In a dark dungeon looking room, 2 men were plotting something sinister that will change Veserix empire's future; no, it's more accurate to say Semele's future forever.

Of course, they did not know that yet.

One of the men wearing a black hood which covered most of his face but enough for his goatee to be seen said "Are the men ready? No witnesses. Remember, if this fails, your family will be purged and all blame will fall on you"

"Please don't worry my lord. The men would rather die than revel any secret in the unlikely event they are captured. We sent 300 men mostly rank 4 Majai warriors with assassin class. For your assurance, we sent a rank 6 Majai warrior as well" said the man as he smiled evilly.

"The Mordeath clan has the best assassins in all Semele. Be it man or beast, once marked for death, all have perished." said the man dressed in a full black.

AUTHOR: Imagine a ninja.

The man in front of him who seemed to be his superior moved his hand to an empty spot and a blue light shone from one if his rings and a chest of treasure of unspeakable glimmer and beauty was revelled. From gold coins to flawless diamonds. From oriental necklaces to mixture of gold and jade bracelets.

"Remember Tragor, succeed and your will take a portion of the spoils apart from this payment." said the man.

"Thank you my lord for your generosity. I'll inform the men what awaits them should they succeed" said Tragor.

****

Arthemor Manor.

In the dead of night, there were 2 people indulging in a devious plot.

"Remember Leinad, when your master comes to rest, you will tend to your duties faithful. You have but one task. Pour this potion into the cauldron that the knights eat from for their dinner and you will be the richest person in the city overnight."

The man in black cloths brought out a small potion from empty space itself and handed it to Arthemor Manor the chubby butler Leinad.

"Yes, I understand. I will fulfil my part. Remember the gold you promised. Trick me or kill me and the blood seal will kill you" said the Leinad as he took the potion with his fat and small fingers.

The assassin smiled and said "Don't worry, when the job is done 2 of my men will give you your reward."

"20 of my men will pose as servants of the estate. They will be waiting for the escort to finish their last supper" said the assassin with a meaningful smile as he slowly faded into the darkness.

Leinad looked around and thought to himself 'What a creepy guy. Best be careful to hide for some time after the job is done'

*****

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

12 hours later.

A convoy could be seen in the distant from Arthemor Manor Tower, the highest point in the city.

Leinad looked in the distant and said to himself "I am truly sorry my lord, but if the price of me gaining wealth and station is your death, then so be it. It is time to make a name for myself."

Leinad, still mumbling to himself did not notice the captain of the Manor guard approaching.

"Leinad. The lord will arrive soon. I'm riding out to welcome him."

The startled Leinad turned pale as he tried to recollect himself. Not sure if he heard his words

"Ah...ye...yes. Yes of course captain Suryis I'll prepare things on my end"

The captain, dressed in silver armour with black and gold coloured robe nodded as he turned to leave.

"I have to keep this guy busy for tonight. Such a nosy guy. Maybe I can have those people get rid of him."

***

Arthemor convoy

"My lord, the cavalry from the estate approaches"

"I see. Alright, it must be captain Suryis. Bring me Dulahan"

"Yes, my lord"

As captain Suryis came ever closer to the convoy; at its head he saw a man on top of a black stallion with golden spurs and saddle and armour. It was Dulahan. The lord's horse.

The man on top looked like an emperor with his black and golden stripped robe passing to the side of the horse in a neat fashion.

Captain Suryis slowed down his steed and as he raised his clenched right hand to command his men to stop.

All 30 men got down from their horse and made a night's bow to their lord.

"I CAPTAIN SURYIS, WELCOME LORD ARTHEMOR TO THE MANOR. MY LORD!"

Said the captain as he brought his head lower.

"Rise captain Suryis, I thank you for this welcome. Come. Ride with me"

"Yes, my lord."

The 30 men simultaneously got on their horses and opened a path for the convoy.

"So captain, how are things going in the city?"

"My Lord. On broader scale, all is well. The new reforms set from the Arthemor archives from agricultural to construction to waste management has been implemented without any issues...."

"I sense you are about to say 'But' captain" said Arthemor.

"Indeed, my lord" said captain Suryis as he looked at his lord.

"2 days ago, an odd incident happened. Now I could be overthinking about this but.... On the eastern road, there was a massacre of a merchant convoy headed to Durwin empire."

"Bandits?" said Arthemor

"It didn't seem so my lord. There were many things strange about the incident."

"Come now captain. Explain more clearly. My patience is not infinite"

"Ye...Yes, my lord. You see, that convoy was heavily guarded. The convoy was consisting of 70 people. 35 of which were guards. These guards were all veterans. Consisting of healers, assassins, knights, mages and 2 first rank Majai warriors." said the captain

Arthemor lifted one of his eyebrows and looked at captain Suryis.

The captain continued "As you might have already guessed my lord, no bandit group would be foolish enough to fight with these guards. Even if they win, the losses would be great. Moreover, we know of no such bandit group"

"What if it was a high ranked magi beast?" asked Arthemor.

The captain responded "It is unlikely my lord. The convoy died with clear blade marks on their bodies. The guards would have sent messengers or lit a beacon. Somehow, it looked like they did not know they had died. So, unless a legendary class monster has come to our domain without us know, then...."

"Assassins so skilled that even Majai warriors did not know they had died" added Arthemor

"Yes, my lord"

"It's been 2 days and there still has been no clues. It's like they suddenly vanished."

"These assassins know what they are doing. Spread the barracks guard along the eastern road. Leave no stone unturned. Detain any suspicious groups."

"I hear and obey my Lord" said captain Suryis as he brought his clenched fist to his chest and took a bow.

And so, the convoy went on its way to the Manor, not know they did as their enemies had planned.