Morning came quickly as a small crack in the window let a sliver of light into the room. He woke up and jumped back as his eyes caught sight of Talon sitting on the nightstand.
You snore quite loudly he said his familiar grin on his face a small chuckle escaping
“How long have you been there” What kind of creep watches people sleep he thought
“Only a couple of minutes I was just mulling over our proposition for you although it will depend on a test. If you will be willing to take it for me.”
Colt nodded “The girl Seph I think her name is what is she. She closed the door last night without even touching it.
She is a Shifter user although even if you had gone to school you still wouldn't know what that is. They tend to only teach about light mana abilities as dark goes against the church.
“What is a Shifter user” Colt said raising an eyebrow and fighting back a yon.
She can use her mana to push and pull objects. She is getting quite a bit stronger at least she has kept up on the practice that I gave her.
Practice and training Colt thought turning towards the man are you a shifter too he said eyebrow still raised.
No something else he said looking towards the exit. I think it's time we head downstairs our guests will be arriving soon and one of them will have that test I want you to take. With that, he left the room.
Colt followed quickly behind him disturbing loud snore came belting out of the room across his. How had he not noticed and he said I snore loudly? Making his way down to the kitchen there was a few wooden bowls on the counter that steamed hot porridge in them with a wooden spoon. Talon grabbed one gave it to Colt then headed for the room parallel to the kitchen. It was some type of a meeting room a round table stood in the center several chairs were lined all around. Small chairs dotted the room on the edges of the wall a few feet from the table and chairs. A few windows let ample amounts of light in a door that opened to the back side of the building
The door swung open Just as he went to take a seat a blond woman wearing a gray clock entered her braided hair hung down to her shoulder. A smaller figure stood behind her taking off his cloak to reveal some scraggly brow hair a solid chin and tired eyes.
Philip a loud boom came from the kitchen as barick rushed over and grabbed the boy in a huge bear hug raising him off his feet. The boy turned a little blue as he grunted softly a smile crossing his face.
“And what about me the woman asked sarcastically pulling her cloak off and revealing her soft blue eyes and fair pale skin with only a few freckles on her nose in stark contrast.
“Good to see you too Kaitlin,” barick said putting Philip back on the ground and turning towards Katlin.
I trust he was well-behaved for you he said with pride welling up inside him.
“Yes quite the young lad you got there I wouldn't have been able to get inside Treillo without him,” she said patting him on the back and then seeing Talon moving towards her. He greeted her giving her a soft kiss on the cheek instantly making Colt and Philip turn away.
Colt knew that Treillo was some sort of prison the guards had threatened him a few times to send him there when they had caught him. Joking around about the torment they would inflict on him there.
I trust your trip was beneficiary talon said pulling back eyes locked with hers.
Some useful information on a few noble families and a few informants' names but no luck on the real mission. A real shame all of the most notorious criminals not one of them has a good head on their shoulders.
It's a shame but glad to have you back. Oh, another thing do you have the item I requested?
“Yes I made it this morning who’s it for she said rummaging through a small pouch on her side and pulling out a small golden chess piece.” talon gestured towards Colt as Kaitlin turned towards the boy and barick.
She walked over reaching out a hand her soft blue eyes looking intensely at the boy. Colt reached his hand out she grabbed it in a firm shake then pulled it closer to her pulling back the tunic on his arm to look at the bruises and cuts. Colts' face flushed as she scanned over them and then up to meet his eyes. Her eyes appeared to be a little wet a small flicker of pain in them.
“You poor boy,” she said then firmly placing her hand on his she whispered “aispera vita” A warm feeling overtook him from where her hand touched his skin. The warmth moved up his arm The burses and cuts instantly faded the moment the warmth hit them. As if washing off dirt reliving the clean skin underneath. The warmth felt so good as it continued to move through his arm passing into his chest and spreading in all directions feeling him with warmth and a type of strength in his muscles he had never known.
There you go she said pulling her hand away even with her hand gone the warmth didn’t fade it seemed to be filling him with energy and strength. He had never felt like jumping around for joy but he had never had the energy for it. This was the second time he had seen mana used but wasn't shocked by it at all.
She then held out a small gold chess piece in front of him. The piece looked to be handcrafted in the shape of a castle.
What's this he asked looking over at it and raising an eyebrow.
This is the test I wanted you to take talon said making his way over behind Katlin and putting his hand on her shoulder.
“What do I do with it?” he asked still eyeing it over.
Take it in your hand and hold it he said guesting for him to take it from Katlin's hand.
With a hard gulp, the colt reached out his hand picking up the chess piece and bringing it towards his face.
Black Smoke started to emit from the very top of the piece as if coming from nowhere entranced as it continued to Bello more smoking came out a few feet above the piece the smoke stopped and started to shift and then collect form. Philip and barick stopped talking as the smoke contorted until its shape became clear a human skull its eyes dark now fully formed above the gold piece.
