With her dark cloak, the Raven General blended into the night. As she crept across rooftops, she marveled at the slowly dying celebrations taking place below her.
However, even as she marveled at the fireworks and lights, there was a panging loneliness in her heart. Times like these reminded her how far from home she was.
Luckily, she was used to loneliness. As the unfavored daughter of the chief, her girlhood had left her mostly isolated. Her ascension into power and fame only pushed her further away from her peers. The Raven General’s path was a bloody one that Faye had learned required her to rely on her strength. A solo road she would tread alone.
As she headed for the Langard Residence, she could hear the excited voices of couples beneath her feet. It seemed many had moved their celebration to the privacy of their own homes.
The image of Nikolai and the fair lady by his side flashed in her mind. Part of Faye wondered if she should have let the father-daughter duo whisk her husband away. A sudden weight landed on her shoulder.
Faye turned to glance at an unrepentant Mouse. The bird pecked at her hair fondly.
She brushed a finger through his dark feathers. “If Nikolai’s spoilt brother is to be her husband, it is no wonder the lady wants for my husband. Nikolai is clearly the more handsome brother.” Recalling the angry expression on the old minister’s face, it seemed that Lord Vellward was against the two’s relationship as well. It was surely a lashing down that Nikolai would find himself heading into. That was the only reason why the Raven General had let him go.
Faye stewed in her own thoughts as an important question came to her. “Do you think he went to her or did she come find him?”
The bird let out a loud squawk. It shot her a look as if to ask, ’ Does it matter?’
The young woman sighed loudly and swung her arms out behind her. “No, I suppose it doesn’t.” She touched the dagger hidden within her belt. Although she had not brought her blade, Faye was never unarmed. “But if I find Nikolai was the one to seek her out, I will,” she faltered, “I’ll, I’ll!” The general smacked her forehead, at a loss for what to say.
Her loyal companion sent a pitying look. The bird pecked her, hard.
“Hey!” she protested. “I thought wives were supposed to be jealous! I’m only doing my job.” Even in the grasslands where men had many wives, she had watched as her dozens of stepmothers fought for the attention of her father.
The young woman deflated. In her current position, it was hard to say what she was supposed to feel. According to the queen, the Lord of Feldgrau had been madly in love with the Rose of Eburean. Maybe Nikolai even resented their union for ruining that. If their interactions at court meant anything, she knew the beautiful lady certainly did.
Tired of her moaning, Mouse let out a caw and took to the skies. Faye sighed and cursed Eburean and their ice prince.
The balcony below her had an assortment of potted flowers. When she caught sight of crystal blue petals, her pulse quickened. Blue eyes flashed in her mind.
There must be something in the water, Faye decided. Never before had she been so thrown off by a person. This place was truly driving her crazy.
—
“Do not let the general’s fanatic ideas entice you.” Lord Vellward had begun his lecture the moment the doors had closed behind them.
As soon as they reached the Vellward Estate, Asinara and Nikolai were practically dragged into the older man’s study.
The ice prince’s blank expression gave away nothing. “Whatever do you mean by that, Lord Vellward?”
The older man grimaced. His bones creaked as he took a seat and his hands ached for a good cup of tea. “Forget it. If you do not know, then it is best to stay that way.” Lord Vellward leaned forward. “The Nikolai I knew would not have been so stupid to engage the crown prince in a brawl.”
Nikolai shrugged, “You must mistake me for someone else. I am but a foolish prince.” His shoulder twinged. “I thought a good duel might make things more exciting in this boring city.”
Lord Vellward sneered at the absurd excuse.
Sensing the growing tension, Asinara frowned, “Father, you misunderstand the situation. Nikolai, I mean,” she paused realizing how her familiar call might come across. “The Lord of Feldgrau, he saved me today.”
“Is that so?” Lord Vellward did not seem impressed.
“Yes!” exclaimed his daughter angrily. “From that pig of a man you have betrothed me to! Argan struck him while his back was turned.”
The minister stared at Nikolai’s bruised face and injured shoulder. The wound had been treated briefly during the carriage ride. The minister had enough foresight, and fear, to bring a doctor along with him. “Dear daughter, it looks to me that your defender lost.”
Nikolai’s eyes narrowed at the minister’s words.
“Let this be a lesson, Lord of Feldgrau.” warned the older man. “You are no match for them. Whatever it is you are planning, you will lose.” His tone became gentle as if reprimanding a senseless child. ”You will hurt, just as you have today.”
