about the same age as everyone else here. 

“You guys run these carts?” Showzy couldn’t believe it. “As in, you sell the cups and food?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah. Of course. Cups are ours.” 

“Isn’t it hard?” 

“So long as we do what duties need to be done, we can all enjoy ourselves.” Pony raised his cup. “We earn our right to enjoy ourselves.” 

It was amazing. These Troughians actually ran their own shops. They didn’t look so wealthy in their dress. Sort of unwealthy, like the Pack. But they were making coin, nonetheless. Humpty wished he and the Pack were making consistent coin themselves. 

“How do you even get everything you’re selling? Do you own your own farm? Isn’t it hard to get all this?” Showzy wanted to know. Good. His curiosity might have been handy after all. 

“Farm?” Pony laughed. Oh no! We trade all the supply.” 

“Trade the supply?” 

“Trough is busy. Things fly in and out of here like gulls to a fresh catch. So we make sure we’re the early gull to whatever comes in.” 

“By ship?” Humpty wondered. 

“Ship or wagon.” Pony explained. “Wagon mostly. Ships usually trade loads we can’t handle. We don’t have a house yet. So we can’t really keep any stock. But wagon’s coming here are more of what we can handle. They cost more. But at least we can trade something.” 

“What do you guys trade?” Showzy asked. 

“Ummm anything really.” Whatever we can get a bargain for. And something we can get rid of quickly.” 

Humpty and Showzy didn’t really undestand. But they saw the benefits of running their own cart shops. 

“So you guys only buy off wagons? Where would you keep everything?” Humpty tried to figure out. 

“No. We don’t keep anything, remember?” Pony reminded. “We buy whatever we can fit on the carts.” He pointed toward their carts. It looked as if each of those four carts could hold four big barrels. Only two of them had barrels. The other two carts must have held the food. Because out the food came. 

The one serving brought a tray full of cups. Inside held skewers of meat and vegetables. The one serving walked to each small group of revelers sitting about so they could all get a cup or two of skewers. “You hounds better pay up for this one, or we’re all gonna starve the next moon.” The serving one didn’t look pleased. 

“I’ll handle everything tonight, Batta. Don’t worry.” Pony gave Batta some big coins out of his pouch. Silver marks. Humpty saw. 

“And these two?” Batta gestured toward Dieh and Vaice. They both had an embracing arm around the other’s shoulders. What even happened in those few moments between those two? 

Pony giggled at the sight of them, and handed Batta another two silver marks. That was more coin than Humpty had ever really kept in his pouch. 

The skewers Pony returned with were delcious. Chunks of meat and cuts of vegetables were swkered and coated in a sweet blue sauce. Showzy was sure it was plop sauce, but Pony wouldn’t say. It was a secret of theirs. 

“How come you guys don’t go to the dockhouses?” Showzy asked. 

“Well,” Pony looked over. “That’s where older folk usually like to go. Their bones get colder than us young folk, so we let them take the houses. And besides, we got carts to run.” Pony saw Humpty and Showzy stare over at the cuphouses. 

“You haven’t been into the cuphouses yet?” Pony questioned. 

Humpty realized the question. “I don’t think we’re old enough to go.” 

“What do you mean not old enough? You handle your cups so well.” 

“Are we allowed in the cuphouses?” Humpty wasn’t sure. 

“Ohhh…” Pony realized. It must be so proper in Hurley. Come on! There’s a few I want to check out.” Pony stood. Humpty and Showzy didn’t understand. “Let’s go. I’ll take you around. Where haven’t you been to yet?” 

“Ummm….” Humpty and Showzy got up. “Uuh… I don’t kno…” 

“I see.” Pony could already figure out they were new. “Trough is a bog one. I’ll show you around.” 

Vaice noticed Humpty and Showzy were standing. This, of course, caught Dieh’s attention. 

“Oi! Hurlians!” Dieh was hanging off Vaice’s shoulders. “Where are you going?” Or was Vaice hanging off his? 

“I’m taking them around” Pony told. He then gestured to Vaice. “Come, friend. Don’t want you to miss the tour.” 

Vaice was about to approach, but Dieh was still on his shoulders. Dieh laughed because he knew he held Vaice back. 

“Can you handle some true Troughian brew? Trough’s real poison is warts. Scared?” Dieh asked Vaice. 

