Blaze’s foot tapped the ground. Once. Twice. Thrice. He sighed inaudibly and rolled his eyes to look up at the ceiling. How boring. He sighed.
The arguing old men in front of him continued their squabbling, as they had been for the past three hours. These were the infamous base bosses. Fearsome lords of the underworld. A bunch of old geezers with too much money and time on their hands if you asked Blaze.
It was times like these when he cursed his own competence. What was the use of being so over-qualified if your superiors were all idiots?
“The wolf-ship was supposed to carry my wares! How dare a little upstart use them instead!” hollered one of the base bosses, fists shaking. “My men had to travel by carriage! Half our wares were immediately confiscated by the Court of Farmers!”
“You think that’s bad?” scoffed another. “My men spent months, literal months, smuggling our client out of prison, only for his escape ship to be in some other port!”
“At least you all knew! The deer-ship’s copper didn’t even bother to send us a notice for its absence!” the third base boss hissed. Her sharp canines glinted in the low candlelight. “Rex’s loyal little dogs were quick to round up all of my men!”
She pushed herself to her feet to glare at Blaze, pointing at him. “How will you compensate me for the loss of twenty of my best men, runt?”
The young man remained silent. His foot tapping continued, willing the time to pass by faster.
The other minor base bosses began to add in their own losses and complaints. They hurled insult after insult at the underground lord’s right-hand man. The men and women were only egged on when the big boss himself watched silently behind the thick ornate screen.
“How will you guarantee something like this won’t happen again? You expect us to trust your ships when an underling could pull something like this?”
“Honor demands that he be punished, my lord!”
Blaze merely crossed his arms, rolling his eyes defiantly. “If it’s all so inconvenient for your ungrateful majesties.” His voice was flat but the young man’s eyes were sharp as ice. “Don’t use our ships.”
One of the base bosses lunged towards the young man, hauling him up by the collars of his shirt. “Brat! You started out as a mere cupbearer. You think you’re so much better than us now just because the underground lord favors you?”
“I don’t think,” Blaze sighed. “I know.”
The base boss tossed Blaze to the floor. Surprisingly enough, the young man allowed it, merely rolling his eyes from his place on the ground. They both knew that in a real fight, the other man would stand no chance against the younger.
The base boss fumed, “You are nothing, Port-Dog!”
Blaze’s eyes narrowed. His lips curled into a snarl. “Watch your words.” He spit near the base boss’ foot. “Don’t forget who you owe your current wealth to.”
Reeling back, the base boss opened their mouth to retort.
“That’s enough!” called the voice in the front.
The room quieted as their gaze turned to the underground lord.
Blaze brushed himself off and got to his feet. He worked his jaw. Hmm, at least it wasn’t bruised.
From behind the screen, the underground lord rubbed his fat forehead. His face was covered completely by a grotesque but elegant mask. “This old man tires of your squabbling.”
His voice didn’t sound like it belonged to a man older than fifty, but the others made no comment.
About time, thought Blaze snidely. Despite his thoughts, the mob boss’ face retained the perfect blank mask.
“The order to recall the ship was mine. My minion was simply carrying out his duties.” Behind the mask, the Underground Lord’s dark eyes roamed the room lazily. “Any complaints?”
Anyone that had dealings with the underworld world knew of the Underground Lord. In fact, there had been many of them throughout history. It was the title for whoever happened to currently be the strongest in the criminal world. However, there was no doubt that this was the perfect name for the man sitting on the throne.
The base bosses shifted uncertainly at the underground lord’s words.
This was the man rumored to have overtaken the dirty crime-ridden streets of Oceanport and converted it into his empire. No one knew of the Underground Lord’s true identity or if the one currently sitting on the throne was even the original. The Underground Lord was sly and cunning. The voice and body behind the screen often changed. There had even been times when it was an old woman or a young child. Needless to say, the confusion had certainly been efficient in warding off assassination attempts. The one currently sitting on the throne was the most common mouthpiece, leading many to wonder if they were the true lord.
Although his reign was relatively young compared to the other base bosses, the Underground Lord had been scarily efficient in carving his place in the world. There was no kingdom that did not have dozens of establishments that were under his control, and no base boss he did not hold a debt over. The newest development was the business of carriages and ships. A transportation service the base bosses hated but depended on, leaving them only more in debt to the masked man on the throne.