“Do you refer to this?” asked Nikolai plainly. He gestured to his wrapped shoulder. “I barely feel it,” the ice prince smiled thinly. “And even if I did, it is a wound I carry with pride.”
The Lord of Feldgrau approached Lord Vellward’s desk, towering over him. ”Look at yourself, minister.” His blue eyes were ice cold. “You fear pain so much, you allow them to treat you like a dog.” It was the ice prince’s turn to sneer, “They step and piss on you and you thank them for it.”
Lord Vellward clenched his jaw. “Watch your mouth, boy.” His false smile was ugly and full of threats. “I see what you are doing. My spies have heard what they call you in the borderlands. Lord of Feldgrau, their savior. They claim they would go to war for you.”
“Nikolai, you are playing a dangerous game. One that you are going to lose. You will fail that I am sure of.” Vellward’s eyes cut across to his still-seated daughter. “I may not be enough to convince you to stop.” The old minister glared as his gaze settled back onto the Lord of Feldgrau. “But don’t you dare drag my family into this”
Loathe as he was to admit it, the father feared his daughter was too young and inexperienced. For all her intelligence, Lady Asinara was so blinded by the young lord’s charm. She did not see his cruel determination like her father did. Although the ice prince may hold affection for his daughter, it was not the love of legends like she so craved, but a fondness born of old times, easily discarded. If the need arose, the young man would only use her as an end to a mean.
Nikolai straightened, not even bothering to acknowledge the other man’s claims. “Unlike you, I will not stand by and watch my people suffer.”
"Your people?" The old minister was not cowed. “Shall I consider that evidence of treason and present it to the queen?”
“So you admit my father’s rulership has been usurped?” challenged the ice prince.
“I will not answer a foolish question,” snapped Lord Vellward. “I thought your exile would temper you. But no! You are still the brash fool.” He crossed his arms, shaking his head in disappointment. “My worst student, just like your brother.”
The young man burst forward. In a fit, he swiped all of Lord Vellward’s belongings and papers onto the ground. The items went flying. Asinara flinched at the loud crash. "Do not speak of my brother."
"Pathetic." Lord Vellward laughed without amusement. “You’re still the little boy hiding behind his elder brother,” he spit.
Nikolai was silent. In his younger years, he had been personally tutored by Lord Vellward. The man had recognized his raw talent and had proudly lauded his student’s prodigious mind to all. It seemed the years had changed both of them. Vellward had once been a just and righteous man who stood for fairness and acted for the betterment of the realm. And Nikolai the most studious of his peers, almost religious in his dedication to his studies and teacher.
“Heed my words, Lord of Feldgrau,” urged the minister. “Stop whatever it is you are planning while you still can. Go back to Feldgrau and live your days in peace. If you know what is best, you will never return to the capital.”
Finally, Asinara burst from her seat. “Father, please stop this nonsense.” She stormed in between the two men. “Niko’s home is here. He was born and raised in the capital. How can you say such a thing?”
But Lord Vellward was deaf to his daughter’s words. “Have you not lost enough, Nikolai?”
Although his face did not betray him, blue eyes flickered and the minister knew he had struck a nerve.
The Lord of Feldgrau bowed his head. “Thank you for your wise words, minister.” He lowered himself to the ground and began to pick up the fallen missives and papers. “You mistake my intentions, Lord Vellward.” The young man stood and placed them back onto Lord Vellward’s desk. He nodded towards Asinara, tone suddenly friendly and pleasant. “I merely wished to ensure the lady and yourself returned home safely. Now that the task is done, I will see myself out.” A small insincere smile played on his lips.
Even Lord Vellward was taken aback by the sudden change. It was unnerving to see how fast the young man could switch his tune. Lord Feldgrau ambled pitifully to the exit, dragging his feet and clutching his injured shoulder. An onlooker would think the Vellward family had greatly slandered the poor man.
Still, never one to be outspoken, Lord Vellward called out, “You’d do well to remember that you are married, and my daughter is betrothed! Do not seek her out again!”
“Father!” came the protest. “Niko, don’t listen to him. You are always welcome!”
“Asinara, stop interjecting in everything I say!”
But Nikolai continued walking, paying no mind to either.
