The world was burning in orange and red atmosphere as a nondescript carriage trundled into the Stacks. Passerby took no interest as it was bumping along the cobblestones, moving along at a steady pace though the small town. The harmonious chatter of the townspeople on their separate ways home from a long day at work diffused into a quiet sort of hum to the sole occupant in the dark passenger space of the carriage. He simply sat and stared at the world flowing by without a seeming care in the world.

A father was bouncing along with a little girl on his shoulders, the child shrieking happily and the man grinning at his daughter's amusement. A timid little boy gripped onto his elder sister's hand as they both carried home their household's groceries. A pair of twin brothers were walking towards downtown chatting animatedly with their mother.

Nathaniel saw families everywhere he looked from his carriage. Some quarreling, some cheering, some open, others subtle. Some took each other for granted, others didn't seem to have that trouble. Almost all were happy in some way, even if they weren't aware of it. The young man turned away from the visible dramas of the outside.

"Hmph," he grunted, turning his gaze moodily on an interesting slight tear in the seat cushions opposite in the carriage. It wasn't fair. None of this was....

Vienda, fifteen days earlier.
"What do you mean: 'They were murdered?'" barked Nathaniel. "Was it beneath your attention to not let me know this eariler?"

The official held his firm gaze at the younger man. He opened his mouth and spoke delicately.
"Mister Robinson, I can assure you. This was not intended to be hidden from you. However, we were not completely sure. We had to check-"

"That's why? You had to 'check'? It took five days for your department to finally come to that conclusion?"

The official had no answer to the obvious jab. He let it slide.

"Can I even see my parent's bodies in the very least? Surely I deserve to see them once more before the funeral," Nathaniel steamed.

"Ah, on that matter, no. But I cannot allow you until the funeral. I am terribly sorry, but it's regulations," the official apologized soothingly.

Nathaniel refused to be comforted in any way. "Then tell me my rights. What did my parents leave me in their will?"

"Your late parent's will is being processed as we speak. It should be finished by the end of the funeral."

Nathaniel closed his eyes for a moment, grinding his teeth. This was so frustrating! Why do they need to drag out this torture! I want to just get this over with and be left alone. GODS!

He sighed. "Fine. Now tell me," he snarled. "Who...killed...my parents?"

The official's brow furrowed solemnly. "We believe that the Resistance is responsible."

The room turned to ice. Nathaniel was shell-shocked out of his anger.

"The...the Resistance?" said Nathaniel uncomprehendingly. Why? My parents did nothing wrong...they were even nice to humans and wicks they met on the street! We treated our servants like equals! Why...?

"The Resistance," repeated the official firmly. "We believe that your parents were targeted as a way to 'weaken galdori society'. Those senseless dogs."

This was far too much for the young man to handle. Dumbly, he turned and walked out of the room....

"Sir?" the driver's voice broke Nathaniel out of his reverie. "We're at your destination."

The carriage wasn't moving anymore and it appeared that it had stopped right outside of his dormitory building.

Nathaniel climbed out of the compartment with a preoccupied scowl and stretched as the driver hopped down to help him with his baggage. Nathaniel studied the man's back as he unloaded the carriage. Shorter, middle-aged, slightly plump and ruddy, with a beard and kind eyes. Hmmm.....

The driver turned to face Nathaniel. "Would ye like some help with carrying these up to your room, sir?"

"No, but thank you," he snapped more than he meant to as he rummaged around in his pocket for a tip. A thought struck him. Acting on impulse, he asked the perfect stranger. "Do you have a family?"

The driver was very surprised and confused. Not even his boss asked about the family.
"Um, well. Yes, sir. My son and my mother."

Nathaniel was filled with disquiet at the lack of the wife's mention. "What happened to your wife?" he asked quietly.

The man's forehead creased deeper. "She died eight months ago. Pardon me sir, but why are you asking this?"

Nathaniel pressed two concords into the man's fist. "Take care of who you have left in this world."

The man lost a moment gaping at the money in his hand before splitting into a wide smile. "I'll be sure to do just that, sir!" With that, he walked to the front of the carriage, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. Hoisting himself up, he snapped a crisp salute to the young man before snapping the reins and driving away down the road.

See? They're not so bad, Nathaniel thought. Despite himself he smiled. Humans are still good people. He doubted that this man was connected in any way to the Resistance. They killed his parents. This man was just another Joe doing his job to earn a living for himself in this world. The Resistance.... His good mood evaporated, replaced by endless rage. He looked at the immolating sky, glaring at it.
I will find who was responsible. Even if it takes me the rest of my life. They will pay with their blood for what they have done to my mother and father.