VIRELIA
775DY
Tudas, 34th of Anovo, Spring
She stopped at the corner of an alley to catch her breath. It had been challenging work, wrestling that guard off her comrade, and they had sprinted away together through the streets. Now they both stood, laughing and panting.
“No matter how often I picture him clutching that broken nose, it never gets old.” She managed to say between breaths, her hand resting on the rough stone, a smile playing on her lips. Lucius smiled back.
“Pig deserved it. He told me he’d let me go if I said words of praise about the Consul. I’d sooner spit on his corpse.” He retorted, shaking his head. Virelia nodded, her gaze steady on Lucius. That shared sentiment had forged a profound bond since the Consul was elected.
“And there’ll be plenty of time for that comrade,” she promised, her voice filled with determination, “once we win the fight and we make this city free.”
They continued down the alley together, their steps ringing on the concrete as they left the bustling chatter of the streets behind. The alley smelled of piss and beer, but that’s to be expected when within a block of any tavern. Lucius spoke up.
“Where are we to meet them?” He asked.
“There’s an old blacksmiths just on the edge of the Oreni District. The tallyman will be passing it on his way home. We’ve got four men in waiting.” She answered, a smile creeping along her face. It was a shame they’d have to involve someone impartial, but it was well worth it if it would stop the law. The counting was to be conducted in a few days, and they hoped to hit as many tallies as possible. They only lacked the ability to change the Senate’s vote. Maybe they could go into the rich Opis District and start burning houses down, but they’d draw attention from other people that it would be wise to avoid. Not everyone in Opis got there by legitimate business.
They called themselves the Ironfoots, after the tavern where the movement had started, named for the shackles on a slaves’ feet. They had been active for a decade, quietly helping slaves with brutal masters, freeing some, and recruiting others as spies, but the new law had gotten them into a frenzy. More men were willing to do jobs than ever, and the tavern was always packed. Virelia was cautious, however. She knew some of those listening at the tavern could be spies, and she always threw in some misinformation to scramble their plans. Their ultimate cause was to rid Doros of slavery entirely, but that proved difficult. More slaves trickled in by the day, and for every one they freed, two would arrive from Rodina. Where there is war, there will always be slaves to bring here. The trickiest part was the slave brands – magical tattoos that marked a slave, and allowed them to be tracked by an Inquisitor who knew their mark. The ritual to remove the brand was time-consuming and required expensive materials. One of the Ironfoot mages performing it was captured and shipped off to the Spire last month. If the law passed, even a kind master having the ritual performed legally would be outlawed. Virelia did expect one upside – people would start paying good money, taking whatever they could steal from their masters to get the brand removed.
The pair continued, ducking through side streets, walking past beggars lying in alleyways. Damp was all around them, and it had begun to drizzle. The rats darted across the ground before them. Eventually, they were nearing the Oreni District. Lucius spoke again after some time.
“El, do you think it’s right? What we’re about to do?” Lucius asked. Virelia frowned.
“I told you not to call me that, and you know why. I won’t have my friends nicknaming me the same thing my old master did.” She said, shaking her head.
“Didn’t think you’d mind considering he freed you. Sorry. But what do you think?” He apologized, asking again.
“I don’t know. I suppose you can justify many things for a cause like ours. But these men don’t deserve to be beaten in the street.” She said, sighing, her lips pursing.
“I agree. But if it helps the cause, it is worth it.” He said.
“True, but how many things will we use that excuse for in the coming days? The men are out for blood. I’d rather us be the good ones.” She retorted. Lucius shrugged.
“In times of war, nobody's hands stay clean for long.” He declared. They fell silent again as they neared the blacksmiths.
In the alley next to it, the sound of hammers rang, and the smell of hot coals drifted into their nostrils. Four men awaited them, dressed in dark leathers and each with a weapon of some kind. A blackjack, a knife, spiked knuckles, and a shovel. Virelia recognized them all but couldn’t remember any names. She looked at the one with the shovel.