Vaice looked shocked he was asked. “Scared? I’m from Stiquesyard. We’re not scared!” 

“Well, let’s got then!” 

“Let’s go then!” 

“Let’s go.” 

“Let’s go.” 

Pony, Humpty, and Showzy were already up ahead, waiting for the other two to finally get going. 

Humpty knew befriending these Troughians would lead them to more details. Showzy was asking the right questions. Vaice was making a good friend. And Pony seemed to be a real genuine guy. Things were looking good.

---

How big was this district? Edmund, they called it. Pony had been leading Humpty and Showzy down this area for a while. Well, actually, Dieh was the one showing Vaice all the places he knew. The rest were just were just making sure those two stayed out of trouble. They were fairly deep in their cups, and the lot of them had wandered deep into Edmund. Humpty tried to remember the way back to Bop, Ahgs, and Rat. That was ueeless. There was too much happening all around this district. Hopefully Showzy would have an idea. He always remember strange things. 

Dieh grew quiet. It seemed he had finished his tour. He also seemed a bit hesitant. That was strange. 

“We’re gon keep going!” Pony told him. 

“Let’s do it.” Dieh came back to his cheerful self and fell in beside Vaice. “There’s some mean chaps around here. But stick with me. We’ll be sweet.” 

“What’s he saying?” Humpty asked Pony. 

“Dangerous folk roam in this area” Pony explained Big coin happens here. Not the cleanest coin either. But it’s okay. We know some of the big hounds here. I need to know this place a bit more as well.” 

Pony took the lead this time. He took them to the second biggest dockhouse. The windows and doors were shut here, but you could hear the music and voices inside. Port guards also guarded the door here. They didn’t seem as jolly as al the other Portguard Humpty had seen around Trough. As soon as they noticed the five young men approach, the guards stood in alert. One of them saw Dieh. 

“You laddies finally gon do something serious? ‘Bout time.” The port guard grinned. 

“Oh, nah” Dieh laughed. “We’re just here to sink.” 

“Mard told us to come around more” Pony mentioned. 

“And what about when I tell you?” The guard looked disappointed. “I got duties tonight.” 

“Sorry, Tayvish.” Dieh put an arm around the guard’s shoulders. “We wanted to show our new friends the sights.” 

This port guard eyed Vaice, Humpty, and Showzy. “We don’t just let anyone in here.” The guard stepped aside. “But there’s only three of you Hurlians. And you’re with these good chaps. So…” He opened the door for the lot. 

It was pretty dark in this place, except for the stage area. Strummers and singers played song while performers danced. The performance was bright and loud. But it seemed like no one was even watching. The crowds were all busy at their tables. Games. That’s what this was. A gamehouse. 

There were various games of fortune, wheel, and tarot. Humpty saw a man place a handful of gold marks on a fortune table and lost it all the next moment. What could drive a man to risk such coin on fortunes. Humpty had never even seen that much coin before. Gold wasn’t normal for folk from Stiquesyard. It was more for uptown folk and their cakes. 

Dieh led the lot to the bar counter. How much were cups going to cost? 

“Naughty Dieh” The hostess at the bar called out. She was a very pretty woman. Gorgeous with reddish hair and a little pointed nose. “You gon waste our time again?” 

“Sorry, Grisdon” Pony spoke up. “We’re just here for cups.” 

“You came to our house,” she looked doubtful, “for cups? Better hit the tables, you little lixes!” 

“We will. We will” Pony told. “We wanted Warts.” 

The hostess fixed at her short kirtel. A very short kirtel. Humpty was sure he would see most of her thighs behind the counter. “Warts?” She eyed the young lad. “These Hurlians have it do they?” 

“I got it” Dieh pulled out his pouch. 

“You?” She wasn’t impressed. “You’re the last lix that should be having warts.” 

“What? Why?” 

“Cause’ you’ll bother all my gamers!” 

“What? No!” Dieh laughed. 

“Yeah. You will!” Gristdon crossed her arms. “Hey. Roodal wants a word with you! You remember when those shade elves came. You stupid moggie!” 

“Elves?” Dieh had no clue.  

The woman shook her head. 

“Come on” Dieh begged. “Get us some warts. At least for our friends.” 

She was silent for a long while. It seemed she didn’t want to serve Dieh. Humpty sort of understood why. 

