Though Papa claimed they were Métis, Elodie never thought of them as her people.

It was an outsider obsession, putting broad labels a group to show how they were different from another group. Only so that first group could come together as one tribe, but one so large there was no sense of friendship, family, or community among these united Métis. That is why she had no sense of belonging to them, because for all the labels, they were still strangers all the same.

They did not dress like her, in what Mama called traditional tribal garb, simple leather tunics and dresses with many tassels and beads to look and sound pretty. Nor did other tribes of the First Nations dress like her either, as some wore furs, and others feathers, or breechcloths and loose shirts, woven mantas hanging off one shoulder and wraparound skirts. Still more dressed like Howie, or in any number of different ways, with no real way to tell if they were truly one people or strangers dressed the same.

They did not speak the tongue of her people either. Some spoke English, others French, and countless other languages outsiders bunch together as one under the label of 'First Nations'. There was no telling what any one Métis soldier might speak, no way of knowing if they shared the same customs, values, or heritage, and no sense of familiarity to latch upon to know that they were safe to approach.

In sort, the Métis were not one tribe, but a collection of them. Just as the name suggested, they were a mixed but of tribes, tribes who sometimes fought and feuded over food, territory, and other things, so how were they any different from strangers?

So Elodie took her time stalking the Métis camp, circling it once, then twice, then a third time while keeping careful watch around her at all times. The Métis were adjacent to the Americans and nestled in between the French and the British, meaning she also had to guard her back against the others wherever she went. She could not Wildshape either, hide in amongst their animals to see if they were safe to approach, because they kept their animals penned in stables and did not allow them to run free. For their own safety of course, to keep them from roaming about and lost among the press of soldiers moving in and about the outpost.

So she had no choice but to move amongst them as Elodie, in plain sight of the soldiers who pretended not to see her, but tracked her movements all the same. That was the way with hunters, as they looked to see if she was predator or prey. She did her best to show that she was neither, that she came not to hurt them, and would not allow herself to be hurt, but still she did not approach, for she did not know who to speak to about announcing herself to the Métis people.

"I see you, little sister." The voice came from behind her, so Elodie leaped forward and twisted about to confront her ambusher, a tall and burly soldier carrying two heavy wooden crates reeking of Aether and gunpowder. Clean shaven and ruddy skinned, he wore his long, dark hair in two braids that went down to his stomach as he moved closer in complete silence. His uniform was a military one, a canvas capote in the colour of sand, and his trousers were of the same material, with dark leather accents to match the brown wally wool sash worn around his waist. One which held his pistol, ammunition pouch, two quivers of arrows, and three sharp tomahawks of dark stone that shimmered golden red in the afternoon light. His warbow was slung across his back, and with it a war spear that hung firmly in place and showed him to be an experienced hunter much more clearly than the metal pins and badges scattered all about his capote.

Including a bronze shield and wing like Ranger Mercer, paired with a horn to mark him as Abjurer, Transmuter, and Conjuror. Very powerful then, but the Magic flowing through and around him already told her as much. It was more Magic than even Mama had, more Mademoiselle Rachelle or anyone else Elodie had ever met aside from the scaly dragon man Edward who glowed like the sun. What she found strange was how those bronze markings were ones the outsiders used. They were not the markings of any tribe she knew of, so Elodie did not know what to make of this fearsome stranger who spoke in the trade speech that was not her tribe's tongue, but one they used to speak with other nearby tribes who were sometimes friends and sometimes not.

"You have no need to fear this one, little sister," the soldier said, looking grim and dour as he paused to address her. "Though we are not tribe, we are of one people. Save your fear for the Great Enemy who lingers beyond our walls. Now tell me little sister. What brings an unproven child to this war camp?"

Seeing no reason not to answer, Elodie gathered her courage and responded in the same tongue, "I come to find my Path and announce myself before my people."

The soldier nodded, as if he expected her answer. "One who follows the old ways then. Come. I will bring you before the Sun Keeper." With that, he turned and strode off in full confidence that she would follow, and she did before even thinking because it only seemed right. Much like the stallion leads the herd, this soldier was the Torch Bearer who led his Pathfinders. Named for the one who guides the way in the darkness of night, this man was the war leader of this mixed tribe with so very many peoples that they called the Métis. Every eye turned towards him as he passed, so much so that he did not even have to raise his voice as he spoke in the trade speech. "One who has yet to prove herself has come to find her Path. Who will bear witness to her journey?"

