A low fog enveloped the a large grassy opening before the mountain. Cold morning air chilled the grass upon the ground and the needles of the pine trees of the forest surrounding the mountain.

Snow was barely visible as it hadn't snowed in a couple weeks and the sun's warmth from days past had melted most of the snow. Though, the snow may be melting, its freezing air remained and froze the dew upon the grass and the leaves of shrubs.

Filling the entire large opening within the forest were hundreds of blue and gray tents and morning campfires, their smoke lightly rising into the morning sky with thin white and gray streams flowing upward. Hundreds of soldiers adorned in blue uniform wandered about the camp fullfilling their duties; sharpening their weapons, taking care of the horses, and preparing their meals. Horses were tied to tents and trees to keep them from wandering off during the night.

At the camp's center was a large tent guarded by two armored soldiers at it's opening. The tent was bore the same colors as the rest of the tents but was much bigger and held the Faholgan flag at its top, which proudly flapped with the light morning wind.

Within the tent, General Draco Valcian and two of his captains stood over a table with various parchment and maps. All three of them wore Faholgan uniform with finely made armor and chainmail with Draco's armor of higher caliber to signify his rank. Their attention was particularly on a map of the western territory of Faholgal.

"A small battalion of the ministry's soldiers were spotting marching north along the western border of Faholgal." The canine captain stated while moving his finger along the map signifying the position. "No more than five hundred soldiers were seen marching, led by two wolf soldiers."

"The Boursault brothers." Draco stated lowly and kept his gaze on the map. "Well known captains of the Eye of Michael especially now that two of the mistress's general's have left her order." His features scrunched lightly as he thought. "But why would they lead such a small force northward?"

The second captain pointed toward the Faholgan border area on the west side. "Perhaps they mean to flank us and attack one of the major cities there." The badger captain said and looked to the others.

"But with such a small force, how would they even imagine breaking through a major city's defenses?" The canine captain quickly questioned.

"Has there been any recent military activity around the forests just past our borders?" Draco questioned, pointing toward the forest on the map. "The battalion may only be an addition to an army building up in that forest."

The badger's ears folded back. "If that were true, we will need to move one of our armies into that area to protect the major cities from attack."

"What about General Paurillon's army?" The general pointed to an area just south of the forest. "His army is stationed there to protect the city of.."

"No, Sir." The canine interrupted. "General Paurillon moved his forces east and southward toward the city of Pentalon."

"I gave no order to move." Draco frowned and looked to the canine. "Why did he move his forces toward Pentalon?"

The canine bowed his head slighlty and raised it. "I do not know, Sir. He gave no word or reason, he only left and brought his armies with him."

Draco groaned lowly and lowered his gaze and looked into the area where Pentalon resided. "No ministry army has been seen in that area..." his gaze looked southward on the map just beyond the border. "Are their any encampments or large cities just beyond the border within Ministry territory?"

"No, sir" The canine responded, looking down to the map again. "Only smaller towns and villages with no known military pressence."

The general's brow lowered frustratedly and bent over to prop his fists down on the table, holding himself up as he thought. "Send a messenger and an escort of three soldiers to General Paurillon." He paused thoughtfully and looked up to the canine captain. "Porchatis, I want you to go with them. I want to know why he's moved his army and stress the matter he's left that area of our lands bare without protection."

"Yes, Sir." The canine quickly responded.

"Leave as soon as the escort is ready. I need his reply as soon as possble." Draco groaned and stood up straight and kept his gaze lowered on the map. "I'll have to move this army into that area.." he groaned again and folded his ears back. "We must protect the cities there if that battalion is just an addition to another hidden army of the ministry."

"I'll leave at once." Porchatis stated and quickly gave a short bow before leaving the tent.

The black carriage rolled along the dirt road, a driver seated on top conducting the two horses with Miss Dollet and Loki seated inside. Behind, Vincent and Aeth followed on horseback. The camp where the General was stationed was not far from Vidalie, and so Vincent presumed that this General may want information on the city in case of an attack. Aeth had made no objection to the theory, but kept his own thoughts on the matter. He never seemed like the type to guess on an outcome, instead would be certain of it.

