Arrival

There was a lot of traffic in the harbour. Ships filled to the brim with weapons left the port while raw materials were brought in and manufactured into weapons. To Aymon it was fairly obvious why there was such a bustle at the harbour, the Empire was preparing for an invasion. But that also meant that the Eagle Unit could easily cut the supply rout for about two weeks by sabotaging the ships. Additionally, if the plan with the negotiations failed they could still capture a ship full of supplies for the frontline and deliver it to the Elfen Union.

"There are a lot of soldiers guarding the Empire's cargo vessels, we should watch out that our cover doesn't get exposed." Samira nodded towards the patrols.

"Yea I know, while we search the dwarf chief and negotiate with him, the rest of the unit should guard the ship since it is our only escape route. Pass the information to all staff sergeants."

"Aye, sir."

Waves were crashing on the ship causing a dull metallic sound as they approached the piers. Loud voices and constant rumbling machines echoed throughout the port city. People were hastily running up and down while transporting crates and goods. A ship was currently under repair on the other side of the dock they were arriving on. The ship had a big hole gaping on its deck while continuous hammering signalized that it was currently undergoing repair. However, the strange thing on that ship was not the opening but the scratches on the side of the ship. They looked like some giant monster had grabbed the ship with its claws.

With quick steps, someone who seemed to be a veteran sailor came towards them.

"Your docking and trading permission please!" The screeching voice was slightly annoying.

He seemed completely uninterested in the contents of their cargo and didn't even bother to take a closer look at the forms handed to him by Aymon.

"Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience. Bring your load to the fourth hall further down the street. the people there will then give you further instructions on how to proceed."

"Perfect. Can I ask you something else, what happened to that vessel?" Samira pointed towards the ship that was currently under repair.

"Aah that ship huh, not really a pleasant story to hear. Apparently, they were attacked by an Ottoia, not that I believe that something like that exists but given that half of the crew is either dead or missing and taking into account the state of the ship I would at least consider its existence."

"An Ottoia! Never thought that it would really exist. Let's hope that we won't encounter it on our way back home."

Aymon and Samira wanted to leave the pier to go towards the city but the dwarf was still standing in front of them, blocking the way with his arm stretched out. After taking a look at his hand Aymon extracted two silver coins from the wallet and put them in his hand.

"That definitely wasn't a tax we just paid. I gave it to him because I didn't want to cause a ruckus but something fishy seems to be going on in this city." He whispered to her as they left the port.

"I think so too. Did you take a look around, the people look rather thin given the fact that they are dwarfs. We better be careful about what we do and say around here."

A patrol unit went crossed their path without paying attention to them. While being impressed by the large and modern buildings they walked down the street ogling at the houses created by a new material invented by the dwarfs called concrete. People were throwing sceptical glances towards them as they walked by. The black thick smoke from all the forges was hanging over them like a bad omen.

"For a normal civilian city, there is way too much military presence. So the rumours about tensions between the dwarfs and the Empire were true."

"Yea, we should hurry up and search for the dwarfen elder and get out of here as soon as possible. I suggest that we start there" She pointed towards a pub at the corner of the street.

Against expectations instead of dwarves, they only found human sailors sitting at the tables drinking beer. Most of them were probably either waiting for the departure of their ship or they had just arrived. The only dwarf that could be found between all the drunken humans was the barkeeper. Calmly standing behind the counter he looked at his new customers as they approached him.

"What can I do for you?"

"Two ales please."

"How are you going to ask him about a dwarfen separatist with all these humans here?" Samira whispered to him while the barkeeper went and was filling two mugs.

"Could I ask you something?" Aymon left the question unanswered since the dwarf put the cups in front of them.

"Yes of course, how can I help you?"

"We're searching for a good old friend of ours who recently started living here. His name is Omrax and I wanted to ask if you perhaps know where he lives?"

The barkeepers face turned pale and his eyes widened when he heard the name. He leaned forward laying his big forearms on the counter. A long pause followed after Aymon's question where he thoroughly examined the two persons in front of him.

"And who might this good friends of Omrax be?"

"Let's say good friends that are here to help him in his dire needs."

"Hmmm, how am I going to know that you can help your so-called friend?"

Aymon looked to the left and right to make sure no one was watching. He slightly lifted the hat he was wearing showing the pointy ears underneath. For then letting it immediately cover his racial distinctive marks again after letting the barkeeper glimpse on it.

"I understand, come by here again at point midnight he will be here."