Raya had been relieved when Avri and the other volunteers had returned unscathed from their multi-day reconnaissance mission, but now she grew nervous once more. Ailo, Benn, and Avri had reported on several sergeants, captains, and a single Commander that was willing to meet with Raya. Now, on their trek across Ith to make the meeting, Raya’s anxiety was growing once more.
The only neutral ground that the City Watch and Raya’s group could agree upon was in the Low Dales, out of reach of all three factions. Unfortunately, reaching it required a crossing of several other neighbourhoods.
That morning, Raya and her friends spent nearly an extra hour hiding from heavily-armed Delivered patrols. They took such a winding route through Massed Alley that Raya grew uncertain of their location. Unharmed, but slightly bedraggled, her small escort reached the edge of the Low Dales and picked up their pace to reach the meeting.
A vineyard on a hilltop made for a comfortable setting as chosen by Commander Ramas of the City Watch. He was one of five officials that filled the Advisory. After Raya’s hectic path through the suburbs, Ramas and his entourage were impatiently awaiting her arrival. As requested, he had brought only four accompanying—and unarmed—comrades.
Raya brought Axar, Ailo, Dondar, and Avri. Thankfully both Axar and Avri had agreed to the escort without complaints about one another. When Commander Ramas invited them to sit, Raya introduced herself simply. “I’m Raya,” she said.
“I’m Axar, one of her advisors,” added the magician.
Commander Ramas, identified by a long blue robe, took Raya’s hand politely and bowed his head to Axar. He gestured to two of the men with him: “These are Sergeants Utrin and Veraclese.”
Then, the various delegates were seated beneath a tall cedar tree. Raya glanced down the hill, toward a wagon rolling along the cobblestone road, before comfortably returning her gaze to the City Watchman before her.
“What’s this about?” Commander Ramas asked, right to the point. He had a narrow face and a thick brown moustache. “Your… spies mentioned that you wanted to discuss peace for your group.”
Raya nodded. “Our group is not trying to cause trouble in Ith. Is there any way we can come to a truce with the City Watch? I would like to avoid violence between our groups.”
“I hate to see unnecessary bloodshed.” Ramas looked uncomfortable in the simple wooden chair; it was his posture not his class that caused this distress. Awkwardly leaning forward, the soldier continued, “But before we can deal with the slave uprising, we must enforce the law. My fellow guards and I want to see Domeran pay for what he did to my brothers in the Norzeen District. Your group has done as he has and killed guards to liberate friends.”
“Only when absolutely necessary,” Raya said, drawing a bitter smirk from one of the sergeants. “We aim to incapacitate, not murder. Our goal is the freedom of those who deserve it.”
Ramas’ expression grew even more pained. “Be that as it may, I cannot ask my guardsmen to observe the law in one capacity and not in others.”
“Many of our peers disagree with even the principle of freeing slaves,” Utrin pointed out. The Sergeant’s smug expression looked accustomed to humour, but was forced into a gaze of earnest pity. “We cannot change that system any more easily than the law.”
Ramas spoke up again: “Is it possible for your group to move away from the borders of the City Watch? Perhaps fall out into the Low Dales or disperse altogether?”
Raya shook her head. “We considered our location carefully. Nor will we disperse.”
“Perhaps,” began Axar, “you can convince your guards to focus on the gang first. We are of little threat to you and do not stand in the way of an offensive against Domeran’s territories.” Raya nodded in agreement.
“I can try,” Ramas assured them. “To be honest, I had resigned that your small group would be an unavoidable casualty, so I had not suggested any reason to delay that. My peers on the Advisory voted against your group first, as Domeran’s gang controls the most ground, right now. I will suggest we target our real enemy, but at some point, the ‘debt’ will come due. Aiding the City Watch against Domeran, no matter how small your contribution, might be the only means to support a pardon for your group.”
Raya eyed Ramas carefully. The Commander spoke clearly and truly did seem to understand Raya’s plight. She worried the Advisory could turn this same logic into a sort of blackmail. That’s paranoia, Raya thought. She had to give Commander Ramas a chance to earn her trust. “I understand,” she replied, “but how could we assist against Domeran’s gang?”
Ramas glanced at his sergeants and then turned back to Raya. “I suggest we meet again in a week or two. I will speak with the Advisory and implore them to address our real enemy. Domeran butchered our men in the Norzeen District—there is no reason we should butcher a small group of civilians before addressing his significant threat. If it goes according to plan, I will have more insights for you when we meet next: strategies, warnings, whatever I can.”
“Thank you,” Raya said, and smiled to Axar. The magician gave her a nod in return. Turning back to Ramas, Raya considered asking him about his goals for Ith’s future. But she needed to learn if she could trust him first. “We will await your news cautiously. I trust you’ll understand.”
Ramas nodded. “All too well,” he said. As they stood up, he winced and indicated his cramped back. “I was once, literally, stabbed in the back after all,” he added to his first remark. He offered his hand again and Raya clasped it.