Chapter 089 - Lord Cassius:
Through the winding plantations and endless fields of crops, Porswea emerged with the rising morning light. The riding had been a little arduous. They rode late into the night before breaking for camp, something that was made a little more awkward by the presence of six Graterious soldiers, specifically, Ricimer’s guards. While Anton would have preferred to remove Kal’s mask and play with her fluffier parts, alongside Verona, he had to hold himself back. The guards were silent and effectively kept to themselves, making sure that they did not leave their sight. Cetina was equally silent. After leaving Fort Acidava she had said very little, often lost in her thoughts and barely initiated any conversation. She would speak, but only enough to satisfy the conversation before returning to her quiet state. Anton and Kal had continued to heal her later in the day but nothing changed. If Vistula spoke true the Ghlyirl was well and truly embedded in her eye. And none were game enough to try the more invasive surgery…
Now with the city in view she came back to life. She did not say anything but her hands gripped harder on the reins, her face hardened ever so slightly.
“Do…Do we have to dress up for our meeting with Cassius?” Verona asked, not directing her inquiry in any particular direction.
Kal rode on a different horse but he could still feel her tense.
“If…I don’t think so.” Anton replied. “Cassius, if he’s actually going to see us, hopefully should understand why we’re in armour. Besides, these are our best clothes.”
Kal grumbled. “They would want us to wear dresses. I’ve never thought of wearing a dress before…Like one a noble wears…”
Anton looked at Kal, then Verona. He had occasionally thought of what they would look like in a dress, something akin to a sundress, but he had never pictured them in something like Duchess Belinda wore. In his mind, Verona looked thoroughly grumpy in the bright red gown while Kal was amazed at the excess and sheer cost. His mind quickly fluttered back to the sundress image, one he stored for later. Perhaps a seamstress here sold something similar. Walking with them around Atros…
“Good.” Verona nodded. “I don’t want to wear something like Belinda does.” Kal nodded furiously. “I’m sure that he’s a busy man. Just like we are. He’ll understand.”
Verona glanced at Cetina. She continued to focus on Porswea with her good eye, her sight never wavering.
The guards led them through the sprawling slum outside the city walls. A few tried to approach but the guards pushed them back. With a furious kick and some pathetic wails, the beggars and potential thieves retreated back into the crowd. Once again the smell of human refuse and civilisation assaulted their noses, Kal held herself together better, but they passed through unhindered to the city gate. With a flash of the writ, the city watch let them through without a second glance.
I wonder if those guards as the gate can read, or if they just see the insignia of Cassius or Ricimer and just let them through? Forgery must be a big problem, especially with that bandit group they’re chasing.
The guards led them to a siding next to the gate, where many carts filled with wood, ores and food were being prepared to go deeper into the city. All dismounted and motioned for them to follow.
“So where is Cassius going to meet us?” Anton asked.
If he is.
“At his palace.” The guard gruffly replied, probably his third or fourth spoken sentence. He waved towards a group of idle Graterious soldiers, in their resplendent roman armour. “But…”
Anton felt a moment of trepidation before he recognised the face of one of the soldiers, the soldier that appeared to be their Captain. It was the same man they had already run into twice during their time in Porswea. The man grumbled as he recognised them too.
“We have to return to Ricimer.” The guard replied. “These men will escort you further.”
The guard handed the writ to the Captain. He studied the contents, everyone stood in silence, with only the sounds of civilisation to fill their ears. Verona and Kal moved close, both girls resting a hand on their blades.
“I understand.” The Captain replied. “We’ll make sure they get to Cassius immediately.” He roughly saluted the guard. “Safe travels.”
The guards barely acknowledged his words and mounted their horses. Without a single glance, they rode out the gate and disappeared from sight.
“What a bunch of rude people.” Anton quietly mumbled, Verona chuckled and squeezed his hand.
“What have you lot done this time?” The Captain asked. “I thought I was done with you lot in Fergus’s shop…And it looks like you’ve managed to get another one. Lucky you…”
Cetina flushed and stammered in equal measure, a creeping red flush rose up her neck. She coughed loudly and brought herself back under control. Verona chuckled and bumped Anton’s side.
“Not exactly,” Anton replied. “But she will be coming with us. Where is Cassius’s palace?”
