Author's Note

This is my first story EVER I'm excited but I'm also aware of my bad spelling/grammar. Feel free to correct me and put in any constructive criticism, just telling me I need an editor doesn't help, I already know lol. I would genuinely appreciate any critique so i can improve. I'm probably gonna make this up as I go so please forgive any minor plot holes or whatever. Also don't expect ponies for two chapters, Imma do a wee bit of world/character building. Ponies come into play chapter three.

Also I'm super busy with my shit job so I may only upload once every two weeks or so, Idk .

Raven and the train

"Wake up, Two-Twenty-Eight." a deep voice whispered, tempting me to awaken. "Brother, wake up." the voice said louder this time. Rousing in my sleep I came to the sudden realization that behind enemy lines alone..... there's not supposed to be any voices.

Eyes shooting open I struck the position I last heard the voice and made a grab for my combat knife. unfortunately for me my opponent saw this coming, my knife gone and my wrist twisted. As death in the form of a silver pistol stared me in the eyes.

"Brother I expected better of you" the man said. Now fully awake I can see my assailant. A black man adorned in an eloquent obsidian cloak smiled brightly at me. The man I knew more about than I would truly care to. Marquise Raven the eccentric noble and my mentor. Putting his pistol down he gave me his hand. taking it he lifted me up off of my cot.

I motion for him to follow me to the entrance of the cave. Grabbing my equipment and passing past several traps I wondered what I did wrong. I set a tripwire to set off a bullet alarm that would have woke me.

"Say Raven, how did you get past my alarm? The entrance to this cave is quite small and the wire should have been hidden by the shadows. So I must ask, how did you get in?" I inquired. Surely he couldn't have known about it, he wasn't even the one to show me the trap.

"Brother, you really think I would fall pray to a trap used by communist scouts? Besides, I was searching for you. I knew you were here thus all of your traps were destined to fail." he added chuckling. Which I suppose is true, after all the title of noble isn't given to just anyone. Only the emperors finest may even attempt to claim that name, and even then the price to achieve it is payed in a mountain of bodies.

Reaching the entrance of the cave the bright sun blinded me and the sands of the dessert blew harshly just outside. "Weren't you hunting spies in and around the capital, what are you doing here on the eastern front?" A noble like Marquise out here behind enemy lines. I was on assignment to uncover the activates of the communists at and around the Chicago Hives. Reports of high activity on the surface rails. These desserts are a barren wasteland so any activity at all was strange.

"Brother, I've come to come to deliver a message to you," Marquise said smirked as if daring to question him "I wanted to make sure you got it."

He, one of the nobles, the spymaster, my master, all the way out here in one of the most dangerous areas in the sector. For what? A letter? I would say I don't believe it but being one of the only few people who can confidently say I know Marquise, I have to say that this sounds exactly like him. He is practically the embodiment of chaos and unpredictability. I completely believe he could be doing something as mundane as sending a letter, or maybe he brought tea.

"So what caught your eye this time Raven? Interested in the supply train the commies are building? Or are you here to chat about your new favorite brand of tea?" I asked as I stretched my back, popping several bones. Waiting only to not revive a response. He just stood there chuckling, staring into the dessert.

If I were to use my binoculars I could see the ruinous surface city of Chicago. Nuked to the ground all those centuries ago. Supposedly a once beautiful place now rubble and ruin, with a communist hive residing underneath. "I know you get bored easily, you want to go sabotage a train?" I smirked, "Or would you rather discuss a boring old letter?"

Marquise was bellowing long before I even finished. "Ha, you know me so well, but I do not think you would say that if you knew who this letter is from" he continuing to laugh as he reached into his coat.

"Raven, do you take me fool? Knowing you, I would bet you wrote it yourself just to find the excuse to search for me." looking away from him I put my hands to my mouth and let loose the loudest whistle I could.

"Under normal circumstances you may or may not have been right. Though this is far from a normal circumstance." Marquise said also letting lose a loud whistle. "Though you have certainly swayed me. I'm totally in the mood to stop a train. We can discuss the letter tomorrow." just as he finished speaking I saw movement from the south as he finished his statement a white and brown horse trot over from a cave system just ahead. Angel and Spirit.

I couldn't help myself but to sigh, Marquise the spymaster, had a white stallion as his ride. If I hadn't seen his work first hand I would refuse to believe him to be a spy, much less the head spy. He stood out far to much. Regardless of his 'flair' he did do his work remarkably well. Having him with me would make this sabotage mission easier than a walk through the capital hives.

