Private Tales A River Through the Land

[Azula]

"Mr Fiddlesticks?" the dragonkin snarled not-so-quietly as the team groaned and began the arduous process of moving the tent to the new spot Christian had found that best suited his needs. Azula nodded to the ginger feline presently curled up in a sunny spot in the pile of leftover rope. "He's lucky he's cute," the dragonkin muttered and bent back to pulling out the stakes in the ground. The dragonkin wasn't the only one muttering beneath their breath and the mood was tumbling down a slippery slope as the team moved the tent not once but three times more before finally it was erected in the perfect spot.

The team stalked away, glaring over their shoulders, and whispering amongst themselves. Azula sighed and leant against the shaft of a large hammer she'd been using to drive home the pegs and committed each of their faces to memory. Any of them could be the wielder of a dagger in the night.

The sun was getting low in the horizon now and most people were hurriedly pitching the last of the tents. Azula turned to her own and began to lay it out not far from Christians.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"There we are." Christian commented as the tent was finally put in the correct place. "Perfect."

He smiled, apparently entirely unaware of the rather grumpy nature of his surrounding companions. "Thank you, gentlemen. May you have a good night."

Scooping up Mr. Fiddlesticks, who appeared not to mind at all, the Architect ventured into his tent. Confident that everyone around him was now pleased with his newfound manners and would surely hold not a single complaint.

A thought, which ran countermanded to the man standing besides Azula who watched the whole affair and leaned in towards her as he spoke. "You know someone here is going to kill him, right?"

The man asked, amusement flickering in his tone.

 

[Azula]

Azula cast the man a glance as she set about staking out her own tent. She tried to assess if his tone held any warning of intent and made sure it was very clear how well she wielded the hammer in her hand as she staked the last peg into the ground.

"I suppose that's why I'm here," the ex Captain was entirely certain the board had realised the biggest threat to this venture was losing their architect due to his own tongue and ignorance in his impact on people around him. "I have to say, I'd much rather be fighting the Boglarts on the frontline than this task, there would be greater chance of success," she snorted though ensured her tone was quiet enough her words didn't carry to the tent of her charge.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

The man let out a boisterous laugh. "Aye, well if you were only so lucky."

His head shook.

"Ah well." He said, shaking his head and motioning towards one of the cookpots that was hanging over the bonfires that had begun to be built. "Make sure to eat something, no point in bringing all this shit if no ones going to eat it."

Still chuckling to himself the man turned and walked away, returning to his nightly duties which apparently consisted mostly of cooking.

Christian, of course, was entirely unaware of this and had already put on his pajamas. A wonderfully soft and comfortable outfit created by a magnificent machine that had been invented in Adro. Not that he had anyone to share that fact with in the moment.

When dawn came the next day, he was one of the first to be awake. Dressed in his immaculate suit and with a large notebook under his arm.

He walked quite proudly through the small camp, 'knocking' on one of the wooden tent poles on Azula's tent. "Miss Tamiko! Rise and shine! It is a glorious day for progress!"

Christian called, his voice loud enough to wake everyone around him.

 

[Azula]

There had only been one foolish woman who had attempted to sneak her way into Christian's tent that night, though she innocently claimed it had not been in order to kill the man. Merely 'teach him a lesson'. Either way she was certain her job expanded to stopping people putting fleas in the mans bed and on top of that, if she had allowed it to happen, she would have only had to listen to him complain for the next week about bites. And probably move that bloody tent again.

Dawn was the horizon's promise by the time she eventually found sleep with Keiko vigilantly perched on the strut above Christian's tent. She gave a soft call as he left the tent which meant when Christian rapped his knuckles against her tent she was decent enough.

"As you say, Master Albrecht," she managed to stop a yawn as she emerged from the tent buckling on her katana belt and placing a wide brimmed hat on her head to shield her from the suns rays expected that day. "Have you broken fast?"

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"Me?" Christian said innocently enough, as if the question was somehow ridiculous to even say out loud. "No no."

He continued with a wave. "I haven't eaten breakfast for years!"

Before Azula could stop him, the young Architect launched into a long lecture.

"You see, one of my colleagues in Adro has discovered the body burns subcutaneous fat..." This went on until eventually Azula began to walk away and Christian simply followed after her. Speaking the entire time as she collected her breakfast from the cook, ate her meal, and then lead Christian towards the central planning tent.

When they finally reached the large and open awning three other project leaders were already present. The Master Engineer, the Master Alchemist, and then of course head of the builders union. "Ah! Gentleman, and madame, thank you for being on time."

Somehow, Christian did not at all sound as though he were out of breath. Nor was his voice strained.