The base bosses looked at one another. It was clear to see that they did not find the conclusion of the matter satisfying. But it was not the right time to defy the lord. The alliance was too beneficial… for now.
Slowly, they all nodded and voiced their assent.
“Those that lost wares or men shall be compensated.” The underground lord sighed, “Now, is there any other business to attend to?”
One of the base bosses fidgeted in their seat. “Well, there is the matter of succession.” They looked around. “You have not announced your intent for which of us is to succeed you-”
“Hah! Do you take me for a fool, Ragnar? The annoyance of infighting I could take, but I do not need assassins hovering over my bed at night.” The underground lord snuggled into his seat, his cunning eyes glancing over the other men and women in the room. Each was more dangerous and ruthless than the next. “You’re already praying for my death, trust in Admin to make your dreams come true soon.”
“I can raise a toast to that,” laughed the woman base boss. She raised her cup towards Blaze. “I suppose it’s the same reason why underground lords never choose their right hands as successors.”
She turned back in her seat. “So, you can bray and bite, but if your position doesn’t allow it, you will never amount to anything. Point is,” she stared straight at Blaze through the reflection of the glass. “When I become your future boss, I’ll make sure you know your place, dog.”
The other base bosses jeered, some protesting at the bold claim, others laughing along with it.
Blaze looked away. Time would tell.
—
“All the ropes are cut, my lady. The repair of this gate will take much man effort and time,” reported one of the Elite Guards
Eres frowned, “Are you sure?”
“The gates were built in the times of the ancients. It was designed to protect us and withhold against the strain of war and time,” the guard rubbed the back of his neck. “However, I am afraid they never accounted for the scenario where…the ropes would be cut from the inside.”
“How extensive is the damage?” the queen demanded. “Is there no hope even if we brought all of the masons of the Citadel to fix it?”
A pause. “My queen, we might need to go through the Temple’s records just to regain the knowledge on how to start repairing it.”
Eres growled, teeth clenching in rage. She punched the stone wall. The Elite Guards were too trained to flinch away and watched on silently. However, they were smart enough to subtly shift away from the raging queen.
Eres sneered, “Bring me the one they left behind.”
Her order was quickly heeded.
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“Ugh!” Derek found himself roughly shoved in front of Eres. His bound form landed painfully at her feet.
The man growled through the gag around his mouth. The two guards that were holding him down sported fresh bruises and busted lips. One of them even had a black eye. The Port-Dog had put up a good fight.
The observation only further aggravated Eres. “Ungag him.”
The guards hurried to obey.
Once he was free of the gag, Derek immediately spit at the queen.
Eres stared at the saliva staining her pants. “Disgusting,” she whispered.
Derek received a solid kick to the face for his actions. Still, the man chuckled, “Always dreamed of doing that.”
“You have nerve, dog, I’ll give you that.” Eres glanced at the spit and then back at the man. She clasped her hands behind her back. “Where is Four taking my miners? Where are they headed to?”
Derek squinted at the question. The concussion was making him quite loose-tongued. “Well, where else but Oceanport?”
The queen gritted her teeth at the sarcastic tone. She motioned for the guard next to her. An order to inflict punishment. The lieutenant was only too eager to please.
Glancing at a silent Nikolai, Eres sighed, “Now that we know their whereabouts is there any usefulness left to this dog?”
Nikolai paused to consider the question.
The queen took his continued silence for the answer it was. She turned to the other guards. “Send your best scouts to the North gates. Lead a battalion to chase after my miners. Make sure you retrieve them before they reach Oceanport.”
If the Port-Dogs reached Oceanport, it would be a hassle for Eres to retrieve them. Especially, if the Temple of Admin decided to get involved. Loathe as Eres was to admit it, the kingdom was legally under Four’s jurisdiction.
The guards looked at one another. “But Your Highness, the journey will take time and they-”
“It will be done,” promised the lieutenant. She glared at the guards. “All of you, make haste now.”
The Elite Guards glanced at their general. When the older man nodded, they hurried down the stairs. With practiced ease, it only took mere minutes for them to prepare their horses and ride off.
In the following silence, only Nikolai, the lieutenant, Eres, and the beaten prisoner remained on the ancient wall.
Eyes sliding over to Nikolai’s hunched form, Eres noted, “You have been quiet, Nikolai. Is something the matter?”
