“The Knights’ hold on the Gemstone mines does not appear to be weakening in the face of the giant and elemental aggression.”

Korin snarled and hurled a dagger at the door, where it embedded itself to the hilt. “How could their hold weaken when they seem to be succeeding in fighting off the attacks?! I watched their battle leader scale a giant to stab it in the eye. With deeds like that, how can the people and council not continue to support them?”

Hathor frowned, then nodded. “What of your overtures to the Antala themselves?”

A snort escaped from Korin. “Those diggers are every bit as in love with the Knights as the rest of this city. It seems the battle leader told them about the rails they use on the southern plains and the little furballs are rolling around in excitement.” He paused for a moment to glare at the dagger hilt sticking from the door.

“The battle leader seems to be the focus of everything around this city, rather than the Knight Commander. Other than what I’ve seen of him in combat, I can’t say that I know much of him. What do you know of him, Hathor?”

The Raja rubbed his chin. “Only rumors. I haven’t taken the time to research any but your counterparts on the council. From what I’ve heard though, Lord Dathan Tadrianus made quite a scene when he arrived in the city. Fastest advancement to Knighthood, as well as the youngest. Managed to marry Lady Dreama, who was said to be the most sought after woman in the city at the time, as well as the strongest Knight.

“Other than some kind of involvement with the Irikashi, I don’t know much more.” Hathor hesitated a moment more before adding, “There are also rumors of jealousy among the Knights over his youth and luck.”

Korin reached up to rub his own muzzle. “Is that something we can exploit? Seek out these Knights and help them deal with Dathan?”

Hathor folded his arms over his chest. “I would hesitate to do anything that can be linked back to us. From what I’ve seen of Lady Dreama, she does not seem the forgiving type and she is as devoted to her husband as he is to her. We’ve both seen her strength on the battlefield.”

Both Warriors paused a moment before Hathor continued. “Be careful in who you use to recruit the Knights and make sure it does not get back to us. Myself, I will not go directly against that family. They have the makings of a powerful clan.”

Korin snarled in frustration. “Why would the Council send us into such a situation? Surely they knew all this before we even got up here?” He glared at the dagger hilt in the door before stalking over and yanking the weapon free to the sound of squealing wood.

“I don’t suppose you’ve managed to uncover any notes from our predecessors?” He looked imploringly at Hathor.

The Raja shook his head. “Not a single scroll or messenger. At this point it is unlikely we will discover anything. I feel that to be deliberate on the part of our departed Guild Leader. He had no success after two decades in place. Were we to succeed soon after our arrival it would only highlight his incompetence.”

“That’s a devious thought, Hathor. One I wish I could argue with.” Korin rubbed his muzzle again before giving a quick, jerky nod. “Alright, let’s look into the jealousy of the Knights. Discreetly. And yes, I’m making you do it because it was your idea so don’t argue. I trust you to handle things properly, whereas I wouldn’t trust something so delicate to any of the other Warriors.”

Korin sighed. “What I wouldn’t give to have a Shadow Dancer Guild in the city. Things would be much simpler.” He paused, toying with the dagger in one paw. “Is there any reason we couldn’t bring a Shadow Dancer or two up from Central?”

Hathor shrugged. “I don’t see anything that could stop it. There aren’t any rival Shadow Dancers in the city to detect them. As long as we keep them from assassinations we shouldn’t have nay issues.”

“Then let's use them as a go between with the Knights. That should even appear to the Knights’ vanity. Meanwhile, let’s see if we can’t find a way for the Warriors Guild to take more prominent positions in this war. We need to preempt the Knights somehow. Maybe more archers and crossbows?”

***

4776th Year of Awakening

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“My sister tells me you have need of the services of one such as I?”

Dreama paused mid slash, her twin practice blades held steady as she turned her head towards the shadows in the corner of the practice room. She nodded, completed her movements, then turned fully towards the shadows.

“Arlith, your sister speaks true. I have need of one who can watch from the shadows to learn what can be learned.”

Shadows pulled away from the walls to resolve into a tall, cloaked Panthra. Dreama wasn’t able to tell most Majestix apart from each other, but she thought she detected a bit of a resemblance between the siblings. Something about the eyes. She approved of what she could see though. That core of personality that was evident in Lilith was present in her brother.

The Shadow Dancer seemed to watch her for several moments, as if weighing her, before finally lowering his hood. “And what is it you wish to learn, Lady Dreama?”

Dreama locked gazes with him. “Any threat to my family.”

Feline eyes narrowed. “And what will you do with what you learn?”

Dreama’s own eyes narrowed. “I will deal with it, as any true matriarch should.”

There were another couple of moments of silence before Arlith nodded. “Consider my services yours, Lady Dreama. My sister speaks well of you and your clan. Is your Lord husband to share in what I have learned?”

Dreama shook her head. “For the moment, I shall decide what he needs to know. Certain things need to be handled discreetly. My husband can be a bit… direct. The threats I see against my family require a more deft hand.”

Arlith nodded again. “As you wish, my Lady.”

“Fear not. Your skills in dealing with threats will not be called upon in these matters. When the time comes, I will deal with things myself. I will ensure that the memory remains in the hearts of those who would ever dare threaten my family.”

Narrowing her eyes, Dreama tightened her grip on her practice blades until the leather of her gloves squealed and the metal sang in protest. “Those that survive.”

***

“It is certainly an interesting project you bring me, sir.”

Dathan grinned at the blacksmith and reached out to clasp him on the shoulder. “That’s because you’re the best and I know how much you enjoy a challenge.”

The blacksmith, with arms as wide as Dathan’s legs, just chuckled. Hitting that man had been like hitting armor.

“Still, you’re the only one I would trust with something like this. You’ve handled all the armor for my household. If I could afford it would try to hire you away, but I’m still years away from that kind of revenue.”

“That is truly a compliment. And for all that you’re a young house, you do keep providing me with interesting projects.”

Dathan continued to grin. “Something I plan to do for many years to come. How else will I entice you away from the city on that future day that I can afford you?”

This time the blacksmith’s chuckle was deeper, richer. “Aye, there is that. From what I’ve seen of you over the years, I expect you’ll get there eventually. You do seem to make a habit of achieving your goals.”

Dathan took a step back to offer the blacksmith a salute, fist to heart. “It helps having great help. Speaking of which…” He trailed off, eyebrows raised.

A belly laugh was the reward. “Yes, you charmer. I’ll make the armor you want. Two sets. You know my prices and what materials I’ll need.”

Clapping his hands together, Dathan nodded. “Of course, of course. I’ll have the materials delivered later today and the funds transferred to you by tonight. I look forward to seeing the final product!”