An Assassin's Anthem

Riley’s eyelids felt like lead. The sound of the nearby hearth and the sound of someone breathing forced her to wake. She looked at the text that was sitting there.

[Your base level has advanced: 248 → 260!]

Willing it away, she rubbed her eyes and scowled at the prince standing above her. That’s just creepy. She pulled the blanket up.

“What happened?” Timothy asked.

“What do you think?” Riley asked, shaking her head. “Did anyone survive that nightmare?”

Lucas laughed. It rolled through the room, and Riley turned to see him sitting at a desk.

“The casualty rate was extremely high,” Lucas said, looking at her. “Are you feeling alright?”

Riley groaned. “Gods no. Wraiths are horrid.”

“They got you too?” Timothy asked, smiling and walking to the hearth.

“Of course. They’re wraiths.” Riley looked down at the bed. She peeked under the covers and saw a nightgown. Sitting up, she pulled the blanket up and looked at the two.

Timothy smiled. “Well, this was a marked improvement over the level four clear. Keep it in mind for future runs with her.”

Riley looked for something to throw at him. “Did your sister lose everything?”

“Yes,” Timothy said cheerily. “She lost most of it when she died.” He grinned. “And the gods lectured her. I wish I could have seen that. Visits are so rare, and they’re always so stiff.”

They are? Riley nodded in feigned agreement. “They visited me.”

“Did you get the lecture about consequences and wraiths?”

“Yes. You know how they are,” she mirrored back. How are they to them?

Timothy nodded. “I’ve been trying to get Death’s attention, but he hardly talks, even on blessing day.” He sighed.

“I heard that Mischief is easy to talk to.”

“Forget that. He just gives nonsense quests that don’t give rewards.” Timothy sighed. “The good ones are all quiet.”

“Have you ever heard of one named S? She has platinum hair.”

Timothy shook his head. “No. S? Her name is a letter?”

“I think it stands for speed. She’s fast. Really fast.”

“Nope.” Timothy sighed. “I would have talked to Death. That part isn’t fair at all.”

Riley looked over at Lucas. “What are you doing?”

Lucas looked up. “Writing down missives for their majesties. We need more troops.”

Riley nodded and looked at the prince. His eyes flickered to her head, and she grimaced. Riley pulled the blanket up like a makeshift cloak. Okay. I need a better pretty skill.

[Yes, you do. ~Beauty]

Riley looked at the prince. “Why are you here?”

“I wished to see if you were ready to go.” Timothy smiled. “And to thank you.”

The door banged open. Riley looked past the prince and saw a livid Lily.

“Riley, why didn’t you warn us?” Lily barked, a massive scowl spreading on her face.

“Because I didn’t make it back. I found the blood field and got killed by wraiths,” Riley said, a frown spreading across her face.

“Enough,” Lisa said, walking into the room and looking at her daughter. “Riley couldn’t have stopped that. No one did well this run.” She sighed. “Hags and wraiths? The gods were cruel.” Turning, she studied Riley. “Did the gods speak with you?”

Riley nodded. “Yes. They warned me about wraiths, blood fields, and killing things.”

“As they did with most.” Lisa turned. “Follow. The servants will help you get dressed.”

Riley stood and walked out of the room, following the queen down the hall and into a nearby room. A servant with brown hair bob curtsied and smiled at her, gesturing to a folding screen. Walking behind a folded piece of wood, she saw her gear sitting there neatly.

The servant walked over and started changing her. Riley flushed. This is strange.

“How bad was it?” Lisa asked.

“Very, my queen,” Riley replied, picking up her pants. The servant masked their laughter, and Riley slid them on. “There were at least a hundred wraiths. I managed to kill a few but died very quickly.”

Lisa sighed. “Candidly, only those who fled survived.” She turned and looked at Riley. “Now, I’d like to put the unpleasantness behind us.”

Riley pulled up her cowl and smiled at the servant. “Thanks,” she mouthed.

The servant smiled and curtsied. She turned and walked from the room.

Riley stepped out from behind the folding screen. “Thank you, my queen.”

Lisa studied her. “Is it going to cause a problem? I do not need some noble causing trouble.”

Riley frowned. “The system is unfair, but I understand the problem at the front. You need to help the soldiers.”

“That is the truth,” Lisa said. “We have three forts on the brink of ruin, and we need to push our soldiers forward. To that end, keep your attuned crystals.” She walked forward and handed Riley a small purse. “Those made it out, though there weren’t many.”

Riley peered inside and looked at the queen in surprise.

The queen sighed. “We aren’t criminals.” She looked at Riley sternly. “We fight for our kingdom and people. Ruling requires a heavy hand and difficult choices. Now, I need you to hit C-tier before you return. We need to break their line to ease pressure down the line.” Lisa frowned. “Did you manage a skill?”

