Midnight Foolery

After writing the letter, I feel rejuvenated. For once I am sure of my decisions. Whether it fails or not doesn't matter. This sense of clarity is worth it. Now, I just have to come to the bureau and give it to the delivery division.

It was early in the morning and I found an unusual sight inside the bureau. Abel Bey scolds both Itayel Hanim and Akum Bey. Both of them are on their knees while Abel Bey says his piece. For one week since I started here, never would I have thought to see ever graceful Itayel Bilmek looked so dejected. Noticing my arrival, they quickly returned to their posts, well, for Itayel Hamim that is.

The agha(officer) pair approached me although Akum Bey was still scowling.

"Peace be upon you, Noah Bey, how are you?" Abel Bey greeted.

"Peace be upon you too, Abel Bey. I am fine, but I reckon Akum Bey didn't feel the same."

The aforementioned man looked away. Abel Bey simply shook his head.

"Anyway, have you considered what I said yesterday?"

Indeed, the choice to let the Bayan Lael job be given to someone else or to keep pursuing. Of course, I already made my choice.

"I will see it to the end." I declared.

Abel Bey slowly nodded then smiled. "Evet (yes), I suppose you have something in your mind regarding the task, hm?"

I showed him the letter. "I will send her letters whenever I have something worth to be told about. I remember Itayel Hanim mentioned she is quite dramatic, yes? Then I shall regale her with stories to keep her accompanied."

The blue coat crossed his hands, I could feel doubt coming from him. "And how do you make sure she will read it?"

"I don't," I said. "She is stubborn and I will do the same."

"You are not like him at all," Abel Bey said while holding his chuckle.

Him? But before I could ask about it he cut me off. "Very well, Noah Agha (Officer Noah), you may proceed.”

"Then allow me to pass your letter to the courier division," Itayel Hanim offered.

I thanked the receptionist. "Hopefully it won't distract you from your work."

I handed her the letter. “Please send this during the night, and also for letters I would write in the future too.”

Itayel Hanim raised an hairbrow, but seems to understand my intention. "Don't worry, agha, it is part of my job after all."

"When all said is done," Abel Bey said. "I'll take my leave then."

"You are not staying?" I asked. Who is going to judge my performance then?

"I have commissions in another bureau and besides my visit here is just to fulfill that too," He pats my shoulder. "But, Akum will stay here."

"Don't be surprised, newbie, I don't have to be glued to him all the time," Akum Bey said. "And you probably need some help."

Oh, so he will be the one who acts in Abel Bey’s stead I assume. Indeed, having an experienced member here might be the best for me now. After all, I don't want to brazenly act like I did yesterday. Even though he is one of the enablers, he might let me loose on purpose. Still, we might be acquainted better now we are working closely.

I bowed. "I'll be in your care, Akum Bey."

"Oy, that's embarrassing! Raise your head!"

He seems friendly enough. I think I can be friends with him.

Abel Bey clasped his hands. "Alright! Since we have nothing else to discuss, I'll leave the rest to you. See you later everyone and may God guide you all,"

"Peace be upon you."

"Peace be upon you too." 3x.

After minutes of silence since he left the building, Akum Bey is the first to speak.

"Okay, newbie, or let me call you hoodie,"

"Why hoodie?"

"I dunno, I never seen you without that cloak obscuring your face,"

But you did see me without it when I took the Lael Souleska commission. Better than a newbie, I guess. I better wear my mother's cloak when he is around. Just for fun though..

"So, is there something you need from me?" I asked.

"Itayel," Akum Bey addressed the receptionist, quite casual in his tone. "Link my task to him."

Itayel Hanim then instructed me to put my armhub to Akum Bey's. The result is a new task popped in. As it suggests, the task was shared with me.

"You will work as my backup," Akum Bey explained. "Don't do anything stupid without asking me or Itayel first unless it's a task you take by yourself."

"So, a job like with Bayan Lael?"

"That's your responsibility and this task I shared with you is mine. I could do it alone, but since Itayel said you can be useful, I'll just take you along to see it for myself."

Oh, oh, oh! That means a higher ranked commission! Akum Bey might be one rank below Abel Bey, but that doesn’t mean his list of commissions aren’t exciting as his. Better than my usual ones and so I gladly take it.

"So, what will be the task for today?"

"Why don't you check your armhub first?"

O-Oh, I forgot. I should have done that first, haha…

[Midnight Foolery]

From: Tenne Elmas, a resident from Souk District, Firutina.

Subject: A Midnight meeting Disturbing The Locale

Issue Date: 1 Alendea 123 4C

[A young lady requested our assistance in resolving a feud between two groups of hooligans (Brotherhood as she called it). Their encounter begins at midnight and the lady wants it to end because she cares sooooooo much for her brother after he went back home with wounds. Do it with utmost care, agha.

Also, if you hurt the young lady's feelings I'll smite you.

Bilmek, I]

So, we're resolving some brats' problems, huh? I think I know why Akum Bey picked this task. This will be a fruitful lesson for me to learn about intimidation! After all, he looked rough and had that bored-pissed-off face all the time. I approached him who is now sitting on the rug. He looked up, noticing me.

"Have Read it?"

I nodded.

"Now, go do something like I dunno, commissions and stuff?"

I tilted my head. “Um, shouldn’t we… start?”

