“You can’t build yourself into a master in a day, but there are decisions we all make, that can break us in a moment.”

~Kahlean Armous

A light knocking clanks from the door. I put a book down and say, “Come in.” The large door opens, revealing Al’Amur. He gestures towards the room. “I’ve already said you can come in. Come on then.” He steps in and looks at the chair with broken arms, “ I hope the room was to your liking. We can get a new chair in here by the end of the day, special made for your size if you’d like.”

I shrug, “Most Sky Oni sleep on flat ground, but I find the reading material here enthralling.” He looks at the small stack of 3 books at my side, “I can see that. Seems like your as much brain as brawn. A real renaissance man.” I begin grabbing and equipping my tools of trade, “Hardly. Oni can’t even use magic. The blessings of the gods prevents it. And please don’t ask me to do anything that requires fine machinery.” I open my hands wide in front of him, “These aren’t the best tools for a clockmaker, or a professional runic.”

“As modest as always. I’ve heard from our band of employed escorts you’re quite the gentleman.”I nod and signal I’m ready by cracking my neck.

He nods and says, ”Mind following me? I’ve been tasked with opening you several accounts with our various providers. Blacksmiths, Runics, woodworkers, and of course, alchemist you will have free access to. ”

I grab the letter before following him. I flick it with my hand and say, “How generous of you.” He responds, “Our only hope is your stay and business here at Exile’s Gap goes smoothly.” I smirk, “That all you say?” He turns and stops walking. He opens his mouth slightly, imitating a human smile again, “Of course Ariak. We hope to have a rewarding relationship that blooms into spring. If you find anything to your distaste, please let anyone here know, and they will have it corrected.” He turns and continues leading me. I shrug and follow.

We spend the greater part of the morning maneuvering from various businesses in Exile’s Gap. Al’Amur takes his time introducing me, showing me blacksmiths, alchemists, and go-to traders for various items I might need. The white stone used in all the buildings and streets of the city reflects the bright, southern sun against me in waves, like the snow from the mountaintops of my homeland.

Once he’s lead me from all of the various resources of the ward of the city I ask, “So I’m to meet Rosewild’s founder later today. Why the rush?” He stops in front of one of the cities fountains. It’s waters cover our voices and he replies, “Our reasons will become clear very soon. There is a lot about Exile’s Gap you don’t know about, that we would like to show you.” I grin, baring my bluish teeth. A small arc of electricity flies between my large, lower canines, “I can see the horizon Al’Amur. You can show me all you want. I’ll even follow along. But understand I’m rather good at seeing things for what they are.” His left eye twitches ever so slightly, “A good thing in it too. We hope you can see our goodwill for what it is-goodwill.”

I laugh, “Haha! Continue courting your damsel. ” He nods and we walk from the fountain. We briskly tread towards the Rosewild headquarters. The massive building flaunts expensive scrolls, ingredients and grimoires behind glass windows. We head through it’s main doorway, revealing the large glass rotunda roofed rooms. We head through the various hallways and rooms towards a grand staircase. It’s greenish marble oozes luxoury as we make our way upwards.

At the top of the staircase, a man steps out from two large doors. His finely kept gray beard and slicked back hair radiate wealth. His stance is wide and domineering. He stands taller than most, and wears clothes becoming of royalty on the eastern side of the continent. He sticks out his hand and plasters a massive smile on his face, “Great to meet you Ariak! The name’s Rockwall Willis, founder of Rosewild.”

I grab his hand and squeeze a little too hard, but he doesn’t flinch, “Likewise. Al’Amur has told me all about the plans Rosewild has for me. For the city really.” He says, “Oh really? We’ll have to reiterate on that, to make sure we all come to a mutual understanding. Good work setting up all the accounts Al’Amur, I’ll take care of him moving forward.” The blackscale’s left eye twitches slightly, “Of course sir. I’ll be running the front desk if you need anything.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Rockwall gestures me towards his office. I enter the room. Grand and glorious etchings mark every surface of the room. Gold weaves itself into wood, and silver caps pens and lines the various books on shelf after shelf. Mannequins holding suites of armor from various parts of the continent stand in line, greeting all visitors with cold steel.

