Chapter 1.5 Opal Eyes Inn

It was true that L'Ulote ruled with fear, and was very intolerant toward those who didn't obey. After all, the central Kingdom of Isseti, where L'Ulote's reign begun, produced a fighter that none could rival. The Iss'pale was secure, Seleroc made sure of it, and poured much of the Empire's resources into new weapons and keeping his force well trained. He was smart enough not to spread his forces thin. Besides, the last war lasted 3 years before the Kingdom of Goslen was conquered, before the aged king Lurian bowed to the youthful L'uote. Many men were lost on both sides, the Kingdom was practically destroyed. Goslen held a strategic buffering zone from the Eastern Kingdoms, and was resource rich. 

Many of the Empire's forces were stationed there, directing the rebuilding of a walled city and the planned fortress which would be built into the side of a small mountain range over looking it. Any oncoming army from the East that might attack would have a hard time getting past this new defense.

Trade flourished between the kingdoms and the Northern unconquered kingdom territories. These areas did not interests the L'Ulote, they were as much as conquered. They sent tribute to the Emperor, and paid their dues for a semblance of independence. They provided a cheap labour force, and cheap raw material for the Empire. 

L'Ulote was happy with the current situation, but the East was always on the back on his mind. One day he would march in that direction, but as his father taught him 'knowing your enemy gives you the advantage.' He had sent a small scouting troop that way, after the end of the war with Goslen, to acquire an much information as they could. They were sent an emissaries if anyone asked. They were to return some months back, but none had heard of their whereabouts. This deeply concerned Seleroc.

He now stood at the window looking down toward the main gate. Watching Feorick as he left. “You had better keep an eye on him Tolec. The way he spoke against me today you'd think he hated me.” he gave off a short deep laugh. “He has served this family for 10 years, he watched my father die in the Battle of Ker.” he paused for a moments recall, “Stupid old man for thinking he was invincible.”

“What was that?” Tolec asked.

“Nothing, I have very high respect for Feorick, yet...” Seleroc paused another moment. Tolec followed his gaze.

Feorick looked up from the courtyard directly at Seleroc. He knew he was being watched. The South Gate guard handed back his daggers, six of them. Although he carried four others hidden away, unnoticed during the body search upon entering.

He wore travelling clothes, a pair of dark brown cow hide boots, padded on the sole for quite movement, laced up to his knee. They were tucked into light trousers, matching the colour of the boots. A grey waist coat with simple circle embroidery covered his arms and neck. He tucked all six daggers into pre-made holes. His hair was curly and shoulder length, a face slim and firmly set, a permanent furrow of  seriousness. His dark brown eyes watched as the stable boy walked over with his horse, reigns in hand. He took out his riding gloves that were tucked in the back of his trousers. After slipping one on he took the reigns and mounted his horse, Memory. The gates opened, Feorick flicked a couple gold pieces to the stable boy, wanting to just leave and get home. He eyed them with a deep smile, looked up to Feorick and bowed deeply.

Riding though the city of Isseti didn't irritate him, though he knew these people would start asking him to buy their goods. A man wearing anything embroidered was bound to have a few coins. He had not time for it. He just wanted to return home on the outskirts of the city and take a long bath. He would have to ride through the main road to exit the city walls. It was quite a beautiful city on the surface, the main road was a boulevard with trees lining the middle. Children played on the branches, while one mother tried to pull them down. That was no way to behave, the woman may even be charged for not properly raising her son. Guards patrolled the streets. There for the presence of fear, to remind the people who was in charge, and to see that the crime remained low. It did, Isseti had one of the lowest rates of crime out of the other four kingdoms that made up The Iss'pale Empire.

Turning the corner Feorick eyed down the boulevard, a mass of people shouted out their goods. It was uncommonly busy. It would take him half the day to just reach the main gate. Sighing he reared Memory, and turn for a familiar place, Opal Eyes Inn. It was close, and he knew the owner Tesen Emengar. He would have to find his bath there. He really didn't want to have to listen to Tesen. It had been a while since he last stayed there.

Memory's shoes clapped on the cobble stone road.

“Sir, would you like to buy a handmade medallion?” a boyish voice stirred Feorick's attention from the road ahead.

