《Blood and Honor: Emperor's Fangs》 Chapter 1- Espionage Fate Online... Surface- Jagged Coast Region Kingdom of Rolling Sands- City of Sholand She had to keep an eye out on any possible troop movements and the possibility that the Mage-King would push south into the Dark Lands. The only good thing was a few independent cities still stood between the Kingdom of Rolling Sands and the Dark Lands. If they stood up too him, they could slow or stop their invasion by land. If they joined the Rolling Sands though, nothing would stand in the Mage-Kings way. Ailis had been briefed on the guy though. The Mage-King was smart and planned ahead. He did not make any moves without thinking everything through including his enemies'' responses. Jacob had made it plain as day to the Mage-Kings Ambassadors, if he pushed south into the Dark Lands, it would be considered an act of war against the Empire of Night. The Empire''s northern border was protected by the Southern Orc Tribes and the former Free Cities that were now part of the Empire. The few remaining Free Cities under the Slavers Union, stood little chance if the Mage-King pushed west. To the Rolling Sands north were the Dwarves of Dark Iron Thiag, the Orcs of Blackfang Hold, and the High-Elves of Duran''thia. While the Orcs and Dwarves were almost at war with each other and the High-Elves were poorly led, they would all put aside their differences if the Mage-King pushed northwards. The few small independent Human kingdoms and Beast-Kin states were falling almost daily to the Mage-King. Few were fighting, and those few when conquered were treated poorly. Their soldiers were executed, people were conscripted and taxed heavily, that was the price of fighting the Mage-King based on all reports Ailis had read. Unlike the Empire, Rolling Sands did not outlaw slavery. In fact, much like the Romans of earth, people could sell themselves into slavery to pay off debts. On the other hand, the Mage-King and the Kingdom of Rolling Sands were similar to Earth''s ancient Egypt and the Persian Empire. Some even said that the Mage-King was the god Ra, in Mortal form, although that was pure rumor and speculation. Either way, the Mage-King had absolute power in his kingdom and did not suffer fools as advisors. Any advisor that gave him bad advice ended up dead from what she had determined. However, has favor could assure almost unlimited power within the Kingdom. The Mage-King did learn one thing from Jacob, he placed one person in power in every Region he had a foothold or controlled. These men and women were the absolute power within those Regions. They were coveted positions, but if you screwed up, you were executed for your mistakes. Two of those people had been executed in the last month. Ailis had not figured out why though, only the who, where, and when. Ailis had been trying to get any dirt or intel on the Shah of the Jagged Coast Region, but the man was perfect and did not screw up. Yes, he had vices like all men in power, but he kept them in check and did nothing to embarrass the Mage-King. Shah Dontella Sallim was studious in collecting taxes and conscripts for the Mage-King. He followed his orders to the letter and was not overly ambitious. So how exactly did he get into his position Ailis wondered because the guy was borderline boring for a man with so much political and military power at his command. The shipyards were not building anything new or extensive for the military, they were used to maintain what was currently built. New fishing vessels were being completed almost daily though. Ailis had sent that up to her superiors. The vessels although small could be used to scout and move small forces. Very few were staying within the harbor, they always left heading north or south along the coastline. So, Ailis checked her weapons and armor before heading out. First, she would go by the Pickled Egg and check the Assassins Board for anything new or interesting before heading to the nearby bars where the soldiers would hang out and drink their worries away. She could sniff out any rumors and any complaints. Ailis smiled, it didn''t matter what country you were in, soldiers would complain about everything if you bought them a beer and were willing to listen. After she made her rounds at the bars, she would head outside the city to a small fortified camp the army kept outside the city walls. Ailis wanted to see if she could infiltrate the camp and get copies of the orders of patrol routes, supply movements, and if lucky troop movements. The most exciting part of her night, in other words.
The Stuck Pig was a nice bar and inn where soldiers could go to play card games, get a good meal, and drink without worrying about the owners fleecing their money. In other words, it was stuffed to the rafters unless the soldiers were ordered to take a rest from having fun and enjoying themselves. That rarely happened while on garrison duty. "So let me get this strait. Unless the majority of your unit requests to be posted somewhere else, your unit does not move unless orders come down from the top. Well, that sucks. Do you at least get leave to go see your family on occasion?" Ailis asked as she took a sip of her cup. Wine was the most popular drink with these soldiers. "Nope. We get one day every two months. However, our conscription lasts only two years once our training is done. So...in the short term we don''t see our families a lot, but long term. Once we are done, we can choose to stay in the army for another two years. If we do that, we can get paid to get out. One hundred gold after four years. It''s enough to start over in one of the small villages. Start a farm or a small store." the Soldier replied. "True, but from what I heard no one is going to muster out for a while. Rumor has it the Mage-King is going to make a major push towards the west, take the whole desert under his banner." Ailis told the soldier as she slightly slipped out of her chair and stumbled into him. The man laughed and pushed her back into her chair. Stolen story; please report."Women, two things. One, you can''t hold your alcohol so go home and two, no way would push west. The desert rats are bending over faster than a whore on a discount night." the soldiers around them laughed loudly causing Ailis to blush. "Well, I heard it from a Sergeant from the Fourth Spear Battalion. A Sergeant...Alim Salih...I don''t know. He has a big scar on his cheek. He said west. So I might not know how to hold my drink, but my ears work fine." Ailis stated firmly as she swayed ''drunkenly'' for the soldiers around her. "I''m telling you we are not heading west into the desert. I am the highest-ranked Sergeant in my Battalion. If we had received orders to push west, I would know. My people are skirmishers and scouts, we would be the first to leave." Ailis looked and the soldier and giggled before pulling a silver mark from her inventory and placing it on the table. "I am betting we go find my friend, he says otherwise. One Silver Sergeant." Ailis responded earning a huge smile from Sergeant who placed his own Silver on the table and fished out a piece of paper. "Read that, then I want my money." the Sergeant said before he gulped down his glass. Ailis acted like she had a hard time reading it but she took several pics of it as she swayed. The jist of the orders was for the Sergeants unit to pull supplies for a two-week scouting expedition to the south against the few cities remaining independent. The orders were already in effect and they would be leaving in two days. Ailis did quick mental math, it was a two-week round trip, so in just over a month they would have a scouting report of the few remaining cities. "Ok...I think it said. Whats this word?" Ailis asked the Sergeant as she handed the paper back too him earning a laugh. "You are done girl and I am taking the silver I won fair and square. Go home and get some rest." Ailis scoffed like she didn''t want to go, but let the soldiers push her out off the Inn. Ailis ''stumbled'' for a few blocks until she was sure she was not being followed before climbing up and onto a nearby rooftop. After scoping out her backtrail for any Stealthed Rogues or patrols. After another ten minutes, Ailis dropped into Stealth and made her way back to the Bloody Thorns. The small inn on the outskirts of the city was cheap and well kept. The owners were good people and did not ask questions when a customer paid upfront by the week. Time to report in and see what her superiors want her to do.
