A cleric had visited SJ in her room. The second batch of healing had drained the exhaustion she felt. Although she still didn’t feel great, even at full health. Whatever the poison had done to her insides had taken its toll. SJ had wanted to join Zigferd in the chamber for the day’s ceremony, but Zigferd had flatly refused, ordering her to rest in her room. A cleric would return later that afternoon to give her another treatment.
The fact that spells had saved her life again began to nag at SJ. “I need better resistances. I am too susceptible to poisons.”
“It’s a shame you didn’t pick the class path. Poisoners get skills related to resistance,” Dave said.
“Maybe that would have been useful information before I selected Subterfuge.”
“You had access to all the skill trees. You could have read it yourself,” Dave said defensively.
Their relationship had changed so much from their initial meeting in the white room that SJ couldn’t blame Dave for not telling her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it to sound like I was digging at you.”
“It’s okay. I was a tiny, weeny bit of a jerk when we first met. I was expecting a typical arrogant Legionnaire. Not you.”
The comment made SJ smile. “I just wish there was something I could do to help. I am feeling much better now.”
“Cleric’s orders are to rest. Never mind, Zigferd.”
“I know. I know. I feel useless lying here.”
“There’s no need for you to stay in bed.”
Sighing, SJ picked up the book from the bedside table. Finding the page she had been on, she read. After reading the same paragraph five times, she cursed, placing the book back down. “I can’t concentrate. I want to find who did this.”
“Seeing how the chancellor reacted this morning. I don’t expect it to take them long to find details out.”
“There is no guarantee they will find out who it is that quickly.”
“I am sure this morning’s events will have caused serious waves in the chamber today.”
“Can you not see?”
“No. It is much too far; remember, I only see from above. I don’t have limitless vision. Think of it as those games you used to play looking from over your shoulder.”
It was the first time Dave described how he viewed the world.
“Can you not see behind me? You mentioned the wyvern when it was catching me previously.”
“Imagine rotating the view and having full 360 vision around where you stand. That is how it appears. It isn’t easy to explain. I suppose a chameleon would be a good way.”
“So you see elements independently, then?”
“Simply put, yes. Which, when combined, gives me an all-round view.”
“Did you see anything suspicious during breakfast?”
“Nothing. The porridge was already on the table when you arrived, and no servers came near it while you were there with Zigferd.”
“Then how did someone poison me?”
“They must have known it was you or aimed it at Zigferd, not realising that you would be eating.”
“That can’t be right. I have been attacked previously because of the changes. I couldn’t understand why someone would try to poison Zigferd.”
“If you think about it, since they failed to get you in Killic, the only other way for them to disrupt your inauguration would be if they caused your or Zigferd’s deaths.”
"From what Alice told me, attacking Zigferd at Asterfal is like declaring war. The uproar it would cause would be crazy.”
“Indeed, it would. It depends on how desperate the party is, who has attempted to take your life previously.”
“It still seems excessive. I am one person, and other areas are being triggered.”
“The question I would ask of Gullifer, who mentioned their borders had changed, would be whether the Legionnaire who triggered them is still in town. You may be in a unique position. You have achieved revered status and have stayed in Killic. Many Legionnaires wouldn’t do. That means what happens to them outside the town is unknown to the towns affected by increases. Some will never know when the next change will come if they have moved away to progress. Or if it will ever happen. A good deal may die or be killed once they leave the area. We don’t know.”
Not considering the full implications of her remaining in Killic as compared to other Legionnaires made SJ consider the impact she was having on the town. “Maybe it would be better if I left? No one would know who I was or what impact I may ever have on Killic. It may be safer for the town as well.”
“I think we are too far down that road already. Also, do you want to leave your friends behind?”
Frustration bubbled in SJ. “Why can’t beings just want others to do well?”
“Good versus Evil. One always wishes to prevail. Another being's gain is another’s failings. It is the circle of life.”
The bluntness of Dave’s statement was crippling, and SJ felt a tight knot in her stomach. The paranoia that had faded had flooded back. Holding her head in her hands, SJ rocked on the bed. Silence remained for a few moments before SJ spoke again.
“I will find out who is doing this and kill them.”
“It’s good to see you considering your class, and it may come down to it after all.”
The realisation of the statement she had just made filled her with as much anxiety, if not more, than the situation she found herself in. It was the first time she had ever decreed that she would kill someone, and she knew she would if it came down to it. Even after discovering Greb’s attempt to kill her, she didn’t have any desire for his death and felt remorseful for his abandoned state. She had visited him since, trying to set her mind at ease, but all she had done was feel worse for the broken shell of a kobold she had seen.
Climbing from the bed, SJ moved to the table in the room. Removing her tailoring equipment from her inventory, she tried to focus on her profession. Over the past few days, she neglected her training and knew she had to perform her kata and do weapons drills.
“I am going to find a training ground later.”
Dave said, “Only if someone gives you the green light.”
“They can’t keep me cooped up in my room. I am not made of glass.”
“No, but Zigferd cares for you like a daughter. Remember that.”
