An Assassin's Anthem

Riley looked at the king. What’s he stealing now?

King Titus met her gaze. “Don’t use all your crystals. Instead, plan for two more runs this term at D-tier. After the runs next week, you will join your betrothed on the front.” The king turned to Lucas. “If you wish your duchy, you know the price.”

“We’ll take it. That nation will fall,” Lucas said, anger blazing in his eyes.

Riley kept the forced smile on her face. So, I sacrifice progress and lose access to the university. She swallowed. Do I take it and run instead? She looked over at Lucas.

The king clapped him on the back. “I appreciate your passion and will leave you both for the evening.” He walked out of the room. The queen followed.

Lucas walked over and took Riley’s hand. “It’ll be alright,” Lucas whispered, leaning close to her ear. “We’ll win.”

But I don’t want them to win. She frowned.

Lucas reached over and patted her back. “Trust me. I’ll explain.”

Riley felt a piece of paper slip into her hand. Palming it, she slid it into a pocket and followed him, walking down the halls and out the front door.

Emerging on the grounds, she quirked a brow. “Really?”

“Yes. You’ll be on the front,” Lucas said. “You’ll get two runs at the end of the week.”

“I assume that I don’t get a choice?” Riley asked.

Lucas turned toward her. “Healers are rare. And a duchy must be earned, Riley.” His green eyes sparkled, and a smile spread across his face. “That is your goal, isn’t it?”

Riley crossed her arms. “I wanted to get one for my family,” she stated.

“And we will have one,” Lucas said, steering her toward a nearby restaurant.

Riley followed him and studied him. Is it all an act? He’s good at it. So good at it. She leaned closer. “Why do you hate Shorove?”

“Because they are monsters,” Lucas said. A flicker of anger passed through his eyes. He leaned closer, his voice a faint whisper. “The nobles here have issues. The prince and princess fight, but they do not compare to the monsters in Shorove. You need to know that.”

Riley studied him. Is that where he came from? Her face contorted as she entered the restaurant and moved to a nearby table in a small booth.

She took a seat and met his gaze. “That’s what you’re after, revenge?” she asked, her confusion still visible.

Lucas paused and studied her. His brow quirked. “And what are you after, Miss Milvsky? Power? Position?”

Riley opened her mouth and closed it. She looked out at the curtain and frowned. I can’t even have a candid chat. She looked back at him.

“I’m not judging, but I am curious.” Lucas leaned forward. “You clearly want power. That’s obvious. None of the other nobles are pushing like you are, but it doesn’t answer why.” He smiled and raised his hands, his fingers flashing. “You’re too used to the amateurs.”

“Who were you? Really?”

Lucas smiled. “I’ll leave that riddle for you to decode.” He winked and leaned back in his chair. “Rest assured, we’re going to end that kingdom. That is our goal.”

“And then?” Riley asked.

He shrugged. “What would you have me do?”

Is he testing me? Riley studied him. He has to be a master thief or something. He’s too clever and too observant.

“It is something to think about. After all, one must scout and plan if they wish to win. You, of all people, should know that.”

Riley frowned. I want to end this whole kingdom, duchy or not. These rulers are terrible. She looked back at him. “Why do they trust you?”

Lucas smiled. “They know my goals. I know theirs. The two are aligned.”

“With them?” Riley asked, pushing for clarity on who he was referring to.

“With everyone,” Lucas replied, smiling at her. “For now.”

“Who are you to the elves?” Riley signed back.

“You should ask yourself that.” Lucas smirked. “Princess.”

Riley stared at him. “No.”

“Talk to Althea.” He turned and looked at the curtain before stretching. “How was your run?”

He’s lying. Riley turned and frowned at the curtain. “Fine, thank you.”

“It’s very impressive. Do be careful, though.” Lucas took a sip of water.

Riley turned toward him. “I don’t understand you.”

“Of course not. We only just met, and you know little about me.” Lucas gestured the server in. “I’m trying to improve things by removing the criminals tearing down our world.”

Riley paused. Is that code? It is, isn’t it? She met his gaze. “And that’s what prompted you to become a seeker?”

“Yes.” Lucas nodded. “Their majesties appreciated my zeal and helped me advance. I’ve been working with the seekers for nearly two years. It has been a lot of work, but we’ve cleaned up a great deal.”

“And now you’re going to clean up Shorove?” Riley asked.

“Yes,” Lucas affirmed. “That is the focus.”

“And then we’ll clean up our duchy?” Riley asked with a growing smile.

Lucas nodded. “We’ll see how far that task takes us.”

