An Assassin's Anthem

Swords clanged. People barked orders, and the smell of blood filled the fort.

Riley poked her head out of a tower and threw. Her spirit blade flashed and cleaved through a line of people. Does how I view it influence it? Conjuring another, she tried it, bringing her throw into a line of people. The blade shot through the air and two soldiers before hitting the ground.

That’s amazing. Conjuring it again, she rifled it through the mob outside the breached gate. Blood spurted from noses. A soldier staggered, blood flowing from his ears. Riley sent another whirring into the mob, trying to hit as many people as possible before it hit the ground.

A mage looked at Riley. “Cover me?”

“I’m out of mana, but sure,” Riley said, throwing another knife. Her aura pulsed around her. The smell of blood and smoke wafted in the air.

The mage tossed out a ball of flame. It shot down and exploded, tossing people everywhere.

It’s a lot easier when they’re right there. Riley dove back into the tower. A volley of arrows slammed into the stone. Soldiers below shouted, and a knight charged, ripping and cutting down the staggered troops before charging back to the breech.

The mage grinned and leaned against the wall. “Got them.”

“You sure did.” Riley waved her hand out the door and jerked it inside. Arrows slammed into stone once more. “Their archers must be in position.” She sighed and contemplated what to do. Can’t stay here.

Walking down a flight of stairs, she followed the other soldiers out of the tower. Moments later, a ball of fire engulfed it.

Walking down the spiral stairs, Riley emerged in the corner of the courtyard. She moved against the wall and looked over at the breech. The knights were standing in it, cutting down anyone who moved. Mages were countering spells, and archers volleyed back and forth.

Riley frowned and had a new idea. Spinning, she started rapidly throwing knives straight through the wall. They whirred into the mass of soldiers, ignoring the ice and stone fortress the enemy was constructing.

I must look ridiculous, Riley thought and threw, continuing to launch the transparent blades through the wall.

“What are you doing?” a ranger asked, walking up to her.

“Throwing knives,” Riley replied, conjuring one and sending it ripping through the wall.

The ranger turned and stared at her. “You can make ethereal blades?” He held out his hand.

“Does that matter?” Riley asked, throwing again. “It’s going through the wall.”

“Trust me.”

Riley conjured it and handed it to him. The ranger took it and threw it. The blade splintered, turning into dozens of small blades that whirred through the wall.

Screams rippled through the air, and Riley felt a dull ache rippled through her mind. What was that? She watched a stream of kill notifications roll by. “You can use arrow barrage on it?”

“Yep. I’m making a line.” The ranger turned and walked up to the nearby captain.

Within seconds, Riley found herself handing knives to two more rangers, who then used their skills to lob a massive number of knives straight through the wall and into the defenders.

Riley’s heart pounded, and she felt connections with her targets. Her mind smashed into theirs, and her throbbing heartbeat echoed through her mind. Okay. That’s not pleasant. She wiped her nose.

Blinking, she handed over two more blades. Two dozen blades flew through the wall. Her mind reached out to twenty, thirty, fifty… Their thoughts slammed into her.

The enemies screamed, and Riley did the same, her heartbeat smashing into her skull. Her vision faded. The metallic smell of blood grew stronger, and she wiped a stripe of red from her nose.

The ranger next to her turned and grabbed her. “Lady…”

Riley blinked, failing to hear whatever he’d said. She wobbled and tried to fight the horrible headache that surged with every heartbeat.

A strange, warm feeling rippled into her, and she felt the pressure diminish. She reached up and wiped something from her ears.

A ranger grabbed her and raced her into the barracks, setting her down at a table. “Lady Riley?”

“Sorry,” Riley replied, dropping her head on the table. “Too much.”

“Sorry. We should have realized there was a price on you. Take a break.” The ranger turned and walked out.

Riley nodded and dropped her head on the table. Is that how they work? My mind against theirs? She closed her eyes and listened to the battle.

A knight bellowed. “Charge!” The army surged out of the gate with vigor.

Riley poked her head up and forced her eyes open. She saw the army stream out. Bowstrings twanged, and she laid her head down. Too much.

Swords and shields clattered. Bows twanged, and soldiers screamed. How can they afford to throw people away like this? Riley looked at the courtyard and grimaced. Because they’re winning. Bodies littered the ground.

Riley considered ways to help. She stood and immediately sat back down, her head throbbing. Nope. I’m done for the day. Dropping her head down, she sat there, and soldiers spilled back into the courtyard.

Travis strode across the ground and walked up to her. “How bad’s the feedback?”

“Bad,” Riley groaned, looking up at him. “I didn’t expect that.”

“Neither did we. Such skills aren’t well known.” Travis sat next to her. “I don’t know your classes and am not asking. But consider which ones you have slotted. Ranger may not be best for such skills.”

Riley nodded. Should I swap Ranger or Assassin? I’d have more mana. She lay there and debated it. I could ditch Assassin, but that’s risking it. And I can’t let him see Spell Thief anyway. Forget it. I’ll swap it later and not tell him.

She looked up at him and frowned. “I don’t have another good mana class yet.”

“Ah. So Water Mage and Ranger give you the biggest bang?”

