Vunor nodded to the sailor and carefully got into the small boat, trying not to cause too much of a disturbance. He closed his eyes and concentrated as the boat began to depart for the vessel. In the meantime, a small drop of blood hit the deck of the small boat.
---
"Yeah they might be... weird. Back that's part of the fun! Going on this bizzare adventure that's out there!" Nita muttered before perking up. "I know you're more comfortable staying here, but what would I do without my best friend? We always did everything together, remember?"
"H-Hello, i-if I may ask, w-were you talk-king about a-airships just n-now?"
Suddenly, a voice squeaked out meagerly next to her. She turned her head to meet the gaze with that of a nervous rabbit next to her. She smiled sarcastically and stared with wide-open eyes, half irritated and half amused. She leaned in closer to speak. "Maybe I did... so?" she asks quietly.
"Excellent," replied Jäger with a smile. He let go of her hands and bowed slightly. "Thank you for the dance. It took longer than expected to finish," said Jäger while referring to the dance at Campo Diablo.
He turned towards Mesahri. "Petty Officer Mesahri, are you pleased with the accommodations? Would you like to visit the bridge?"
---
Lars chuckled and smiled. "I appreciate your enthusiasm. Do not worry, these books rarely get any love so it would be my pleasure if someone took their time to go through them all. They are arranged into three categories: military books, civilian books and scientific books. Each category is organized into an alphabetical order following the last name of the author."
After gesturing towards the three different sections while speaking Lars glanced at Therasmus. "I didn't catch your name."
Outside Fallstrom and Gavrilov listened with one ear. They didn't really expect anything to happen aside from a whole lot of talk about books.
"Ah, my apologies. I tend to forget my manners in these situations." the demon says, starting to hang the book back on the shelf where he found it. "I am Therasmus, and I will be sure to treat these volumes with the respect and care they deserve." As he speaks, several books begin to pull themselves off of the shelves and slowly open, a bit of a halo of tomes starts to form around his upper body as he peers down at them. Pages flip quickly as he puts a knuckle to his chin, now starting to absorb the information before him quite readily.
"Alphabetical order, last name of the author, yes..." Therasmus states, nodding in understanding. "Then that is how they will be returned."
Alma was intimidated by the bovine's wide-eyed stare, but when she leaned in and spoke, before she could speak, the goat lady next to her leaned in and spoke on her behalf.
"We were on board one earlier today, filled with nice enough humans," Isidora replied with the same quiet tone as Nita did, "Nice enough that we wouldn't like it if people spoke ill of 'em," she stated as she raised her eyebrows whilst squinting.
Nita recoiled internally from surprise, but physically she only moved her head back and blinked back to a normal gaze. "Oh, uh..." she said, somewhat embarrassed. "No. I didn't say anything 'bad' about them. I just need to get on board."
She looked back to Kitta, then back again to the two of them. "Maybe you can help us?"
Cattapoli, Revenant
"A guardian it is, then. The trapping and banishing part is a little more difficult, but your new protector should be able to manage some of the basics of that. I think I have someone proper in mind for you," Shalo said, stretching. "Viktor, we'll need some salt. I'll guide you through the summoning, captain, so don't expect to be able to do this by yourself. But there are some steps you must perform."
Mannfred nodded and called for a sailor to bring them some salt. It didn't take long for a man to arrive with a bag of the substance. The admiral cleared off the table, moving aside the cups, their caps, and Shalo's food, before drawing out a circle and some runes in salt. Shalo watched from nearby as he quickly set a summoning circle up on top of the table. It was clear he had experience with this kind of stuff. The salt in his hands was like paint for a painter. His hand moved expertly over the table, knowing exactly what to do without thinking. It only took a minute for the circle to be completed.
"Repeat after me, Krantz. Dost lo tiva," Shalo said, just as she had done for Jager. When he spoke the words the circle lit up with a sterile white illumination. It was a powerful light and staring near it was painful to the eyes.
"The circle is primed. Now speak this clearly: Harka Kyndreth Na'Veesta."
Once these words were spoke, the circle lit up even brighter to the point that one nearly had to shield their face. A mirror like surface appeared on the table, stretching over the runes drawn within and around the salt circle. A small breeze began to emanate from this mirrored surface as it rippled like water, before it got stronger like a window had been opened during a storm.