The Captain, after tearing his eyes off Verona and Cetina, waved for them to follow. “Near the centre of the city. It’s the second biggest building in Porswea.”
The Captain led them through the bustling city streets while Anton kept Verona and Kal close, Cetina following closely behind. The soldiers kept the rowdy people at bay when they threatened to close around them in the more narrow sections. It was never deliberate, they barely gave a second glance, but the sheer number of people in some of the tight streets made for some very close encounters. Thankfully only he and Verona got close to Kal.
Slowly the crowds began to thin, the buildings became larger and more expensive and better furnished until the crowds suddenly disappeared. They found themselves in front of a high stone wall completely enclosing a massive wooden mansion, far larger than Duchess Belinda’s. Dozens of armoured soldiers stood at attention outside a large iron door in the stone wall with many more on patrol along the wall. These guards looked just like Ricimer’s guards, as did their attitude. The mansion itself was made from a mixture of a dark stone and wood, hundreds of windows covered the outside and four great golden eagles adorned the corners. Even compared to the surrounding buildings it was clearly leagues more wealthy. And they had no idea what wealth would be on display inside. Anton remembered the ruined mansion of Nonbur’n, and that was a provincial city.
“Everyone here has a massive palace just to show off,” Anton mumbled. “Compensation.”
Verona faintly smiled. A guard standing at the gate raised his hand and brought them to a halt. The Captain handed over the writ, the guard quickly read it and signalled for the gate to open.
As one of the iron doors opened the Captain turned to Anton. “Stay out of trouble this time. Cassius isn’t someone who you want to cross.”
Anton gave a simple nod. The Captain sighed and returned to the city streets. The guards looked expectantly as they waited by the iron door. Without waiting for a reprimand they passed through the door and into the courtyard. Anton stopped and marvelled at what lay before them. The moment the girls saw they stopped as well. There was no way for Anton to accurately convey the small Garden of Eden that lay before him. Small and large flowering trees covered every inch of the garden, bristling with birds of varieties as yet unseen, dozens of small ponds and fountains holding hundreds of brightly coloured fish that swam in shoals. A meticulously maintained path led through the veritable paradise to a single small wooden door into the mansion. Several marble benches sat next to the pathway, free of stains and even a single leaf. It was insanely beautiful.
“By Tethra…” Kal whispered.
Anton agreed. The sheer wealth and invested time on display here was incredible. Was this a tactic or did he genuinely enjoy his gardens?
The guard closed the door with a loud thunk. They were locked inside the garden now. A light clacking along the path caught his attention. A gardener, if they could be called that, walked towards them with a pair of secateurs in her hands. Unfortunately, she did not look dressed for the job. Anton sighed when he saw her wearing a very short skirt with a sleeveless tight shirt. Despite a few of the smaller plants wielding thorns, she did not have a scratch or blemish on her pale skin. Anton caught Verona and Kal looking towards him, he could only shrug. Cassius’s fetishes were his own business.
Just as she was about to speak something burst from the shrubbery and grabbed her from behind. She squeaked in surprise, Anton readied a lightning bolt, before it quickly faded into dull annoyance. The gardener slapped her assailant multiple times until he relinquished his grip around her waist.
“Honestly.” She spoke with a soft and light voice, though her face bristled with anger. “You can’t keep your hands to yourself, can you Virgil?”
Virgil raised himself up and into the light. “No.” He kissed the nape hard. She squealed but did not try to escape. He slapped her rear, a deep slap echoed throughout the garden. “I wouldn’t give that up, now would I? Especially after that squeal.”
She flushed and pushed him away again. Her strength seemed lacking. “Please excuse the delay. My name is Domitilla and I maintain this garden. If you would please follow me Lord Cassius is waiting in his study and expects your arrival soon.”
That guard’s still got the writ. They must have sent a message beforehand. Another rider or a bird of some sort, perhaps something magical?
“So why are you here?” Verona asked. “You’re not actually Cassius are you?” She honestly looked disgusted by the possibility.
Virgil smiled. “Because of all the people in Porswea, I’m the one who knows you best. And I take Cassius’s coin. And…” He grabbed the gardener again, much to her feigned annoyance. “And I get to see her each time.”
“Piss off.”