"Just do your job and I’ll meet later to do the task I share with you."

Your job, huh? That means white coat commissions. Right? I am still a Lancer after all. I can't just not do what I am supposed to do because I am assisting a senior guildmate. I nodded at Akum Bey and began to pivot Itayel Hanim instead.

"Is there any commission located in Souk District?"

"Check the board." Itayel Hanim flatly said, devoid of her usual exposition. Sure, I can, but I want to hear recommendations from her instead.

"Abel Bey said to consult, yes? So that's what I do," I said in joking manner.

Itayel Hanim gave me a snicker. She probably thought I was being a wise-butt. "Well, since it will help Akum in a way, so I'll tell,"

Again, do they have something going on or…? No matter. Not my business anyway.

She gestured to me to show my armhub. A notification popped up. This time it was a list of commissions, mostly easy like helping carrying luggage, helping a merchant set up their stall, or anything requiring physical work, perfect. Most of the requests came from merchants or something along the line. With this I could familiarize myself with the district.

I admit I was too focused on doing commissions on residential districts. I thought it would be a good start, but instead it was mostly menial.

I took my leave and headed towards the souk(market) district. The city tree is in the middle of the city, which makes the other district of the city circle around it. Souk District is facing north to the tree. Of course, I do have an inkling on why it is located south of the city. As a son of a wealthy merchant, and despite my limited education on the matter, cities in the caliphate mostly arranged with accessibility in mind. While the city design is circular, and four entrances are placed at the end of each district, there is one main entrance where many travelers or merchants would enter the city. Souk District benefits from that.

The Lancer bureau itself is located near the tree and on the edge of the residential district which is also another display of the city’s design in the caliphate. Being placed near the center, it allows members to be dispatched to the four districts without obtrusion. Just step out of the building and look for the city tree looming around to find direction to which district a Lancer headed into.

Entering Souk District, chatters of merchants and folks trading filled my ears. Crowds fill the streets, matching the density of the pathway to the tree. It’s busy and very active. My first commission I want to tackle is carrying luggage, well, more like carrying merchant’s stuff. I checked my armhub for further information.

[A Little Help?]

From: Liv Sabit, a merchant from Souk District, Firutina

Subject: A merchant needs help…

Issue Date: 2 Alendea 123 4C

[So, a merchant called us for assistance. He said that his father is sick and that means his mother would have to take care of him. The thing is, they have a business selling local food and his father still urges his mother to keep going, but she is having none of that! A true wife takes care of her man! And a good son will burden what the parents hold when he can! So, the son asked us for help in carrying the necessary tools for the stall.

So, to whoever agha(officer) who took this task, help the man! He will wait at his home Kamyeridi Block number three in the Souk District. Go forth and may God ease your struggle

Sevimli, A]

Ah, Ayelet Hanim is the one who wrote this. She is always bright. Met her some time ago before Itayel Hanim took over since she is still a blue coat receptionist. In a way there is a camaraderie I felt as we are both the lowest rank of each of our roles. Anyway, I started asking random people where the block was and soon I found it. Then I asked the nearby security for hovel number three and there he was. Liv Sabit, a man from what I can gather from his looks, is rough…not in a bad way that is. His shirt might look loose, but his overall outfit is not far from modest.

“Peace be upon you, effendim!” I called.

"Peace be upon you too, effendim,” He replied.

“Bayan Liv Sabit?”

“Yes, that’s me, you must be the agha then,”

I affirmed and then observed the objects inside the cart beside him. Most of them are kitchen appliances. There is a big tent resting near the wall and a booth too. I think I get the idea of what kind of business he runs.

“Shall we get started?” The man began.

I went to pick the tent and he picked the booth while pulling the cart. I followed him and we soon arrived at the bazaar. The centerpiece of Souk District, where the bustling crowds grow even louder. It was designed with an open area where it is harder for anyone to free run to escape. Almost every part of the caliphate follows this design. Thus, guards posted on land also fill in the spaces.

At the same time, this is the location of Akum Bey’s commission.

We stopped at an empty patch of land. The size fits the tent and Liv Bey gestured to me to extend it. The tent widens and now Liv Bey unloads the appliances. I help setting the tables and the stoves. After a while, Liv Sabit is open for business. With the crowd density of the district, it takes not much second for customers to flock in. Well, I have done my part for now.

“I’ll return in the afternoon, Liv Bey,” I said.

The man nodded while juggling with multiple meat he cooked on the pan. The first phase of this commission is done. I’ll return to help him unload when he closes the stall. Now, I am off to another commission.

The next commissions are written by Ayelet Hanim again. Her encouraging words unironically filled my spirit. It’s as if Itayel Hanim purposely chooses commissions written by Ayelet Hanim to encourage me and her throughout the day. If so, Itayel Hanim is truly a good senior for doing so.

But enough of that. I have to focus on the commissions and so I spend the rest of the day pretty much doing the same task like with Liv Bey. When afternoon came close, the last commission I took for today before returning back to Liv Bey was to find a… pickpocket? Shouldn’t someone have reported this? I don’t know why a Lancer is the first place to go when reporting a crime. Unless…

“I have reported this to the guards, but they keep letting this slide!” said the one who requested the commission then he added, “They always react quickly, but they didn’t for this one.”

“Where should I start?” I inquired.

