Riley walked into her room, spun, and dropped into her chair with a grin. She gently placed the bag of crystals on her desk and laid them out in a row of glowing colors.

[4 perfect E-tier crystals]

[11 E-tier crystals]

[3 stolen E-tier crystals]

[4 stolen perfect F-tier crystals]

Picking up the perfect E-tier crystal, she brought it to her chest and let it flood into her. Her eyes blazed blue, and she gasped.

[Your base level has advanced 116 → 120.]

Carefully picking up the rest, she walked over to the closet, pried up the board, and hid the crystals in her stash. There we go. I can level through the week. She grinned and looked around her little room. Her closet was tidy. Her shelves had a pile of notes. I should straighten those. She stood.

A knock sounded on the door, and she walked over and opened it, revealing a woman in a maid’s uniform; the maid curtsied, handed her a letter, and walked away.

“Thanks,” Riley called out, looking down at the yellow parchment. She carefully broke the wax seal and looked at it.

Lady Riley,

Thank you for your trust, and I apologize for what is about to occur. As I’d prefer to keep the truth from my sister, I must remain distant this week. I should also warn you that the noble stables are currently off-limits due to some security measures.

Know that your aid and loyalty are appreciated. They will be rewarded, and past actions will be corrected.

Warmest,

Timothy

Riley folded it up. What security? She considered it. I can’t afford to rent one, anyway. I’ll have to run to Hassan’s, and I can’t do that yet. She shrugged and walked back over to her desk. After straightening her notes, she grabbed a book and walked down the empty halls, finding no one.

With a growing frown, she wandered outside and was greeted by the crowd’s roar. Walking toward the sound, she headed down the walk that led to the coliseum that had been baked into the wall around the palace.

Riley walked down the stone path and poked her head through the open gate. A large theatre greeted her. Stairs that acted as seats lined the large circle. A field of dirt sat at the bottom where two people were dueling. Students were sitting in various sections of it. On the opposite side, and in partitioned chunks, were various townspeople who were watching. Guards milled through all of it. Several headed down to fight in it.

Riley looked down to the bottom of the noble section and saw several students sitting there, wrapped in cloaks. Walking down the stone steps, she saw Emma and walked over.

Emma spun. “Welcome back.” She turned back to the pit.

“What are they doing?” Riley asked, looking down at the two armored individuals who were sparring. Their swords clanged off armor and bounced off shields.

“Sparring. It’s good practice and fun to watch.” Emma grinned and peered down into the pit.

Riley took a seat next to her and pulled out her book.

“There’s prize money, too,” Lin said.

“And some people wager,” a girl added with a wink toward Riley.

“No, thanks,” Riley replied, opening her book on water magic. She started reading while the two fought.

The crowd chatted and lounged, watching the display below. One combatant lunged. The other seized the opening and slammed his blade into the armor. It hit with a ringing clang, and a bell rang.

A magus walked out onto the field. “A fine bout.”

The two split and walked away. Another pair walked out, and whispers spread through the group.

Riley looked down into the pit. “Students are fighting?”

“Yes. Those two are mad at each other,” Emma said excitedly. She stood up to get a better view.

“And it’s good practice for the tournament,” Lin added.

“Tournament?” Riley asked, quirking her brow.

“Yes. They have it twice a term. Winning will earn you prizes and some prestige. It’s a big deal,” Lin said. “If I win one, I’d have it made.” She looked longingly at the sky.

Which just means it’s a bad idea to win, Riley thought, looking over at the approaching figure. She forced a smile on her face while looking up. “Hello, Hassan.”

Hassan sat next to her. “You’re back? I wondered if you were like that girl you killed.”

“Maddie?” Riley asked.

“Yes. She spent days in there, trying to kill the second level.” He slapped the stone. “Condemn her. Cost me at least twenty levels.”

“You cleared it?” Riley yelped, gasping and clutching her chest. Her voice carried out across the nearby students, and everyone turned.

Hassan looked at the crowd and puffed up his chest. “We completed the second level.”

“Really?” Lin asked with wide eyes. “How?”

“Some clever traps and skilled swordplay,” Hassan replied.

Riley kept up her mask and stared at him in feigned wonder.

“And then he let those thieves steal it all,” another student said with a chuckle.

Giggles and whispers spread through the group. Hassan scowled, and anger burned on his face. He leaned closer to Riley. “I need to meet them,” he whispered.

“Who?” Riley whispered back.

“Your contact. I have another job, but it’s between them and me.”

“You want to contact the guild?” Riley asked.

Hassan nodded. “The part of it that gets things done. I have another job, and don’t ask for more payment. I paid you a fortune already.”

“Fine. I’ll take you to the guild, but then you are on your own.” Riley stood and headed back up the steps.

Hassan followed and walked back into the palace grounds. He leaned closer. “How do I hire someone ruthlessly efficient?”

