A warning ignored is a world already lost
Orudara, a continent in the southern hemisphere of the World of Thalevir, is home to millions of people living in dozens of cities and thousands of small villages. Orudara has been the location of many wars, some of which have spread across its entirety. Thanks, in part, to the fact that has been locked in a pre-gunpowder technology age, some people survive each of these large wars to rebuild.
The Information Guild is the predominant intelligence gathering and news-spreading organization in Orudara. Its operatives are respected and feared for their professional skills by many, thanked by some for the critical information they share, and mocked by many for intruding into affairs that are none of their concern and spreading gossip across the continent.
In the past two centuries, Orudara has developed a society of classes and castes based on opportunity for wealth and education. The amount of actual work being done in Orudara is inversely proportional to where the person stands in the societal systems, with those who do the most work having the least rights and resources.
The Information Guild has been monitoring unrest among the lower classes, warning the governments of Orudara that the class system will cause the destruction of society. Recently, Information Guild operatives have discovered an organized movement of the disaffected. Servants and working-class members of society have been fleeing the cities and villages to rally points across the continent. This movement looks to be one that will lead to historic destruction and loss of life.
“Sir, the signs are all there,” Messo said to his Guild chief, his eyes glittering with nervous intensity.
The meeting chamber felt colder than usual to the unusually young journeyman, who stared at the floors in respect for his masters.
“You have seen the evidence. Workers and servants are disappearing from the cities even while the dissident army grows,” Messo continued. “At their current rate of growth, I believe that Orudaran society will collapse within five years.”
“I know you are often right,” his Guild master responded, “but the council believes you have misread the data. We order to set this aside.”
Let it go? The words struck Messo with the cold weight of a barred door. Earlier uprisings had devastated the nation, and those revolts had not grown nearly as fast or large as this one. A sharper resolve pressed against his ribs, steadying him. If the Guild refused to act, he would move alone, even at the cost of his position.
“As you wish,” he said, bowing before withdrawing.
The corridor outside felt tighter than the chamber, as though the building itself disapproved. He had served in the Guild his entire life. He knew defiance might silence him for good. He needed time and an ally. Only one person in Setreed possessed the courage to help him warn the people. It was Catenum, master of the pirate Guild.
That evening Messo left the Guild house with his cloak pulled close, walking in street clothes. The air of Setreed felt tight with unrest. Passing conversations carried ordinary remarks, yet some voices dropped to whispers. He caught fragments containing “rebellion,” “fire,” and “blood.” A name, “Telimicas,” was repeated frequently in awe and in fear. Messo was certain that he now knew the name of the leader of the rising tide. And the uprising was closer than the Guild would admit.
He reached his destination and struck the oak door with the heavy brass skull knocker.
The door opened to a narrow slit.
“Who desires entrance?” a voice asked.
“I, Messo, journeyman of the Information Guild. I have urgent business with Catenum.”
“What is the nature of your business?”
“Life and survival.”
The door closed. Messo waited through a muted exchange and soft footsteps. At last, it opened fully, revealing Catenum.
“I have heard of your talents,” Catenum said while studying him. “Come in so we may speak of survival.”
Their conversation was brief. Messo shared the information he had been forbidden to reveal, along with the fragments he had overheard on his way there.
“Yes,” Catenum said after a long breath, his shoulders sinking. “I too have heard of Telimicas. I fear he is the harbinger of our doom. What do your leaders say?”
“They have ordered me to dismiss the signs,” Messo said, his voice unsteady. “I cannot obey. I need your aid or all will die. Will you help?”
“I will help you save those who choose to escape.” Catenum responded, raising himself to his full stature. “I have a hidden base at a remote bay. I have prepared a way to flee. If you can get the people there, I will keep them safe.”
Messo had heard of Catenum’s unusual compassion and skill as a planner, yet this offer surpassed his expectations.
“Thank you,” he said, the relief breaking through his composure, the tears of gratitude now spilling freely. “I will begin recruiting people at once. How will the refugees find the base?”
“They must come here and speak its name, Carimpluni.”
Messo nodded. After extending his hand in thanks, he stepped into the night, chilled but steadied by the knowledge that he had found his ally. Some Orudarans might still survive the coming war.
Which record will you examine next?