“Taken up gardening have we?” She smirked. The other men laughed as the bald one grunted angrily.
“Piss off, Virelia. You should see what a shovel can do to a man’s head. Carnage.” He said, nodding assuredly.
“Clearly it’s done a number on yours.” She said, smiling fully, and everyone laughed again louder.
“Shut up, the lot of you! Let’s get to bloody business. Enough about me choice o’ weapon.” He said, supporting himself on the shovel’s handle. Virelia put on the voice of a commander, something she had taken for her old master, who had been a centurion long ago.
“Right, listen up boys. We’re going to find and threaten him and deal as little damage as possible.” She said, folding her arms and trying to rise a little taller. One of the men groaned at that. She snapped back. “No complaints, these men are innocent, and I’ll not see them harmed more than necessary.” She said, pacing forward. “All we need him to do is count an Opposed victory for his vote portion. I will do the talking. Any of you speak up and he’s liable to think we’ve got head injuries.” She said, smiling. The others had the sense of humour to be able to laugh at themselves, and did so, but the bald one wasn’t amused. It was true. Virelia did speak much more properly than they did. They had grown up in the poorest parts of Doros, like Marena, Westgate, and North Novos. She had grown up in the house of a rich retired soldier and Senator, and had been blessed with eloquence.
Lucius spoke up. “Do we have a description of him?” He asked. Virelia shrugged and looked to the others. The tallest one, Virelia thought his name might be Otto, replied in his strange hinterland accent.
“Aye. He’s got short black hair, big ears, crooked nose, an’ yella teeth.” He told them.
“Should fit right in with you lot then,” Virelia said, a few chuckles following. “Right, let’s move out. If he runs, lob that shovel at him.”
They pulled up scarves around their mouths, and a few put hoods up. The sun was just going down, and the revellers were beginning to pour into the streets, the ladies of the night and the thugs' dirks on their belts. Virelia had a hood up too. She didn’t want people to notice she was a woman immediately, and her leather coat was baggy enough to make her chest unnoticeable. They stalked through the streets, ducking away from crowds, drawing as little notice as possible, and sticking to the lengthened shadows. When they reached a fountain, a few prostitutes were already flogging their wares around it, a common sight on this street. The Fountain of Tits, they called it, because you were likely to see a few. And they did. A red-haired woman in her mid-30s was standing atop the fountain’s rim. She did an impressive balancing act, dancing as she called out to passers-by. Lucius stared, his eyes wide. Virelia smirked and grabbed the top of his head, turning him away.
“Ya’d think the poor lad had never seen any. Though I have always loved a ginger. Reminds me of home.” Otto laughed. Lucius frowned.
“I’ve seen plenty. The women are quite fond of me, actually.” He said confidently.
“I saw ye get slapped the last time ye chatted to one o’ the lasses in the tavern.” Otto replied, laughing again.
“Well, she wanted me to meet her parents. I’m not one for commitment.” He said. Otto shook his head.
“I think I seem to remember ye saying ‘I’d sooner jump naked into a pit of snakes!’” The big man said, mocking the shorter one’s accent. Lucius looked up at him.
“Well, that’s because her father owns seven slaves. I don’t know why she even comes to that tavern.” He said. Otto’s eyebrows raised.
“Ah, fair enough in that case, laddie.” Otto replied. They were nearing the street where they expected the tallyman, and Virelia put her hand up, shushing them. At the right street, they crouched behind an empty cart and peered out. Otto whispered.
“Fella who followed ‘em said he’d go into that alleyway there. That’ll be our moment.” He said. Virelia nodded.
“Soon as he’s out of sight, you-“ She pointed to the skinniest of them “- sneak up and put your foot in the back of his knee, cover his mouth while the rest surround him.” She ordered. They all nodded in agreement.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
After a few moments, they finally saw their mark. The hair, the nose, the teeth, and he walked with a limp. But there was a complication. A girl of 8 or 9 was following behind him.