No one answered, not in so many words, but all around them, Métis soldiers left off from what they were doing to come follow alongside Elodie. Not all of them, but as many as one in three fell in line on either side of her. Some smiled, others scowled, and most behaved as usual, smoking, eating, and talking amongst themselves while paying her no mind. None moved to block her off from behind however, and they moved in loose enough formation to allow here many avenues of escape if she should need them.

So perhaps they were more like her people than she once thought, or at least less like outsiders who always crowded in to show they were friendly. Though Tina, Chrissy, Josie, and Noora were all very kind, they did not think to give Elodie time to adjust to their presence in those early days, instead grabbing hold of her arms and pinning her in between them which made her oh so very nervous. They did it to reassure her, strangely enough, to show that they were there and present, but linking arms so tightly in so large a group made it difficult to scatter when a predator appeared.

Much like how poor Josie died in so senseless a fashion, killed for no reason besides her presence there.

That was the scariest part. The hunting, the killing, and even the fighting, Elodie could understand well enough. The mindless violence however? The need to hurt others just for the sake of hurting them? This she could not fathom, and so she worried that she too would become a victim one day without knowing why. Safer to stay away from the outsiders and their inscrutable ways and keep to themselves in the forest, but Mama and Papa both claimed that the world would soon shrink, and interacting with outsiders was unavoidable.

So now Elodie would have to find her Path, whether it be to follow Mama and Papa's advice, go along with Howie, or perhaps another Path still yet unknown to her, one that might suit her best.

The Torch Bearer brought her to a building like all the others, a wooden block raised off the ground filled with tables and chairs where people worked with their papers and pens. As before, everyone looked up when he entered, still carrying his large, heavy crates like they weighed nothing. Everyone watched him for their cues as he brought Elodie to stand before a pale, mousey looking man with thick glasses and a frail frame. "I bring you one who has yet to prove herself," the Torch Bearer declared, and the other man pushed his glasses up and nodded while running a hand through his wispy brown hair. "In place of her father and mother, I, Torch Bearer Gideon Dumont, ask you to open her ears and her mind so that she might hear what the Earth Mother and Sky Father have to tell her."

"A sacred duty I will uphold as appointed Sun Keeper of Stillwater," the mousy man replied, standing to reveal himself clad in a uniform similar to the Torch Bearer's, but one he wore poorly. "Come child," the Sun Keeper said, gesturing for her to follow him back out and paying no mind to the crowd, who came along in complete silence to bear witness as they were asked. He brought her around the building to a clearing with a fire pit and had her stand on one side of the banked flames while he moved to the other. The audience filed in around them, including the Torch Bearer who'd since been divulged of his crates, but loomed over his people as calm and relaxed as could be.

He held Elodie's attention, for he was the leader who all others looked to for guidance, so if any danger were to come, he would be the one to order it. At least that was how she felt, until the Magic stirred and the firepit came to life in a blaze of heat and light. Elodie shrank back from the flames, but the Sun Keeper stood over them without a care in the world, poking the wood with his bare hands while feeding the blaze until it warmed the air around them both.

"So," the Sun Keeper began, not looking at Elodie as he built up the fire. "Who comes to announce herself before the People?"

"I am Elodie," she replied, but the Sun Keeper shook his head.

"And who is Elodie?" he asked.

Elodie stopped to consider the question, and the Sun Keeper did not rush her. Instead, he tended to his fire while she thought and thought, but she could not come up with any other answer. So she gave up and declared, "Elodie is Elodie."

The Sun Keeper smiled while gazing into the flames. "A better answer than most I have heard. You are who you are. This you know and understand." Tilting his head as if listening to a voice, he stared at the fire and asked, "The Earth Mother and Sky Father however, they know you by many names. Elodie is but one you wear as you appear before us." Gesturing at her anklet which carried her totems, the Sun Keeper asked, "Then what of Dancing Hooves, Hopping Cloud, Destroyer of Burrows, and the others you carry with you? Are they not Elodie? Is Elodie not them?"

"Sometimes," she replied, feeling sheepish as she did, because Mama and Papa and Howie all said it was bad to give too much of herself to the Spirits. Now others knew of her shame too, even though she did not understand why it was shameful to share in the life of another who had answered her call.

