An Assassin's Anthem

Like a fleeing deer, Riley burst from the keep and huffed. “I’m not doing that, Dad. I will not marry him.”

Roger turned. “Games, Riley. Games. He’s moving pieces. Move your own.”

Riley scowled and looked at her father. She nodded. “Fine. Kill him.”

Roger chuckled. “Not this time, kiddo. This is good practice for you, and that move won’t work at all.” He walked up to the carriage and opened the door.

Megan walked out and climbed into the carriage. Riley joined her. Roger got in and shut it.

“Rotten man, trying to take our land!” Megan hissed.

The carriage started moving. Riley pulled out the book and read.

“You know, you could just fix that problem for me,” Megan said, eyeing her son.

“I already tried that,” Riley offered without looking up from her book.

Roger shook his head. “You know my rules and the guild rules.”

“Oh, please. The assassin’s guild always gets caught up in our affairs. They’ll look the other way too. Just go end that entire line.” Megan huffed, crossing her arms and legs.

Roger sighed. “I’m not here for wanton murder, mother.” He leaned back in his chair.

Riley continued to read. The carriage meandered through the streets until they left the gate. Then, it picked up speed rapidly, vibrating and bouncing like a falling stone.

Hitting a deep hole, the entire carriage lurched into the air. Riley slammed into the ceiling.

Landing with a whump, she frowned. “How am I supposed to read?”

Roger laughed. “In this? You don’t.” He gripped the handles on the chair, and the carriage lurched into the air again.

Riley’s head smacked into the ceiling. Landing with another whump, she put the book away and grabbed onto the supports.

“Easy!” Megan shouted.

Riley looked at the carriage. “How is this not in pieces?”

“They only last a few runs before repairs,” Roger replied. “It’s not worth it.” He kicked at a cracked floorboard.

Riley braced herself. The horses dashed down the straight road. The carriage bounced around like a tree in a tornado.

Riley braced herself and clamped her eyes shut. Time seemed to move glacially while she gripped both handles and sunk her feet into two stirrups.

Roger let out a long sigh. Riley felt like screaming, and Megan feigned comfort while maintaining a death grip on the contraption.

After a few hours, the carriage slowed.

With trembling arms, Riley released the handles and stretched her stiff fingers. “Never again. Never again,” she whispered.

“Next time, I’m riding the horse.” Roger nearly ripped the door off and jumped out.

Riley bailed and looked lovingly at the ground. “No more carriages.”

“Oh, stop that. It’s undignified to ride horseback,” Megan said, stepping out of the carriage.

Riley turned to protest, and her mouth dropped open. A massive castle stood in front of her. Flags waved from doors and windows. Lawns stretched around it, a green blanket highlighting the polished white stone structure that rose to the heavens.

Turning, she saw the large stone academy towering nearby. Towers decorated the top. Flags and banners fluttered softly in the soft breeze, and the windows were ablaze with enchanted lights.

“Come along,” Megan called, walking away from the stables and heading for the academy.

Riley followed down the stone walk, passing a pond with golden fish swimming in it. Looking up, she saw the entrance to the arena that sunk out into the city.

Megan linked arms with Riley and continued striding forward. “No gaping, Riley dear. We are nobles. The best of the best.”

Roger coughed, masking a scoff. Riley smiled and walked up to the academy’s large oak doors. A guard studied the three and nodded, opening the door.

The three walked inside, entering a large foyer. Couches and rugs littered the area. Light streamed through the window above. Small glowing lamps sat along the far wall, lighting up a small crowd of people.

Panic crept down Riley’s spine. The truth seekers looked up and smiled. Calm down. You’re Riley. You’re not lying. This is who I am. She smiled at them, and shock crept onto her face when she saw him. The legend, the ender of assassins, and the one that reported only to the king.

“Surprised to see students?” the woman asked. “It’s good practice for them.”

“Of course,” Riley replied, feigning nonchalance.

The seventeen-year-old boy with white hair noticed her reaction. He smiled and nodded to her. “Hello, Lady Riley.”

Megan turned her focus to him. “The legendary Seeker Lucas. We’re honored.” She smiled brightly at him.

