The air was still. The silence was thick, and Riley raised her brow at the group staring at her. “What’s with you guys?”

“Pardon me, Lady Linn,” a soldier said, bowing his head. “How did you get here?”

“She could be an assassin,” another whispered.

The other scoffed. “No assassin looks like that.”

Riley scowled. “I’m Riley.” She looked down and saw a white dress. Beauty gets me into so much trouble. She smiled at the soldiers. “It’s me. How can I prove it to you?”

“Did you choose?” the soldier asked, and the place of power flared.

Riley spun. A smile spread across her face. “Nicole! Tell them that I’m me.” She froze and stared, confusion spreading across her face. Wait. Does she have tattoos on her arms?

Nicole stopped and rubbed her eyes, confusion spreading across her face. “What happened to you?”

“Class upgrade.” Riley grabbed Nicole’s arm and studied the intricate green tattoo that seemed almost alive. She looked back at Nicole. “Where’d you get this?”

“The same place that you got those?” Nicole replied, waving her hand by Riley’s shoulder.

Riley turned and saw glowing wings protruding from her shoulders.

“You should see your crown.” Nicole smirked. “Linn.”

Riley frowned and waved her arm through it. “Beauty, why?!”

[Everyone should know a beauty. ~Beauty]

[Oh, and this isn’t a disguise. ~Beauty]

“Me, but without the drama.” Riley triggered Assume Disguise.

[Boo. Boo, I say! ~Mischief]

[Denied! ~Beauty]

Riley sighed and turned to Nicole. “And why did you call me Linn?”

“Your status says that your name is Linn.” Nicole smirked. “My lady.”

“Don’t start. I’m sacrificing the noble class,” Riley sighed at her.

Nicole pulled her into a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Riley smiled and hugged her back. Linn? Odd… “Beauty, did you change my name?”

[I gave you a new one. You’re welcome! ~Beauty]

“Is it elvish for melody?”

[Haha! ~Mischief]

Riley sighed. I guess it could be worse. She willed the class information into view.

[Purifier (A): Your presence counteracts blood fields, undead, and other monstrosities, dealing damage to them based on your class level. +2 dexterity, +2 movement speed, +2 mana, and +1 stamina per level. +1 to perception and insight per level. Grants one skill slot while active.]

[Bardic Paragon (S): You regenerate bardic inspiration based on your level, and your auras are strengthened by a factor of three. +2 dexterity, +1 speed, +2 charisma, +2 inspiration, and +4 mana per level. You may ritual cast spells. Penalty: Must be slotted. Grants one skill slot while active.]

Her eyes went wide, and she slotted in Purifier. The stat increase flooded through her. I’ve gotten so much stronger. She looked back at the group of soldiers. “Faelana?”

“She’ll be out soon,” a soldier said. He sighed. “You would have made a great human.”

Riley shrugged. “Sorry. I’ll come to visit. How does that sound?”

“Deal.” He leaned over. “Is it true that I can swear an oath of loyalty and keep your auras?”

Riley nodded. “An alliance oath works for me, too. I don’t have any intention of going to war against the humans. My dad is one.” She turned and looked toward the north. I wonder how recruitment is going. The knights will speed this up.

Yawning, she looked out at the ravaged landscape. Plants will show up in the spring. The place of power shimmered, and Faelana stepped out.

Riley gasped. Elves get antlers? I did not know that.

“How did she get antlers?” Nicole whispered.

Faelana smiled. Tears trickled down her cheeks, and she dashed forward, pulling them both into a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Riley studied her.

[Faelana - 756. Archdruid (S) 751. Grove Warden (S) 589. Ranger(A) 392. Farmer (A) 476.]

“Congratulations,” Riley said, patting the woman on the back. The arms pulled her tighter and tighter.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Thank you. We’ve changed. You’ll see.” Faelana released her and stepped back. “And you have an elven name? Linn. How fitting.”

“My name’s Riley.” She sighed and headed toward the fort. “I’m getting dinner and some sleep. Then we’re going to purge the blood fields and join them on the front.”

Nicole looked over. “Oh?”