Anton coughed Domitilla flushed, swatting away his hand from her rear. “Unfortunately I cannot be rid of him. If you will please follow me I will escort you to meet Lord Cassius.”
“Lead on.”
Domitilla bowed and led them through the garden, Virgil only a few paces behind. Dozens of whispered insults were traded before they reached the door. Verona chuckled again while Kal shook her head. Cetina retained her distant look. Anton wanted to get that sorted as soon as possible.
“Do you maintain this yourself?” Anton asked as she opened the wooden door.
“Yes. Only me. I appreciate the world of nature far more than most people that work in this mansion.” She walked inside. “And it’s very peaceful.”
The interior of the mansion was surprisingly spartan, only a few small paintings and the occasional ornament decorated the simple wooden interior, nothing made of gold or even silver. Cassius held modesty in strange places. Either that or most deals were made in the garden, a place to demonstrate his wealth and power, even over nature. They walked through a small corridor, the smell of cooking food wafted through and arrived at the central room of the mansion. This room was very sparse as well, no real ornamentation except for a simple wooden flight of stairs to the next floor. Only a single painting, of a smiling young woman with green eyes and flowing red hair, adorned the walls.
When Domitilla began walking up the flight of stairs it became apparent that she wore…extremely little underneath her skirt. So much so that she might very well be naked underneath. Anton, once again, reminded himself that Cassius’s fetishes were none of his concern. Virgil appeared to know full well of her wardrobe choices and slowed by several paces. A deep, claw-tipped, pinch of pain erupted from his side. He smiled through the pain until it stopped, only when they were at the top of the stairs.
“Do…” Cetina weakly began. “Are we allowed to take our weapons with us? I mean, they haven’t stopped us…”
“You may keep your weapons but please do not use them.” Domitilla flashed a hostile smile. “You won’t get the chance to hurt our lord if you try.”
Cetina simply nodded and continued following.
Is she saying that she’s actually a mage and not a gardener? Judging by her attire she’s not a mage…I shouldn’t judge by appearances. Especially against a woman. At least we’re still immune to poison.
She led them up several more flights of stairs and opened a heavy wooden door. She groaned and pushed with all her might as the heavy door opened. Natural light poured in. They had reached the top of the palace already. A simple garden lay before them, woven into a large semi-enclosed area that covered half of the top of the palace. A thick layer of flowering vines ran above, a vibrant display of blue and pink, the faint sweet smell of nectar rained down. Small birds fluttered between the flowers, desperate to drink the precious liquid. In the centre lay a dark wooden table with seven chairs sitting around it. At the end of this garden lay several large trees, a short fat man standing in front watering the trees.
Domitilla waved them forward. The short man turned around and smiled. His face was a little puggy, reminding Anton of Governor Eilis of Nonbur’n, but he doubted this man was Cassius. Though, there was no real reason for that assumption.
“Hello.” The man bowed as he gently placed a small watering can down. “I am Cassius. I am pleased you could make it this quickly. Please, have a seat.”
Unlike their time at Maxill, there was no one to pull it out for them, not that Anton had a problem with that. They all took their seats, Verona and Kal either side of Anton and Cetina beside Kal, while Domitilla stood to the side of Virgil. He tried to sneak a hold of her thigh but was swatted away with far more vigour. The short man, if he was Cassius, took the seat next to Virgil, with some difficulty, and rested his hands on the table. A brief pause filled the air as Anton stared at the man.
I’m surprised your maid…servant didn’t help you.
“Again, thank you for coming.” His eyes darted around the table. “And thank you for dealing with those creatures that assaulted our forces at Fort Acidava. Tell me, what were they like?”
“Well-”
“Who’s the man over there?” Kal asked quietly, nodding towards the large trees. “Someone’s hiding behind them.”
Anton looked closely but could not see anything. The trees were thick and allowed no light passage. Slowly a figure emerged, one which Domitilla rushed towards. Before she could reach the figure she received an order, bowed deeply and retrieved and placed a chair between the supposed Cassius and Virgil. Both men shuffled away as she stood to one side of the chair.
The man came into view. A tall, lean man with an immaculately maintained beard and hair, hard brown eyes and strong jawline. His clothes were simple but very well-tailored, light brown pants and long sleeved shirt, with two red sashes running from his right shoulder to his left hip. Two simple golden bracelets adorned his wrists, along with a small golden pendant hanging off a chain around his neck. He carried himself with great importance but not from arrogance. He was important.
