Aleyth’s private office was small for any Prince or royal household member. The white stone walls were flecked with veins of quartz, a large thick wooden desk dominated the room, with just enough space left for four chairs. One wall was dominated by a large hearth which was burning brightly, the other a bookcase filled with books on ancient magic, military strategy and leadership. Behind Aleyth was the window to the private courtyard of his personal residence, unusually there were no armed guards; all available fighters were working in shifts across the fortress city walls and gates, their people remained on high alert.
“We are sitting ducks right now” Braxton broke the silence.
“We cannot be hasty, my champion” Aleyth calmed him.
The heavy door behind Braxton creaked open and then abruptly closed. “I hate it when you do that” he said in a gruff voice
“Apologies Sir” Hito said, his being now only just becoming visible and fading into the physical realm. He was tall and lean, covered in deep purple and black clothing that allowed for maximum flexibility and adaption. Not built for direct battle, but a man of espionage, deception and cunning. Hito was second in command of the Spymasters association of the Elven kingdom, a direct report and childhood friend of Aleyth. They had grown up together and when Aleyth was blessed with the Assassination essence tree, Hito helped train Aleyth in the art of subterfuge and intelligence gathering.
“Sit. Tell us everything.” Gestured Aleyth, pointing to the chair next to Braxton and at the herbal tea that was set out on a table that had been worn smooth by countless nights Aleyth had spent pouring over strategies and encounters old and new.
Hito stood by the fire momentarily, placing his hands towards the flickering flames that crackled and spat warmly. “This world is quite chilly. Just one sun. Interesting”.
“These people are technologically very advanced. They are weak individually, but together, like ants, they form quite the powerful swarm.”
Pausing for his first drink in seven hours, Hito slowly sipped the steaming cup of herbs.
“The communicate through strange gadgetry, I discerned they have no telepathy-like ability, but these machines are allowing unseen people to communicate across great distances. The machines seem to radiate waves of some kind, I can feel it but I am struggling to describe it to you in words, my lord.”
“Please continue” Aleyth said, warmly
“Of course. Those in command were not in sight. I overheard a number of their troops saying they were hidden in underground and secret bunkers across the country. It seems this world is made up of various factions or ‘countries’ and each is experiencing similar events”
“I heard nothing of our brothers or sisters being mentioned. It does however seem that some of their communications with other countries has been stifled by the events, including some of their key allies”.
“The people, in a way have similar through processes to us. The blockade was strongly divided in the treatment and subsequent attacks on our people”
He looked sadly at Aleyth, before continuing “unfortunately, the events at the North gate and in the air strengthened many of their peoples resolve to unite and fight against us. Although, I have a feeling it may have gone that way.”
“The man that came to negotiate, Ralph, he pleaded with those in command to stop. I believe he saw the events unfold for what they were. A series of unfortunate escalations that sadly led to the death of our people”
“I placed my ‘Marked’ ability on him my Lord. So I can easily find him and spy from whichever location they take him to. I sense he is getting further away quite quickly, however. It may take me a while to catch up to him.”
“You are my Spymaster Hito, I expect nothing less. Give a full debrief on the technologies to Braxton, our command and artificers. Amongst their violent toys, perhaps they have some novel ideas or innovations that could help us progress our own technologies further.”
“I know your spies in this garrison are varied in power Hito, but we need all of them out there in this unknown world gathering as much intelligence as possible.”
“I only have a team of ten here my Lord, whatever we gather will be limited and will take time”
“I know this, Hito. This is why I want you to gather our Hunters and Assassins; this will take your numbers up to around eighty. Teach them your ways, indoctrinate them into your association. It’s time for it to expand, and at pace”
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“The integrity of the association may be compromised my Lord!” Exclaimed Hito “We don’t want to end up with spies within spies, do not forget we still have enemies in our home world”
“Times have changed, my friend. Our home world is currently a dream. Information is our priority and this is the only way we can scale what we know. Work with our mages and artificers to share communication portals; they can stretch great distances too.”
“Yes sir”
“Your objectives are to train your new command over the next twenty four hours. Just the basics. Indoctrinate them. Make them take the oath and swear the words to you dead in the eye.”