“Pay the right price.” Riley followed the walk along the wall, approaching the gate and waving at the guards.

“Be careful out there,” one called.

Hassan pulled his cowl up. Riley reached down and grabbed a dirt clod. Breaking it apart, she rubbed it across her face, clothing, and arms while walking up to the guard.

“Can you hold this for me, please?” Riley asked, extending the book.

The guard took her book and placed it on a shelf. “We can provide escorts for a fee. Though you look like you know what you’re doing.” He eyed Hassan and sighed.

Hassan grabbed dirt and rubbed it on himself.

“Pull your cowl down, too,” the guard muttered, shaking his head.

Hassan pulled it down and followed Riley out of the palace walls.

Riley walked down the cobblestone streets and looked at the various shops nearby. They lined the nearby arena. Merchants were out selling, and urchins were eyeing the goods.

One glanced over at them. Riley’s hand flashed. “Hello, my kin.”

The orphan stared at her in surprise, his mouth dropping open.

Riley smiled and kept walking. The greeting of the beggar wasn’t well known, but it had perks. The urchin waved and scurried down an alley.

Walking around a corner, Riley headed toward the rundown portion of town, passing cottages, shops, and various random buildings.

Hassan jogged alongside. Riley skirted around the crowds and slipped down another alley, entering the rundown portion of the town. The thatched roofs were worn. Windows were shuttered, and the yards were filled with debris.

Walking past a towering oak, Riley turned and saw a cottage with a scratched door. She paused and studied the markings. There she is. She walked over, knocked, and entered, taking a seat at the worn table.

Hassan walked inside and frowned. “Is this right?”

“It’ll work,” Riley said, knocking twice and blowing dust off the table. Reaching out, she gently wiped away more dust. I should get a broom.

Hassan brushed away a cobweb and took a seat. “They could at least light the place properly.”

“The hearth is over there if you want to start it.” Riley pointed at the empty hearth. Ash from prior fires and a single half-burned log were all that remained.

“How do they know we’re here?” Hassan asked.

Riley shrugged. “How should I know? I’m not in it,” she lied. Glad I don’t have to do that anymore. She smiled and wiped away more dust.

Althea walked in and shut the door. She looked at both of them and sighed. “Ugh, what is it you want?”

Hassan frowned. “Manners would help. I have a job. Riley, could you give us a moment? This is my business.”

Not caring either way, Riley stood and then stopped. The woman was studying her with a growing smile. She felt a skill rip through her disguise, and she glowered at the woman, crossing her arms and huffing.

“My apologies, Lady Riley. I do have an answer for your inquiry,” Althea said sweetly. “Come back in a moment, please.”

Riley walked outside, slamming the door behind her. Rude guild master. I can’t believe she did that, even if she likely needed confirmation. She huffed, blowing a few strands of blue hair out of her face.

An orphan walked up and held out his hands. “Please, young miss?”

Riley chuckled and waved.

“Princes may be proper.

Kings will come and go.

An orphan’s life’s awaiting

for those who wish to grow.”

She winked at him, mussed his hair, and dropped a sil into his hands. “If I get any game, I’ll bring it to you.”

“How do you know that poem?” the orphan asked, wide-eyed. “You shouldn’t know that.”

Riley winked at him.

“Run along. It won’t be long

before we meet again.

Beware the knife, and guard your life;

know that you are friend.”

The boy grinned at her. “You’re an orphan?”

Riley patted his head. “Off you get now. I have business.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The boy turned and ran off into an alley. Riley stood there and waited, trying to overhear Hassan, who was getting louder.

“… Condemn the rules! I’ll make it worth it,” Hassan hissed.

“I’m sorry, but the guild follows the covenant,” Althea replied.

“Find me someone who won’t. I’ll make it worth your while…”

Riley listened. They started whispering again, and she failed to overhear. Scowling, she leaned closer.

A chair scraped against the floor. Riley moved away, and the door swung open. Hassan stormed off, heading for the castle.

Riley frowned. An act or real? She turned and looked at the woman.

“Come inside, Riley. Don’t worry about him.” Althea gestured.

Riley cheated and then frowned.

[??? - ???]

“Problem?” Althea asked, ushering Riley inside.

Riley huffed and walked back into the cottage. “Did you have to use your insight skill?”

“Yes. I’d never met you before and needed to be certain.” Althea grinned and shut the door. “I met your father years ago. He stopped by before leaving. Can I get a hug from a friend’s daughter?” she asked.

Riley’s scowl softened, replaced by confusion. “What?”

Althea huffed. “Don’t tell me that he didn’t mention me.”

“He probably did. Just tell me a name or something,” Riley replied with a crooked smile.

Althea laughed and winked. “Masterfully done. How are things at the palace?”

“Complicated. The prince and princess are fighting.” Riley stretched and looked around the cottage; then, she was jerked into the woman’s arms.

