Towers in the darkness: Chapter 4

The sun had surpassed its zenith, often disappearing behind the outline of stone building casting sharp shadows onto city streets. The trio had slowly driven into the old capital, brimming with life and activity. Streets flowed over with locals, refugees and soldiers: walking, running, praying, driving, ragging, arguing and bartering like an angry sea raging against a rocky coast. Military police women had mounted elevated spots on strategic street crossing's in a futile attempt to direct traffic and open corridor for military movement. Lifting their weapons and screaming to be noticed, they parted the crowd momentary before the effect wore of and the human steam back up again. 
"Hello comrade!" Martin screamed upwards, catching the attention of the short police woman.
"What?!" she yelled back without diverting her eyes from the unruly crowd. 
"We need directions" Martin retorted.
"Don't you f*****g tourists see that I'm busy" she snapped as she struggled to juggle her old rifle with the red signal flags, intended to direct road traffic. Wallen puffed his cheeks at her dismissive attitude and began scanning his surroundings. Spotting a small ration pack, he tossed it towards her. 
The flying object bounced of her hip, falling to the floor of her crudely build traffic tower, mounted on an abandoned small corner store. Enraged by the realization of what had happened she quickly secured her instruments under one arm in order to pick up and trough the ration back at its presumable origin. 
"Take that you b******s!", she screamed as the ration impacted on the hood of the car, spilling its contents. She gloated at her successful throw as her blonde hair had opened in the rapid movement, peaking out from beneath her over-sized military cap. Using the free hand to fix back her hair, she took the time to study provocateurs. Quickly the high-ranking uniforms of the passengers caught her eyes and the triumphal smile vanished from her face. 
"Servicewoman Ptolema at your service" she exclaimed as she performed the military salute, almost dropping her belonging in shock. 
"I'm a council representative; The glorious all continental national emergency council representative. I need to see the commanding front officer. What's his name and how do we reach him quickly?". Ptolema contemplated a few seconds, suspiciously studying the passenger in a likely attempt to identify the devious ration tosser. 
"Unfortunately, I can't recall the name and with things being as chaotic as they are, I have barely seen my immediate superior. However, I can promise you that you won't get there by car anytime soon" she said gesturing towards the general direction. 
"Going on foot can be dangerous, as there are a lot of more dangerous things moving through the crowd that just airborne ration packs", she added. Her eyes now fixed on Wallen, the only man sheepishly avoiding eye contact. A quick nod, indicated that Ptolema had found the culprit, as she returned to the topic at hand. 
"It's a bit risky as well, but I would recommend to go over the roofs as straight as you can. Many roofs here are connected by wooden bridges for some reason and the army has closed access for civilians. You never know what can happen, but it's what I would do if I was in a hurry". Martin leaned back to hear Alexus advice on the matter. 
"I would give it a try", the old soldier confirmed: "I can't protect you in this crowd and any action to disperse it could end very baldly." 
"Then let's do it", Martin said as he exited the car. 
"Servicewoman! We will leave this car with you and whish best of luck", Martin concluded as he began moving towards a tall house likely to offer roof access. His companion's followed suit after gathering their equipment from the car, as Ptomela exclaimed 
"for the continent!". Wallen risked to take a last look at Ptolema and was quickly rebuffed by her furious stare. Martin awaited them by the entrance, observing to his surprise as Alexus pulled out a small pack of dried fruit from a pouch, placing it at Ptolemas feet whilst she was staring angry wholes into the head of his young comrade. Alexus caught up and breaking open the front door with his shoulder in one fluent violent movement. The group entered the dimly lit interior and began briskly to climb the screeching wooden staircase. Passing every floor on their accent without stopping, they paid close attention to the rooms along the staircase. 
Some had been barricaded, some stood open and empty, whilst some displayed signs of violent looting. Faint voices could be heard from behind barricaded doors, however the group moved unnoticed though the structure. After the third or fourth floor Martins attention switched from the rooms to the extraordinary stonework of the walls. Various stone blocks piled into place and carved into crude shapes, held together by mortar of questionable quality and wood, could be seen in the diffused light of the hallway. Martin deduced that these stones had been gathered from the remnants of the old city and have been repurposed after the great collapse by the local denizens. He could not help himself but to reach out his hand out slightly to run it along the ancient stone. Climbing further he was feeling the texture of the walls changing from sandstone, to granite, to fine marble and back, the notes of a symphony of lamentation. 
Suddenly his hand touched peculiar shape protruding from the wall, drawing his eyes. 
A stone face rose slightly from wall, startling Martin as he processed this unexpected feature. 
"A grave plate", he thought out load, attracting the attention of his companions. 
"Scary s**t" Wallen eloquently stated. 
"But she was kind of beautiful", he concludes as he continued his way up. Martin took another moment to reflect on the young woman, deiced long ago. He attempted to force himself to move along as many buried thoughts ran through his mind. He was terrified of death his entire life. Not by the agony of death itself however, but of the finality of existence and the seeming futility of it all. He had suppressed these dark thoughts for most of his life, as his rational mind told him that the struggle against the invisible was pointless. But today was different. Being confronted with the prospect of death had stirred him deeply. Thoughts about life, death, meaning and legacy formed a whirlpool. As much as he wanted to focus on his immediate task, he was just staring into the face of fear. Alexus nudged Martin inconspicuously to prompt him to continue. 