Riley smiled. Okay. He’s working for Althea. There is no way these aren’t clues.

Lucas turned to the server. “We’ll take the special.” He looked back at Riley. “Sil for your thoughts.”

“Why did you agree to this arrangement?” Riley asked, quirking her brow. “And don’t say the same thing.”

“You aren't paying attention if you don’t know by now.”

Riley nodded. Althea. She asked him to do it, and he did. I need to talk to her. She stretched and looked around the fancy cube.

“Be careful with the royals,” Lucas said. “And don’t get yourself into trouble this week. We have a country to conquer.”

Riley nodded while listening to the sounds outside. Time to hide. She smiled at him. “Of course, Lucas. I’m happy to help wherever I can.”

Lucas smiled and turned.

Riley did the same, turning toward the approaching figure. “Dad?” she asked, shock flashing through her again.

Roger tossed back his cowl and shook the snow from his cloak. “Hello, Riley.” He turned and quirked a brow. “Seeker.”

“Hello, Roger,” Lucas said, looking up at him. “Care to join us?”

“Yes, I think that would be best,” Roger said, grabbing a nearby chair and sitting at the table. He looked at Riley. “Good to see you again.”

Riley chuckled. “How are Grandma and Grandpa?”

“Stubborn. So very stubborn,” Roger huffed and turned to Lucas. “Now. Care to explain this betrothal that happened without my approval?”

Lucas smiled. “I did what I could. If you wish to oppose it, I leave that to you.”

Roger sighed and shook his head. “No, I’ll leave that to her. Now, what’s this madness you’ve started?”

“It’s time for the war to end, and we’re going to win,” Lucas said succinctly.

Roger frowned and continued studying him.

Riley nudged her dad. “I assume Grandma approved?”

“Oh, she very much approves,” Roger said, rolling his eyes. “She’d sell you off to the highest bidder.” He turned back to Lucas. “Is this madness about sending her to the front correct?”

“Yes. She will be tasked with healing some wounded,” Lucas said.

“I’m assigning myself as her guard,” Roger stated. He turned to the server. “Nothing for me.”

The server nodded and walked away.

Roger sighed and rubbed his brow. He looked at Lucas. “War?”

“Yes. It’s necessary. We will win.”

Riley nudged her father. “Any interesting chats?”

“One. About him.” Roger quirked his brow.

Lucas sighed. “I don’t want to hear the fresh rumor floating through the kingdom.”

The server walked in and placed down a steaming plate.

Riley looked at the presented fish on a bed of vegetables. She picked up her fork and started eating while looking at the two. Dad knows something.

“Riley, be careful, please.” Roger stood. “I need to ensure they have me listed as a guard.” He gave one final look at Lucas before walking to the door.

Lucas sighed and picked up his knife.

Riley sighed and turned toward him. “I don’t suppose we can talk somewhere more private?”

“Sadly, I need to head to the front immediately.” Lucas gestured to the guards who had walked in. “Time is not my friend today.”

Riley sighed and resumed eating. I’ll force it out of Dad later.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 235

Bard (C)

Level: 184 + 1

Dominating Presence D Enemies within sixty meters of you lose 10 strength, 10 dexterity, and 10 speed. You may use inspiration to boost the range and the effect temporarily.

Spirit Blade C +1 level to assigned class. Manifest an ethereal blade of psychic energy that will vanish after thirty seconds or six seconds after being thrown. Costs one stamina or one mana to manifest a blade.

Restoring Presence D Subjects regain 1 stamina and 1 mana every half hour; their healing is augmented by 10%. Allies within 50 meters count as subjects. You may use mana to send out a burst of healing. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect.

Empowering Presence D Your subjects gain +10 strength, +10 dexterity, and +10 movement speed; allies within twenty meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.

Assassin (C)

Level: 184 + 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.

Momentous Tempo B +10 speed. This boost will increase to up to +100 for every ten seconds you are in motion. Slowing in any way will reduce the effect. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 10 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: 184

Predatory Sight D Your perception and insight are boosted by 25. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for 10 seconds.

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

Pretty D Your appearance is nice, but it could be so grand. Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty.

Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.

Spell Thief (C) Level: 184 Inactive.

Noble (D)

Level: 250 Inactive.

Enchanter (F)

Level: 50 Inactive.

Alchemist (D)

Level: 119 Inactive.

Infiltrator (F)

Level: 126 Inactive.

- -

Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies.

Conjure Potion D Create a potion. Cost varies based on the poison type and requirements.

Dexterity 1035

Strength 470

Speed 400

Intelligence 470

Charisma 685

Stamina 850

Mana 1024

Inspiration 420