Our horses arrived and I fit Spirit with his saddle and Marquise followed suit. First I checked my pistol and ammunition.
I don't recall it's name, but its some 2300 model. Its not the worst there is but its prone to jamming which has bit me in the ass more than once. Its mag holds ten bullets and I have ten mags total. I should be able to get away with bringing one but I'll grab two just in case

Then there's the ammunition for my pump action shotgun. My 2055 Missouri drake that was passed down to me from my father, and to him from his father. As much as I love this gun it rarely sees the work it so deserves. Shotgun ammo is a luxury, and one I can't afford. I only have twelve shots for it but I'll make due as always.

After checking my guns for a second time I reach into my pack and fit a gas mask on to the side of Sprit to reach easily and a gas mask made special for Spirit as well. I had requisitioned it form my legions head Quartermaster. Seeing as horse masks haven't been used in so long the problem was finding a functioning one rather than there not being enough. I can practically hear my compatriot laughing at me. "The radiation died out over three centuries ago," I heard him say "why fit your horse with a mask?"

"There are skunks. They like to eat the night blooms that grow in the area." I replied as I double check my shotgun an make sure my trench shovel is safely fastened Spirit's saddle. "Skunks are a particularly nasty way to go out." The smell so potent it can be sensed from half a mile away and the toxins can kill ten full grown men. I know considering I saw it happen just three days ago.

One of the enemy hive workers was working on the underside of the engine of an armored car and none of his hive mates warned him of the approaching threat. None of the men dared to move nor did they dare make a sound. The one caught unaware let out a cry of fear as he saw the toxic rodent near him. It was already over at that point. The poor hive workers were caught in its noxious gas. The toxin has no visible effects, but I've heard field medics say it shuts down the lungs and causes swelling as well as inflammation preventing those afflicted from being able to draw breath.

The thought had crossed me to lure the foul abominations to the train but that was not only too risky but I would rather not resort to such cruel methods unless there no other option. I never found joy in the pain of others like many of my siblings. I suppose that's part of the reason I was made a scout in the first place so I guess that's alright.

"There is a cave system to the northeast, I've seen 5 guards there and I've seen the hive workers come from there. I assume that's where their factory is. If we want to stall their progress we could collapse the cave system." I stated. But then again Marquise always did behave in a flashy manner. "Or perhaps blowing up the train yourself is preferable? If that's the case then it's being built within the city outskirts on the rail lines."

Looking to my mentor for a que he stared at me with a wilding grin. "Aye, brother, let us destroy a train. I assume your legion lent you with explosives for that very purpose." He said picking up an ecstatic tone.

Simply nodding I climb atop spirit and we begin to ride into to the city outskirts. We should be safe and unseen if we head a few miles to the south. We can easily hide our horses in the suburbs on the outskirts and make our way to the train station from there. Then it's only a matter of either stealth or extreme violence... or both.

As we ride towards the city I can't help but wonder what the Chicago hives are like. I've never actually seen under the surface. Heading into an enemy hive proper is forbidden to scouts without direct orders from the brass.

Were their hives like ours? Did their breeding factories use natural birth, artificial birth or both? Did they have proper schooling for the young or are they left to fend for themselves like I've seen in the surface villages? If the filth and debauchery of the surface colonies were anything to base off of then their hives proper must be truly vile places.

I recall one during a mission in one of their surface colonies a sickly young girl was beaten and dragged away. The very thought of what they did sickens me. The men were all but skin and bones so cannibalism was a distinct positivity, I'm not sure if it's better than the other option though. The communist states never unified. that mush was obvious. those with German decent gathered with others of the same heritage. Those from Africa vehemently held their religion and would refuse to conform. Those from France held their enlightenment above the good of the nation. They simply could have murdered the girl for having the wrong parents. The communists were so vile. No law. No order. Nothing more than a group of barbarians.

In the Empire, there is no German, no African, no French or whatever other pre war countries there were. There are only Americans. Every man and women fighting for the greater good, making an active effort to better the lives of neighbors and our Imperial brothers. A rising tide lifts all boats as they say. The only 'cultural' differences within the Empire are the different sectors belief on how best to bring about what's good for the greater nation, and even then, only four of the twelve sectors even slightly conflict in their ways.

