Living inside the city was a new experience for me. My walk to High Hall was filled with welcomed sensations. Waking streets. The smell of fresh baked goods in the air. Flowers lining the roads. The light of The Companion shining down on me. A promise. A false promise. And yet, I was grateful.

"I must admit, I'm a bit nervous."

"Don't be, you'll do fine. Today, you're just getting your feet wet." He laughs boisterously, patting me on the back. "You're an Aldwick now! I'm just glad you're taking up the mantle. It would be a shame if our line ended with me. We've been in governance for generations."

"It's a different animal from what I'm used to. But it certainly is a lot cleaner than traveling the river road." I grip the edge of my skirt as we step onto the curb.

"But that must have been exciting, growing up in a caravan. The adventures, the fresh air, the views! I've always wanted to travel abroad, but... well, I never had a chance, given my duties here. Oh! I did travel to Amn once. That was certainly a delight."

My father-in-law was always such a jolly man. He saw the good in everything. He never needed to have his head on a swivel, waiting to be ambushed by bandits. But I didn't want to ruin his idealism with something as bleak as reality.

"But of course, you must have gone to Amn many times," he says.

"Yes. I was always excited when father told me we were going to resupply. I loved the bustling streets, the thrill of negotiation, and all of the exotic goods that came in from all over Faerûn." I smile softly. "Elturel is a lot less hectic, but I'm happy for the peace."

He grips my shoulder. "Oh, we have to stop here! This is my favorite bakery! What would you like?"

The smell of fresh bread fills the air and my stomach begins to ache. "Whatever you're getting. What's your favorite?"

He chuckles. "You may regret that! I like a nice thick slice of toast with smoked fish. Something about the savory salt in the morning really lifts my spirits."

I grin. "Please, I'm no coward. I'd love to try it."

"Bravest woman I've ever met." He turns to the vendor and gets two slices. "Here you go."

I smell it. The fish is light with just the right amount of smoke to it. Quality. The baker could easily sell this for twice what she's charging. The bread itself is soft in the center with a crunchy crust. As I bite into it, crumbs fall from my lips. The salt coats my tongue and fills me with memories of long nights along the Chionthar with my father. "Mmmm..." I breathe, closing my eyes.

"You approve?"

"Mr. Aldwick, this is wonderful."

"Please. I'm father to you now. Don't you forget it."

We share a smile and eat our toast as we continue to High Hall.

"Good morning, Bailin. Holding down the fort?" Mr. Aldwick steps past the marble columns of High Hall, giving her a warm smile.

The guard returns the smile with a slight nod, adjusting her posture. "You know I always do! Have a great day, Mr. Aldwick."

He leans down and mutters to me. "It's good manners to treat the help with respect. Remember, they're people just like us."

I wince but give him a soft nod. "Of course."

We climb a grand staircase to the upper halls. White polished marble lines the walls, while large columns hold up archways that loom overhead. The ceiling seems to have several murals of various holy scenes. The floor is made of a warm green stone. Malachite, probably. Dangerous to work with. The cost of the masonry alone-

"Here we are! Home sweet home. Oh dear." He stops in front of a large oak desk with a stack of papers sitting in front of his chair. "Hmm... looks like it's time for another census."

"Has it been a year already?"

He grins. "It sneaks up on you, doesn't it? Especially when you're having fun." His bombastic laugh echoes in the room. "I heard they'll be expanding the Census Committee. I suppose that paperwork will be on my desk before long. We're not easing into this day, are we? Into the fire, as they say!"

The day was a whirlwind. Planning and organizing the census was stringent. Mr. Aldwick explained the Census Committee was treated with more care than the treasury. Thavius Kreeg insisted the numbers be correct, and whoever was missing was tracked down by a special team of investigators. Who died, who left, where did they go, and when were they coming back.

The signs were there, but it's hard to assume the worst when you don't understand how bad things can get.

"What is this document?" I ask.

The Jr. Civic Secretary sits on the other side of my desk.

Three years as a Civic Administrator, and rarely does paperwork pique my interest.

I miss the roads some days. Nobody at High Hall understands what it's like to grow up by firelight with nothing more than tent walls between you and the world.

To most of them, my years on the road are nothing more than a curiosity. It's difficult not having someone to relate to.

"Oh! It's a permit to hang flyers warning about the brigand ambushes on the River Road."

"Brigands?"

"Yes, ma'am. There have been several reports that the attacks have gotten more prevalent."

