Freckle faced Sarah opened the door and gave me a grin. “They’re here, Vim!” she told me.

Finally.

Getting up from my chair, I placed down the parchment I had been given this morning. This capital had something of a newspaper… though it was only a single page. One that was more so stamped than pressed. It made it hard to read, but it was basically a status update of the current war.

This nation was winning. For now. Or at least that was the propaganda they were spreading to their citizens.

Leaving the small side-room of this building, I walked down the hallway towards the front of the building. Sarah’s voice was coming from the front room, and I was glad to hear the familiar chuckles and giggles from those I’d been waiting for.

Reaching the end of the hallway, I paused a small moment to make sure no one else was here. This little building in the middle of a large market district was a small clothing shop for women. There were several fancy dresses on display on pedestals scattered around the room, with what was basically a large ball gown in one of the main windows facing the street. Right now it was half covered by drapes, as to signify the shop was closed. One half of the shop was for the servant wear they carried, for maids and other female workers. They hadn’t believed me originally when opening this place up but the clothes for the workers of the nobles, not the nobles themselves, ended up being their best money makers. Even if a fraction of the price.

Sarah and her sister ran it. They sold clothes made by Nann the Weaver and her family, and sent a portion of the funds they made to Telmik. It was actually doing rather well, it seemed. Sarah’s sister had asked if I’d be willing to expand the shop at another date, and for permission to either hire another worker or request another pair of hands from the Society.

I’d be more than happy to do all of that for them. It pleased me greatly that they had settled down and made a little life for themselves… though…

It hurt to think I was helping one family, and about to hurt another.

Stepping out of the hallway, I turned around the small corner and found Sarah and our new visitors.

A taller man noticed me first. Randle gave me a gentle smile and nod upon doing so, which made the other face I’d not seen in many years notice me too.

The comely woman turned to greet me. “Vim…!” she stepped forward, smiling broadly at me as she reached over to take my hand.

I of course accepted Jennifer’s handshake, and was glad it didn’t turn into a hug. “Jennifer. You look well,” I said.

Her smile beamed brighter as she quickly nodded, her smooth hair dancing along her shoulders as she giddily bounced a little. It was clear she was doing all she could to not jump forward and wrap me in a hug.

Although glad she was happy… I felt horrible.

And not because I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, return her affection.

Glancing away from her, I met Randle’s eyes. “Hey Randle. I hope you have news,” I said.

Jennifer moaned a tiny huff as she pulled me towards her. She stepped back, and brought me with her into the room.

This was usually where Sarah and her sister sat down with the nobles, or their upper servants, and took orders and measurements. Right now the table was out in the center, and there were a few bags placed upon it. Ones that Randle and Jennifer had likely been carrying.

Sarah sat down in one of the chairs as Randle went to rummaging in one of the bags. Jennifer, thankfully, released me and went to help him. The two quickly pulled out some books and papers, one of which was a large bundled up map.

I helped Jennifer unfold the map and laid it out open on the table. I quickly scanned the new army positions, and compared them with the placements I had known from before.

The places, distances, and the shaded in sections of land to the east told me that I really had only been stuck under the mountain for a couple months at best.

It was comforting to finally know the truth, but at the same time a little sickening.

“Here’s Yangli’s report.”

I perked up and reached over to accept the small bundle of papers. As I went to untying them and breaking the wax seal, I paused a moment to study the name signed at the top.

Yangli’s signature. Not the hotheaded son, but the calm old man.

Quickly reading the report, I was glad to find out that not only was his son alive… but he had done his job properly. I had heard of this already, but not from any definite verified sources. His son had subdued the mercenaries in the cavern, and after not being able to figure out where I’d gone he had taken the captured female boss to his father. To have his father and those in Telmik interrogate her and to report of what had happened to me.

It made no comment on whom and how many Yangli had dealt with. So I had no confirmation yet if that hammer bastard was still alive or not. It was hard to imagine him living from the wounds I had inflicted upon him, but… well…

He had been a tough bastard. I’ll need to find Yangli soon to talk to him about it… otherwise I’ll need to find the man and deal with him. Someone strong enough to hurt me that badly was dangerous. Luckily finding a man wielding such a giant hammer as a weapon should be easy to track down.

“So… what happened, Vim? Where’d you go?” Randle asked as I read.

Sarah giggled.

I sighed as I lowered Yangli’s report. It was basically what I expected, and confirmed that my next actions were not only justified… but necessary. “I got stuck in the mountain,” I said.

“The… the one that is now a big hill?” Randle asked, his eyes digging into my own. The holy man was undoubtedly full of questions and concerns. Luckily though he knew better than to bug me with them.

Frowning, I shrugged. “Don’t know what became of it,” I said as I went back to studying the map.

