CHAPTER 2

"update?" Jonah Ulysses, President of the Allied Lands. A country known for its grit and determination. Jonah embodies each trait ever since being elected. Being a hero during the War of Rivers conflict. People have grown to trust and admire him. Though now he seemed lost inside a unforeseen crisis. "I want to make sure the Republic ain't doing anything outta character"

"Of course" Lincoln Hawthorne his counsel for every occasion. Being from southern Glades land. He always proper and gentle. Giving anyone proper respect, and piece of advice. "A number of our scouts have caught sight of hostility on Janus borders"

"Damn, what about our end?"

"Our forces are well stocked, but our Navy fleet has taken casualties"

"Is it severe?"

"Yes, Four warships lost" Hawthorne glanced at the paper in his hand. "Surprise attacks being taken, from across the Eastern Sea"

"You think it could be the Avalon?" A country across the pond. It was said that the Allied Lands and Avalon had a history. Due to concern of politics a hundred years ago both severed connection. The Allied Lands haven't spoken to them since. "They've targeted our shipments before"

"Of course, but before they always took responsibility" tapping his desk impatiently. "This is suppose to be taken differently"

"Did Takamagahara have any information?"

"No, they claim to only to have found the wreckage"

Takamagahara a country miles off the western Allied coast. Though history has been spotty, they've maintained a decent trade relation. Even lending a legion of Ronin to help secure northern lands. In exchange for steamboats, and steel.

"The most believable notion is that mercenaries sunk it" Hawthorne added. "And they can be bought"

"We'll see once our Lawmen get here"

Roanoke, the capital of the Allied Lands. It was the city of steel, and the oil was a treasure. Many called it home where jobs were plenty. Deadhorse stood chewing a piece of gum. Seeing the locals rush by. Each a different size and shape.

"Come on, we didn't come all this way to eat candy" Markus lead, walking out into the street. A dangerous act for normal folk. Deadhorse groaned quietly following his sheriff. Racing pass carts and oil carriages. It filled their noses burning the hairs inside. "Smell that? Its progress"

"Progress smells like shit"

"No doubt"

A herd of longhorn Minotaur carrying barrels off a cart passed. For them, it was nothing than carrying pounds of flour. Almost blocking out the sun. Could break the street with their weight.

"What you want meatbag!" A young one shouted. No more than a calf, unlike the rest. Barely got his horns and already getting an attitude.

"Boy! Don't be rude" his father shouted out the door. Ducking under the door frame. Cracking the frame easily. "Apologies, kids don't know any better"

"No harm done" Markus chuckled as they continued down the road. "Minotaurs a rowdy bunch"

"I'd rather deal with them than pixies"

"Why's that? "

"Just a bunch of thieves"

Most Allied Citizens were human, but some immigrated. The bulk being Minotaurs from across the Western sea from Avalon. Others came, well those discriminated against in Avalon cities. 

"Watch out" soon being trapped in a crowd of Tree People. Tall ape-like creatures, who have a knack for counting. They wore suits speaking in their native tongue. "Tall fellows aren't they?"

"A little too tall" Wiping away a strand of hair.

At the center of Roanoke stood the Silver Tower. Home to every president to ever to take office. Tall enough to graze the heavens themselves. Glistening like a beacon in the night. Thought it was daytime. As the Lawmen neared the entrance guarded by massive Minotaur. Each holding battle axes. Sliding into formation to halt their advance.

"State your business"

"Here to see, President Ulysses"

"Wait here" the beast lowered his head. Letting out a quaking howl. It echoed reaching across seas possibly. Moments went by, Markus even lighting a cigarette. A lengthy drag taken, releasing a cloud of smoke. Immediately a distant howl was returned. Possibly from the Tower itself. "You may pass"

Releasing their guard. The Lawmen could spot snipers at certain points going up.

"Protection" Markus added.

"Or too damn nosey" Deadhorse retorted.

Entering a lift elevator the polished frame gleaming. A miniature creature stood he had a long nose that looked like an old carrot. Quills sprouted out his back. "Going up?" The Pukwdgie spoke with a gentle though grainy voice.

