《The Marionette: Noblesse Oblige》 Prologue (Revised) Prologue (Revised) ¡°Surround the estate!¡± A immaculately dressed man declared. He wore silver-gold lined armor; his face held a youthful visage. The brief specks of grey told a different tale. His eyes casted no doubt, obviously this was a man of means, the noble few. ¡°Sargent Cole.¡± He called with a questioning tone, his words seemed as if he was tasting something new for the first time. The man at the forefront of the column of kings-men stepped toward the well dressed man. He pulled out a exquisitely decorated cylinder. He mumbled a few words; obvious magical in nature. ¡°Yes, Lord High sheriff.¡± He stepped forth. Hands behind his back, his dress was lesser but in no way lacking the same feeling of superiority then the lesser men about. He wore the kings colors. Green: representing the fertile land the common folk tole on. Red: The blood of those that fell in battle in defense of his majesty kingdom. White: The light of their patron Deity, Lady Persephone. The man now known to be a lord and sheriff handed over the contents of the cylinder. ¡°Your orders! And warrant, to search the premises.¡± He gestured for the sergeant to take the perfectly folded paper, it was held together with a red ribbon. Retrieving the missive from the Sheriff he steeped backwards and expertly turned on the soles of his feet. "Listen!" His voiced raised a few decibels, making sure the kings-men in the far back heard him. He with practice grace unfolded the parchment. ¡°The council of Lords has petition to the his majesty, king Yolen, to search the estate of Lord Griffin. This petition was written by the council and given power by our lord. He in his infinite wisdom has declared that all requests of the council is warranted.¡± "Let his will, be our blades!" They said in union He channeled his mana into the scroll. The seal of the king, a dragon perched upon a castle flared into existence above the scroll. The kings-men nodded its confirmation, and authenticity. ¡°Check your inventory rings. You should all now have copy of this warrant present. This is for anyone inside who may bar your path or obscure the truth, as of now you are the hand of the king, with authority provided by your station." Notices appeared in the gathered men hands. On each of their fingers were black rings; these were lesser storage rings, that could hold items depending on space, the common kings-men held 6x6 space. These were rare and only the most influential had one, their creation recipe long ago lost. ¡°Since this is a noble abode discretion and respect is to be upheld, so please keep in mind that who estates we are searching," he warned. "As of now this is only a search and seizure. Anything else of illegal quality of quantity will be collected and logged. Be respectful! Use discretion, this is the Griffin house.¡± ''Griffin'' was said with a warning undertone. The kings-men all well-to-do men swallowed hard. The Griffin house was to be feared, they all knew why. The high sheriff stepped behind the column. This was procedure. Even though he doubted the fabled house would cause much problem. Still, the sheriff was to lead from behind just in case their quarry decided to fight or flee, he was a learned man; he wasn''t high leveled or had the best skills, what afforded him his position is his relations to the crown, he was a distant cousin. Thus, he was so far down the line of succession he wasn''t even giving face but still he had royal blood; he was considered above most nobles, being minor royalty. The Griffin, was entirely different cause, this family has been around since the Great War of the Gods. Regardless, he would be better protected behind his men. Plus his new Sargent was in for a test today. The Sargent strolled ahead. His head held high. First day, and here he was to search the Griffin house, a house that had more wealth then the council and the kingdom it resided in. He would have to leave a great impression if he was to make his probation period, wife with child, new to the city, he wasn''t a noble; just A adventurer that was part of a group that defeated a dungeon. He rolled his shoulder and stepped evenly, before him was his future. Two guards on each side of the black-wrought iron gate stood straighter as the notice the kings men approach. Placing their spear head to the soil in respect they removed their helmets and tuck them underneath the opposite arm. The gate operator, a young man with an athletic build ran toward a close door and knock twice, and then once. ? "Enter!¡± A gruff voice called from behind the door. The young man opened the door, in the dim light a wide framed man sat, he had a peculiar look on his face. His chair was a ways from his oaken desk. "Why are you disturbing me?¡± He asked his voice a tad high for some reason. ¡°Kings-men sir, they are approaching the gate. A whole lot of them!¡± ¡°WHAT!