Lucas nodded. “Well observed, Baroness.”

“You’re here?” Roger asked, quirking a brow. “Last I heard, you were searching for spies down near the border.”

“The king wished additional screening for the academy.” Lucas stood and walked around each of them, studying them. His eyes blazed a bright green while he circled.

Roger frowned. “I assure you that this isn’t necessary.”

“I’m certain it will be fine,” Lucas replied. “Unless you have something to hide.”

Riley felt pressure slam against her, searching for any sort of deception. I’m a human girl. This is me. I’m a human girl. This is me… She chanted it, and the pressure surged like an ocean wave.

It slammed into her, knocking her down into some strange depths. It felt like she couldn’t breathe. The pressure pounded in her ears, and her disguise cracked like a dropped egg.

Panic filled Riley. His eyes saw her, everything about her—like standing in the gaze of the gods—and then it was just gone. The pressure had faded, leaving her alone with her disguise.

She coughed repeatedly, and panic filled her. He knew. He’d seen everything.

“My apologies, Lady Riley,” Lucas said, patting her back. “The skill can feel very invasive.”

Riley stood upright. Her eyes watered, and she felt the message on her back.

“Do not do anything foolish, Assassin. Follow the code, and repay your debt.”

Riley bumped his leg. “Price?”

Lucas walked forward, bowed toward Riley, and returned to the others. “She has a perception skill and the ranger class. Enroll her in the seeker courses.” His eyes glimmered, revealing the price.

Riley’s instincts kicked in, and she realized. He’s recruiting me for something. Saying no would get her killed. She smiled and curtsied slightly. “Thank you, seeker. I’d be honored to learn and follow the seeker tenants.” She emphasized the last words, sending her own message to him.

Lucas smiled, hearing the hidden message. “And I see no reason to fear anything from them. They are a respected family. Her strengths are as a scout or mage depending on skills and classes equipped.”

“Strongest?” the woman asked while scribbling.

“The ranger and scout.”

Riley looked at the enigma in front of her. “What rank is your skill?” The question slipped out before she could stop it. She blushed and slapped her hands over her mouth.

“I apologize,” Megan said with a sigh. “I imagine she has never felt the like.”

Lucas laughed. “She is not the first to break decorum. It’s strong enough to see skills and classes. All of them. And yes, she has the Noble class.” His hands blurred, flashing out a last message. “I’ll be watching.”

Riley kept the smile on her face and turned toward the woman at the desk.

The woman wrote it down and looked up. “Accommodation prices vary from no upcharge to a noble a day. I assume you’ll want the cheapest?”

Riley blushed and looked at the polished stone floor. Roger looked at the ceiling.

“The common dorms are quite nice. They’ll be fine.” Megan’s face looked like she’d eaten some of the dirt soup from the inn.

Riley looked up and forced herself not to laugh.

“One hundred nobles for both terms. Sixty for one,” the woman replied.

Riley barely kept her composure. That price seemed beyond absurd when stated out loud, even if it was justified because of the dungeon runs the academy provided.

Roger pulled out a bag of advancement crystals and set it on the table. The woman counted while the seekers watched.

Nodding, she handed a receipt and a key to Roger. “She’ll be in room seven of the girls’ dormitory.”

Roger took them, turned, and headed for the door. Riley followed, quickly exiting and walking out onto the palace grounds.

Striding down the walk, she bumped a message on her father’s back. “He knows.”

Roger handed her the key and bumped a message back. “The guild reached an accord with him.”

“What does that mean?”

“We let him live, and others vouched for him.” Roger walked toward a cluster of buildings.

“He’s making me join the seekers,” Riley bumped back.

“He’ll likely use you to rid the king of a problem.” Roger scanned the gate out into the city.

Riley smiled and looked out at the buildings. Each shop was immaculately clean and had glass windows to display its wares. The guards screened wealthy individuals at the gate before they headed to the shops.

Walking to a shop with dresses and suits in the window, she followed her grandmother inside. Wonder what it’s like to wear a suit, she wondered while looking at one.