“Alright.” She grabbed a clear bottle of poison. “But I don’t think the Hurlians can stomach the brew.” The hostess smiled as she poured poison into some tiny glass cups. Dieh laugh at that. 

“Hey! I’m not scared!” Vaice told. “I’m Hurley bred. Cups is our life!” 

“That’s what they all say.” She gave them a cheeky smile. 

“It’s true” Vaice said. Grew cautious. Why did this poison seem like a bad idea. What did Pony think? Wait. Pony wasn’t there. 

The young Troughian then came back to the bar counter with a big smile on his face and his pouch looking a lot more plump than humpty remembered. “I got it lads” Pony cheered. 

“No. I already got it” Dieh explained. “Just get the next cup.” 

“I won’t be giving you boys anymore cups after this!” Gristdon’s smile was so nice, but it also made Humpty worried. He’d had poisons like warts before. It couldn’t have been that bad. 

Dieh handed everyone a little glass cup of warts. From just holding the little cup, the poison stung Humpty’s eyes. This concoction. It was strong. 

“Hah rah!” Dieh shoved his cup infront of Vaice’s face. Vaice did the same to Dieh. And down it all sank. 

It didn’t burn like how it smelt. It was smooth. But humpty could taste the aweful poison on his breathe. A dangerous taste. His ears grew hot. 

A moment later, Dieh lost his balance, but luckily Vaice was there to catch his fall. Well, maybe that wasn’t a good thing. Those two fell to the floor. Luckily the performers here were so loud or else everybody would have noticed. 

Then it sank! 

The music. That’s all Humpty could remember. The music, and what little light was in that place. Why couldn’t he remember anything else. Not good. Where was he? 

Humpty opened his eyes and sat up. He tried to look around, but his head… Nothing was staying still. Almost as if he was on a ship on stormy waters. Not that he’d ever been on a ship. He needed to gain stability. Luckily, somebody was holding him up. 

“Humpty” the someone pleaded. “Please. We have to help Vaice!” Help Vaice? Who was asking? Then Humpty saw it was Showzy holding him up. He recognized Showzy. Showzy could be trusted. Humpty was glad someone he trusted was helping him. How long had they been there? He didn’t feel good. His insides felt sick. His thoughts, busy trying to keep him alive, keep him stable. Then he remembered. Poisons. They’d sank quite a few cups. Humpty was glad Showzy always handled his cups well. He was dependable with that. Maybe because he always enjoyed the strangest stuff. 

It was time they left to rest up. Humpty wanted to leave. Where were they? Why was this music so loud? Again, Humpty tried to look around. Why was the place so dark? Why was this place so unsteady. There was someone leaning on a bar counter trying to hold themselves up as well. Humpty recognized them. And a pretty woman was looking after who he recognized. Why couldn’t she look Humpty instead. Humpty had to be cared by Showzy, of all people. Maybe they could swap over. Humpty tried to get closer to the somebody and the caring woman. But balance was not existent. Humpty’s legs were not holding him up well. Lucky someone was holding him up. What were they even saying? 

“Humpty” 

It was Showzy. 

“Humpty, please!” 

“What!” Humpty tried to get closer to that lovely looking woman. He felt that things would be better if she was looking after him. 

“We have to help Vaice! Straighten up!” 

How dare Showzy tell Humpty to ‘Straighten up.’ Humpty stood tall. He was sure he was fine. He didn’t need Showzy to tell him what to do. 

“Come on! Let’s help Vaice!” It was so hard to hear him. What did he say? Vaice? Vaice! Where was he? It was supposed to be Humpty, Showzy, and Vaice. Together. Where was Vaice? 

Scanning the vicinity like a posted sentry, Humpty spotted Vaice on the floor. Struggling to move. What happened? He was tangled on the floor with someone. Dieh! That was Dieh on the floor with him. 

They were at the gamehouse! Pony brought them there. Humpty began to remember. They drank warts. Bad idea. Where was Pony. Oh. That was Pony struggling at the bar counter. So the hostess was helping him. Would she help Humpty too? That would be lovely. But Humpty felt something pull him the other way. 

“Come on, Humpty!” Showzy called. 

“What?” Humpty didn’t care about what Showzy wanted. But Showzy pulled him more. What did Showzy even badging want? Then Humpty saw what he was being pulled towards. Vaice. Struggling on the floor. He had to help Vaice. Humpty hurried to help up Vaice. But something big got in his way. Humpty couldn’t move.  Whatever was in front, hoisted Humpty up off his feet. A port guard. 

