When Cassian saw the mining structure poke up from the horizon his eyes narrowed. Part of me thinks I should just keep moving through and head straight to the Blue Tower. But another part of me craves justice for the people of Deadwood. What kind of man would I be if I saw the way they were being exploited and chose not to act? Would I be able to live with myself? Light nudged his wet nose into Cassian’s side. Cassian laughed and patted his friend on the head. “Yeah? What do you think pal, should we try to help the people of Deadwood?”
Light licked his paw and then rolled over in the dirt looking up at the prince. Cassian shook his head grinning. “You just want some fish, huh?” The leopard limped over to him and licked his hand.
Cassian rolled his eyes and pulled a piece of fish from his cloak. With a smirk he tossed it to the big cat. For a brief moment he felt content and a touch elated, until he remembered he still didn’t have a plan. Cassian kicked a rock in frustration. I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to pull this off, especially without being able to use my amethite.
They walked together on the road into the mining town just as the sun was beginning to set behind the mountains. If I wasn’t so stressed trying to come up with a plan I might be able to enjoy how breathtakingly beautiful these mountains look at twilight in this part of the country. As they strolled into Deadwood the lanterns were starting to light up and illuminate the crude wooden structures. The sludgy chemical smell wafting up from the mines stung Cassian’s nostrils. Weary inhabitants cast terrified looks at the pair and some women ushered their children into their homes.
Cassian grinned, casting a side-eyed glance down at Light. “Based on these looks I’d almost assume these folks had never seen a black eyed teenager and a giant purple horned snow leopard before.” He ran his hand through Light’s fur laughing.
They made it to the Brass Blossom Tavern as nightfall covered the town. It was crowded with people chatting cheerfully. When Light limped into the tavern behind Cassian a tough looking man screamed like a little girl and the bar became dead silent. Those seated closest to the door scrambled away so quickly some even knocked their make-shift tables over.
Cassian put his hands out in a calming gesture. “It’s okay everyone, this is Light. He’s my friend. Don’t get in his face and he won’t hurt you. He also loves fish!” Cassian looked around at the patrons and couldn’t tell if they were more unsure of him or the big cat. “Where is Reinhold at?”
The burly miner popped out from the back carrying a tray full of grilled meats. His face lit up when he saw Cassian and he shouted at him from behind the bar. “Boyo! You’re alive! Maria told me she saw ya get into a fight with Ingram an his guards. I could hardly believe her when she said ya jumped off the cliff and into the river! You’re one crazy little bugger that’s for certain.”
Cassian smiled at the sight of his big friend. “Reinhold, I need to speak with you privately if that’s okay?”
Reinhold put the tray of food down at a table full of hungry miners who dug right in as if they hadn’t eaten in weeks. With a quick glance left then right, Reinhold beckoned Cassian over. “Come on over here now an we'll talk upstairs.”
Cassian nodded and followed Reinhold upstairs into an extremely modest living room decorated with recycled materials. Light stayed close to Casian, he was still unsure what to make of the people in the tavern. Old shipping crates were used as seats and burlap sacks that had been used to transport grain were painted in vibrant colors and hung from the walls. They sat down and Reinhold offered him a mug of ale.
Cassian waved his hand and shook his head. “I’m okay, thank you though. I need to talk to you about that night. I fear something nefarious is going on in Deadwood. I want to get to the bottom of it.”
Reinhold ran his dirt stained fingers through his messy beard and nodded. “I tried to tell ya. That sad little excuse for a man Ingram is up to no good!”
Cassian nodded back and patted the recycled carpet for Light to sit and get comfortable. The leopard came and laid down, he took the opportunity to clean the dirt off his belly.
Reinhold’s jaw dropped and for the first time Casian had ever heard, the loud miner whispered, “Lad, why do ya have a damn mountain cat taggin’ along with ya? And where the hell did ya find one with horns? I’ve never seen one like that and I’ve lived in these mountains my whole life?”