Stashed in his pocket was one of Lord Vellward’s letters. The ice prince had been sincere in his thanks, but not for the reasons the minister assumed. Despite the headache Lord Vellward’s presence tended to induce, it was worth the pain.
It just so happened that Cristin was excellent at forging signatures and official seals. With the head of government’s unknowing help, their plan would finally proceed into the next phase.
Once outside, Nikolai nodded at the carriage master and mumbled his address.
As the carriage began its route home, the Lord of Feldgrau closed his eyes. If the carriage master looked back, it seemed the ice prince was dozing.
But in his mind, Nikolai was hard at work… drafting a letter from Lord Vellward that would go out tonight to the Minister of Coin requesting a review of all recent expenditures.
Part of Nikolai almost wanted to thank Argan for this entire mess.
—
The assassin approached behind one of the Lord of Feldgrau’s personal servants. He recognized the boy from earlier. It was the one with the crush on the Raven General.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
As the man lifted his hidden blade to end the boy and access the room, he heard footsteps approaching. The blade fell back into his sleeve.
“Frederick, are the lord’s quarters prepared for-?“ Abby’s eyes narrowed. She tilted her head to study the mysterious man behind the boy. “Who are you?”
The assassin took a moment before ducking his head. “The general instructed me to come here,” he started, voice soft as not to be recognizable. The man pulled out some night clothes he had grabbed as a backup. “I believe these are to be put into the lord’s quarters since she is to reside there tonight?”
“Step closer into the light.” The assassin did as ordered.
Abby was silent for a moment. She stared at the man unable to tear her eyes away.
“Ma’am?” asked Frederick. He approached worriedly. “Abby? Are you all right?”
Clearing her throat, Abby waved off the boy’s worries. “Go now, Frederick. You there.” She gestured for the man to follow her. “I will show you to the lord’s room.”
The assassin nodded and followed the maid. They walked in silence. As they passed the guards, no one gave them a second glance with Abby taking the lead.
Arriving at the chambers, Abby opened the doors. The man headed in and placed the fabrics down.
Abby shut the doors behind her. With the lord away, the room was dark except for the moonlight shining in through the windows.
The two were alone.
“Who are you?” asked the old maid. “You’re not from Feldgrau.”
The assassin pondered his options. There were no witnesses. He could end her easily and stick to his original plan. “I am from the palace,” he decided.
Abby frowned, “Lady Feldgrau got rid of all the palace workers.”
The man shrugged and put on a helpless expression. “I am one of the lucky few. The general took a liking to me, I suppose.”
For a moment, it seemed as if Abby would press the issue. From her frown, he could guess that she had not bought the lie. Instead, she stared at him.
“Why do you look at me like that?” he asked quietly. “Like you’ve seen a ghost.”
His words seemed to get to her. After a tense moment, the old maid dropped her head in defeat. “I apologize. You look like someone I, I used to know.”
The man felt for the blade under his tunic. He once again considered drawing it. With his skill, it would take no longer than a blink of an eye and the woman before him would be no more.
Abby frowned at the other’s silence. “Well?”
Sighing, the assassin let his hands fall to his sides. He already knew he would not be able to take action against her. It was no use lying to himself.
“My mother used to say I had my father’s looks. Back in the village, she would comb my hair like this,” the man lifted the hair and revealed his nape where a diamond birthmark sat. “And she would tell, my darling boy,” He glanced up at Abby who held a hand to cover her gasp. “You have your father’s eyes.”
Tears welled in Abby’s own eyes, threatening to spill over. “What was your father’s name?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
“Harold.” The assassin smiled sadly. “He was a soldier in the border towns. My mother was a noblewoman named Abigail.”
Abby stepped back as shock wracked her frame. “You’re not from the palace, are you?”
“No,” admitted the man. He stepped forward. “It’s been a long time, mother.”
There was a breath of silence.
“My son.” Abby swallowed hard. The man was the spitting image of her late lover. It truly was like seeing a ghost. She could no longer deny it. Abby had dreamed of the diamond birthmark more times than she could count. She breathed, “Why have you come here?”
The assassin laughed, “Isn’t it obvious?” He gestured towards her helplessly. “For you, of course. All this time, I didn’t know how to approach you. I-” he gaped silently at the sudden embrace.
Abby clung to her son for dear life and sobbed. The man’s arms slowly lifted to embrace her back.
They stood in silence except for Abby’s cries.
Finally, the older woman stepped back. She wiped at her face but it was little use. Her neat bun had come loose.