My eyes wandered to the south. To a nation that only took up a tiny corner of the map…

Merit’s kingdom had a tiny red circle next to it.

No updates. Again. For the third time in a row.

I’ll need to go check on them… But how would I find the time?

“Vim…?”

I looked up and found Jennifer giving me a sad look. A quick glance around told me I had likely missed a conversation, or question… one likely directed at me.

“Sorry… what is it?” I asked, unable to figure out what they had asked just by looking at them.

Randle coughed lightly. “Are you sure this is the way to do it?” he asked me.

“No. But if this king actually knows of our Society, and has been trying to hunt us down, then I… we have no choice. The longer we allow him to make decisions, the more deaths that will follow. I can’t afford to wait to catch him on the road, or with his army,” I said.

The priest’s expression softened and he looked away from me and to the table.

Was this melancholic hesitation sourced from his religion, or his allegiances I wonder? His wife had been from here, after all.

“I know I’m just… kind of here, and not a part of this, but isn’t this something everyone agrees on? Wouldn’t those at the Cathedral have said otherwise, had they not agreed?” Sarah asked gently.

Randle sighed and nodded. “They fully agree, of course. I just wish there was another way,” he said.

“Says you…? I’ve dedicated the last decade to this family, Randle,” Jennifer said stiffly.

I shifted a little. Her words had been directed at him, to make him feel bad for thinking he was important enough to worry or complain before her… but they had felt directed at me instead.

They had cut rather deeply.

“You can say no, Jennifer,” I said softly.

She gave me a sad smile. “I know, Vim.”

“It’s dangerous. I’ll be there, yes, but…” I again tried to dissuade her, in the only way I could.

Jennifer though only shook her head at me. “I’ve already made up my mind. Don’t you try and convince me otherwise now. I’ve already brought all my stuff,” she said with a point behind her.

There was only a wall full of notes and papers behind her… so I assumed she was pointing elsewhere. Maybe she had left bags and luggage in the front of the shop. I hadn’t noticed them.

“What will you do after, Jenn? Want to stay here?” Sarah asked.

Jennifer shifted as she glanced at me, as if for permission.

“I’d not recommend staying here. You deal with the elite of this town, Sarah. The very people Jennifer has been working closely for all this time. Someone recognizing her would be a genuine concern…” I spoke calmly, and did my best to not notice Randle’s glare. “But… if she and your household are willing to risk it, you could try,” I said.

Sarah flinched, having not realized such a thing was obvious.

“It’s okay Sarah. Thank you for offering… that means a lot to me. But I plan to head north. I’ve been told we have a member at the Winter Castle. I’d like to join them, if they’d let me,” Jennifer said.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

“Cassie…?” I asked.

She nodded and gave me a smile. “I’ve sent her a letter already. I’m hoping I’ll receive a response by the time I get to Telmik,” she said.

Interesting. I’ve known of Jennifer’s fascination with human nobles, but hadn’t realized how serious it was. I wonder what it was about such people she found so interesting? I’d always hated such people, their politics and societal structures was not the kind of environment I enjoyed at all. They were either full of decadence or rules and customs that inhibited free-will.

But… Cassie huh…? Cassie was currently a teacher at the White Castle. Teaching the children of the White family. She likely planned to ask her to use her position as a reference. It was not easy, even amongst the humans, to get hired as a servant to a powerful family. Especially in today’s age of wars and schemes.

The White Castle was the front-line family of the northern nation. The family that currently held all authority, both militarily and politically. Getting a position in their personal castle was likely not easy… and it would take Jennifer many years to raise the ranks, even with Cassie’s personal recommendation.

“I’ll never understand your fascination with human politics, Jennifer,” Sarah said with a sigh.

The prideful maid smiled in glee. “They’re so fun! The women scheme, the men dance like puppets and all the servants are so vibrant!” Jennifer happily said.

“Such debauchery,” Randle said lowly.

Sarah hesitated, but Jennifer only giggled as she glanced at him. “I don’t participate, Randle… but I love their gossip and drama. I’ve seen ladies stab their lecherous husbands. A son pour tea on his mother. Servants throw others under the bus, only to be thrown out themselves…!” Jennifer rattled on about her recent enjoyments, and I found myself sharing Randle’s sentiments. At least to a point.

Randle was now looking at Jennifer as if she was a lost cause. His scowl was full of disgust, and he shook his head as he looked away from her.

“So… not that I wish to know the finer details, but how will this work?” Randle asked me, obviously doing his best to change topics.

Jennifer giggled as she pointed at me. “We’re going to dress Vim up as one of the inner-guards. I’ve got the lovely duty of bringing Horny his drinks and snacks during his nightly endeavors. Vim will act as my escort, and do what he does best, and then we’ll both leave afterward. No one will be the wiser,” Jennifer said.