"What do you do, exactly?" Vincent asked, riding side by side with Aeth, "A grand mansion with 40 rooms? Rich tailored clothes and expensive furniture? A large staff...what did you do? Get paid by the richest man in the land for a favor?" Vincent smirked, glancing to Aeth. "Back then you seemed to linger in the shades."

"On the off-chance, I still do." Aeth replied with a gentle, upturned brow. "I continue the work I did before, but mainly with the upper class. Someone has to do it."

"Keeps a balance?"

"It makes the cogs turn."

"What about Loki?" Vincent asked, looking to the carriage. "I've noticed his abundant library."

"The Keel family has worked for mine for generations. He is known as the Librarian of Vidalie, knowing every little fact about the city. He may seem like an imbecile, but he is an important resource."

Vincent thought for a moment, "You seem fit for this kind of lifestyle."

The dog smirked, turning his gold eyes to Vincent, "It's been very boring."

Vincent laughed, "I thought you were never bored."

"Not until recently."

Inside the carriage, Loki was having some difficulty holding onto his scrolls and books, pressing them to his chest as the carriage bumped occasionally due to rocks. Miss Dollet looked at him with some interest, watching to see whether Loki will simply give up or persist in his struggles.

Finally she couldn't help herself, "Will you just put those down!" She frowned, crossing her arms over her chest.

Loki looked up to her, glasses askew, with a look of resentment. "These hold precious information of all recorded and recent activity within the city, madam, and I will not see them misused or dirtied!"

"That may be, but you could simply set them on the seat!" Miss Dollet rationalized.

"With all this bumping, they'll fall all over the place! Couldn't you drive a little slower?!" Loki called to the driver.

"Never mind him!" Dollet called afterward. "Loki! Will you just calm down! It's only a silly meeting with a General of Faholgal."

Loki's face scrunched up in anxiety. Hearing it put like that seemed to make his nervousness worse. "Easy for you to say! You're not the one that's going to talk to him!"

"How worse could he be compared to the Chairman or any of the other senators you handle?"

"He's the leader of the Faholgal Army!" Loki gasped.

"That aside, he might be a decent man to control all that. A very intelligent man, Loki! Isn't that nice to know? You two have some similarities!" Miss Dollet smiled, finding optimism again for Loki.

The other cat didn't seem to be quite comforted by it. "But--But what if he doesn't talk to me, but makes me speak with another person?!"

"Oh don't be silly! He called you personally, didn't he?"

"Well, yes--But with all this war business, he could be very busy. And to call someone like me who has no real outstanding rank, well, it just seems rather pointless." Loki said, looking downcast as he held his scrolls tightly, hugging them close for some condolence.

Miss Dollet sighed as she watched Loki, who in turn glanced up to her again. He noticed her long red hair held up by a black bow on the back of her head, her dress a lovely shade of dark red to match her cream colored fur, white ruffles seen at the hems. She held herself with the grace fit for a noble woman, light brown eyes always knowing. No one, not even the Master, treated her as a simple maid as her job is. Instead, she did things on her own...the right things. That and she was quite charming and young. She must have to fight off men with a club on her days strolling about in the city.

Loki blushed as he found himself staring at her, especially when she rose a slender brow in inquiry. Instead, he turned his gaze to the basket she had at her side. There was really only two things that would draw Loki away from musing on Miss Dollet. One, any chance to write down furiously in his notebook on anything that may be used historically, and secondly, the chance at Miss Dollet's treats.

"Er...Perhaps...being the case that I may be quite unnerved about seeing a high ranked official of the largest land...urm...is there a chance...that I may...?" Loki stuttered, his eyes set on the basket, noting the subtle sweet smells of what was held inside.

Miss Dollet still had her arms crossed over her chest as she saw his gaze. "You know those treats are for his Grace." she stated. No questions. Enough said.

Loki bit his lip as he tried to convince himself to face up to her. It was a careful business. She would always get upset at him, as though he were her only outsource. Delicate words were needed. "I-Yes, I understand. But seeing as how I'll be handling official business that may effect Vidalie somehow with this General...Perhaps I may be obliged to receive some...reward?" Loki's ears lowered. Reward was such a strong word and he regretted it immediately.

He sat waiting for what followed next, struggling to hold the scrolls and books against himself as desperate eyes set themselves to Miss Dollet, who was giving him a stern look.

"Reward?" She repeated slowly. Loki bit his lip.