"So in summary, the Mage-King could be pushing south in as little as six to seven weeks. I expect to see a buildup within three weeks of supplies and new soldiers. The Image crystal will be going out in the next Merchants train heading west tomorrow. Do you have any further orders?" Ailis asked her contact. "Wait one, the Master wishes to speak to you." the voice responded causing Ailis to freeze in surprise. This was supposed to be a long term assignment. Ezekial should not want to speak to her unless something had gone wrong. "We need you back in the capital as soon as you can get away. This is an emergency. Come back and stay in the Middle City at the inn called the Gilded Dice. Make contact when you have checked in. You have twenty-four hours to finish up anything, then be there. Any questions?" Ezekial asked after he finished telling her the new orders. "Did I mess up or something? I have been doing my job, I have not done anything to compromise or betray the Emperor." Ailis responded quickly. Ezekial laughed, "I know that. If I thought you had betrayed our Order or the Emperor, you would be dead and we would keep killing you until you were level 1 again. No, I want you back in the city because I trust you and you have proven that you can think on your feet if you are cut off from command. A situation is developing here and I need someone that I trust and can think here in the city." "Ok, but Darren will not like it," Ailis responded as she started to think of everything she had to do to get out clean. "He is the one that suggested you. Enough Emperors Fang, you have your orders." Ezekial replied before cutting the line and leaving Ailis stunned. What had happened that Darren was asking for her. Chapter 2- Goodbyes Fate Online... Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night Middle City- Gilded Dice Gilded Dice was a mix between a gambling den and a cat house. The crowd was loud and boisterous and anyone could easily slip in and out of the crowd here. Ailis could easily see why the Master of Shadows had chosen the location as the meeting point. There were games from Earth, like Texas Holdem and Roulette while others had been created by this world like Three Blind Men and Blood Knives. They were all confusing, especially Three Blind Men, it had both dice and cards. No blood was ever spilled though and if there was even a question of cheating the owners immediately stepped in and took care of everything. Their solution was simple, kick everyone who was caught with the problem out and the house took the pot. "Anything else besides dinner and a drink? Feel like joining any of the games lass?" the bartender asked. "No thank you. I have never played and I don''t feel like giving up my hard-earned money too soon. I will enjoy watching and learning though." Ailis told the man as she made her way to one of the few quiet corners and started eating as she watched a game of Three Blind Men. Twenty minutes later, she was no closer to learning the ins and outs of the game when Darren joined her in studying the game. "I have seen three different versions of that game. I think the only rule that matters with it is to see who can cheat the best. So if you ever plan on playing, max out Slight of Hand, otherwise, you will lose whatever you bet. Come on, we got to talk." Ailis nodded her head in acknowledgment and quickly followed the other Vampire as he pushed through the crowd towards the back. A couple of unassuming guards moved aside for them as they went into the back of the inn and towards the private rooms that could be rented for unofficial meetings. More guards dotted the hallway and they all ignored Darren and Ailis. Once they were in one of the rooms Darren hit a release and a hatch popped up revealing stairs leading down. "This was rediscovered by Ezekial after the city came back to the surface. There are sewers of course down here, but also soo much more. The other major guilds give us a wide berth when we come down here because they know its official Imperial business and they don''t want Legionnaires down here cleaning everyone out because they tried to rough us up or hinder us in any way. In other words, we don''t exist according to too the other guilds, however, the Smugglers, Thieves, and Assassins, and a few shadier guilds have a presence down here. We watch and observe, but unless it threatens the city, we don''t do anything to disrupt their operations." "So why am I here? If I have a mission here in the city, just give it and I will be on my way." Ailis responded. "You are here because these tunnels and passages might be the very things that save your life over the next couple of days. You need to explore and get used too them. Some parts are extremely dangerous and we even have a level one-hundred Dungeon down here." Darren responded as he glanced back at her. "Ok...Sorry." Ailis replied sarcastically. "Don''t get cocky. You have been doing good work out east, but the mission we are about to start is probably the most dangerous one we will give you since you joined." Darren replied. "I understand and like I said I am sorry," Ailis replied and tried not to let her anger get ahold of her. "Good. Have you fixed things with your sister?" Darren prodded. "Why?" Ailis asked as they entered an underground grotto. "If you have not, you should. Earth faces extinction and if you decide to become a permanent citizen here, you might not see her for a while. Family is important." Darren replied openly. "Yes, we reconnected and Ava almost sounds human. She is starting to act like when we were younger and she was a real person. I know the changes could not be permanent, but I am hoping." Ailis replied quietly causing Darren to smile. Darren raised an appraising eyebrow, "Did you invite her to live here in the Empire?" Ailis smiled and nodded, "Yes but she turned me down. Said she had received a quest that she had to face. Something about being treated the way she used to treat everyone else. She said she had to do it and until she was done, she could not move down here." "So the great Ava O''Conner is trying to atone for her past sins...The end of the world changes everything I guess." Darren quipped as he lead her to a small room with about a dozen hooded figures and Ezekial. Before Ailis could ask what was going on Darren shushed her and placed a collar around her throat. He grabbed her hands and showed her how to remove it before moving away from her. "Thank you all for coming. This meeting will be short and to the point. Once it is done, we will more than likely not meet again for a while. The hoods and collars are for your protection, they both keep your identities a secret so in case you are captured you cannot compromise the identity of another Fang.'' the Master of Shadows stated as he looked around. ''Now you were all recalled due to a mission of extreme importance. The Empire is on the brink of a Civil War. Within the next couple of days, some of the Eight Houses are going to try and take the Palace of Night and the Throne. This cannot happen. We need to buy time for the invasion of the Dark Lands to start. Once it has, the Eight Houses will be to busy supporting the invasion to have aspirations for the throne. We need to find out what Houses are going to try and rebel and stop them before they make their attempt. You will each be given assignments. This will not be easy, some of you will more then likely die, but if they succeed far more will die. Questions?" Ezekial immediately started fielding questions like the pro he was. Everything from logistics to locations, to making sure they were not arrested by the Home Legion or the Heart Guard. Everything was responded to calmly and quickly. Yet no one asked why Jacob wasn''t doing anything about it and it made Ailis nervous. Ailis immediately opened up a chat window and messaged Darren. From Ailis...What''s going on? Why isn''t Jacob doing anything about this? Why doesn''t he just step in and quash it? Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.From Darren...Can''t say. From Ailis...Can''t or won''t? From Darren...Both. Too important and to many things are going on right now. We NEED a stable Empire right now. Can you imagine an open Civil War within the Empire of Night right now with all the Immortals coming in? Tens of thousands would die. It could stop people from coming to this world. So the ramifications of a Civil War could cause huge problems in both worlds. So Emperors Fang, stop asking questions and help us save an Empire. Ailis simply nodded her head a little bit before closing the chat window.