“Horny…? That’s not his actual name is it?” I asked as I glanced around for that pamphlet I had been reading. Hadn’t it had said the king here was Frank or something? Where had I left it…? I didn’t see it amongst the papers and leaflets on the table.

“It’s Hank. The Second. Horny is his nickname. He’s known for being a pig,” Sarah said.

Randle groaned as he went to rubbing his eyes in exhaustion.

Jennifer giggled again. “He really is a pig. He’s even recently taken a shine to bathing in oil, not water and soap. So he stinks something fierce lately too,” she added.

“Oil…?” Randle glanced at her, not believing what he was hearing.

“Scented baths used to be common… though not a true replacement for real ones,” I said.

“Well he never got that memo. Do you know how hard it is to clean a bath when it’s full of oil? Or clothes? Or the bed sheets…? I’d rather clean the crusty ones from a week of decadence than…” Jennifer started to complain and Randle quickly raised his hand.

“Please, Jennifer. I beg you,” he stopped her from continuing.

Sarah chuckled. “I agree on that point. I’ve seen Hank, he’s gross, so please keep such details to yourself,” Sarah said.

Jennifer giggled as well, happy to tease the two.

“You will likely not hear about it until the next day, Randle. By then she and I will be gone,” I said as I returned my attention to the map on the table.

Randle nodded. “Figures.”

“Want to stay here Randle? During your visit?” Sarah offered.

He shook his head. “We priests have rooms here. It’d be strange if I didn’t use them,” Randle said.

“The two humans he arrived with were shocked he left at all,” Jennifer said with a snicker.

“You grabbed my arm as if we were lovers, you…!” Randle glared at her, upset.

Jennifer grinned. “Just adding some spice to your life, humble priest,” she teased him.

Randle fumed but said nothing.

It was time I ended this, before someone said something that they’d regret. Jennifer really didn’t mean any harm, but Randle felt the opposite. He was far from being able to handle someone like Jennifer.

“Then why not head back, Randle…? I’ll not be leaving a letter with you, since I’ll be heading to Telmik before you. Plus I plan to handle this as soon as possible. Tonight, if able,” I said.

“Tonight is the monthly night with his wife. I guess you could do it tonight, but she’s actually a nice lady, Vim. Would you be willing to spare her?” Jennifer interrupted.

Randle stood up straighter. “Yes. Oh yes. The man may be a brute and a sinner, and on the hunt for us, but those he forces himself upon are victims just as we,” Randle agreed.

I shifted as Jennifer glanced at Randle. She luckily kept her mouth shut, but her thoughts were plainly visible upon her face. She had much to say about these supposed victims he was speaking about.

“I’ll do all I can to not harm any others, Randle. That’s why we’re doing it this way. Otherwise I’d already have leveled their castle,” I said.

He startled and blushed a tad as he quickly nodded. “Quite right…! Right…” He nodded quickly, as if embarrassed.

Sarah giggled as she reached out to pat my on my arm. “We have the clothes you need, Vim. But we don’t have the armor,” she told me.

Oh…? I wonder if they had sewn it themselves, or stole it.

“You’ll also need a spear. They carry these dull spears without points, basically just sticks, in the inner-castle areas. Without it you’ll stand out,” Jennifer added.

“I can get both once inside,” I said.

“Right… without a loss of life, right?” Randle asked gently.

I softly nodded. “If able to, yes.”

He really needed to go. He wasn’t even really a part of this operation. He did have a goal once the deed was done, of course. He hoped, as did the Cathedral, that he’d be able to use his religious influence here to sway the opinion of the religious sect here. They hoped to influence who they’d crown as the next despot. But odds are he’d have little effect, if any at all. To me he was just here to give me an update, and to tell me that the Cathedral approved of it.

But honestly even if they hadn’t, I would have done it anyway.

To them killing a king, especially one of a powerful nation, was likely momentous. Something that was wildly out of left field, even for our Society.

To me though…

What was one more crown…?

“If that’s the case I shall take my leave. Sarah. Jennifer. Vim,” Randle gave each of us a small bow as he said goodbye.

“If it gets dangerous, come here Randle. No one ever bothers a little shop like ours,” Sarah reminded him.

“Yeah. Who knows how crazy it will get when it happens,” Jennifer agreed.

“There is no safer place than the halls of our lords. But I thank you, and will remember, all the same,” Randle commented as he stepped around the table, and Jennifer, to head for the exit.

Jennifer sighed as he left.

He left the shop without haste, closing the door behind him gently. I listened a moment to make sure he was fine. I heard no scuffle, no shouts, no violence as he left the front of the shop and joined the common crowd walking around the market area.

