An Assassin's Anthem

Roger sat at a table and looked around the dirty, rundown cottage. Minutes ticked by at a glacial pace. Is she still asleep, or is she doing this on purpose? He frowned. Why is she so interested in Riley? Her mother? Something else? I should have learned more about them.

He turned, and the door swung open.

Althea sighed, kicked the door shut, and took a seat. “What is it?”

“You’re in a mood. Care to explain that?” Roger raised a brow.

“I did some scouting yesterday. As it stands, my intel was incorrect on a few matters, which is concerning, to say the least.” Althea scowled at him. “And you are a reminder of my failures.”

“Perhaps I could help,” Roger replied.

Althea studied him. “We’ll see. What do you want?”

“Lucas has recruited my daughter into the seekers,” Roger said, frowning. “I need to know if I should kill him.”

“You can trust Lucas. He will honor the accord,” Althea replied. She waved her hand. “I mean it. He’s trustworthy, Roger.”

“Why are you in a mood?” Roger asked, studying the elf’s dour expression.

“I was incorrect about the state of Shorove’s troops and ran into some annoyances on my return to the city.” Althea frowned. “Where is Riley? I thought she’d visit last night. A thief did steal her crystals.”

“But they chased the thief down,” Roger replied with a quirked brow. “The crystals are gone or in royal hands.”

Althea shook her head. “Foolish of me. I should have realized.” She rubbed her brow and yawned.

“That’s why you were in the mood?” Roger asked, sitting at the dirty table.

“That and a lack of sleep. Things are busy. Your kingdom is preparing for war. Shorove is too.”

“Soon?”

“Very.”

Condemnation. Roger frowned. “Althea, I need to know. Who is my daughter to you? Who was her mother?”

“She’s the daughter of a friend and the granddaughter of other friends.”

Roger frowned. “Who was her mother?”

Althea shrugged. “You’re referring to my prior remarks. The answer to your question is a complicated story. One that you haven’t earned.”

Roger frowned. “You know, I could sour Riley toward you. Now, do you want to move past this or not?”

Althea grimaced and folded her arms. “Fine. I will forgive you. In return, you will vow to give us an equal shot.”

Roger nodded. “Agreed. Who is her mother?”

“Most of this is elven business. I won’t speak it here. I will tell you that Elendira ran off without informing us. Had we known about Riley, we would have come to her aid.”

“How did the elves know Elendira?” Roger asked.

“I will not be revealing the secrets of the elves here,” Althea replied, shaking her head. “That is far too dangerous.”

Roger paused and studied her. “Why?”

“You know why,” Althea replied, pain spreading across her face. “Your nobles get much wrong. That, they don’t.”

Roger’s eyes widened. “You still carry the curse from the gods?”

Althea nodded. “And I will not speak of it further.”

I should have done more research on that curse. Roger frowned.

“No, I will not give you the specifics or clear up any false rumors. That is strictly forbidden.” Althea shook her head.

Roger sighed and nodded. “It won’t harm her, will it?”

“Riley? Gods, no.” Althea chuckled. “If you wish proof, I will let her speak with some who were half-elves when you take her there.”

Roger nodded. “That would be best.” He paused. “Lucas?”

“You can trust him.” Althea went quiet.

Roger debated things for a moment. “Do you have jobs?”

“Yes, and I can use your help, but I doubt you’ll offer it.” Althea sighed. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a scroll and dropped it on the table.

Roger picked it up and opened it.

Open bounty on Niland nobility.

Mayors: D-tier Advancement Crystal.

Barons: B-tier Advancement Crystal.

Dukes: A-tier Advancement Crystal.

Royals: S-tier Advancement Crystal.

Captured children will be purchased for the same price.

Roger tossed the parchment on the table. “You care about this kingdom?” He quirked a brow.

“I care about a girl named Riley and the innocent who will die. How could I not?” Althea grabbed the paper and rolled it up.

Roger frowned. “Riley’s the reason? She’s either from the royal bloodline, or else you haven’t admitted the truth.”

Althea sighed. “Fine. The answer is I do not want your royals to die. I’ve worked tirelessly to keep them alive.”

“But they’re incompetent.” Realization slammed into Roger. His eyes went wide. “You’re keeping them alive?”

Althea rested her chin on her hand. She nodded once.

“When will the elves invade?”

“We shall see, but I do not want this kingdom to fall to the Shorove.” Althea frowned. “Now, for your warning and the reason why I’m going to lose my help. Shorove and your king issued orders. They are pulling every soldier they can muscle. Believe me, you are now on the list. If you don’t go?” she drew her finger across her throat.

Roger sighed. “Thank you for the warning. He’s finally doing it?”

“Yes. He sent missives this morning.” Althea said. “The fool thinks this will stop his children from killing each other. And so, the war begins.”

“Will Riley be at risk?” Roger smiled. “You should have seen her this morning. She finally looked like her old self, full of mischief and hope.”

Althea smiled sorrowfully. “I hope she can keep it because many will die. She’s in the safest spot and is capable, but it depends who breaks first.”

“Breaks?” Roger asked.

“The tide of battle.” Althea balanced a knife on the table. “If balanced, it becomes an unending siege. You have that now, though it’s a pretense. If one side breaks, the line moves. That is when danger spikes and kingdoms fall.” She let the blade clatter to the table.

Roger frowned. “And you are aiding us?”

“I am not divulging national secrets unless you vow to join us.” Althea met his eyes. “You are, after all, about to go to war. Do you wish to join us? It would certainly help your position with us.”

“Can I tip the scales for the kingdom? Candidly?” Roger asked.

“You could certainly help. Alone? Doubtful until the siege breaks.” Althea leaned forward. “When you arrive at the front, trust Lucas.”

Roger frowned. Should we just leave? He looked at her. “Can you get Riley out now?”

“Candidly, no. I’m stretched thin, and there is a war.” Althea picked up her knife and sighed. “I’ll start visiting Riley,” she said to herself. “Perhaps that would be a better approach.”

Roger stood and walked to the door. “If we run?”

“Don’t. It’s not worth the risk to Riley’s life, and she is not strong enough yet.” Althea shook her head. “When things settle, you may pass through Eteln and inform them; they will escort you to us.”

Turning back, Roger looked into her green eyes. “For what it’s worth, I am sorry about Riley’s mother and hope her family forgives me.” He turned and walked out the door.

A deep frown spread across his face. Jogging through the city, he braced himself. Gods, give me the strength needed to deal with my parents.