“You need to stay back!” the port guard ordered. 

“I need to help Vaice” Humpty tried to shove the guard off. Useless. This big oaf was holding Humpty in the air. 

“I don’t think so.” The guard carried Humpty off. Then more portguard came and surrounded Vaice and Dieh. 

What were they going to do? The port guards grabbed Vaice and Dieh off the floor. 

“Oii!” Humpty struggled. “Let go!” Another grabbed Showzy. That caused a panic. But this place. The music was too loud. No one could hear Showzy’s screams, or Humpty’s struggling growls. 

Where were they being taken? Humpty saw the bar hostess gesture toward behind her. They all should never have came here. 

The guards dragged the youths behind the bar. A door. To another room. No. Through the door, Humpty found a narrow corridor. Dark lit it was, but there were many visible doors to each side of this corridor. What was happening? Were they being imprisoned? Cups with these Troughians was a bad idea. Now they were in danger. 

Humpty tried to shove this guard off again. The guard was too strong. Didn’t even notice Humpty trying to struggle. As they passed numerous closed doors, the portguard carried the youths up some stairs. 

Up here in this wide open space, everything felt sort of better. The air was easier to breathe. Cooler. And the music. That was downstairs now. No longer bothersome. Strange decorated fabrics were placed all around this place. Rest sacks! Some of the folk here were relaxing, conversating, lying back on the endless rest sacks and cushions. The port guards threw the youths to some sacks on the corner. Maybe threw was the wrong word. These rest sacks were soft, comfortable. The right place to help Humpty’s spinning head. 

The port guards were telling some of the relaxed revelers “Warts” and laughed. A lovely looking lady in merchants robes looked over the youths. 

“Warts?” The poor things. Get them some hot brew.” She flipped a big coin to the guard who carried Humpty. Nooo, Humpty thought. The last thing he wanted was more brew. Looking at the other four, brew was surely the last thing any of them needed. Showzy was fine, but he was busy checking on Viace who lay there smiling. Humpty caught sight of Pony’s eyes. He was laying back relaxing. 

“That was a bad idea, huh” Pony smiled. 

“I’m done with cups” Humpty told him, 

“Me too.” Pony let himself relax. That seemed a great idea. 

Suddenly that lovely merchant lady was standing before the five youths. The way she watched over them wasn’t pleasant. Almost as if she was analyzing some trade goods. 

“Why are you lads here?” she asked Humpty. Humpty seemed the only one who noticed her. Not good. 

“We were…” What should he have told her? 

“We’re here for cups, woman!” Dieh called out. 

“I wasn’t asking you, crumb!” the woman spat. 

“Sorry” Dieh laughed. 

“Quiet!” As pretty as she was, her eyes were dangerous. A strange green that matched the ribbon around her neck. At least that harsh air of hers settled quickly. “You’re all young.” She watched over them. “They let you in?” She was looking at Humpty. 

“Ummm…” he had to say something. “Yes?” 

“Who?” 

Ohh noo… Humpty didn’t know who would let them into here. He was a stranger. Couldn’t the others answer her? Humpty looked about at the others, but this woman was focused on Humpty. What could he say? All he knew was that the port guard let them in. The port guard! 

“Ummm, Tay…” Humpty forgot his name. 

“Does that damned guard think he can just let you little boys just waltz in here?” she put her hand on her hips. 

Some guards came back with cups of steaming drink. These cups were damned hot. Humpty had to put his down. 

The woman trotted up to the port guard who carried Humpty. “Are you letting young ones in here?” 

“Those aren’t just any young ones, Ms Diasin” the guard told. “Mard knows they’re the future of Edmund.” 

“And you let them sink this much?” She wasn’t happy. 

“Girsden poured their cups” the guard raised his hands to surrender. 

“That succubus” she sneered. “Still has a thing for these young…” The woman stopped herself from saying more. “Leave us!” she ordered.

This woman stood before the young lot for a while. But her eyes had calmed. She had this warm golden glow about her. At least that’s how Humpty saw her. Did Showzy noticed that too? He was drawn to her as well. There was something caring about her gaze. As if the lot were her children. Whatever that meant. 