“No, I died,” Riley said, shaking her head. She looked at the queen. What am I missing? Or is it because she now sees more value? Realization clunked into place. It was that. Siege warfare was all about controlling the magic. She had the skill, and the queen needed it.

“Push on it.” The queen smiled. “And are you still upset about the crystal system?”

As if I can say no. “I understand, my queen.” Riley nodded. “We’re at war.” She bowed slightly.

Lisa paused and studied Riley. “Tell me. Why am I forcing you to aid them?”

“They need to be strong if they wish to rule and survive,” Riley replied.

The queen nodded, a smile spreading on her face. “By my estimate, you have enough to reach C-tier. Do you have enough to upgrade your skills?”

Riley considered lying and tossed it away. The queen knows the answer. This is a test. “Yes.” She nodded.

“Good. Push yourself with my son. Then, advance to C-tier. It will be your last run of the season. However, I will reward you should you take one of their forts.” The queen held out another purse. “Consider it a payment for your services.”

Riley took it and forced herself not to look inside. “Thank you.” Her fingers danced along it. Coin. It is payment. She looked over as the servant returned with a tray of food.

Walking over to the desk, the servant placed it down.

“You’re likely hungry. Go ahead,” the queen said.

Riley walked over to the desk. This is strange. She took a seat, smelled the delicious stew, and started eating. What time is it? She glanced at the window. There’s sun. Afternoon?

The queen walked over and took a seat. “Your hair?” she asked, quirking a brow.

“A fireball that got through,” Riley replied, taking another bite.

The queen nodded and studied Riley.

Oh, whatever. Riley focused on the stew, rapidly eating while occasionally looking at the queen.

The queen went quiet for a minute before standing. “Ring for a servant when you are ready. They’ll inform the prince.” She walked out the door.

Riley kept eating. Is she serious, or is this another game? She frowned while she ate, her mind flickering through past events. She’s using us, but will she accept us as nobility? Her frown deepened as she mulled.

Finishing her stew, Riley rang the bell. The servant poked her head in and walked up.

“Hello again,” Riley said with a growing smile. “Are you new?”

The servant curtsied and took the plate.

“You can talk around me.” Riley shook her head and sighed.

The servant paused and studied Riley. “You have a reputation, you know.”

“Really?” Riley asked.

“We’re not certain if it’s accurate.” The woman paused and then smiled. “A servant knows their master. They know the hidden truth.”

Riley’s mouth dropped. “Where did you hear that?” she whispered.

The woman chuckled. “It’s just a foolish saying.” She shook her head and turned away.

“A servant’s life is only safe if they have a use,” Riley finished it and grabbed the woman’s shoulder.

“You do know it,” the woman said with a happy smile.

“But how did you hear it?” Riley asked. I made that up when I was eight. “Who are you?”

“I’m Janette. And I’m not sure. A bunch of silly children’s rhymes spread some years ago.” Janette paused. “Do you know the rest of it?”

Riley nodded.

“And if you are not hidden,

you know just what’s to come.

A servant seen needs to go

before they are undone.”

Janette’s smile grew deeper. “You really were one.”

“I’ve worn the uniform.” Riley walked next to her. “How are they? Candidly?”

“They ignore us.” Balancing the plate, Janette reached out her hand.

Riley reached out and shook it. “Nice to meet you. And the two?”

Janette grimaced. “I shouldn’t say.”

“And their majesties?” Riley asked.

Janette shrugged. “They’re lazy. Who wants to spend all the time doing paperwork and things?” She smiled. “It makes things easier. I’m certain you know.” She paused. “Did you really live on the streets?”

Riley chuckled. “You already know. I can tell.”

“Of course you did. You act like a mayor’s kid who never had a servant in your life.” Janette smiled. “Then someone saw you talking to the urchins. Rumors spread fast.”

Riley chuckled and followed her to the door.

Janette grabbed the handle and turned. “Be careful, Lady Riley. I’ve heard things.”

“Heard things?” Riley probed.

“Just be careful. You are known.” Janette nodded. “You know what that means.”

“Thank you.” Riley swallowed. “How known?”

“Safe for now, but there were discussions.” Janette turned. “I’ll take you to the prince.” She walked out the door.

Riley followed her. How far will they let me advance? They will not let me push beyond her kids. She walked down the polished halls. Is that why the queen offered a trade? She frowned and considered it while walking to the prince’s office.

Walking to the room, she peered inside and waved at the group in the room.

“Finally,” Dwight said with a grin, lurching up from his seat.

Timothy stood. He smiled. “Level three, Riley.”

Riley nodded. I hope so. She followed the group toward the temple.

Spoiler