It was a fairly short journey, taking only an hour or so.
When Marlin arrived in the coastal town of Niraba he was hungry and tired so he asked around about food and accommodation. He got pointed in the direction of Kyra’s Inn.
He arrived at Kyra’s and made his way up to the front desk.
Standing behind the desk was a young man in his late teens or early twenties. The man was dressed only in a pair of boxer swim trunks. He called himself Athon.
Marlin introduced himself. “Hi, I’m Marlin. I’m interested in a hot meal and somewhere to close my eyes for a little while. I’m also looking for information on any technology-based towns around here.”
“Technology based?” Athon quizzed.
“Yes. Uh, the people use machines a lot to accomplish different everyday things.”
“Oh,” said Athon. “There was such a place not long ago. It had marvellous machines which could perform practically any function.”
“Where is this place?”
“To the west under the Werbon Sea.”
“Under the sea?” repeated Marlin. “Water breathing people?” He hazarded a guess.
“No. Most died when the island sank. Or so we were told. Kyra and I were fortunate.”
The door to the inn was kicked open. Two uniformed persons entered the inn lobby. They marched up to the front desk and demanded to speak with Kyra.
Athon went off through the wooden door behind him.
Kyra appeared through that same door. She was a striking platinum blonde, just like Athon. She looked like she had just come from the beach. She was clad in swim trunks with her shirt tied loosely together at the bottom. She was barefoot. Marlin found himself eyeing her up and down as she sauntered toward the counter.
She walked directly to Marlin. Sticking out her hand she introduced herself.
Marlin stumbled for his words. “Breast to feel you,” he spewed. “Ah,” he continued agitatedly, “nice to meet you.”
He pumped her hand vigorously.
“Ahem,” the taller of the uniforms cleared his throat. “Kyra, we are here to speak with you about a matter of great importance.”
“What about?” Kyra wanted to know.
“Not here,” came the reply from the smaller, wider female uniform. “Let’s discuss it in your office.”
“Fine,” said Kyra. “Come this way.” She led them into her office through the door behind the front desk.
Inside the office Kyra took her seat behind her desk and motioned for the uniforms to sit also.
“The water manoeuvres are almost upon us. We need all of your rooms to accommodate the soldiers who will be here,” remarked the tall uniform.
“At no charge, of course,” interjected the wide one.
“But all of my rooms save one have all been booked long in advance. You’ll have to find somewhere else for your soldiers.”
“We are under strict orders from the King of Stadule. This inn must be made ready for his soldiers.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help you.”
“You don’t understand,” the wide one said while unhitching her handcuffs. “This inn is now ours. We’re not asking. We came as a courtesy to you to give you a chance to hand it over peacefully.”
“Now you give us no choice,” the tall one continued. “We’re arresting you until after the soldiers have left.”
The wide one approached Kyra and tried to secure the cuffs on her. Kyra backed away.
“Arresting me? On what charge? Get away from me.”
“Resisting arrest for starters. We’ll come up with some other charges if we really need them.”
Athon was beside himself when the handcuffed Kyra emerged from her office. “What’s going on?” he demanded.
“I’ve been arrested,” Kyra intoned dully. “They’re taking over the inn until after the manoeuvres. This place is going to be filled with soldiers from Stadule castle.”
“Soldiers?” Athon blurted. “What about all the customers?”
The uniforms marched Kyra to the front door.
She turned and said to Athon, “Stay out of trouble until after the manoeuvres. We’ll both be alright if we stay out of the way.”
“Kyra,” shouted Athon as the door closed behind the two uniforms.
“What just happened?” Marlin inquired.
“They’ve arrested my sister and taken her to jail.” Athon explained. “I’ve seen how those police look at my sister. She isn’t safe with them.”
“No, surely she’ll be..”
“You can’t be from around here,” Athon interrupted. “Or you’d know the way the police around here operate.”
‘Crooked cops? A cruel king? Seems like there’re some things that need straightening out around here,’ Marlin thought. Out loud he said, “Then you think your sister is in danger?”