An Assassin's Anthem

Riley’s eyes fluttered open. The wind whipped around her, and mud flew behind the horse. Trees and fields blurred by. For a moment, she saw a caravan that shot past. I wish I could run like this.

Keeping a tight grip on her father, she bumped a message. “Dad, you alright?”

Roger slowed the horse, covering nearly a kilometer as it slowly reduced to a trot. “Swap with me. Trust the horse.”

“Which roads?” Riley asked, looking at the surrounding fields. Farmers paused and looked up at the two of them.

“For now, we’ll follow the road straight to the southwest. We’re headed for the city of Newport. Wake me if you need to do it.” He slipped off the horse.

Riley scooted forward, and Roger jumped on once more. With a click of reins, she sent the horse trotting. The trot turned into a gallop.

Taking a path around a village, the horse blazed through it, leaping over a cart that blocked the path. With her hair streaming behind her, Riley giggled and leaned closer to it.

The ground blurred as the horse shot down the road. Riley sat in quiet awe. I want to run like this. Which god is Speed? Surprise spread across her face. “Speed are you a goddess? Or a god that’s high above? I apologize for my ignorance. Know you have my love.”

[Thank you for the poem! ~S]

Riley stared at it in surprise. “What? S? That’s their name?”

[She’s being a drama queen. ~Death]

[I am not. I’m beyond them. You know that. ~S]

[You could just go with Speed. ~Death]

[You’re getting a lecture! ~S]

Riley studied the text again. Wait. Can we literally not understand her name… Are there gods we don’t know because we don’t understand them?

[Isn’t that just an interesting question? You know, I think she likes you. I think you should —]

[Mischief is in time out. ~S]

Wait! What? You can do that? Riley listened and didn’t get a response. I thought they were equal. She frowned and tried to figure it out.

Villages, forests, meadows, and fields zipped by. Humming along with the drumming hooves, Riley finally gave up and then tried to determine why Music was hated. There had to be a reason she was missing; Bard seemed just fine.

Like the prior riddle, she failed to find the answer. Instead, she was jerked from her musings by the sound and smell of the ocean. Birds circled overhead while the waves crashed on the beaches.

The sand and surf sparkled in the setting sun. A city appeared on the horizon, and a massive crab lurched from the sands.

On pure instinct, Riley elbowed her father, who vanished into a cloud of smoke. The crab’s massive pincer swung toward them. Riley jerked on the reins, steering away from the pincer that was bigger than she was.

The horse dashed sideways, and the pincers clunked shut next to her head. Strands of blue hair flew away.

Rage filled Riley as she realized. Turning back to the C-tier monster, she burned all her mana, flooding it into Psychic Spike. The crab’s eyes burst, spraying fluid into the air.

It staggered, and Roger appeared, slamming a sword into its head. The crab twitched, and he vaulted off.

Sprinting forward and leaving the corpse behind, Roger zipped up and jumped on the horse, landing lightly on it. “Nice work.” He studied the approaching city. “I’ll see if someone can come collect the meat.” Reaching forward, he tapped on the horse and pulled on the reins.

The horse slowed as they galloped up to the city. A large, worn stone wall surrounded the ocean port city. A barracks and manor stood on the nearby hilltop. Both were weathered and looked like they’d seen far better days.

Surrounding them were similarly worn buildings. The church alone seemed to be in good care. Riley looked beyond the wall to the port that sat outside of the city. Several damaged and ruined craft littered the water.

“It’s seen better days,” Roger said while they slowed. “The war.” He let out a long breath and went quiet as he studied the building.

“Dad,” Riley whispered. “Can I trust them?”

“You can tell your grandparents the truth about everything but your mother and race. Those are too risky. As for your level, be honest for now. If you get too far ahead, start hiding it.” Roger went quiet for a moment. “As for others? No, don’t trust anyone with that truth. Even the good ones. Hassan should have shown you that. He stole everything that you earned and had the audacity to call it a favor to return it. If they found out that you were a half-elf, they’d kill you. So, you need to view yourself as a human girl and my daughter. You run if you ever think anyone knows about your mother. Use the guild to contact me.”

Riley nodded. Sorrow played through her mind like a sorrowful song. She slumped.

Roger placed his hand on her shoulder. “You can trust me, Riley. Know that. I’m sorry for how it all went.” He went quiet.

Riley swallowed and wiped away water from her eyes. “It’s alright, Dad. Thanks for helping me.”

“Always. If you don’t want this, just tell me.” Roger tugged on the reins. The horse slowed, and they trotted up to the station.

The guard squinted and then jerked in surprise, rapidly tidying his appearance as he saluted. “They’re expecting you, sir,” he called out.

Roger nodded to the guard and trotted down the cobblestone street. Riley turned and studied the various streets and buildings. It all brought one thing to mind: things were not going well. Riley frowned. And we’re supposed to help. She frowned at the thought of the crab.

“How dangerous is the water?” she asked.

“For you with water magic? Not as bad. You’ll learn spells,” Roger whispered back. “For most? Lethal. Don’t go in it unless you have a magical way to get out of it in seconds.”