"I'll have to speak to Zevlor. If this is true, then we need to send the guard to fortify the River Road."

"Quick thinking, Ma'am!" He seems to perk up at this.

I dismiss him and throw on my traveling cloak. I cross over the City's gate. Twice as many guards have been stationed as lookouts at the border wall.

The light of the companion shines through the leaves of the forest trail. I watch the tree line for any sign of brigands, but the only life I catch is a quiet fawn making her way to the riverbank.

The market bustles ahead of me. It doesn't take long for me to find Zevlor sitting high on his war horse, Delilah. Her scars an unmistakable, but she remains strong and proud.

"Zevlor!" I wave my arm from across the crowded street.

"Bex! By the Companion's Light, it's been an age!" Delilah gently moves through the crowd, and as he approaches, he dismounts. "What brings you out here?"

"I just received word you've been having trouble with brigands. What's going on? Do the Hellriders need reinforcements?"

"The last time I asked Danis for help on the matter he brushed me off. Said his father was too busy, though that was a few years back."

"Mr. Aldwick isn't that busy. I wonder why he never brought it up. Either way, I may be able to help. I work as a Civic Administrator now."

"A Civic Administrator. I would have never guessed. You must be one deadly bureaucrat." Zevlor chuckles lightly as Deliliah shifts her footing.

"Vicious with the pen." I say, wrinkling my nose. "I still practice archery at a range in the city, but it's not the same as shooting the toes off dissatisfied buyers."

He grins. "That certainly was an interesting day..." His voice grows wistful. "Serves him right for correctly assuming your father was under cutting him."

"Blood is as much a part of the economy as coin, isn't it?" I cast my gaze down. "Although... looking back at it now, I'm not sure I'm proud of my actions."

Zevlor places a hand on my shoulder. "I'm just glad that was as bad as it got for you out here. Not everyone is so lucky."

"Lucky." I murmur. "By Tymora's grace."

He smiles softly, dropping his hand. "If brigands are a rising threat then I humbly ask again that we get help from the city guard. I'll speak with the other Hellriders and see if they've seen anything."

"Keep in touch Zevlor. Send any correspondence on the matter straight to me at High Hall. Remember, address it to Bex Aldwick. In the meantime, I'll petition the guard."

He gives me a soft bow. "Thank you, Mrs. Aldwick."

I search the streets and finally see him.

"Father." His tent is large. Draped in bright exotic cloth from across the sword coast. He's staged his stall to catch the eye. It works.

He peeks out from behind a large man, who is trying to buy a glass pony.

"Bex." He breathes.

He quickly looks at the man. "Yes, yes, two silver is a fine deal! You won't find a better one." He snatches the coin from the man's palm.

"B-But, I was only offering one!"

Father moves around the booth and embraces me. "Praise Waukeen, how long has it been?"

"A year." I speak into his shoulder. He still smells like chamomile. Says the oil makes his hair softer. I still don't buy it, but it makes me feel at home again. His long indigo robes drape over me as we stand in our embrace.

He finally pulls back. "Will you be staying for dinner?"

"I can't. I actually have to get back. I'm on the road for business."

The long white whiskers in his eyebrows fall. "I see."

"Have you heard about an increase in brigand ambushes lately?"

"Brigands? Who said there were brigands? If there are, I'm going to need to hire a new guard." He sighs heavy from his nose. "It's so hard to keep a loyal guard... But at least we have Zevlor."

I press my lips together, giving his hand a squeeze. "I'm sorry I left, father."

"No! No. I will not have you apologize for giving yourself a better life. Danis is a wonderful husband and his family has been more than generous." He looks into my eyes. The sad silver glow of his gaze stares back at me. "I'm happy for you. I'm proud of you, Bexy."

"I miss you."

He pokes my nose. "Then visit me more often, goosling!"

I swat his hand away and giggle. "Gosling. Goodness, Father. How about Danis and I come down in a few weeks?"

"A few weeks? I'll be travelling to Baldur's Gate."

"Oh."

The market seems to hush past us as I hold his hand.

I finally look down. "I have to get back. I love you so much, Papa."

He kisses my fingers and lets me go.

When he kisses my fingers, it reminds me of the comfort I once had.

My request for more guards on the River Road was unceremoniously denied. I began to collect information, before presenting my findings to Mr. Renren Phain, the High Examiner. I'd met kenku along the merchant roads, but I'd never seen one working so comfortably in a city. I knock on the door and Mr. Phain looks up from his papers.

