Alex felt a tug on his sleeve and looked back. Nekya looked at him with a frown and squinted.

“What?” he asked with a

“Can you understand him too?” Nekya whispered.

Alex looked back the old catfolk standing before him and nodded. The elderly catman clearly did speak in Ishra. This was the only catman that understoof their language. Alex inspected the elderly catman before him with knitted brows.

Either this catman would be their savior, or he was with the assailants in the marketplace. No one would take the effort to learn a new language without any endgoal!

The Ishra-speaking catman didn't look like a threat. Walking stick in hand, and clearly in declining physical health. Even simulacrum-Nekya would be able to take him down. But he was clearly respected in the shantytown.

Besides, there wasnt any way he could being a 'believer of the Faith of Nekya'. He was human after all.

The catfolk in the shantytown were definately not fond of the Nekyans, and the only way to get out unharmed was to pin his hopes on the old-catfolk.

Alex took a breath a walked forward. He gestured Lieutenant Venessa with and open palm. He gave a slight bow and said, “Yes sir. My companions and I just arrived at the city. We were making our way to the castle when we lost our way.”

The elderly catfolk nodded slowly stroking his fur-less head.

"Yes, yes. I, curious what esteemed traveller would say. Truth or no truth," he spoke in broken Ishra with a smile on his creased lips. "We believe in Mehuj, our Royals. Not space goddess. But we not beasts. You go peaceful. No one attacks”

The catman gestured to the crowd and nodded.

Alex met the old man’s gaze and nodded a thanks.

Turning to Lieutenant Venessa and Nekya, He added, “Keep your guards up! Let's hurry out of here.”

As soon as the three of them started walking, the catfolk started agitating again, angered that the Nekya-worshipping aliens were getting away!

“Walk je,” the old catfolk’s spoke, bringing the staff to the ground with a loud bang and started speaking, “…Nekya…”

Alex kept walking. He couldn’t understand a word spoken in their local language.

But no one attacked. They quickly passed through the archway. As soon as they crossed, the three of them dashed to the closest deserted alleyway and stopped.

Alex’s heart was racing! He felt like screaming!

“Who was that? That old cat spoke Ishra!” Lieutenant Venessa said with furrowed brows. She kept an eye out as well.

Large mansions with protective walls rose before them. The roads were bricked and broad enough for two carriages to pass beside each other. Just beyond that the looming walls stood tall!

“I-I don’t know!” Nekya hung her head embarrassed, “But Devin should know!”

Alex felt his lips twitch. There was a lot of question the retainer, Devin, had to answer.

“No more sneaking around Lieutenant. We run to the castle,” he spoke.

“No-”

“I’m going. Nekya and you can stay here if you want. Don’t try to order me here,” Alex shot Lieutenant Venessa down.

There was no way Lieutenant Venessa could protect them if another mob surrounded them again. The next time they might not be this lucky!

He quickly darted from behind the wall and started running.

The streets were empty. He was hoping any catfolk that saw him right now, will be startled enough for him to escape unharmed.

“Wait!” Lietenant Venessa voice reached him. He looked back to see the two women racing after him as well. Neither of them looked happy about it though.

Alex slowed down and let them catch up to him. He kept his eye peeled for even the slightlest of movement. But there wasn’t a single soul anywhere around.

“Which way now?” he spoke, looking in both directions.

The looming wall was before them but he had no idea where the gate to the castle was.

“It should be to the right,” Lieutenant Venessa replied.

Sure enough a little while later, the large castle door appeared before them with two towers standing guard on either side. A broad wooden platform led up to the double gates that barred the castle keep inside.

Alex stopped before the castle gates.

“The cats might have already taken it. This is too quiet sir,” Lieutenant Venessa said.

There wasn’t anyone visible from outside, no sentries, no guards or anything. It was a surprise that no one had even stopped them all this while!

“De-Devin must be in there,” Nekya spoke, her face white. “Please, otherwise the city is lost!”

Lieutenant Venessa kept looking forward silently. But the frown on the combat-mage’s face betrayed her.

Alex shook his head, “There aren’t any signs of a fight. If the catfolk had the castle wouldn’t they be celebrating?”