“Just check around the bazaar and you’ll find that pickpocket when you heard a commotion,”

“Is this a usual occurrence?”

“No, it started around a week ago, little bugger kept messing with the merchants and that guard, Tsavi is the one who kept catching her, and you know what happened?” The man explained. “He let her go!”

This Tsavi is my lead then, but…

“Then what of the possessions this pickpocket stole?” I asked.

The man stroked his chin. “That’s the contradiction, agha. Her spoils returned, but she kept acting upon her whims.”

“This guard, Tsavi you said, has to do with this then?”

“That’s why I suggest you wait for a commotion,” He replied. “He will eventually appear when that happens.”

“Evet(yes), thank you for the information, I shall begin at once.”

I followed the man’s instructions, waiting for this “commotion” to happen. This is quite an occurrence then. I can say for certain that the land I lived in is very strict with crime. Whoever this guard is, Tsavi, as he called, must have a relation to this pickpocket. And, he must have a good standing for not being talked down by the populace. Well, most guards are friendly. Back in my little town, they always talked like we were their relatives. And the same can be said here.

I remembered that my mother once told me before the civil war ended, the caliphate was quite a mess. So many bad people roamed the land and the Caliph was missing all the time. The guards were extreme and hostility is everywhere. She has to be careful with where she walks and it was even more difficult when my father was missing. To think such reality existed before I was born.

Even then, she told me that remnants of the cruelty back then still remains. And they are still standing, she said, hiding. Thinking that again, I wonder why it remains in this current age. One thing I always note about my parents is that I really had to heed their warnings. It has proven time and time again it is beneficial for me.

As I left myself to muse and circle the bazaar area, from afar Liv Sabit Bey, the merchant I helped this morning is about to close his stall. While I still worry about the pickpocket, I still have to prioritize my commission that requires immediate attention. And so I headed towards the stall, just as I was close to it, I heard a commotion behind me. I turned quickly and caught the pickpocket red handed.

Instead of a little bugger as the man described, it’s an adult woman. Probably around my age, her petite figure and somewhat rough way of dressing from how she wears her veil gave me one impression: Bad news. The woman halted her move and kept staring at me as if she was waiting for my move. What does she want me to do? Call the guards? Because there is one behind her.

“Tenne! Don’t you know who you are going to steal from?!” Barked the guard.

Tenne? That sounded familiar…ah, Akum’s Bey commission! The one who requested it: Tenne Elmas.

“T-Tsavi! I-I…” she glanced around her, looking for an excuse. “He’s here!”

“Me?” I asked back.

“YES! You are here!” She exclaimed, putting others’ attention onto us. “You can help me catch my brother!”

The guard or Tsavi as the girl–Tenne revealed dragged her away, forcefully I might add.

“Don’t do this, Tsavi! I am so close!” She struggled to break free. I don’t know if I should intervene, since this might be a family matter.

‘Our duty, not just to help, but to remind the value of what is taught to us by God and his messengers. Uphold it not just as a Lancer, but as a mortal.’

Usta Judas’ words echoed again. Akum Bey told me to stay still regarding his task, but I decided to intervene. I quickly closed my gap with the pair and in an instant, I held the guard’s arm.

“Excuse me, effendim?” said the guard. “I respect you as a Lancer Agha, but this is a matter I have to handle myself.”

“I know, but as your fellow brother I have to remind you not to use your force or else people might get the wrong idea.” I countered.

The guard–Tsavi looked around and realized the display he had shown. “Fine, I will tell her off after–”

“No,” I interjected. “We talk this out by eating,” I pointed at Liv Bey’s stall.

“Are you serious?” He incredulously said.

“Yes.”

Tsavi let go of Tenne, but she trailed behind me and the guard. It seems Liv Bey noticed the commotion and instead delayed packing his stuff. The merchant awaits us, and has a knowing look at the situation. He places the table and the chairs he had packed

“Peace be upon you, Tsavi, what troubles you?” Greeted Liv Bey. It seems he is acquainted with the guards

“Peace be upon you too,” x3

Three of us sat down, and began to order our food. Tenne and Tsavi are still not looking at each other.

“Can we talk about the issue you two had?”

Both are about to speak, but stop when they realize they are going to cut each other off.

“You first,” said Tenne.

“No, just tell him about the commission you mentioned, Tenne.” Tsavi urged.

Tenne seated herself more comfortably, and her expression turned sharp. “You know the gist of my request, right?”

I nodded.

“Let me get straight to the point then, I need you to stop my brother and his gang. He is dealing with something bad and he shouldn’t!”

“What’s with this gang? The Brotherhood?” I asked. The commission does mention ‘brotherhood’.

“It’s her brother's study group. They have been nothing, but respectable young learners,” Tsavi interjected. “And definitely not a troublemaker like you!”

Tenne went silent before she continued again, “Putting what he said aside, I am not lying when I have seen them at midnight doing something dangerous.”

“What kind of danger are we talking about?”

Shussing Tsavi who is about to say his piece again, Tenne says, “At this open area, this bazaar we are in now, they fought atop of it. I know it’s unfathomable, but it’s true!”

It’s unfathomable actually. I know well that the gap between buildings leading to this area is not reachable. None can reach this bazaar from buildings surrounding it unless you are crazy enough to try it by jumping from a high viewpoint not far from here. I doubt anyone will do that.