A shape started to emerge from within the circle, rising up out of this silver surface. It took only a moment to realize it was a figure sitting cross-legged, with their head bowed low and their eyes closed. They had short white hair and cream colored skin which darkened around their eyes and nose. They had a double set of small horns - two which stuck up from the forehead, and two which grew out the sides of their head and curled downwards. This demon was female, and they were wearing a simple red dress-like tunic along with a small grey cape. Their shoulders, arms, and hands were armored in light bronze which shined only slightly. The craftsmanship on this armor was rather fine. It was neither intricate, gaudy, or too simple. A good balance had been struck between aesthetic and usefulness, though it was curious that most of her body was apparently unarmored. Around the lower portions of her skirt were about a dozen wooden totems that were shaped vaguely like people. It appeared that they had bright yellow and red painted eyes.
Resting across the demon's lap was a large sword, devoid of any intricacies or embellishments. It was a simple straight blade that looked rather heavy, and it appeared to have a stone grip instead of a leather bound one. Judging from the way it looked, it could be wielded with both hands or just one.
Once the figure was fully emerged from the circle, the mirror-like surface disappeared and all light from the circle went away as if a switch had been struck. The air seemed a little energetic, like there was electricity coursing through it, making it seem like anything one touched would result in a small shock.
Slowly, the figure raised their head and opened their eyes. They were bright yellow - like Yarah's - but the pupils were shaped like diamonds.
"Kyndreth Na'Vessta. Maiden of the Martyred Order," Shalo said simply.
"Mistress Shalo Set'valam," the demon intoned back, still seated cross-legged on the table as she looked around. "I was in meditation. I... did not expect to ever be called upon again."
Her voice was smooth and fairly deep, with a curious inflection that wasn't quite human.
"I didn't expect to start summoning again so soon, either," the feline goddess laughed. "But it is not me you are serving. I am relinquishing your name to the man beside me. Captain Krantz."
The demon's eyes darted to Krantz, holding him in a stern gaze. "A captain? Doesn't look like a knight or footman. Nobleman? Sailor?"
"Sailor, though I don't know about anything else. You'd have to ask him," Shalo responded, glancing over at Krantz now.
"Kyndreth will be your lifeguard. Her Order is small but I became their patron so that they didn't have to squabble like common mercenaries. I rather liked her Knight-Mother. She is a respectable warrior, as are her kin. I think you'll be satisfied with her service."
The demon bowed low from her seated position to Krantz. She then outstretched her left hand, palm upwards.
"Place your right hand over hers," Shalo instructed. "Viktor, do the next part, please. I don't have hands myself."
The admiral smiled wryly. He reached out and removed the blue ribbon from Shalo's neck, and then tied it around Krantz's and Kyndreth's hand in a simple loose knot.
"Vidi in mortalis eternus," Kyndreth spoke solemnly. The admiral nodded for Krantz to say the same thing. Once he had done so, he untied the ribbon and removed it.
"An old tradition of the Vessta tribe. Its called the rah'matria. Or 'quick marriage,' loosely translated. You're not married in the way you think, so have no worry, its simply a part of her binding process. I think its one of the more quaint methods. Didn't require bloodletting, sacrifice, or copulation," Mannfred explained. "She'll be your lifeguard and shied maiden, as Shalo pointed out. She will protect you from all of your enemies until death in battle or dismissal through ritualistic suicide."
Niakoma, Blitzwave
The succubus watched Mesahri for the moment, wondering if perhaps the girl was playing with her or was simply as naive as she sounded. Perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to try and influence the girl, though the question still remained as to what she could use her for. Try to escape directly, or keep her master from falling to another?
"You're such a sweet, sweet girl," Yarah said with a too-friendly smile. "Very polite and principled."
She was still leaned in to the table, and she slid her hand slowly across it nonchalantly towards the bat girl. "You know, I have to sleep with and pleasure that man at anytime he demands, and lay with anyone he dictates. Its so terrible. Its all I'm around for," she lamented. "Every waking moment is torture. You'll help me out of this, right? Promise me?"
She flipped her hand over for Mesahri to take it, urging her to do so.
And then just a second later Jager spoke up to her, asking about seeing the bridge. She cursed quietly to herself and straightened up a little more in her seat so she didn't look so conspiratorial, though she kept her hand still on the table. If the damn girl wouldn't take her hand, she'd find another way. She was never good at this sort of stuff.
