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Early spring brought warm rains to the capital city of Argand, the heart and nerve center of the Mulobos Empire. It was a coastal city on the island of Mulobo, a megalopolis built as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the fox people called the Vulpkin. Known as the richest city in Terrarexia, Argand is a latticework of canals and waterways filled betwixt with markets, manufactories and banks. Vulpkin, horse drawn carriages and the latest models of runabouts are the blood that flows through the city streets all through the day and well into the night. The same could be said of the gondolas and narrowboats that float through the canals carrying passengers and cargo alike. Argand is truly a living city that never sleeps.

A middle aged Vulpkin stood on a well maintained and covered dock in one of Argand's green watered canals, waiting for the arrival of another. His fur was the more common red and white, but with gray peppered over his typically large ears showing his age. Dressed formally in a black blazer, trousers and a violet bow tie, he was the very definition of a high ranking house servant, a butler of the prestigious North estate. The butler's name was Marden Siddel and he was waiting for the return of a member of the estate he so loyally serves, one Rylan North.

While waiting, Marden reached into the pocket of his blazer and took out his favorite silver snuff box, engraved with the letters NTC. Opening the box discharged a pungent aroma of peppermint and tobacco, this was Marden's favorite variety of the snuff, made in a mill not too far from where he was currently standing. He took a pinch of the powder, placed it on the back of his hand, quickly sniffed it through both nostrils then placed the silver box back into his blazer pocket. The rush of the nicotine and scent of peppermint helped heighten his mood in the gloomy rain that Argand was famously known for, falling in dense sheets for the better part of the year. Marden could see a roofed gondola drifting down the canal, a splendid vessel of black wood and gold colored highlights. This was a rich Vulpkin's gondola, meant for those who were privileged enough to enjoy the finer things in Argand. It approached the dock and Marden donned a smile.

As soon as the rain soaked gondolier docked, a Vulpkin with well groomed, vibrant red fur offset by an ivory underside stepped up and took refuge from the rain under the dock's covering with a wide and jubilant grin. He wore a bright blue, belted, single breasted jacket, baggy-kneed trousers and a matching flat cap. He was young and had a buoyant personality to match his age, with an energetic bounce in each step. He turned to the gondolier and tossed him a blue gem.

Marden made a slight bow and approached to take the luggage the gondolier was offloading. "Good afternoon master Rylan," Marden said cheerfully. "I trust your visit to Brooktown was an enjoyable one?"

"Simply fantastic Marden!" Rylan replied with such elation that Marden could spot the gondolier smirking a bit, "I saw the most extraordinary thing ever while I was there!"

As Marden was taking the two excessively heavy luggage bags he could see why Rylan was in such a good mood. Not only were the bags filled with expensive goods, but two lavishly dressed vixens were softly giggling inside the splendid gondola, waiting to be taken to their next destination further into the city. Typical master Rylan. The butler fell into step with Rylan heading back on to solid ground, the heavy bags starting to cause his arms to ache.

"So the Giakin's lecture managed to impress you sir?" Marden asked, half with surprise and half with exertion as he hauled the luggage, heavier than what he remembered Rylan leaving with. He was grateful when they reached the runabout, but he struggled to heave the cargo onto the trunk platform of the vehicle.

Rylan climbed into the runabout and sat nonchalantly in the passenger side of the bench seat. "You would never have believed it even if you saw it with your own eyes, old tod." he jested, leaning back in his seat getting comfortable. "The Giakin- Arvanis I think the chap's name was -found these old ruins showing that there was some ancient civilization that lived on the planet, dating back beyond our own recorded history. He then took out this little marble like thing, clicked a button on it and out came this huge projection of Terrarexia!"

By now the butler finished strapping the hefty luggage down and climbed up into the driver's side of the runabout, arms burning with exhaustion. He flicked a switch and the engine sputtered to life, soon they were gently coasting down a cobblestone street. Residential buildings and merchants' houses passed them by on the left and right. Stepped gable facades, copper shingled roofs and brightly painted walls all tried to add splendor to contrast the often misty gray days in Argand. Marden was driving them away from the heart of the city out into the countryside. It would take them quite some time to leave the city limits, but it also allowed for viewing the baroque architecture the Vulpkin were known to enjoy so much.