“Okay, say, what you said is true, but how can we stop them if they are on top of it?”

“That’s…” she trailed off. “I don’t know, I have been making trouble to get guards’ attention and hoping anyone will hear my worry about my brother, but,”

“This one kept catching me!” she pointed at Tsavi.

“It’s for your own good!” Tsavi reasoned. “What you did is wrong! Stealing is wrong, you know this!”

“But nobody hears me! I have to do something or else–”

“Enough!” I said. “What you did is wrong, Tenne Hanim,”

She scowled.

Then, I divert my attention to Tsavi. “You too, Tsavi Bey, you should at least check her claim, ask her brother.”

“I have, agha, and there is no–this midnight foolery like she said,” He refuted. “I asked the boy time and time again and he is–”

“Peace be upon you,” a new voice came, and I knew who that belonged to.

“Peace be upon you too,” x4

Akum Bey remained chalant and then ordered food to Liv Bey.

“I have heard about your talk,” He began. “How about we prove her claim tonight?”

“I have heard about your talk,” he began. “How about we prove her claim tonight?”

Akum Bey challenged with confidence. The other two seem taken aback by him. For me though, his blunt way of saying it makes me envious. He simply said what he wanted to do and the others were taken by his demeanor. It was crude yet full of certainty.

“Then you believe me?” wondered the woman, Tenne.

Akum shrugged. “That remains to be seen, sister.”

The food we ordered came while Akum Bey had to wait. We ate and we finished our food just as Liv Bey is packing the tent and half of the appliances he used. We handed over the utensils he provided and we helped him finish the rest.

“Bayan Tenne Elmas, right?” Akum Bey addressed. “Can you wait here at the bazaar? I need you to show me where this brotherhood is.”

Tenne Hanim hesitantly nodded.

“I’ll go with you!” Tsavi worriedly said. “I…need to see if this is true,”

“Good, I was about to suggest that,” Akum Bey affirmed. “Noah, follow me to Communal, we’ll continue after the prayer.”

“You should do too,” He suggested to the other pair.

We parted, for now, and Akum Bey and I carried Liv Bey’s tools and booth. When we arrived at his home, Liv Bey said to us, “Tsavi is a good-hearted man and whatever the outcome of this task will affect him,”

“Know that Tenne and her brother are his adopted children,” He revealed. “Surely you’ll know what happened should her claim be true.”

I am quite curious about their relationship so I asked him about her brother.

“A bright man, learner, a seeker of knowledge. He helps around his fellow and well-mannered too which is why it’s quite a shock for his sister to accuse him.”

This brother’s character seems legitimate. There has to be a misunderstanding or some silver lining just like Ephraim letters to his wife.

Akum Bey groaned. “If I were you, those traits you listed won’t stop me from suspecting him,”

Wow, he didn’t hold back any punches, I see…

He then continued, “Not everyone is what they seemed, even a simple out of character speaks of themselves.”

Liv Bey then argued, “Still, he has helped many and we can’t deny he has been nothing, but a precious part of this community. Have faith, agha.”

“That won’t stop me either,” Akum Bey countered. “We are made to question and we use our heads to bring the truth, that’s why we are created, is it not?”

Liv Bey resigned in arguing with him. “Then I can only pray that you will the find the truth then,”

We parted ways with the merchant. We then headed to the Communal and finished our prayer soon after. When evening came, Akum Bey simply suggested I should rest at the bureau while waiting for the next communal prayer.

“I’ll be at the bazaar,” I decided.

Akum Bey frowned. “Try not to think anything stupid,”

“You’ll… let me?” I thought he would object more.

“Just go.”

And so I did. The walk to the bazaar is quieter now that the sun has set. The orange hue permeated the sky. I took the rooftop path to see the sky more clearly. As I kept going, the sky darkened and from afar the city’s tree started to glow with illumination around it. The dark sky combined with the light accompanying it, gave me a sense of serenity. Night is where things are mostly quiet. I took a seat at a building overlooking the bazaar.

I have seen this view for all my life and yet it never ceases to amaze me. And it seems…

There is another who shares the same sentiment. Tenne Hanim was already here, looking up at the sky. Perhaps I didn’t notice her earlier since she is quite obscured from where she sat. I didn’t say anything and let both of us soak in the view. It didn’t last long as the fellow other than me squaked.

“Since when are you here?!”

I shrugged. “Just recent, I guess”

She backed off and bumped into someone, it was Tsavi. “T-Tsavi, that was quick! I thought you will be…you know, do your guard duty.”

The man in question rested his shoulders on the seat Tenne Hanim sat on. “I have asked my superior to accompany the agha, and I promise to do that to you too, right?”

"You know what? I'll go buy something," The woman stood up. ''And stay here Tsavi!" and she hastily ordered.

"...Alright…" The man reluctantly obliged.

As soon as Tenne Hanim left, silence erupted between us. Both of us simply sat while the windy night breeze around us. Rooftop guards stood still on their post just as many minutes passed. It was…awkward. Tsavi Bey seemed to share the same feeling. Well, there is no harm in making a conversation.

"I heard you adopted her," I suddenly asked him, even though I already knew that.

"She and her brother," he proudly answered. "Been having them for two decades now."

"Were you alone before you adopted them?"

"Yes,"

"I...wasn't posted here in Firutina before, you know?" He suddenly revealed.

