The three-decked dragon barge cut through the gray river fog with stately arrogance.
Golden silk banners fluttered from the vessel’s triple masts, embroidered with the nine cauldrons of the provincial guild headquarters. At the bow stood sixteen guards in polished bronze armor, holding twelve-foot halberds.
The barge bumped against the stone wharf of Red-River with a dull scrape.
Chief Inspector Master Kang strode down the gangplank, his embroidered purple robes trailing behind him. He was a Tier 3 Grandmaster alchemist in his late fifties, with a thin gray beard and haughty, hawk-like eyes.
Behind him marched eight liveried deacons carrying bronze audit trunks and red ledger rolls.
“What is this disgraceful quiet?” Master Kang demanded, his sharp voice echoing across the wharf. “Where are the gong-strikers? Where are the welcoming cauldrons? Where is Branch Master Orson?”
Deacon Lucius Vane and Alchemist Linnea stepped forward, bowing politely. Both wore soft cloth slippers over their shoes.
“Greetings, Chief Inspector Kang,” Lucius said softly, keeping his voice carefully modulated. “Orson has been removed from his post for treason and embezzlement. The prefecture governor and the Guild elders have established a caretaker committee.”