“Aw bollocks,” Otto said. “Fuck this. I’m not hurting a little girl’s pa in front of her.” He began to stand, but Virelia grabbed his sleeve.
“Wait, I’ve got an idea. One of you needs to do the talking with him. I’ll distract the little girl.” She began to slip out of cover, and looked back. “Now you make sure he has no visible bruises, and no blood, or I’ll pay you back in kind.” She threatened. The rest seemed disappointed, but nodded. Virelia walked out into the centre of the street, pulling down her hood and scarf, trying to look casual. The girl was trailing behind, and her father told her to hurry up. She was distracted by the shop windows, full of jewellery and other treats. As her father neared the alleyway, she stepped between him and the little girl. The little girl nearly bumped into Virelia and said, “Excuse me, I’m sorry miss.” Virelia turned and looked down, smiling and crouching down.
“Why aren’t you a polite little girl? Where’d you learn manners like that?” She asked. The little girl smiled and pointed.
“My dad taught me.” She said, but she wasn’t pointing at him, but instead at the five sketchy men who had just followed her father into the alley.
“I bet he did. You know, I saw you looking at the window of that shop. I’ll tell you a secret if you promise to keep it.” Virelia said, smiling genuinely but preparing to lie.
“Okay, I promise.” The little girl said.
“Well, I own that shop. And since you’re such a polite girl, I’d like you to go inside and pick anything you’d like to have.” Virelia said.
“Really? That’s so kind, miss!” The girl exclaimed.
“You’ve just put me in a good mood, that’s all. Come on, let's head over.” Virelia touched her shoulder and led her over to the shop. It was closed by now, out of business hours, but Virelia knew how to get in. She feigned checking her pockets.
“Oh dear! I must have left it at home!” She said. The little girl looked sad.
“Does that mean I can’t have anything?” She frowned.
“You’re in luck, because I have a little trick for this situation.” Virelia said, reaching into a small saddle bag above her waist. She pulled out pair of tools for lockpicking. She looked up and down the street, and seeing the coast was mostly clear, she knelt and got to work. The little girl walked forward, fascinated.
“How did you learn to do that?” She asked. Virelia wasn’t sure how to reply.
“Well… I…” Her mind scrambled. “I used to help guards clear out abandoned houses, to make sure they didn’t have any nasty people or rats living in them.” She said, satisfied with such a convincing lie. “So, I had to learn how to open locks without a key.” She finished.
“Wow. I wish I could do that.” The little girl said.
“Maybe you will someday.” Virelia smiled as she continued to work the lock, sticking her tongue between her lips in concentration. A shout was heard from the alley, and she could hear a man saying “Please.” The little girl turned, suddenly afraid.
“Where’s my dad? He’s gone missing.” She said. Virelia shook her head.
“No, no, your dad is just talking to his friend. I saw them discussing something in the alley. That shouting is probably just some silly drunk man, as always.” Virelia reassured her. The little girl smiled.
“Yes, people are very silly when they're drunk. I’m never going to drink when I get older. It makes you stupid.” She said. Virelia smiled.
“Then you’re a smarter girl than me. I’ve done some silly things in my time.” She replied.
The lock finally clicked into place, and the door creaked open, perfume wafting outwards. The jewellery inside glistened on the display pillows. Virelia couldn’t help but want to pocket something for herself. “Come on inside. Take your pick.” She called, and the girl came running inside, eyes lighting up. There was just enough light from the setting sun to illuminate the place, and they walked together, looking at all the gems before them. The little girl’s eye was caught.
“Hmm, I want… This one!” She exclaimed, pointing to a silver necklace shaped like a heart with a small red ruby set inside. Virelia looked at it.
“Well, it’s beautiful. I’m sure it’ll look great on you.” She smiled.
“My dad got my mum the same one. If I have one, we’ll always be matching!” The little girl said, brimming with excitement. Virelia was genuinely joyful. That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. She grinned but struggled to keep it up, remembering what her men were doing to this girl’s father in the alley. She grabbed the necklace, splitting the chain and clasping it on the little girl’s nape.