“It seems that my hiding spot needs a bit of work.” The man grumbled as he took his seat. “It’s never been that quick before. I was going to use Governor Albus for a little longer. See what he could do…” He looked at Kal’s mask. “How did you know?”
Kal said nothing. Anton gently squeezed her leg as she held his hand.
“Not that it really matters now. I am indeed Lord Cassius.”
Cassius tried to speak but began coughing furiously. The coughs were heavy and deep, it sounded like his chest was full. The door opened and another maid rushed out, wearing the same uniform as Domitilla. She moved to his side and held a cloth to his mouth. The attack continued for several more seconds but it was enough to leave Cassius out of breath. A tiny sheen of sweat covered his face and he shook a hand to regain some composure. After giving one final heave he gently pushed her away.
“Thank you.” He coughed again, his voice clear once again. “I am finishing off the remains of a cold. Judging by that I am nearly finished.”
Could that be a ploy of some kind?
“Now, I must thank you personally for your involvement in dealing with those creatures. Thanks to you four we incurred significantly fewer losses than predicted.”
“Do you have any idea what those things were?”
“No.” Cassius looked out of the garden towards a large tall white spire in the north east of Porswea. “Our mages have been searching the libraries but have found nothing. These things are…new. Though the way the Goblins reacted to their presence is equally odd.”
“That it was,” Anton replied.
“I understand…” Cassius produced and unfurled a small piece of paper. Tiny and densely packed writing covered one side. “That my…son in law, Ricimer.” Anton saw the tiniest hint of a scowl at the mention of his name. “Tried to recruit you but was unsuccessful.”
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“Indeed.”
“However it mentions that you are open to the possibility of an arrangement…” Cassius frowned as he glanced at Governor Albus, who had been sitting perfectly still and smiling inanely. “So long as you had a meeting with me and…something about a boat?”
Anton nodded. “Yes. I’m not sure what Ricimer has told you about us but we require a boat for the next stage of our journey. Quite a large one. And a crew, of course.”
“For what purpose?”
Anton remained silent. Cassius looked to everyone but no one gave him a reply. He gave a tiny nod and continued.
“Very well. But whatever you could hope to achieve or find on your…travels, I can assure you that, if you were to work with us, I could have it delivered right to you. You would not have to work for your life again, outside of using your magic. Everything could be provided for you. Everything.”
“That is most gracious of you, but I’m afraid that we have to decline such an offer.”
Cassius bit his lower lip. “I see. I’ve also read here that you declined payment from Ricimer and you have yet to return to your guild for your final payment.”
Anton glanced at Virgil, his face remained flat and calm, though it was peeking at the bare-legged woman standing next to him out of his peripheries. “Yes.”
Cassius nodded to Albus who rose from his chair, walked as fast as he could to a small box near the watering can, and retrieved a small bag. When he placed it down it sounded heavy and full.
“This will suffice for your payment. I’m sure that Virgil doesn’t mind his guild not having to pay out some coin.” Virgil chuckled but did not refute Cassius. “And we can arrange for you to receive ownership of one of my boats at Rusaddir. The crew will be your own concern.”
“Thank you. Do you happen to have a spare map of the Graterious Empire, Lord Cassius? The only maps we have are very old and void of lots of information.”
Cassius hesitated for a moment. “If you can assure me that you won’t join with Vulusius or Decimus I can give you detailed maps of every kingdom and empire in the world.”
“We do not have any intention of joining with either of them, especially as you are able to provide anything they could. I understand that you have more than enough reason to see them both dead.”
Cassius gripped his fists hard and desperately tried to hide his fury. He took several deep breaths to calm himself. He was not going to allow himself to be riled up.
“Indeed. After what that piece of shit did to my daughter…” he scowled as he shook his head. “If I had my senses with me at the time I would probably be emperor. Not some inbred pig to wallow on the throne.” He calmed himself again. “And not wasting so much money preparing for a bloody war.” Cassius sighed loudly. “But there’s nothing that can be done now.”