Then she smiled sweetly, "I suppose you do deserve something. But you set those silly things down and relax for once." she said (or commanded) as she reached into the basket, picking out a treat for Loki. Nearly tossing them aside next to him, Loki sat up as a smile curved on his lips.

Miss Dollet handed him a jam filled roll, which he took and began to eat. After the first few bites, Loki leaned back in great relief as though all his troubles melted away and feeling very relaxed. "I'm not sure what you put in these treats, madam, but they are exceptional."

She merely smiled, as though she were recalling a humorous thing about her baking. "It's the secret ingredient." She hinted.

With Loki settled and the two behind the carriage carrying on a little discussion, they spotted the Faholgalan camp in no time. It was midday, the coldness in the air warmed by the sun peeking from out of the clouds.

They strolled into camp, Vincent curiously looking both ways to see the soldiers carry on their duties, some watching back. He thought it must be strange to see a carriage coming in a war camp. Vincent halted his horse and leapt off, holding it by the reins as he kept glancing around. Aeth stopped just next to him.

"Something wrong?" Aeth asked, watching as Vincent tugged his navy blue captains coat against his neck for warmth. His eyes were set on five soldiers seated around a fire, talking with one another in mild humor.

"...No. Just recalling something." He answered back, walking after the carriage with his horse, coming up to the main tent.

The driver pulled the reins of the two horses, stopping them from trotting further before the tent. Soon the brown furred dog leapt down and proceeded to the door of the carriage, opening it respectfully. Loki stepped out with his mess of paperwork held against him, a bag thrown in there somewhere. He looked around uneasily as Vincent came up to him with a smile along with Aeth.

"Worried?" Vincent asked, looking up to the flag that whipped in the wind.

"A bit, yes." Loki muttered until his attention turned to Aeth, who had gotten off his horse and came up towards them.

"Nothing to worry about, Loki." Aeth purred, handing the reins of his horse to a helpful soldier before fixing his coat over his shoulders. "Vincent will escort you."

Loki tried his best to seem happy about that. "Of course, master."

Aeth glanced to the driver, who bowed once their eyes met but helplessly had a cookie in his mouth. It seems Miss Dollet had assaulted him with baked goods for his fine driving. The dog let out a breath as a little smile appeared. "Well I suppose I should make sure you two will be fine."

One of the soldiers, who guarded the tent, gave a respectful bow to Loki after approaching him. "Welcome, Master Keel." The soldier had also noticed Vincent as well, but since he didn't know who the mouse was he gave a short, respectful bow. "General Valcian has been expecting your arrival." The soldier said and lead them to the tent's door. "This way, please."

----

"We move in two days." The General stated, pointing toward the large map on the table in front of himself. "Have two scouts leave at dawn tomorrow..." he said to the fox captain next to him. "Each one will travel to a major city and report any sightings of the Ministry's forces. Particularly the battalion which was seen marching northward."

"Yes, Sir..." Movement at the front of the tent quickly caught the captain's gaze and looked up with risen brows. Realizing it was the man who the general summoned days before, he quickly looked to Draco. "Sir, Loki Keel has arrived."

Loki followed the soldier in with Vincent following behind him. But a look back to Master Aeth was given before entering the tent. The dog let out a sigh as they disappeared into the tent, turning his attention towards the black carriage.

The driver stood by the door, standing straight as he awaited Aeth, who approached quietly and stepped inside. Soon the carriage bucked forward, carrying Miss Dollet and Aeth away to Faholgal.

-----

Vincent glanced around, mainly to the tapestries set along the tent walls before his eyes fell onto the large table set in the middle with men surrounding it. The high General was not hard to miss. The posture, the tone of voice, everything demanded immediate attention. Loki seemed unnerved by it, especially when a captain announced his arrival.

Loki lowered his eyes to look at himself, his chest covered in paperwork messily handled. He felt like a bumbling clerk in front of these men. Vincent came to stand beside him, giving an encouraging smile as he gently took a few loose notebooks and scrolls to help Loki, who gave the mouse a relieved smile.

Soon he felt the General's eyes turn to him, standing himself straight, trying hard to seem purposeful. A glance or two was given to Vincent, who stood as though he were perfectly comfortable, the look in his eyes if not similar to that of General Valcian's. That in itself struck a curious cord in Loki, recalling what the master said when first meeting Vincent. Exactly who was he?