"Do you know Verdoyant?”

Verdoyant Province was mentioned a lot during my lessons. Sometimes I heard my parents mention it too. Although most of it is not something I like to hear. Rumors circle around that province. Something about being the host of immorality or just a big red flag. Nothing good came out of it.

"I learn about the state in madrasah, but I do heard many nasty rumors about them,"

He smiled albeit dejectedly. "Those rumors are probably true…"

"How so?"

"Those two I took in, they are the proof," He said. "That province is the most vile I have ever seen."

He continued, “When I found them, they were tricking people on the streets at such a young age. The slums where they come from even have more like them.”

“How can no one mind them? When I saw it, I knew that…” he catches his breath. "No other can match the degeneracy it has,"

That begs a question then. "But how can they get away with it? Does the Caliph let them?"

"No, she has her hands tied," He replied. "Poor girl, she has to deal with the most stubborn hive,"

"They all preach the same: Liberty and Freedom, all I see is lost cause, I wonder why the Caliph keep her hopes on them,"

Isn’t that…fine? Forceful ways are not something we endorse, right?

"Maybe…because it's the right thing?" All I can say.

"Yeah, but mercy has limits and now she has to pay the price,"

"The...price?"

"You heard of the rebellion, yes?"

It is the word I keep hearing everyday since I was released from the madrasah.

"That province is the rebel's stronghold."

I chuckled.

"Surely there is no way the whole province supports it," I refuted. "And again, how can the Caliph let this happen then?"

"One thing you have to know about that province is that it is the main theater of the civil war," He explained. "Many battles took place there and many suffer from it,"

“After it ended, the Great War happened soon after and its effects still remain,"

How can I not piece it again? I should have known better. I read someone’s life yesterday and the implication of Tsavi Bey’s words almost flew away from my mind. Those two wars affect so many people including my parents–especially my mother. On the other hand, Bayan Lael has to be away from her husband and clings to anything he left behind.

And Verdoyant has suffered two wars. Among those who lost their lives are probably….

"So that means…all of the casualties…those people's families, Tenne Hanim and her brother's…"

"Yes, they are orphans," he lamented. "And those who lost their lives are the ones who govern."

"What they left was a dark legacy. One that leaves many marks on those who have been living there for a long time."

"And so, they who remain, live and inherit their venom…"

"Even with the peace we have now, that province never truly moved on," He explained. "I've been there and you won't believe how rotten they are."

"It's so distant compared to here.”

“That bad, huh?”

“It is…”

“What are you both talking about? Seems serious.” Tenne Hanim's voice came from our backs.

We both turned. For some reason I had an urge to ask something to her.

"Tenne Hanim, do you enjoy your stay with him?" I pointed at Tsavi Bey.

Her cheeks flared up. "Don't ask such embarrassing questions!"

She recoiled a bit and straightened up again. "I-I…yeah, I enjoyed it."

“Best thing that could happen in my life, honestly,” She admitted. “I am never going to trade it for anything.”

“Tenne…”

“But that’s why I worry that Elinor will blow it all up,” She expressed. “Should I be proven right I can’t imagine what would happen to everything he had built.”

Ah, so she thought about the fallout too, huh? This Elinor must have been the brother. A feminine name contrasts his sister who is masculine. Still, there is an uncertainty in her voice now compared to this afternoon.

“Now you doubt your claim, huh?” I questioned her.

“Not one bit,” She answered. “I simply worry, that’s all.”

“Good, that means we can move forward.” A new voice came in and in turn a shriek from the only woman here.

“STOP doing that!” whined Tenne.

“Sure,” deadpanned Akum Bey who once again appeared out of nowhere. “We are not starting yet, but I am just here reminding you all prayer time is about to come.”

Hearing his notice, we dropped down from the building and headed to the nearby communal temple. After prayers, we returned back to where we were before. From there, we ate and drank what Tenne Hanim had bought. Nothing to talk about so we simply wait until midnight. In my honest opinion, the silence bores me. I am ashamed to admit that I would like to sleep now.

Of course, Akum Bey wouldn’t let me.

“Don’t kick the bucket now, Hoodie,” warned the Yellow-Coat.

Tenne Hanim chuckled. “Hoodie? That’s a cute nickname.”

“Not cute at all, sister,” I retorted.

“Heh, would you like it if I called you Hoodie too?”

“Please, I can come up with a better one for you,” I countered back.

Akum Bey groaned. “I don’t care whether it is cute or not so I will call you Hoodie and you, Loose, sister.”

“Wait, why would you call me that? That’s degrading!”

“Why don’t you look at a mirror and see for yourself?”

Tsavi nodded in agreement. “I agree with the Agha, Tenne. You dress poorly, try to ask the nearby sisters to fix your veil and…try to wear longer robes.”

“Ack, not you too! I don’t want to be told by men how to dress myself up. I am a free woman!”

“Well, better fix that sooner or else you'll spend your time fixing your veil more than catching your brother," I pointed out.

She furrowed her brows, and pouts. "Mind your business, rookie!"

"Why you?!"

Akum Bey laughed. "Shut up, both of you or else I am the one fixing your problems."

Tenne Hanim and I shared a laugh.

The wait continued until I felt my vision start to drift away, Akum Bey shook me.

"Be on your guard," he warned. "I can feel a presence."