“That… could be true,” Lieutenant Venessa conceded.

Alex took a deep breath and prayed screamed at the top of his lungs, “Nekya Clayhall is here! Open the gates!”

But nothing happened.

“Devin, open the gates!” Nekya joined in as well.

Suddenly, a dark figure appeared on top of the wall, peering down. “Lady Nekya, is it really you?”

“Oh thank god,” Nekya let out a breath of air. A smile appeared on her face as she replied, “Ofcourse its me. Quick, open the gates and let us in!”

***

The large gates to the castle opened with a long groan. A middle-aged man walked out, the mage robe hanging over his skeletal figure.

“Lady Nekya, for-forgive me. I-I didn’t realise you were going to arrive today,” Devin walked out stopping before Nekya with a deep bow.

“What are you talking about,” Nekya frowned, “I told you I’ll send some people, didn’t I!”

Devin immediately cowered back, “P-please my Lady. Fo-forgive me. I sho-should have come to greet you personally.”

“You-” Nekya stomped forward her face red but Alex held her back.

“Nekya, the Brazen Outcomes are still stuck in there,” he said. Thankfully her arm relaxed and calmed down. Alex looked at the retainer and stepped forward, with his fist raised. The tattooed Identification mark clearly visible, He asked, “See this?”

Devin’s eyes grew wide and gave a nod. He nodded, a flash of anger in his eyes. He replied, “Yes.”

“How many soldiers do you have here?” Alex stepped forward.

The retainer stood straight and shot a calculating glance towards the castle. ‘’A little over hundred. But I’m the only mage here. Others are all catfolks. There are six casters among them, and others are ordinary soldiers.”

Alex nodded. This wasn’t as bad as he had expected. Six locals that could use magic wasn’t anything to scoff at, considering that Nekya’s forces had only captured the city merely three months before.

“Take fifty of them with you to the Leypoint. Some catfolks attacked us when we arrived in Bambee,” Alex voiced.

“Lady Nekya, are you alright?” Devin walked forward in hurried steps, he roared, “Guards bring the-”

“Stop!” Alex said, hand raised

“Excuse me, but-” Devin started gesturing at Nekya.

“Take fifty of you men and head to the Leypoint immediately,” Alex repeated slowly. He needed to show authority, he reminded himself and added, “and take three casters with you.”

Devin glared at Alex for a second before a smile appeared on his face. He quickly turned around spoke to the two catfolk guards in the local language and they hurried away inside the castle.

“Please come in Lady Nekya, it’s not safe-”

“I’m not finished Mage Devin,” Alex spoke.

Devin looked from him to Nekya. Thankfully Nekya still seemed pissed with the retainer and didn’t budge from her side.

Alex continued, “I want you to bring back the combat-mages of the Brazen Outcomes. Escort them personally. Take a caster with healing magic with you. Any question?”

“It’s not wise to leave the castle with so few guards to defend. I know this wretched city better than any other mage. The catfolk will attack the first chance they get,” Devin spoke with a frown, “Let the combat-mages make their way on their own. If they were stupid enough to make Lady Nekya travel alone with just you two, they deserve a little punishment.”

Lieutenant Venessa couldn’t stand still and immediately rushed at the retainer, “You prick, watch your mouth!”

Devin only gave a little smirk, before a wand appeared in his hand. He pointed it at Lieutenant Venessa and muttered. A loud crash echoed. A gust of wind blew and before he noticed anything Lieutenant Venessa was on the floor!

“That’s better,” Devin putting his wand back. He looked back to Alex, a smirk on his face and added, “Some people have no manners.”

“I will…” Lieutenant Venessa groaned inaudibly. There were definitely broken bones, but at least she was still breathing!

Alex couldn’t even follow what spell hit the Lieutenant. He looked at the Venessa on the floor and shot Devin a bloody glare.

“Devin, get the healer here right now!” Alex let out a shout. He took a step forward and grabbed the retainer by his collar. “Nekya, I’m deducting twenty-five percent from Devin’s reward.”

Alex didn’t know if he had the power. His soul-contract said that Nekya as his supervisor reprimand. But the wide-eyed look of defiance on Devin’s face as he looked at him and then at Nekya was worth it.