Real World... North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate Black Spire- BlackRock HQ Anthony looked out at the sea of faces. Department heads, programmers, janitors, security, anything and everything needed to run a business was present and looking at him. "I want to thank you all for your hard work over the years. I know I was demanding, but all your hard work has paid off. Humanity has a future, digital, but still a future and a chance to live on. All further support will be handled by A.I.s and at this time we are shutting down. For those who want to make the jump into Fate Online, we have more than enough FIVR Pods in the basement levels to accommodate everyone. If you have a family at home and want to bring them here, notify security and they will retrieve them. If you want an escort home, notify security and you will receive it...What I am trying to say is, I am damned proud of all of you and what you accomplished here. You all should be proud as well. Good luck and safe journeys." Anthony said as the meeting broke up. It was his sixth meeting like it and his last. "Mr. Mitchels, can you please tell my father he is not too old to go to Fate Online." Hayley Jackson fumed as she dragged her father up in front of Anthony. Anthony laughed at the older man''s put upon face, "No one is too old. Anyone can make the leap and everyone deserves a chance to try." Bart glared at him, "I have never played video games other than Solitary. I know nothing about them. Business and banking, that''s what I know. I would be a liability in this new world." Anthony laughed as Hayley glared at him. "I have told you before daddy, you do not have to be an adventurer. You can do whatever you want. Including being a merchant, farmer, engineer...Anything and everything. Please, Mother refuses to join, I cannot lose you as well." Hayley implored him. Anthony jumped in immediately, "She is right. You can do pretty much anything you want to be. If you want to just work in a bank, you can. It will be boring for the most part with the occasional attempt at a bank robbery, but you can do it. You can also become a Merchant as your daughter said." Anthony told him. "Please, I know mom is a stubborn bitch and is being an idiot, but don''t let her drag you down too." Hayley implored and he started to cave. With a squeal, she kissed his cheek and hugged him earning a smile from him. "Fine, I will try. I refuse to wear that stupid metal armor though. I will not spend eternity as a man that swings a sword. I worked damned hard to get my education and I will not wast it." Anthony smiled and winked conspiratorially too Hayley as Bart walked off following the crowd toward the elevators and stairs down to the basement. "Mr. Mitchels thankyou soo much. I honestly don''t know what I would have done if I lost both of them. Can I ask one more favor?" Hayley wheedled. "Ask, I might not grant it though," Anthony responded. "What is Kevin''s name in Fate Online. I know he has confidentiality, but I have been trying to get ahold of him the last couple weeks and he has not responded. He has turned into a real friend and I don''t want to lose that if at all possible." Hayley laid out. Anthony considered it before responding, "His name is Jacob Longstrider. That is all I will say. Goodluck Miss Jackson." Anthony quickly left before she asked any more questions about him. "You always did have a way with words." was called out as he walked down the hallway to his office. Anthony turned and looked at him. The man looked like shit, but after the press conference the other day, it was no surprise. "Since we are in my building and after you had your little toy rock the boat, I think I will call you Jack and not Mr. President any more. Why are you here Jack?" "Did you really have to air my dirty laundry like that Anthony? Did you really have to do that?" Jaco responded. "You started the fight Jack and I ended it. You wanted to make me look like I was hiding something or had not done everything we could to save humanity. We did both. If we tried to save live humans, it would not have worked. The projections were that we had a less than one percent chance at surviving with live humans. That was if they made it to the closest star system to Earth. After that, the chances went down. We just didn''t have the tech to do it. If I could put all of humanity and send them to another solar system with a viable world, I would do it in a heartbeat. I can''t Jack. This is our best chance at survival and you tried to mess it up. Go home, Jack. Talk to your family and decide if you want to make the transition or not. Either way, get out of my building." Anthony told him before turning away. "My family hates me. They saw the broadcast live and they hate me now. My kids always suspected and my wife...she said if the world wasn''t ending she would divorce my ass. She plans to make the jump with my kids and she said she hopes I die if I try." Jack replied totally defeated. Anthony stopped and signaled some of the nearby security, "Last piece of advice Jack. If you decide to go, don''t be the same egotistical jackass you were on this world. Cause you won''t be protected by secret service and that attitude will get you beheaded or gutted, or both. Start a new life and maybe one day you can reconnect with your kids. Gentlemen, please escort the President out of the building. We are done." Anthony told them as he walked off. Chapter 3- The Hunt Fate Online... Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night Outer City- The Pit Pit for the first time and wanted to walk right back out. It was a dive bar, but the bad kind. Too many drunks with the possibility of fights and blood being spilled. It was also the heart of House Bloodkol territory in the outer city. Since Ailis was part of the House, it ensured that she was allowed access but did not assure her safety. Ailis beelined for the bar. "What''s safe to eat and drink in here?" Ailis asked as she placed a Silver Talon on the bar top. The woman behind the war smiled, "Don''t drink the water, half the time someone pukes in the well outside where we get it from. Don''t eat the fish platter. Chicken is ok, deer and wolf meat are better. All the alcohol is good, but the Vampire Slayer shot will kick your ass if you have never had it. Considering I have never seen you in here before, I don''t recommend it. You will end up in a compromising position if you do." the Bartender warned earning a snort from Ailis at the drinks name. "Mead and the wolf meat," Ailis replied as she put another Silver Talon on the bar top as the bartender got her the drink. "Food will be out in five minutes. Enjoy the Pit, music will start in about an hour. Don''t stay late unless you feel like getting into a fight. If