Unity. Strength. Pride. Honor. Justice. Devotion. These are the qualities that make a nation great. Pride fills me as I think of our flourishing nation. Even in the era of endless war our people are strong and without fear. Even if the enemy breaks our lines. Even if the vile barbarians kill our beloved emperor. The spirit of America will never die. The Empire is more than a place. It is an idea, and it is the people who hold it. Truly the empire is superior in every way. The degenerative filth that lives in the enemy hives are unworthy of the title human.

After mulling about in my thoughts I realized we were getting close to the outskirts. Turning back to Marquise I saw the face that was usually adorned with a stupid grin was now filled with unbridled conviction. Marquise had already put on a different face.

Those that don't know my master would say he's capable of becoming two different people. I know the truth however. When Marquise takes an assignment he doesn't just become another person, he IS another person. There is no wordplay, deception, trickery or even torture that can break him of his role.

If we do get caught we'll likely have to shoot our way out so I don't see the point, but if Master Raven thinks it's a good idea then I suppose I should too. let's see, there's a surface village to the south I've seen the hive conscript workers from. That may be to risky though.

Looking to Marquise I had to ask "Have any of your spy chapters been to Cottony Village, or have info on village conscription?"

"Spy chapters?" he asked, "Aren't you aware that Imperial fear-mongering Is illegal in all commune hives across America? If you are spreading false rumors of Imperial spies then I will have to report your actions to the local commissar." He said in what sounded like an annoyed and almost angry tone.

Oh Emperor, he's doing this again. I won't get any info out of him. Eh, I suppose I could just say I'm visiting my cousin. That usually works.

"I apologize guardsman, I won't spread false rumors any longer." I said in as sincere a voice as I could muster. Which was harder than I thought it would be.

"I'm not a guardsman you arrogant peasant, I'm THE high inspector of Washington, Phillip J. Cornwall. I've come to see the progress of our efforts on the front." He practical sneered in a convincingly pompous east coast tone. Unless the peons have actually met the high inspector before this is probably going to work. Something as important as a new supply train could turn the tide of war in their favor.

But I digress. We're finally here in the suburbs. I decide to tie Spirit to a decrepit house with at least a hint of grass surrounding it. Marquise 'or should I say' high inspector Cornwall did the same.

"I suppose this is were we part ways inspector, though I feel we will meet again soon." I muttered. I wasn't used to infiltration missions, and Raven seemed bent on playing his part. This is so exciting. As a scout I'm usually constantly on the lookout for snipers, other scouts, forgotten minefields and genetic abominations like the skunks. To finally be on the aggressions is filling me with exhilaration.

I decide to leave my Missouri drake, gas mask and shovel with spirit as they would be far to conspicuous so I opt for the pistol and a standard combat knife. Grabbing the bag of explosives I begin to trail behind Marquise. Knowing marquise, he'll make a scene allowing me to slip by relatively easily.

If any guard wants to know what's in my bag I'm going to have to kill them, but I think I should be safe from sight. Countless building line the path to the objective so with only twelve guards walking by we went unnoticed.

The lack of guards was quite unsettling. I had looked through this area just a week ago and there were over a hundred guards patrolling the streets not twelve. The walk here was far to easy. Which only served to sunken my excitement and replace it with a churning worry. As we grew closer to the station I immediately saw why there was a lack of guards. They've set up a blockade.

Fuck.

Marquise will be able to get in just fine but my half-baked alibi is worthless now. O.k. plan B. The workers should be coming from the north west in about half an hour. I'll knock one of them out, steal their badge, cover my face and pretend I'm sick so I don't have to talk. No, that's too risky. Maybe there's a weak point in their defenses. If not then I can impersonate a worker.

Seeing Marquise speak to the guard at the entrance I can't help but feel nervous. What if this guard knows what the high inspector looks like? I'm too far to hear their conversation properly though guard says something and begins to harbor a look of doubt. Grabbing my pistol I prepare to fire and run. If Marquise is caught here we will need to retreat and our mission will have failed. Even faced with failure we can always sabotage later, I don't think I could live with myself if my only real friend died.

Ready to pull the trigger at the last a moments notice I realize that the guards demeanor had suddenly shifted. Gone was the unhidden aggression and in its place was a stern resolve. A soldier standing on duty. Good, whatever Raven had just said had caused the guard to buy his ruse. Lowering my gun. I see that Raven is making it in to the compound, now all I need to do is get in and wait for his signal.

