Anthin languished in the cell, as near as he could tell it had been four days since his arrival. Long boring days, there was only so much prayer and meditation a man could fill his time with. His only real sense of time’s passage came from the sparse meals delivered through a slot in the bottom of his door, two a day. The food while lacking in quality was at least consistent.

  He wondered at the recent developments in Wayra. Why were they detaining non citizens, why all the questions about foreign governments? Also why were his papers from the Church declaring him a valid member of the clergy so easily discounted?

  Wayra had a long history with the Church, a very mutually supportive one. Like all the four realms, Wayra was founded in the darkest of times almost three thousand years ago. Records from then were sparse at best with the most comprehensive being the Book of Witness. The story of Wayra’s formation was a celebrated event in the Church’s history.

  With humanity’s population devastated by war and the revered Veliar on the cusp of extinction the first Witness; a soldier named Mander, carried testimony of the great deed of Sayoshti’s Sacrifice all through Etrusia. He was guarded by the remainder of Sayoshti’s personal guard as he beseeched the people to spread the word. Among his earliest followers was a man named Wayra. Wayra was fervent in his support, learning all he could and aiding Mander for years before taking a group of refugees east. They crossed the Basin Desert, a difficult task for those prepared, a brutal overcoming for those such as Wayra and his followers. Under harsh conditions with little in the way of supplies they’d trekked across that dessert for three months.

  Many that followed Wayra into the desert did not live to see the other side. Those who did persevered, taking solace in Wayra’s firm leadership. They proclaimed their Faith in Sayoshti’s Spirit. They fought the desert as their friends and relations had fought against the forces of Despair and they came through to the other side. They found a home. A place to build with ample resources and thus Wayra the country was born and had remained steadfast with Wayra’s conviction and faith in Sayoshti and the words of Witness Mander.

  Anthin felt a renewed sense of faith himself recalling the story. It was among his favourites, one of true human spirit and how strength in faith can overcome insurmountable odds. Of course he’d paraphrased it even in his own mind yet it helped him nonetheless. He did wish his captors had left him his saddlebags so he’d have his copy of The Book on hand.

  Some hours later there was sound at his door. It was too early for a meal as far as he could tell. The door was opened to reveal the same guard who’d escorted him some days ago. “Come with me...” was all he got in the way of conversation as the guard turned and led him back to the interrogation room. He was put inside and told to wait.

  After a few minutes spent idly wondering what new indignation was in store for him, the room’s single door opened again. This time there was no Wayran official or military officer, rather a familiar face. Edwyne Rethmore.

  “Edwyne!” The joyous exclamation was out and Anthin was on his feet, clasping hands with his old friend. “You got my message.”

  “Anthin, good to see you! No worse for wear by the look of things. Yes I got your message. I do wish you’d sent me one before leaving the Citadel, I’d have told you not to bother coming here.” Edwyne’s face was troubled beneath his clear happiness at seeing Anthin

  “What in Sayoshti’s good name is going on around here?”

  “It’s best we don’t talk about it openly. I’ll fill you in on what I know when and where we have you safe.”

  Anthin nodded in agreement. “So what now?”

  “Now. I’ve secured your release, under my ward but release just the same. Sorry I would have been here sooner but I only got your message yesterday and there are certain ‘procedures’ involved in getting access to this place.”

  “I see. I hope they didn’t put you out too much. I’m grateful and can assure you the Church will reimburse you.”

  “No matter. What's important is that it's done and you can leave in my company. Come.”

  They exited the room with Edwyne leading Anthin. The pair approached a desk with an officer sitting behind who barely looked up, disinterested by his expression. Beside the officer on the floor were Anthin’s saddlebags. They had a lumpy, tousled look as if they’d been carelessly emptied and refilled.

  “Good day Sir.” Was all Edwyne said to the man, reaching out and handing him a small purse. They then carried on. Anthin stooped to reclaim his packs, hefting them to his shoulder once more.

  “Excuse me Sir, but where is my sword belt?” He asked the officer.

  The man looked up again with a disgruntled turn to his countenance. “Only citizens can bear arms in the city, by order of the Governor. You can apply to have it returned to you on your departure” It was the only answer he cared to give on the matter so Anthin and Edwyne carried on.

  As they walked the streets of the warehouse district Anthin noted the sombre crowds and quiet in the air. All cities had a hum about them. The sounds of daily life as those that lived and worked in them just existed. Much of those sounds seemed to be missing in Wayra. People were out and about. A deal less than Anthin expected in such a large city and notably even fewer not of Wayran birth. Those that were around went about their tasks subdued with heads down. A few times Anthin thought to broach his observations with his companion. He was reluctant to break the silence though and Edwyne’s prior words of caution brought him up short each time.