"Ah." He croaks. His voice is clipped and hollow. His throat warbles as he speaks. "Bex. Come in and close the door behind you."

I do so and lay the papers out on his desk.

He looks down at them and chuckles. "You scheduled this meeting just to drop your life's story in front of me, I see."

"Please sir. This is important. I think something is going on. I've been gathering evidence that there is corruption within the walls of High Hall."

His beak clicks shut and the raven's feathers on his neck stand on end. "Is that so."

"Yes. Someone has been instigating a fear campaign to keep the citizens from leaving the city. At first I thought it was because of the thralls of Klav Ikaia, but no. It has to do with the Companion specifically. I have this correspondence-"

"Stop." He says, holding up a hand.

I fall still.

He begins collecting my papers. "There is no fear campaign. There is nothing wrong with the Companion." He walks over to the fireplace and tosses them into the flames.

"No!" I run to the hearth and try to pull them out, but the burning edges singe my fingers.

He clicks his beak a few times, looking down at me. "I swear, it's like you people don't have enough to do. Go back to your desk. Focus on your duties."

He moves to the door and opens it.

"S-sir..."

"Go." He croaks.

I sit slumped at my desk, and stare blankly at the stack of ordinances in front of me.

All my work. Everything. Gone in an instant. There is more to this. Renren has to be involved somehow... but why? What's going on?

"Mrs. Aldwick?"

I glance up and see two guards. Members of the Order of the Companion. "Gather your things and come with us."

They escort me to the steps outside. "You are hereby stripped of your titles and banned from the grounds of High Hall."

One of the guards steps down toward me. His hand rests on my shoulder for a moment, before returning to his duties.

I stand quietly, holding my things. A flock of pigeons gather on the steps around me. I begin to walk home. I look at the small box of things in my arms. Trash. All of it. I drop it in a dumpster and feel a levity in my chest.

"Bex! You're home early." Danis approaches me and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes. I was... I..." The tears come despite myself, and I bury my face in his shoulder.

"Darling, what is it?" He rubs my back and brings me over to the chaise. We sit together as I collect myself.

My mother-in-law, Niala, comes into the lounge, wiping her hands. She's been working with her servants, curating today's meal. "Oh dear." She sits next to us. "Tell us. What happened?"

"I was banished from High Hall."

Her face falls. "By the Grace of Torm. Why?"

My mind reels, I couldn't possibly explain it. The truth behind the census. The truth about the dangers on the River Road. The scent of sulfur that lingered near Thavius Kreeg's study. The sudden surge in recruitment for the Order of the Companion. ...the fortification of the walls around the city.

"I don't want to speak about it." I say quietly.

Danis grips my hand. "Take your time. You know we're here for whatever you may need."

Another tear drops from my cheek and I nod quietly. "I know. Thank you."

He wipes the tears away. "Perhaps this is a blessing. We can start that bakery you've always wanted."

"The bakery." My voice is small but I feel a thread of hope. "You're right, Danis. Perhaps... perhaps this is for the best."

Niala smiles brightly. "The bakery! Of course! Oh, that is so exciting. I'll get someone to look into property available near the square."

Danis grins and gives me another kiss. "I'll tell father when he gets home, and he'll write up the loan agreement. It will be far simpler for us than dealing with all this confusing bureaucracy. I hate to see you come home as stressed as you have been lately."

It helped distract me. I was happy. But it solved nothing.

"Hello Mrs. Brimmon. Two dozen cookies, I presume?"

She giggles softly. "You know me too well, Mrs. Aldwick."

"Will you be taking a cup of tea today?"

She taps her fingers on her lips for a moment before wordlessly shaking her head no. Mrs. Brimmon preferred to use less words than more. A jolly woman. I hand her the sack of cookies and she giggles again, making her way out of the bakery, cheeks flushed pink with excitement.

I sigh and lean on the counter, shaking my head. She's mildly allergic to chocolate but insists on having it either way. Who am I to argue?

"Bex!"

Danis walks out from the back with an empty crate. "Looks like I'll be making a run to your father. We're out of Moonleaf again."

"A lot of people have been having trouble sleeping. I'm not surprised."

"Why do you think that is?"

My lips curl in. "Oh, it could be anything." My heart wrenches. Every time I speak to him about what's been going on, he loses his spirit. I've stopped bringing it up.

The bell rings and I see a courier enter the bakery. "Mr. and Mrs. Aldwick?"

"Yes?" Danis sets down the crate and approaches.

He hands him a letter. "From the Administration of Thavius Kreeg."