“Yes sir”
“I will trust that you’ll come up with the most effective plan. I suggest, and this is only a suggestion… that your core team focus on the peoples command in this world. Allow the hunters to become scouts across the surrounding areas and the assassins to travel further afield. Violence only as a last resort. They are commanded to listen and learn, nothing more and nothing less. Reporting back to you on your own schedule”
“Yes, my Lord. We will have this land mapped out as quickly and efficiently as we possibly can”
“Then it is decided. Thank you Hito for your ongoing service, counsel and friendship”
After he left, Braxton stood “I shouldn’t have done what I did. These people will never forgive us now”
“No Braxton. You avenged our people. Our children. They should not have overstepped the way that they did. I fear what they will do next. You are right. We are sitting ducks. But I do not want to wage war, not so soon after the wars on our own world”.
*** *
Hito had gathered his ten core spies in the great hall, each one specialising in espionage and stealth, they all wore their deep purple and black mobility armour. They were built for speed and stealth and spent their lives honing their craft.
They all took their places along the top table with Hito, ready address their new recruits. Being part of this association was a great honour and took a lifetime of commitment to join, the minimum bar was being at level 80 or above, which was less than 1% of the population. Each of them were disheartened to learn this bar was now dropping, but they were committed to their Prince and would take this as their duty.
Outside the hall, a rag-tag group of Elves were starting to amass. As they made their way into the hall, each of them soaked in the sight. Brilliant white stone, lit by warm glowing torches, evenly spaced with perfect symmetry, separated by large thin arched windows. Each window made of intricate stained glass detail, providing a kaleidoscope of colours that shifted and flickered with the sunlight.
Large banners adorned the back walls with the crest of the House of Eternal Sun, armaments that usually decorated the walls had all been removed making the walls of the hall slightly sparse. Despite this, it was still an impressive sight. Huge wooden tables stood sturdy across the clean white stones. Each doorway a highly polished obsidian that was almost mirror-like in reflection.
The hall was famous for festivities and social events, but in times of war it had witnessed true history. Many strategies were derived in these great halls, battles won and battles lost. Champions celebrated and mourned. It was a hall of celebration, an ode to the natural world and war; a perfect juxtaposition.
The hunters and assassin specialists took their places, each glancing at each other nervously. Some of the group were hardened warriors, others had some form of military training and were just starting their careers. Others, like Galier, had only recently received their gifts. He was both short and lanky for an Elf at six feet tall, considered the runt of the litter. What he lacked in strength and skill, he made up for in charm, quick thinking and the ability to adapt.
The murmuring between the group was interrupted into complete silence at the sight and sound of Hito standing up from his chair at the head of the high table.
“My Elven kin. Please, be seated.” Hito paused briefly to allow for the noise of the hurried scuffles to subside as the group were all eager to demonstrate their ability to follow orders abruptly.
“You have all been gathered here because of your gifted abilities. To either track, remain unseen and, or, gather intelligence. You are all of different power levels, different lineage and have a varied level of skill.”
“Those of you with any military training at all, raise your hands”. Around seventy percent of the group raised their hands. “Very well, please follow me to the back of the hall. The rest of you remain in place and commander Lucin will give you your instruction from here.”
Some time passed as the two groups of new entrants were formed. Lucin waited patiently, she had kind eyes but the skin around them was haggard, they had seen too much in their time as Hito’s right hand. Galier looked around, only twenty remained in his group, he turned his signet ring nervously between his fingers.
“You will all under go just one week of espionage and communication stone training, those of you that pass will immediately be sent out into the field to gather intelligence and report back.”
“Each of you will be out in the field for as long as you can, or until you are ordered back. Violence will be a last resort for each of you. As the less developed of our new recruits your role will be simply as scouts to help our cartographers map this new land.”
“Those of you with stealth specialisms and enhanced mobility will be required to document this giant city we find ourselves within. Those of you with affinities to nature will be required to move further afield towards the outer regions of this land. Our seers have seen huge green swathes of land waiting to be explored to the North, South and West of our city. The great, proud city of Tehlarain shall stand strong.”
Taking a pause for breath, Lucin continued “We have two clear objectives. Number one, understand if we have been brought here alone, or if any of our brothers and sisters from neighbouring towns, cities of our world have been summoned here too. Number two, map the land. That is all. Please check in with Seer Dorian by the hearth, he will document your abilities and assign you to your duties once you’ve completed your training.
Galier’s heart was a flutter, but he made his way over to Dorian, ready to prove himself to his family, to the Elven kingdom and more specifically, to the House of Eternal Sun.