Cattapoli, Felis' House of Wine
"Nita, you're getting too far ahead of yourself. Its dangerous out there. How am I supposed to pay for pa and ma if I'm off adventuring like some silly boy? You remember what happened to Coel when he set off to explore the mountains. Foolish boy twisted his ankle," Kitta continued to protest.
She went quiet when a new comer showed up beside them, a small and stuttering Omaen. Kitta gave Nita a little look. Now she was bothering customers with her talk.
Before Mesahri could give an answer to Yarah, Captain Jäger was speaking to her again. She barely understood him, she was so wrapped up in her own thoughts. Apparently, the Mannfred Expedition was full of cultists, murderers, slave owners, and rapists, from the sounds of things. Perhaps she really was mistaken to have come. She thought of the ones from her village who had followed her and wondered if Fallensteller and her crew would attempt to force them to stay, just as Jäger was forcing Yarah.
But then she thought of Commander Schuster, the bonfire the previous night, and how quickly he had proven the open-mindedness of humans. That morning, he and the other officers had united in support of her kin, showing greater respect and trust than the other beastfolk of Cattan had shown in most of her lifetime. She thought of the delicious buffet she had just partook in, and how she would be welcomed to the Captain's table aboard the Zuflucht every night. She looked at the beautifully-crafted uniform made especially for her, and her dream of becoming a renowned tailor.
Besides, she thought, how much worse could Raum be than any of the other deities out there these people are praying to?
On the other hand, Yarah had nothing to look forward to except servitude to the Gothian captain. She had no one of her own kind to speak with, unless you counted that strange Therasmus fellow who loved to ramble on, and would need to hide her true identity from most of the fleet. It must have been a miserable life. "Oh, um, yes. This was an excellent meal, you're very kind, sir," Mesahri finally replied, a certain hesitation in her voice. "I'd love to see the bridge."
"This visit has exceeded our expectations. Had I been raised Gothian," Fallensteller added with a seductive flair, "I would be very proud to serve under a true man like you."
As soon as Jäger turned to Fallensteller again, Mesahri gave Yarah a secretive nod and took the demon's hand, intending to give a quick, reassuring squeeze before they left the table.
"She'll be your lifeguard and shield maiden, as Shalo pointed out. She will protect you from all of your enemies until death in battle or dismissal through ritualistic suicide."
Ritualistic suicide? I'd rather not have that on my conscious. Hell of a binding bond too. A quick marriage. I'm sure the others back at the Eisenstrasse will get a kick out of it. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Kyndreth. I look forward to working with you." said Krantz, with a smile and a bow. "My name is Edgar Krantz. You may call me either, or just Captain. Whichever you prefer. I'm a soldier, but I serve as the captain of a airship known as the Eisenstrasse." He wanted to at least show some professionalism with her, considering she was a knight.
Lars watched with fascination as Therasmus began to encircle himself with books. He smiled, nodded and walked over to the desk where he seated himself. "I'll be here if you need me."
---
Jäger cut Yarah a look. "Yarah my dear, rest your voice untill I say otherwise." He then smiled at Mesahri and Fallensteller. Placing a hand to his chest Jäger bowed his head slightly.
"I am glad everything has been to your liking. Now please, follow me."
After escorting Yarah up from her seat Jäger motioned for his guests to follow. After a short walk through three different hallways the party arrived at the bridge. It was a rather large room with three lines of consoles and seats at the front while communications, steering and the captain's seat were in the back to overlook it all.
Behind the captain's seat was a small door leading into Jäger's office and at the far fall wall of the room were numerous advanced screens and monitors providing an overview of the Blixtvåg.
Upon entering the room one of the sailor announced that the captain was present. Everyone straightened up inside their seats and Helmsman Smedberg turned around, smiled and got up from his seat.
"Captain," he said while saluting.
Jäger returned the salute. "Helmsman." He gestured towards the others. "This is Captain Sabine Fallensteller and Petty Officer Mesahri lf the Zuflucht. They're here for a visit and before it concludes they wanted to see the bridge. Mesahri here has never been onboard a submarine before."
Smedberg raised an eyebrow and looked at Mesahri. "This is your lucky day then, miss. We're in the middle of our weekly system's check. Everything but the submerging is done."