Making my way around the compound I search for a weakness in their defense or a way around it. The guards make it so I can't just pass by. So I need to look elsewhere. Backing up I noticed a manhole on the other side of the barricade, how convenient. It was likely that the tunnels were more heavily guarded than the blockade itself, but I had to try. This is likely the only way in without getting caught.

I began walking towards adjacent streets looking for a nearby mam hole and just as luck would have it. I found just what I was looking for two streets down. Luck was a cruel mistress though seeing as there were four guards there.

How am I going to get past? They've got their heads on a swivel, if they have guards here they'll have guards at every manhole. Killing them is out of the question. Cant shoot or I'll blow 'Cornwall's' cover. I need to get them away somehow. Looking at the bright side, if they have their guards covering the manholes its unlikely there also underground. I just need to get them away first.

Wait. Get them away. That's perfect. If there's one thing all men are absolutely terrified of it's a skunk. If you kill or spook them you die. The only option is to run or stand still as a stone and hope it doesn't spook. It may be a gamble but they will probably run. I mean, there was a skunk incident not even two weeks ago. The deaths are likely still on their mind.

Getting as close to the guards as cover would allow I cup my hands to my mouth and make a nickering sound as close as I could to the toxic monsters. I couldn't see the guards directly but I heard their panic. Waiting a few seconds I continue to imitate the skunks.

"John, we need to get the fuck outta here." one of the guards quivered, voice filled with terror. He must have witnessed a skunk death first hand if he is this afraid. Or has just a coward. Not that I would blame him, it is a terrifying way to go.

"Shut up, Clay!" the one I assumed to be John whispered violently.

"Have you ever seen a man die to those rodents, I'm not sticking around to suffer that." a third voice exclaimed.

Continuing to make the sounds I couldn't help but giggle. Mind manipulation is usually the work of the cult of shadows. This was a rare treat indeed. Hearing the sounds of a skunk near I couldn't help but revile in their fear to my simple deception.

Wait...… I didn't make those sounds this time.

Looking to my left I felt my heart stop. It was the very creature I was imitating. Looking down I saw the black and white messenger of death. staring dead at me with those beady black eyes. I hear the shuffling of the guards. They can obviously see the creature too. This isn't how I want to die, anything but this. Emperor damned it. I brought that fucking mask for a reason, why did I leave it with Spirit?

It felt like an eternity of me just staring at the abominable rodent. Time moved slow as molasses as if to mock me. Myself, still as a statue. The rodent suddenly looked to its right. Was it interested in the commies? Please be so. Just as I thought that it started to wattle towards them. Taking a deep breath I've been holding it for that entire time. Trying to keep my pant as quiet as possible I listen for movement. I couldnt hear the commies and the skunk was growing further.

The commies must have fled as the skunk appeared. Oh thank the emperor. Peeking my head from cover I could see that the guards were indeed gone. The skunk is still far to close for comfort. The manhole was closer though. I dint want to risk death to the black and white rat so I need to make it underground.

Seeing the rat walk just a bit further I rush for the manhole. Seeing the abomination turn around I throw caution to the wind lift the manhole and jump in. Hitting the concreate my knees gave way as I feel to my left side. Shoulder bashing against the ancient concrete the bone lets out a harrowing crack, as if the ground split in two. Searing pain forces me to scream. Biting into my cloak I repress the noise as best as possible. Why the fuck does this shitty fucking manhole go down so far? Calming myself and focusing on the fact that the pain will fade soon enough. Its not as if I'm being tortured again. The pain will go away.

After laying for a good three minutes the pain is still throbbing, begging me to stop, but I still have a mission to do. getting up I climb the ladder to the manhole I just jumped down in order to close the entrance. Its doubtful that the guards will return anytime soon, but its better safe than sorry. After checking to ensure the skunk was gone I use my right hand to close the manhole.

Descending once more I make my way in the direction of the blockade. While walking my arm screams for reprise, not being well versed in the art of medicine or a nearby allied medic the best I could do would be to make a sling with my cloak. as I fashion my makeshift sling I notice an abundancy of cobwebs. I guess they really don't have patrols down here if these webs were left unperverted. I just hope they don't have jumping spiders. They aren't dangerous or anything but they creep me the hell out. I'm not a coward but once you've experienced three or for of those little fuckers jumping on your face, you'd be wary too.