He smiles as he watches my eyes, “I take it you’ve a mind for interior design?” I raise an eyebrow, “Maybe an inkling instead. I do thoroughly enjoy finely crafted architecture. Something with the heart and soul of a craftsman in it.” His eyes beam, “Oh ho! So you do have a taste for the luxurious. Have a seat.” He gestures towards a chair obviously made that day. It’s large, braced arms and legs big enough for a bear, or me.

I unsheathe my sword, place it against the chair, and sit in the leisurely seat. I ask, “So now that all of the formalities are out of the way. What do you want? Be clear, we Oni can’t understand subtly.” His eyes squint, “A clever devil have we? I only wish you to understand the companies intentions. We want you as a representative for us during formal and informal events, as well as a special operations agent for matters requiring, well...” He gestures towards the broadsword I have on my back.

I make direct eye contact, “I can understand the sword, but why the face?” He smiles, “Why it’s so very amiable, isn’t it? Unique, no other sky oni in Exile’s Gap, so it’s memorable. Powerful and tall, you’d make a great figure head. People need a face attached to rosewild, and you could fit the bill. ”

I smirk, “An awful lot of investment in a brand new face. Someone who’s killed.” I tap three slow, hard knocks against my sword. “Someone who’s an obvious risk. Hell I’m surprised you’d make such aggressive contact in the first place.” His smile dissipates, “More men kill than those that don’t. We all have pasts we’d rather not dig up from the grave. I think your just looking for a good opportunity.”

“An opporunity… How about I consider it, but a man like you… Well I doubt taking huge risks is typically in your arsenal.” His eyebrows raise quickly and lower, “Oh I think you’ll sing a different tune once we become well acquainted.” I fold my hands together, interlacing my fingers, “Speaking of singing, you didn’t even take the bait earlier. I was hoping you’d believe Al’Amur had sang like a canary.” He sits further back in his chair, “A solid rouse mind you. Something that might work under lower lights and with a lot of alcohol involved. I trust Al’Amur deeply.”

“Seems like you trust fairly easily.” One of his eyes twitch, “I wouldn’t say that, I’m just an excellent judge of character. Hard to make a company as grand as this without it.” I smile, “Grand enough to come grovelling towards the first powerful newcomer in the city?”

He balls a fist playfully, “I think you’re crossing lines you can’t even see. Maybe it’s the height, all of us humans look like ants.” He closes an eye and puts two of his fingers in front of the others. He fits me in between his fingers and squishes them together. I smirk, “Nothing of the sort. You’ll find I can see quite clearly, just like your willing to take risks. Sometimes you need to start a fire for more light.” He smirks, “Well now I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. As riveting as this may be, I need an answer fairly soon. How’s that for information?”

I laugh, “Haha! I guess timeline can be more important than events. Just know some things are inevitable. A pawn that reaches the end of the board, it can be any piece it wants to be.” He smiles and reaches out his hand, “Except the king.” I reach out my hand and shake his, “Well. What would the king have the rook do?”

He raises an eyebrow, “A rook? No. You’re to be the queen. If anything, this conversation confirms everything I’ve heard and more. I don’t want a sword and a face. I want a sword and a voice. Something that’ll reverberate. Keep people breathless. Gasping for air,” I squeeze my hand a little harder, “I was always known more for my vision. I’m glad to see you can at least hear the voice.” We finish shaking hands. I stand as he gestures me out. We exchange pleasantries, and I head towards my room.

The hallways blur. I breathe heavily and sweat profusely. I reach my room and lay on the floor. I stare at the ceiling. Sweat rolls from my forehead as I hyperventilate. I bite into one of my fingers until it bleeds. I say, “For Alma and Randall. I must be strong. Stronger than wrath, stronger than bone. Certainly stronger than a rose gone wild.”

I gulp loudly, lie upwards, and reach for the bookcase. I find a book bound in red leather detailing speaking in a beasts tongue.  I scorn all magicians at once, "If you can't beat them, join them. If you can't join them, have them eaten."