The Sun Keeper finally settled his gaze upon her, but there was no judgement behind those thick frames, only truth and clarity. In body, he was mousey prey, but in Spirit, he was an immovable mountain, solid and unyielding in his demands for the truth. "You call to them, but not to fulfill any need. They answered your call so that you could fulfill theirs, and for this, they have made you tribe, herd, pack, and family." The audience gasped when they heard it, and whispered amongst themselves, but Elodie had ears only for the Sun Keeper who held her gaze. Not with the steel and determination like Torch Bearer Gideon would, or with fierce intensity like Howie, but with soft empathy and understanding that clung to her like Mama's arms wrapped around her waist.

After a long pause, the Sun Keeper tilted his head and declared, "Yours is a Path fraught with danger and hardship, one you have embarked upon without knowing. Should you seek to prove yourself, then no longer can you be allowed to walk blindly into the future. Are you ready to hear what the Earth Mother and Sky Father have to say, Child of Many Names?"

Elodie shook her head, and the Sun Keeper smiled to see it. "Then return home and remain unproven, Child. There is no need to pursue a different Path if you are content with the one you tread upon, and no harm in continuing as you are. The Spirits tell me of your adventures together, and of all the adventures they hope to share, so perhaps this is what is meant for you."

Relieved to hear it, Elodie heaved a sigh, then frowned when she realized the problem. "I cannot go home yet," she proclaimed. "I have come to watch over Howie, who is here to do battle with the Great Enemy."

"That is a Path meant for a brave," the Sun Keeper replied with a frown as he shook his head. "The Deadlands is no place for an unproven child. Unless it is to return home, then you will not go beyond these walls."

Elodie wanted to say that she did come for his permission, that she could find her own way in without anyone stopping her, but then Torch Bearer Gideon said, "Should she try, my braves will chase her down and bring her home to face punishment." Grinning as he met her defiant pout, he added, "And my braves are fine trackers and hunters, so she will be found."

The audience whooped in response, ready to prove their skills, but Elodie knew herself outmatched. There were so very many braves here, far more than she'd seen follow her into the building, and she did not notice their arrival until now. So bothersome. If she knew this would happen, Elodie would not have come to announce herself to these people who were not her own. "If I listen to what the Earth Mother and Sky Father have to say," Elodie asked, "Then you will allow me to go with Howie?"

"If they say your Path leads you into danger, then who are we to disagree?"

Which was not an answer, so Elodie huffed to hear it. There was no other choice however, so she declared, "Then I am ready."

"Are you certain?" The Sun Keeper asked, his clear gaze tinged with sadness. "There is innocence in ignorance, and you have many who love and protect you."

Yes, but Howie had no one. He had friends and allies, people who watched out for him, but not all the time. They welcomed him with open arms, like they did just today, but once enough time had passed, they would leave him to be alone once again. He had no tribe, no family besides those he sought to protect, and Elodie wanted to help ease his burdens if only just a bit. "I am ready," she said again, nodding in full confidence that there was nothing anyone could say to dissuade her from this. Though the world was scary and dangerous, Elodie yearned to see more and learn more and follow alongside Howie's Path, and to do so, she would first have to prove herself. Though she was not sure if she could, Mama was certain, for she believed Elodie was stronger than any of them believed, and Mama was almost never wrong.

"Then open your mind, Child of Many Names." Reaching into the flames, the Sun Keeper retrieved a handful of ashes without burning his hand and gently blew upon them. Surging with Magic, the ashes gathered together into a dark stream that spread all around Elodie and drew her away from the present. The ground dropped away from under her feet as the Magic lifted her up into the amber skies, not to soar as the eagle and griphikin, but to stand amongst the golden clouds and see the twinkling stars overhead in the light of the red sun.

Where she was not alone. Dancing Hooves was here, prancing about on her lanky legs and play bowing to say they should go on a run, while Hopping Cloud lived up to his namesake and bounced about the fluffy skies while asking her to follow him out on a hunt. Destroyer of Burrows did not like being so high up and demanded they return to the cool, compact ground, where she could burrow and be safe unlike here in the skies where they were wholly exposed. Drifting Tide tried to swim through the skies as she swam through the lake, and found that she could, so she returned to Elodie and nudged her about to say they should swim together too.

As for Little Claw? She was hungry, as she had always been, and slow to wake to their surroundings, indulging in the same sleep from which she never woke from in life and found great solace within.