“Those…creatures.” Anton began. “Despite the good work of your mages, there is a chance that they could return. If we are in Graterious we would like to help but you contacting us could be difficult.” Cassius said nothing, clearly thinking that Anton had more to say. “Do you have a spare piece of paper and two dip pens?”
“Yes…” Cassius gave Domitilla a tiny nod. She scurried off, her skirt rising a dangerous amount, and returned a few moments later with both items.
“Thank you,” Anton said as she gave them to him.
There was one thing he wanted to check before he made another copy of the communication pens. “Are you aware of what sort of magic that we use?”
Cassius nodded. “Yes…I wasn’t entirely sure what to think at the beginning. But…we don’t have the luxury to deny or antagonise someone who can use the power of the Old Gods.”
Albus looked a little dubious while Virgil smiled faintly.
“I personally don’t have a problem with their worshippers. Personally, I’ve never had a problem with them, or have many of my subjects. I just wish they and the Church of the Holy Father wouldn’t fight so often.”
“Who starts those fights?”
Cassius simply smiled.
Anton focused on the dip pens and chanted the same prayer he had for Duchess Belinda. A small portion of his magic left him and flooded into the pens. He took a deep breath as he gently placed the pens down.
“These pens are now linked and they will duplicate what is written. Let me show you.”
Anton wrote on the paper with one pen, the other pen took a moment before it rose and copied his words. All three looked very impressed.
“Impressive.” Cassius looked at the spire again. “If those mages saw how easy making something like this was…”
“I’m afraid that it used a good portion of my magic to make just these two,” Anton explained. “But they do not require any external magic to function and they should work indefinitely. Anyone can use them.”
“Fascinating.” Cassius picked up one pen and looked at the other. When it remained motionless he frowned, but when he wrote and the other copied his actions he smiled. “Truly wonderful. I would be willing to pay you tens of gold coins for sets of these. So much faster than birds or horses. And with no chance of someone capturing the message.”
Didn’t think if someone could intercept these. Though I don’t know how I’ll find that out.
“We may take you up on that offer.” Anton smiled, to which Cassius frowned lightly. “But, before you ask, we will not be selling these to Decima or Vulusius. What about Lord Umbris?”
“Not really,” Cassius replied. “I’d prefer you to not. While we are allies, and we share a deep pain, I do not want him to have this advantage while I do not.”
I’m guessing that after you’ve defeated the Emperor and Vulusius you two will fight it out. It might not be too hard to try and take that last step to become emperor yourself. Or I could be wrong and he just wants it for himself.
“I believe that’s where we’ll be heading next,” Anton said. “But we’ll keep a low profile heading through that territory.”
“Thank you.” Cassius looked at Albus. “Could you please get the maps and write the writ for The Snowberry.”
The what?
“Actually, could you please give me another four dip pens? I’ll make another two sets for free.”
Albus nodded and hurried towards the door. Cassius’s face beamed, just as another coughing fit started. This sounded a little more serious as his head disappeared from sight below the table. Something wet hit the floor. Virgil held his hand as the attack subsided.
“Ugh. I don’t believe I actually have this infection under control.” Cassius wiped the spittle away from his mouth. “Darn thing.”
“I may be able to fix this.” Anton rose from his chair. “If you’ll let me.”
Cassius glanced at Virgil, Virgil nodded. “Very well.”
Anton approached Cassius, he saw Domitilla place her hand on her hip, a strange hardness was underneath her hand. Nevertheless, he approached and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“Tethra, Goddess of Prayer, heal his infection and disease.”
A small portion of magic left him and Cassius looked healthier. He breathed easier as a hand travelled to his chest. He rubbed it gently and coughed, there was no sign of infection. “That…I don’t understand why those Church people would want this type of magic eradicated.”
Cassius smiled but he rubbed his temple. “Without that dammed cough now my head hurts.”
“That is one way to get rid of pain.” Virgil chuckled. “Just have something worse. Stub your toe to get rid of an ache.”
“Not like this,” Cassius grumbled at Virgil.
“If you will allow me.” Anton placed his hand on Cassius’s shoulder again.
He chanted a prayer to remove his headache but Cassius continued to frown. “Some of it’s gone but…I suppose it lessened the pain a little. Not bad though.”
“Let me try something else.”