“Here have a look.”

A medallion landed on his lap. His horse came to a stop with the pull of the reigns.

“No thank you.” handing the medallion back, well, dropping it. The boy catched it before it hit the ground. A familiar sparkle caught Feorick's eyes. He stopped his horse again.

“Where did you find this? Or should I say steal it?” he accused.

“I make them sir, I find many things on the shore lines of Galdevia not far from here and then work some scrap metal...”

“Let me see it again.” interrupting the innocent explanation. The boy was no older than fourteen, and poor by the look of his clothes, face and hands, his orange hair dishevelled. He handed the medallion back to him.

“It's a broach, you can give it to your lady.” He was excited that he might sell the thing.

“Why would I give a handmade thing like this to a woman, she'd laugh and throw it away.”

“Many ladies buy my wears.” the boy said quietly, sounding dishearted.

Feorick saw that a few other merchants were walking his way with a few wears of their own slung across their arms. He didn't want to get into a bidding match between them, as they try to beat each others prices.

“Here, I'll give you a few silver for it.” Feorick offered just to get on his way.

The boy looked thrilled when he was handed 2 silver pieces. Just as the other merchants arrived Feorick kicked Memory into a short prance to get ahead of them.

“Hey.” One of them yelled.

“Fine goods here.” The other one called out hoping for his potential customer to turn around.

“You scared him off...”

Feorick turned to watch the ensuing bickering. The boy waved, with a smile ear to ear.

Feorick was happy to have avoided the pricing debate. Rounding the road, he could now see the Inn's sign, inset with opal, two black circles trimmed with gold. He looked down at the handy work of the boy, it was actually quite well finished Feorick thought to himself. He stuffed it into his front pocket and trotted that rest of the way to the inn.

Chapter 1.4 Opal Eyes Inn

“If you will.” Feladean handed him the key and walked back from whence they came.

“Drop it back off to me when your done, Feorick.” He looked at her as if she was half mad. Maybe she was too trusting, but she knew that behind the door Seleroc waited. She had given a signal to one of the guards, before arriving, to inform His Holiness of their arrival.

Feorick unlocked the bolt, and lifted the iron hatch. Upon opening the door Seleroc greeted him in.

“Welcome to my treasure hall.” he said, loud and boastful.

Feorick was startled, and went for his closest daggers out of instinct. Forgetting that they were waiting for him at the front gate. An assassin was not to be trusted, even if he worked for you, didn't mean that he wouldn't kill you if the price was right.

Selerick laughed. “Welcome.” He gestured grandly, are you not impressed, surprised at the little treat you have been given?”

He thought he saw the last of this man for the day, “My Holiness.” more curt, he bowed, he could smell fresh blood. “You have given me a great honour.”

“Relax, Feorick, we are old friends. You have done nothing but serve my every request. This is the least I can do.” he waved with his hand, “One piece, anything, anything in this room is yours.”

'Your head.' thought Feorick, laughing inside, but who would finance him once he was gone? “It, is quite amazing, Seleroc. I could get lost in here.”

“I sometimes do.” he returned. “Walk with me and have a look around.”

Reluctantly Feorick stepped in behind him.

“Over the last ten years of my reign, much of this has been collected, from far away lands, and much from neighbouring conquests. There are objects in here that have been obtained from generations of the L'Ulote linage. I haven't even viewed half of what I have held in this hall, myself.”

“It's quite extensive.” Feorick just wanted a bath. He could still smell, and hear that family. He looked deep into the back of Seleroc. He just killed a man, Feorick could smell the blood.

Upon Seleroc turning toward him, Feorick calmed his look. Though, His face stayed hard. He nodded once again.

“I don't expect you to make a choice today, but have a look through.”

“Thank you, my Holiness.” he bowed slightly.

“Well, I must return to my throne. There are people who must speak with me. Please leave whenever you wish, and lock up after yourself.”

Seleroc waked to the back of the room away from the entrance where he came in.

“So there was a back way in.” Feorick thought.

When he was out of sight he looked around at the junk in the room, gold statues, silver plates, ancient armour, crates stacked on each other. He had no interest in this stuff. It would take years to look through it anyway. He just wanted to leave. 