I jolted up and started to look around. The bazaar is empty except for the land guards stationed there. So, nothing bizzarre.

I noticed Tenne has just woken up too.

"Where is this 'brotherhood' you are talking about, Tenne Hanim?"

She holds back her yawn. "I am sure they are here, this is the time!"

Akum Bey looked displeased. "Then where were they again? Atop of the bazaar, the big courtyard there?"

Tenne Hanim nodded twice.

"Are you sure what you saw–'

"Tsavi, I don't have to repeat this again,"

As in cue, I see it. From the nearby tower. It was faint, so tiny that I had to frown. What happened after is just…

"I see them…" I mumbled.

"Where?"

"The tower."

There were a bunch there. They are setting up something and I can't make out what they are holding.

"We have to stop them NOW!" Tenne Hanim barked.

"Not yet," Akum Bey said. "We'll wait until they show their tricks."

The trick was something out of sorcery. Whoever this brotherhood is, they are dealing with something that they shouldn't. For they now walked on thin air. Even I have to check if my eyes are working. But there they are, floating without a hassle.

"Do you know something like this?" I asked Akum Bey.

He smiled. "I think I have a clue"

What does that even mean?!

The group walked until they were now atop of the bazaar. This time though, I can see a faint platform where they stood. Perhaps they were already there, but I am just not good at noticing it before.

Once there were many of them on the platform, Akum brandished his matchlock and shot it in the air.

The resounding bang startled the brotherhood. They instinctively looked around. To them we are nowhere to be seen…well, the smoke from the matchlock gave it away.

Tsavi started to rally nearby rooftop guards and began to make their way to the bazaar's center.

Akum Bey stood on a nearby platform, holding out a voice transmitter.

"To dear sky dwellers, I hope you understand your foolery ended today," He warned. "Come down peacefully or else my hand will lower you to the ground."

The 'sky dwellers' seemed confused. Do they hear or…?

Loud whistle is ringing through my ears, it hurts really bad!

The next thing I know they…slide?! They jumped off from the platform and flew into our direction. I cannot explain how wrong this is!

Akum Bey remained calm.

"We have to do something!" I yelled at him.

He then whistled, loudly I might add and in an instant, fellow lancers appeared with more than what I can count with my hand. They even carried a glider, a tool that is prohibited at the moment.

"Catch any one of them!" Akum Bey ordered. "I don't care how, but I want results!"

"Go!" he yelled at me.

The lancers extended the glider's wings, and with a click on the handle, all of them took off.

I hesitated, not having anything to use. And so, I descent from the building and landed onto the courtyard.

The brotherhood who once were confident in facing us turned their tails. They flew in random directions with the gliding lancers on their backs.

It's hard for me to predict their landing and I am on the ground level and not rooftops. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath only for something crashing on my back interrupting me. I turned around and saw Tenne Hanim on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Why are you stopping? Chase them!"

"How do I even chase one if they are in the air?!"

"You useless Hoodie,"

She got back up and ran past me.

"Where are you going?"

"Catching them, of course, what do you think?"

Now that hurts my pride. I returned to the chase again and followed the direction she had taken.

"Heh, got your engine running again?" she quipped.

I ignored her quip and resumed my run. From what my eyes can see, most of the brotherhood is away from the bazaar now. That means I no longer have to chase them from the ground.

I noticed a good free run starter on the corner and just like that, I quickly ascended to the rooftops. I can hear Tenne Hanim's steps from behind. Hope she can keep up.

The chase continued and this time, I sighed in relief as I saw one of the brotherhood is within my reach. Well, not in a sense that he is not in the air anymore. But with some tricks I could launch myself to tackle him.

I just need momentum and the right building to set it up.

I accelerate further. Putting it all on my legs. I looked beside me and Tenne Hanim was still able to catch up. And with a synchronization I didn't expect, we jumped from one building to another with near identical manners.

Two buildings, right and left, we both took one and started to wall run on each. It lowers the momentum. Still not fast enough. So, we sprinted further again. But there is not enough taller buildings to launch myself or else this momentum we built up would amount to nothing.

The brotherhood member noticed us too so unless we act fast, he is going to fly away.

"Throw me!" Tenne Hanim said within her breaths.

"What?!"

"Throw me your useless Hoodie!"

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"

"YOU ARE A MAN SO THROW ME TO THE AIR!"

"HOW?!"

"On…my…mark…" her voice is ragged. "...Boost…me…"

We are nearing the edge of the long building. Better give your signal fast!

"NOW!"

I braked and with all my might I launched the incoming woman that was about to crash upon me.

It was sloppy, but…

She really is launched into the air high enough to catch our target.

"GOOOO!" I shouted.

As for me…

I almost fell.

I am hanging on the building now.

I can hear a loud crash which means I can sigh a breath of relief. I struggled to get back up, but a rooftop guard caught my hand.

It wasn't a rooftop guard though. It was Tsavi Bey.

I have to calm myself first.

"Take your time, agha," he said. "It seems, I owe Tenne an apology."

"Yeah, we all are."

"SEE, HOODIE! I TOLD YOU MY PLAN WORKS!" Tenne Hanim yelled from afar.

"Yeah, it works so get back here, Loose," I yelled back.

"WHY YOU?! DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"Why, it's cute though."

It was a long night, and the fatigue started to kick in. And we are not even done yet.

