The Ladies of Riake
by Jami Amstone
In this time of happiness and golden good, there were those who were not as pure. Those who wished not to be saints were named Riakians. They moved to a land of great deserts, where they built the city of Riake, meaning "Quickly". Soon this group grew and grew, full of thieves, and normal men who wished not to conform to the Reform. They became a great people, working, yet always quick to fight and lose patience. Their motto was We are humans, not gods. The beliefs varied, though mostly they believed in the Great Rewce, Creator and Destroyer of their world, Beuitinani. Where most failed to see the wretchedness of anarchy, the Riakians found quickly. They had a King of Riake from the ages, and his dynasty has ruled since then. They are a mass of cutthroats, and bullies who wish naught but pleasure and power. Only few are actually good and true, and those are swallowed by the masses of evil tormenting the city. To be a leader is to be fearful, and respected; as this family, the Kyes. These Kyes made in an addition to a small army, a small Guild. This Guild was a Thief's Domain. They were the spies, the mercenaries, and the soldiers that fought only for the right of Riake, for the right of living freely without perfection.
So forth, we start the story of certain ladies of Riake, who do many things in their life--all without perfection.
* * *
At the dusk, Grien always had a chance to breathe easily. No responsibilities, no duties, nothing to attend to. He watched as the colors of Hobi mocked him, leaving him in the desolate star's light. He smiled, arising from his small seat. He remembered his father, who had always been so strict about certain things. He frowned then, remembering how cold and distant his father had been to him, and him only. He clenched his fists, the knuckles turning white.
"Father!" The eager shout of his daughter irritated him. She had no feeling, no remorse over their work. She was just as her mother; wild as the horses, brilliant as the Hobi. Grien sighed, knowing she would surely die, as a mercenary for him, or as a killer of an cause known only to herself. He missed her, his Vria, the only one to understand the plague of power.
"Lunei," His raspy voice acknowledged the child, and he opened the doors to see the mass of silver tresses. "It is early, what do you need?"
"There are military employees in the great hall," She ignored his pleading voice of peace. He was a dreamer--as most men in Riake, he started the thing he could not stop. What did my mother see in this man, she wondered.
"Very well," His figure stooped as he left the room, unto meet the imaginary men. Lunei laughed with an evil gleam in her eye. Time to search for his weapons, she reminded herself. She entered cautiously, knowing he was still lethal--even though he was a senile fellow.
He reached the empty great hall. Useless, just useless he thought. What do I have? The staff. Oh no, he walked slowly, hoping to catch her in the act. She would pay dearly. Vria had tried this once, and she had paid. She had died, as her daughter will. He unconsciously winced. More death, always there would be more death--the price to pay for greed.
The room showed a peaceful soul, with none of his trophies. Not a room of a great leader, she thought disgracefully. She peered inside, and saw the lurking shadows through the crack of her eye. She knew they had not seen her. Her small frame fit under a table with dark tablecloth. The men walked past her, puzzled at the open invitation.
"What could that old man be doing?" A voice approached. She recognized the person immediately. But it was always good to find out, so she did not allow her sister to see her.
"Probably on an errand that Lunei sent," The voice had a lazy, impertinent tone. Eone. She almost growled, thinking of the traitor. Jacilyn was playing a fun game though, maybe she could join in, Lunei thought gleefully. The voice continued, talking of her. Lunei's ears turned red at the compliments. How could she take these, from the lips of a betraying man?
"Yes, and has probably found the staff," The irritated voice showed an aggravated meaning. "Come now." They continued to searched the drawers, as whispers were silently exchanged. Suddenly a bang. Her father. She gulped, knowing exactly what to do.
"Father! Help! They are looking for a staff!" Her shrill voice threw the thieves off guard. Her father simply glared.
"Jacilyn!" The man threw a pretty girl down to her knees. Eone made no attempt to rescue her either. He ran toward the window. Realizing there were no steps, he hesitated. Suddenly old hands pushed the young body down. Glass shattered, leaving the remainder edges with blood.
"This will teach you, wench," He grimaced at Jacilyn's body. "What kind of woman be you? That you allow a traitor in this place!" Before she could make an excuse, Lunei interrupted.
"Father! Please help," She attempted to make her voice weak as
she crawled outside. Her father's gaze was at her, as he watched emotionlessly.
"I know what happened. But it seems I will be to blame once more?" Her smile was in her eyes, as her lips pursed.
"I-" Jaci began, but had never been able to lie properly to a
fellow criminal, only the innocent.
"Hush up, little one," Grien advised coldly, "Lest you follow your
lover down." He motioned Lunei to continue. She already had a great story.
"I was awakened by Jaci and Eone. You know how light I sleep," She
cruelly looked at her sister's eyes. Should she give mercy? No. Definitely not. "They threatened me, so I did what you told me to do--follow instructions and wait for the time to betray. As ordered, of course. What staff are they looking for?"