“What do you think?” Megan asked, gesturing at a yellow dress.

“It’s pretty,” Riley said with a growing smile. She walked over and felt the soft fabric.

“I suppose that it’ll have to do,” Megan said, sighing dramatically. “I’d prefer custom, of course.”

“All our attire is custom,” a woman said, stepping out of the back room. She bobbed a slight curtsy and moved forward.

“Of course.” Megan moved forward. “This is my granddaughter, Riley. She’ll be attending school.”

Roger set the receipt on the desk. The woman took it and nodded.

Riley moved up. Realization hit her. I’m going to be in this form for a long time. She looked down. Is this who I’m meant to be? A human girl? She frowned and considered that.

Roger bumped her arm. “Everything alright?”

“Sorry, just thinking.” Riley smiled at the shopkeeper. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“We’ll need dresses befitting a future baroness,” Megan said. “Twenty dresses, some pajamas, and intimates, of course.”

“Of course, my lady. We were required to increase our prices and —“

“And what? Of course, we can afford them,” Megan snapped back.

“I’ll need it upfront. Two nobles each.” The shopkeeper smiled.

Riley stared, failing to keep her mask given the absurd prices being tossed around.

Megan froze, and the silence hung there. The awkward pause grew before she snapped out of it. “That’s ridiculous. I will not pay such an outlandish fee.”

“That is the price. You may ask the guards,” the woman replied.

Megan swallowed and looked over at Roger.

“If she’s lying, I can’t sense it,” Roger said with a frown.

Riley looked at the floor. This feels familiar. She looked at the yellow dress. Should just steal it.

“Very well. Seven dresses to act appropriate for school, intimates, and one for any parties,” Megan countered.

“Those typically cost ten nobles,” the tailor replied.

Riley looked out the window rather than letting her shock show openly. It was the most absurd price she’d ever heard. Megan stammered, and Roger sighed.

“Fine. You know our house can’t afford your absurd prices. But you should also know me,” Roger said, walking up to the counter. His eyes turned hard.

The shopkeeper swallowed. “These are the prices, sir.”

“Yes, I’m certain they are. What about the cheaper options? I know you have them.” Roger glowered at her. Tension crackled through the air.

“There are fabrics from last season. And some second-hand outfits if you’d prefer,” the woman replied.

“Fine. Let’s do that. She needs enough for school, two sets of dungeon attire, intimates, and something for the social events.” Roger turned, walked to a chair, and plopped into it. Then he pulled out a book.

Riley looked at the book. An eager glint spread across her face. Megan grabbed her shoulders and steered her towards a changing stall.

The shopkeeper brought out a simple blue dress with no embroidery.

Riley changed into it and looked in the mirror. The fabric highlighted her form. With a shy smile, she swished it around, enjoying its feel.

Megan untied it with a nod and grabbed the next one. Riley enjoyed the next two dresses. Then her excitement waned as exhaustion set in.

Strings jerked tight. Fabrics fell and fluttered by, and Riley groaned, wanting nothing more than her books. I should have gone with a different disguise!

[Nonsense. You look gorgeous! ~Beauty]

“Beauty, this is dreadful! They think I am a doll. Dresses come, and dresses go. A never-ending ball! I’d rather be out hunting! Not stuck up on this place! Give me back my lock picks! And then present the safe!”

[Don’t be silly, Riley. Would you rather be stuck in a boring suit? ~Beauty]

Riley stepped out of the booth and debated it, staring off at the suits. They didn’t look cute or fun, but they’d sure be faster and more comfortable than the corset cinched up against her ribs.

“They aren’t comfortable either,” Roger said, looking up from his book and at the door.

The little bell hanging on it rang. A group of girls entered. Each was wearing an elaborate dress. One with flaming red hair had a small circlet on her head. Riley dropped into a low curtsy.

Princess Lily walked forward and then studied the three. Surprise brushed across her face when she saw Riley. She looked at Megan.

“Hello, Princess,” Megan said. “This is my granddaughter, Riley. She is next in line, princess.”

“Why didn’t she attend the academy?”

“She’s attending this year. She is your age, princess.”