Riley nodded. “It’s time to end this and get your mom out of there.”

~~~

Althea stood outside the academy dormitory and listened to the teenagers inside. They squabbled, and she sighed. Foolish children.

“…My father said so.”

“That’s treason.”

“So? There are rogue assassins who can lie to the seekers. Look at Riley. She lied to him. Him. The legendary Lucas.”

A crooked smile spread across Althea’s face. I need to find him someone. Maybe Tahani would work. Striding away, she triggered Unseen Predator and walked out the gate.

Walking down the city streets, she studied the crowds and waved at a nearby urchin.

The young boy ran up to her and grinned. “Did you hear the gossip?”

“No. What gossip?” Althea pulled him into a quick hug before letting him go.

“Riley has all her levels and ran off to join the elves,” the boy said.

Althea chuckled. “That sounds like her.”

He leaned close. “Is it true? She was an orphan like us?”

Althea shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure about that story.”

“I’m asking the new girl.” He followed Althea down the streets at a swift jog.

Althea smiled at him. “She might know.”

“She was an orphan. Now she works in the palace.” He grinned. “I’ll do that too.”

A few guards turned. Althea scowled at them and walked past, heading toward the slums and glancing at the boy. “How is everyone today?”

“Okay. It’s a little chilly,” he said, smiling at her and walking to the orphanage. He opened the door for her.

Althea smiled and walked inside. She looked at the group huddled in the corner. “Is everyone doing alright?”

A girl perked up. “Hi, Al. I heard a funny rumor today.” She grinned.

“Oh?” Althea asked, handing a bag of food to the boy. He eagerly took it and began dividing it among the group.

The girl leaned forward. “Riley’s alive and accepting oaths. I made one, and in return, I have her auras. It helped heal my cut.” She held up her hand and smiled.

Althea smiled. “Be safe, all of you.” She studied each of them, searching for anyone sick or wounded.

The door swung open, and Tahani walked in. She paused and curtsied.

Althea sighed. “Tahani, I’m not a noble.”

Tahani blushed. “Sorry. It becomes a bit of a habit.”

“How was the palace?”

“I managed to get some things.” Tahani walked to the kids and handed them a bag of food. She turned. “The palace is talking about executing any and all minor criminals due to the guard shortage. There are also a lot of rumors about Riley. The nobles are preparing for their winter festivities and celebrating their victory.”

Althea smiled. “That’ll change. Be very careful.”

Tahani bobbed her head. “I will.” She frowned and leaned forward. “The princess is contemplating dark things and may act soon.”

Althea sighed loudly. “Gods, I cannot wait for this disaster to end. Is she targetting someone?”

“She’s sneaking out some vague contracts.” Tahani moved away from the door, stepping into a side room.

Althea listened to the footsteps and moved to the door. The children behind her fled, darting into side rooms. The door thumped open.

A group of guards stood there. One straightened his uniform and scowled at Althea. “This doesn’t concern you.”

“On the contrary. I care for the kids here. What is it that you want?” Althea asked, frowning at each of them.

“We have orders from their majesties. Step aside, now,” the guard said, his frown growing.

Rage burned through Althea like a forest fire. “No.”

The sound of weapons reached her ears, and Althea shot forward. Her knives sunk into flesh. Blood sprayed through the air, and bodies dropped onto the floor.

Looking at the mess, Althea frowned and turned back. “Tahani? Did orders get sent?”

Tahani poked her head out. “I only overhead talk. Maybe the guards here got zealous.”

Althea whistled, and the kids ran up. “I need eyes on every gate. Inform me if a courier leaves. And children, stay in the cellar for now.” Sighing, she walked outside.

Tahani followed her. She swallowed. “Can you teach me to do that?”

“In time, yes. For now, I’m going to send a message.” Shutting the door, she scratched out a message with her blade. Gods judge those who would slay the innocent. Condemnation awaits!

Turning, she left the bodies and walked down the street. “Be very careful, Tahani.”

“Why not end it?” Tahani asked, scurrying after her.

Althea turned. “We will soon. I’m waiting for orders.”

Tahani sighed and looked at the ground. “I thought that Riley would be a baron someday. I thought it’d be like an old story, and I could get a job there. Instead, she’s a fugitive.” She grimaced.

“I am sorry, Tahani. Things will get better soon.” Althea sighed and entered her cottage, escorting Tahani inside.

Tahani leaned closer. “If Riley joins the elves, will I be allowed to visit?”

Althea smiled. “Yes. I may have to take you there with me.”

“I’m worried for Lucas. His name was mentioned.”

Althea frowned. “I’ve sent him a message. I pray that he got it.”

“Make sure he did. It’s getting bad up there.” Tahani spun and walked outside, heading up the streets. She glanced at the boosts to her stats. I wonder how Riley got those boosts.

She smiled and darted down the roads, flicking her hands in greeting to a few urchins. Moving to the palace gate, she straightened her uniform. Back in time for lunch duties.

A guard nodded and gestured toward the palace. She curtsied and walked by, heading into the palace and wiping her shoes.

Moving to the kitchens, she poked her head in.

“Tahani, you’d better go wait. They’ll likely call for it soon,” the cook called without looking up from his pan.

“Thanks.” She spun and darted down the halls, taking a position just inside the throne room. Standing against the wall like a statue, she listened and grew bored. The royals were discussing winter festivities. The princess complained about the tailor, and the prince began fighting with her.

Every time. Tahani stood there. A shiver ran down her spine, and a woman in an elaborate black dress strode into the room, her eyes locking onto the royals.

Who’s that? Tahani kept her head down.

“How did you get in here?” Titus demanded, standing and glaring at the woman. “Guards—”

The woman waved her hand dismissively. “Allow me to introduce myself, your majesties.” The woman’s eyes blazed with anger. “I am the queen of Shorove, and that little brat of yours has joined Eteln.” Her breath billowed out in an icy cloud. “Now, I’m proposing a union. Your son and I will marry, thereby unifying our countries. And together, we will hold back and crush these fools.”

Timothy jerked up. He stared at the woman. “I’m not marrying her. She’s twice my age.”

“And still looking amazing,” the woman replied, her focus still firmly on the king. “Take my deal, King Titus.”

Titus frowned and shook his head. “Your country is in pieces.” He gestured at the guards. Several stepped forward, moving toward the woman.

“It will be unified within a day. My agents are working.” The woman turned. “Queen Lisa, do we have an accord?”

Lisa frowned. “Guards, shackle her.”

Guards reached for weapons, and a chill burst through the air. Wraiths flashed into view, and blood sprayed across the room.

Tahani gasped, horror flooding through her. She edged toward the door.

“I asked if we had an accord, and I will not ask again,” the woman hissed, ignoring the blood that surrounded her. Guards dropped, and the wraiths vanished.

Tahani slipped out the door and ran down the halls. Shooting out the servant’s exit, she ran for the gate.