Sorry for the delay. I was going to do 1 chapter a day but work and school got in the way. I'll try for four chapters a week. Enjoy :>

Upon joining the Imperial Army and becoming a regular soldier, you are awarded a dirk. Footsoldiers are given black dirks engraved with the same double helix seen on the Imperial Flag. Upon becoming a lieutenant you may trade your basic token dirk for an ether strengthened glass dirk. Aside from being of the highest make and dreadfully efficient in combat, token dirks are also useful outside of battle; They are a ‘token’ symbol that opens doors closed to everyday civilians.

If you are made captain and awarded a warship, it is not uncommon to be gifted a weapon type artifact. Admirals are issued rare weapon type artifacts and fleet admirals wield mythic weapon type artifacts.

Artifacts are powered by ether infused gemstones tied to tethers of its wielder. Once gifted an artifact it is bound to you until death. Artifacts can be used by anyone but are very difficult to make. It takes the purest of metals and an extremely gifted ether user to infuse the gemstones. An artifact sword will never dull or break and is the weapon of choice because of its reliability. Artifacts have a variety of uses and are most commonly seen being used in architecture. Common artifacts cost around 10,000 notes; rare artifacts cost upwards of 100,000 notes, and mythic artifacts are invaluable.

___________________________ ACT 1: CHAPTER 4 - The Face of Nobility: SCENE 1

“Mr. Bowen, if you please, can I have a word with you?”

“How can I help you today master builder?” Mayer asked, directed toward a rather portly man in red laced clothing.

Mayer’s regular patrons were all here this night. Eddie, a master builder from the outer walls, was one of his best customers. Eddie’s particular line of work involves managing the hundreds of workers repairing the metal of the city’s lower walls to ensure that it does not collapse. Because of the dangers involved in working so high up and in perpetual darkness, Eddie always needs more workers to replace those that fall or quit in order to pursue a safer line of work.

“I need a half dozen metal workers. Cheap labor, mind you. The last bunch wanted health benefits.”

“When do you need them by?”

“Hmm...No later than the fiftieth.”

Mayer paused a moment and did some calculations in his head. “I can have some men sent to you as soon as the forty-seventh.”

Nodding to himself, Eddie stood up “Thank you for the drink, master bartender.”

“Tip jar is to your left. Its pleasure to help, as always.” Looking around Mayer spotted Hugh walking through the back doors to his chambers. “Kerly!”

Lifting his head up from behind the bar, Mayer’s only son perked at his name.

“Father?”

“See to it that the guest in my chambers is comfortable and fed.” Mayer made eye contact will a few patrons and began making his rounds.

___________________________ SCENE 2

Ashe Cudlahan turned the corner leaving The Thief's Den behind him. He smiled and thanked his lucky stars for the fortune that has jumped into his lap. The tip off he received from the library turned out to have been the truth. Hiding a rogue ethereal user is ruled as high treason. If Ashe played his hand right, the politics keeping the library afloat in the city would be seriously damaged and the trading coalition would be able to seize the library’s assets for themselves. “I’m going to have to thank that Librarian Nael for this gift.” He chuckled to himself.

“You can thank me now if you would like.”

Whipping around, Ashe caught a glimpse of the familiar beady eyes before his vision went black.

___________________________ SCENE 3

“Sorry for the delay. There were a lot of patrons-” Mayer closed the door behind him, turned to face the room then jumped in surprise. Hugh was sitting across from a tall man at his work table.

“WHO IN THE FORGOTTEN-”

Hugh quickly interrupted “Relax. His name is Nael and he is a good friend of mine.”

“Sorry for my intrusion. It is important that I deliver this book to Hugh.” Handing over a large red tome to Hugh, Nael excused himself and walked past Mayer.

“Do not let people into my room like that.” Mayer said as icily as he dared. “It is a betrayal of trust.”

“My apologies. I didn’t think he would show up so soon.”

“Nevermind that. I got you a place that you can lay low for a while. Its very discreet.” Mayer looked Hugh over curiously. “What is so important that you risk ?”

A twinkle appeared in the corner of Hugh’s eye. “Answers, Mr. Bayer. Answers that can only be found at the top of the world.”

Mayer shook his head. “You are insane. Everything on top belongs to the nobles. Not even you can fight enforcement up there.”

Hugh laughed “I’m not so sure about that. I have just acquired the means to get there this night.” Holding up the red tome that Nael handed him, Hugh made it levitate out in front of him and magically flipped the pages quickly. “I will not fight the nobility. I will join them.” Imitate! Hugh’s face became lined with paper crease marks. Hundreds of minute flips and folds splayed across his head before settling down and disappearing into his skin as it had just moments before.

“...” Mayer clicked his tongue in appreciation.

“Ashe Cudlahan, Head of the Cudlahan house, owner of the third largest shipping fleet in Windxor, and former admiral in the Imperial Army, at your service.” Hugh bowed and looked up, grinning. “I’m sure we can work out something that will be beneficial to the both of us.”