Vinrune barick said jaw gaping open eyes fixed on the smoke. Talon raised an eyebrow his smirk nowhere to be seen. “Well, this is a little bit more unexpected although the plan should be able to proceed.” Colt stood there with an uneasy feeling in his gut as he stared into the smoke the steady stream maintaining the skull as its dark eyes faced Colt. looking closer a growing feeling of uneasiness set in as he thought he could hear voices emanating from the skull.
Traitor one voice yelled starting Colt as he released his grip the moment the piece left his hand the smoke vanished as it topped to the floor with a loud thud. For the first time since he had picked it up, he looked up to see everyone staring at him. I'm sorry he said looking at their wide eyes and furled brows
I failed your test haven't I Colt said looking back down at the golden piece on the wooden floor.
On the contrary, you exceed my expectations talon said
Katilin moved over to him, picked up the golden chest piece, and put it back in her pouch. The silence was broken by three loud knocks
“Awe they have arrived Philip would you be as kind as to let our esteemed guest in,” talon said walking over and putting a hand on Colt's shoulder.
Will talk more later for now stay listen to the meeting. Talon said with a look of bewilderment on his face
Okay, he said his emotion churning what was the voice he thought, and what was with the skull? His head spun with questions. He had heard barick say something about Vinrune what was that? Why did he have so many questions living on the street life was simple, staying alive being the only focus but now how had things changed so quickly? His train of thought was quickly derailed by a tall fancy man entering into the room. He had a dark velvety suit with a gold button that lined the suit with a white undershirt. A large top had adorned his head with spectacles and a large curly mustache on his face. White gloves gripping a glass of wine as he followed Philip into the room.
“Richard good to see you isn’t it a little early for the wine,” talon said his familiar grin having doubled in size.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“It's never too early for a gentleman traveling to this trash heap,” he said with a thick accent having a fancy tone to it.
“Serious barick when's the last time you cleaned this place truly dreadful,” he said eyeing the closest chair and pulling a handkerchief to wipe it down.
“As one who takes pride in the esteem craftsmanship of his trade, the tidiness tends to fall by the way,'' barick said mocking his accent and pretending to stroke a non-existent mustache.
Philip's hand shot up cupping his mouth as a laugh escaped a large grin on Kaitlin's face as she moved towards a seat and sat down.
Oh sure laugh at the fancy rich guy trying to educate you to better yourselves he said rolling his eyes one day you will thank me barick Mark my words
Barick chuckled that will be the day he said dropping his hand. Barick moved towards the center table pulling out two chairs and motioning for Richard.
“You know I really have missed you Rich things aren't quite as fun without you” barick said
Rich rolled his eyes walking carefully over to the seat to not spill his wine. “And people question me as to why I drink wine this early in the morning,” he said, taking his seat. Another knock on the door sounded through the room. Two more figures walked in; the first was a younger man his straight black hair and a clean-shaven face that gave him the appearance of a baby face. His expression was rigged and stiff, Changing his persona to an older gentleman. The second was a woman her black hair tucked neatly into a bun. Her sharp eyes scanned the room as her shoulders dropped, she exhaled and a smile appeared on her lips.
“Orson, Jacklin” the group greeted as they entered the room.
We would have been here sooner if someone hadn't stopped to torment a few guards Jacklin said glaring at arson
His stiff expression broke a jovial smile crossed his face
Those guards were very deserving of it. They checked my cart three times and I swear I saw the one slip a coin in his pouch.
Talon stood up at the head of the table as the two newcomers took their seats.
“Looks like everyone is here except for Boggs and Griffin and they are on a special assignment for me at this time,” Talon said, his eyes glancing over all of the people at the table. His smirk dropped off his face.
“A quick recap from the last meeting. The church and high nobles are trying to do away with the council of the one hundred. The motion was presented and sustained by the council. With any big decision, a two-year time minimum for a vote is in place. Although in this instance both sides are trying to push up the vote. As you know if either side loses it will be a loss for everyone. Are government has only survived this long because of the equality of representations and distribution of power. If we singularize the power into either the high king of Algast or the grand prelate disaster will follow.
So why don’t we just sneak in slit some throat and be done with it? We have carried out a fair amount of assassinations. Orson said the heads around the table facing toward him.
“If you don’t mind fighting holy knights or thunderbreakers along with a small army of guards they have at their command. This isn’t some low noble or overzealous priest Rich said
Their armies are growing they have every blacksmith west of the holy lands making more weapons. Along with the mines doubling their production Barick added.
“We are going to have to take them down systematically taking key puzzle pieces before the vote or their armies get too big. Even if holdouts last they will build their armies and fight for a winner.”
“What’s the plan?” Jacklin asked raising an eyebrow.
“As far as helping the holdouts I have already seen to this. The new king of Lottium will drag out proceedings due to his newness to the council. Along with providing us intel on the kings and nobles.” talon said then looked over at barick.
“Any ideas for stopping the production of weapons,” Talon asked looking over towards barick
He thought for a minute gazing at the table
“Well for starters we could buy some of the weapons up but it would be at double the cost. He then looked up a flicker of light in his eyes. The mines he said. If we were able to stop the production of iron and steel we could bring the whole operation to a halt.”
Excellent talon said nodding then looking over towards Richard. What of the finances anything we could target there?