"No!" Jacilyn was slapped, by both. Lunei was beginning to fear. Her father was old--not stupid. She hoped her story was convincing
enough. A sigh arose from his lips. "She was spying on us and you--"
"How could you come from me, I wonder," He regarded Jacilyn, who
stroked her bruised cheek with a glare at Lunei. "Lunei, you will go with Jacilyn out of this city. Unto the city outside of Riake. Afterwards, I want both of you on the outside job."
His voice was deadly and businesslike; the effect was as he wanted: Jacilyn and Lunei could not repress a shudder. Jacilyn's pink albino eyes met the dark purple depths of Lunei. They forgot of each other's betrayal. One had to, when the outside job was handed.
"But, sir," Lunei suddenly gleamed. "What is your problem with us?
Did you not do the same when you were small?" Her eyes grew big, with supposed admiration. "You conquered your father. We were just trying to see if we could follow tradition."
"I think not," His smirking could not cease. Lunei would definitely die by the age of thirty. Jacilyn would die later, she was more quiet.
"You will both, separate. I do not need either of you to carry on this great 'tradition'. Lunei will go into the wilderness. Jacilyn, you will go under that name and become a lady in the courts of Cerin. Are we clear?"
Jacilyn smiled, relieved. This meant she would spy, her favorite task. Who needed Eone? She could easily get another accomplice, and ruin her father's grasp on this business. Her eyes were sharp, and she spotted the deterioration of her father. Slowly I will gain control of it all. She frowned though, trying to look sorrowful.
Lunei was not as happy. Wilderness meant only one thing--fighting
those who were noble. Those who fought to death were harder than the cowards of the courts. But she could do it, no problem. Her eyes met his own purple, and challenge leaped.
"Father, if that is who you are to me," Lunei laughed mockingly, "I will do your work for as long as suits me. But you are not my owner. I am a mercenary by trade, no?" She spit at the floor, and glared at the remnants of her family before walking out.
"She is a strange one," Jacilyn did know how to lie in this case. "I hope you can handle her." She smiled, before kissing his hands, and
left the room.
"I wonder which will take me," He grimly spoke. He knew of their
treachery. They were Riakians, and nothing less ambitious. For his sake, he hoped it was Jacilyn. She was more gentle.
Lunei crept into their room first. She started to pack, then realized it was useless. It was only her weapons. She smiled, and went to the closet. There she found the room empty. Good. She found the rope hiding, and went to reach for something. As she had finished, she put her belonging into a large bag. She closed the closet.
"So we say farewell," Jacilyn's taunting voices filled the room. Lunei shrugged. She really did not want to hear a teary good-bye. It was finally time to leave this master.
"I will not be in my father's business though. I shall be a fighter, one who lives by the sword." Jacilyn smiled, mockingly.
"You will die, as you deserve then," She laughed. "I can just see
the blood stains on those ridiculous shorts of yours." She saw the grip that Lunei took, knowing she would get hurt.
"I must go," The cold voice joined a cold look. "Good-bye sister.
Hope you give poison in the wrong cup." Jacilyn was left alone.
"Before that I will rule," Jacilyn whispered vehemently. She searched the room. Lunei had gone with only a small bag. A weapon of some sort, she rationalized. She found gloves in the drawer closest to the closet. Jaci looked under the closet, to find a small hole. The hole had led to her father's room. The weapon! Jacilyn let out a cry.
"I must go now, " Lunei was calmly bading her father to leave. "I
expect nothing from you. I denounce your lineage to me. I am only Lunei now. Not Lunei Kyes, or even the E'fear."
"I denounce your heritage. You are only Lunei," He repeated slowly. "Not in line to rule, not in line to be a thief princess." He smirked, remembering her dream of one day ruling the Riake cutthroats.
But their final talk was broken by a cry. Lunei turned, almost in
tears--at the laughter of deceiving them all. She left, on her horse. Grien knew what was happening--Jaci was having a tantrum. Fool woman, he thought.
"What?" He barged in, to see Jacilyn all over the floor of Lunei's
part of their room.
"She took it! She knew all along! She was there, and she took it!"
Jacilyn evoked another great cry--to be shortened by her father's grasp on her arms, wiggling her in mid-air.
"The staff? Are you both such miserable mutineers? To not work together was your downfall!" He began to strangle her, but she eluded his grasp. Twisting his arm, she arose quietly.
"I did not betray you. This was all her doing, Father. Think for once, lonely man," She went to pack her things. "I will leave tomorrow. Far from this place of insecurity. I will be under your employment."
"You surely will," He growled, hating to think she had been so strong. "You will be their entertainment." He stormed out of the room.
"I will gain my dignity back," She crawled out of her clothes, and thought. She would sleep first, then take all her belongings. Entertainment? Yes, this was a good cover. Because while she worked for him, she worked against him. Very good, Grien. Very good, she thought, using his first name.