"Older than any other civilization you say?" Marden asked, focusing more on the road than the conversation.

"Yes, but that's not the best of it all, they had technology that makes ours look primitive in comparison." The young Vulpkin replied, "And there's more to be found too. Arvanis clicked the marble device again and a red dot appeared in the projection. And I'll bet you'll never guess where it was pointing to old tod." Rylan smiled, his gaze fixated on a group of young Vulpkin girls entering a café they were passing.

"Argand sir?" Marden said, not bothering to think too much about the guess.

"Far from it, Reliloess Marden, the land of the dinosaur people. The very heart of that mysterious land, and he's leading an expedition there!"

Marden's eyebrows perked up a bit, now this was starting to get him intrigued. "I thought the Saurkin didn't like foreigners on their soil? How did the Giakin propose he would get into the continent master Rylan?" He asked while taking a turn down a narrower street.

"It was funny Marden, his lecture almost turned into a full on debate after another Giakin started butting in. The two eventually agreed that taking a small team there under the guise of being simple cartographers would be the best option." Rylan stretched and groaned slightly, "I actually went and spoke with Arvanis after his lecture to see if he would let me fund his little expedition, you know, to try and get North associated with the whole thing, thought that would impress Auntie." His face creased a little, both his smile and spirit were now waning. "He told me that he appreciated the offer, but said that any association with the North Trade Company might upset the Saurkin.Hmph, I thought that those Saurkin were supposed to be fearless."

Marden couldn't help but smirk a little, "Well master Rylan, it was the North Trade Company that demanded they export some of their material goods. If it wasn't for our show of cannons, they probably would still be isolated from the rest of the world." He quickly changed the subject back to the lecture and asked, "So what was this civilization called?"

Rylan was lost in thought for a brief moment but came to, "Hmm? Oh yes, the Giakin, he coined the name Ad... Adroital? Yes that's what it was. Said it meant old and artful or something. He showed everyone who was there for his lecture some pictures he was able to take while at the ruins he found. It was so strange old tod, everything was flat and smooth with these odd carvings everywhere. Apparently they glow when touched or something and there was this awful statue at the top of this ruin..." Rylan continued to tell Marden every detail about the lecture for the rest of the ride.

They eventually reached the end of the city limits and started driving through a forest of newly blooming beeches and maple. The road curved along the hilly landscape allowing the two Vulpkin views of shallow valleys and small creeks. Marden loved driving around this landscape, even with the gray moist sky the land was still beautiful, the green grass always shining with dew and flowers of all types were blossoming in the meadows this time of year. He remembered taking Rylan out on these roads after school when he was much younger, it cheered the lad up to just watch the landscape drift by.

"So... how is Auntie?" Rylan asked after a quiet spell, his voice hinted at some growing anxiety.

Marden sighed slightly, knowing the relationship Rylan had with his emotionally distant aunt was less than ideal. "Mistress Aldercy has... heard of some troubling news from the mainland." he said solemnly. Both the Vulpkin of all people knew that when Aldercy North, owner and overseer of the North Trade Company, heard of problems within the company, she could be very unpredictable. "She ordered me to tell you master Rylan, that she would like to see you as soon we arrive at the estate."

Rylan took off his flat cap and rubbed his brow. His ears folded back against his head and he groaned, "I wish I could just avoid her, just for a few more days..."

Marden quickly glanced over at the young Vulpkin, looking more vulnerable than before and frowned slightly with sympathy. "...If it makes you feel better master Rylan, I shall be accompanying you."

Rylan smiled slightly, "I don't know how much that will protect me from Auntie, but I appreciate it old tod."

After driving around yet another large hill, the forest opened up a bit and they could see it, the illustrious North estate. The property was well kept and flat compared to the valley it resided in. A massive country house stood in the center of the estate. It's architecture was Palladian, every wall highlighted with several arches and columns filled between with heavy wooden doorways and stained glass. Decorative round pillars and gargoyles all watched from the higher levels. The house rose up to a domed fourth floor in the center, with four wings branching out further with the lower floors. All in all the building was a genuine show of immeasurable wealth, all but those who lived and worked there were instantly taken by it's exorbitance. They drove around a large marble statue in front of the estate, a Vulpkin holding a scroll in one hand and a musket in the other, an old relative of the North family, the founder of the North Trade Company.