It is past midnight now and we are not even done yet. We managed to nab one of the hooligans or the "brotherhood" as they call themselves. Tsavi Bey carried the one we caught and the ensuing sight when we reached the bazaar courtyard looked more like a parent scolding their children.

Akum Bey, the other lancers, and the guards are in the middle tying up the hooligans. Looking at it, Tenne Hanin commented,

"Sheesh, this is quite grim. I feel a little guilty having them like this."

"You are not responsible for their actions." I remarked.

"Sure, but they are just people who don't know what will happen if the 'fun' is over. Most of them are university students like my brother."

We arrived at the scene, still on the rooftops. The hooligans were gathered by the guards and lancers at the courtyard. One might think this is a public persecution.

From where we stood now I noticed a few windows were open. It seems our actions might attract unnecessary attention. Hopefully, the populace didn't interpret this the wrong way.

"Do you see your brother from here?" I asked.

Tenne Hanin shook her head. "We should get down from here, Hoodie."

I ignored her calling me Hoodie as the three of us descended from the upper level. Nearby guards noticed our arrival and took our catch to be tied up. Tenne Hanim was right when she said they are just university students.

Most of them look like the knowledgeable sorts. Their expressions on the other hand tell me they are not prepared to be caught. I pity them for potentially putting their future at risk. Any severe case of misconduct could lead to being expelled. Oh well, if that happens I only hope that they could find their way again.

I pass through the guards and other lancers to reach Akum Bey. He seems to be interrogating one of them.

"Your sister is worried about you,"

"I know and I am really sorry for causing her and Tsavi trouble."

"Look, you are a university student, right?"

The hooligan–no, this must be Elinor, Tenne's brother. His–in my opinion–handsome features looked beaten up. Akum Bey really put a dent in him. The yellow coat continued his inquiry.

"You know what would happen if we contacted the university about this, yes?" he glared at him this time

Elinor looked down in shame. Regret formed on his featured as he struggled to reply back. Sensing the younger man's distress, Akum Bey's Intense gaze softened.

"Then we could work something here," Akum Bey offered. "Depending on your answer to my next question, it will determine the outcome for you and the merry bunch you have,"

He then stressed it back again. "Don't even think about lying to me, understand?"

Elinor shakily nodded.

Akum Bey smiled, pointing at Elinor's feet. "Who gave you this?"

Ah, I forgot about the floating shoes they used.

Elinor seemed reluctant to answer it. A yell came from behind me.

"Don't tell him!" Said one of the hooligans.

"Keep your mouth shut, Elinor!" another joins in.

"You know what happened to the snitches–" before he could finish, a guard whacked him.

"Silence!" A guard scolded them

I returned my attention back to Akum Bey and Elinor.

"Well?" Akum Bey asked again.

"Rebel…gave it to us." Elinor answered.

Akum Bey seemed to be unsatisfied with the answer, he kept pressing on.

"What does this rebel look like?"

"He is not alone. There are three of them a-and…they uh, um,"

He seemed can't get the word out. I approach him and tap his shoulder to comfort him.

"Take a deep breath and start again," I said. "It's okay, it's better to tell truth "

"Nice to see you not just standing around, Hoodie," Akum Bey noted.

I smiled at his approval.

Elinor recovered a bit. "I am sorry, it's just…I could have stop this,"

"Elaborate," Akum Bey asked.

"A week ago, they came and gave us this arcanic technology," Elinor motioned to his shoes. "T-These are rare findings so naturally me and my fellow students are interested in it."

"What is arcanic technology?" I asked.

"One step at a time, Hoodie. That question can wait, but the rebels are not."

Elinor continued, "Yes, um, t-three of them asked us students to test it,"

"And how could it lead to these midnight shenanigans?"

"For that I apologize on behalf of our group!" Elinor bowed. "We were thinking that the bazaar has all we need to do the experiment."

"What experiment?"

"Um, these shoes–they told us to report back to see if it can float and asked us to improve its range."

"And the invisible platform?"

"Oh, that, we were told to do the same and improve it's range too,"

"Range? How high can it be used in the sky?"

Elinor nodded.

Akum Bey stroked his chin. It seems he is deciding what to do with Elinor answers.

"Clarify me on this, you knew their identities when you met them or you know them later?"

Elinor looked down again. "They told us who they are…"

"And you are conscious enough when you and your friends decide to assist them, correct?"

"Yes…"

"Then you are an accomplice."

Elinor's eyes widened in shock. Even I am startled by how calmly he said that. Elinor might have done some wrong, but even then he was swept by his duty as a student: to learn. The man has shown he is regretful at least.

"Isn't it too harsh to call him that?" I challenged my senior.

"He has every chance to refuse yet he took it," he rebuked. "It was our job as a mortal to stay in the good and not cross boundaries."

"But he is still young and the fact rebels approached him instead of his professors meant he and his friends were meant to be tricked in the first place!"

Akum Bey ignored my argument and instead turns to Elinor

"Tell me, do you read the news?"

"I…did, yeah…"

Akum looked back at me as if he had proven his point.

"What does news have to do with this?"

He sighed. "He is a student, seeker of knowledge who kept up to date with current events yet still willingly tempted to pursue a goal that could threaten the populace,"

"And it was given to him by our enemy." he finished.