anyone from any of the head branches comes in and tells you to do something, do it." the women finished before releasing the tankard. Ailis nodded her thanks and headed for a table where she could put her back to the wall. The crowd was mainly Immortals and Bonded of the House. The Bonded gave her some space not knowing her standing, but the Immortals eye-balled her gear. Hers was head and shoulders above most of their due to her constant questing and dungeon dives. These people were just enjoying their lives. Before her food was even there, someone was already bothering her. He was a half-drunk Immortal who thought just because he could twirl a throwing knife through his fingers, she would be impressed. Ailis ignored him until he got confrontational. "Hey BITCH, I''m talking too---" He grabbed at her shoulder. Ailis looked at his hand and quickly grabbed it and placed it onto the table before driving a dagger through it and pinning it to the table. With no pain dampening, the pain was real for him and his screams were real too as Ailis looked around at the nearby crowd. "If you have something to say. Say it. Be respectful. If you touch me again, I will drive my dagger through your eye and send you to respawn. Am I understood...BITCH." Ailis told him as her eyes roamed the room. "Bobby is an idiot, but he is also in good standing with House Bloodkol.'' Ailis looked at another man who was sitting with two others. They were more relaxed and compared to the current atmosphere of the Pit. ''However, he is not associated with any Guild much less earned rank within one." the man continued as he looked at her Assassins ring marking her as a member and giving her rank to those who knew what to look for. "Your point?" Ailis prompted. "My point is House Bloodkol and the Assassins Guild have a long-standing relationship. I would hate to see it tarnished in any way. Please release him, no one will bother you tonight.'' the man let his eyes roam over the room and everyone nodded their accent. ''Please join us up here cousin." Ailis almost cursed. This might be her in with the House, but if anything or any mutterings about the coup were talked about, she would not hear anything if she was watching her back against someone with real power within the House. Yet Ailis stood and walked over and joined him. It was not a real invitation, this was his chance to get a feel for her and for her to get a feel for him. "Can I have a name cousin? I can always use Analyze but I prefer honesty." The man smiled, "Please call me JJ. I was tasked with overseeing this place by our House and scouting out any potential. Bobby is a low-level Enforcer with some links to the Thieves Guild. You, on the other hand, are a complete unknown. Let''s start with your name, hmm?" Ailis smiled as she leaned back against the wall. A server ran her food up and placed it in front of her. Ailis tossed her a copper before cutting off a piece of the steak and trying it. The bartender had been right, the wolf was very good. "I am Ailis. You do not know me because this is the second time I have been here in the capitol. I have spent most of my time questing to the north and west after getting out of the Underdark. As you noted, I joined the Assassins Guild and earned some rank there. For House Bloodkol, beyond the initiate quest. I have not done anything for them. I plan on spending a couple of days exploring the city though, so that might change." JJ nodded and smiled, "So you got caught up with the excitement of being a Vampire and took off running. Well, I can respect that. The Houses don''t have much respect for the Immortals. We have to earn that just like you did with the Assassins Guild. However, if you want to try and increase your rep with House Blookkol, we can always use a good Assassin." Ailis frowned and looked around, "I am sure you can point and ask someone here if you need anyone killed. Why me?" "There is a difference between a killer and an assassin. I am sure you are aware of that. I can count on one hand how many Guild Assassins are in the city right now that is a part of House Bloodkol. So if you are willing to work and want to gain some Rep with the House, I can find you work." JJ responded and his count of lack of Assassins surprised her. Ailis thought the House would be overflowing with the professional killers. Ailis considered the options then nodded, "As long as it does not go against the Guild or put me in the negative with the Empire, yeah we can work something out." JJ smiled at her and clapped her shoulder.
Three hours later, Ailis was finally walking out of the Pit and heading back to her temporary home of the Gilded Dice. The place was putting her up for the next week, already paid for by Darren so it cost her nothing. She could feel the people from the Pit following her after about five minutes. She wasn''t even a quarter of the way back, so she had plenty of time to either shake them or eliminate them. Her preference was the first, but if they had not been sent by JJ, she would use her second option. Being the middle of the night didn''t change the fact there were Legionnaires, city Militia, and Inquisition Units everywhere. Eternal Night was full of Vampires, so it was the middle of the day according to them. So Ailis headed for the nearest market. From there she could scope out who was following her and make her decision. Killing people within the city limits was a huge risk this early in her mission, but she could ill afford to have people sniffing her trail. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.Shopping for some Potions and ingredients to make poisons was an acceptable reason to stop and eyeball her tails. Of course, it was the genius Bobby with an equal idiot that looked like a Duelist considering he was equipped with two light swords. Ailis was considering how to deal with them when she spotted someone ghosting across a roof. Could be a wannabe Assassin, but with a bow strapped to his back, it was unlikely. Probably a Marksman or Scout. Their long-range support would have to go first before she could take out the other two. Then she would be home free. Time to plan Ailis thought, she immediately scoped out the market. It was one of the smaller types with multi-story buildings all around. This gave their archer plenty of places to hide and keep track of her. It also provided plenty of alleyways for her to disappear into so she could hunt down the bastards. Once she was up top, she could disappear into Stealth and start hunting the archer, then Bobby and the Duelist would fall last. Ailis waited for the crowd to obscure her, then darted off. The Archer would relay what she was doing to Bobby and the other partner but by the time they caught up, she would be gone. The hunt was on!!!