Jäger gestured at six empty seats next to the captain's seat. "Shall we?"
Alma pouted a tad at Isidora for jumping in like that, but at least it got the dovine to keep talking. She faced her once more after she inquired about help.
"M-Maybe. I-If w-we're seen, they m-may c-come down to see wh-what we want," the Umae said, before the Agios got involved once more.
"Speakin' of which, why do you want to get on board? We wanted to thank a few of their humans for their help last night, and they gave us a tour in exchange," Isidora asked, whilst also stating how they got on board.
"Well... I want to go on an adventure." Nita responded with a smile before turning back to Kitta.
"Nita, you're getting too far ahead of yourself. Its dangerous out there. How am I supposed to pay for pa and ma if I'm off adventuring like some silly boy? You remember what happened to Coel when he set off to explore the mountains? Foolish boy twisted his ankle.
"Trust me, Coel isn't the brightest but he'd come with me in a heartbeat if I asked. Besides, there could be things out there that would pay for your ma and pa tenfold, like treasure!" she continued before pausing for a moment. "Well, maybe you can even expand your customer base now. Have this airship captain order all the wine and tea he can bring on board!"
Isidora had a little giggle as Alma looked on curiously. The prospect of adventure was, admittedly, far from the minds of the vagabonds, who just tried to get through life, surviving, but the idea did get her curious, as it did for Isidora.
"Adventure, eh?" Isidora said with a smirk, "I don't know much about adventuring, as you could probably tell," motioning to her and Alma's clothes, which seemed rather destitute, "but anything to get out of our position would be a step up," she finished before Alma jumped in.
"W-What're y-you implying?" the rabbit asked nervously, not liking the goat's tone. Isidora placed her hand on the table in response and looked directly at Nita.
"How about it? We help you get on board for an adventure, and in exchange, you take us and the rest of our group with you," the goat proposed, "One could always use more pairs of hands, especially ones experienced in surviving the streets."
"Deal." Nita quickly said before Kitta could object her concerns further, putting her hand out for a shake. "I'm Nita, and that's my best friend Kitta."
Heading to the bridge, Mesahri didn't realize her emotions had been tampered with. As soon as she touched Yarah's hand, however, she had received a minuscule dose of the demon's magical influence. Walking along the corridors to the bridge, her opinions seemed to magnify: as little sense as it made to care so deeply about another ship's affairs while the Zuflucht was such a nightmare itself with Fallensteller in charge, Mesahri just couldn't shake the feeling that Yarah's predicament was an unforgivable injustice. By the time Jäger welcomed her to sit at the bridge, she was seething.
Fallensteller, however, was quite comfortable and fascinated by the tour. "And here I thought the Eisenstrasse was the height of modern technology. Haw! What a sight..." she said, beckoning Mesahri to sit. "If only the Zuflucht were such a true fighting ship, there might be excitement on the bridge there. I feel as if everyone else is riding a stallion while I'm left with a pack mule." She checked Mesahri's expression for surprise, fear, or envy, but the young bat seemed troubled about something entirely separate from the tour. A feeling in the pit of her stomach developed, and she cut a glance at Yarah.
Isidora quickly put her own hand out and shook Nita's before Alma could similarly object, since she knew that once the others find out about this deal, there will be no going back.
"Name's Isidora, and this here's Alma. Our group's over there," pointing with the thumb of her other hand towards their table, where six other people are seated, and where it seems a conflict was just nearly avoided, with a slightly weak looking wolf and a rabbit that looked older than Alma seemingly standing to keep the peace.
"Pleasure to meet both of yous," she said with a grin, as Alma just stood smeckledorfed.
"Likewise." Nita said as she looked at the table mentioned to her. A ragtag crew, sure... but they can definitely help. "When do you think you can get us all on board?" she asked inquisitively.
"You would be surprised, Mister Fontaine. For some years I have searched far and wide across the old world to discover connections and pathways to the arcane and unknown beyond natural philosophy. However, it seems this hidden sea holds everything I could have ever hoped of finding and much more. I implore you to abandon the mindset of the old world."