There were few people that Eres liked, and even fewer that she respected. Nikolai happened to be the rare few that fit into both categories. He had been the general of the Elite Guards for as long as Eres could remember. Loyal, strong, and intelligent, there was no better man suited for the position. During the Revolution, he had led their forces to victory and had saved her life on multiple accounts back when she was just another soldier. As long as Nikolai was there, the Citadel would be safe. It was something Eres had always had fate in.
She glanced around at the lonely piece of land. Quiet…and empty.
Eres got to her feet. “Let us return to the castle.”
There was a pause.
“What about the prisoner?” the lieutenant asked. “Shall we bring him to the cells?”
Derek’s eyes widened. He began to struggle to free himself of his bounds, but it was to no avail.
The queen’s eyes hardened.
“Kill him.”
—
“Why did you withdraw the two ships?”
The question was straight to the point. The Underground Lord let out a puff of smoke and lowered his pipe.
He glanced at the young man kneeling on the ground in front of him. If Ria had been there, she would have been shocked to see the other in such a stance. Still, despite the submissive position, Blaze had a dominating aura about him. There was something powerful in the way he held himself. Like a tiger before it pounced on its prey. there was something dangerous in his stillness that would make others weary and unsettled by his presence.
But such was not the case for the Underground Lord.
“Do not make me repeat myself, boy.”
Blaze lowered his head. “I needed them for personal use.”
“What personal use?” the fat man asked sharply. “Did I permit you to have such a thing as personal use for my ships?”
Blaze remained silent and unmoving.
The Underground Lord laughed raucously. “What were you really trying to do, huh?” He chucked his pipe toward the young man. “Embarrass me in front of the base bosses?”
The large man rose to his feet, revealing himself to stand even taller and larger than the kneeling young man. He stalked forward to grab Blaze’s face. “You made me lose face you little shit!”
The two entered an intense staring contest.
When Blaze looked away first, the Underground Lord released his hold.
“Or maybe we’ve all underestimated you. Trying to take over, boy? Stage a mutiny?” The lord chuckled darkly as he cracked his knuckles. “I gave you control of our men in Oceanport and now you think you have what it takes to be a boss?”
The young man worked his jaws. “I would have already betrayed you a long time ago if it was my intention to do so.” His eyes slid over to the closed door. “But clearly I have not.”
The Underground Lord paused and followed his underling’s gaze.
SLAP!
Blaze turned his face back slowly. His left cheek held a bright red mark. The young man’s gaze was hooded. “Have I not done enough in my service to your cause?” he gritted out.
“You could die a hundred times for the cause and it would not be enough!” snapped the older man. His double chin wobbled. “If not for us, you would be dead and forgotten on the streets! An orphan from the mines!”
Blaze clenched his fists.
“I’m dying, Blaze,” admitted the older man carelessly. “The underworld will bring chaos to the kingdoms until the strongest of the base bosses comes out on top. Sooner or later the change will come. Do not go against the tide, it is not your fate to do so.”
The Underground Lord settled back into his seat. “Do not ever pull something like this again.” His giant fingers tapped against the armrest. “There are plenty waiting to replace you.”
Blaze lowered his head dutifully. “If that is all, I will take my leave, sir.”
The Underground Lord waved him off.
The spy at the door straightened. Moving silently, they hurried away as the sound of heavy footsteps approached the door. The base bosses would be more than satisfied with this report. The spy smirked.
Gently creaking the door open, Blaze poked his head outside. His eyes narrowed at the figure that disappeared behind the corner.
“Are they gone?” asked the Underground Lord in a quiet voice.
“For now,” Blaze pursed his lips. “But as long as those base bosses are here, we should keep our guards up.”
He shut the door and turned to face the underground lord who slouched lazily in his seat, looking like a deflated humanoid pancake. He looked nothing like the fearsome Underground Lord.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” muttered the older man.
Narrowing his eyes, Blaze took an intimidating step forward. “Doubting me? My, maybe the old age really is getting to you.” He pointed at his cheek. “Did you really have to hit that hard?”
“I was method acting!” The Underground Lord laughed sheepishly, cowering away. “Don’t blame me, you’re the one who wanted it to sound real! I was just doing what you-Hey! I’m sorry! Please stop glaring, you’re creeping me-Ah! Help! HELP!”
---
Eres frowned. “Nikolai? Did you not hear what I said?” She crossed her arms, like a pouting child. “Kill him.”