They soon reached the last floor, spotting a window to the adjacent roof. Climbing out, the sun glistened over the stone city. The roofs stood empty, but for some soldiers patrolling in the distance. The three fixed up their clothing and gear, as to be easily recognizable to their comrades. Stepping to the edge of the roof, they began to find their baring and find the correct route. Martin took in the view of the old capital, the great city of history, tales and myths. The old flame tower stood indomitably in the center of a sea of flat stone roofs. 
Tightly packed buildings between 4 and 10 stories formed the city-scape, cut by narrow and uneven streets. Some roofs were used as domestic gardens, some featured cages for raising pidgins. Wooden towers could be seen on some roofs, presumably used for fire watch. Many roofs where topped by wooden platforms, forming communal spaces for its residents, away from the suffocating ground level. These structures increased in size and lavishness as they approached the cities center, some covering entire blocks with their multilevel design. 
Radiant red banners hung across the facades of many buildings, proclaiming allegiance to the cult of the flame. The old capital mirrored the world in many ways. A chaotic structure, build from the ruins of a world gone. But whilst most of the continent was sparce and empty, here crowds flowed though narrow streets. Not unlike blood being circulated through the body, by an overstrained pulsating heart. As the extremities die of, blood recoils towards the vital center of the organism, Martin recalled from a medical book he had once read. 
"I don't know about you, but I haven't eaten today", Wallen exclaimed as he uncovered several fruit trees growing in large pots. Hidden behind a cloth, at the wall of the adjacent building, they were covert with tempting fruit. 
"The owners must have tried to hide them for the time being", Alexus explained. 
"Perhaps they even buried some of their belongings into the soil as well, but we are no thieves. Take some of the ripe one and covered them back up!" he commanded. Wallen picked a handful and covered the trees up again, after observing the soil closely. He prepared to toss some of the fruits to his comrades, but changed his mind halfway through the movement. Instead preferring to pass them, after rejoining the group. Alexus did not fail to notice and used the chance to tease his junior. 
"The pup is having a bad conscious after being scorned by a girl", Alexus exclaimed in laugher before biting into the semi ripe fruit. The young man shrugged his shoulder, unsuccessfully attempting to hide his embarrassment, unbecoming of a man his rank. Chance came to his aid, as he spotted a familiar sight in the distance. Not far from the base of the colossal tower a smaller tower caught his eye. A structure, impressive in its own right crowned by four spires each concluding with a golden emblem. 
"That's the military administration building" Wallen explained.
"I was there briefly as we marched into town a week ago. I think it located on the market square, but the last months are a blur", he admitted. 
"Its fine", Martin retorted. "We have a goal and I can see that there are a lot of crossings over the roof along the path", he added as the men got moving. Throwing away the seeds Martin prepared for the meeting to come. 
"What can you tell me about the new army commander and what do need to know about things in the city Wallen? "Martin asked, as he carefully moved over the chasm between buildings. Doing his best avert his eyes from the drop beneath his feat, Wallen recounted. 
"I don't know his name as he took on his office after we moved out of the city. Our command structure is very hectic and sometimes even critical information takes days to reach us. We didn't care all that much anyway, how the new commandeer is called, as he will likely be dead anyway. I know he was a leading staff officer and was instrumental in planning the campaign. 
He must be very successful judging by the city. As we left the city was beginning to dissent into chaos. Violent groups of the cult of the flame roamed the streets, there was looting and heavy reprisals. I remember there was not a street without a hanging corps back in those day. Some even being set ablaze and burning like candles through the night. The rebels had left town only and days before and apparently everybody used the opportunity to air out old grievances. I even once saw a rebel bureaucrat being through out of the top window, his family in toe. 
Disgusting stuff happened back in those days and we were stuck in this out of control city. That's why it was impressive that the new commander moved the administration into the center of town to settle things down. We left soon after but judging by the results, he must be a competent man", Wallen concluded many cities blocks later. Martin was focused on formulating a strategy for his meeting, as Wallen spoke up again: 
"So why are you here anyway? I have heard rumors of representatives dying left and right these last months and they keep sending more. Something important must be going on here". Martin was caught off foot by such questions: "You are testing your luck, aren't you?!, he replied with displeasure. 
"I don't expect you to spill all the secrets of the council here, but in my place, you would want to know what's going on just the same." Martin saw his point, having chosen political education for much the same reason. Being closer to power did grant some understanding and understanding was some solace at least. So, he decided to rewards Wallens proximity to his own power. 
"The council has serious questions for this front commander and I hope he has some substantial answers about occurrences under his watch. Sounds serious", Wallen replied with pride in his voice. 
„So how long will you need me around, before I can rejoin my battalion?", Wallen carried on as the group navigated over rising and falling roof levels. 