 

[Azula]

Azula had learned early on that when Christian launched into one of his speeches, it was best to just get on with what she needed to do whilst he talked. Otherwise she would never get anything done, then he would no doubt berate her because he was behind his schedule. It was with relief that she found she had managed to get them to the meeting on time whilst still keeping one ear on what Christian had to say, lest he give her one of those bloody 'pop quizzes' again.

Those gathered glanced up from the series of drawings already laid out on the large table and she thought she saw at least two grimace. The short, round man who looked more like a mole than a human simply licked his lips.

"Yes, yes, let us be quick. There is much to dig."

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"Indeed there is!" Digging would have to come first.

He had determined, obviously, that before connecting either end of the Canal to the sea they would have to already complete quite a bit of it. Eventually they would open this end to the straits and flood what they had already built, up to a point, but that would not be for months yet.

It would be easier to transport materials using the canal itself, but first they had to ensure that things were properly built up. "As we determined some months ago..."

Christian began as he peeled apart parchments and laid out the maps.

"This is where we will begin. Monseur Gerard, you may set your work crew to start immediately." He smiled, then continued. "Master Arrem, please see the supplies are properly in place, and Miss Renit your alchemists are ready?"

A nod of the womans head. "Excellent, then Miss Tamiko and I shall accompany you on the road ahead so we may begin blasting."

Though Monseur Gererard's diggers could begin out here where the soil was soft, just a few miles ahead on their path that would no longer be an option.

Thus the blasting he and Azula had discussed last night.

 

[Azula]

The mole-man all but jumped up and down as he rubbed his hands over one another jibbering away quietly to himself about how exactly he would go about the dig.

As the Architect settled into his role so did Azula. Her eyes studied each person who moved silently in and out of the tent; maids and pages who ferried pitches of watered down wine and ale and removed empty ones. Or pages who brought in more stacks of notes and books that would be needed in the coming months. And then there were the people Christian was talking to themselves. Any and all could be a threat for whatever reason, be that Christian's irksome personality or having been sent by some power who did not wish for this work to be complete. There were as many who wished to see the venture fail as there were people who wanted to see it succeed. After all, this benefitted Dornoch the most.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"Wonderful." Christian said as they finalized everything they had been talking about. His hand clapping together as he nodded his head and gestured to those around him.

There was no glorious ceremony, no mass of fireworks or celebration. No, Christian had insisted on saving all of that for when they actually succeeded. There was no need to cheer before they even finished. That was just bad luck. Not that he believed in such a thing.

The morning passed rather quickly, digging beginning and the plans quickly amended as landscape was adjusted for. By the time noon rolled around, the Alchemist Guild were growing impatient, and finally Christian broke off from the tent. "Miss Tamiko-"

He whirled around.

"Come come!" The Architect said with a wave. "No time to dawdle."

As they walked towards their lizard mounts Christian continued to speak. "The Alchemists know how to blast, but not where. We'll have to show them."

He explained. ”Don’t want them to accidentally wake a hive of Arrakis Wasps!”

Christian said with a chuckle, as if such a thing was impossible.

 

[Azula]

Whilst the Gürveliin were the traditional method of transporting goods and people their forte was in crossing long distances without tiring which meant a lot slower pace. To cross distances quickly, it was much better to use a gürveluuny - a relative of the same species but much taller with a fearsome beak and feathers that belayed their emotions. As Christian gestured and walked Azula very subtly turned him away from their carriage towards the larger beasts. The Alchemists were already loading up their own gürveluuny as a pack animal and mounting a few others. Thankfully their loads were far lighter than that of the diggers.

Azula listened all the while to Christian as she cupped her hands and motioned for him to step into it so she could hoist him onto the creatures back.

"Now don't pull too much," she warned, eyeing up the bird-like lizard as it cawed and turned a beady eye towards her. She said a few words in her native tongue and the beast preened, feathers all standing on end. Confident it wouldn't throw him off at the first chance it got she clambered onto her own mount. Keiko soared high above.

"Stay together," she shouted over to the others who nodded. A few other soldiers who had been assigned to protect this mission had joined them to. With a nod to them, they set off.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

Christian sat himself down on the large lizard, letting out a silent 'oof' after Azule hoisted him into place. "Oh no no, of course not!"

He wasn't exactly one to be embarrassed by lack of knowledge.

"Though." Christian did add. "I will say, Miss Tamiko that I have never in my life handle a beast like this."

Even as she walked over to her own feathered mount, Christian continued to talk. Not one to...ever really shut up when there was dead air to be filled. "I mean, something similar. A beast called a Dorostrich. Native to the Ixchel Wilds, brought to Adro by one of my colleagues. Fascinating thing, had three legs instead of just the tw-"

Before he could finish speaking the gürveluuny shot forward. Chasing after the other members of it's flock and sticking right besides Azula's own beast.