Cassian laughed and leaned in closer. “You don’t need to whisper he’s pretty friendly most of the time, as long as you’re not a trapper. You won’t believe this, but I saved Light from some hunters. I tried to help him get back on his feet again so he could return to the wild. Crazy enough he decided to stay with me.” Cassian gave Light some grilled fish before continuing, “ I was starting to get lonely all by myself and even though we just met, he’s been an amazing travel companion.”
Reinhold whistled. “I’ll be damned. The prince of Enthamere is a bloody druid from the stories my grandma an old man used to tell me! You never stop—"
“Nonsense, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as druids. I just couldn’t allow such a noble creature to be killed like that. Anyways, how is Memphis? The night I fought with Ingram and his men they were giving him a nasty beating.”
Reinhold looked out the window and his smile flew from his face like a bird heading south for the winter. He took a moment but then looked down at his feet and shook his head slowly. “They executed Memphis lad. Ingram held a town meeting announcing that Memphis had been stealing amethite from the mines, and so, they h-hanged him.”
Cassian’s eyes welled up with tears. A fiery wave swelled up inside of his chest—it crashed and then receded over and over against his good natured heart, eroding until all that was left was rage. Light’s ears perked up and he cocked his head to look up at Cassian. “It’s a lie…That night I saw them beating him, he pleaded that he was innocent. By the entrance to the town a wagon was being loaded up with crates. I’d bet my life that inside of those crates was amethite.” Cassian squeezed his hands into fists until his knuckles turned white. “That bastard Ingram is dealing amethite and killing miners as scapegoats to cover his tracks…”
Reinhold gasped and his eyes shifted around the room as he tried to process the words. “That makes perfect sense. There’s been a long list of miners who have been executed for stealin an I’ve worked alongside many of em. They were honest men and women who would never steal a copper crown, let alone a horde of amethite.”
Cassian stood up and walked over to the window looking out at the town. “Who could Ingram be selling the amethite to?”
Reinhold made a sound of contemplation before shrugging. “I’ve no idea, I barely know the man. He stays holed away in that mining office atop the structure.”
“I’m going to catch him red handed and we’re going to lock him up. When my father appoints a new auditor I’m sure that anyone would be a step up from Ingram. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back on good terms with my father and help ensure a good man takes Ingram’s place.” Cassian turned back from the window with a sinister smile.
Reinhold stood up and patted the prince on the shoulder. “That look in your eyes is freakin me out and I’m not quite sure what to think. What your sayin’ rings true enough in my head though.”
Cassian nodded and patted the much larger man on his shoulder. “When I was looking out the window I saw a carriage roll up the road. I’d bet anything that worm Ingram is planning to move more amethite tonight. To take him down I’m going to need your help though.”
“Of course lad, an you makin such a huge effort to help Deadwood confirms the feelin I had about you. You’re a good boyo, an I was right to help you before. I’ll offer you a hand anytime you may need it.”
Cassian’s smile disappeared and his face became stoic as he looked down at his new feline friend. “Light is going to stay here, he’s injured and in no shape for a fight. Gather up as many strong miners as you can. We’re going to stop Ingram in the act and we’ll have all the proof we need. It won’t be easy and I expect them to put up quite a fight, so prepare yourselves properly.”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Reinhold nodded, flashing his big goofy smile at Cassian.
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Countless chimneys protruded from the mining structure like the spines of a cactus. Despite it being late at night, thick smoke billowed up into the night sky, masking the mining town in a surreal dreamlike haze. Cassian and Reinhold led a group of miners armed with crude makeshift weapons through the dusty streets—the flickering torchlight cast menacing shadows against the shantytown walls. The gang trudged towards the entrance of the town in resolute silence.
Cassian gripped a rusted mining pick tightly as his mind raced through the many ways the night's events might unfold. It’s time to start acting like the man I’m supposed to be. These poor hard working people aren’t going to have to live in fear after tonight. The prince cracked his neck and massaged his heavy eyelids, opening them and sighing through his nose. His cursed black eyes narrowed at the sight of the wall of guards blocking the road ahead. Beyond he could see carriages being loaded to the brim, Cassian knew there was only one cargo so precious as to warrant this kind of protection.