Danis thumbs the letter open as the courier dashes out.

His mouth hangs open slightly, before turning to me. "I don't think I understand."

He hands me the letter.

Official Decree from the Order of the Companion,

All travel outside the city is prohibited from now until further notice.

Citizens may submit a travel request to the Civic Secretary at High Hall.

This Decree will go into effect immediately.

Signed,

High Observer Thavius Kreeg

My hand drops to the countertop, clutching the letter. I stare at the window in front of me.

"Darling?" Danis places a hand on my wrist and I blink.

The bell rings once again. "Bexy! Bexy! Have you seen this?"

Mr. Hornwood is the cobbler next door. He dashes in, holding the notice. He halts, seeing my face.

"Bex?" He approaches the counter and stands across from me. He's a wood elf, like me. Freckled. Red hair. Kin.

"It's as I've been saying..." I murmur.

"No, no, darling." Danis says. "There must be a good reason for all this."

Mr. Hornwood tilts his head down, looking at me with that face he has when he's acknowledging something Danis won't admit.

"Mr. Hornwood..." I pause. "James."

He watches me.

"You can't stay here. You need to get out. Find my father. Go to Amn. Something. Anything."

James looks from me to Danis. "We all need to leave. Immediately."

"We most certainly do not! I'm putting my foot down!" Danis barks.

I stand silent. Stiff.

James furrows his brow, staring at Danis. He finally grips my hand before leaving.

I never saw him again.

There are riots in the streets. People no longer speak about the ordinance in polite company. Half the population sees it as protection. The other half sees it as imprisonment.

Food has grown scares. Costs have gone up significantly. I've had to charge four times what I normally would just to compensate.

We're under siege by our own High Observer. Fists pound on the doors of High Hall, day and night, demanding answers. The news tells two opposing stories, and it's torn the city apart. It's hard to tell the truth from lies.

Even here in the peace of my bakery fights occasionally break out between people who can't agree on what's happening. I'm often asked what I think. I'm getting tired of giving non-answers, but I don't want to lose my business over ideological disagreements.

I know exactly how I feel though.

I feel... I feel like I've been so worried about everyone else's feelings that I have had no room left to care for myself. It's been eating me inside.

Duke Ravengard has arrived in the city to treat with Thavius Kreeg, hopefully to sort out this madness. But there are whispers that Kreeg has gone missing.

My watering can sloshes softly as I step outside, and water the flowers that line my storefront.

Danis joins me. "Dear. There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

I smile. "Now?"

"Yes, well... I know things have been difficult for you lately, and I just wanted to let you know that if you need to talk about it, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"

"Does it feel like I've been holding back?" I focus on the flowers that bob gently under the trickling shower.

"It does."

I turn to him; the watering can settles by my side. "Danis. I've tried to speak to you about it. You know exactly how I feel. It hasn't changed." I walk around him to water the snap dragons next to the door.

"Hasn't it?"

"I haven't been able to send my father any letters. Even the courier birds are grounded. The gates remain locked, and now Kreeg is supposedly missing." I stand and glance at him. "What more is there to say? I can't pretend I'm not troubled."

"But nothing's happened." He gently takes me by the arms. "Just have faith."

There is hope in his words and I smile, but my eyes do not match my lips. He sees it and his face falls.

A pulse rumbles through the city. We're shaken. Then another. The surges are coming from the Companion. We look up as another pulse rips through us.

The Companion's light falters before a hollow ringing echoes through the city's streets. The light crackles and shifts into a dark void that consumes the color around us.

Danis and I look at each other, then begin to run. The watering can hitting the ground.

Danis's family home is just up the road, but as it comes into view chains drop from the sky and break into the city's foundation. The world quakes and we stagger to the ground. People scream. Buildings begin to sway.

Cracks form at the base of the marbled tower where Danis's family lives. People surge out and run in every direction. It begins to crumble and tilt. Bodies hit the ground as people throw themselves from windows in desperation.

Mr. and Mrs. Aldwick emerge as the building begins to fall.

"Mother! Father!" Danis gets up and begins to run toward them. I snatch his ankles and he hits the ground.

I curl into a ball as the stones hit the street. Dust clouds my vision and I choke. Barely able to breathe.

"Danis..." I cough.

He isn't moving. I crawl up to him and grab his face. He's alive, his face is empty. I wipe him clean as best as I can and hold his cheeks.

"Please... Danis." I say through my tears.

He finally looks at me and buries his face in my chest.

I hold him as the world ends.