Grien locked himself in his room. How had she taken it? He knew that the staff would be trouble. An ancient artifact, that looked powerful. It was worth much, to sell. It has sentimental value, you dog, he thought angrily. Why that? Why must everyone not see that the staff is of great value only to the original owner?
As Jacilyn slept, she awoke. She need not talk to her father about
departure. She was the only left in line now. He would die, undoubtedly. She would make sure of that. She crept into the carriage. Watch out, old man, she smiled. You won't be on top for long.
Far off, Lunei stayed on the horse, still riding, as the whole night had passed. Must not stop until the wilderness, she comforted her sleepy lids. The horse neighed softly, and started to slow down. I must start over, and with this new treasure. She fingered the staff happily. A fortune to spend was a grand thing indeed.
* * *
Grien woke to the sound of peace. He was overwhelmed--where was--gone. She was gone as well. He sighed, as he dressed, knowing that the Riakians would definitely not like this. The Thief's Domain would cause an uproar for Lunei, who was considered the real leader, the real backbone of the Kyes. All men would miss Jacilyn's longing eyes, telling many secrets of unfulfilled joy, and her ways of companionship.
"Sir," He heard already in his mind, telling him what to do, and when to do it. He was strong, but not strong enough. How will I pass the time, without the conspiracy? He thought, then smugly smiled. Calmly and peacefully, like I have always wanted. He opened the door, as a man from the Thief's Guild asked for Jacilyn.
"I have arrangements with her," He said nervously. He did not want to tell the father that his daughter was a woman, but was she! "I wish to speak to her in private."
Grien's manners were cold, as he escorted the man in. He offered him tea, and the man gladly accepted. Grien prepared it himself, adding a little something to make it go all the way down.
The man gulped contentedly as Grien took a seat on his bed.
"So, my daughter and you converse often," It was a statement, not a question. The man's fear grew again.
"Yes, sir," He tried to relax, but his muscles tensed more. "My name is Quint. I am to be her bodyguard, as she ordered." Why did Jacilyn Kyes need a bodyguard he did not know. Nor did he wish to find out, after all, it was a chance to know her much better.
"Well, Quint," Grien rose from his seat, and went to close the door. "You are among many who will miss my dear Jacilyn. She has gone to the Outside. She will not return. Now, please die quickly. I have an appointment." Startled at the words, Quint gasped, then suddenly, all went black.
Grien called the soldiers to come pick up the corpse. When questioned, he stated that the man had tried to win a bet, and lost, with his life. It was a normal coincidence, that a man try to have luck over Grien Kyes, Master of Fortune. But, who knew that Quint Ewey could be such a man? Many of his companions mourned his death, but never questioned or searched. Quint had been a bit strange lately--he tested his luck to much.
"My daughters have left us," Grien's voice echoed through the city, from a high point of his house. Many murmurs grew, yet, Grien's unfeeling smile did not cease. It increased with pleasure. This was a chance to conquer the treachery he knew was existing. "Lunei has gone to the Wilderness. She will not come back, and not be Lunei Kyes any longer." The Guild started to let out bitter statements. They had loved that E'fear, the "no fear" one. But more screams were for the loss of Jacilyn, Princess of many hearts.
"We wish her back! Give her back!" The voices grew, as the people shifted against their king. What they did not know, was that Grien knew about their plans. His men suddenly appeared, and killed Resc, the man in charge of the treason.
"Resc Eun, you are an exceptional man, " Grien started. His glare at the man narrowed, and Resc shivered. This was the time for his death, surely. "So you shall have E'fear's place in the Thief's Domain." Surprised glances lurked, and Resc's mouth drooped. He felt a shot of joy--it was ridiculous to go against a man who gave him that position!
"Yes, and Jacilyn will return," Grien continued, his voice nearly out. Many strained to hear, as words came out. "She is just learning a lesson. As the successor to my throne, I would have it no other way, you see." At this cheers erupted, and the King and audience both walked away satisfied. There would be little war in Riake.
"Love to the King! Love to Riake!" The chants went up, and filled Grien with sweet pride to know he had them all, for now. He disappeared, and the crowd dispersed, knowing fully well that at any time their king could die. They anticipated it, but who would precede him?
* * *
Meanwhile, Jacilyn was on her own terms. She had just arrived to the city of Toe, her assignment. She waited impatiently, knowing that these nobles would be cold to her, even though she herself was of a royal heritage. They shall not rule long with their Reform, she thought maliciously, they shall soon feel my threats through Riake! A great many men pursued her figure as she walked, their eyes stuck to the maiden with black hair and charming pink eyes. None knew she was albino, and therefore, her hair was in actuality a shocking white. But, this was covered through a tonic that made her hair black with silver threads. What fools, she thought. Do you think me so pure, to be ugly? Mock my country, but you still look.
"Madam," She looked around, startled. She found an old man, with clothes of very rich textile. She curtsied, but he shook his head, and smiled. She wondered uneasily, who is?