With a quick glance over his shoulder at the poorly armed miners behind him Cassian cursed under his breath. They were outnumbered nearly two-to-one by the well equipped guards. If he had his Shardblood powers he would’ve felt much better about the odds. Still, he didn’t have any choice, if he couldn’t stop Ingram then affairs would remain dangerous for the good people of Deadwood. The sharp wind blew against Cassian’s face, a frigid reminder that he was alive and well.
Cassian and the miners stopped just a few yards away from the wall of guards. The guard captain in the center of the formation took a single step forward, hand tightly gripping the ornate steel hilt of his longsword. A tall feather sprouting from the captain’s helmet fluttered in the breeze, he addressed the gathered miners with a dismissive shout, “Citizens of Deadwood, you are to disperse at once! Your gathering tonight has been deemed illegal on the grounds of obstructing official business by Auditor Ingram. If you do not disperse, he has given us the order to shed your blood in the name of the King.”
The miners shifted nervously, they were physically strong but they lacked martial training and discipline. Glancing around anxiously, Cassian knew the morale of the mob was delicate and could be shattered quickly if he didn’t handle the situation delicately. Cassian stepped forward in an attempt to shift the momentum. Attempting to speak as confidently as possible, Cassian raised his voice, “I am Prince Cassian of Enthamere, by my command you are to put down your weapons and clear the road. To disobey my order would be considered an act of treason against the great nation of Enthamere.”
Guards muttered amongst themselves and shifted side to side, clearly unsure what to make of this new revelation. The guard captain's face contorted into a confused grimace as he scanned the young man standing before him who claimed to be the prince. Cassian was dressed in tattered rags, his face and hair were caked with mud, and he had jet black globes for eyes. The prince looked down at his disheveled appearance and sighed. My current condition certainly doesn’t exude a majestic air of royalty.
The town was silent as a grave with only the sound of the whistling winds and the distant clanging from the mines echoing through the street. Ingram stepped out onto an iron platform overhead and addressed the confused groups, “This black eyed demon is a liar! Why would the prince of Enthamere be out here in Deadwood looking like a dirty vagrant. These citizens have gathered with intent to disrupt my operations. Cut them down!”
The guard captain breathed in and out deeply before pulling his metal visor down over his eyes and blowing a horn. The next minutes became a chaotic blur around Cassian as the two forces clashed in a violent and bloody melee. His extensive combat training kicked in and he fought instinctively. This was the first time the prince had ever been in the middle of a real battle against armored soldiers and it felt utterly unlike the wars he read about in his military history lessons. The screams of agony were ear-piercing. The smell of death made him queasy. The sight of raw and unfiltered violence shocked him.
Once the outmatched miners were surrounded, the well trained soldiers pressed the offensive mercilessly. The sound of Reinhold crying out in pain sent a shockwave through Cassian and his focus returned to the battle. This is all my fault. These miners are going to be slaughtered because of my foolish plan. No, I can’t allow this. I can’t fail these people.
Cassian channeled all of his self doubt and apathy into raw emotion and let out a bear-like roar. Putting a lifetime of martial drilling to work, the prince became an eidolon of fury. With inhuman efficiency Cassian butchered his way through the soldiers, leaving a trail of death in his wake. The savagery of the black eyed prince quickly shifted the momentum of the battle. The miners fought harder, emboldened by the ferocity displayed by their prince. Overcome with terror, the guards morale shattered and many began fleeing into the darkness.
The prince made his way to Reinhold and the friends fought back to back until the bodies of soldiers had piled up around them. A pool of blood had formed around Reinhold’s left leg and Cassian noticed that his friend’s trousers were stained a deep red around his thigh.
Cassian pointed down at the vicious wound. “You’re hurt, you should get out of here!”
“It’s just a lil’ cut boyo, I’ll be fine.” Reinhold’s eyes shifted beyond the battle and he pointed towards the carriage. “That spineless worm! Ingram is fleein’ the town atop the wagon. It’s all up to ya’ to catch him, Cassian!”