Althea hugged her enthusiastically. “It’s so good to meet you.”

Riley marveled at the absurd strength in those arms. “Umm. Care to explain this hug?”

Althea pulled Riley even closer.

Riley looked up at the woman’s features, which weren’t quite human. Wait. She reached up and pushed the woman’s hair to the side, revealing long ears. “Who are you?” she whispered.

“My name is Althea; your mother was one of my friends,” Althea whispered. “Do keep that very quiet. If they found out, they’d hang me up just like they did to her.”

Riley went quiet. Her eyes watered. Mom. Images flashed through her mind. The surging mob. Her mother’s screams and limp body. She shoved it down and wiped at her eyes.

Althea kept her locked in the hug. “I don’t suppose that you could tell me about you?”

Riley swallowed the growing emotion.

“I’m sorry if I upset you,” Althea said, continuing her hug. “Tell me about you.”

“You already know,” Riley whispered and wriggled in the woman’s grasp.

“I know your classes. Not you,” Althea replied. “I can’t imagine it was easy.”

“It wasn’t,” Riley murmured and wriggled harder.

Athea released her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really,” Riley said, taking a step back. “Why - why didn’t you find me sooner if my mother was your close friend?”

Althea slumped. “We didn’t know you existed until recently. Your father and mother were quiet. As to the rest of your family? That is the same, and they are in the Elven lands. They only learned of you a week ago.”

Oh. I guess that makes sense. Riley looked at the elf. “What are my grandparents like?”

“They’re lovely people. Both are druids. I can see where you get it.” Althea said, walking over to the table. She sat and gestured.

Riley walked over and took a seat. “Hassan isn’t a good person. You shouldn’t help him kill his family.”

“Is his father or brother better?” Althea asked, quirking a brow. “It would save me some research time.”

“I’m not sure.” Riley shrugged apologetically.

“No matter. I refused his request. A seeker would know in moments.” Althea smiled. “So, little assassin, can you tell me about you?”

Riley blinked and shook her head.

Althea sighed. “I guess our relationship is just a sprout.” She met Riley’s eyes. “If you are ever in trouble or need anything, come find me. I will help you. And before you make any major life-changing decisions, talk to me. Being an elf is wonderful. We live longer, and we are better.” She winked.

Riley chuckled. “I think you’re biased.”

“Of course, but it’s true.” Althea grinned.

“Do the elven lands accept people like me?” Riley asked. “As a half-elf or a changed elf?”

“We accept both, and we’d love to have you.” Althea leaned forward. “How is school going? Are you forming those noble connections?”

Riley didn’t answer. Instead, she studied the elf. “Are you a spy? Why come here?”

“Of course not.” Althea winked. “I’m here to help any elves or half-elves escape. Someone has to help them get out.”

“That’s a bad cover; there are none here,” Riley said with a growing smirk. She’s a spy. There’s no way she isn’t.

“Yes, but that’s because I trust you,” Althea replied. “You can trust me.”

It went quiet. Riley looked up at her. I didn’t think I’d meet another elf. Is it really an option? She mused on that.

“You can ask me things,” Althea said, sitting there patiently.

“Sorry. It’s just strange. I sort of gave up on seeing another elf here.” Riley gave her a sad smile. “What are you planning anyways?” Then she paused and grimaced. “Sorry. You probably can’t answer.”

“I can’t, sorry. Seekers are seeking,” Althea said with a nod.

“My father? Would he be welcome there?” Riley asked.

“Yes. We have mixed cities and some humans scattered through the lands.”

“And how hard would it be for us to find a place?” Riley asked.

Althea smiled. “You have family there, Riley. It would be easy.”

And they are druids. Should I try to get the druid class? She mused on it. It seemed a decent option.

“A sil for your thoughts,” Althea said.

“Sorry. Was just thinking about the future,” Riley replied and looked at the elf. I should go. It’s been too long, and I really don’t know if I can trust her.

“Musing on ways to become queen?” Althea chuckled.

Riley chuckled and shook her head. “No. I’m planning to sacrifice Noble. I should —“

“I’d advise waiting,” Althea interrupted. “Yes, you could sacrifice it to Bard, but it may surprise you.” She studied Riley. “Are you opposed to being a noble?”

Riley shrugged. “Not really. We do need better ones.” She paused and looked at the elf. “Is the class good? I assumed it wasn’t.”

“It can be. I’ll see if I can’t get you a book if you’d like.” Althea nodded to herself. “That’s a good idea. I’ll do that.”

“What skills do you get as a noble, though?” Riley asked. “I don’t get that.”

“You get auras for your people and skills to help you manage people. They can be potent.” Althea frowned. “If you ever feel the auras from the king here, you’ll know what I mean.”

“Oh.” Riley looked at her skills. “Maybe I’ll wait then.”