He gently poured magic into Cassius. Cassius frowned as Anton’s searching travelled from his hand to his head, while Virgil found his expression hilarious. When Anton reached his jawline his pushed into something. His magic, a white force if he had to describe it, collided with something green. A green smoke. He glanced at Cetina and she frowned deeply. She said nothing but gripped the pommel of her sword. Anton forced his magic upwards and brushed the green smoke away. This was far denser that Cetina’s was. It took nearly a minute of continuous work to clear it, all the while Cassius looked at Anton deeply concerned. When the last wisp was cleared he relinquished his touch.
“Thank you. That worked, whatever it was. It’s gone now.” Cassius smiled as Anton took his seat again, both Verona and Cetina looked at him in concern, he was sure that Kal was as well. “Thank you. That’s been plaguing me since my…daughter died. Those damned mages weren’t able to fix it. But you could…At this rate, I’m thinking of making the Old Gods the state religion if I become emperor.”
“Cassius…” Anton began delicately. “Do you know of any magic that leaves a residue…like a green smoke?”
“What?” Cetina’s head snapped towards him, her face filled with confusion and a growing anger.
“No.” Cassius frowned deeply. “My knowledge of those arts is extremely limited.”
“I found great swirls of it surrounding your mind.” Anton looked at Cetina. “And it’s not the first time I’ve seen it. Though this was so much worse.”
“What does it do?” Cassius was panicking underneath a near perfect façade of calmness.
Anton shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. But I don’t think it’s good.”
“I’ll have to get a mage to investigate this.” He frowned and scratched his chin.
Anton hesitated. He did not trust the three Master Mages of The Academy or anyone else from The Academy, though he might be prejudiced against the others.
“Could I please have one of your bracelets for a moment?” Cassius shrugged and handed it over.
Anton chanted a prayer enchantment on the bracelet, baring the wielder from being influenced by any magic. It drained a good portion of his magic but appeared to work. He handed back the enchanted bracelet.
“This, this should protect you from any more of that magic.”
“Thank you.” Cassius held the bracelet tight. “It seems I have some investigating to do…A good excuse…” Cassius flashed a slasher smile. It disappeared a moment later. “But that isn’t your concern.”
Albus returned with several scrolls in his hands. He passed them to Anton, with a tiny bow, and returned to his seat. He smiled warmly as he knew nothing of what happened to Cassius. He glanced between Cassius’s legs, frowned, and looked back up.
“Kal.” Anton began. “Could you please work a prayer on those pens? I don’t want to use what I’ve got left.”
Kal nodded. “Okay. Just chant the same thing you did?”
Anton nodded as Kal picked up two pens. Cassius, despite being lost in thought, looked at Kal’s mask with great interest. Kal whispered the chants for both sets and let them rest on the table. Cassius reached over and tried both and they worked perfectly. Anton squeezed Kal’s leg, who returned his affection.
“Impressive.”
“Consider those as free,” Anton said. “Any more and we’ll make an arrangement.”
“Thank you. Domitilla, could you please get some mana vials for them? They’re in the fourth draw in my study.”
“Yes, Lord Cassius.” Domitilla bowed slightly and entered the mansion.
Albus whispered into Cassius’s ear and appeared shocked when Cassius replied. Domitilla returned a few moments later with seven blue glowing mana vials.
“Please pick one for me to test.” Domitilla arranged the vials like a fan. “To prove they aren’t poisoned.”
“Does that happen often?” Anton picked the second from the left.
Domitilla shrugged. “Not that I’ve heard of.”
“But it is the easiest way to get a powerful mage.” Cassius continued. “Especially when they’re so vulnerable.”
Domitilla nodded and downed the vial in one go. She showed no reaction and handed the remaining six to Anton.
“I hope these will be sufficient for a gift.” Cassius chuckled. “Very little money has actually changed hands during this. Just things…Well, this is everything that you requested. I’m sure they’ll be enough…so you don’t get involved with our little war. Show the writ of The Snowberry to the harbourmaster in Rusaddir and the ship will be yours. The crew is still your own responsibility.” Cassius rose from his chair. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some considerable work ahead of us. Far more than I thought when I received this message. Thank you for meeting me today. I will be sure to contact with these shortly.”
Anton took that as the end of the conversation. He took one of the Communication pens as all four rose up while Domitilla moved and opened the door.