“He needs to have more fun. He’s always so dreary,” Jennifer complained.

“He’s a man of faith. Aren’t they all like that?” Sarah asked.

“No? Half the ones in the castles are just as corrupt and weird as the nobles are. Half of them sleep together on the regular,” Jennifer said.

“Really…?” Sarah found that very interesting, and I went to ignoring their gossip sharing as I returned my attention to the map.

It had changed… but not by much. Other than the few spots, like Merit’s Kingdom, that hadn’t been heard from since the latest update there hadn’t been any big changes. No loss of locations. No deaths. The human war fronts had changed, of course, but they always did. And always would.

With my actions here in this capital… though…

As Jennifer and Sarah giggled about some lad Jennifer had caught stealing some laundry, I calculated what would happen with the king’s death.

His army was what held the line to the west. Near the coast. I personally didn’t think his death would have that big of an effect, since he was not a true general of his armies… but…

Well… sometimes a monarch dying was more momentous than it really was. Perception was everything, sometimes.

If his line collapsed, and the southern kingdom invaded farther north… they’d begin to intrude into the Nation of the Blind. Which meant it could cause problems for many of our members, and their locations.

A risk… but…

Allowing a powerful human, who controlled not just whole armies but one of the largest nations in this region, to live with not just the knowledge of our people… but the desire to hunt us down, was not something I could allow.

Hopefully he was the head of the snake. Although he relied on his generals for war, and even though known as a horny bastard, he wasn’t an outright fool. I’ve read and watched him rise to power over the years. He was a scheming, conniving man. He had routed siblings. Conquered nations. And had grown his own nation from a small mining centered land into a behemoth of trade and culture. Having grown almost enough to rival the Nation of the Blind in both size and wealth.

I didn’t believe the rumors. He was likely smarter than most gave him credit for. One could be brilliant, yet still a sex fiend or a debase person. Sometimes such things went hand in hand.

So…

Hopefully his death alone would make a difference…

I placed a hand on the table, near the corner of the map. Merit’s Kingdom. I kept a finger pointed straight at it, so that for the next few moments I’d be fully reminded about them. I really needed to check on them. It worried me we’d gone so long without any communication of any kind. Merit was a prickly woman, but not a fool. Plus she liked to send me letters. I usually had several, just from her, each time I returned to Telmik. For me to have none the last few months…

Maybe there will be some waiting for me when I return here soon.

Sighing, I glanced away from the map.

“Jennifer,” I intruded into their light conversation. They had switched from gossip about those Jennifer served, to gossip of one of the nearby shop owners. They were married, with a large family, and trying to woe Sarah’s older sister. She found it hilarious, for some reason.

“Hm?” Jennifer smiled at me as she and Sarah paused a moment to give me the floor.

“This king. Hank. Has he ever mentioned us? Our Society? Our kind?” I asked.

“Huh…? Yeah? Isn’t that why you’re going to kill him?” she asked, frowning in a way that told me she didn’t understand why I was asking this now.

I frowned back at her. “Really…? How? When? How often? And to who?” I asked.

“Whoa Vim… I sent a letter months ago. I thought that was why you were here now?” Jennifer stood up a little straighter, bothered all of a sudden.

And I was now too.

“A letter…? To me? I’ve not gotten one,” I said.

“Oh. No,” she waved at me. “I sent it to the Cathedral… I’m assuming one of the sisters got it? I got confirmation they received it, but never a reply or anything. Just figured you’d handle it or something,” she said.

The table my hand rested on snapped.

Both of the girls stepped back, yelping in shock, as the table and all its contents collapsed into itself. One of the legs had snapped, cracking in two. The table landed on its side, angled upward towards Jennifer. The papers and map crumpled and fluttered around the room, making a mess.

“Whoa,” Sarah stared wide-eyed at the chaos, her back up against the wall.

“Vim?” Jennifer asked worriedly, but for some reason her look of worry was not for herself, or the table, but instead me.

“Sorry… I’m sorry, Sarah. I’ll pay for it,” I said as I bent down to gather up the map and all the other papers. Some were very important.

“What…? Jeez Vim. What’d you even do? Kick the leg? This thing was so heavy we never bothered to move it far. Didn’t think it could break like this,” Sarah said lightly, calming down.

“My bad…” I sighed as I felt horrible. The table really wasn’t that big a deal. But doing such a thing in front of these two, was.

Jennifer and Sarah went to helping me clean up the mess I had made. The two giggled as they kept glancing at each other. Likely teasing me, somehow.

But that was fine. Better to be teased than feared.

And even better that they didn’t realize as to the why the table had broken.

Jennifer had sent a letter. And it had been received. Warning the Society that the king she served had found out about us.

And I’d not been told.

Maybe a single crown wouldn’t be enough.