“There. You look very pretty indeed. I’m sure your mother will love it.” Virelia said.
“Thank you so much, miss!” The girl replied, stretching her arms out for a hug. Virelia couldn’t help but grin again, and she kneeled to hug her. After a moment, she stood and ruffled the girl’s hair, hoping she hadn’t felt the dagger she kept tucked beneath her armpit.
“Now, you wait here a moment. I’m just going to find your father and make sure he knows that you haven’t stolen it.” She said, and the girl nodded, content to keep looking at all the jewellery. Virelia leaned near a case and pocketed three necklaces as she walked out. Wouldn’t want anything stolen from here. She thought, smirking to herself.
Heading outside, she rounded the corner and peered into the alleyway, and was surprised to see the girl’s father unbeaten, talking to the five of them like they were debating. She frowned and slinked up behind them.
“I told you I was already going to do as you ask. It’s quite funny, isn’t it? Here you boys are, about to beat me up so I’ll rig the vote, and I was going to anyway!” He said, laughing. Her men seemed confused, but Otto was smiling. The man continued. “I’ve no love for this blasted consul, it’s a bloody ridiculous law, and anyone who votes in favour should be ashamed. Lucius nodded.
“Well, we can agree on that.” He said. The man smiled as Virelia came around.
“Ah, you must be the one distracting my daughter eh? She’s all right, isn’t she?” He asked, his confidence seeming to grow.
“Yes, she’s fine, just window shopping, but I gave her my necklace for being so polite. You’ve got a lovely young girl there. The necklace just so happens to match your wife’s.” Virelia said, folding her arms and softening her face.
“Well that’s very kind of you, and I thank your men here for not beating me to a pulp, as befits anyone who voted in favour today.” The man said, wiping his brow. “I’ve heard of you Ironfoots. A good sort, proper heroes of the people. You don’t get many of those these days.” He declared. Virelia was happy to hear that and relieved to see he was uninjured.
“Well, sir, what’s your name?” She asked.
“Alcimus, but my friends call me Al.” He replied, puffing his chest out. “At your service.”
“Well Al, you’ll always be welcome at the Ironfoot tavern for being a friend to the cause. Perhaps you can help us in other ways, or stop by for a drink.” She said invitingly. Al’s smile widened.
“Wonderful, it’d be good to chat with some like-minded fellows. Now if you bring my daughter I must be on my way, my wife is ill and I need to make dinner for her.” Al said. Virelia nodded, wandering back to the shop, taking the little girl’s hand, and leading her back to her father. She seemed confused at the strange hooded men talking to her father.
“Who are you?” She asked timidly. Otto smiled and knelt, pulling off his scarf.
“We’re your pa’s friends. We just wanted to make sure nobody gave him any trouble at the vote today. Ye know what people can be like.” Otto reassured. The girl seemed less afraid and stepped forward. “If you, your pa, or your ma ever run into any trouble, call for us, and we’ll come runnin’, ye hear?” He said. The little girl nodded and smiled at him. Otto stood up, satisfied. Her father took her hand and bid them all good day. Otto and Virelia waved after them, and the little girl waved at Virelia, shouting, “Thank you miss!” back at them.
They all took down their hoods and masks, and strolled through the streets casually. Lucius spoke.
“I don’t think a threatening has ever gone that smoothly. He was a lovely man.” He said.
“And his daughter was lovely too. You know she chose that necklace from the shop I got us into, just because it matched her mother’s?” Virelia added. Otto let out an “Aww” behind her.
“Reckon we’ll see him at the tavern someday?” Lucius asked, and Virelia nodded in reply. The bald man looked annoyed.
“I still wanted to hit someone a bit. I got all excited for it and now it’s gone, like when a girl doesn’t let you finish.” He grunted. Virelia smirked.
“I’m surprised a girl ever let you start.” She said, and the group roared with laughter. Even the bald man broke into a smile. Virelia walked on, her head held high. “You know, we just might make this city a better place yet.” She said, with victory in her voice.