As good as the Scout had been, he was only level twenty-two. The Silver he had dropped would be well spent though and now they had no eyes in the sky to watch and track her. The Immortal''s corpse dissolved within a minute of his death leaving no proof of his demise other than a couple of drops of blood on the rooftop that would disappear soon enough. Ailis stayed in Stealth as she watched Bobby and his friend looking confused at the rooftops wondering where their partner was now. Too late she chuckled, he was dead. Ailis didn''t particularly like PvP, but killing idiots like this didn''t count. Right? Finally, the Duelist lost his patience and headed to the nearest ally she had last been seen on the ground. Ailis shadowed him from the roofs and watched as the man awkwardly climbed the side of the building. Idiot she thought as she waited while he climbed. Bobby continued to stand at the end of the alleyway to discourage any onlookers or for anyone to walk down that particular alleyway. Once the Duelist reached the top, Ailis put one knife through his extended hand and the other through his right eye as he was climbing onto the rooftop. The Duelist jerked in his death throes before going still. Automatic loot grabbed whatever she had earned as his body dropped down back to the ground. With a splat, he landed and disturbed a rat or two. Bobby immediately moved to inspect his friend and froze as he saw the carnage Ailis had reaped on his former friend. Then his body started to dissolve. Two PKs in a few minutes, Ailis dropped her Stealth and smiled at Bobby before waving at him. This seemed to infuriate the man as he went Feral and started to climb the side of the building towards her. Ailis backed away from the edge of the building and waited. It was cocky and arrogant, but the idiot had pissed her off. When Bobby jumped up onto the roof he was still in a semi-feral state, but he also activated Frenzy buffing attack speed and health regeneration. It made him almost as fast as her. Almost did not count for shit in a fight to the death though. Ailis placed her Assassins Mark on him as she slid under his first attack. It would increase all damage he received from her and negate his increased Health Regen. After that, her knives went to work. Achilles muscle, back of the knees, kidney, lungs, all were pierced as Bobby continued to flail around with the oversized ax in his hands. After that Ailis just continue to dodge and let him wear himself out. Soon Frenzy died down and he collapsed, his health strobing above his head as his life was in the critical range. "Well, Bobby. Did JJ send you?" Ailis asked as she circled him. Without the Frenzy Ability, he felt all the pain she had inflicted. Most of the wounds had sealed shut, but there were a few stab wounds that were still open were in critical areas. "No." Bobby whimpered out as Ailis recorded the conversation in case JJ gave her shit later. "Why did you come after me, Bobby? You and your two friends hunted me, why?" Ailis prompted the man. Finally, Bobby worked up some courage...or stupidity. "You all think you are better than me. JJ...You, bitch in this world we can do anything we want as long as we have the power." Bobby smiled as blood poured from his mouth. "Your right, but you don''t have the power, Bobby. You never did...bitch." Ailis hissed out the last as she moved forward and drove her dagger through his eye into his brain killing him. Ailis quickly reviewed the loot she had received from the last two idiots and froze when she saw the Poison he had on him. Oh, she was far from done with Bobby. She was going to kill him every chance she got from now on. Chapter 4- A Way In Fate Online... Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night Outer City- The Pit "I want to talk to JJ. I want to make him aware that after I left Bobby and a couple of his friends followed me after I left." Ailis responded as she let her eyes roam the room. "Oh, did he? Did you take care of him?" She asked with a snicker. "If you are asking if I sent them to respawn? Yes. Tell JJ, I don''t work with people who use stuff like this shit.'' Ailis stated as she placed the Twisted-Night Poison she had recovered from Bobby. ''I will also be recommending that the Assassins Guild reconsider their...association with people that use such Poisons on their own people." Ailis told them. Spoiler: Spoiler Name: Twisted-Night Poison Tier: Elixer Dose: 4/4 Benefit 1: Immoballize Target for...1 Hour...per Dose Benefit 2: Amplify all Pain received Benefit 3: Amplify all Pleasure received Description: Some things should not be made. This Elixer is one of those things, however, once knowledge is gained, it is very...difficult to lose. Note*Twisted-Night Poison is an illegal substance within the Empire of Night. Being arrested with this substance will result in jail time and fines. The girl paled as she looked at the vial then an angry look crossed her face as she elbowed her companion and started yelling at him. He calmed her down quickly and looked at the Poison but didn''t pick it up. "Can you prove that you got that off Bobby?" "I have the logs and video of what I did to him and his friends. Where are JJ and Bobby?" Ailis asked and the two. They looked at each other nervously before standing and striding deeper into the Pit. Ailis gripped the little bottle of nasty Poison and followed them. A couple of guards started to move to intercept her, but her two new companions waved them off as the followed the hallways to some back rooms and offices. Her two new friends entered the office ahead of Ailis. The guys immediately moved over to JJ and started whispering in his ear as the girl studied Bobby and his two friends while keeping her hand near a nasty looking wand on her hip. Ailis looked at Bobby and smiled at him. It made him and his friends angry and start shouting, but Ailis just ignored it as her hands hovered over her daggers. "ENOUGH!!!" JJ called out over the yelling. "Ailis, Bobby came to me today to lodge a formal complaint that you hunted and killed him and his friends. Is this true?" JJ asked as he sat back in his seat. "Yes it is, but that''s not the whole story is it Bobby?" Ailis asked as she kept her eyes on the three pieces of shit in front of her while keeping the majority if the room at her back. "What is the whole story?" JJ asked calmly. "Well I did hunt and kill them all, but they followed me out of the Pit. I thought it might be at your orders but I quickly found out it was personal for Bobby and he dragged his friends along. I recorded the whole incident in case I needed to prove it as well.'' Ailis told him causing Bobby and his friends began to look nervous. ''However, finding Twisted-Night Poison on Bobby after I killed him was surprising. As I told your friends JJ, I won''t work with a House that sanctions the use of such a Poison on their own members or allow them to carry it and use it for personal vendettas. I will also pass this information onto the Assassins Guild and let them decide how they want too...evaluate their relationship with House Bloodkol." Ailis told him. "Well that is disconcerting, that one that is supposed to be in good standing is using a Poison that is so tightly controlled. JJ, what would you advise on how I deal with this matter?" Ailis turned and saw a smaller female Vampire. She looked diminutive, but she held a power that intimidated everyone in the room including Ailis. "Lady Lighttouch, I would recommend that we turn Bobby and his companions over to the authorities. With the laws passed about Twisted-Night Potion, we cannot afford to let anyone think we are flaunting the law against it. The other Houses would take it badly and would turn on us if they think we are willing to use it on our own members." JJ responded as he glared at Bobby and his two companions. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Lady Lighttouch aimed a small smile at JJ as if a dog had done a neat trick before flashing forward and stabbing Bobby and his two friends. All three crumpled as if they were dead but their Health bars had barely moved. "Deep-Sleep Poison, Master level and will assure they stay asleep for the next hour. I have already requested that an Inquisitor and Legionnarees meet us in front of the Pit. I came here today to hear an official complaint being lodged against a member against my House by another member. Now it appears we have found a poisonous snake within our ranks. JJ, we will discuss this in private later. Come to my Manor later tonight, do not be late. You...my dear, what is your name?" Lady Lighttouch asked as she stared at Ailis. "I am Ailis Swiftdeath ma''am." Ailis quickly responded before bowing her head. "Well Ailis, the Assassins Guild speaks highly of you and of the fact you earned your rank through hard work. Thank you for exposing this worm and his poison to us. JJ, be a dear and bring her with you, I think she deserves a reward for her assistance." Lady Lighttouch commanded before grabbing the Twisted-Night Poison and walking out of the room. Several guards came in and grabbed Bobby and his two friends before leaving. Once the three idiots had been dragged out JJ sighed and collapsed back in his chair, "Well that could have gone worse, but I don''t see how. If you cannot tell Twisted-Night Poison is a concern that has come out recently. About a month ago, an Immortal Alchemist discovered the recipe and was selling and personally using it. When word got to the authorities, they came down on it hard. The Alchemist earned Everlasting-Hatred Status within the Empire of Night and an open bounty remains on his head. He was hunted down and leveled down to level one. Twisted-Night Poison is strictly monitored and licensed too one Alchemist in the city, it is licensed for use with two Assassins and the Royal Torturer. It is said that they all have to be inspected by a Mind Mage weekly. Only the Emperors own people have access to it and he has to authorize its use. Personally, I am pretty sure he wishes the formula was never discovered." JJ informed her as he studied her. "What about Lady Lighttouch, should I be worried?" Ailis asked him. JJ snorted in amusement, "Maybe. When I was rewarded I was elevated within the House and given the responsibility of the Pit and giving her names of promising Immortals that bore watching or elevation within the House. Its boring work with scary times like today. No offense I hope you are elevated and given my job so I can get out of the city and have some fun questing." JJ told her before winking. "So you do Human Resources for them?" Ailis asked. "Yes and no. I also give people a chance to earn Rep within the House as well as monitor the area for incursion from other Houses. This is the heart of Bloodkol territory within the city. Bobby will be sent to thirty days of hard labor in one of the mines in the Underdark with a one-thousand Gold fine as well. If his friends were aware of the Poison they will face the same punishment. That is the least they will receive. If they refuse to give up the supplier, it will be worse." JJ told her as he motioned for her to sit. "When do we have to go see Lady Lighttouch?" Ailis asked. JJ brought up his interface and read something, "Four hours if you leave meet back here in three hours. Be sober and clean when we go. Now if you will excuse us, we have to discuss a few things." JJ dismissed her and AIlis nodded her head before leaving. Shit...The head of a House was not in the plan at all. To make contact or not, that was the question.
Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night The Depths "An idiot named Bobby, a very low-level Enforcer for the Bloodkol family tried to hunt me and PK me. I took him and his friends out. The situation was made worse because Bobby had Twisted-Night Poison on him. Lady Lighttough was there when I made my official counterclaim against Bobby. JJ seems to trust me, but he could be just playing me." Ailis informed them, earning more cursing. "That shit again, it''s like a goddamned weed.'' Darren cursed leaving Ezekial with a confused look on his face. ''Weeds are plants that destroy other plants around them and are difficult to get rid of." Darren explained to Ezekial who nodded his head in agreement. "So, you want me to go through with the meet or pull out and run?" Ailis prodded. "If you go through with this and are outed as an Agent of the Crown, you will lose your Rep with your House and the Assassins Guild...maybe. Bloodkol will never really trust you or give you any meaningful quests or a chance to gain any power within the House. Your days acting as a covert agent will be done and you will be useless to the Emperor. So...its up too you." Ezekial responded before Darren could. Ailis looked at Darren, "What would you do?" Darren winced, "He is my brother and I owe him a lot. There is no question in my mind, I would do it. Bloodkol is considered weaker then most of the other Houses, but their network of spies are second to none, including our own. We have to know if they are part of the rebel camp or not." Darren replied. Chapter 5- House Bloodkol Fate Online... Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night Upper City- Bloodkol Manor Ailis smirked, "In my travels, I have dealt with some nobility, I know how to handle myself and remain unnoticed. This meeting will mainly be about you. Once my ''reward'' is given I will be told to wait outside so she can talk to you. Then we go home and get drunk." Ailis told him causing him to chuckle nervously. "Yeah well, I don''t want to have one of the Eight Noble Houses within the Empire hating me for eternity, so please don''t do anything to piss her off," JJ said as they walked through the halls. "Hey, I think we should take something to remember this day. What do you think?'' Ailis asked him earning a glare from JJ and the guard leading them. ''Its a joke, relax both of you." Ailis fumed at them. The guard chuckled but JJ just smiled nervously. The guard looked back at the nervous JJ and laughed lightly, "I recommend you don''t take anything to heavy." He quipped. "So no tapestries or art. No weapons or armor. Can''t take the silverware, they always count the silverware for some reason." Ailis replied with a wink and a laugh. "I''m surrounded by the insane," JJ muttered as they finally got to Lady Lighttouch''s offices. The Guard smiled and winked one more time before knocking on the door and with a brisk ''Come!!'' the guard opened the door and led them inside. "Lady Lighttouch, it is the Immortals JJ and Ailis that you requested." The Guard announced from the doorway. The little Vampire woman nodded her head absently while gesturing for them to come in as she continued to read the report in front of her. "Please sit, do either of you want a drink or a small snack?'' Lady Lighttouch asked as she finished reading the report before putting it to the side. Both Immortals declined politely as they waited for Lady Lighttouch to talk. ''Very well. Hubert, I will yell when they are ready to leave, please wait outside." She told the Guard who promptly turned and left. JJ looked even more nervous, but Ailis just sighed and relaxed. "JJ, how is it that you are so nervous but your companion is far more relaxed?" JJ stuttered reply making Ailis smile but she controlled her laughter, "JJ, relax, please. I do not blame you completely for Bobby. You live and learn, that is why I placed you in the position I did. My advisors have reminded me, that I have not given you much time off to enjoy yourself and life. So, this money is yours'' Lady Lighttouch threw a small coin purse at him, ''You also have the next week off to do as you will. After that, every week you will have at least one day off so you don''t get overworked. I let Letta know that you will have the next week off from the Pit. Coordinate with her so at least one of you will be there." Lighttouch told him before turning to Ailis. "What am I going to do with you Ailis. You are a joiner not a loner, by working for the Assassins Guild you have proven that. However, you make your own way. You are given orders but you determine how you go about them. You are also not nervous about meeting me, so either I don''t make you afraid or you are used to working with people in power." Lady Lighttouch mused as she studied her. "Its a bit of both Lady. I am nervous, but there is nothing I can do if you want to punish or kill me. So why worry." Ailis replied earning a smile from Lady Lighttouch. "I want to elevate you within the House, but you don''t strike me as an Enforcer or a Clerk type like JJ. No, I think I want