A rushed step passed through me and a hand almost reached Akum Bey's cheeks. He is quick to catch the slim wrist of Tenne Elmas. Anger plastered upon all of her features.

"Don't you dare call him an accomplice!"

Akum Bey ignored her outburst and remained fixed on Elinor.

"See, little brother? This is what happens when you don't think this through," He lectured again. "Your sister is worried and she almost did something irrational. All of this could have been avoided if you had the conscience to not pursue your desire."

"I am sorry…" Elinor mouthed.

"Hm?" Akum feinted.

"I said I AM SORRY!" Elinor repeated.

I was beside him, but yelling had a different feeling when it was a soft-spoken one who did it. The voice crack and the desperation in his voice…this should stop. The man clearly didn't wish all of this to happen.

"We should end this debacle, Akum Bey." I pleaded.

He stood silent for a moment before addressing Elinor again. "Do you regret what you did?"

Elinor weakly nodded.

Akum Bey hummed, I think he is satisfied now.

"If something like this happened again, would you repeat the same mistake?"

"I won't, I promise."

"Very well, I'll talk to your professors to pardon you and your fellow students."

Elinor's eyes lit up. I feel flabbergasted by my senior's words. After all that antagonizing, he, in the end, showed mercy. I don't understand his flow of thinking. He should have said this in the beginning instead of hurting the student's feelings and agitating his sister. It seems unnecessary to prolong it like the way he did.

Akum Bey offered his hand to Elinor. The former's gaze is much softer compared to before. Of course, Elinor reluctantly takes it while Tenne Hanim watches with caution. In the end, it was genuine. Akum Bey dusted off his clothes and called upon the guards to do the same to the other hooligans.

The hooligans returned to their homes escorted by the guards. Meanwhile, me and Akum Bey returned to the lodge immediately. It was past midnight already and we needed a rest. Before we left the premises, a voice called to us.

"THANK YOU!" Tenne Hanim shouted.

Tsavi Bey flicked her forehead, an audible groan coming from the woman.

"Why?"

"No shouting! You'll disturb the residence."

Tenne Hanim pouted.

"Anyway, Hoodie, thanks for saving my brother,"

"It wasn't me," I said. "It was Akum Bey who did it."

"Don't sell yourself short,"

No, it was all Akum Bey. I am just watching from the sidelines. I didn't comment further. We exchanged farewells and I headed home with Akum Bey and other lancers who stayed at the dorm. If there is anything I would like to ask of him, it will have to wait until dawn. I can feel my eyes getting heavier.

Once we arrived at the dorm, I immediately rushed to my lodge. I hopped myself onto the soft mattress of the bed. I'll write my letter to Bayan Souleska after I sleep.

I feel terrible.

I groggily rose from my bed and checked the clock. It was five in the morning. That means I just had around four hours of sleep which is not ideal for my routine that I have established.

Frankly, this is the first time I broke it during my time as a Lancer. The carefully cultivated schedules I have made are not in my mind now as I focused more on thinking about what to do.

What to do to prepare for the day?

…

After a little consideration, I should just do my morning prayers.

As soon as I finished, I began to write the letter. I think just this time, I can excuse myself for being late. Well, it's not like the guild forces its officers to come at a certain time. After all, we can choose when to work.

To Bayan Lael Souleska

How are you today? Did you eat well? Did you still wake up at night? I am sorry for asking such questions remembering I may be nothing, but a stranger to you if you haven't read the letter I sent to you.

Speaking about night, yesterday, well, it went on past midnight so might as well today, there is this woman, she is the requester who put on a commission to catch her brother on an act. It happened at midnight so my senior who took the job told me to prepare.

I was not expecting the turn of events that happened later as the woman's–her name is Tenne Elmas–brother and his group used a technology that allowed them to float on the sky!

Float!

We can only dream of walking on thin air and the least we could do was climbing, but these hooligans managed to do just that. Unfortunately, those technologies didn't come from their hands. Rebels gave it to them.

When we finally catch them, all I see is terrified university students who simply chase their desire without thinking about the repercussions.

I was conflicted.

On the other hand they were tempted by their desire to pursue knowledge, but they willingly helped the rebels as long as they got to reach their goal.

Yet they were naive and innocent.

Perhaps you might be able to give your perspective, Bayan Souleska.

That's all I wanted to tell you

With regards, Noah Sadiik

Lancer Guild

With that, I wrapped the letter and returned to the mattress. I need to rest my head a bit. I feel fine, but at the moment all I want is just to lay down.

I began to reflect on what has transpired from the recent commission.

There is one question that lingers as I look back into it. How can the citizens not notice them? Why only Tenne Hanim who did? These two questions sprung from the fact that nobody seemed to vouch for her claims.

As if she was being ignored on purpose or is it perhaps the citizens really do not notice at all? The former might be too extreme, but the latter is more sensible now that I think about it.

The bazaar courtyard, the hooli–I mean, students' experiment grounds did feel empty when I waited with Tenne Hanim and Tsavi Bey. But then another question pops in if I rationalized that's the reason why the citizens didn't notice their act. Then how can the guards not see them?

Bah!

I really shouldn't think too much when I said I wanted to rest my head. I wonder what Akum Bey is doing right now? What will happen to Elmas family?

…

I should just take a quick nap. I set an alarm on my armhub. Hopefully, it will wake me up on time.

It has been a heck of a midnight