As he turned a flicker caught his attention. He strained to look at what the source was, but couldn't make it out. He dismissed it and left.

“I'll come back another time; just want a hot bath.” he said, whispering to himself.

He left the Hall, locked the bolt in place, and made his way back to give the key to Feladean.

“Find anything of interest?” she asked, looking up from her books.

“Nothing, but I'm sure I'll find something the next time I have a look.” he didn't care much for material, as long as he was paid in silver, gold, or platinum.

“Well, see you soon Feorick.” she was back in her books.

For a women of sinister beauty she certainly cared about the Empires finances. Feorick was surprised she took on the laborious job herself. After the last two accountants, were killed by her brother, maybe she thought she could keep a balanced book. She had the bite to deter corruption and collect taxes. The people feared her here, in her own Kingdom, but else where in the Empire she was relatively unknown. Each kingdom paid their taxes to the Empire, but further away from the central castle the more corrupt the collectors. It wasn't until she took over the books, the corruption began to decrease, which gave the Emperor and her family more income and more power to fuel a larger expansion of The Iss'pale Empire. 

Chapter 1.3 Opal Eyes Inn

He now pinched his eyes, and silenced his ears, breathed deep. He heard a faint scream from down the corridor, it was short. He opened his eyes and looked from where he came, not knowing if it was his recollection of that night.

“Feorick Tolson.” said a female voice. A voice too soft for this place he thought.

He turned to meet the beautiful, dark eyed, Feladean L'Ulote. She had sneaked up on him. He would have to go and clear his mind after he left this cold place.

She wore a small white flower and wisp embroidered dark blue dress that fully covered her arms and legs, but revealed an ample bust through a cats eye slit in the front, but tapered and covered her neck.

“Feladean.” he nodded slightly, lips made an effort to smile out of politeness, but his eyes still filled with resentment from a long past relationship.

“You have returned unharmed. It is good to see. You are as handsome as always.”

'This woman wouldn't know good if it struck her across the face.', Feorick thought. Feladean was a creature of material wealth, would do anything to keep her chest filled with gold, and pinched every copper for His Holiness, her brother. She reached for his face with the back of her hand. He avoided it.

“It has been some time. You look as radiant as a deep silver well.” he said with a hint of mockery. 'A deep silver well?'

“Well,” she paused to consider the, complement, an eyebrow raised, “I suppose I've been keeping myself in magnificent spectre.” she wheeled, “Follow me.”

'You do seem ghostly.', he thought.

It was only that he wanted his earnings that he stayed in this dark cell of a castle. He didn't want to be here any longer than he had to.

“I was looking through our account book with you, we have paid deeply for your services. We appreciate all you have done for us. His Highness would like to give you a special gift for this, obligation, that was set for you.” she said coolly, unknowingly, and uncaring, “I don't believe you deserve it, but his words are authority.” She looked back to see his reaction. Feorick bowed slightly. She continued.

“He has granted you access to a particular storage room, many fine pieces are held there. You will be given a single selection from this place, along with the remainder of your pay. Please have a look today, though your selection can be made at anytime.”

“If you don't mind, I'll come back another day and have a look.” he just wanted to get out, and go home, clean off the memories. “It's been a long journey.”

Turning she looked into his eyes, “I'm certain you have been on longer. I suggest you go down today, and have a quick look.” she pressed.

“So be it. Lead the way, my lady.” Feorick almost choked on his words. This woman was hardly a lady. More monster than lady, although her features didn't show it. Her slender waist line contrasted with her chest and hips. Her hair was up wrapped with a dark satin blue and white stripped ribbon.

Before long he was given his large sack of gold and silver, and being lead to the storage room on the north-west wing of the castle. There was no one guarding the entrance, although it was locked under a heavy bolt.

Chapter 1.2 Opal Eyes Inn

Seleroc continued to admire his found possession. He stepped down from his elaborately detailed silver throne, padded with black velvet cushions, and called for one of his men in training.

