On The Road Again.

We rode from the castle at first light heading southwest stopping at a just before nightfall to set up camp. The next day we crossed the border which was easier then I imagined it would be. I guess I was expecting maybe some guards and a gate but that would have been easy enough to avoid. A few stopped us at the first town but the second Raven showed off some papers and explained she was escorting me to the capital they were quick to send me us own or way.

We stopped at the local tavern for a few drinks and a good nights rest before heading to the capital in the morning. What few humans I had seen in town all wore collars. I had been warned myself not to loose my paperwork proving I was here on business or I might end up with a collar of my own around my neck.

"So this town doesn't have a brothel?" Willow said taking a drink. We had picked a table far in the back away from prying ears.

"No. Where in to deep into the empire. Typically only the towns that deal in trade with the humans have entertainment for visitors." Raven shrugged.

"An elf is an elf." Sura teased. Neither would admit it but the dark and light elves cultures did share some similarities.

"So when we get to the capital any clue where I should start?"

"The finance minister. I can get you an audience. If anyone knows about the gold it would be him and he isn't exactly the most noble of people when it comes to money. He isn't dumb enough to betray the empire but I am sure you will figure out the rest yourself. I will be busy with my own problems for the first few days we get back. The high magistrate will assure that. He doesn't like my sudden promotion." Raven said. She had explained what she was doing but I knew it was always her style to tell me only half of the truth. The Syndicate had always been a necessary evil in the empire who as long as they paid the bribes to the right people they were allowed to operate without interference but they had grown to big and powerful for the empire to turn a blind eye any longer.

"Can't imagine why." Willow grinned.

"I can only provide so much help but I am sure I can dig up some information on what our dark elf friend is buying." Raven replied.

"We sure it isn't another army?" Sura asked taking another drink. She had been knocking them back all night but still seemed to be pretty sober considering.

"No. Least not of dark elves anyways. They sold maybe about only twenty percent of the orcs they had. If anything the Emperor will sit and wait for the war to be over. He would rather see both sides decimated and ripe for the picking before he moves openly. He is however happy to give you the tools to kill each other." Raven shook her head.

"Makes sense." Willow nodded.

"So we could face a second war after this one." I shook my head.

"One that will see both your people and mine dead by the thousands." Raven nodded.

"We will find out soon enough. I think we should call it a night." Willow shrugged.

"You want to go to bed this early?" Sura looked at Willow. It was dark out but the Tavern wouldn't die down for another hour.

"Bed yes. Sleep no." Willow grinned and looked at me.

"First thing you said that I can agree with." Raven smiled.

"You going to tie me to the bed again?" I should my head at Raven.

"Do you want me to?" She replied.

"Fuck it. I'm in. I did say if you got me drunk enough." Sura raised her cup and finished it off.