"I am the King of Toe," He began, but in a gentle voice, which was neither pompous or saintly. "I understand that you are here to represent Riake in the Courts of Nations." The Courts of Nations was an organization that worked toward peace, but, usually failed. It was a good attempt though, usually.
"I am--" Jacilyn thought, surprised. You are too nice to be the King. As if he had read her thoughts, he began to laugh, a laugh that made others wish to join in. But, Jacilyn was beyond laughter, so she just smiled a wide grin.
"Yes, you will meet many of the Saints that are as you think," He began to grow thoughtful. "But, is it ever right to separate humans from each other? Over philosophy? I wonder."
"You are a philosopher, yourself then," She guessed, highly amused. "Might I ask what your thoughts are, on the Reform?"
"Yes, you may. But, I may choose not to answer," He avoided the question with such sweet naive intention, that she dared not to pursue. She knew he would be in trouble if spoken his thoughts--as she would too. She believed in Reformation--just not the kind the Saints had in mind.
"Well, shall we proceed to the courts, sir?" She asked pointedly. She tired easily of men who could not go in her charm. This man was just a friend, and had not looked at her twice. Jacilyn was very disappointed--if she could get the King in her grasp, she would come closer to her dreams. But it was not to be.
"Yes, we may, milady," He offered her his arm, graciously, but did not for one minute become charmed by her tricks of ladylike admiration. His eyes were full of wisdom, and full of pity. She would have been a good heir to Riake, if she was not so thirsty for ruling. Poor child. "We must meet the nobles, and my son. You will enjoy his company tremendously, I hope." Jacilyn missed the catch in his throat--she was too preoccupied in her own thoughts. She nodded unaware. But, he knew what had to happen. I must sacrifice my son, my only son, to help the kingdom. He acts so brave--but he is human. What if he falls for her trap? He will surely doom us all then.
Those who looked at the King never realized his wit, or his intelligence. They thought he was a bit of an elderly creature, who had no mind. But those who were closest to him--his son, and his advisers--they knew that the King was far from losing sanity.
* * *
While Jacilyn was parading in a new town, and Grien was winning his own town back, another one of the family struck it well. Lunei woke to the hot Hobi's light. Sleeping on horseback was never comfortable; even to those who had millions of times before. The horse itself had not rested, knowing that its mistress was a hard one indeed.
"Stop, Darling One," She whispered, and the horse nearly sank, out of relief. She led it to the only shade around, a palm tree. She tied it to the palm, as she tried to calculate the distance. She was in the Wilderness now. There was one more mile of desert, then a luscious place, full of jungle to cover. After this, she would meet the town. Lunei turned immediately, as she heard the clanging of machinery. She picked her staff up in self-defense. It felt so good to call it her staff.
"Who goes there?" Her voice echoed, as she saw an approaching wagon. She sighed in relief--it was only a merchant's wagon. She held for it to stop, and saw the goods that it held. She smiled.
"Might I offer you in a selection of wonderful treasures?" The voice was owned by an eager, old woman; with the heart of sales in mind. She crept to meet Lunei, dusting her hands in her apron, to make an appropriate appearance.
"No, but if I paid you, would you take me past the Wilderness Forest, and unto the town?" The woman cringed, involuntarily.
"That town? The town of Jec? Are you lost, my child? It is so danger--" The woman was caught off guard, as Lunei wasted no time. She started to wave her staff about. The gray, faded stone glimmered in the light.
"This is a powerful treasure. Many would die, for its powers," Lunei bluffed, loving the moments that passed, where the woman tried to decide if it was true. "If you do not take me, evil intent shall surely come unto you." At this, the woman called for the driver, and consulted. He was a middle-aged man, with large lines across his already balding head.
"Yes, witch," he snarled at her. "We will take you to the City of Hate. The city is the only Rebel city besides Riake. Are you Riakian?" Lunei's face was impassive, and he felt as if he were to get a beating. But, he would see if she had the accent.
With no accent at all, Lunei responded, in his own language, "No, I am but a traveler. But, if you shall hurt me, or my horse, we shall curse you with the light of it." She held it up, that the gray stone fall above the Hobi's light, blocking them from the sun.
"What did she--" The man obviously was worried. He told the woman, and she smiled uneasily. "We shall let you take your horse, and we shall go the Jec. It is not a place for good women," she snarled, "But perhaps it will be for yourself. Come."
Lunei brought her horse, to be hitched by the others, and climbed into the wagon. She must think. The lie had worked--but for how long could she keep this charade? These were oblivious people, superstitious. Any intelligent person could immediately explain that there were no such magical objects. That was all a popular rumor, of course.
"We arrive," Were the only words that were said during the day's trip. She bid them a cold farewell. But, to exchange good fortune, she sold her horse, which they eagerly bought. She had money, her clothes on her back, and a staff. Wonderful job, Lunei, wonderful, she thought miserably. First things first, she settled, as she went to find a place to work at.
"I am a mercenary, and working for cheap," She told a tavern manager. He agreed, almost immediately, then realized he had to consult with the local gang of cut purses.