¡± Then man stood to quickly for his size. The young man yelp and turned away, eyes looking toward the wall decorated with countless beast heads.¡± A more softer, feminine yelp was followed quickly behind his as a young red head stood up from the desk. Her face was marred and she wore a brown sack for cloth, the front looked recently ripped showing her small mounds. ¡°Return to my room whore. I''ll make sure you pay for the damn vase you broke. His large hand, dwarfed the girl face. Pats! A slap echoed inside the room. A whimper and a sniffle followed by the sound of flesh impacting the floor. She fell as expected, taking a blow from the obvious high leveled man. The man was a bear, in name and mannerism. The youth was sure his strength start was well above average being a class holder, a rare one at that. ¡°Get up!" He spat. "Pull my pants up. But, before yo soil my garments,wipe your spit from my cock!¡± He roared. The small girl, who age was undetermined because elves stayed youthful the majority of their lives. Her ears seemed to be damaged, from the scarring he assumed it was an old wound, the skin was smoothed over. A closer look and he noticed the ears was clipped.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Captured eleven slaves ears were clipped. Even if they escape captivity their people will scorn them for disfigurement. Elves were vain, and upheld beauty of above all else. ¡°Ye.. yesss... Master.¡± Her voice almost broke. Her eye was blackened and swollen shut. She kneeled and went about wiping the men....¡± ? Minutes later the large man, the captain, was at the gates of the estate. He had a missive crumbled in his hands and his face was red with anger. ¡°What! Do you know who estate this is? And you come here with this shit wipe of paper from that bastard king!¡± The kings-men as if struck a physical blow instantly drew their blades from their sides. Shling! The Large captain stood even taller at the spectacle. His buttons on his black leathered top threatened to exploded as he huffed with indignation ¡°You dare draw steel against me." His figure swelled, his presumed mistreatment fueled his inborn rage. His lips were stretched, his teeth were a shade of pink, blood flowed down the corner of his mouth. He opened his mouth, a inhuman growl leaked, some of the men took strained steps back, their training barely helping them cope. "Not once, but twice, you lap dogs have made a grave mistake.... today!" He stepped toward the men, his huge fists clenched, his eyes blood red. The Sargent stepped forward. His sword was at his waist, customary for all kings-men. ¡°Garvel Bear!¡± He said the man name as if questioning its authenticity and accuracy. The two man were like night and day. One well over several feet and the other under six. But their auras were almost similar, so it was assumed their levels were close or the same. One presence was chaotic the other serene. ¡°Out of the lot and only one not a fool!¡± He growled walking toward the man, he looked down upon him, his chest heaving. Unconcerned about the large man close proximity "Listen, we are aware of whom reside here. By law, we can search any home inside the kingdom with approval of the king.¡± His voice was matter of fact. The large man eyes squinted. ¡°Law! You speak of law. That damn king shouldn''t be on the throne. My lieg-¡± Before he could finish the Sargent hand flashed forward and hit him in the center of his chest. -Sustained a critical blow -knock back. 10 second paralysis in effect. -You have been hit by a unarmed skill. Damage taken. The man known with reason as ''Bear'' was blown backwards. He tried to force his legs to find purchase but the force kept him in motion, all he could do was flow backwards to keep from falling. He cast his muscled arms outward, as he came upon the sturdy gate. A metal grinding sound was heard as the man gripped the bars for support. He steadied himself, the blow, or the force went onward ruffled the expansive yard and shook the large manor. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth, and his breath became ragged. ''Check status'' Name: Garvel Bear Hp: 235/2100 MP: 25/25 ST: 200/975 Level:69 12% Class: Berserker Surprised and shocked the guards raised their spears, dropping their helmets in their haste. The kings-men moved forward. The Sargent stood where he was fist still extended. A white wisp blew in the wind off of his balled gauntlet hand. [Fierce Blow: Mastering of your fighting spirit has given you a blow that embodies your fierce nature. +Knock-back +Bypasses Regular armor. +Increased chance of a critical.] Bear moved from the gate and immediately stumbled. His hand shot out, impacting the cobbled stone. He gripped at his bruised sternum. He could have died he thought. It has been years since he was brought close to 0. He looked up at the man and anger, madness was present in his eyes. His unruly beard seemed thicker, his brow was more pronounced and his eyes were red orbs, orbs that leaked hatred, and one man was in his maddening sights. ''So, this is the Berserker class ability.'' He relaxed his arm as he opened and close his hand. He actually felt that through his entire body. This guy is clearly dangerous, as expected of the Griffin house. Before Garvel could stand up and man in a flowing robes appeared beside him. His hands gripped the hug man shoulders. "Stand down Garvel.