Whispers rippled through the group of girls.

“And she’s level one hundred already?” the princess asked in surprise. “We shall see if she has a use or if you simply gave her crystals.” She marched toward the tailor. “I need a new gown. We have visitors.”

“Of course, princess,” the tailor replied and immediately turned all attention to her.

Riley stood there. The awkwardness grew. “Can I change back?” she whispered to Megan.

“Go ahead,” the tailor called. “I have your order.”

Riley let out a breath of relief. She turned and spun, trying to reach the back of the dress. How do girls deal with these things?

Megan chuckled softly and untied it. Riley removed the out-of-season dress. One girl whispered. The group laughed, and Riley blushed while carefully folding it.

Swapping back to her original dress, she took a long breath and followed the two outside.

“Be very careful with the princess,” Megan whispered. “She’s looking for allies, but —“ She curtsied.

Riley looked, saw the prince, and dropped into a curtsy. The boy looked similar to his twin. His hair was the same vibrant red. His nose was small, and his brown eyes glinted.

“Hello, Baron Milvsky,” Prince Timothy said, walking forward.

Riley stole a peek at his level.

[Timothy - Level 133, Prince 117, Fire Mage 116, Guard 112.]

“And who is this?” Timothy asked.

“This is my granddaughter, Riley. She’ll be attending the academy this year.”

“Of course.” Timothy studied Riley. “Ranger and Water Mage? Interesting. Perhaps you’ll be of use. If my sister approaches you, refuse and come to me.” He nodded in farewell, turned, and headed toward a carriage that had arrived.

Riley turned and headed for the dorm.

“Be very careful with them,” Megan whispered. “Aligning with the wrong side will cost us dearly. That’s what happened to your great-grandparents.”

“I’ll be careful,” Riley whispered back. She walked down the black stone walk and into a building on the side of the academy.

A long hall stretched out before her. Doors to rooms were sitting on each side. At the end, it had a door that led to the washroom.

Walking down the hall, Riley stopped in front of the door with seven engraved on it. Opening the door, she stepped inside. Opposite of her was a shuttered window covered by drapes. A bed sat below it. A large chest and desk were sitting against the wall, and a closet was on the other side.

“I suppose it’ll have to do,” Megan sighed. “I do apologize, Riley. Funds are limited.”

With one of his skills, Roger started unloading, pulling items from nowhere. Riley put away her hunting gear, weapons, and several books.

“It’s worth the price of admission, right?” Riley asked.

“It’s worth it,” Megan said with a nod. “Especially with your high start. The guaranteed dungeon runs will do wonders to build up your level, skills, and classes. Using your own crystals is far better for future growth.” She turned. “You explained this to her, right?”

Roger nodded. “Yes. She knows.” He pulled out two coin purses and set them on the desk.

Riley peered inside. One had coin, and the other contained her crystals. She nodded and searched the room for the ideal hiding spot.

“Are you coming home, Roger? Or are you off gallivanting?” Megan asked, pulling Riley into a hug.

“I have some business. Riley, you know how to contact us. Don’t hesitate to do so.” Roger smiled and pulled her into a hug. “Trust your instincts. Push yourself, and be safe.”

Riley hugged him back. “You too.”

Roger patted out a quick message. “Be careful. Run if you must.”

“Be safe. See you soon?” Riley patted back.

“A week or two.” Roger broke free.

Megan sighed. “And I just got you.” She looked forlornly at her granddaughter. “I’ll miss you dearly.”

“I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon enough,” Riley replied, giving her a final farewell hug.

“Of course, dear. You have fun, and remember that this will impact your future.” Megan squeezed her. “And remember that we do care for you even if we messed up the past.”

Riley’s smile grew. I guess this is my chance to see what my life can be.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 100

Bard (C)

Level: 100

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: 100 + 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.

Spell Thief (C)

Level: 100

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.

Ranger (C) Level: 100 Inactive.

Noble (F)

Level: 1 Inactive.

Dexterity: 512

Strength: 200

Speed: 232

Intelligence: 200

Charisma: 330

Stamina: 412

Mana: 500

Inspiration: 200