"Tell them--"She seemed to change her mind. "Just get me in with them. I can talk for myself." With that, she left, and the dazed man shrugged, though would comply. She knew that for sure.
 Chapter 1: Games of the Royalty
"Jacilyn," The soft
voice called to her. She felt an urge to run from it, or run to it. She
came, and she hurried to match the man's stride.
"Yes, milord?" Jacilyn never
knew what to do about the King. At times he was a very kind gentleman,
but other times he seemed so very strong and ruthless. What was he going
to do? She remembered the way he had acted on the trip up. Would the nobles
and his son be very holy? She thought. Grimacing, she nodded to herself.
They would be.
"I wish for you to meet
my son, Weste," He addressed a young noble, who wore a significant look,
a very agitated one. But, as he saw her eyes, she knew what he started
to think. She wore a slight smile, thinking to herself, those thoughts
are not holy, Sire.
As if to reply to her impudent
mind, he shook his head, and his face became one of pure disgust. He turned
to talk to his father, but she knew he kept her in his eyes. She breathed
slowly, to show off her feminine manners. The King's son could be very
helpful for a spy.
"I am pleased to meet you,
Prince Weste," She looked at him, the perfect child with a perfect world.
Pity she had to destroy it. No, she told herself, he needs to learn how
imperfect a world this place can be. She smiled once more, a sneer.
"As I am to you, Lady
Jacilyn," His formal, icy tone gave her shivers. Was he on her side now?
She thought heavily. The Riakian head of spies had told her one of power
was one of them. Perhaps--
"Yes, I am," He read her
thoughts once more. At her startled glance, he smiled coldly. "Aware that
you are a Riakian. " The King shifted at this point, and took a hold of
her arm.
"Come, dear child," His
voice was once more that of a muffled man, losing mind. "We must meet the
rest of the Court." She followed numbly, swearing that she would find out
of this Weste.
Weste laughed to himself,
cheering on the thought that she might know. He knew of her, of her spying
games. The Riakians were all the same, and he would fight them. He snarled
at his father, the weak fool. He wished to have harmony, but there would
not be. Weste was glad that soon his dear old Father would die. Then, and
only then could they once more fight the Riakians. They would suffer, as
this childish wench. But, he smiled, looking at her figure, he might as
well have some fun.
Jacilyn met everyone of
the gentlemen. She was slightly amused, seeing she was the only woman representative.
Many gave her either looks to freeze, or looks of fiery desire. Poor children
you are, she thought mockingly. I will rule you all, then see who shall
see me then. She laughed almost, but had to choke it.
"Dear King," She smiled,
removing her arm from his grasp easily, and spoke. "Perhaps I may rest
a bit. I have much need to move into such a place." He was secretly surprised
at how she could be so smooth, as to take her hand out, but nodded satisfied.
She would do very well. He had to get Gerec to her.
She glided across the room,
and her eyebrows shot up at the look Prince Weste gave her. The look of
mingled shame and absolute defiance. What is he? Dangerous, she told herself.
This would be very dangerous. She left the room, as the gray eyes followed
her. Gray eyes of Weste saw much, she immediately observed. I must be completely
cautious when around him, she noted.
As she unpacked, there was
a sudden knock. She had clothes everywhere, and her room was scattered.
Nevertheless, she held her dignity, and in shock saw the tallest man there
ever was. He pushed her inside, and closed the door. She was about to scream,
when his blue eyes shut her quietly.
"I am Gerec, your authority,"
He spoke in hushed tones, and his voice was as deadly as his gaze. She
shuddered. "I will help you through this enjoyable game." His eyes searched
the room, noting her only as a small body compared to his own.
"Well, Sir Gerec," Her pride
had returned, and her joy was in his astonishment of his surprise and stiff
remorse. "I am sure that spying my room will do you very well. But, I am
in the process of cleaning it up. Perhaps you can remove yourself?" The
pink of her eyes turned a hardened shade, and for a moment, Gerec's guard
was down.
"Yes, ma'am," His voice
held no emotion. No care at all, she thought. That is what I must have
in order to spy in this world. "This is very informative for me. I know
exactly the character you are now, as I see all that has been laid before
me. Now, your assignment." He pushed her on her bed gently, as he searched
for an area to walk. His large frame was a frightful sight, worse when
he grew more serious.
"Wha-what is it?" She quaked.
This was the moment, and she had to look tough. She was to be the ruler
of Riake! She would grind his body in the dust of her carriage. She grinned,
her courage returned. "Or are you keeping me in suspense for the enjoyment?"
"No, child, no," His eyes
met hers, and for once, she knew he was a man she could not have. His eyes
held a cold, glazed look; his emotions were limited to death and causing
pain. "You will seduce the Lord Weste. That is your first assignment."
He sighed, his eyes diverting hers, full of anxiety. "He will be a hard
one, for your first. Be wary of his time. He is an observant one, and the
leader of the Saints. One can not begin to give him the glory he deserves."
