An Owl's Rise

For the first thirty or so minutes, there was nothing of note to see, but it was not long until Evelyn spotted the major industry practice in the area.

In several places she spotted massive holes in the ground with layered levels going from the surface down to the bottom.

Thanks to her memories from her first life, Evelyn knew what this practice was. The Miris Sect was strip mining the land.

'I doubt it is for coal like back on Earth. Whatever it is must be magical in nature.' Evelyn thought, wishing to get a closer look.

Unfortunately, from such a great distance away and passing by at a rather quick pace, it was impossible for her to see exactly what was being mined even with her impeccable sight.

However, there was something she was able to spot clearly, and it appalled her.

Most of the workers she could see had black collars around their necks and looked to be being fed only just barely enough for them to keep working.

Evelyn had no love for any humans, not after so many bad experiences with them. But what she hated most of all was such horrible oppression. It reminded her of when she was caged up as an experimental subject.

Part of her wanted to swoop down and kill the people that were in charge of the mines and set the people free. Of course, she honestly did not care what happened to them, it would be more for her self-satisfaction than anything else.

'No, push those thoughts aside. I'm not some crusader out to right injustices. I've got my goals, and I can't let anything else steer me away from them.'

After shaking any unnecessary thoughts out of her head, Evelyn faced forward and focused on her current mission. Now that they had arrived in the Miris Sect, it was time to gather what information they could.

Even if they did not attempt any actions that would disrupt the Tyrannis Union this time, it was still the perfect chance to learn about their enemies and establish their party as a group of capable mercenaries.

…

Within a day and a half, the first large city in the territory of the Miris Sect came into view.

This was the capital city, having the same name as the Sect that ruled over this area.

From up in the air, Evelyn could see that that Miris City was sectioned off by six different layers of walls.

The first two layers were the largest but by far the least affluent looking. With the opulence of the buildings and streets increasing the closer to the center.

Finally enclosed by the last walls, was an enormous compound that was the Sect's headquarters. This was where the leader and the upper echelon of the Sect conducted their business, and horded the wealth of the region. Naturally, this was Maeve's destination. She was soon to become one of the Miris Sect's core members.

Evelyn expected their group to need to land and enter the city through one of tis gates but was surprised to find Heidi continue to soar over the city on her flying disc. Apparently the flight privileges they had received extended even to the airspace over Miris City.

Eventually they did have to land, but only once entering the second innermost wall just outside the entrance to the Sect's main base.

Several guards approached them upon their landing and spoke with both Heidi, and Edgar, who was acting as Maeve's representatives.

While the formalities were being taken care of, Josephine exited Maeve's carriage and quickly looked around before heading directly towards Lucia.

The two of them spoke in hushed tones, but without any magic to interference, Evelyn could easily listen in on what they were discussing thanks to her extremely hearing.

Evelyn wanted to grimace at what she heard. Maeve had decided to renew their contract for the maximum allotted number of days.

The minimum time of the request was for ten days, which was soon to be concluded, but there was a provision allowing for Maeve to extend it to thirty days. Even though the young mistress of the Taidale Family had arrived at her destination and should have reached a relatively safe location, she still wanted to retain their services as guards.

'Why do I get the sinking feeling that this has something to do with me.' Evelyn thought, lamenting the unavoidable situation.

She knew without a shadow of a doubt that Maeve had grown attached to her. Not only had she saved Maeve's life from her uncle's suicide attack, but she had been someone to talk to during a difficult time. Though, Evelyn had been pretty much forced to act as Maeve's support.

"I'm guessing you weren't able to turn her down." Evelyn said, once Josephine had left Lucia's side and returned to the carriage.

"Sadly, that would be a breach of the contract. We'll have to ride this out until the time limit expires."

A few minutes later, the gates to the Miris Sect's Headquarters opened and a large, luxurious roofless carriage exited and quickly turned around.

This vehicle was for Evelyn's group. They would not be allowed to fly within the headquarters' grounds, but apparently it would be rude to force them to walk since they were first-class citizens of the Usturg Federation.

Once the five of them had seated themselves within the carriage, the vehicle took off with the three that Maeve had brought along.

As the wheels of the carriage turned thanks to magical energy supplied by the driver, Evelyn, Lucia, Bylur, Rehni, and Aralee were brought into the heart of their unsuspecting enemies' territory.