As we closed in on the main plaza the noise became louder. Whispers from the crowd, stomping on the cobblestones. Vendors were leaning out from their stalls to try to see, some outright leaving to get closer.
Aric: "Damn. It's like half the city's here."
Kareth: "Clearly we aren't the only ones curious."
Thyra made a way through the crowd. As if she had natural authority over everyone else. Rhovan followed close behind with a similar aura. Aric and I stuck to their backs so as to not get lost in the sea of people.
Eventually we squeezed through to a point where we could clearly see the raised area the councilors stood on. Surrounded by numerous guards. Two councillors stood atop it, framed by banners bearing the crest of Esmourne. The same golden crescent Aric and I saw on the path before the Esmourne main gate.
The first councilor was a thin tall man with light brown hair tied neatly behind his head. Sharp features yet a gentle smile and kind eyes. He looks approachable despite his authority and status. From what I understand, he is an ideal leader. Councillor Myrren Solace
The second was a taller man, broader shoulders. He carried himself with honor, clearly a formidable force. Short black hair containing a single silver stripe off to the side. Tanned skin, scars covering every visible surface of his body. Almost as if it were Thyra as a male. Councillor Arctheal Rhime
Aric leaned in toward me.
Aric: "I've never seen either of these two before."
Kareth: "Same. Never heard of em either."
Rhovan didn't say anything. Neither did Thyra.
Councillor Arctheal swiped his hand through the air. The single action bringing silence to the entire crowd.
Tension lingered like smoke.
Councillor Arctheal lowered his hand. His voice carried across the plaza with strength. It makes the hair on my neck stand on end.
Arctheal: "People of Esmourne. We thank you for gathering on such short notice."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, though Arctheal continued before it grew.
Arctheal: "We understand the fear that has spread since the attacks. That fear is natural. Expected after what happened. But do not let that fear lead you astray."
Every sentence. Every word feels handcrafted. Chosen specifically for the perfect effect.
Thyra's fist clenched tight at her sides.
Myrren took a step forward.
Myrren: "The recent acts of terrorism and destruction are not random. Our search efforts have found evidence of deliberate planning. Intention to shake the very core of the city. A ring of many individuals who've just committed the last crime they will ever get away with."
He paused. Eyes drifting over the crowd.
Myrren: "But rest assured citizens. The council has already begun efforts to find the culprits of these attacks. To bring them to justice under the law of Esmourne and to protect its citizens are our top priority."
His smile sharpened.
Myrren: "Our guards are working tirelessly under the jurisdiction of Arctheal and I with full permission from the rest of the council and the king himself to restore justice. We will ensure that Esmourne never becomes vulnerable to petty attacks and corruption.
Corruption?
The way he said it. It almost doesn't sound like he means the rigger. Added to the fact that he claims there were multiple individuals when it seems like it was all the Riggers doing.
This isn't right.
Rhovan and Thyra seem to have caught on as well.
Arctheal's voice blew over the crown once more.
Arctheal: "We ask only one thing from you. Trust. Trust in us that we will protect you all. Trust in the guards that they will find the culprits"
Myrren: "Trust builds unity under our flag. Unity will make our city unbreakable."
Something is definitely off.
Arctheal: "Return to your homes. Go about your lives. And let us… handle the rest."
He bowed his head slightly, as did Myrren
The guards dismissed the crowd
Aric sharply exhaled.
Aric: "Something about that felt weird."
Kareth: "Yeah. As if they weren't telling us something."
Thyra didn't answer. Neither did Rhovan
Airc spoke up again.
Aric: "Do you two… know them?"
The question hung in the air for a few seconds. Before Thyra and Rhovan both answered at the same time.
They both shook their heads.
Thyra: "Though something definitely isn't right with this. Both of them are the newest council members. Why would they be placed in charge of such a pressing matter?"
Kareth: "Maybe the rest of the council thought it would be good experience?"
Aric snorted
Aric: "Or they didn't want to deal with it."
Thyra and Rhovan didn't share the humor.
Rhovan's eyes still lay fixed on the platform. Even though Arctheal and Myrren had long since left.
Rhovan: "No. That isn't how it works."
Aric blinked slowly
Aric: "What do you mean?"
Rhovan: "Esmourne council is very secretive. Very cunning and plan every move. They wouldn't just send out the two newest members to deal with a terrorist attack if it didn't serve a specific person."
Thyra's expression tightened slightly. Even though she tried to remain composed.
Thyra: "Both of them… Myrren and Arctheal… they weren't council members last year. They weren't even members of the higher ups let alone candidates for council members. They both just appeared. Endorse unanimously. That's only ever happened one time in Esmourne's history."
A cold breeze blew through the now barren plaza. The flags are still standing tall in the frigid wind.
Aric: "So what do you think the idea behind sending specifically those two is?"
Aric folded his arms. Shifting his weight slightly
I shrug.
Thyra: "We haven't an idea. Which means we're missing some key information."
Rhovan: "Definitely missing a part of the bigger picture. As to say its being covered up"
Aric turned. His gaze panning over the plaza before locking onto something, which he points his finger at swiftly.
Aric: "Looks like they're lifting this metaphorical cover over there."
Kareth: "Guards? Why are they going underground?"
Thyra moved first, moving towards the place the guards were entering the underground through, being careful as to not make any noise. She beckons us all to follow.
Kareth: "Good spotting Aric."
Aric smiles back at me before turning back to the now sealed entrance.
Thyra: "Lets go grab our weapons from the training grounds and then come back here. Clearly we need to do a bit of investigation about this."