"Why is that?" She was indignant,
remembering the looks she had received from the strange youth. Gerec's
eyes filled with amusement. This Jacilyn was like his sister, a childish
whelp with a huge mouth.
"He has not only figured
out the Head of our unit, but he has as well taken care of all spies, except
us three," Jacilyn's face clouded, as she thought to herself, I thought
he was one of us. What if I had...? She shivered thinking of the horrendous
mistake.
"I will do what you ask,
Sir Gerec," She stood from her bed, hating herself for griping the sheets.
"I am not scared of you though. So stop trying to." For a moment they had
a battle, where whichever gave way would win. Then, he stopped it, not
losing, but succeeding. She felt peculiar.
"I have already. I know
you," He opened the door, and repeated his phrase with a ghostly smile.
"I know you."
She threw a pillow at the
door, as he closed it. How could he have been so cruel to her, Jacilyn
Kyes, future queen of Riake! She would, she would....tears splattered over
her face, not in frustration, or in weeping.
"What is it, ma'am?" She
knew he had been there as Gerec had left. The door had a cringing noise
to it, when opened, even slightly. She kept her act, knowing that he could
not fall for it, but it was an excuse to get closer to him.
"I-I," She saw the man for
what he was--a Saint, and not a good one. "The man in here a moment ago,
I love him. Yet he compromised me, and now does not wish me near." She
started to cry once more, knowing she would love to see the sight of Gerec's
face, now. She knew he was near, as she had known of Weste. The listening
techniques she had learned in Riake showed her where the two were.
She felt a cold hand on
her shoulder, soothing her. She almost smiled, knowing fully well that
he would himself soon compromise her, by being in her room too long. But,
how could he leave a maiden in distress? She almost let out a laugh at
Saints' unintelligent honors.
"I see," His voice had gone
from concern, to cold hate. "That must be Gerec, the knight of no honor.
He is not a Saint, madam. He is evil, and very idiotic. Stay away." She
felt a chill of wind, as she knew Gerec would kill her. But, she had enjoyment
in his misery, so why should she care?
"Yes, Sire," She kneeled
reverently, and noticed how his face had changed. Most Saints expect the
Riakians to be uncivilized, she thought wryly. Yet, we have our own ways,
as do you, young boy.
"I will leave now," He went
to the door. Weste had not known of this Gerec until recently. Jacilyn
was making sure that she had her sweet taste of revenge, he noticed approvingly.
She would make a wonderful sacrifice to the Great Rewce. A woman with no
honor was always a black lamb, but the Creator would approve. "Attend the
dinner, if you be wise. The people here are far different from, your...culture."
His cold presence left, and Jacilyn smiled, giggling until Gerec's rough
hand was over her mouth.
"You little--" His eyes
had narrowed. He could not believe that she had known all along where he
had been. She was truly the Riakian princess, he could see now, even though
she was a child. But, she was after all, a dangerous one.
"Such language," The taunting,
mocking voice came through his fingers, and at his stunned reaction, she
escaped from him. She turned her laughing eyes toward him.
"Are you truly going to
compromise me, Sir Gerec?" She gave a look of pure innocence. "That would
be so...unSaintly, especially for a knight." At this, Jacilyn knew she
had struck a wound. Good, you deserve it, she thought joyfully.
"You do not know what you
speak of, child," His voice was not one of a man, but of a father. She
was vaguely disappointed, but it was just as well. He looked her over,
knowing that as he did so, she would not flush or blush like a maiden.
She was not the innocent figure, but a haunting one, to have burned in
men's minds. "Now, keep yourself from the dangers. Now that he knows you
and I are in the same side, he will be wary of your...charms." He left
the closet door open, as he crawled into it. A door slid open. "Fascinating
things you'll find in a palace, milady."
Jacilyn was left alone,
with the door open, and the closet. Both were so much the same, so very
unrealistic. She closed both the door and closet, and took a deep breath.
This would not be like Riake. But, Weste was hers, and even though he did
not like it, so would Gerec. Jacilyn took a deep breath of unclean
city. This was truly a life to live, with the games of royalty, and with
their supposed holy airs.
Games of the Guild
"So you are the Leader,"
Lunei's voice gave the word new meaning; utter disgust. The man flushed,
as he nodded. "What pray is your name? And how have you been able to receive
such vast amounts of Riakian help?"
"We-well, E'fear-Lunei,"
He was having a hard time with this woman, and knew she was thoroughly
enjoying it. "The Riakian nobles under my Guild have been either banished,
or have chosen to leave. But, these people still wish to be what they truly
are--Riakian--at heart. So, they join my humble Guild."
Lunei started to laugh,
and shivers went through the large man's spine. This small figure, with
her daring eyes, had managed to attack successfully his whole Guild. When
she had heard of the Riakian nobles in the Guild, Lunei had turned a bit
angry. She did not want them to be lost to her, and she knew that if they
had been gone long, the nobles would have lost the Riakian touch. At the
Guild had kept them trained, she hoped. This would have to work out, like
it had in the Thief's Domain.