With a quick look between his friend’s wound, the carriage fleeing the town, and the battle that was nearly over, Cassian nodded stoically. He dropped the gore stained pickaxe and ran to a horse, pulling a longsword from a corpse on the way. With one graceful movement he swung up onto the flaxen chestnut coloured steed and spurred it forward. The wind whipped at him as they galloped down the mountain road in pursuit of the corrupt auditor. As the silhouette of the carriage appeared on the horizon, Cassian’s lips shifted into a smirk, he was going to catch Ingram. The beautiful horse was well muscled and fast—towering redwoods on the side of the road zipped past in a blur. On the other side of the road the mountain dropped off steeply, providing a breathtaking view of the jagged mountaintops and winding river celestially illuminated by the moonlight.
The auditor looked back over the shoulders with the reins in his hands. A glint of realization flashed in his eyes as the understanding that the heavy carriage would never be able to outrun the muscular steed cemented itself in his mind. The auditor pulled back hard on the reins and the carriage skidded to a sliding stop on the mountainside.
Cassian halted the heavily breathing horse and stepped down onto the dirt road. His black eyes scanned the carriage with vehemence. The moonlit silhouette of the auditor stalked towards him. The prince twirled the steel longsword in his left hand as much to display his martial prowess as to get a feel for the weight of the weapon. He’s no match for a practiced swordsman like myself. I’ve drilled with the finest master of arms in Enthamere. I’ll end this quickly and put this night of bloodshed behind me.
As Ingram moved closer the light from the moon illuminated him. Cassian’s stomach sank and his palms began sweating. The nefarious auditor’s eyes were glowing a hue of purple that burned like an alchemical flame. If only Cassian could use his amethite, this could be an incredible duel. The moon shined down on Cassian and offered him a reminder that life wasn’t always fair.
Closing his eyes, the prince sighed. Of course, he just had to be a damn shardblood.
When his eyes opened, Ingram was lunging towards him wielding a small upside down golden dagger in each hand like a praying mantis. Cassian felt like a fool for letting his guard down for even the blink of an eye. If he was going to survive this duel of inequality, he would need to fight without making a single mistake. With a graceful back step the prince managed to buy just enough time to dodge one stabbing blade and parry the other.
A wicked smile paired with the glowing eyes and bulging muscles made Ingram look like a demon summoned from the gates of hell. Cassian’s mind raced as he tried to predict the trajectory of the razor sharp daggers. Ingram caught Cassian by surprise by throwing his hands out wide in a feint before throwing a lightning fast spinning wheel kick. The auditor’s steel toed boot slammed heavily into Cassian’s chest launching him through the air. The prince crashed into a huge tree trunk and fell violently to the dirt. The familiar waves of agony crashed relentlessly over his body and his vision became blurry. Cassian trid to get back up but his battered body wouldn’t obey his brain.
Ingram stood over him, the moonlight from behind shining on his twitching silhouette. “You should have stayed in your high tower like the spoiled brat you are, Prince Cassian.”
Cassian’s misty eyes bulged in shock. He knew it was me all along and he still ordered those soldiers to kill me?
Ingram spit on the broken prince. “I met you once on a trip to the capital years ago. Being covered in mud and wearing rags doesn’t disguise you, your highness. I’d recognize that spoiled face anywhere. You could’ve stayed in your tower living opulently. I came from a family of ten and fought for everything I’ve ever had. You could never understand that kind of poverty. I don’t know why you decided to intervene in my affairs or why your eyes have turned black, but I do know that the nation will be better without you around.” The auditor started laughing maniacally before staring deeply into Cassian’s eyes. “I suppose you could consider me a patriot for doing what’s best for my country. See you in hell, your highness.”
Ingram drew his dagger back and swung it down with a venomous purple hatred in his eyes. Right before the blade could plunge into Cassian’s chest, Light pounced down from out of the giant redwood trees with his powerful jaws open and teeth bared. The giant cat tore into Ingram, ripping his head from his neck with one powerful bite. The auditor’s lifeless body fell to the dirt twitching. As Cassian looked up he saw his feline friend looking down at him, purple horns shimmering in the moonlight.
Cassian tried to speak but the words came out as a breathy whisper, “Th-th…thank you…” The world faded to black around the prince.