Marden pulled the runabout up to the grand entrance to the estate and turned off the engine. He turned to face Rylan and reported in a positive voice, "Here we are master Rylan, welcome home."

Rylan nervously rubbed his digits, not looking back at the butler. "Yeah, great to be back..."

They both got out of the runabout as two Vulpkin hall boys came out of the country house and stood attentive, ready for orders. Marden, being the head of the staff at the North estate gave them their orders. "You lad, take master Rylan's luggage to his room," He turned to look back at the bags in the rear of the runabout, "Be sure not to strain yourself, you are going to need help with those." He then looked at the other Hall boy, "You can take the runabout to the back garage." and with that, both the young servants nodded and went to work while Marden and Rylan entered the house.

Inside the country house was a different world altogether. Dark stained wood made up the majority of the internal structure of the house. Covering the stained wood throughout the house were extravagant decorations. Colorful quilted rugs from the Kingdom of Javaad, dazzling tapestries of different time periods and hand made furniture furnished by Ursakin craftmasters. Shiny mirrors, massive chandeliers and golden sconces made of silver and gold were all complimented by warm candle light. Servants, most of whom were Vulpkin with a few exotic exceptions, were all scurrying everywhere, sweeping, washing, inspecting and shining everything in the house.

Rylan looked around the house a bit anxiously, "Is Auntie getting ready for another soiree old tod?"

Marden began leading Rylan up a wide set of stairs draped with a black and gold rug, their destination being the fourth floor of the house. "Indeed master Rylan, mistress Aldercy is ceaseless in her endeavors to showcase her prestige and increased income from the company. Though the mainland is having some problems, the imports from the Orchid Isles are showing their worth."

Finishing their climb after the third flight of stairs, they came into the open room that was the fourth floor. Though not as large as it had seemed on the outside, it was certainly not lacking in the excessive décor the rest of the house had. The floor was covered in a custom made vibrant green rug and the walls were painted with earth tones to match. Arches filled with clear glass allowed for a breathtaking full view of the surrounding estate and landscape, partially covered by drifting mists. Looking upward the domed ceiling was a painted masterpiece of a Vulpkin without clothing, lounging behind and looking down on the globe of Terrarexia, gently caressing the world with somewhat inaccurate depictions of the other races either bowing or kneeling before the Vulpkin. All the furniture that occupied the space on this floor was just as well made as the rest on the lower levels except for an abundance of plush lounge chairs and love seats all facing each other. A few couches were raised up to look out at the scenery outside, one of which was occupied by a female Vulpkin.

Rylan stood stiff near the stairs as Marden approached the female and turned to face her with a smile. She was wearing a matching violet high necked blouse and godet skirt with eloquent floral patterns that fit snug around her soft, slender form. On the coffee table in front of her was her exceptionally large broadbrimmed hat that folded upward with exotic bird feathers lining it and fanning out. She was looking in a hand mirror, inspecting the fur on her face and muzzle, plucking the odd gray hairs that she would find cropping up amidst the light orange and white fur. Years of self motivated but stressful business work and entertaining had taken it's toll on her fur, to the point where she gave up on the rest of her body and had dyed tiger stripes of violet all over her head, ears, neck and upper back. This earned her the title of the violet vixen of the North Trade Company, a title she thoroughly enjoyed.

Marden bowed low and announced, "Mistress Aldercy, your nephew master Rylan has returned from his trip to Brooktown."

"Thank you Marden." She said with a distracted voice, she then called out "Rylan, come where I can see you."

Marden walked to the edge of the room and stood still, staying out of the way as his masters spoke to each other. Rylan stood reluctantly in front of his aunt and faced her as she was still observing her features in her hand mirror. Rylan sheepishly greeted her, "Hello Auntie."

Aldercy put her mirror down and eyed her nephew up and down with an unimpressed look, she always sized up everyone she conversed with. "You haven't changed much have you?" she said bluntly.

"It was only three weeks Auntie." Rylan replied, forcing a weak laugh.