And all the while, her Spirits pulled her in different directions, all wanting something different than what she could provide. Not here and now, because Elodie had to hear what the Earth Mother and Sky Father had to say, but they were not speaking. Maybe it would take time, so she had to wait, except her Spirits were never one to be patient. They wanted to run, to swim, to soar, to seek shelter, sleep, safety or satiety. They prodded and pulled, chirped, whinnied, and barked, but Elodie had to stay here, and no matter how she told them, they would not listen. Why stay when they could do what they wanted and take solace in that? To be the horse, the kiccaw, the marty, the sea lion, or diamondclaw, each had their own desire, and they cared little for Elodie's, but this was not how it was to be.

They were her, and she was them, so why did they not care for her?

No, they cared deeply, which was why they were so insistent. The world of man was strange and incomprehensible, so better to be an animal where the dangers were clear and understood. That was what they told her, and in her heart and mind, Elodie agreed, only she did not want to live as such. It was fun running trails with Dancing Hooves, or standing guard and foraging with Hopping Cloud. She loved swimming through the cold currents with Drifting Tide, and digging tunnels to chase after prey with Destroyer of Tunnels, while Little Claw was just happy to be, to climb the tallest trees and bask in the warm sunlight as one with Elodie.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

But that was not all she wanted to do. There was so much more out there, to see, to taste, to experience, but the Spirits did not care for this. They each knew their Path, but their Path was not Elodie's. That was what the Earth Mother and Sky Father were telling her. They were passengers in her journey, but she could never be a passenger in theirs, because their Paths had long since come to an end. Even though she would continue to join with Dancing Hooves, Hopping Cloud, Destroyer of Burrows, Drifting Tide, and Little Claw, as well as any other Spirits who cared to answer her call, she must always remember that she had her own Path to walk.

And so Elodie understood her shame, why she was not to share so deeply in the life of one who was called. Their life had ended, their Path complete, for death was an ending whether it came early or late. To follow their Path would mean an end to her own, and though this too was still a Path, it would never truly be her Path no matter how deeply they shared it.

Elodie blinked, and she was returned to the ground, to the outpost with the firepit and the Sun Keeper across from her. "You have heard the teachings of the Earth Mother and Sky Father," he said, nodding in approval as he studied her expression. "Whether you follow their advice or discard it is up to you, but at least now, you move forward with eyes open or closed of your own accord." Tilting his head, he asked, "Do you still seek to prove yourself a brave, or will you return home as a child should?"

"My path lies beyond the walls," Elodie replied. "With Howie."

"Perhaps," the Sun Keeper asked, and he looked so very sad when he said it. Looking around, he asked, "Who will bear witness to her journey then?"

Elodie looked around too, because she knew Howie would not like a stranger coming along. Again, there were many, many more faces than she was expecting, a crowd numbering in hundreds rather than the dozens she saw follow in, and she wondered where they all came from. They were braves one and all, guardians of Stillwater and the Deadlands beyond, and they had come to bear witness to Elodie's Announcement.

One face stood out, a woman with hard eyes and a warm heart who Elodie instantly connected with. It was not a connection of blood or kinship, but one of purpose and understanding. She too was a Shaper, and a powerful one at that, as the Magic surged to life around her as she stepped forward into the circle. "I am Awenasa Ugiga," she declared, or Awenasa of the Rain as Elodie understood it, though it was not a tongue she knew well. "I will bear witness to her trial, and guard her spirit from the Great Enemy."

Meaning she would not act unless Elodie died, but even then, she did not like having to bring this stranger along. "I will have to ask Howie if you can come along," she said, but the other woman shook her head.

"There is no need," the Brave replied. "I will not be seen unless I am called upon to act, so you need not concern yourself with his approval, Child of Many Names."

Elodie did not like how they kept calling her this, but it was not wrong. She wanted to argue against Awenasa of the Rain's presence as well, but true to her word, she melted back into the crowd and Elodie could no longer spot or scent her. With no other choice, Elodie pouted and nodded in agreement, and the Sun Keeper nodded back. "Then go forth and seek your path," he said. "Go in peace, Child of Many Names, though I fear you will find little of it."

"One moment." Stepping forward into the circle, Torch Bearer Gideon interjected. "Though her Path leads her north into the Deadlands, I cannot in good conscience allow her to take it, not as matters stand."

"Tribal Law demands that you do not bar her Path," the Sun Keeper replied, frowning deeply at his demand. "In fact, it demands you do everything you can to help her along her way."