The general of the elite guard slid out his sword. He approached Derek, footsteps dragging against the stone floor.
Derek glared with all his might and continued to struggle against the rope that held him. This was it.
The Port-Dog watched as the large soldier approached. There was a certain noble tilt to the general’s grey eyebrows and a righteous sort of look in his eyes. His face held a weary sort of expression… almost as if there was a sense of regret. In a way, Derek was almost glad that it would be him doing the deed. The girl looked like a snob and Derek would sooner fling himself off the wall than allow Eres the pleasure of slitting his throat.
Derek sighed, his body falling limp. He could feel the weight of the satchel against his chest. I’m sorry, he apologized. He truly had believed that he would meet that crazy girl and stupid hometown of his again. But some things were not meant to be.
The sword raised high in the air.
Derek shut his eyes.
It’s all up to you now, Four.
CLANG!
“What are you doing, Nikolai?” Eres’ eyes widened in shock. Her words trembled.
The general turned to face his queen. His discarded sword lay on the ground behind Derek.
The queen shook her head. “Pick up your sword,” she demanded.
Nikolai lowered his head respectfully. “I cannot kill this man, my queen.”
“Pick up your sword!” screamed Eres. When she received no response, she started forward and picked up the blade herself. “Take your sword, Nikolai. This is an order from your queen! TAKE IT!”
The man shook his head.
Eres held the blade up to the older man’s throat. To his credit, the hardened leader of the Elite Guards did not flinch. Eres’ voice was soft but deadly. “Do not betray me now, Nikolai.”
The lieutenant watched the interaction with wide, excited eyes.
“Kill him,” repeated Eres.
Nikolai looked away.
In a swift motion, Eres stabbed towards Derek, ready to end the miner herself. The blade was blocked by a large form. Nikolai gasped. With narrowed eyes, Eres stared at the stab wound in Nikolai’s side.
Pulling it out, Nikolai tossed the bloody blade to the floor once more.
“Ahh!” The lieutenant held out her sword ready to drive it through Nikolai’s neck. “You traitor, you dare defy our queen!”
But before the blade could strike flesh, it was blocked by an armored fist that punched it away. A long-bloodied cut ran down Nikolai’s arm. When the lieutenant came again, Nikolai kicked her back.
The woman struggled to her feet.
“Stand down,” commanded Eres. “This is not your fight, girl. Know your place.”
Nikolai’s weary eyes looked into that of the furious queen.
Eres did not want to believe what she was seeing. She buried the sting of betrayal with rage. All memories of his past deeds and loyal acts were burned sharply in her mind. She owed this man her life! As long as Nikolai repented and took up his blade, she would forgive anything.
“If you do not kill this man, I will strip you of your honors and expel you from the guards,” said Eres coldly. “Your rewards and deeds will be confiscated and burned.”
There was a loud silence between them. The wind howled, barreling into the unmoving forms.
“Then so be it,” Nikolai sank to one knee, stab wound bleeding sluggishly onto the floors of their ancient wall. “I humbly request my position be granted to another better suited to your service. This old man is weary and not fit to serve in Your Highness’ guard.”
Eres scowled at the words. She turned her back on the kneeling man. Pointing to the lieutenant she said, “You there. Return to your base camp and assume your new position as general of the Elite Guards.”
“Me? I mean, yes! Yes ma’am!” came the stunned reply.
Without turning, Eres said over her shoulder. “Never have I been more disappointed in a man, Nikolai.” She sighed, “I hope you know what you just did.”
“I’m sorry to have let you down, my queen,” replied Nikolai sincerely.
“In service to our kingdom, you have just as much blood on your hand as I.” Eres frowned, “This act of kindness will not wash it away.”
Nikolai lowered his head. “I know.”
Eres walked away without another word. She got on her horse and urged it into a straight gallop kicking up snow and dirt as she and the great beast rode away. With a single look back at her leader, the lieutenant offered a salute and followed after Eres.
The wall was silent once more.
“What in Niamh’s name just happened?” asked an extremely confused, but alive Derek.
Nikolai sighed. He clutched his bleeding side. Hobbling over, he helped cut the other man out of his ties. “You’re not dead, that’s what.”
The two got up.
The former general glanced over at the former slave. “You want a drink?”
Derek blinked, “Sure…but,” he glanced down. “Don’t you think you should get that patched up first?”
The general looked down at his bleeding wound. "Right," he said, then promptly passed out.