“Lady Nekya, he-he can’t do that,” Devin stuttered stumbling back.

Nekya spoke with a straight face, “Summon the healer Devin. Alex Trecob is my Manager in Bambee.”

Devin quickly turned around and roared, “Why is the bloody priestess taking so long!”

“Listen to me you dimwit. You better pray that Lieutenant Venessa recovers,” Alex growled.

Hurried footsteps approached them.

Alex looked up to see an army of catfolk dressed in identical black attire make their way. A plump catwoman leading them gestured at them to wat as she hurried forward alone.

The catwoman didn’t wear the identical leather wear of the other catfolk. Instead, flowing black toga covered her. She looked inept at wearing the long gown as she kept tripping over it every few steps.

“Lord, you called for,” the catwoman came to a panting stop before then.

Alex looked and asked, “Are you the priestess?”

“Ye-yes My Lo-lord,” the catwoman stuttered.

“Heal the mage there. I want her fully healed,” Alex said gesturing towards the injured Lieutenant.

“Yes my Lord,” the Priestess gave a bow, refusing to meet any of the mage’s eye and rushed off towards Lieutenant Venessa.

Alex looked at the waiting army and looked at the detainer. “How good is your Medical magic?”

“Just bare-bones,” Devin said with a flash of anger in his tone.

“That’ll do. Take the catfolk to the Leypoint and rescue the Brazen Outcomes. There were locals with arms there,” Alex said.

This time the retainer didn’t interrupt him, settling with glaring at him.

“Once they are safe, get your men to clear the entire marketplace around the Leypoint. I want that place under complete control. Leave thirty of our soldiers there along with three casters. Got it?” Alex continued, he didn’t shy away from his eyes. He could see the wisdom in his Worlder friend’s words. His subordinates had to respect him. Just the insignia on his hand wouldn’t be enough.

“Sure,” Devin spoke with a twitch in his lips. “Can we go now?”

Alex nodded his head before adding, “Do a good job and we can talk about increasing your reward again.”

The retainer stared wordlessly, a twitch in his eye. He let out a roar, “Nekyans, march out. On me!”

As Devin started walking, the fifty loyal catfolk before him started marching as well. The ground reverberated as the army marched out. Even though it wasn’t the coordinated march of well-trained armies, Alex still felt awe!

Soon enough the castle fell silent again and the double doors were closed again. Only then did Alex manage to take a sigh of relief.

It was a big gamble on his part to threaten Devin as he did. There was nothing that he could have done to protect himself if the mage had decided to attach him.

“The first day isn’t even over yet,” Alex said looking up at the sky. He looked over at the Healer who had called over two soldiers to lift Lieutenant Venessa. “What’s going on?”

“My Lord! No-nothing my Lord,” the Priestess spoke, clutching onto the hem of the toga, “Her injuries weren’t fatal. She just needs some rest now. I will prepare a bed for her at the chapel so that she can get some rest.”

“Please take care of her,” Nekya said with a smile.

“Yes my Lady,” the Priestess didn’t need to be said twice. She gestured to the guards and hurried away as fast as she could.

The castle suddenly felt cold and empty. The stone walls casting shadows even at noon.

Alex looking around. There were the sentry guards around, but he was finally alone with Nekya. He felt exhausted to the bone. But there were more pressing things he needed to do first. “Nekya, we should speak. I need answers.”

***

Excerpt from History of the Frestin Academy, Vol 43, Ed. 2.

Established in the year 2681, the Frestin Academy has produced several renowned mages. The Academy was founded by the Frestin House when Duke Frestin decided to open his mage-tower library for all.

However, the policy was soon changed when a novice mage’s elemental fire went out of control and burnt down the Duke’s entire library…

In 3100, the grounds around the tower were barricaded by walls to protect the tower from rising water levels and thus the now-iconic Frestin Academy grounds came to being.

In 3266 saw a record number of students fail to graduate. Grenn Visenson was one among them. Being the heir of the Earn of Visen, Grenn refused the results. He claimed war on the Kingdom of Nostern from his dorm room. He was later dubbed as the King of the Room.

A new syllabus was implemented in 3267…