Tobey stopped and turned to Reginald, "Regarding all this, the accusations, mystic occurrences, Fallensteller, Mannfred... Everything about our current situation seems to indicate that we have yet to fully grasp what's at stake. Perhaps I could invite you over for dinner and divulge some convincing evidence?" he said with a grave tone despite his featureless expression.
---
The group shuffled Neustadt along, eventually leading her to a cabin with a heavy steel door. Barns motioned for her to go inside, while the rest of the group blocked her chances to exit.
Entering the room she could see it was modestly decorated, but didn't quite feel like a cell. It was more akin to some kind of personal quarters with a door that was locked from the outside.
Judging from the two chairs in the middle of the room, which were clearly out of place, it had recently been occupied.
"There's a paper an' pen in the desk. Ya best 'ave a good excuse for when the Cap'n get's back." he said in a stern voice whilst motioning towards the small desk in the corner.
"Aye. Cause after what ya done ta the Doc 'e might want us to clip ya." Jonesey piped up.
Barns rolled his eyes and turned to her, "If ye open yer cunt mouth outta line again I'll fuckin slap ya." he said in a low and threatening voice.
Jonesey shied away in the doorway and Barns turned towards Neustadt again, who was standing uncomfortably in the middle of the room with her four watchmen blocking the door.
"Write somethin down if ya want it said right now, otherwise we'll leave ya to it." Barns concluded, crossing his arms impatiently.
"Well, our table was having a toast to the airship we were on, the, ehm, Eisenstrasse?" Isidora tried to pronounce the ship's name, giving Alma a quick glance for some confirmation, yet only receiving a frustrated glare in response. She turned back towards Nita.
"Something like that, human speak is weird. Anyway, point is, more than half of us are intoxicated. Will take a few hours to at least partially sober up, so you should have enough time to gather your things and say your goodbyes," Isidora explained.
"By the way, to make sure we're clear here, you're talking about joining the brown-blackish airship and not the blue one with the eye in front of it, right?" she inquired.
"Yeah, that's the one that caught my eye in the harbor." Nita explained. "Meet back here in a few hours there?"
A few hours is really all she needed to collect the herbs, ointments and equipment she needed. And a little something extra too.
Isidora nodded.
"That works! See you then!" she said as she patted Alma on the back, indicating that they were heading back to their own table. As the two sat back down and told the other six what had occurred, Nita could notice the table get incredibly excited, with Nita and the goat man at the table not looking as thrilled.
Neustadt thought for a moment, the anger bleeding out of her again as the guards gave her some space. These people despise me, she thought. What can I even say for myself? Now that my voice is gone, maybe I can go back to the Zuflucht and see my friends again... But what if I can't restrain myself in front of them? What if they turn on me? What if I hurt someone? Sabine, you bitch... You should be the one caring for me. You should be the one fixing this, not me, not Captain Tobey...
She solemnly held up a finger when she had gathered her thoughts, eyes on the floor, and quickly moved to the desk to retrieve the pen and stationary pad. When she had finished scrawling a message out, she tore off the top sheet and held it out to Barns.
"Fallensteller, Tobey tricked me.
Dark ritual took my self control.
Severe pain + anger. Very sorry.
Thank you for not hurting me."
As soon as the paper was out of her hands, Neustadt went to the bed and curled up into a ball on top of it.
Barns took the note and slowly looked back up at Neustadt with a frown, but she had already made herself painfully at home.
"Sweet dreams" He concluded with positively monotone voice.
Barns pulled the door shut with a low clang, and Neustadt could hear the mechanism locking. There was chatter outisde the door, but slowly that also faded away.
Silkes only company now was the simple bed, the creaking walls and the slightly flickering lamp at the desk.
She was alone.
An invitation to dinner? This was new. 'What could you be planning, Tobey?' Reginald wondered. 'Do you know something that the rest don't?' Too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"Why not? My evenings have been terribly dull as of late. Could use a change in scenery and people." He did not share Tobey's grim tone. His was more upbeat. "There is some business I have to take care of on my own ship, but I'll gladly take you up on that offer."
---
Karam made his way to where the company men were standing. He saw his captain go on a walk with captain Tobey. That put an odd feeling in Karam's stomach. He had warned Fontaine about talking to him and it looked like his warning was ignored again.
He stood by the rest of the men, waiting for him to return so they could continue on with more pressing matters.