 

[Azula]

Azula allowed herself a rare smile as Christian was nearly propelled backwards off the creatures saddle from the sheer suddenness of speed. Eventually, the architect seemed to get the hang of it though even if he were a bit bumpy, and Azula thought she might not have to worry about him breaking his own neck at the very least. Protecting a person from threats in the forms of arrows and poison was one thing, from a persons own incompetence... well that was a whole different job.

The small group covered ground much faster on the gürveluuny and - to Azula's delight - it made it hard to communicate across the rushing wind. Herself and the other soldiers assigned to the task used flashing hand communications every now and then which kept their course correct. Eventually the leader of the band held up a hand and they drew in the beasts and eventually dismounted.

The Alchemists quickly began checking vials and offloading what they needed.

"Well I can't say that was enjoyable," muttered the leader of the powder monkeys, rubbing their backside.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

Christian, obviously, did not stop talking as they made their way to the blast site.

He held a rather riveting, if not difficult, conversation with the Alchemist Maestar about the different properties of his blasting powder. It even turned out that Christian's friend from Adro had actually helped produce the stuff!

A wondrous coincidence by all accounts, though one he had to learn about while shouting at the top of his lungs. "Riveting."

Christian said as he dismounted and landed on the dusty ground. His gaze flickering over towards the alchemists as they began their work. A smile flickered on his features and he plucked a notebook from his satchel.

"Miss Tamiko." He called as he walked over towards her, entirely ignoring the complaining man as though he didn't exist anymore. Their conversation now done and work ahead. "If you would be so kind as to escort me."

It did not sound like a request, not angry, but simply matter of fact. As though any other outcome were impossible.

 

[Azula]

Azula tied off her mount with a sigh; it appeared the brief luxury of the peace from the ride was at an end.

"Of course, Master Albrecht," patting the creature one last time she turned and made her way after her charge. The Alchemist fell in behind them not knowing where exactly Christian wanted the blast to be set and Azula found her hand sliding to her pommel of her sword out of reflex. Overhead Keiko plummeted out of the sky to land upon her shoulder, though her head was turned towards the Alchemist at their back with an unblinking stare.

"Where do you intend on setting the blasts?"

 

[Christian Albrecht]

Christian lead Azula over towards one of the cliffsides, his gaze flickering up for a few moments before he pulled out yet another journal. It's leather coverings shifted, falling free as the Architect began to inspect the drawing he'd made.

"Right..." His head turned up, and then he motioned to a cliffside in the distance.

It stood taller than most things around it, though that was by no mistake. The canal would run straight through it so that the rock could be used for building the first dam which would control the flow of water. A clever machination, not his own design, but his idea.

Not that such a thing mattered!

This was a cooperative project after all.

"There." He said. "Shouldn't be much of a problem, should it?"

Christian asked innocently, with none of them yet knowing that the cliff had become a nest for hive of Harrow Bugs.

 

[Azula]

Aside from blowing a cliff in two? Azula was no scholar but she had had her tribulations about this project and the impact it would have on the very fabric of their continent. Maybe she was just a traditionalist and was much like the cliff in that it would take a great force to get her to change her ways, but there was a niggling feeling in her gut that over the years had won her wars and saved countless lives.

But she wasn't here to give her advice. She was here as a punishment and to make sure only one man survived if necessary. She glanced to the Alchemist who stroked her chin thoughtfully.

"It's going to take a good few explosions to clear that, and the earth will have to be dug away in between. I'll see that the rest of my team move their camps up here and we can work quicker."

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"Good good." Christian said with a smile.

The blasting could begin, the digging back at site A had already started, and not a single problem had arisen. If Christian believed in that sort of nonsense he might very well claim that the gods themselves were watching over the whole of their project.

"You see Miss Tamiko." Christian said as he waved over towards her. "The blast will be set here...here..."

The architect began to lecture, though it once again hardly mattered whether the woman was listening or not. He would speak and continue regardless. By the time he finished some hours had passed, and the alchemist's had set their charges. The clearing crew was also present, and the small group now found themselves standing far closer to the cliffside Christian had earlier pointed out.

A thin line of what looked to be rope ran away from the tent they sat under all the way towards the now distant cliff. "Buzzing? What do you mean strange buzzing?"

Christian asked, holding the odd metallic detonator in his hand.

"I 'unno, just something we heard while setting the charges."​

For a moment the Architect looked inquisitive, and then simply shrugged.

"Seismic rhythms I assume. From our own digging. No need to delay." He glanced over towards Azula, still holding the detonator. It was a very logical assumption, but also a very wrong one. "Right, Miss Tamiko?"

 

[Azula]

Azula looked far less convinced.