Time passed slowly as SJ sat in her room. On more than one occasion, she moved back to the bed and picked up the book to read, but she couldn’t stay focused on anything for a short time before her mind wandered. It wasn’t until 14:00 that there was a knock on her door.
“Hello,” SJ called.
“It’s Zigferd,” the familiar voice called.
SJ walked to the door and opened it.
“STOP,” Dave shouted, too slowly.
As soon as the door opened, a blade flew towards SJ’s face—only her high initiative saved her from being struck as she dodged backwards. As she backed away, an elf moved forward into her room.
“Good reflexes, but they won’t save you,” it snarled, stepping forward and closing the door behind it.
Eyes wide in shock, SJ continued backing across the room.
“GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!” Dave screamed. “HE IS LEVEL 37.”
SJ had no choice. She could not fight someone of such a high level and turned and ran. Her mind spun as she bolted towards the balcony. The elf gave chase. His speed was ridiculous, and he closed the gap between her.
“JUMP,” Dave screamed.
Not even considering the consequences, SJ threw herself off the balcony. Hearing the elf curse as she did. Trying to concentrate on shrinking, she tumbled end over end down the side of the tower. Gravity was much faster than expected, finishing her transformation as she hit halfway down. The wind from her descent buffeted her wings as she tried stabilising her fall. Counting the balconies as she plummeted past them. Nine, eight. ‘Come on,’ she thought. Seven, six, five. She was still travelling way too fast. Four, three. Trying to get full control, she tilted her wings forward, directing herself towards a tall tree that stood proudly on the tower’s grounds. Two, she crashed into the branches at the tree’s top. It reminded her of hitting Bordon’s solid back, and her health dived with the initial impact.
As her momentum reduced, she tumbled down through the branches. She was forcing herself to grow as she did to slow her fall further. Crying in pain, bouncing from one limb to the next until she eventually reached the bottom where the branches were no more, falling the last few feet to the ground with a thud and letting out a deep groan. Her health was down by sixty percent from the impact and fall, and her dress was shredded from being caught on the branches as she fell. Lying face down on the grass at the tree’s base, she slowly rolled over. Scratches covered her arms and legs, and she felt blood trickling down the side of her face. Throbbing from the impact against the tree’s branches, she slowly sat upright.
Several beings on the street outside the tower saw her and rushed towards her. Large stables were on this side of the tower, and she recognised a face.
“Are you okay?” Jay said as he reached her side, kneeling.
“I will be fine,” SJ said, beginning to stand. “Argh,” she cried as she put weight on her ankle.
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Putting his arm around her, Jay helped her to her bare feet.
“What happened?” his face expressed confusion.
“Someone attacked me in my room. Can you help me get to the tower?”
“Of course.”
Murmurs started behind her as Jay helped her limp to the tower’s steps. A guard at the door, seeing her being helped up the steps, stared in surprise.
“What has happened?” he said, stepping from his sentry position.
“Someone attacked her in the tower.”
“Attacked! Aren’t you the fae who got poisoned?” the guard asked.
“Yes,” SJ replied, wincing from her ankle. Her dragon blood was healing her at an increased rate, and her dress had begun to repair itself. The more minor tears were already starting to close.
“CLOSE THE DOORS,” the guard called. At his order, the guards on the other doors looked over before reacting.
“Take her inside,” the guard said, closing the tower door as they passed. Beings, who were heading to the exit, frowned at the sudden closing of the tower doors. SJ hadn’t seen them closed once as yet, the resounding thud as they shut, and substantial metal bars dropped into place.
Looking over at the desk in the entrance hall, the guard called. “Get the Colonel.”
Like everyone else, the beings behind the desk were confused, and some complained about the guards’ actions. An elderly dwarf walked towards him, pointing at him and saying he needed to leave the tower. The guard ignored his comments and pushed past him, leading SJ and Jay to an office off the side of the entrance.
“Wait here,” the guard said as he closed the office door behind them.
Jay helped SJ over to a seat, lowering her into it.
“Thanks,” SJ said.
“This morning in the stables, we heard a rumour that someone had been poisoned in the tower.”
“I seem to attract trouble.”
“Do you know who it was?”
“No.”
“A Male elf, six feet tall, wearing dark blue leather trousers, a pale blue shirt, a brown leather belt, and a dark cloak, carrying a dirk,” Dave said.
‘Thanks, Dave,’ SJ thought.
“I know what he looked like, though,” SJ said, relaying the comments from Dave.
“Not very helpful. Many dress similarly. Blue currently seems to be the fashion for many elves. Did he have any distinguishing features?” Jay asked.
“Scar above his left eye. He has to be an Amatherean; a Legionnaire wouldn’t have been scarred. They had a dragon tattoo on their wrist,” Dave added.
Again, SJ repeated what Dave said.
Jay’s eyes opened in shock. “Carlito. In the tower!”
Before SJ could ask anything else, the door burst open. The gigantic form of the gnoll Colonel SJ had seen in the morning entered. Followed by the guard.
“What has happened?” the colonel said as soon as he entered.
“I was attacked in my room. I jumped from the balcony to escape.”
“It’s Carlito,” Jay said, jumping into the conversation.
“Carlito?” the colonel said, turning to look at Jay. “How do you know that?”