"And Métis law states that none shall pass beyond Stillwater without authorization," Torch Bearer Gideon replied, speaking calmly and slowly so as not to upset the crowd who were on Elodie's side. "Authorization I would be remiss to bestow upon one undeserving of it."

"A test of strength and courage then?" The Sun Keeper asked, and Torch Bearer Gideon nodded. "Very well." Turning to Elodie, he smiled and said, "Show them your mettle, Child of Many Names. Hold nothing back lest you be turned from your Path."

After divesting himself of his weapons, Torch Bearer Gideon moved to stand in front of Elodie while holding out a short length of sturdy rope, one almost as thick as her forearm and knotted at both ends. It was just over an arm's length, and the Torch Bearer presented her with one end while grasping the other firmly in hand. "The first test is simple," he said. "So long as you and only you are holding on to the rope, then you pass. Lose hold of it, and you fail. You may use any means available to you. Understood?"

Elodie nodded, then took hold of the rope. The crowd muttered softly among themselves, and Elodie glanced around to see what they were doing, because holding on to the rope was so very boring. There wasn't much to see however, as most of the crowd had dispersed as silently as they arrived, with hundreds of faces dropping down to only a few dozen. Those that remained simply watched her however, and Elodie did not like being seen, so she stopped looking at them. Instead, she heaved a little sigh while swinging the rope from side to side, wondering what the point of this silly test was. "Is there a faster test?" she asked. "Holding on to a rope is not very difficult, so this will take a very long time."

Torch Bearer Gideon smiled, and the crowd chuckled along with him. "The purpose of the test is for you to take the rope from me, Child of Many Names. As I said, you may use any means available to you, so long as you hold fast to the rope."

That made more sense, so he should have said as much to begin with. "…But what if you are hurt?" Elodie asked, and Torch Bearer Gideon's smile turned into a toothy grin as the Magic surged around him, enveloping him in its protective embrace.

"Worry not," he replied. "If I am injured, then it is because I lack ability, and you are not to blame."

"Okay," she said, then met his eyes and asked, "You are sure?" Torch Bearer Gideon nodded, so Elodie braced her feet, drew on the strength of her friends, and tugged as hard as she could. He was very big and looked very strong, but she still used too much strength as she lifted him up off his feet and flung him clear across the circle. The rope snapped, and luckily only a short section of broken rope was left in his fist, while Elodie held the longer section in hers, so hopefully this would count as her victory. The soldiers were quick to catch their leader before he crashed to the ground, and soon broke into peals of laughter as they righted him back onto his feet. Though he looked shocked at first, his barking laughing was loudest along them all, delighted to have lost to Elodie.

"Bien, tres bien," he said, forgetting himself in his merriment and exclaiming in French before switching back to trade speech as he returned to clap her on the shoulders. "A Shaper of prodigious talent, though I expected as much after hearing of your adventure in Ashbend." Guiding her to stand before the firepit once more, he added, "And now, the test of courage."

This time, Torch Bearer Gideon did not act himself, but rather nodded at someone behind Elodie to play their part. Before she could turn to see, she was struck by an Enchantment of Fear and worry, one that sent Dancing Hooves, Hopping Cloud, and Drifting Tide into a panic. Destroyer of Burrows was only angered by the Spell however, while Little Claw yawned and shrugged it off, so Elodie felt only its cold, empty touch before the Spell melted away. Patiently waiting for the test to conclude, she scanned the crowd in hopes of gleaning what to expect moving forward, but they all just watched her in muted confusion as if expecting to see something even though nothing was happening.

"How did you resist the Fear so readily, Child of Many Names?" Storm Caller Gideon studied her closely with a stern frown, as if Elodie had done some wrong. "I sense no ward or charm upon you, no Spell or Ceremony to protect you from its touch."

Elodie blinked and tilted her head, unable to understand the question. "I did not resist," she replied. "I tasted the fear, and it was without substance. There was no threat, no danger, no intention behind it, only fear itself, and empty fear cannot hurt me." Unsure if she had passed or failed, she asked, "Are the any more tests? I do not know my letters and numbers very well, and I cannot Call the Spirits like Papa, but Mama taught me some of the Evil-Chasing Holy Way, how to restore balance after it has been broken, which she says will help here in the Deadlands."

"Your mother speaks true," Storm Caller Gideon replied, once again clapping Elodie on the shoulder with a smile. "But there will be no more tests. Go forth with my blessing, Child of Many Names, and should your Path bring you back to the Pathfinders, then know that you will be accepted with open arms."

