Her Graceful War Song

While in Rosevale, Elise and Selene made the acquaintance of several local peddlers who wandered the streets with goods for sale. It was something unique to Southmere Eastmarch.

Most of their wares were toys meant for children. Elise claimed she was too grown-up for such things, but in truth, she adored them and purchased two especially charming miniature griffin heads used for griffin dances.

In Southmere Eastmarch, griffin dancing was a beloved custom. Whether for the New Year or any joyful occasion, one could always hire a troupe. During Elise and Selene's time in Rosevale for the New Year festivities, things were particularly lively, with griffin dances all through the streets. The merriment was so grand, they found themselves utterly captivated.

After the New Year, Elise wrote letters home, sending one to the capital and another to Meadow Ridge, then continued on her journey.

They arrived in Port Liantra in February. The weather was neither cold nor warm just right.

Elise first sought out Bertram Yeats, the Commissioner of Transport for Southmere Eastmarch. Upon showing her duchess' seal, he received her with the highest courtesy and took her at once to see the progress of her new residence.

The duchess' estate-Southmere Estate-stood along the main thoroughfare of Port Liantra, not far from the local authorities' office. With such vast grounds, laborers and craftsmen were still hard at work. Bertram informed Elise that it would be another half-year before it was ready for her to move in.

So, she decided she would rent a house in Port Liantra for the time being. She also asked Bertram not to inform the lesser officials of her arrival, as she preferred not to be watched or disturbed.noveldrama

Bertram treated the two women to a fine meal and shared the current state of affairs in Southmere Eastmarch.

The local troops were known as the Wintermark Guard. They had once served under the palace, but some years ago when Yuvan rebelled and the region was plagued by outlaws-the court had dispatched regional troops along with the Mystic Army to restore order.

Later, the Mystic Army left behind a hundred men, who then recruited more and formally established the Wintermark Guard. They had originally been stationed in Rosevale, but with Port Liantra opening trade routes with other kingdoms, the area had drawn the attention of pirates and bandits. The troops were thus moved from Rosevale to Port Liantra.

The Wintermark Guard was first commanded by Julian Gibson of the Mystic Army. After his passing, Rafael appointed Ansel Hargrove as their commander. Ansel's grandfather had once served in the Sinclair Army and had fallen in battle alongside Hector at the Southern Frontier, while his father used to be the governor of Rosevale.

Ansel himself was well-versed in both letters and arms—remarkably talented for his age. He had shown great skill in several campaigns against bandits, and it was Julian who had written to the court before his death and recommended Ansel for the post of commander.

When Bertram spoke of Ansel, he was full of praise.

"Your Grace, you may not know this,

but the Wintermark Guard is often

called the Rhantom Guard by bandits. They move like

shadows-silent and swift-and always seem to find the bandits' dens. In the past two years, banditry has lessened greatly, andthat is all thanks to General Hargrove."

"Lessened?" Elise repeated. "Meaning there are still some left?"

"But of course. All under the sky chase after profit. Port Liantra is open by land and sea, so there's too much wealth to tempt them. Where there's gain, there will be those who risk their lives for it," Bertram replied.

"Have people been harmed?" Elise asked.

"In years past, yes. But over the last two years, only three commoners have died at the hands of bandits. The criminals have grown clever, and now wait until the ships are out on the water before attacking. General Hargrove is currently petitioning the court to build warships."

He went on eagerly about the benefits of such ships. With a proper fleet, the soldiers could patrol the rivers and escort merchant vessels. If the bandits couldn't succeed, they would eventually give up.

Elise could tell that Bertram was hoping she would speak to her father on the matter. But she gave no promise, pretending not to understand the hint. She would need to investigate the situation herself before deciding.

However, Selene was not so subtle and said, "Well, if there's a need, then build the ships. It's not as if the court has no money."

Elise gave her a sharp kick under the table.

Selene quickly recovered and added, "Naturally, everything must follow the proper process. One can't simply ask and receive."

Bertram let out a small laugh. "The

outa

young lady speaks wisely. The

process must be followed, of

course. But Port Liantra lies so far from the capital. Between the back-and-forth and the flood of petitions flying toward court, who

knows when the regent or His

Majesty will even see ours?"

Elise poured him a cup of tea, changing the subject with a smile. "I've heard that

in Port Liantra, tea-drinking is quite a fine custom. Is that true?"