Pony sat up and noticed her as well. Why was she just standing there watching them? 

“The Young Tridents…” she said to herself. There was soemthing soft and comforting about the way she watched them. But what did she just say? 

“Sip! The aid, boys” she gestured to the steaming cups. Aid, was it? Humpty smelt the cup. Herbal. The sip was a little bitter, but refreshing. He didn’t realize he was so thirsty. It was damn hot, but it felt like it was going to help, he hoped. But what about Dieh. Humpty got up to help him… Well, as he tried to help sit Dieh upright, Dieh shot straight up. 

“I’m still good, Hurlians!” the way Dieh’s eyes wondered all over the place at nothing said otherwise. Humpty carefully handed him the hot cup. 

“Are you good?” Vaice called out. Even he wasn’t looking at anything in particular. 

“Yeah.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah!” 

“Then why’s your cup still full?” Vaice took another sip as Showzy held his cup up for him. 

Dieh grabbed the hot cup off Hupty and felt the heat. But he shrieked it off with a grunt and cheered. “Hah rah!” 

“Hah rah!” Vaice grabbed his hot cup too. The idiots downed the steaming brew. Their throats weren’t so accepting of that. 

“Take it easy, you lads” a gentle voice told them. “Come to my house. You can rest properly there.” 

Her house? Who was this lady? Why was she helping them? She came over to Humpty. She bobbed down and held both his hands gently. Tenderly. Just like her eyes. And her soft smile. Comfort. All you could do is witness her grace. Why did she tend to Humpty? Her touch matched her soft face and peaceful, green eyes. 

As she began to pull him up, Humpty made sure he stood. He didn’t want to be rough on his grip, lest he hurt her gentle hands. 

“Come on, boy. Let’s go.” She took his hand to lead him. Humpty looked back to the other four. There were other women with them. Beautiful woman, younger and finer than this woman. Where did they come from? They each helped the other four up. They took Showzy and Pony by the hand to lead them. But Dieh was not steady and put an arm around his girl’s shoulders. She laughed at him and helped him up. Vaice was just as unsteady and did the same. 

Someone was standing behind them all. No. Two somebodies. These somebodies were too close. But the way they stood. Guarding. They wore black breeches under their nice white shirts. Humpty looked back to his merchant robed woman. There was another white shirted guard beside her. An elf. Though his long hair was tied back, it was too black and too straight. The elf seemed to be waiting for the woman. She watched over everybody. And when ready, she began to tow Humpty and the others elsewhere.

---

The music here was much easier than the last place. Slower. Calmer. Sweeter. Maybe this house was the right place to rest. There was still barely any light in here too, only small lamplight at each table. But not games here. No, it was something else. The people at the tables… They weren’t messily in each other’s mouths or bodies like all the lustfulness outside. There was a gentleness. Much like the merchant woman still towing Humpty along. She would pull him along, and he’d make sure he followed, lest she’d let go. Humpty didn’t care that the others were being care for by those younger, finer woman. No. She choose him. And he appreciated everything about her. Did it matter where she was taking him? It still hadn’t reached the 24^th bell yet, Humpty saw on a wall clock. Lucky! 

She continued to tow them past all the tables and the bar. Thank the Father above. Humpty’s back was aching. Almost as if cups ended long ago. At least where they were going was going to be peaceful. They headed up a stairway just like at that gamehouse. Weren’t the others coming too? They weren’t behind. But it would be okay. This place was safe. 

The room Humpty and the woman entered seemed more important than the other rooms along the way. Early inside was a large table with many books, quills, a well decorated chest, and a grand lamp that was the only one lighting the room. A half open curtain divided this room in half. Behind the curtain, the biggest bed humpty had ever seen. The whole pack would have fit easily. Was this her bed? To the side was an even bigger open wardrobe. Endless pieces of clothing hung. 

Luckily, there was one more lamp in here. A strange lamp. A shadowy shade of red lit this half of the room. It matched the lovely scent of blooms. Sweet and clean. Cups not evident in the air, like downstairs. 