A strange people, these Métis, but as the soldiers all smiled, cheered, and came over to congratulate her for what she'd done, Elodie decided these particular Métis were perhaps not so scary after all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I can't help you. My hands are tied."

Which wasn't what Astrid wanted to hear from Ranger Captain Gabriel Herrera, the handsome soldier responsible for giving authorization to enter the Deadlands. Despite his piercing eyes and strong chin, Astrid's first instinct was to flare up and demand a reason why, but that's why she wasn't handling negotiations. That was Daddy's job, and while he too wanted a reason, he went about it in a different way. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, and he even sounded contrite. "Are you able to say why? Because it was my understanding that production of Impact Oil was deemed defense critical, with targeted minimums given to every Alchemist west of the Divide. Minimums me and my family have readily met, albeit at great expense, with a price tag that's twelve times what it was five years ago. All due to the rising costs of materials mind you, and nothing else. Cost of beakers and vials haven't gone up much, nor have our rates changed beyond Government regulated increases. In contrast, Aultman and Sons' have been rapidly raising their prices to near extortionate rates after my son Harald released his refined formula to the public, one which reduced the amount of Pheonix Ashes used down to a tenth of what it used to be without affecting blast radius or yield class."

"And I would like to help you," Captain Herrera replied, and he even sounded genuine about it. "I would, but I can't. Orders came down from above just this morning to deny entry to any and all civilians without a military work permit that clears them for duty in the Deadlands." Giving Harald a hard glance, one Astrid's brother didn't even notice because he was lost in his thoughts, Captain Herrera added, "And I'm pretty sure you know why."

Because racist cult leader and company owner Geoffry Aultman was rich and well connected, so much so that when he heard about what Harald had done in Ashbend, he figured out what they were up to and got one of his golfing buddy Aldermen to close off the Deadlands. Anti-competitive is what it was, because he knew that if there was more than one supplier of Pheonix Ashes, he wouldn't be able to charge his extortionate prices any more. His profits had already taken a hit after Harald worked out the proper ratio for the Impact Oil formula, so they retaliated by upcharging everyone to make up for it. Which the old world governments were all too happy to pay since Betrand was all buddy buddy with the people who held the purse strings and made sure they all got a cut of the proceeds.

Naked corruption carried out in broad daylight, but no one in any government cared to do anything about it, because apparently, that's just how things work in politics. It wasn't about the power of the people, but the power of the person with the heftiest wallet. Money talks, and what it was saying was that the politicians in charge cared more about enriching themselves than protecting the people of the Frontier.

Which Captain Herrera knew, but was still helpless to do anything about. This was a Captain in the Rangers mind you, a full-blown Magus with the bronze pins and everything, but even he was helpless before the almighty dollar. He wanted to do what was right and let Daddy, Harald, and Astrid into the Deadlands, because he knew they might well break the Aultman stranglehold on Pheonix Ashes. That'd mean more Impact Oil procured at a cheaper cost to supply to every town across the Frontier so that they'd have a hefty supply of it to defend themselves with once the Watershed finally hit.

A landmark event that could come any day now, meaning they were all racing against the clock while the Aultmans raked in money hand over fist by extorting the Federal government for all they were worth.

Daddy wasn't one to give up so easily however, because they'd come all this way and he wanted to see it through to the end. "Okay," he said, thinking over everything the Captain had said. "Then how do we go about getting a military work permit?"

Captain Herrera grimaced. "You'd need a local backer," he said with a shake of his head. "And you won't get one, not when Geoffry Aultman already knows why you're here. After recovering from the bloody nose your family dealt to his profits, Aultman and Sons has since diversified. Used the proceeds from Phoenix Ashes to buy out every import/export contract available in the area. That means every business north of here depends on Aultman and Sons to supply their food, water, and general goods, among other things."

And even marties knew not to bite the hand that feeds them.

"Isn't there something you can do?" Daddy asked. "Even if it's just pointing us in the right direction?"

"If I could, I would." Leaning across the desk, the Captain lowered his voice and said, "I want to help you, but there's nothing I can do. I know what they're doing is reprehensible, but the powers that be have spoken, and I can't go against my orders." Shaking his head, he added, "Doesn't help that you showed up with the Firstborn either. His refusal to accept the post as liaison to the Qin Republic and work on a task force appointed to deal with the bandit raids on the south-east front isn't winning him any points, and he wasn't all that popular to begin with. I'm sorry."