Riley frowned. They get invaders, don’t they? She turned. “Don’t die defending,” she whispered. Then she turned and looked at some kids who raced off toward an orphanage.

“I won’t,” Roger replied, steering up another cobblestone street toward the keep and fenced home.

People paused and pointed at both of them. Riley flushed as whispers hit. She looked away from the whispering population.

“Welcome back, sir, and it’s nice to meet you Lady Riley,” a guard said, opening the gate.

Riley waved at him.

“Thank you.” Roger steered the horse inside and then slipped down.

Riley did the same, landing lightly on the stone. A man jogged over and took the reins. He led the horse off to the stables.

Taking a deep breath, Riley followed her father up to the building and walked inside. She paused and stared at the pictures on the wall, rubbing her eyes. Her father was standing there in one of them. This is so strange. He really is a noble, just like all the tales.

A memory from the orphanage floated by. The kids had discussed fantasies that would never happen. Riley had giggled and joined the fun. Now, here she was, staring at a picture of her father, second in line for a barony.

“Riley,” Roger probed, jerking him out of the memory.

“I just can’t believe it’s true. You’re a noble,” Riley said and touched the painting.

“As are you.” A masculine voice rolled down the hall, pulling her from the act.

Riley spun and saw the man in a red shirt and black trousers. His brown hair was parted and short. Everything about him screamed well off. And the Baron class proved that further.

Instinctively, Riley went to curtsy before Roger stopped her, tugging on her arm.

A woman with dirty blonde hair walked up. “Did you get our letter? Did you tell her?”

Riley stared at the thin woman in a fancy red gown. A gold necklace dangled from her chest, and bracelets clinked on her arms.

“Riley, meet your grandparents. Mother, father, this is my daughter Riley.”

“And why didn’t you tell me that I had a granddaughter?” the woman asked. “I would have insisted on you bringing her here far earlier.” Megan strode forward and held out her arms.

Riley walked forward and then felt awkward as she was pulled into the hug. This is strange. She patted the woman on the back. The stories don’t mention this part.

“Welcome, Riley, dear. It’s so good to finally meet. Let’s put the drama in the past, yes?” Megan patted her on the back.

“Okay,” Riley said, returning the hug.

“Good. Good. Dreadful business with your uncle and cousin.” Megan broke off the hug and smiled. “But we have you both here now.”

“Dreadful business?” Riley asked, turning back towards Roger.

Roger ran his fingers through his hair.

“They passed on. Gods’ grace,” Megan replied. “Roger is next in line.”

Riley stared at him, not bothering to hide the shock. She wore it openly. He’s heir now? I thought he was going to be a mayor.

Roger shook his head. “I don’t want it. Riley, you’re heir.”

Riley stared at him. A baroness? She’d be baroness. That sounded daunting and terrifying. She stood there with her mouth hanging open. Her brain refused to process this development.

“I see he kept his secrets,” Megan said, nudging Riley. “Don’t stand there looking like that. It’s undignified.”

“I thought you said she was a half-elf?” the baron asked as he studied.

“I was incorrect,” Roger replied with a sigh. “We’re tired and hungry. It was a very long journey.”

“Of course. Come,” Megan said, spinning and striding off down the hall, her shoes clunking as she walked.

Riley followed, walking down a hall and then into a large dining room with a polished oak table. The wooden chairs shined. Candles flickered, and a hearth at the end burned, casting light through the room.

Riley took a seat in one of the wooden chairs and looked over at her grandparents.

Megan smiled and took a seat. “Tell me about your classes and trials, Riley.” She hit a small bell on the table.

Riley forced a smile. This is strange… Ah, whatever. It’s just acting. I’m Riley! The human girl who is so excited to be here and become a baroness. That’s who I need to be for a long while. Forcing down a giggle, she met the woman’s gaze. “Of course, Grandma. You don’t mind if I call you that, do you?”

“Of course not,” Megan said happily.

“Well, my trials were a little strange. I think it was Music…” Riley began telling them all about it.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 44

XP: 40968

Bard (C)

Level: 26

Inspiring Song F Bolster your allies with magic and music. Strength and Move Speed increased by 1 for one minute. Costs five Bardic Inspiration and impacts allies within ten meters. The radius of influence expands by one meter for each additional inspiration spent.

Psychic Spike F Wield your mana to cause psychic damage to a target. Cost varies based on allocation.

Manipulate Water F Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Assassin (C)

Level: 26 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight.

Dancer's Form B +10 speed. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 5 for a minute.

Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ranger (C)

Level: 25

Predatory Sight E Your perception and insight are boosted by 5. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light.

Pretty E Your appearance is better, but it could be even grander. Use 1 mana to get a little help from Beauty! (Upgrade me again!) Penalty applied: Unequippable. Beauty may alter your appearance at her whim.

Spell Thief (C) Level: 18 Inactive.

Dexterity: 177

Strength: 88

Speed: 83

Intelligence: 88

Charisma: 144

Stamina: 151

Mana: 165

Inspiration: 70