“their wealth is well spread out making any target not worth the effort. The church can always stop the rains and raise their rates. The nobles have large stockpiles of gold. Richard said swirling the wine in his cup with a thoughtful gaze.
That is troublesome we will have to take a closer look at that. Hopefully, our new friend on the council can receive some gossip on the matter. Unfortunately, we are going to need some support from the nobbles any allies you would suggest talon said still looking at Richard.
A few minor families may garner support for us pending some mishaps with the major families. The Barlicts would be the only major family we might be able to sway since they rely so heavily on peasant production.
Start with them and get a feel for the rest. We will need all the help we can get. Lastly, we need to determine which side is closer to victory so we can better focus our efforts. We will need someone to infiltrate Algast's high court or close enough to provide information.
As for the mines arson and Philip you will carry out that task. Both nodded their heads. Barick's head dropped with a large sigh escaping.
Everyone makes it out before that mine collapses. Talon glowered at Orson.
Yes, I will ensure the spineless guards are only partially injured Orson said talons glowering growing more intense with the comment.
Okay okay, only a bit of slight discomfort he said drawing a cross on his chest I promise he said.
Barick will start buying up the weapons but try and get a better deal than double we don’t have endless funds. Boggs has already purchased safe houses to store them away. Talon said barick, nodding a frown still on his face.
Our new informant and Richard will gather information on wealth and noble targets. Kaitlin will be set up for injury in the manner as per usual and the rest will help with the targets.
As for headquarters, bogs bought a large nobleman's mansion on the outskirts of trivoleeum.
Will it be safe being that close to the capital Jacklin asked
Those of us whose reputation is less than ideal will be operating at night or with you talon said.
As for the church Griffin has infiltrated and stolen some of the records. Mostly list of members and their level of commitment to the church. With this, we are hoping to rule out targets and keep a close eye on those that would support a war.
There is one more thing I should share with you he said his smirk now completely gone off his face his eyes looking warily
The city of Mistrein has been cleansed of all life. Not a soul survivor, Talon said the group's mouths gaped open, their faces filled with pain and disbelief.
“Impossible there are at least three-four hundred thousand inhabitants on any given day” Rich shouted almost spilling his wine.
I was there Talon said coldly I walked through those mist-covered streets not a soul to be found the empty houses no signs of life as if the inhabitants just vanished into thin air. their fires were still cooking the morning breakfast.
The church is claiming the inhabitants angered the great divine with their sins and were cleansed. This is how the church is pressing the vote to be pushed up Talon said a pained expression on his face. This will undoubtedly garner a lot of support for the church.
What could have wiped out a whole city Orsen said
Nothing in this world, not even the worst plague could wipe a city and leave no bodies. Barick added, rubbing his head.
“To be honest if I hadn't walked through the city myself I wouldn't have believed it. The stillness still haunts me. Talon said, taking a moment to stare down at the floorboards. The neighboring towns won’t even get close to the city. Even the treasury remains untouched, well it was untouched.” talon said sitting down in his chair
“The news will spread and that will make the church have a much better position. This is unlike anything we have attempted before and as always I understand if anyone doesn’t want to proceed.” Talon said, raising his head. The group all stared at the floor, not one of them rose to speak as if all were coming to terms. A loud yawn broke the silence, everyone turning to the entrance to the kitchen. There stood Seph her dark hair puffed and tangled. Her hands in a stretching motion then moved towards her mouth to wipe a small amount of drool in the corner of her lip.
“Good lord man, what have you done to my perfect angel?” Rich shouted his eyes filled with disgust
“Did I miss something?” Seph said a confused look plastered on her face. as Barick rubbed his forehead
“What happened to the dresses I sent? Don’t tell me a few months turned my fine elegant young lady into a barbaric heathen. Rich said eyes fixed on Seph
Oh, those were too restricting and as for the finer things of life just didn’t agree with me. Not enough excitement, too many niceties. Seph said, falling back into the kitchen.
You did this on purpose didn’t you barick? See here sir it is one thing to make a fool of me but another to dash a young lady's decency.
She has a mind of her own. Lord knows I have tried to keep that decency. Barick said finally meeting Rich’s eyes
Talon chucked his smirk returning She is a strong-willed one indeed.
Talon stood back up “The caravan is already here to escort us to trivoleeum gather your things he said dismissing the group. Within moments the room had emptied except for Colt and Talon.
What does that mean? Colt said, looking towards Talon.
You heard the plan I will give you the option like I said I would. You can return to your home and try your luck stealing from caravans or you can come with me and become my apprentice. It won’t be easy and will be dangerous at times but I promise you will be treated well. This path will be far from easy i will expect you to give your all.
This was the first promise that Colt believed. The way Talon talked with his crew was almost as if they were all family. He had imagined many times what it would be like to have a family. The jokes the warm meals someone to care for and protect him. This was the best he had ever felt and the longest he had gone without feeling hungry. I don’t know how much help I will be but I will do the best that I can, he said.
Do you swear your loyalty to me to be your teacher?
I do, Colt said.
Then we have an accord