"Yes, please"

A tug put a bit a fear in them. They could hear the metal wires being turned. Swearing up and down that it put them on edge. The duo became uneasy on how they were lifted. Til a dong rang on their designated floor. Doors sliding with a hissing sound. A young woman with dark hair, and gentle olive skin greeted them. Tattoos decorated her features from forehead to chin. A pair of piercing red eyes, shot through you. A friendly smile shining.

"Hello, Gentlemen" the Djinn greeted them as the door slid open. Djinn were peaceful mostly, capable of remarkable skills. Always slender and extremely mesmerizing. "Follow me"

Jotting a note down within a ledger or perhaps a schedule? Her markings ran down her forehead to chin, with pointed ears hidden behind locks of hair. Keeping a friendly smile as the two trailed behind. Officers removing, their hats out of respect. "Oh you must be the Lawmen"

"Yes, we have an appointment, with uh President Ulysses" Markus speaking gentle like.

"Of course" closing her book. "I'll go see if he's prepared"

Deadhorse gave the Sheriff an evil grin.

"What?"

"I haven't seen you be so gentle"

"Shut it"

Inside the White Room sat President Ulysses with most of his cabinet. Discussing the recent developments on their border.

"Why do we halt operations to annex the Republic?" One spoke loudly. "They've done enough damage"

"If we attempt such an act, a revolt is surly to follow through"

"Yes, but our shipments and trade agreements are suffering"

A knock drew much of the attention. Peeking a head inside was the Djinn. Greeting every member with a smile.

"Your appointment is here sir"

"Oh thank you, Talia, gentlemen I have a plan to help us navigate this situation" Ulysses rose out of his seat gesturing for their departure. "But for now the discussion is redundant"

Sighs heard all around as the elderly men took their leave. Small talk followed the crowds leave. The two Lawmen sat waiting, watching the cabinet depart.

"Gentlemen" President Ulysses greeted with a wary smile. The trio taking a quiet seat inside the office. Walls covered with books and maps, leather seats, along with a massive desk sitting centerpiece. "Many thanks for taking my call"

"It was no trouble"

"No, if not for your kind we'd be knee-deep in lawless destruction"

"Just a days work"

Grinning as they adjust themselves the President leaning forward.

"Now about our problem"

"The Abbotts yes we got your telegram" holding the letter to view.

"Well it just got a whole more complicated"

"How so?" Deadhorse spoke fiddling with his hat.

"The Abbotts are demanding for support, hiring every gun that ain't bought"

"Isn't it a bit early? "

"They're not mobilizing yet, just putting the others on edge" he reassured. " Even so, it seems to be working"

"Well then we'll have to move fast" Markus suggested, as every moment could be wasted opportunity.

"My thoughts exactly, I have arranged transport via Railway" revealing a pass. Thick of parchment paper.

"The Railway, good we'll be able to arrive Republic borders by three days time"

"My thoughts exactly, after all the clock is ticking too fast for other options" Lincoln spoke in hush tone. It was no good to think what they would do. Janus was unpredictable is the worst of ways. Attack now or later either could happen. "Now I've sent rumor that an ex-Lawman would be heading west for work-"

"Lawman? A single officer? " Markus inquiring about the unnecessary change. "Why one?"

"Abbotts are already suspicious about outsiders, giving them a pair would be displaced ignorance"

" Then it should be me-"

"No, too many people know you as the Sheriff of the Lawmen, you'll be too recognizable" his focus then shifted to Deadhorse. "But a tribesman wouldn't cause as much a stir"

"I'll do it, but Imma goin need a little help" Deadhorse spoke up. Nervousness on the tip of his tongue. He had never done assignments in the territory. "Can't do it all on my own"

"Don't worry, we gotta contact inside the Republic they'll make touch once you're hired unfortunately that's all I can provide" answering each question. Allied authority didn't have much pull. Though a string or two could be pulled for favors. "All you need to do is find any evidence of any suspicious movements and return with your findings that's all" expressing the need for being discreet.

"Fine, I understand"

"Good now Talia will lead you to the Underground Railway, godspeed men"

Taking their leave as Talia stood awaiting.

"Your transport is ready" The Underground Railway, was an access line that took anyone across Allied Lands. From west to east, border to border, sea to sea. Just with one little hiccup.

It was Underground.