The Pious Guard that lined his halls remained completely still, shadowed by the line of pillars on each side. One of the door guards called through the messaging pipes. The call carried to the receiving end at the training grounds. A networking of messaging pipes for every section of the castle, and then others for each sections sub-sections. The place was massive, largest in the Empire.

As he waited, going through slow precise motions, in the manner of black crane's dance. Spinning, his sword cutting through the air, balanced, like no other.

The solder who was called for would be here in no time. No one let the Emperor wait. Finished with his steps Seleroc sat on his heels. The floor was cold. The guards sat as well. A knock came, Seleroc nodded, and methodically a guard stood and opened the door. The solder stepped inside nervously, out of breath, it was his first time in the presence of his holiness, the first time inside the great hall. He bowed deeply, kneeling and touching his hands and head to the floor.

“Come toward me.” Seleroc said, with a calm and seeming soothing tone.

The boy, who had but a week left in basic training, was terrified now. He didn't want to show it. He breathed in deeply, to suppress the emotions, as he was taught. Seleroc nodded once again. The boy stopped, kneeling again, and prostrated himself before his leader.

“You will die today. I will slice both your arms off before honouring you with a decapitation. You better fight for your life.” Seleroc's voice was soothing, yet sinister. A smile crossed his lips. The boy was sweating, terror shown in his eyes. He could not ease his mind, he was too focused on that sword. Slowly rising, they drew weapons. Steel sounded against steel.

Feorick strode down the corridor toward Feladean's bureau. The payment for returning Seleroc's sword would not be enough for what he had witnessed a week prior.

He was still angered.

He closed his eyes again, involuntarily he remembered. After returning to his camp to find that Seleroc's men were not there, he turned toward Pelio's home to see smoke start rise in the sky. Feorick rushed back to the house. His mind was a blur with movement through the forest. He saw the family tied up together outside in front of their home, oil covered them. The men rode their horses around the family. Chilling laughter met the glow of a fire. All of horsemen held a torch above their head. He ran toward them in a bid to make them stop. He watched as the torchs met the oiled kindling. The flames quickly spread. The screams of the children, and Pelio's wife tore through Feorick's ears. He could make out Pelio's eyes distinctly looking in his direction. He didn't scream. He just stared at Feorick with fearful intent, unnaturally calm.

Chapter 1.1 Opal Eyes Inn

“Ugh, you stink of burnt flesh.”

“That's because I watched a family, children, burn to death in front of me. I could feel the heat of their burning bones. Their screams...” Feorick closed his eyes. It was enough to recall. His stomach turned. His face angered. He thought of what he'd say during his ride back, but emotion got the best of him. It shouldn't have.

“Well, did you retrieve what I asked for?”

“Why did your men have to kill them, burn them!?” he said agitatedly, “They were innocent, a family.” Feorick didn't know if they were innocent or not, but after observing them for a few days, watching their movements and their affection for one another, he wouldn't have guessed otherwise.

“That man, Pelio, stole from me. He deserved to die, along with the rest of them. I see you may not be up to these tasks. When did you start caring for the one's you kill? You have never questioned your duty before. You know, I can find others to do this type of work.”

“I was only to sneak in and grab the sword. I wasn't asked to kill anyone. We would have been well gone before he knew it was missing.”

“And I'm sure you did that with amazing secrecy. But he would have looked very hard for this, once he found out it was missing.” The Holiness, Seleroc L'Ulote, Emperor of The Iss'pale, looked down the edge of the sword, and then met Feorick's burning gaze at the end. He wasn't patronizing Feorick, he knew that he was a deadly man. A trained assassin, perhaps more. Why else would he have hired this man to get back what was taken from him. Pelio, he knew, would have come looking for it. This precious sword. Perhaps with a large contingent in his wake. Seleroc didn't want to have to waste his men to protect it. It was his after all. “I give you leave. I will send for you when you are needed again.”

“Bah!” Feorick's voice sounded hard and dismissive. He spun and stormed down the hall. His boots making no sound as they met the black and gray marble floor.

Seleroc laughed. “You will find your earnings with Feladean.” Seleroc called before Feorick slipped through the main doors of the hall. His exit wasn't purposefully quite, it was in his demeanour. He was, after all, someone who was paid to kill, and to kill by stealth.