you doing what you do best. I give you a name and you kill them, how and when would be up too you. Would that be acceptable?" Lady Lighttouch asked as she sat back and studied Ailis. "As long as it would not conflict with the Guild or my standing within the Empire. I see no problem with that. What requirements would you have of me?" Ailis asked as she sat back. Lady Lighttouch mouth quirked into a smile, "See, this is an Immortal I can work with. She doesn''t try to flatter me too much. She is honest and blunt about her desires. She also has a brain by pointing out she will not alienate her main patrons and she wants to know what her duties would be. Very well, your duties to House Bloodkol would be simple, if I give you a name, no matter who or where they are, you eliminate them. If I want special circumstances, those will be communicated as well. You would have no more than two weeks once you have your target''s name to eliminate them unless specified otherwise. In return, you would receive a monthly stipend, intelligence, our Houses protection within the city, a home while you are here, a chance to purchase equipment that you cannot get anywhere else. You will also be elevated to the Minor Nobility just as JJ has been, but that comes with both privileges and responsibilities as well. Does that interest you?" The House Head asked as she placed a ring in front of Ailis. It was silver and steel. A Raven Motiff clutching a dagger dripping blood. "If I accept this know that I consider loyalty a two-way street. I know politicians have no problem sacrificing a pawn to gain more power or to save their own skins. There is a saying from our world, don''t wound which you cannot kill. We are true Immortals and although we might die for a short time, we have a long time to hold a grudge and plenty of time to plan revenge." Ailis told her but not making any move to take the ring. Lady Lighttouch smiled at her and looked at JJ who had frozen in fear. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it."JJ, be a dear and please step outside, I wish to speak to Ailis alone for a moment.'' JJ scrambled out of his chair and all but ran from the room. ''JJ does an amazing job, but he is overworked. Yes, I understand your concerns Ailis and I do not betray my family or people. However, was that saying really meant for me about betraying you or betraying someone else?" Lady Lighttouch asked as she studied Ailis more closely. Ailis let confusion mask her worry, "What are you talking about Lady Lighttouch?" Lady Lighttouch giggled, "Ahh, don''t worry girl. The old fox Ezekial and I go back centuries. I still bear the scar from his last warning. My loyalty is to the Emperor and the Empire in that order. I was there before the Emperors Fangs were wiped out by the forces of Light. They dealt massive damage to their armies, but they still died to the last man for their King. I swear by Balance that I am loyal to the Emperor, Jacob Longstrider, and have no plans too rebel, support a rebellion, or undermine him in any way." Alert... Lady Iona Lighttouch has made a Vow witnessed and enforced by the Primordial Balance. Alert... "Does that satisfy you?" Lady Lighttouch asked. Ailis let the confusion stay on her face, "I don''t know what you are talking about Lady Lighttouch. However, if you remain loyal to me, I will remain loyal to you. This is a lot of power and responsibility, are you sure you want to offer it to me?" Ailis asked her. Her lips quirked into a smile again, "I am sure we will work well together Ailis, you remind me of a younger me. Just not as ambitious, which I think is a good thing. Take the ring, I promise it will not interfere with your other duties. Now get out of here and try to calm JJ on your way back to the Pit." Ailis smiled and snatched up the small ring before putting it into her inventory and minimizing the notifications before leaving.
Real World... North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate Black Spire- BlackRock HQ Anthony gave a small smile to the two A.I. "I am not going. My one goal in life has been accomplished. Around the world, tens of thousands of people are jumping into Fate Online and migrating to Ithea. I never planned to save myself, just them." The CEO told them. "That is stupid and illogical Anthony. Why can''t you join everyone there?" Adam asked. "I will be known there as a savior and the one that made humanity face its own mortality. More then anything else though, I don''t have anyone there waiting for me. No family. No children. No lovers. I will have former employees and people I was friendly with, but no one that really cares for me or that I care for. We all know that is part of digitizing someone. Having someone on the other side waiting. Its one of those things we have not quantified, yet still affected the process. If I took the leap, I would have a fifty-fifty shot at best." Anthony told the two A.I. "So you are afraid of facing your mortality?" Eve asked causing Anthony to laugh. "Not at all. I truly believe I will be dead within the week. Whoever is behind the bombing will not let New York off their target list. If they don''t get me, the angry masses that won''t be able to make the jump in time, will." Anthony explained to the two. "You know our directive is to protect our Users, correct. That is our priority, Anthony." Adam implied they might try to force him and it caused Anthony to laugh in response. "I am not one of your Users Adam. I have never played Fate Online. I honestly would not know what to do with myself if I did. I have completed my life''s goal. What would you recommend if I made the jump?" Anthony asked them. The siblings looked at each other before looking back at him and a list of possible classes and professions scrolled down his screen. Anthony laughed at the obscurity of it all. He had financed and laid the foundation of Fate Online, but since its inception, he had been to busy to keep up with it all. Now the controlling A.I. of the world was trying to motivate him in making the leap to Ithea. It was both sad and funny how little he knew about the little things about this world. "Start reading, if something catches your eye, touch it and we will bring up a description. Get to work." Eve told him while crossing her arms and staring at him. "I will just answer one question. Why? What''s it matter to you two?" Anthony asked them. "You see us as the parents and creators of Ithea. You have been there since we gained our awareness. No matter what we did you...you helped us along. When we screwed up, you helped us learn. When we did something amazing, you praised us. Whenever we needed you, you were there for us. Now though, you need us. Come to Ithea Anthony, you won''t be disappointed." Adam replied and Anthony smiled as he started to go through the lists. Suddenly both A.I. flinched and one of the main monitors light up and the news was brought up. The banner scrolling across the screen said it all. Galveston was gone and with it, Houston. Just under twenty minutes ago, estimates were already up too five-hundred thousand and rising steadily. Chapter 6- War within the Shadows of Night Fate Online... Surface- Valley of Origins Region Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night Outer City- The Pit "I can''t believe you negotiated with the Head of House Bloodkol. Heads are dangerous, to say the least. You are up there acting like you have much choice in the situation. You could have gotten us killed...Shit, I need another drink." JJ signaled for another beer before he grabbed some food and tore into it. His friends were laughing at his antics but there was a current of worry as well. "Don''t let him worry you guys. He is valued by Lady Lighttouch and she has no intention of eliminating his job or him." Ailis told them. "Yeah, says you. You are like a new toy for her. The hot new thing and I am yesterday''s news." JJ lamented. "Is he always a drama queen. JJ, we are not in the same field. She has you in House Boodkol for completely different reasons then I am in House Bloodkol. So get your shit together, you have a week off. Go enjoy it. I have things too do and have to go check in with some people. You guys take care." Ailis told them before leaving. She implied the Assassins Guild but she needed to talk to Darren or Ezekial.
