Ankit and the Champions

Recommended: If you haven’t done so, read Ankit and the Uncle of Refuge first.

Part 1: The Barons’ Champion

Perched in the tower of Old Town’s Araki temple, Ankit had a clear view of Refuge Gate and all its comings and goings. The stout stone stylings of the gate, the city wall surrounding it, and the abandoned temple were at odds with much of the city’s newer architecture — orphaned from their past, like Ankit.

A calm, clear voice rang out. “You know you’re supposed to be through the gate before curfew madam.”

Below, a Protector stood before the gate, barring passage. She spoke kindly to an older woman, a cleaner. Ankit guessed her trade based on the implements sticking out of her pack. The officer towered over her, intimidatingly official in her dark green coat and cap. The cap had the silver band of a Captain around it. In contrast, the aged cleaner was hunched-over and wearing a worn, colourless dress that may well have been an old curtain before she’d wrapped it around herself.

“Sorry, sorry, it was the boss. He wouldn’t let me go before I’d done all and every window. So sorry.” She bowed as she spoke, fearful.

Considering her, the Protector asked, “you have a family at home?”