She had Humpty hop on to the bed. Firm, in a comfortable way. Just like this strange lamp. The light did something to her look. More shadows and less tones. It made her look even more like a woman. A gorgeous woman. Her touch. So soft. So soothing. Her leg beside him as they sat. The way she loosened his shirt. The way she leaned on him to get a better reach. This was truly happening, wasn’t it? Humpty could tell. He felt it. In his body. He wanted to feel it. To feel her. To feel her feel him. This was truly happening. Was he too young? He didn’t care. She didn’t care. He turned to see her. Her face was too close to his to see properly. Only her lips, seemingly sweeter in this red shine. A passion trembled through his body, through his veins. Numbing, yet soothing. Her lips. They’d be the first thing he’d try. Wait! What did she say? To take off his dress? 

“Come on, young knight” she urged softly. “Let’s get you into some cleaner wares.” She then stood up. Where was she going? She began to unbuckle at her coat and undo the buttons. Ohh… She gave him a shy sort of smile. He knew it meant not to look. Humpty had enough respect to give a female that! She moved off to put away her hard coat. When she returned she had several piece of clothes in hand. 

“Here. Get changed into these” she handed him the clothing. “I’ll come back soon. So just get changed and rest here for now.” 

Humpty wasn’t sure what was happening. Was she going somewhere? Didn’t she already take off her coat? Why was he to change his clothing? Was there proper clothing for when it actually happens? He’d never done it before. She saw Humpty was stunned and silent. 

“I’m going to check that your company are all well.” She then looked at something below his waist and made a cheeky grin. “Oh, my young knight. How sweet of you.” Did she blush? 

She saw it, didn’t she. She saw him. Humpty grew shy at that. 

“Look. You relax yourself. I’ll be back.” And off she strutted, in her breeches, boots, and fit shirt, much like the elf guard that Humpty noticed before. 

Humpty hoped she’d be back soon. She was something to behold. Was it actually going to happen? Humpty wasn’t sure. And she noticed him. How embarrassing. But she told him to change his dress. Was this how it was supposed to happen? Might as well get changed and wait for her. 

It seemed like forever waiting for her to return. These clothes he had put on, they were soft, loose. Seemingly best to wear to relax. And her bed. The cushions were something Humpty never felt before. Soft, fluffy, yet steady. Almost as if it were her nursing his head. Did he just doze off to sleep? 

She returned to the room with that elf fellow behind her. Apart from the green ribbon around her neck, both of them wore white shirts on black breeches. Only her shirt was more fit and lady like, and her tall boots made her seem ready to ride some hooves. Their entry caused Humpty to sit up. 

“Some zale brew. Oil blam. And maybe a snack for us” she ordered. The elf gave her a polite nod and left. 

After sorting her parchment and books, she came around to check on Humpty. 

“How are you feeling?” 

“I’m good” he didn’t know what to tell her. 

“That’s good. Just lay back and relax.” She sat beside where he lay. 

There she sat right beside him. Close. But not close enough. Humpty wanted her touch. Why didn’t she comfort him like she did before. All she did was sit there and watch over him. She gave him the same eyes as she did back at the gamehouse, a golden glow about her air. 

They remained still there like this for a long while. All she would do was look over him. Humpty didn’t know whether to look back or not. The silence between them began to grow uncomfortable. What were they doing: What was he doing? Why was he here again? He was supposed to be doing something, right? This uncertainty…. He had to sit up. This startled her. 

“What are we doing here?” Humpty asked. 

“We’re resting now” she smiled. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.” 

“I’m okay, my lady.” Was it right to address her as that? 

She giggled. “Oh, my young knight. I’m no lady.” 

After a moment, Humpty had to ask. “Who are you?” 

She smiled playfully and looked aside. “I’m just some woman here in Trough.” That didn’t seem to do her justice. 

“Are you a merchant?” Humpty remembered her coat. 

“We could say that.” She gave it a thought. “I am surely involved in commerce, so we’ll just say that I am a merchant.” 

“Your coat looks like a merchant’s coat… my lady…” How was he supposed to address her? 

“Please. Don’t call me lady, my young knight” she giggled. “You can just call me Diasin.” 

“Diasin. I like your name” Humpty told her. 

“You do?” 

“It reminds me of our big sister.” Humpty thought about her. And how she always took care of the pack. And she’s exactly why the pack were taking care of things. Humpty now remembered why they were in Trough. 

“What’s her name, my young knight?” Diasin placed a comforting hand on Humpty’s leg. Her touch was gentle. Humpty almost forgot her question. 

“Her name is Diasel” he told her. That’s right! Diazel. That’s why the pack was here. They had to make things right for Diasel. 