Jäger grinned at Fallenstellers remark but his smile quickly faded once he noticed the distance between him and Mesahri. "Something wrong, Mesahri? If you're not feeling well we can postpone the tour."
Mesahri looked at Jäger somewhat guardedly. "Are we about to go underwater?" she asked, trying to deflect. "I can't swim, you know. The idea makes me nervous."
Anyone could tell that there was something she wasn't saying, especially Fallensteller, who frowned at her officer. Remembering her handshake with Yarah before the tour began, she wondered whether something was said while the demon and her officer were seated alone at the table together. "Wilhelm, I think you should keep a closer watch over your diplomat. She has quite the handshake."
Cattapoli, Revenant
"I am honored to serve you, Captain Edgar Krantz of the Eissenstrasse," Kyndreth said in a low, serious voice. Her accent was fairly distinct, giving her speech a somewhat exotic flow.
The demon pulled herself off of the table. She placed her sword into a sheath on her back, which was open at the bottom and closed in around the middle of the sword. Her eyes looked over the room before they settled in on the door as the only entrance and exit, and she had already placed herself in a position so that she was between it and Krantz.
"She takes her duties very seriously," Shalo explained as Mannfred retied the bow around her neck. It was hard to tell the expressions of a cat, but it looked like she was smiling.
"Of course, unlike a few demons, she has no way of changing her physical appearance. Jager's succubus can do so, as can an incubus. She can perform some sorcery, however, mostly in the case of shielding and minor detection. Her sword can cut through projectiles, and her armor can stop some serious blows despite its appearance. Her athletics are unmatched. I wouldn't challenge her to a race or marathon," Shalo giggled.
"There is one final matter to discuss, captain," Mannfred added. "Murdoch and I, and undoubtedly Shalo, have pinpointed a brief divine spark originating around the Problem Child. The spark was only momentary, which leads us to believe that there was an entry of a divine being before they were able to shield themselves. Since it originated on the Problem Child, and Monsieur Yves has been having visions of the painter goddess Margaretta... it is logical to assume that he has brought her back into the world. I suspected he had become a target for her since he discussed his visions with me. I was not certain at first if his visions were truly divine or perhaps inspired from elsewhere, but I think this spark leads credibility to the possibility that another goddess as appeared in our midst. It is... remarkable that so many of the surviving gods have been rallying around us, but given what is at stake and the composition of this fleet, it seems inevitable to me."
"We all thought that Margaretta was likely dead," Shalo said. "The stories about her are interesting. She simply disappeared when Raum came for her. All her paintings were left behind and eventually destroyed, though its thought that a few still exist. And in fact, I believe one of them is an artifact that Viktor is looking for. But regardless, Margaretta's powers all lay entirely with her paintings. She's weak and prone to flight, and she certainly has no ability in a fight, but... well, she can paint worlds into existence. It was suspected that she may have fled into one, but it wasn't clear. If she truly has returned then that more or less confirms it."
Mannfred was silent for a moment. "We'll investigate the matter to see if it is truly her, but if she is pressured she may flee. She lived a solitary life in her tower."
"Anyways, that is all I needed to add. Is there anything else you need, captain?"
Niakoma, Blitzwave
Rest your voice until I say otherwise. That bastard, Yarah thought bitterly. She didn't know if he did that on purpose or not, but now she couldn't even speak. Rendered mute by a simple command. How ridiculous. Maybe his tongue would be a good prospect to cut off, just to show him what its like. Bastard.
Still, her little ploy had started off well enough. She only needed a brief touch on Mesahri to send her a little... feeling. Other demons may have had fancier and more flashier abilities, but she could still influence emotions and some sensations. After all, she was a succubus. She fed off of them. And since her master didn't realize the extent of her power, she had some room to play.
Mesahri's emotions would be unbalanced. Her sympathy for Yarah had been elevated considerably, and from there any dislike she had for Jager would have been magnified. She felt unhappy around the Gothian captain and a little uncomfortable with Fallensteller's apparent like for the man, despite her simply trying to string him along. It was possible it could erode some trust between herself and the captain, but some of the humans she had already met were wonderful and kind people. Perhaps Fallensteller was simply misled? The confusion from her emotions being tampered with was rather high. It was difficult to think straight.