Daddy sighed and hung his head in defeat, but he wasn't one to burn bridges behind him. "I understand," he said, reaching out to shake the Captain's hand. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with us regardless." Moving to stand, he gestured at Astrid to get her brother and follow him out, but she wasn't ready to move on just yet.

"You're wrong, you know?" she said, crossing her arms in a huff as she glared daggers at the Captain. "We didn't come here for your help. We came here to help you."

Captain Herrara clearly didn't like her tone, but he didn't snap or glare back. He just sat back in his chair while Daddy patted her shoulder and sternly said, "Astrid."

"No." Shaking off her daddy's hand, she faced the Ranger Captain and said, "We don't have to do this you know? We've met our mandated minimums for Impact Oil, and we can fulfil our contract easily enough. Sure it looks like a lucrative payout, but given the rising cost of materials, our margins are razor thin, meaning we'd be making more money making almost any other Alchemical good. So why do you think we're so fixated on Impact Oil, willing to come all this way to research things ourselves?"

Because Harald was obsessed with the stuff. Most people saw his quiet, bookish demeanour and figured him for an ink drinker, but Harald had a fierce love for fire and explosions. He loved them, whether they be from Spells, fireworks, Impact Oil, or anything else. If it wasn't for Daddy's strict warnings to avoid the subject, Harald might well have turned to researching chemical explosives too after hearing about Howie's exploits up in Pleasant Dunes. That's why they took on the military contract for Impact Oil, because Harald loved making the stuff and wouldn't work half as hard at producing boring potions like Aid or Barkskin.

Captain Herrera didn't know that though, so Astrid figured she could put a nicer spin on things. "We do it because it's the most practical potion we can make to help save lives. Almost every other potion we make is defensive in nature, or single target. Gaseous Form might help someone get away, and Barkskin is great for keeping combatants safe, while Bless and Heroism potions could give courage to civilians so they'll stand and fight, but none of that compares to what a single vial of Impact Oil can do."

Namely blow up a whole group of Abby in one go. Which was pretty fey if she wasn't being honest, as Harald wasn't the only one who loved explosions.

Astrid wasn't finished yet though, as she held the Captain's gaze without backing down. "So yeah. We're here to hurt the Aultmans' bottom line, but not because we're after a big payday. What's more, the Federal Government isn't the only place we can turn to. Lord Elton already offered to bring us in, and we could go to the French or Métis governments too. I'm sure they're no happier about the current state of affairs than you are, and would gladly help us get into the Deadlands in exchange for a contract to provide them with Impact Oil once we break the Aultman stranglehold on Phoenix Ashes. A contract we wouldn't be able to fulfill while taking on a similar contract with the Federal Government mind you. Might not seem like much, but if you look at the numbers, we're currently providing 10% of your yearly supply and can't be beat in quality or potency."

Because Harald was so obsessed with Impact Oil he kept trying to improve it. Sometimes it just happened, as there was something in their bloodline that enhanced the effect of the potions they made, usually with explosive results. Which wasn't what you wanted from most potions, but came in real handy with Impact Oil. About 60% of Harald's potions were more powerful than your standard vial of Impact Oil, with a bigger blast radius and higher yield, so much as that they needed Mr. Thornwick to Appraise each and every one of Harald's products so he could mark them as enhanced. The last thing any of them wanted was for someone to use one of those vials of enhanced Impact Oil and miscalculate the safe range and radius, because that could spell disaster.

Now would be a good time to clam up and let the Captain think, but Astrid still had more to get off her chest. "As for Howie? You're seriously judging him for not taking on a job that's probably a death sentence? Just this Christmas, the Qin Republic sent a kill team after him and he barely got out of the badlands with his life. There was a Federal trial with recordings and everything. Keep in mind, he's been hunting out there by himself since he was fourteen, and all of a sudden, he's looking for a new place to hunt this year. Why? Because he's worried the Qin will send another kill team after him! He's so worried, he came all the way west and north, as far as he possibly could to get away from the Republic. This coming from a guy whose idea of fun is fighting off a horde of Abby. That's how concerned he is, so between that and how the Federation disavowed his daddy, can you really blame him for not wanting to go along with your plans? He's been telling everyone who'll listen that the Qin either want him dead or want to recruit him, and even though no one seems to care, you should! He's too good a person to be written off like that, because if he's killed or poached, then the Federation will be losing out big time."