“If we do not leave soon, the guards will ask after us. This is no place for a proper conversation.” The old maid jutted her head towards the room. “I have duties to attend to. But,” her eyes welled with hope. “Perhaps you would share your journey with me? In the morning?”
Her son nodded. “I would like that,” he said quietly.
Abby nodded, “Wait a few minutes after I leave.” She opened the doors hurriedly. Before she left, his mother shot him a small smile, then slipped out.
The assassin stood frozen like a statue. He could still feel the warmth of her embrace. When he heard the footsteps of approaching guards, he hurried to the window and undid the locked latch.
Everything had to be perfect. His job had to be finished tonight. In his heart, he apologized to the older woman. If all went well, he would be long gone by daybreak. His mother would not be getting the reunion she longed for.
With a sigh, the man left the room. He closed the doors behind him.
---
It was the dead of the night: the hour of the Wolf.
Rufus stiffened as he heard the latch to his window come undone. He had been expecting it but the sudden presence behind him was still unnerving.
The boy turned to face the Raven General.
Arms crossed, amber eyes turned to him, narrowed. “Your plan didn’t work.”
Rufus faltered. He was not expecting her to say that. “Oh,” he said weakly. “Apologies?”
He thanked the gods that she only rolled her eyes playfully. Settling against the wall, the Raven General crossed her arms. “Well, spit it out.” Her gaze was expectant. “You said you had an important message for me?”
Swallowing, Rufus nodded jerkily. His clenched fists were sweaty and cold. Reaching into his pocket, the boy pulled out a folded sheet of paper.
He searched into the other’s eyes. “The messenger’s name is in here.” Rufus gulped as if expecting her to draw her blade and hunt down the person immediately.
Instead, Faye’s eyes only widened. Her lips curved upwards. “Impressive.” The boy was more resilient than she had thought. “How did you figure it out?” Still, Faye did not allow herself any excitement, a name meant nothing if his method was flawed.
Rufus twisted his hands nervously. “I had a hunch so,” the boy swallowed hard, finding it hard to admit what he had done out loud. “I snuck into my father's room and found his letters. He… was trying to destroy them so I took one. I then found some official correspondences sent by the person I suspected.”
Let it be known that Rufus could be unrelenting when he had to be. His string of failed romancing attempts could attest to it.
“I took the two to an old woman who reads scripts.” He didn’t mention that he usually employed her help for other matters. Such as reading fortunes with scraps of paper the women he liked left behind. “Let’s just say, she is very good at what she does.”
From her expression, it seemed the Raven General had some questions, but thankfully, she kept them to herself.
“She said they were faked to look different, but the owner is the same.” He didn’t know how she did it, but the old woman could tell a person’s heart from how they wrote. Identifying whether two letters were written by the same person was nothing for her.
The Raven General stretched out a hand. She had heard of such talents before, masters who could read destiny in tea leaves or determine a person’s name through the lines in their hands. Although rare, they existed.
Staring at the expectant hand, the young lord stepped back. Rufus gave her a hard look and stood with his shoulders back and straight. It was only the trembling of his hands that gave away his fear. “Raven General, I must ask. What will you use this for?”
The other shook their head. “It is not your concern.”
Rufus surged forward. “Of course, it is my concern. Especially… if you intend to hurt someone!” He held up the paper, gripping the center as if to rip it.
“Boy,” growled the Raven General lowly. “Give it here.”
Rufus’ voice trembled. “Swear it. Swear that you won’t use this information to harm anyone and I shall give it to you.”
Faye barked out a disbelieving laugh. “Even if I swore it, would you believe me?”
“Yes.” Rufus’ response was immediate. He nodded his head, voice firm. “I would.”
The change from his usual cowardice sobered the other. The Raven General sighed. It would be easy to fool him. She could lie and easily gain what she wanted. But for the same reason she did not kill Rufus Langard on sight for having his name be used, Faye restrained herself.
“I admire your strength of will. But-” This was neither the time nor place for it. The Raven General crossed her arms. “I cannot promise that, Rufus.”
The boy’s heart fell. His expression sank. The message hung limply in his hands. It was useless for him to pretend. The general could snatch the paper from his grasp and gut him before the boy could even cry for help. The fact that she hadn’t was a small act of mercy. A false sense of security to keep his remaining pride intact.