"Maybe we should invest-"

"Nonsense!" butted in the head Alchemist with a wave of her hand. She had been busy talking to a group of the powder monkeys when she had no doubt overheard the cleaning crews comment. She shot him a stern look but the goblin merely shrugged and knuckled away; this argument was far above his paygrade. Azula's lips pressed together. "My people didn't report a thing, blast a way Chris!"

"I really think we shou-"

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"Christian." The architect corrected, and then without a moment of hesitation pressed the plunger on the detonator.

It was an arcane thing, of course. Invented in Adro so it would send a magical burst of energy through a cord of lithlen laced wire. The magical charge would then travel along the cord until it eventually found purchase in the alchemical stores at the foot of the mountain.

The whole process happened in just several seconds, and a few heartbeats after Christian pressed the plunger a massive explosion erupted.

It was as though the whole of the earth shook. The ground quaked, dust kicked up into the air, and a shockwave rushed through over them. It pulsed, and boomed out in a sound that eclipsed even the loudest thunder clap. "My word!"

Christian declared, giddy with joy.

A plume of smoke rose where the cliff had been just a few moments ago.

"Well done, well done indeed!" Christian complemented, not noticing the odd buzzing beginning to grow much louder. It being unfortunately drowned out by the ringing in his ears.

 

[Azula]

Azula flinched as the rockface was cleaved in two. Almost as soon as the dust settled people began to swarm in to begin hurling away boulders and bits of debris. It was backbreaking work and she did not envy them, though at this moment of time she did not envy herself either. She wished she could be as far away from those explosives as possible. Her hand gripped her sword hilt out of habit.

"How many more of those have you got to do?" she asked through clenched teeth. The Alchemist turned to her with a smirk, clearly sensing the Commander's discomfort. That just made Azula all the more angry.

"As many as it takes to get the job done, though for this section I would think around..."

Azula stopped listening to the woman as from the newly formed hole began to arise a black cloud. At first she thought it might be smoke and that the explosive had caused some kind of fire. But the cloud broke apart then reformed and the buzzing suddenly grew to a deafening pitch.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

Christian, was looking down at the documents, apparently already over the spectacle of the explosion. "It shouldn't be more than three here."

He corrected the Alchemist, apparently never noticing that the words were meant to be annoying towards Azula. It seemed that the architect didn't seem to realize a lot of things.

"But of course the Canal will require many, many more." They were going for nearly a thousand miles after all! The land wasn't shaped for this sort of thing, and thus they were the ones who would have to do the shaping. "It's a good thing we brought plenty o-"

Before he could finish, the black cloud began to form.

Rising from the earth and buzzing with that incessant noise to the point that Christian almost had to cover his ears. He swore, and then looked to his companions. "What in the hell is that incessant racket?"

He demanded. "Miss Tamiko?! I can hardly hear myself think!"

 

[Azula]

Azula heard Christian but it was as if through thick snow. Her eyes were fogged over and her head tilted slightly towards the sky. Up above Keiko soared closer to the black cloud of buzzing... insects. That was clear with the eagles keener vision, but what were they? The bird flew as close as she dared least they attempt to swarm her the same way they were the men who stood too close. They looked like...

"...Harrow Bugs," the ex-Captain spat, blinking away the fog. She reached forward and grabbed Christian then proceeded to practically drag him back to their mounts. "We have to leave. Now. You better clean this up," she snapped at the Alchemist.

 

[Christian Albrecht]

"HARROW BUGS!?"​

The Alchemist exclaimed, though seemingly not out of fear. In fact the man sounded almost annoyed, as if Azula had somehow inconvenienced him.

"Those things are damn near impossible to get rid of! They'll eat anything! We'll de delayed a week at least?"​

"WHAT?!" Christian, having allowed himself to be dragged for a few feet at least, suddenly exploded into a rage of activity. He burst away from Azula's grasp, jumping nearly a foot even as the Harrow Swarm began to bend and turn, shifting as it moved towards the still very living workers near a mile away.

Within less than ten minutes they would arrive.

"Miss Tamiko!" Christian complained. "We cannot allow ourselves a weeks delay!"

The Architect lamented. "That would put us far behind schedule! Our investors will never allow it!"

Without a word Christian quickly ran over to the stack of crates nearby, the crates filled with the same blasting substance the Alchemist's had just used.

 

[Azula]

The scholar was rather quick when he wanted to be, Azula noted with chagrin as she stalked off after him.

"I'm sure our investors will care more about if people are alive than a weeks delay, Master Albrecht," she tried not to bite off her words too harshly. Her eyes flickered to the cloud of bugs that were veering towards the workers. She could hear them loudly cursing and crying out for help as they swatted the things away. "Really, I must insist we leave now. For your own safety."

Up above the eagle weaved, watching for any hint of the swarm moving in this direction and already assessing the best routes to take away from the contaminated site.