Spying my target, I begin to ascend, stopping just short of the cover. Listening closely for movement I noticed the faint beet of footsteps. Having to guess I would say there are five or six. Three for sure as boots ate easier to discern than other footwear. Unfortunately one of those boots planted itself above my head, the soul shifting the rusted metal above me.

"The perimeter seems to be secure and up to standard, Ten watchmen at the train at all times and even generators to power flood lights at dusk." An all to familiar voice exclaimed. 'High inspector Cornwall' was here. along with at least three others. "Has there been any unusual activity in the area as of late?" he must be figuring out if I've made my move. Super lucky that I'm here to listen in. Men of the empire can achieve anything when done in tandem with our brothers and sisters. if we attune to the same wavelength the odds of failure will be but a feint memory.

"Sir four guards just retuned to the station in a panic sir. We were under the impression that there was an attack, but they reviled their panic to have been caused by a skunk sir." one of the commies stated.

"Skunks? Are they common in this sector?"

"Not usually during the day, but their activity has been spiking lately. Should we equip a squad with masks to exterminate them sir?" the guard replied.

"If there has not been any suspicious activity in the area then you should divert the necessary manpower to be rid of this issue as soon as possible. In fact if the rats have been a problem you should have killed them sooner!" 'Cornwall' snarled at the communist. This is good. Not only do the Communists not suspect me, but Marquise no doubt knows where I am. Him diverting the watchmen will make my job easier.

"I will gather three solders right away Inspector" the previous voice said before walking away. There were still at least two more though. What were they doing? Why didn't they leave with the other?

"You two, You are to make sure no one goes to the area the skunk was last reported without a mask If there is to be an incident then it sure as hell wont happen on my watch" 'Cornwall' said and One set of boots and what sounded like bare feet headed in the direction I came from. "Go to the other under way entrances and alert the guard that there are skunks in the area," he said as another set of boots walked off, "and you, head to the supply room and divvy out gas masks to all those outside the barricade."

This is good. I was expecting a distraction a bit more robust, but garnering focus on the pests is both in character for an inspector and will make sneaking in easer for me.

Looking up to the manhole I cant help but wonder if that was the last of them, should I get 'Cornwall's' attention. Before I could act a boot stomped on the manhole above me and then quickly moved to the side. Yeah, he definitely had the same idea as me. Pushing my back against the wall and my feet to the ladder I use my right hand to lift the cover.

"Will you be able to complete the mission?" he asked devoid of emotion. Seems he noticed the sling given my awkward position. Giving him a quick nod I mouth ten Minutes. Nodding he begins to walk off. As much as I don't want to I remove my sling. The pain swells once more but I need the utility of my left side. I don't think I would be able to do this if not for my sectors beliefs and associated upbringing.

Looking out of the manhole and seeing no watchmen in the area I slide the cover off and exit the underway. The train station itself is a semi-open, it was likely a enclosed building at one point but it was missing a wall. Raven said there were ten guards in the station itself so if the guards are smart they will be divided into five sets of two. Creeping my way around the building I notice a break in the wall. There's a back door there. Its likely that there are two guards there so I ready my knife. Inching closer to the door I use the blades reflection to see what's around the corner only to spot... nothing? Are there truly no guards at this entrance?

Turning the corner and opening the side door ever so slightly I couldnt hear a peep. Not guards talking, nor the shifting of boots. If there were guards beyond this door they were as still as stone with a deafened breath. There is nothing worse than the absence of enemy in war. Both the possibility of an ambush and the mere fear that possibility produced could break the some of the bravest frontlines. This was normalcy for me as a scout. To observe the enemy and probe their defenses.

With the whispered step of a shadow I began to run through the halls. Reaching the first corner I turned with abandon. After giving myself ten minuets I did need to hurry. and after the Bomb goes off I'll either need to book it or fight anyways so I figure that faith in Marquise will Guide my victory. Passing three hallways without incident seems to prove my faith true. Slowing myself to a brief jog I come into view of the train.

Ok normally a lack of enemies doesn't unnerve me but this is fucking ridiculous. There was supposed to be ten guards here. What the fuck did Marquise do to draw these peoples attention? Not looking to punch a gift horse in the mouth I make my way to the train engine. I figure that would be the best place to strike. A cannon car, storage car or platted troop car would not take anywhere near as much time to rebuild as the engine I would assume. I'm no mechanic, but given that I only hear of a new train once every one or two years. seeing as I'm a scout hearing such things is my job.