"Now, sir, what is your
name?" At the low mumble, she responded quickly. "Well, Kiar, I wish to
join your Guild as well." At the surprised look on his face, she laughed
once more. "What did you think I had to say to you--that I wished to usurp
you? Poor man, poor man indeed." She turned toward the door.
"Lunei," The voice of Kiar
had returned. "Will you be in this Guild, as you were in the Thief's Domain?"
He knew at once the answer to the question. It must be, that she wished
it so.
"If you so require it,"
Lunei's harmonious tones turned deadly. "Be a leader of establishment,
and perhaps not. But, if for one moment, you slip--" She let the sweat
ooze from the man twice her size. Yes, this was quite enjoyable, she thought,
but she must get on to other business. "I do not wish to be the leader.
I have much work to do, besides tackling a scrawny Guild. I shall help,
when I deem it necessary. But, as of now, you are my authority."
"Of-of course, Lunei," He
was glad that he had not let the other name slip. She was none as "E'fear",
mainly because she had no fear--she only caused all to have it when she
was nearby. "You will work as a tavern maid, for now. I know of your...skill.
So, I henceforth make you the leader of the Avec Inn. These are the Riakian
nobles, who will know that you are their authority. It seems men as myself
do not intimidate them." Lunei could not have agreed more--those nobles
were as any other type of royalty. Men who thought that nothing could defeat
them. She was rather starting to like this Kiar, and his truth.
"Yes, sir, I shall," She
mocked an obedient bow, and went to the nearest guard on the floor. She
picked him up slowly. "Did I hurt you?" It was not one of sarcasm, but
of gentle concern. She had not meant to harm anyone, but anger was a violent
master.
"No, Small One," He replied,
smiling a bit. She could see the shadows of his face now--Eone. She had
a strong temptation to throw him across the room once more, but remembered
she too was now called a traitor.
"Eone," She let him down.
"Where is the Avec Inn?" He looked at her straightway, then a light shone
in his eyes.
"I see he has already given
you a title?" His voice was now of soft sarcasm, and she responded to it
immediately.
"Perhaps I gave myself the
title," She smoothly motioned to walk, and he led her across town. "I have
the Riakian ways still in me--he had no chance. What fun it all was, Noe!"
She was a child of fifteen only, and still had her share of temporary giddiness.
"Noe!" He laughed at his
childhood name. "So has my Small One forgiven me?" They smiled. Eone and
Jacilyn had grown up together, but in truth Eone and Lunei were closer;
teaching each other moves since early youth.
"Yes, if you forgive me,"
She spoke quietly, knowing that he had, but it was still one of shame.
Giving her sister away was one thing, but Eone had been her friend. She
almost winced, remembering why he was a traitor.
"Of course," He led her
to a small inn, and stopped at the door. "How is Jacilyn?" She quickly
noted that he was very concerned, and admitted sadly that he was in love
with her. Another man would be lost in battle, on account of her sister.
"She is well, though we
separated ways," Swallowing hard to leave the regret out of her voice.
Now, she knew she could not tell him of her staff. She must be silent,
and keep to her own. This Noe was not her friend anymore. She cursed Jaci
underneath her breath.
"I really care about her,"
He moaned. "I don't want to. I like being Noe, your friend, the fighter.
Not the feminine baby who falls in love! Why did she do this to me?" Lunei
knew that this had all been wrong. Jacilyn might have gotten the lust to
take his mind, but he would never fall for her completely. She was glad,
for she might trust him one day if there was still hope.
"Good-bye, Eone," She addressed
him properly, as she started to open the door. Her mocking grin met his,
as it had happened many summers before, when children played in the streets
of Riake.
She entered, forgetting
Eone at once. This was her one and only chance to subdue the cretins. Lunei
cast a withering look at all who were before her, and they nearly shuddered.
This was not Kiar, who had been submissive. This was a fellow Riakian,
a strong one.
"Hello, boys," She used
the words slowly, cynically. "I have heard you grew soft. We must remedy
that. My name is Lunei, and I shall have the pleasure of making you worth
your skin once more." At this insult, many stood up to defend honor, but
a look from her once again startled and froze them in action.
"Be wary of E'fear, sirs,"
A voice came from the backdoor, and Lunei nearly grinned at Kiar. He must
be a curious one as well, and this struck her as a good thing.
"E'fear?" The men glanced
about, and saw the purple eyes, that stared as deep as her mother's had.
She also had the long gray hair that was as long as her body; the color
of her father's hair. She was the daughter of Grien and Vria, that was
for sure. But, could she be the E'fear?
"Yes, I am," Lunei announced.
"But, I have forsaken Riake. The E'fear is no more. In the place of my
old name is Lunei." At the murmurs of names, she finally sighed, and thought
to indulge them. "If it pleases you so much to know as me for another name,
know me as Sa'one." All started to laugh at this, for that meant Small
One. She could not be serious...but she was.