“Diasel? Almost like Gizelle. Hmm…” she thought to herself. “You’re right, my young knight.” She put both hands on his leg. “Her name is just like mine.” Diasin gestured for Humpty to move over to make room for her. Then she encouraged him to lay back. Beside him she laid back as well. “Tell me more about her. I’ve not heard her name before.” 

Humpty couldn’t help himself. It was so nice to relax beside Diasin. It felt like she was now closer than ever. 

“Well, she always looked after me and the Pack. Made sure we had something to eat, somewhere to eat, somewhere to stay when the skies were too wet for us to rest. We never understood why. But she told me it’s because we’re neighbours.” 

“She sounds like the sweetest sister.” Diasin couldn’t hold back her gentleness in her expression. “I’m honoured to share such a similar name to her. I’m surprised I’ve not heard of her yet. Is she young?” 

“She reached her transitions maybe 7 harvests ago” Humpty told. “I think that’s much much older she is to us.” 

“Oh, she is quite young.” Diasin looked out to imagine. “She must be beautiful.” 

Humpty always found Diasel to be so pretty. It was something to do with her caring nature. It was a different prettiness to Diasin’s. Diasin was… desireable – for lack of a better word. Humpty saw Diasin cozed up right beside him and knew he just wanted to be even closer. Something about Diasin made Humpty want to be with her even more. To have her for himself. 

Diasel was surely pretty, be she had an innocent beauty he wanted to protect. A lone bloom upon a thorny bush that he’d never pick. He’d instead make sure she bloomed to her fullest. And that’s why the Pack came down to Trough. 

Right! That’s why the Pack was here! 

“She is beautiful, isn’t she” Diasin said discoveringly. The realizaton in her voice, and the way she now watched over Humpty almost caught him off guard. He was too deep in his thoughts. “I’d love to meet her.” 

“Meet Diasel?” this realy caught Humpty off guard. Humpty wasn’t sure if he wanted to bring anybody to Diasel. Esepcially someone he barely knew. But strangely, Humpty also wasn’t sure if he wanted to bring Diasin to anybody he knew. There was something inside that made him feel that he was not ready to share her with anybody else just yet. But why? Vaice and Showzy would be okay, he thought. They’d understand. But the rest of the Pack… What was this feeling?” 

“Yes. Our sweet Diasel.” Diasin took hold of Humpty’s hand. “Look. You don’t have to introduce me anytime soon if you’re worried. There’ll be plenty of time in the future.” That was reassuring. Humpty felt that he should eventually introduce Diasin to Diasel. Or was he introducing Diasel to Diasin? Did it matter? Wait! The Pack was here because of Diasel. Why did he keep forgetting? Humpty sat up. Why was he busy cozing up with Diasin? 

“Is everything okay, my young knight?” Father above, her concern was so sweet. She grasped his hand a little tighter, he face worried he’d leave. How could Humpty even think of leaving her. He wouldn’t. 

“I’m okay, Diasin.” Why did he sit up again? Right! The others. “Where are my mates?” 

“Oh. They’re all fine” she reassured. “They’re here. Don’t worry. The girls are making sure they’re okay.” That was comforting to know. Wait! Humpty had to be sure. They had things to do here in Trough. 

“I want to see them” Humpty told. 

“They’re all fine, my young knight” she tried to reassure. 

“That means I can see them, right?” 

“We’ll go see them soon, okay?” she tied to ease him to lay back. 

“When? I don’t even know if they’re here.” Why was she not helping Humpty to check on the others? Who was she again? 

“You’ll see everybody soon.” She sat up and smiled. “Trust me. This is my house. Let the girls take care of them all. After that, we’ll go see everybody. You don’t want to catch them all half dressed, do you? So, please. Just ease yourself and…” 

“Why did I change into these garms?” Humpty intruded. He had to stay focused. Diasin was sweet. Too sweet. He was forgetting what was important. 

“You don’t like them?” She didn’t seem to be bothered. “You don’t have to wear them if you don’t want to. I just thought it’d be nice if you wore something more relaxing. Aren’t they nice and soft?” She wasn’t lying. These clothes were loose and soft. “Lie back, it should feel like they’re not even there.” She was right. These fabrics were so light, you could barely tell they were there. “I just thought it’d be easier to get you to relax. And to get you in the mood.” The mood? “We’re just waiting for one of the girls. She should be up here soon.” 