Riley nodded. “I’m trying to get another. I’ll hit C-tier and use some crystals.”

“Good. I’ll tell their majesties because we need you to get one of the void or psychic classes.” Travis stretched.

Riley nodded and looked outside. Soldiers were cleaning up, dragging bodies to a pyre. She turned back to the knight. A knight. Realization hit her. “I just realized that you can tell me things.”

Travis chuckled. “Ah. I see. Now, I will trust you because I think I can.” He paused and studied her.

“What?” Riley asked.

“Don’t share this with anyone, other nobles included.” Travis raised a brow.

Riley nodded. “Deal.”

“Some of us have some less than legal classes.” He winked.

Riley studied him.

[Travis Benfield 572 - Paladin 543, Commander 553, Knight 510]

“Those aren’t illegal,” Riley said, chuckling and shaking her head.

Travis chuckled. “But some abilities can be. You’ve noticed my shout?”

Riley nodded.

“Have you paid attention to it?”

No. Why? Riley looked at him and frowned. “Is this some twisted test, sir?”

“It’s a test, but not like that.” Travis studied her. “Do you know how many nobles we have on the front right now?”

Riley shook her head.

“There is one registered noble here, fighting alongside us.” Travis gestured at her. “You could argue two, but he refused and passed the mantle to his daughter. And while several, like myself, were promised a position, no one else is here risking their life.” Travis met her gaze. “We’re chatting because I want my territory inside yours, no matter how big it is.”

Riley looked at him. “Why?”

“That’s obvious,” Travis said with a smile. “You care and have auras that will help my wife and kids. I know that ten to strength is not a lot, but do you have any idea how much that helps with little things like childbirth or just a cold?” He smiled. “Do we have a deal?”

“Sure, assuming they let me and you want it,” Riley paused and frowned. “But that assumes they’ll let me.”

Travis sighed. “Yes, it does. And if they don’t, we’re having a different chat.” He shook his head. “You have my fealty. I swear before the gods.”

Riley stared at him. “What? Why?”

Travis grinned. He seemed to glow, and it seemed to be getting brighter. Blinking, Riley looked away as he lit the room with it. What?

The light dimmed, and Travis smiled. “Thanks. I knew it was you.”

“What?” Riley asked. “Why and what?”

“I had a quest for my fourth class slot.” Travis grinned.

I am? How? Why me? Riley smiled nervously. “You’re welcome?”

Travis nodded. “Now, to your question. Psychic damage has a nasty reputation, and it’s obvious why. You helped kill at least fifty soldiers in moments without them even seeing the attack. So, no, I don’t know how to get Spell Thief or Psion. I do know about Void Mages. That requires mastery of void magic. You’ve qualified. If you use gems, you’ll get it.” He leaned closer. “And if you have one already, keep it quiet. I’m not reporting it.”

Riley nodded. She raised her brow. “You know that oath is binding.”

“Yes. And I trust the gods.” Travis smiled. “I have some friends that want in your territory, too.”

Riley nodded. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

“Great. Stay here a moment. I’ll get a guard if I can’t find your father. Don’t give him any more blades today. You’ve pushed too far.” Travis walked toward the yard.

Riley laid her head on the table. Well, I guess that makes sense. I would have moved to the territory of a noble with auras, too, even if they weren’t very strong. She paused and looked at the field.

Roger walked up to her. “I hear you went and promised someone something?”

“He seemed nice enough,” Riley said without looking up.

“I also heard you overdid it. Can you walk?” Roger asked.

Riley stood and felt her head start to throb. She stepped over the bench and wobbled.

Roger snatched her off the ground and walked her back to the room. “Be careful.”

“Sorry. I didn’t realize that was how it worked,” Riley said, blinking at him. “I’m attacking them with my mind. I thought it was a blade, not some strange ethereal mental connection.”

Roger nodded. “Fair enough. You’ve done enough for the day. I’ll give you some crystals tomorrow night. We’ll slowly push you up through the week.”

Riley nodded. “Thanks. Do we try again tomorrow?”

“If you feel up to it. I managed to inflict some real damage on their camp. We also took out a half-dozen mages.” Roger walked her into the room and set her on the cot. Walking over to a chair, he took a seat.

“Where’s Lucas?” Riley asked.

“Scouting and ensuring no spies made it in. He’s thorough.” Roger yawned and stretched.

Riley cleared the kill notifications and looked at her level.

[Your base level has advanced: 266 → 269!]

Not bad. Riley looked at her books. Just a minute of shut-eye. Humming contentedly, she shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 269

Bard (C)

Level: 192 + 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 C Subjects regain 1 stamina and 1 mana every half hour; their healing is augmented by 25%. 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: 192 + 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: 217

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: 192 Inactive.

Noble (D)

Level: 253 Inactive.

Enchanter (F)

Level: 53 Inactive.

Alchemist (D)

Level: 131 Inactive.

Infiltrator (E)

Level: 61 Inactive.

- -

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

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

Dexterity 1152

Strength 538

Speed 441

Intelligence 538

Charisma 761

Stamina 959

Mana 1141

Inspiration 462