It was a simple little trick to keep her more agreeable to suggestions... though Yarah was now mute by Jager's command. The spell wouldn't last forever, though it would linger for a day or two. That could still be enough to get her to take some sort of action, as minimal as it could be. Maybe she could convince Fallensteller to talk to Jager about the immorality of keeping Yarah as a slave? The thought flashed in her mind, though it was wrapped in confusion as was everything else.
Meanwhile, Yarah followed everyone along in complete silence. She noticed that perhaps she had been a little too carefree in messing with Mesahri, as the bat girl was a bit squirmy. It was clear that Fallensteller and the others were catching on, and then the woman and Jager even voiced it.
Unable to speak, the succubus simply put on a pained expression and shook her head, trying to garner some sympathy with some crocodile tears.
Cattapoli, Felis' House of Wine
Kitta said nothing as Nita spoke with the vagabonds over their plan. The lithe Niakoman looked very uncertain on going along with any of this, and she still had work to do.
"Listen, Nita, I need to get back to work. Don't wait up on me." And with that the other girl walked off with her tray, disappearing around a corner to the kitchen.
Her friend certainly seemed reluctant to go along and join up with the Eissentrasse, but perhaps she could still be convinced.
"Anyways, that is all I needed to add. Is there anything else you need, captain?"
Let's hope that we don't scare her off then. Krantz thought for a moment. Would Fontaine's chemical weapons hurt Kyndreth, since she's a demon? Hmmm...I'll have a gasmask made for her anyway. Just in case.
Finally, he spoke up. "I don't think being unable to disguise Lady Kyndreth's appearance will be a problem. In all honesty, I would expect Jäger to hide his succubus. As the Columbians would say, he'd use her as an 'ace in the hole'. As for Margaretta, we just have to take it slow. Yves will likely be very defensive of her, in addition to the possibility of her fleeing."
He glanced back to Kyndreth, before speaking again. "I believe that's all I need for the moment. I'm sure tomorrow morning will prove interesting. After what happened at today's gathering, I'll leave Von Strauss aboard the Eisenstrasse for tomorrow. I'd rather she not use her sorcery to sway the results of the trial. No justice in it if its rigged."
Cattapoli, Revenant
"Indeed, tomorrows trial on the two soldiers will be interesting. I will admit I fully expect to find them guilty. I've already spoken with some of my men who arrived at the scene and some of the Cattan who witnessed the act. It was a very poor command call, and sometimes those can be ignored. But not when a few dozen citizens are killed or wounded," Mannfred sighed. "I was contemplating not even having a trial, but this is simply to keep up appearances."
"Since that seems to be all, you may leave now. I hope this meeting has been sufficiently illuminating for you, captain.
"Since that seems to be all, you may leave now. I hope this meeting has been sufficiently illuminating for you, captain."
"Indeed it has, and I appreciate it. Thank you for the chance to talk about things, as well as for the drink. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Shalo, and thank you for granting me Lady Kyndreth's services." said Krantz, shifting his attention between Mannfred and Shalo. "I hope you both have a nice evening." he said finally, before giving both a slight bow.
Krants gathered his field cap and greatcoat, slipping both on before turning to Kyndreth. "Let's head back to the Eisenstrasse. I'll need to introduce you to my officers." he said, motioning for Kyndreth to follow as he stepped by her on the way to the door.
Jäger grunted. "You will be fine. This vessel's safety is unparalleled." He gestured towards Smebderg. "Helmsman. Begin our descent."
Smedberg nodded. "Aye, Captain." He pressed down a button, causing an alarm to sound.
Jäger grabbed a microphone next to his seat. "Attention all crew. Submarine operations will commence in five minutes."
After speaking over the intercom the ship came to life as crew sealed all external hatches and initiated the pumps. The detachment of marines onboard would remain at the Niakoman docks with a couple of small speedboats should they require transport. On the bridge several sailors prepared the Blixtvåg for the dive and once all section commanders had given a green light Smedberg nodded and gripped his controls.
At first the engine simply roared and it felt as if the vessel was lurching forward but then a sudden change of pressure could be felt momentarily before suddenly lifting.
Slowly the Blixtvåg descended into the dark sea and once a set depth had been achieved the vessel increased its speed and was currently heading for the Zuflucht.
Smedberg glanced back with a smile. "We're clear."
Jäger nodded. He looked at Fallensteller and Mesahri. "How do you feel?"
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