“I’d advise waiting on everything for now. Speak with your father unless you feel comfortable talking to me,” Althea said with a content smile.

“Do elves have nobles? What are they like?” Riley asked.

“Sadly, I’m not allowed to discuss elven nobility. It’s too risky.” Althea frowned. “Forgive me?”

Riley sighed. Well, I guess that was too far. “They aren’t horrible, are they?”

“No, they aren’t horrible, not anymore.” Althea sighed and looked at the ceiling. “We have a past. You’ll learn some of it here, but try not to hold it against us. We are working with the humans now. It’s better for us all.”

Riley nodded. “What’s it like there now? What would it be like if I moved there?”

“You’re worried because you’d be starting from nothing?” Althea asked.

Riley nodded.

“Don’t worry about that, Riley. You have family and friends there. The nation will love having you. You’d be greeted and tasked according to your talent.” Althea paused. “I know that you are studying things here. If you ever want to leave, just let me know.” She smiled.

“So, I’d be an assassin there?” Riley asked.

“If you wish, though you have other talents,” Althea said, smiling at her. “Your grandparents would likely encourage a different path.”

I should work on a good option for when I’m not assassinating people. Riley paused. Or should I just strive to be a noble here? It wouldn’t be that bad if I got a duchy. She mused on it.

“I imagine you’re concerned about your father and his parents?” Althea probed, breaking the silence.

Riley nodded. “I don’t think they’d be willing to leave it all. And I don’t think you’d let my grandparents be barons.”

“That’s true. We wouldn’t,” Althea said. “I don’t want to lie to you. We would get them a nice place to live, but they would not be nobles in our land.”

“Even with the class?”

“Correct.” Althea nodded.

Riley frowned. So, we’d be like commoners. Grandma and Grandpa will never do that.

“We could find them a nice home, and you’d be treated very well, Riley. Trust me on that.”

“Because I have family there?” Riley probed.

“And your skills. You do have some. I’ll get you some books.” Althea turned, and a knock sounded on the door.

Riley stood. “I should go.”

“I’ll get them to leave,” Althea replied, heading for the door.

Riley followed. It’s been too long, anyway. Hassan will be most of the way back.

“I should go before Hassan gets suspicious,” she said.

“Come visit me.” Althea pulled her into another hug.

Riley hugged her back. “If I can do it without drawing suspicion.”

“Please do, Riley. It’s so good to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you.” Riley gave one final wave and slipped out the door.

~~~

Althea watched Riley leave, and a young boy entered. Althea extended her hand.

The boy smiled and handed over a small stack of parchment. “Things are heating up,” he said with a wink.

“How are the new students?” Althea asked.

“Blind as ever except the one that was just here. She sees us,” the boy said, straightening his servant uniform.

Althea chuckled. “That is the truth. How is the academy?”

“The king and instructors ended the potential fighting.” The boy shrugged. “So, well enough.”

“Thank you. Do let me know if anything shifts,” Althea said, handing him a silver.

The boy took it, grinned, and walked out the door.

Althea walked to the table and took a seat. All in all, not a bad first meeting. Pulling out ink and quill, she started writing.

Redwoods,

The fields are sown, and the weather is with us.

Met with a lost sapling. Confirm potential and will guide. Send regards to Willowbloom family. Requesting care package.

Operation Blooming-Flower selected.

Operation Firestorm selected.

Eagle

Folding up the paper, she walked out of the back of the building and gestured. A hawk flew down and landed on her arm. Affixing the letter to its leg, she turned and let it fly off into the wind.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 120

Bard (C)

Level: 104

Rousing Song E Bolster your allies or agitate your enemies with magic and music. Strength and Move Speed increased or decreased for one minute. Costs five Bardic Inspiration and impacts creatures within ten meters. The radius of influence expands by one meter for each additional inspiration spent. Psychic Strike E Wield your mana to cause psychic damage to a target. Cost varies based on allocation. Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Assassin (C)

Level: 104 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight. Dancer's Form B +10 speed. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 5 for a minute. Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant. Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ranger (C)

Level: 104

Predatory Sight E Your perception and insight are boosted by 5. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. Manipulate Storm E Attempt to control or augment elements of a storm. Cost varies. Ice Blade E Conjure a weapon made of ice. Costs two to twenty mana depending on blade durability.

Pretty E Your appearance is better, but it could be even grander. Use 1 mana to get a little help from Beauty! (Upgrade me again!) Penalty applied: Unequippable. Beauty may alter your appearance at her whim.

Spell Thief (C) Level: 104 Inactive. Noble (F)

Level: 68 Inactive. - -

Bolstering Presence F +1 Strength to all your subjects or to any allies within 10 meters.

Dexterity 564 Strength 240 Speed 240 Intelligence 240 Charisma 374 Stamina 460 Mana 552 Inspiration 224