“Good luck Anton,” Virgil shouted after them. “With whatever it is you have planned.”
Anton smiled back, Virgil beaming wildly, Cassius deep in thought while Albus looked on deeply confused between them both, as Domitilla led them through the door and back into the palace.
---[]---
Virgil leant against the edge of the uppermost garden and watched the garden below. He watched all five exit the palace, talk a moment with Domitilla, and then leave through the iron gate. All four observed the beautiful garden. Verona, the silver-haired clansmen woman, pointed at something and laughed. Anton pulled her close and kissed her forehead. He saw her pale skin turn red as she threw her head back and laughed. Kal, the one with the mask, appeared to be jealous while the fourth, Cetina kept her face blank. She was incredibly tense during their meeting as if something else was gnawing at her mind.
It was difficult to see over the wall, even from his current height, but he waited until he saw the four appear and enter one of the city streets. He did not know where they were going but he knew that they would create waves, no matter what they were planning.
“I must return to my duty, my lord.” Albus bowed deeply to Cassius.
“Very well,” Cassius replied. “Make sure that preparations continue. In fact, accelerate the plan. Do whatever is necessary.”
Albus bowed again and left the upper palace garden.
Cassius waited until he heard the door close and waited until twenty heartbeats passed. He chuckled as he tapped the pens on the table.
“I’m actually surprised,” Cassius spoke softly behind him. “I thought that you were joking when you told me of those four. One man and three women…That’s impressive.”
Virgil turned back to the table. “Two. The silver and masked one are his. Not paid if I understand things. The other one is more recent, I don’t know about that one. If it weren’t for them I would have died in Soulthor.” The images of that night flashed before him. Eating red meat had become difficult now, everything had to be cooked very well to remove the colour. That and the image of Verona, the Blood Berserker, smiling as she tore apart the Mole Rats made him a little queasy. “Though it still haunts my dreams sometimes.”
“Well…” Cassius looked at his bracelet. “This has been an interesting meeting. Perhaps even productive. Do you believe what he said about me? About my head and the smoke...What is that supposed to be anyway?”
Virgil took a moment. “I’ve never heard about it before but I believe what they have to say. They don’t have a reason to lie to you about this. They’ve only been in Graterious for a short time and they didn’t even know who you were before we met.”
“And this Cetina?”
Virgil shrugged. “She’s part of a Bebbezzarian merchant group that we ran into dealing with bandits. Just the regular type of bandits. I thought I’d seen the last of her and their group after arriving at Porswea. I’ll have to look into that. They seemed like decent people.”
Virgil remembered Cetina’s sister. He grinned but focused himself on the task at hand.
“Okay. But…you’re implying he has lied about other things?”
“Indeed. I told you that they claim, well, not Cetina, the one with the shield and sword, to have come from the wilderness and following visions of the Old Gods for some purpose. Anton claimed to be trying to save the world. Though he only said that once.”
Cassius nodded and rolled his hand for him to continue.
“Well, for one thing, they didn’t even question staying at one of the most expensive hotels in Porswea. Despite claiming they never used money before and had just come into a large amount. I would have thought they would have asked about other cheaper hotels and Inns. They didn’t seem stupid and it was odd they didn’t try and conserve their wealth. Especially if they have such an important task. I found that very odd. That and their sheer power. Far more than any mage I’ve seen before. Except maybe the Masters when they really try. But they can do it without a word…and a smile…”
“But are they are a threat to us?” Cassius asked seriously.
Virgil shook his head. “I doubt it…So long as you don’t attack them. I doubt there would be anything left of this city if you tried to attack him.”
“Are you serious?” Cassius raised a brow.
Virgil nodded seriously, any joviality gone from his face. “I don’t think he appreciated…”
“What?”
“Never mind,” Virgil remembered his words at Soulthor when he first met them. If he had been drunk and tried something stupid…
“What’s with the one with the mask?” Cassius asked. “She, I presume she is a she, could use the same power as him.”
“I don’t know. But she’s very good with a bow. Very good.”
The door opened and Domitilla emerged. A tiny smile graced her face as she returned to Cassius’s side. She smiled and held her hands clasped. Cassius glanced at her then back to the message.
“Did they say anything?”
She shook her head. “Nothing much. A few questions about some of the plants in your…garden, but other than that nothing of note.”