My excitement peaking. Seeing such a large blow be landed against the communists before my very eyes brings me elation. like playing a game of chess just to watch the opponent lose be checked unaware. reaching the engine I enter the compartment. Due to the heavily armored hull the bomb needs to be hidden inside.

Inside the compartment there's no real place to hide the bomb I simply place it on the ground and arm the device. I requisitioned my legions bombardier to preset the explosives timer for three minutes. Not only will this allow me to complete the armament in the time I allotted Marquise, but it allows me to use the chaos to escape rather than tread the same path and risk getting caught. but for right now I need to run like my life depended on it, the bomb itself not being a large threat but the attention it will garner.

Fleeing towards the same direction I came I ready my knife in my right hand and pistol in my left. fleeing without care I notice that the halls are still empty. on my way in this was good but now it just means that any guard will be coming through the side entrance to investigate the explosion.

Breaking out of the station I notice that about forty feet from me is a contingency of at least thirty guards and hive workers all wearing gasmasks and the commissar distributing what I assume to be filters. Kicker is, they were right above my escape plan. The masks may reduce their peripheral vision but it wont reduce it enough to hide me if I stay any longer. I'm going to be questioned if not shot on sight.

Deciding that gambling with a direction or trying to hide I run to my right and crawl under an ancient loading truck. When the bombs go off it will draw all of their attention if even for just a moment. One and a half minute left and I need to come up with an escape plan stat. Just in front of me is a somewhat cluttered parking lot. this would provide some cover both visually and if things turned for the worse and it was almost a direct beeline to Spirit. Slightly to my left was what appeared to be a warehouse. Definite no, to much risk, who knows who or what's in there.

Suddenly a loud explosion draws me out of my thoughts I spring to the lot before me not even waiting to see the reaction of the guards. weaving throughout the wreckage of older times keeping in mind to try and abstain from enemy sightline. Fleeing from the compound only to see three guards ahead of me... Shit.

Drawing my knife in my right hand and pistol in my left. As the communist furthest to the right turned his head to the sound of my thundering footsteps. Lunging to him leveling my knife to his temple. It was an unfortunate decision for him to turn as this decision lead to a six inch blade burrowing into his eye. Raising the pistol I fire twice to my left. Each shot sending a sharp pain trough my broken arm. The last communist fumbling on his holster trying desperately to get his own sidearm. Leveling my gun to his head in that last second I saw true terror in his eyes, they began to gleam as if shedding a tear. Without hesitation I pull the trigger and ended the mans life.

Digging my knife out of the first mans skull I begin to run to the horses. Adrenaline fueling me, my feet fly as if unchained by the vengeful surface. Dancing through the rubble and ruined houses I hear the dreaded foe screaming in a scornful rage as if to sing the assurance of my death. The harrowing cry only pushing my broken body further past its limits.

Breaching the last of the houses standing between me and my freedom I spot my beautiful, faithful steed waiting calmly for me with my mentor atop his own aiming a 2120 Springfield at me. Slowing slightly in confusion Marquise takes aim and fires. Behind me a body drops pulling me from my stupor. I run to spirit and hop on, drawing my sidearm and ordering Spirit to flee with haste. My mentor following suit our steeds gallop away at full speed, Marquise and I laying fire upon the Ruinous city from with the vile filth then did emerge.

The enemy firing volleys of bullets at us but it was to late. We were to far and they had no horses of which to give chase on.

"And this is why you are the most respected among the emperor's scouts Twenty-Eight." Marquise boasted turning to me as we share a wilding grin. The adrenalin beginning to wearing off I started to feel wounds I didn't even know I had and my arm pleaded with me to return it to the comfort of its sling.

"Don't be so modest brother, you did all the heavy lifting." I state, fitting my arm into the makeshift sling. He does nothing but chuckle at this. The sun was beginning to set, our horses going strong with no sings of apparent exhaustion. Slowing Spirit to a trot I begin to turn south. "Come brother, Its best we change direction as to throw off any who wish to chase us. we must find camp and finally discus that silly letter you brought."

Smiling the man reaches into his jacket and pulls out the parchment in question. I reach for the letter with my good hand and use my teeth tp rip it open. Giving the letter a quick glance I couldnt believe my own eyes.

"Marquise?" I asked with a sigh. "Is this a fucking joke?"