“The description of her attacker,” Jay said.
“Please repeat what you have told the orc.”
Jay didn’t show it if he took offence to being addressed as the orc. After repeating the details to the colonel, he turned immediately. “No one leaves the tower. I mean, no one. I don’t care who they are or what position they hold. That includes the chancellor. I want guards on every exit now.”
“Sir,” the guard replied smartly as he rushed from the room.
The colonel walked to a desk and sat on its edge, placing his hands at his sides and gripping the edge. “If Carlito is in the tower, we have a problem.”
Not knowing who Carlito was, SJ asked, “Who is Carlito?”
“A very dangerous being,” Jay answered.
The colonel glanced at Jay before replying. “Carlito is an assassin.”
“Makes sense that he would be,” Dave said.
“How do you know it is him, though?”
“The tattoo is the only distinguishing feature reported consistently from sightings over the years. His infamy is legendary in the districts. I have never known him to be in the inner city or tower. Even he won’t be safe from the scriers. If he is still in the tower, we will catch him this time.”
Jay visibly shuddered at the name of the scriers.
“Who are the scriers?”
“Arcane mages,” the colonel said.
“They are the squid heads,” Jay added before realising his comment and looking embarrassed.
The colonel looked at him, scowling. “It is not appropriate to address the illithids that way. They are a race that specialises in arcane magic. They can read minds.”
“Not just read,” Jay added, shivering.
Again, the colonel scowled at Jay. “I need to find the chancellor. When I leave the office, you lock the door and don’t open it to anyone. Neither of you are to leave until I return. Even then, you must be cautious until we have searched the tower.”
While SJ’s wounds were virtually healed, her ankle throbbed, and she had dried blood on her exposed skin. “Is there nowhere I can clean up?”
“Unfortunately, until we have searched the tower, I can’t chance you leaving. You have now been attacked twice in one day. The attempt this morning was bad enough, but whoever has been arranging this has gone to extreme heights, hiring Carlito. They know that as soon as you are officially acknowledged to the council, you fall under the protection rights of Asterfal. Anyone then who threatened you would take their life into their hands, literally.”
“Colonel. Could you let the stable master know I am here?”
“Not until the search is complete. The tower will remain closed. By now, the seals should have been triggered.”
Sighing, Jay walked to an empty chair and sat down.
“Lock it behind me,” the colonel said as he left the room.
SJ stood, walking to the door. Her ankle was still sore, but it was only a dull ache. Turning the key in the lock, she sat back down.
“It looks like we are stuck in each other’s company for a while,” SJ smiled.
“Do you play cards?” Jay asked.
“I have only played hangman’s noose before.”
“That is a game for orclings. Here, let me teach you some actual games,” Jay said, calling a deck of cards into his hand. Moving a small table between their chairs, he shuffled the cards, dealing out two cards each and placing the remaining deck in the centre of the table.
“Ok. The game aims to get a winning hand. There are several hands, the highest of which is four towers. Then, four emperors and four empresses, going down the card values. Then, you have a matching trail. This is where you have a tower, emperor ...”
As Jay continued explaining all the differing hands, it became apparent that the game he described was poker. Although SJ had never been a gambler, she used to play poker for fun with her family at Christmas time and knew the rules and how to play the game. The version Jay described was identical to Texas Hold-em.
“I think I understand. I have played something similar before. It has different names for the varying hands but the same rules.”
“Oh. This is an orc’s game. I am surprised that you heard of it.”
“What are we playing for?”
“Usually, we play for coppers for fun. There are a couple of gambling halls in the city where high-stakes games occur.”
“I don’t mind playing for a few coppers,” SJ said, calling ten from her inventory.
“Great,” Jay smiled, placing a stack of ten copper on the table.
Picking the cards up, SJ looked at her hand. Allowing the hand to play out, SJ didn’t raise, only calling on Jay’s bet. SJ had two pairs made by the cards in her hand and on the table.
“Bet. You will win,” Dave said enthusiastically.
‘Don’t look at his hand,’ SJ thought.
“What else am I supposed to do? You are sat gambling in front of an AI with a gambling addiction.”
The thought had never crossed her mind. This was the first time she had bet. All the times they had played cards in Killic with Gary and Setu, it had been just friendly, and SJ had never placed a bet. SJ always declined when Gary and Setu had played for money.
‘I am so sorry,’ SJ thought apologetically, not considering Dave.
“It’s okay,” Dave sulked. "I was never a fan of the game, and I promise I won’t tell you if you will win."
‘Are you sure? I can stop playing.’
“It’s fine. I will watch a movie. Maybe Matrix. I haven’t seen it in a while now.”
When there was a knock on the office door sometime later, Jay was up six copper.
“Who is it?” Jay called.
“Colonel Crawford,” one voice called.
“Zigferd,” the next reply said, SJ recognising his voice.
Walking to the door, Jay unlocked it and, standing with his foot wedged behind it, pulled it open, peering out. Stepping back, he smiled at SJ, allowing the door to open. Both the Colonel and Zigferd entered.
Looking at them both with trepidation, SJ asked. “Did you get him?”