His eyes turned back to Draco, bowing his head respectfully. "An honor to aid you in whatever I can, Sir Draco Valcian." he greeted.

Draco's brow raised as he lifted his gaze to see who entered. "Oh! Yes, Welcome Mister Keel." The older dog said and casually walked around the table towards Loki to better greet his summoned guest. "I do hope your travels were without trouble."

Loki stood straighter (if that was possible) as the General stepped closer, clutching his papers closer. Fumbling for words, a few quick glances were given to Vincent. Perhaps he'll become comfortable if he dragged Vincent into the conversation.

"Yes, no troubles at all, sir. But let me introduce you to Vincent." Loki said, motioning to the mouse who stood next to him. Vincent merely kept his gaze on Draco as though he were studying the older dog. "He-he is a friend of Master Scarlatto's and I do hope he would not be seen as an intrusion of this meeting."

Draco quirked an interested brow as he turned his gaze to Vincent. The older dog silently examined him as his brow arched higher, an ear flickering. "No intrusion at all, Mr. Keel..." the general said to Loki, but kept his gaze on Vincent as he studied him in return. "Smith.."

The badger quickly became alerted to the general. "Yes, sir?"

"Have Walton bring in some warm tea for Mr. Keel and his friend Vincent." Draco ordered and turned to walk back around the table leizurely. "They've been traveling in the cold all morning."

"As you wish, Sir." The badger quickly said with a bow of his head and turned to leave the tent.

After taking his seat behind the table, Draco motioned his hand toward the two chairs on the opposite side of the table. "On to business, shall we?"

"Of course." Loki agreed, hurrying to the table where Draco sat. He begun to carefully set the papers onto the table in proper order, Vincent pausing behind him, giving a casual glance around the tent again for good measure before following Loki's lead, allowing him to take the scrolls he held.

After they both sat down, Loki appeared at ease as he began to speak, "The summons you had sent mentioned the state of affairs involving Vidalie, and so I brought a small amount of information that may seem important." Loki smiled. Vincent quietly glanced at the large stack piled on Draco's table. He didn't want to know Loki's idea of a large amount of information.

Draco arched a brow and grabbed one of the scrolls from the pile. "In your research and studies of Vidalie's affairs, did you come across any discrepancies or unusal dealings?" He said as he read through the document.

"Oh! All the time, sir!" Loki affirmed happily. "Why, it's my business to oversee all that in case Mas--" he stopped, reminding himself that this was a General he was speaking with. And this General may, if he frowns upon it, make it very difficult to continue the Master's nightly work as an assassin. "Er--What I meant to say, is that there is always unusual dealings within the higher class of the city. It's almost their job to do so. But any real action would go through the Chairman, myself or Master Scarlatto for the final say. In other words, there are no secrets within the Senate. If there are, they will be figured out in due time."

Loki paused, finding himself touching his index fingers together. He didn't stop since it helped him think.

"But I suppose you are more interested in any 'dealings' concerning your homeland or the Eye of Michael? In that case, the current concern (as the Chairman had discussed with me not two weeks ago) is whether Vidalie will be attacked or not. Of course this is a very base thought, but there is indecision. Loyalty to Faholgal's goals may be interrupted if the Ministry attacks and the blame will set upon those with magic. The citizens are holding their breath and taking careful steps in their daily routines and the Senate is...well...nervous. But whatever the case, Vidalie will not choose sides."

Vincent rose a brow after the last statement, glancing to Loki with interest. "Choose sides? So you're saying none of the Senate will try and make a deal with either the Ministry or Faholgal?"

"Heaven's no! If one of them did that, then they put the entire city in danger of attack from either force! If a daft man did that, then we would handle him immediately. Honestly, I have no idea why they would try and do that. They know the risks, which are made quite clearly."

Suddenly Vincent understood, snapping his fingers as a smile appeared. "Ah! You mean what Aetherius does! That's what you meant by we--"

"Shhh!!" Loki hissed, gripping his chair desperately as an uneasy gaze looked to Draco. "Never mind him, General. He's just a---a..." Loki kept himself from using his favorite word to describe Vincent. "...A bit new in our city."