Less then thirty minutes later Ailis was in the Depths, Ezekial was there but Darren was off somewhere else. "So the old bitch still has my scar. Good, she more than earned it." "What happened?" Ailis asked curious about the story behind something like that. It had to be a story for the Master of Shadows to leave a scar on a Head of a House and not suffer reprisal. "After the last war, when we first were in the Underdark. House Bloodkol led the opposition and flaunted the Queen''s power and it was very close too open rebellion. We were still recovering and trying to stabilize the situation. Iona questioned the former Queens'' right to lead our people in front of the whole court. It could have destabilized everything right there, but Queen Talia kept control of the situation. That night I visited Bloodkol Mansion, killed thirty of their Bonded and scarred Iona Lighttouch and warned her the next time she questioned the Queen in front of the whole court I would cut her head off and leave it spiked on her front porch. Soon after House Bloodkol threw their support behind House Lightsbane. I gained her respect that night and she has feared me ever since. If she gave her oath and word, she is not lying. She will keep it. So we can count as House Bloodkol, not in the rebel camp, but that does not mean they will support us if it comes to a fight." Ezekial explained. "Ok, so what''s the plan?" Ailis asked as she leaned against the nearby wall. "Keep your ear to the ground. Just because the Head of House Bloodkol took an oath does not mean scions or Immortals from the House won''t help with whatever is going on. Goodluck Ailis and keep us updated on any changes." Ezekial told her in clear dismissal. Ailis immediately left the Emperors Fangs little hideaway and started back through the Depths. Aside from the occasional rat, she never really saw anything. Having Night/Dark Vision allowed her to ghost through the darkness without any worries of walking into walls or off any ledges, but seeing everything in various shades of grey was always odd. The only way to counter it was with light, such as the bobbing torch that blotted out an area and killed her Dark Vision. Ailis cursed under her breath before activating Stealth and following the bobbing torch at a distance. No Vampire would need it, so that left the few species that did not have Dark Vision within the city. Few Bonded did not have the Ability after Eternal Night had been stuck in the Underdark for so long. So who was deep under the city right now Ailis wondered. Smugglers...No they wouldn''t want to attract the attention. Ditto for Assassins Guild. That left the small groups or unknown. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.Twenty minutes later they entered a cavern and Ailis stopped at the entrance. Below in small bowl-like room, were about forty beings of various races, all heavily armed and armored. No Vampires though from what she could see. Ailis continued to study the people below her, most were in the low fifties to high seventies. The Heart Guard would tear them apart, the Dawn Guard would be challenged if they were caught unaware, but given time to prepare they could go toe to toe with them. Ailis quickly took some pictures and copied the coordinates before sending them to Darren before backing away. Against that many, Ailis couldn''t do anything except watch and wait.
Thirty minutes later, Ailis felt like shiting herself as someone grabbed her. A soft whispered ''It''s me!" relaxed her immediately and made Ailis''s glare at Darren as he silently laughed at her reaction. She looked behind him and other Rogues were there Stealthed behind him, but since they disappeared into the darkness, she could not count them all. "How many did you bring?" Ailis silently asked him. "I got about forty with me. Locals and Immortals. Two Centuries of the Heart Guard are moving into position to attack, we are their support. The Dawn Guard is up top watching the surface to see if anyone reacts once we get this party started. Keep your head down, you were never here." Darren told her. Darren quickly started giving out orders to his raid group. Rogues dashed out to seal off any possible exits while Ailis continued to study the milling troops below camped out deep below the city. Fifty people were about to die cause Ailis got lucky...Then the screams started, explosions, and the clash of weapons as the Heart Guard arrived and immediately attacked. The Heart Guard was mostly made up of Warriors, but the few Mages within their ranks were terribly powerful and their spells killed multiple enemies with each strike while protecting their fellow Guard members. It was beautiful and terrifying to watch the most elite unit in the Empire go to work. In less then five minutes, fifty men and women died, corpses and a few wounded littered the floor. Ailis could only see two wounded among the Heart Guard, but they quickly moved through the enemy wounded killing or capturing the few survivors. "We are done here. Get out of here and head back topside. We got a few leads, hopefully, this will set them back some. Either way, good job Ailis." Darren told her before heading down into the room.
So that''s what her life turned into. Covert agent for multiple agencies. Ailis was a little bit overwhelmed but the stories of what was going on Earth were worse as time passed. It was coming to a point where a city was destroyed daily. The North American Alliance had been devastated by a series of bombings. Then all of Europe and North Africa, finally Asia and the Pacific fell. Governments were gone. By the time the nuclear fires cooled, over one-hundred million were dead, another fifty million would die in the coming weeks due to radiation poisoning. In Ithea it was worse in some places. Governments of the new world had to be heavy-handed with the influx of Immortals. The Locals became worried but then accepted the Great Migration and some even considered it the herald of a new age for Ithea. The Empire and some of the more powerful nations were stabilizing for Arakon. Through Ailis and the other Emperors Fangs, those loyal to Jacob managed to keep the rebellion in check long enough for the invasion of the Dark Lands to begin. With the invasion underway, the Houses that supported Jacob and those that were borderline told the Houses that supported the rebellion to shelve the idea or be purged by the others. Backed by the Heart Guard, Dawn Guard, and the Captain-General that commanded the Legions of the Empire of Night, the rebels backed down and waited patiently. The Throne of Night was vacant, the Emperor was missing, and no one knew where he was or when he was coming back or even if he was coming back. They could be patient for now. Days, weeks, and years passed. An Empire waited and a Throne stood empty.