She rolled her eyes while waving her hand indolently, "Hmm, yes, three weeks of buffooning around on the mainland. Did you learn anything? I remember you convincing me to let you go and waste our company's money since there was some scientific lecture happening in Brooktown."

Not even being invited to have a seat, Rylan told Aldercy everything about the lecture that the Giakin, Arvanis had presented at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. All the while Aldercy had an apathetic look on her face. She cared so little about anything not relating to the company she ran or ways of her raising her influence in the world.

"I talked with him after his lecture." Rylan told her, "I offered funding from the North Trade Company Auntie, I thought it would be a good way of linking the North name to this new discovery."

The drowsy look on Aldercy's face changed to a more intrigued look, "Yes, yes good." she snapped, "What did the Giakin say?"

Marden could see Rylan cringe with his ears folded down, "He refused, he said that the company name might upset the Saurkin and make them more distrusting."

Aldercy was furious and Marden went to work, hurriedly mixing several different liqueurs from a nearby liquor cabinet. "Damn Giakin!" Aldercy screamed, "No good augury touting, walking fossil! How dare he insult the North name." Marden promptly stirred her spirits and handed her the squat glass. "Thank you Marden." she said more calmly. She took the glass and threw her head back, gulping down a large portion of the alcohol. Aldercy continued her rant, "I don't even know why we try to help those self righteous, archaic airheads!"

"Auntie, please, what could possibly be making you this upset?" Rylan pleaded

"I'll tell you what!" She growled, "I have reports of North Trade Company owned farmland on the mainland getting attacked. By who? I don't know, nobody ever tries to figure these things out for themselves without being told how to do it. I also hear of morale being extremely low in the Javaad trade posts and a lazy, good for nothing nephew wasting hard earned profits chasing tail. And to top it all off I have some damnable Giakin talking of our company like it's a nuisance." She lifted her glass up again and guzzled the rest of her drink. "All this time building up this trade empire of mine and I have to be surrounded by imbeciles! Like those damned grunts in the desert, morale shouldn't be an issue, they get the very best weapons we can give them and they still complain about raids from the wild life and by a few shaggy manes!"

"I... wish I could help Auntie." Rylan mumbled as he looked away at the misty green forested landscape.

"Marden." Aldercy raised her empty glass in the air. Marden took it and began refilling it. "Perhaps it's the alcohol getting to my head, but perhaps there his a way for your lazy hide to be of some use here." She leaned back and began to calm down, her eyes looking off into the distance. She was scheming with a face of stone that revealed nothing.

"Yes Auntie? What did you have in mind?" Rylan asked as if he wanted to do everything he could for her, but his trembling tail showed that he was dreading the answer.

Aldercy looked at Rylan, her eyebrows raised and a poisonous smile peeled back her lips. "You, my brave little nephew, will go to Reliloess."

Marden almost dropped the bottle of liqueur he was pouring from surprise, but Rylan was frozen in pure shock. "M-me Auntie? I.. How... how would I be able to do that?"

"Simple. You are going to take your own expedition to Reliloess and you're going to make that Giakin regret not accepting the generosity of the North Trade Company. You will get there before that fool and take the prize in our name." Aldercy took the fresh glass of liqueurs that Marden was handing to her quietly. "You will go with some hired hands through the Kingdom of Javaad, and 'inspire' the grunts in the desert just like your father and grandfather would have done and make those imbeciles quit complaining. Then you will make your way to Ji'quar and take a company ship to the land of the Saurkin. We can make this Adroital technology a North secret and be the envy of the entire world. Hmph, as if we already shouldn't be."

Rylan was simply dumbstruck. He began to stutter, "I-I don't know what to say Auntie, I-it sounds like it could be dangerous and I-"

"Don't be scared Rylan." Aldercy sneered and took another drink of her spirits, "You're almost nineteen years old now and you know I wouldn't send you alone into foreign territory. And besides, you should be looking at this as an opportunity to prove your bravery and leadership, to prove you're made out of the same stuff your father was before he drowned."