Diasin looked towards the doorway. Humpty could tell she was growing worried her plans were not in order. But Humpty didn’t want her to worry. The sweet lady. He just had to know where the Pack was. But… one of the girls? 

“Who’s this girl we’re waiting for?” Humpty saw her worried face as she stood up. 

“This girl?” she came back to hger senses. “Oh. She’ll be looking after you, my young knight.” 

“Oh…” Wait. Wasn’t Diasin already looking after him? “Why her?” 

“Don’t you worry, my young knight.” She eased Humpty to lie down. “She’ll know just how to make sure you’ll feel well.” 

Why did he need to feel well? “I’m fine.” Humpty stood up off the bed. This was getting frustrating. 

“You’ve had warts. The brew is too potent to be taken lightly. It’s best you relax, my young knight.” 

Humpty was from Stiquesyard. If he had a weakness, poisons was not one of them. Did she think that he couldn’t handle his cups? Silly woman. 

Humpty took a step, but his legs were nowhere to be seen. His stumble could have been aweful, but Diasin was there to catch him. Gentle she was, in her catch, but also in the way her hips felt. 

“You see. The poison works a little different than the usual cups. Are you okay?” She helped him stand. 

What was going on? Humpty didn’t feel deep in his cups. He wouldn’t say he felt sunk. Clear thoughts. No headache. No droziness. But where was his balance? 

“Come” She pulled him back down to the bed. “She’ll be here soon. Habe more of this brew.” 

What happened to his legs? At least Diasin was with him. Her scent. The way she looked in this light. He wanted her closer. His passion surely did. Not minding his passion was obviously there, Diasin sat him back down. 

How embarrasing. These soft short pants didn’t help to hide him either. 

Someone was entering the room. Diasin quickly pulled the blanket of the bed over Humpty’s… waist? He was grateful. 

Humpty still wondered who this girl was supposed to be. But it wasn’t a girl who entered. That elf guard returned with a tray holding several cups and bowls. With the tray on the side table, two cups steamed with a hot brew, but it smelt different to the hot brew at the gamehouse. More sour than herbal.  

The elf left the room, but in came a young woman. Her dress was quite short, showing her fine slim legs. And her lovely golden hair hung past her exposed shoulders. She was attractive. It was lucky Diasin bulled the blanket over him. But where was Diasin going? She stood up from the bed. 

“There she is” Diasin gestured this new girl toward Humpty. She sat beside him and ate some slice of fruit from a bowl on the tray. Holding a cup of the steaming brew, she sat up close to Humpty and passed him a cup. 

“Drink some” she smiled as she took a sip of her own. The brew had a strange sour yet familiar aroma. What was it? Bitter, almost like grass.  

Diasin saw his face. “It’s to help you relax. And clean your insides. Don’t worry. She’ll take care of you.” This girl wiggled a little closer to Humpty and lifted his cup more at his mouth to encourage him to drink. 

After a few gulps, she put his cup away. The she encouraged him to lie back on the bed and make some room for her. Why was she in such a hurry, rushing him into place? She let her self under the blanket with him. Hold on! Wasn’t Diasin goign to be the one who… Diasin was just standing there. But the young woman got even closer. She snuggled herself by his shoulder. Even Diasin didn’t get this close. Was it right? Then she grabbed at Humpty’s waist to pull herself even closer. It felt her hand move closer to where it shouldn’t have. 

He knew he thought Diasin was more beautiful, but this young woman wasn’t bad at all. What was about to happen? She slid her hand even closer. Humpty didn’t know if he was ready. But then she slid away, rubbing his bely in comforting motions. Passion was soaring. Humpty could feel it! But suddenly, his head felt heavy. Dizzy. Almost as if he was falling. Why now? Suddenly, she grasped at his passion. The numbing tingle of ectasy that soak through his body tensed him. Passion was the right word. All of his was now in her hand. But why was the feeling dulling. Almost as if he didn’t yet get to the full potential of his new urge. 

Sleep. His mind was drifting away from consciousness. Only the urge from below was keeping him awake. 

“Just relax” the young woman whispered in his ear. 

Humpty obeyed. It didn’t help as his mind faded off to rest. Humpty last saw Diasin’s golden glow gently watching over him. He could tell, she was caring, just like Diasel.