Because he was the Firstborn, not just the oldest of the next generation, but the best amongst them too.

In the wake of Astrid's outburst, Captain Herrera sat in stoic silence for long seconds which soon stretched into a full minute before he finally opened his mouth to speak. "Your high evaluation of the Firstborn aside, you make some good points." Heaving a sigh, he glanced around, then pulled out a sheet of paper which he started to fill out. "This is a personal Authorization allowing you entry into the Deadlands as a delegation to the Lord Protector." Meaning they had to stick with Howie and Lord Edward, which was the original plan, but Astrid was surprised by the Captain's abrupt about face.

So was Daddy, who was still standing behind Astrid. "We appreciate the help," he said, even though his tone was fraught with worry, "But won't that get you in trouble? You said you had orders to deny us entry."

"I was to deny entry to civilians without a military work permit," Captain Herrera replied, as he looked up and flashed a boyish grin that made him look several years younger. "But you'll have one, once I finish filling this out. You're my eyes and ears on the Firstborn, a person of national interest who I need to keep tabs on, because we'll have an international incident if he dies here." Still smiling, he met Astrid's eyes with a knowing look, and for once, she was happy to have her ruby red complexion since it hid the blush of her cheeks. "I expect a report when you're done, detailing what he was up to in the Deadlands and any suggestions you might have regarding how to convince him to take the job. If he's worried about getting killed, know that the Rangers will protect him, if only because it'd be bad optics to let a military contractor die at the hands of a foreign government."

Which wasn't as reassuring as it sounded, seeing how it wasn't like the Republic would wave banners saying they killed the Firstborn. In fact, Daddy said the papers reported that the Republic had publicly disavowed the boy who tried to kill Howie, who was only younger than the Firstborn by a few days and would spend the rest of his life toiling in a prison camp somewhere. Astrid didn't know much about the whole thing, but if it was enough to send Howie running all this way, then it had to be serious. He'd taken on the Puglianos without so much as batting an eye, had been ready to draw down against a bonafide Ranger on the Wayfarer, and threatened a deputy while locked up in a jail cell, so Howie wasn't one to run scared, but the Qin Republic had sent him running for the hills. That alone spoke volumes to how serious it was, and Astrid figured there was no way Howie would ever take the job now.

Not after they told him they wanted him to do it. He was a contrary man, stubborn as can be and happy to go his own way. What they should've done was told him about the job then warned him to stay far, far away. That would've at least piqued his interest, but too late for that now.

No matter though. Howie could handle his business, and now they had their paperwork to get into the Deadlands all aboveboard. Without having to sign a contract with the British, French, or Métis, all of whom paid worse than the Feds. And had more red tape to deal with when it came to Impact Oil, which none of them really wanted to deal with, so this was a win-win. Daddy was real concerned about Captain Herrera getting into trouble for all this, but the man just laughed and said, "What are they gonna do? Give me a worse posting? Don't think one exists, not for a Captain at least."

After saying as much, his mirth dried up as he got a far off look in his brown eyes and reached up to touch a crucifix around his neck. One she hadn't seen and made her flinch back, even though he'd shown no sign of hating them for the way they looked. Nor would he, because as his gaze focused on the present once more and took them in, Astrid saw only concern as he said, "Be careful out there. Geoffry Aultman holds a lot of sway, and his Order of the Cleansing Light doesn't look kindly upon foreigners or Innates. Even more dangerous are the Mimics, as they love powerful Innates, and they'll do almost anything to take one alive. Don't let that happen. No matter the cost, you don't let that happen. If you love your children, then do not let them suffer a fate worse than death."

The last was said while staring right into Daddy's eyes, and Astrid shivered to hear it. Everyone here seemed to be making a big deal about how bad it was in the Deadlands, and while she knew as much going in, she was starting to think it was a much bigger deal than she thought. Like, she knew that the Soulless were some of the scariest Aberrations around and that they'd have to deal with a whole quarantine and tests and whatnot to get in and out, but now that she was here, she was starting to realize the sheer scope of how bad things were. Bad enough to scare the British Boogeyman and drive a Ranger Captain to the edge of despair, leaving her to wonder if this was really the best play moving forward.

Too late for regrets now though. They were committed to this adventure in the Deadlands, and Astrid hoped her first foray into the Frontier wouldn't also be her last.

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