"Ky Ruiarc," he replied. "She made me aware of the circumstances under which she came into the employ of a man named Aleth, and she mentioned Makata's...appetites. She said she was to be one of his harem and that her friends met that fate--I offered to extract them on her behalf, but it seems Makata's sent me you and Talia after minimal effort from me." He tapped the paper sheet. "I intend to continue this investigation, however."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Kaelan's shoulder's slumped, big tough soldier boy persona forgotten. He felt weak with this revelation, like Ash had ripped a rug out from under him. "Ky's here?"
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Gaius nodded. "Alive and fairly well. I've asked Captain Bay to let her know you and Talia are here."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Kaelan nodded dumbly, unable to think of how to respond to that. What was she like these days? Would she remember him? Would she still care?
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"What I'd like to know from you if how many more there are," he said. "Harem or soldiers, how many children are there?"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"From our township?" Kaelan asked, thinking about it. "...Maybe sixteen?" He'd have to think about it, he never actually counted.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"...A lot," Kaelan admitted, shaking his head. "I'm not sure. Maybe a hundred? I really don't know."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Gaius blew out a soft breath. The Taral would have his work cut out for him getting them all out. "Thank you." He dipped his head. "...How often does Makata send his soldiers for more?"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"About once a year or so, he goes for two or three more villages, depending on their size," Kaelan said. "Takes all the kids twelve to fifteen... ish. It's not perfect." He glanced away. "They messed up and took Talia even though she was only eleven at the time."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"And the Taral has no idea this is happening?" Gaius frowned. Maybe he was wrong about that.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"I have no idea, sir," Kaelan said honestly. "I'm sorry. I've never actually met either of them."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
He'd have to be more careful, then. "I appreciate your help all the same." He dipped his head. "How likely would it be for your group to let you stay here?"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“…I can’t imagine they’ll be okay with it, sir,” Kaelan admitted, then hesitated. “… But that’s okay. If you can help Tal- Talia, that’s all that matters. Sir. I’m okay.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I'll be speaking to the Lieutenant on the ambassador once you've gone," Gaius told him. "I'll manage it, don't worry."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