Cassius grumbled. “Oh well. The fact that they said they won’t be joining Decima or Vulusius is more than enough for me. And Umbris. And these communication pens is worth that much again.” Cassius held one in his hand. “Twice even. It’s relatively easy to kill a mage when they’re sleeping…but this. Imagine what our armies would be capable of if our generals could communicate like this. Even down to our captains…We could outflank and encircle our enemies without messages having to be physically carried between, so open to theft and loss. Time is no longer an issue. Organising supplies and reinforcements. With these…”
Cassius chuckled and placed it gently down. He tapped the message. “These creatures that they fought scare me. But they can be beaten with magic and steel…” He scratched his head and frowned. “This concerns me more.”
“Do you want me to investigate?” Virgil asked. “See what someone at the guild knows about green smoke swirling around your head?”
Cassius leant back into the chair. “No. I will make my own investigations. But I do have a mission for you.”
Virgil had a sinking feeling what he wanted.
“I want you to follow those four and find out what they’re doing. Even if they’re not against us I still want to know what they’re doing in the Empire and why.”
“I’d rather deal with Tullas Mad-Eye and his merry gang of idiots.”
“My son will deal with them. Crispus is more than competent enough. Even if he lost some soldiers helping my idiotic son in law.” Cassius shook his head. “They should outnumber them at least six to one, even with their losses. I’m not worried about them now.”
Virgil knew that was a lie. Tullas had been a tremendous drain on their resources ever since he came into being and, with the civil war about to erupt at any moment, Cassius could not afford to leave him running about. They had no idea who he was or where he was based. For all they knew he might be an agent of the Emperor, or anyone, really. Maybe even a mage lead this gang…They had essentially nothing to go on.
“Four people my soldiers managed to pick up provided quite the cache of information.” Cassius smiled. “A bunch of thieves trying to rob an armoury store were caught, turns out they were part of his gang. They didn’t last long before they gave up their master’s hideout.”
“Did you ask nicely?” Virgil teased.
Cassius smiled, closed his eyes and relished his memories. “No. Though their screams were very satisfying. We’ve still got them if you need some stress relief.”
Virgil groaned. He did not like his employer’s propensity for viciousness against his enemies. He had bared witness to one of his sessions against an enemy. That gave him nightmares for nearly the whole spring. Probably even worse than the incidents with the Mole Rats.
“I’ve got better ways…” Virgil desperately avoided looking at Domitillas’ short skirt.
Cassius smiled. “Regardless…Just make sure that you don’t get caught.” Cassius said. Virgil had to restrain a smirk. “I’m not sure how they’ll react.”
“You don’t need to tell me that. I know what I’m doing.”
“True. True.”
“This won’t be for free though. I’m not risking myself against any of them for nothing. Even that one with the sword is pretty terrifying. I’ve seen her fight…”
“I’ll pay you double the standard amount.”
Virgil smiled. “Very well. I’ll get moving before they get too far away. Good luck with finding who or whatever put that smoke in your head.”
Cassius’s face darkened as he nodded seriously and looked at the message on the table. Domitilla opened the door and led him down into the palace. She barely made it down the first flight before she turned and pinned him against the wall. Her knee smashed into the wood just behind his crotch and she dangerously raised her leg with every passing moment.
“Aren’t you mad tod-”
She grabbed his head and rammed her tongue down his throat. They remained embraced, fighting in all the senses, for some time before she slowly retreated. They were both beet red before she took his hand and continued leading him down the stairs.
“They told me where they’re going next and what they’re about to do.” Her voice had turned a little husky as she moved more quickly. “So we have a little time before you need to leave. Understood?”
“I don’t think one of Cassius’s spymasters is supposed to behave like this.” Virgil flipped her skirt.
Domitilla sighed and opened a door to a bedroom. “No one suspects me. And I do enjoy tending to plants and animals. So much more simple and beautiful than humans.” She grabbed his shirt hard and pushed him towards the bed. “Now, do what you’re best at before they’ve dealt with Cetina’s father.”
“Who?”
Domitilla did not answer and threw him on the bed, though he did not resist. She mounted him before he had stopped bouncing on the bed and had already begun ripping off his pants. He sighed and grinned at the same time, he would have to work hard to make sure he did not lose his pay.