  He’d first met Edwyne years ago in Dimabri City. At the Cathedral where Edwyne was negotiating the sale of a rare crystal cross to the Church. He was at the time the foremost trader of goods made from the rarest gems in Etrusia, the Basin Crystal. He also dealt in other things. Mostly antiques, including some items purported to be of Veliar origin. He and Anthin shared a love for Veliar history. As much as was known anyway.

  The two men had bonded over that and their friendship had endured for many years at a distance. They wrote to each other often, sharing information on Veliar history that one of them had managed to uncover. Once Anthin had even led Edwyne into the Westwood on an expedition to Veliar ruins. Of human minds Anthin’s opinion of Edwyn’s was that it was unmatched, the same held true in opposite regards.

  They arrived at Edwyn’s shop and entered through the back up a flight of stairs. He lived above in an apartment that did not reflect his standing. He was one of the most profitable merchants in the city. Anthin suspected it was a ruse to forestall anyone looking to steal from the owner of the shop downstairs. Inside however was a small yet opulent space where rich furniture and rugs filled rooms and shelves of books lined the walls.

  “Welcome to my home. Leave your bags by the door and sit.” Edwyne gestured to a breakfast nook in the corner with two comfortable looking chairs at the table. “Are you hungry, some tea maybe?”

  “What? Yes, some tea would be nice. Thanks.” Such creature comforts as tea and good food were something Anthin had missed in his captivity. Though only a few days in duration it felt to have been forever.

  He sat while his companion busied himself in a kitchen off the main room content to just rest. Anthin drifted off, eyelids heavy and head nodding down to his chin. He hadn't slept well while in the cell. The pallet was hard and the mattress lumpy, he’d also been restless with vaguely recalled dreams there. He came alert when his friend returned with a tray of tea.

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  “Now. What brings you to Wayra?” Edwyne asked, pouring for Anthin. The question seemed innocuous yet Anthin was reluctant to share the details outside of the Church’s influence.

  “Part business, part personal.” He replied in a vague way. “I had some things to look into in the area. While I was here I was hoping to drop in on you and some other acquaintances.”

  “I know enough not to press you on Church business. I would hazard a guess given how things are in Wayra right now. I’m touched you’d think to stop and see me.”

  “How could I not? You're the only person I can hold a good conversation with.” Anthin chuckled.

  “Oh, come now. We share common interests and that's all. There’s plenty of intelligent conversationalists in Etrusia. I’d wager some that could even hold a flame to one such as yourself.”

  “Surely.” Anthin replied smugly. “I do find that the subject counts, and there is none alive with your knowledge of ancient things.”

  “Flatterer. How are your two wards doing?” Edwyne had met the boys several times and they had left an impression. To them he was like an uncle that they only saw occasionally.

  Anthin dove into this subject. Talking of Dav and Tanisin’s growth and achievements since last they’d met, their most recent years and training. He divulged that Dav was now on his pilgrimage and Tanisin accompanying him as a Corp’s guardian. Edwyne noted the pride evident in the way Anthin spoke of them.

  “Not boys any more! They’re young men now ready to take on the world!” Edwyne was himself elated at their progress and aptitude. He was not surprised they’d grown to be the men they were proving to be. It was no mean feat raising two orphan boys even more so balancing the life of a Brother Anointed. Anthin had done well and Edwyne was happy for his friend.

  “Enough about me. How have you been? It’s been what..? Three years since we last met.”

  Edwyne filled Anthin in on the last little while in his life, not much had changed for his friend. He still plied his trade, profitable. Still a bachelor he confided wryly and still had the ear of some with influence in the city. Eventually talk shifted to current events.

  “You’ve chosen a bad time to visit, old friend.” Edwyn told him.

  “Tell me about it. I’ve never heard of anyone barring Church officials from entry within the four realms. I’m worried about many things I’ve been told lately regarding Wayra.”

  “Yes. Tell me what you do know. It will make it easier for me to fill in the gaps.”

  “I know foreigners are under detention, that there's an illness spreading. I have heard of a change in power centred here in the capital. I’ve also heard and I daresay can’t put any validity to it, that said power transfer was Church sanctioned. I intend to get to the bottom of that rumour.”

  “That may be more difficult to achieve than you think.” Edwyne looked at his friend, concern was plain on his face. He held up a hand to forestall further questions and began filling his friend in on events. As many of them as he was privy to.

  “There is an illness, though how severe I can’t say. It hasn’t spread throughout the city YET. But folks have died, bodies taken and burned right away.”

  “A plague perhaps or something unknown?” Anthin asked.

  “Unknown as of right now though I expect it will get worse as these things tend to do.” Edwyne made a sign to ward off evil. “The governor, Tylaius, has been toppled. By a coup spearheaded by General Wrenten Falmar and by all appearances Church sanctioned.”