Draco arched a brow as he watched and listened to Loki. He would have commented, but the two seemed to be having a conversation of their own. It was humorous, but Draco felt he should keep that to himself with concerns at hand being more important. Even with concerns, he allowed a smirk to appear as he watched Loki's reactions.

"What your master does is his own business and has nothing to worry about when it comes to what I know and would do. But that's besides the point." Draco stated casually, but grew more serious. "I cannot judge your city for not choosing a side. Its not my place to tell your people who to follow. But it is dire that any dealings involving the ministry is told to me now."

As Draco spoke, one of the soldiers entered the tent holding a tray. Three cups and a metal pitcher were carried inside and placed upon the table. "Your tea as requested.. Is there anything else you require?"

"No, that will be all. Thank you." Draco said, keeping his gaze on Loki and Vincent.

After the soldier gave a short bow and left the tent, Draco continued. "I know it is making you 'serve' a side'. But this war is growing more dangerous by the day. If anyone in your city is aiding the ministry, the war will come to them and your people."

Before Loki could respond, Vincent interrupted him, as he enjoyed doing. "If you don't mind me asking, General, but have there been any other unusual dealings with the Ministry from other cities? If I'm not mistaken the Ministry is regarded as an ill-sighted powerhouse of tyranny where those who follow them are either forced to do so or have corrupt and criminal minds. From my own observations, Vidalie has a tight...check and balance way of handling things," he paused to glance to Loki, "and so I'm skeptical that they would be involved to an extent you may believe. Perhaps this may be the case for smaller towns that had history with the Eye of Michael, but instead of asking those outside Faholgal borders, you may want to be concerned of those within your own doors. That seems more dangerous to me."

Loki stared at Vincent in a mixture bewilderment and surprise to the blunt way he spoke. His mouth couldn't help but gape, straining to turn his eyes to the General to see the reaction. Vincent had just...insulted the high General! Suggesting conspiracy within Faholgal, and they had been very proud of their way of handling things within Congress. But the way Vincent kept his gaze on Draco with the air of certainty, it was difficult to think that he was insulting rather than present certain facts. Loki kept silent, seeing that this was simply out of his control.

Draco barely gave any reaction as Vincent gave his comment on things, only calmly listening and sitting back in his chair. He knew he could have been insulted with such commentary, as Loki seemed to have assumed, but from what he knew of this Vincent he knew it was out of concern and not insult.

"I understand your concern, Mr. Valerik. I am well aware of the corruption in my own lands, but allow me to make this clear to you now." Draco said seriously, but calmly and adjusted himself in his seat. "My concern is not only with my own people but with the people surrounding. My king has made it perfectly clear to me that ALL are protected against the ministry and not just ourselves. I ask about Vidalie's affairs because I am concerned about its people. I know very well that if it is corrupted by the ministry, it will be one more power against us and its people will suffer for it." Draco ended with a heavy breath taken, relaxing his back against his chair. "And if its to any relief to you or Mr. Keel, my king is doing everything in his power to rid Faholgal of its corruption. My charge now is to find out the dealings with Vidalie and help them any way I can."

While Loki listened attentively to Draco, Vincent was staring at the old dog with a hard gaze. He hadn't used his real name since he came back, and Aeth was wise not to let it slip by. No one here should know who he is, especially with certain circumstances concerning the age he appeared. Vincent, ultimately, found it troubling.

Again, just as Loki parted his lips to speak, Vincent interrupted.

"How did you know my name?" he asked, if not demanded. Loki looked to Vincent curiously until he realized that Draco had used Vincent's last name to address him. Loki never introduced him with it. That was...very strange. The cat glanced to the General, now racking his mind for some explanation of who Vincent was. It would start eating him from the inside if he didn't figure it out soon. He was a cat after all, and he was naturally born with a heightened sense of curiosity.

Draco's eyebrow quirked calmly. So, here it is. Vincent caught on. Although, he obviously doesn't recognize who the general was. He didn't blame him, its been so many years and age changes a person. In Vincent's case, it works in the opposite direction apparently.

"I don't blame you for not remembering." he smirked, almost taking humor in this. "My full name is Draco Valcian. Back then, I was just a regular customer for a time at a tavern." He leaned onto his elbow on the arm of the chair. "The Dragon Tavern, if I remember properly. Although, back then, I was only a captain.. and you were older."