Marden saw the hurt look in Rylans now moistening eyes and spoke out, "Mistress North, perhaps it is best we do not speak so light of_your_ brother's end, especially in front of _your_nephew." If it wasn't for Rylan's sake, the butler would never have been caught dead talking out of turn to his mistress like that.

Aldercy made a slight grimace at the butlers words, as if she was going to shout back at him, but then she too began to look hurt. "Y-your right Marden... I'm sorry Rylan." She motioned for Rylan to take a seat next to her, "Please have a seat, nephew."

The young Vulpkin sat down on the couch next to his aunt and looked down with his paws covering his face. "Am I really good for nothing Auntie? Am I truly nothing like my father? I try, honestly I try so hard to impress others and to be like you, I-"

"No-no, you're not" Aldercy stopped Rylan and put a paw on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I am speaking to you so harshly. I have been so stressed lately and... as Marden put it I should be ashamed for speaking of your father like that." She sighed and began to rub her nephew's back, "You're the living image of your father, Rylan. My younger brother was always so handsome looking and strong in spirit. Everyone always found him to be such a charmer and that's why our company became what it is now. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't be as well off as we are now, and I wouldn't have you as my nephew."

Aldercy didn't say anything for a long moment and just kept rubbing Rylan's back. These shows of affection were rare for someone like Aldercy, she was always more talk of business than talk of feelings. "I promise you this Rylan." She said sounding less somber now, "If you go... I will start showing you how to run the company and start to prepare you for your inheritance."

Rylan looked up and out at the valleys, his eyes moist like the dewy grass in the fields. He mumbled, "F-fine... I'll go Auntie if you think it will be best."

The violet dyed Vulpkin smiled slightly, seemingly unfazed by the emotional moment. "Good. Think of it as a learning experience. And when you find those ruins, you'll be the most renowned Vulpkin in Terrarexia. You'll have the heart of every vixen in Mulobo." Aldercy patted Rylan's back and stood up taking another sip from her glass. "Now, you will have to leave soon in order to have a chance at beating that Giakin at his own game, lets hope his old bones give up on him the moment he leaves his door. I would say you should leave in about two weeks time. Marden?"

"Yes mistress?" Marden stood attentively.

"Do be a gentleman and make sure Rylan is packed and ready for the North expedition -Oh that does have a good ring to it. I'll be needing to send some letters letting our employees know that Rylan is going to Reliloess and that we need a good number of hands to go with him. Also, be sure to be ready yourself, you will be going with him."

"Yes mistr-" Marden blinked and tilted his head sideways in disbelief. "Me, Mistress North?"

"Of course you Marden. Rylan is going to need someone as loyal and hard working as yourself. Who else would be more perfect as a second in command than his favorite servant. You'll be well compensated for this Marden, I'll make sure of that. Now to tend to those letters." Aldercy strutted to the stairwell with her bushy tail swaying and proceeded to head to one of the lower levels of the estate.

Marden simply scratched his head, then looked at Rylan. He was still sitting on the couch looking at the misty scenery outside the windows. The butler walked closer and asked, "Are you alright master Rylan?"

Rylan sighed and said in a detached voice, "Not really... how are you feeling old tod?"

"Oh just fine master Rylan." Marden lied. He was thinking to himself how he would tell his family at home back in Argand. His wife Wilona would be just fine, he had no worries about her, she was always soft spoken and understanding. But it was his two daughters Clovis and Corliss that he was dreading, having to explain that he had to go very far away for what could be a long, long time. In fact, it was just dawning on Marden how this trip might play out. He had never learned about Reliloess, what kind of place was it that the Saurkin resided in, what kind of dangers would they have to face there. The butler stifled a shutter and asked, "Will you be needing anything? Any food to lift your spirits?"

"I don't think so old tod." Rylan said as he moved to and leaned on a window, scanning the largeproperty. "I'm going to need some time alone... and a drink. Send a bottle of brandy to my suite would you old tod?"

"As you wish master Rylan." Marden turned and began to walk towards the stairs until Rylan called out to him.

"Marden."

Surprised to hear his name, he turned and answered, "Yes master Rylan?"

The young Vulpkin looked into the older one's eyes with a small smile. "After all of this nonsense... I'm so glad you're coming with me."

Marden simply smiled back, bowed low and turned to head down the stairs.