  Anthin set the record straight for Edwyne. “Interesting. The Citadel has no word on it nor is there any indication from my superiors that they approved it.”

  “ It was sudden. A little under a year ago with no warning or sign of discontent beforehand.” Edwyne continued. “Many thought it to be a power grab by a powerful man with the whole of Wayra’s military backing him. It was done before anyone was even aware it was happening.”

  “Who spoke for the Church in this matter, Prestache?” Anthin queried.

  Edwyne nodded. “The proclaimers were out the next day and notices were posted on all the boards around the city bearing Prestache’s signature. That there was no warning was not entirely accurate. The signs had been there just no one was looking.” If Edwyne could pinpoint it he’d say it was four months prior to the coup when Enlightened Prestache claimed that some illness was present in both the Cathedral and the Palace. With the two buildings being side by side he cut them off from the city, closing the doors and posting guards, both Wayran and Corps at first, to keep people away.

  He continued. “After that communication into and out of the Cathedral and the Palace had come through intermediaries or messengers. The council was barred from entering and everything since passed by written edict. Highly unusual as the council ran the day to day. Everyone accepted the word on the illness and the assurances from officials that things were being dealt with. Those buildings remain closed still.”

  “A screen to hide what was really happening.” Anthin thought aloud.

  “Next came the reassignment of all Corps troops in the city, they were sent to outlying posts. The official explanation was that there was some new threat in the Basin. The only exception were members of Enlightened Prestache’s personal house guard. Many of the clergy in the city were sent with them as well leaving Prestache alone in the Cathedral. Again the public was assured all was well and things were being dealt with.” Though Edwyne suspected the manoeuvring was cover for the eventual coup, that the plans were made and being carried out even then.

  “After that General Falmar led four legions into the city from the countryside! One through each gate and headed by officers loyal to only him.” Edwyne explained. “Falmar’s father and grandfather had been ranking officers in the military. His grandfather was a noted hero of the Bayamack border skirmishes a generation ago and Falmar’s troops were loyal to a man. He took the city without a single blow, not one death. Just marched his legions to the very doors of the Palace and was admitted without question.”

  “It’s admirable he took the city without killing anyone.” Observed Anthin. “Such a move would keep the populace on his side and reinforce the reasoning.”

  “The deaths came after!” Exclaimed Edwyne. “First was Tylaius. No one had seen him in months and the populace had taken the official word at face value. The official claim was that Tylaius had died from the illness. Falmar’s purpose and that of his legions was to maintain order in the face of uncertainty.”

  “Again, reinforcing the need and methods. Falmar is a step ahead.”

  “ He seems to be.” Agreed Edwyne. “Falmar then summoned the council. Of the five members summoned only three had been seen publicly since. No statement has been released so far, though I expect the same reasoning behind it.”

  “We can assume Falmar’s getting rid of any who disagree with him or who would seek to undermine his authority.”

  “I agree. Some citizens have not been heard from in some time now, it’s been months. Most had political ambitions of their own or were otherwise involved.”

  “And what of the public opinion now with these disappearances?” asked Anthin.

  “Oh people are worried, and some with greater fear than others have gone to ground. Better to hide than ‘disappear’ But generally the public doesn’t seem to care who's in charge.”

  “People are easily distracted or indifferent if their lives don’t change too much.” Anthin Observed. “When did they start detaining new arrivals to the city?”

  “Not just the city, the whole country. Land crossings too. There are detention centres at all the major border posts. Word came from the Palace after they summoned the council. Foreigners within the country were to depart Wayra with any that failed to do so being detained as well as any new arrivals.”

  “With what justification?

  “None that I’ve heard.” Admitted Edwyne. “There's some that agree with it, the usual Wayra is for Wayran’s types. You can find that sort in any of the realms. Others filed complaints regarding lost workers and family that had been detained. Everything seems to stop dead at the Palace gates though. Some have been released like yourself, under strict supervision and limited movement. I was told to give you this by the officer.” He handed Anthin a parchment. It was a draft proclaiming Anthin to be released under recognizance and preventing him from leaving the merchant district.``

  “Interesting. I’ll be honest with you now.” Anthin told him. “I’ve been sent here by the Church to investigate the lack of news both from the government of Wayra and Enlightened Prestache. You’ve given me much to report on and much to look into. Do you think you can arrange to get my report to the Citadel undetected?”

  “I can, yes. They search the outgoing packets but I have the means.”

  “Excellent. I’ll have it ready in the morning.

  It had grown dark during their conversation and Anthin was eager to get some sleep. He bade his host goodnight and retired to the spare room. The conversation had brought as many questions as answers, but he knew now that many of the rumours were true. First thing was to try and gain admittance to the cathedral. He’d try official channels in the morning. Failing that he knew of another way.