"You stay with me as long as you are needed", Martin replied, feeling unsure of what else this long day would bring. As the golden emblems moved ever closer, more soldiers could be seen along the rooftops. 
"We must be moving into the security perimeter", Alexus explained pointing towards the closest patrol. Martins entourage approached the edge of the roof, as they found the crossing to be raised from the other side. The soldiers of the patrol identified the officer's uniforms from afar, lowing it before Martin had the opportunity to introduce himself. Once this last chasm was crossed, Martin declared his title to the mortified servicemen who quickly directed him towards the main command. 
The group dissented down a wooden pulley elevator that had been crudely affixed to the side of the building. Shaking unsteadily as it was operated by soldiers on the ground the three finally touched solid ground. Saluting the scared servicemen goodbye, they continued moving though empty alleyway, as large signs pointed towards the headquarter. 
The streets where noticeably deserted, as the perimeter was presumably cleared of civilians as a security precaution. At long last the three men emerged from the dark alleys of the old capital to find themselves at the cities market square. The roughly oval square was host to a multitude of vehicles, supply cashes and idling soldiers. It was not a vast space to be sure, and felt dwarfed by the adjacent mother flame, but compared to the dense nature of the city it stood out. 
Traversing the square at a brisk pace. Martins faith in his mission was strong at that moment, as he hardened himself for the meeting. He decided to lift his companion's spirits by drawing a uplifting comparison. 
"You see how these building here feel completely out of place", he asked Alexus and Wallen, as they looked around in bewilderment. 
"I guess so" Wallen replied. "They seem to be made from different material and these massive primitive columns are unlike anything I have seen before", where the best observations that came to his mind. 
"You are exactly right" Martin confirmed. 
"Long before the great collapse there was continental civil war. This city was the capital of the eastern faction whilst the western faction located to the regions of today black-stone. 
After decades the west lost and for some reason the victorious side made the decision to relocate many prominent buildings from the conquered city to the newly undisputed capital. 
These building are the remnants of that city's triumphal forum, whilst black-stone today is barely a city. What I want to say is that unity is always worth fighting for. It has been done before, so why can't we do it again and unify the continent.", he concluded with a confident hand gesture. His companions were visibly not impressed, however the time for open discussions had passed for now. 
They were in earshot now and therefore Martin would receive only a "for the continent" in response. He understood the change and made peace with the fact that now they had to comply with their role, as they approached a center of power. Stopping at the foot of the building Martin announced his arrival 
"I am a representative on behalf of the glorious all continental national emergency council and I seek to receive the report of the commanding front officer. The soldiers guarding the entrance of the facility, where startled and surprised by this unusual arrival. That much was familiar to Martin, however an unusual tone tinged their response. 
"We will escort you to the commanding officer immediately. For the continent!", both guards exclaimed in succession as they opened the gate. "But we do need to variety your identity representative", the senior soldier added as Martin took the first step towards the open door. This request was in accordance with procedures, even if most soldiers would never dare to enforce it. 
"You want to humiliate me soldier?", Martin asked feeling uneasy about the prevailing atmosphere. "It's all part of the procedure representative, we all serve the continent", sounded the reply. Although no avert crimes had occurred, Martin could have both of them punished. Considering the circumstances however, he decided to not tip his hand early on his first full-fledged assignment. 
"So be it." Martin agreed as he began to undress his upper body. First unbuttoning his jacket, then his stained west and finally his shirt he turned his bare back towards the soldiers. There a decree was permanently burned into his skin, detailing Martins mission and displaying the council seal. The skin had begun to heal, as two weeks had already passed. Disgust and shock momentarily appeared on the guards faces as they had confirmed the representative's identity. Martin puck back his clothing in a dignified fashion, attempting to not show the inexplicable shame he felt. And I have only one task on me, he thought recalling the bodies of senior representatives, covered from top to bottom. This symbol of power and authority went hand in hand with pain, humiliation and submission to the council. The guards cleared the way, now avoiding eye contact, as Martin and his companions entered the headquarter. One of the two soldier overtook the group, directing them towards the main office. 
The halls of this prominent building where lavishly covered in carpets, statues and fabrics. However, Martin was barely paying any attention. Surrounded by his ostensible inferiors, he was revealed as branded property of the council and all who saw it had been acutely reminded of this fact. While most citizens struggled with their difficult lot in life, Martin had sold himself to power for some safety and influence. He was warned that this decision will ostracize him forever, but at no time did he feel it as acutely as acutely as now. After some minutes of contemplative walking through a labyrinth of halls, Martin had arrived and the destination of the mission was behind an ornate wooden door. 
"Wait for me here", Martin commanded his companions, attempting not to notice the discomfort in their eyes. Martin took a deep breath and the representative of the glorious all continental national emergency council stepped into the room without knocking. Entering the sparse office, he found a man dictating to his secretary, looking out of the window. The tall man with fading brown hair finished his sentence, without being startled by the sudden appearance in his chamber. 
"I am a representative of the glorious all continental national....", he began to introduce himself as the man turned to face him. The words became stuck in Martins mouth and he finally understood the reason he was chosen for the task.