"Now! Enough chatter!" Her
voice controlled the room, leaving Kiar jealous that he could not contain
them as well as she. "You will all do your listening techniques, as children.
For I have noticed that though you knew them as children, now they are
foreign." At the groans, she smiled cruelly. "For those of you who just
need to do more, you will all have to do weapons practice. In front of
me, since there are so few of you. Now, be gone! Go to your rooms, and
obey. I shall know if you do not." The men scurried upstairs, as if they
were scared children of a demanding mother.
"This is how you treat Riakian
nobility?" Kiar shook his head, before laughing. "We shall have great times,
Lunei." She almost smiled, but not quite. It would be a time to remember,
but she was not sure she could enjoy it until the men were in shape.
"Yes, and now I must see
to my charges," She at last gave him a grin, and her violet eyes sparkled.
"I shall see you when you need us, sir."
Kiar left, and knew that
it would be a wonderful thing to have this Sa'one in his grasp. Rather,
he thought laughingly, it would be a wonderful thing to have himself in
her grasp. She was strong--no one had told the Riakians that they should
work. He had been angered at the way they had lost touch with their abilities.
What use were lazy, fat mercenaries to him?
Lunei went up the steps
quickly. She almost laughed, hearing the words that the men mumbled under
their breath. She stepped close to the door to listen to the highest Riakian
nobles of the place, Lord Denon and Lord Ues.
"She is nothing, we can
defeat her!" The Lord Denon was desperate, and she grew stiff. This was
not fun--this was treason. They would pay. Her ears perked to hear more.
"Do not be a fool, Denon!
She is the E'fear! I have had her as a mistress! She is the toughest when
angered. If ever she heard this conversation..." She could hear the fear
dripping from Ues's words.
"But this is not Riake!
She is no longer the E'fear, but Sa'one! The meanings are different, therefore
so is she! She must be weaker now, without weapons. The time is now to
take over! Then we can kill Kiar, and take this Guild for what it is worth!"
At this Ues sighed, and agreed. As they started to plan, they failed their
listening techniques.
Sa'one crept into the room,
and none noticed. She saw the two lords for what they were worth to her--nothing.
Grabbing the knife from her anklet sheath, she hid behind the chair of
Ues. Slowly she started to rip the skin with her knife. Ues did not know,
for this was a Riakian knife. Its fatal wounds were not felt until the
blade left the skin. Lunei was experienced in this. As soon as she let
the knife fall, Ues cried.
"My arms!" He withdrew them
from the position of over his head, and saw the bleeding stains. "This
is from the work of her knife! She is here! We are dead!"
"Fool, be quiet!" Denon
was starting to fear. What if she had heard? "We shall do our techniques
now, mistress! I hate to be near such a traitor as Ues, but I shall if
you wish it!" At this Ues scowled in fierce detachment.
"It was not I, Sa'one! You
have heard me speak! I accept your punishment, willingly! I will die, for
my treason," Ues bent down his head in shame. He only wished that Denon
would be alive. He is my brother, he thought, even though he is a lying
rat.
For a moment, hushed silence
was heard. Suddenly the mocking laugh of a small child came. Not expecting
it, they both relaxed. She was playing a game, and this was all a joke,
of course.
Suddenly, it was no game
at all.
"Denon," The words came
out melodic, and were the last he would ever hear. She slashed his ears
off, and he looked to her in shock.
"So you will not hear Ues's
plans for mutiny," She laughed nonchalantly. Then Lunei approached Ues.
"You will surely die for this. You have let yourself take the place of
a guilty man! This is more dangerous to me that the guilt of Denon. Die."
She smiled sweetly, before slashing his neck in a decorating fashion. At
the end, Ues's body lie cold on the floor, warm blood flowing freely.
"Now, what have you to say
for me?" She smiled, as Denon had his hands on the empty places where ears
had been. "You will be mute as well, if I can help it." At that, she hit
his shoe with her foot. He yelped in pain, and Lunei took the chance to
grab his tongue, and slash in three times. There were three parts left.
He cried, but tears came not.
"This shall show you why
I was E'fear," She spoke calmly. "For I fear nothing, but you must around
me. Now, learn why I am Sa'one. Because though I am small, I am the One
who has hurt you badly, and killed your kin."
Denon mourned, not for his
brother, but for his tongue. He glanced defiantly, but quickly, fearing
that she may make him blind as well. I will get revenge for my loss of
brother, my scapegoat! He cursed her silently, but she looked only pityingly
at him.
"Shall you have a brother
to lean on forever, Denon? Come, what kind of a game would that be? If
you won all the time?" She laughed merrily; her figure suddenly at the
door, fingers touching the doorknob. "Now do you understand why the techniques
are so important?" Leaving him to scorn, or perhaps to whimper, Lunei left.
She must see the other ten men under her authority. Soon, all would learn
that this was a game in which one must fight for oneself.
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