“At least tell me what you plan to use it for. You would not believe the trouble and stress I have gone through to get you this. I’m not meant for this type of work.” Unfortunately, his joking tone fell flat. Rufus shook his head. “You cannot blame me for not wanting… to be a traitor to my kingdom.”
The Raven General was silent.
Rufus stood still, fearful of making a wrong move, terrified of setting off the warrior and ending up on the wrong side of her blade.
Faye lowered her voice, even though they were alone. “What I say cannot leave this room.” Her eyes sharpened. “Or I will have to take your life.”
Rufus shivered. That was not a threat, but a promise.
He nodded. So be it.
The Raven General held out a hand. “If you give me this letter, you will live.” She stepped forward. “Take the fact that you are still living and breathing as a sense of my goodwill. According to my orders, Rufus Langard should already be dead.”
The young lord squinted at her in confusion. “I do not understand.”
“It’s simple, Rufus.” Faye’s frown deepened. “If you do not give me this letter, I will assume that the messenger was you. I will assume that the Rufus Langard in the letters is Rufus Langard the person.” Seeing his confusion, she snapped, “Your head will be the one I deliver to Fadye, Rufus! Do you understand?”
Rufus’ eyes widened. The Raven General… was sent to kill the sender of the messages.
“There is little time. These letters were signed in your name,” warned Faye. “It won’t be long before others find out as well. And the assassins that the grasslands send, they will not-” she looked away, hissing through her teeth. “They will kill you without a single feeling of remorse. And simply for Fadye’s approval.”
Rufus closed his eyes, trying to will his sudden headache to go away. Surprisingly enough, it was not his own life that he feared for. The boy groaned. He never should have opened the message. This would be so much easier if he didn’t know the real sender. But he could not help himself. And now the life of the sender was in his hands.
“Raven General,” started Rufus. “Please, there must be another way. Maybe you can convince Fadye to-”
“You think Fadye is someone that can be convinced?” Faye stared at Rufus in amazement. “You really are braver than you look.”
“Stop mocking me,” retorted Rufus. “You’re the Raven General, you can do what you wish!”
“I have my loyalties and duties as well,” snapped Faye, a crazed look in her eyes. “If I do not do this, my position in Wenge could be contested. This is my final step in securing my place by my father’s side. We are both running out of time, Rufus.”
Her words held a grave implication. It was as if a sudden hourglass had been set off. Like grains of sand, time trickled effortlessly, stopping for no one.
“What did the messenger even do to warrant a death sentence?” Rufus worried his lip. “Was this person evil? Did he harm your tribe?”
“He shamed us,” said Faye bluntly. “And that is one of the worst crimes in the grasslands.”
Rufus gulped.
“The messenger made us lose face,” continued the general. “He and his country only send aid at the last moment. They toyed with us, proving that Eburean could easily betray and destroy us. Insinuating that our life was in their hands, whether to save or destroy. Their delay led to the deaths of many. But Wenge is merciful. We will only ask for the life of one to repay the many.” The Raven General lowered her head. The woman’s voice was weak. “At least, that is what Fadye believes.”
Rufus stepped forward, hearing the sudden vulnerability in her voice. It did not seem that Faye believed what she said.
“But what do you believe?” he pressed. “General, in the little time that I have gotten to know you, I’ve seen that you are different.”
Seeing her doubtful look, Rufus pointed at himself. “You said your entire life’s work rests on killing this messenger. But you didn’t kill me. You could have ended me and gone home with none the wiser.” He smiled faintly, in sudden awe as something clicked for him. “But you spared me. Why?”
“I- Because,” Faye paused. Her voice was barely audible as if she feared admitting something would make it real. “Wenge will never forget.”
“What do that mean?” asked Rufus.
Amber eyes crinkled at the thought, thinking of something and watching memories only known to her bright orbs.
“Wenge will never forget. Those are the words I sent your father after the battle.” Seeing the boy’s confused look, Faye explained, “Wenge will never forget, I will never forget because-” her voice trailed off. She scratched the back of her neck, suddenly shy.
Rufus stared wide-eyed at the other. For some reason, the thought of this messenger brought a certain softness to the usually boisterous and tough woman.
“Because,” the Raven General couldn’t stop the helpless laugh that escaped her. “He saved us. All of us. We are forever in his debt. That is my vow.”
Rufus’ eyes gleamed with understanding.
“Wenge will never forget.”