¡± The man looked toward the kings-men. "Forgive my men manners." He said coldly. Sargent stepped forward. He seen his men flinch when the man appeared. "Scion Griffin, I''m Cole Wildgrave. Sargent-" "I''m aware who you are Adventure Cole. So they allow peasants to wear kings color now? Clearly-" Raising his hand. "My, common upbringing is in no way a cause for disrespect Lord Griffith. Stand aside, we are hear to do a job. Your men and now you are stalling kings law." "Watch yourself Cole!" Said the lord High sheriff. He stepped forward and bowed toward the waist. "First son, Scion Griffin. Please to make your acquaintance." The captain voice quivered Scion stared at the Sargent briefly. His face smiled as he looked at the bowing man. "Lord High Sheriff, how is your wife and son?" The man body noticeably shook at the mention of his family. "All is well My lord!" "Surely it is." He said staring at the man still in position. The other men were confused. Why was High sheriff bowing to a Griffin. Kings-men only bow or take a knee to the king, which is mandated by law. Cole looked at the sheriff and back at the smiling Griffin. He shook his head. This was the problem with the noble few. Threats and scheming. He was glad he kept his wife and child out of his work. "Be at ease High Sheriff. It''s nice that one in such a station shows proper respect. Unlike some, give them a warm blanket and new wardrobe and they think they''re your equal. Give them face and they are eating at your table." He said staring at the Sargent. Sargent pulled his arm up. A notice flared to life. "By the kings will, this estate is to be locked down. All person in or out shall be confined to one location." High sheriff stood up straight. His face pale. "Please, forgive us. We are only following orders." Griffin smirked. "Messengers, hardly ever return with their heads intact." His malicious smile and he cold voice sent shivers down the gathered men spines. He moved aside. Garvel stood and to his left. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the man that attacked him. He will get his revenge. As soon as Scion smiled and nodded he knew he would get it sooner then later. He smiled as well, his unruly beard and blood stained teeth made the kings men stay out of his reach. ? ~Three hours later Griffin Estate, Dusk Phase~ The kings-men had documents and containers all lined up outside the court yard. The high sheriff was constantly looking toward the Griffin household who had a unconcerned look in their eyes. He sighed. "Your findings?" He asked quietly "Searching their logs, it was discovered that they have been paying barely 1% of their taxes. They are utilizing slave collars and other control magic to beat and abuse illegal slaves, majority are undocumented. He paused. "Foreigners are giving pass through their shipping business into the country. They are also shipping out more armaments then they are selling to the kingdom." "Continue." - Sargent Cole "Also, we have found three tomes. One, is Black magic of some kind. None of our appraisal skills are high enough to glean anything, other then it has been used. The man grumbled under his breath. -Kings-man "My apologies!" "The other, is a class manual, same as the magic tome, it has been used. The third is a spell of dragon magic Tier 2. I''m afraid its also has been used " He looked toward Griffin. Who had a noticeable glint in his eyes. He didn''t use it? So who did? "Dragon magic, Tier 2. Are you certain of this?-Sargent Cole "I''m afraid so." The man said eyeing the waiting nobles, who all looked at them as if they were prey. ¡°Is...th...at all?¡± Sargent Cole "........"-Kings-man "Sir, the basement has hundreds of ritualistic killed men, women, and countless chil..dren. From their attire, I''m afraid they were orphans!" "What? Bastards!" Cole whittled around, staring at the noble who was whispering to one of his relatives, he had a pained look on his face. "Look at me!" Cole bellowed. He took a few steps toward the man, a blue whisp leaked from his body. Scion face turned sour, upon breaking from his heated conversation. his arms unfurled, he was obviously concerned about something. Garvel sickening smirk disappeared as well, he took a gulp and a shiver ran down his spine, Fear, he was afraid on a instinctual level. Suddenly, bells ranged in the distance. Thundering hooves roared down the path way that lead to the secluded manor, in the distance a building was on fire. A man on a formidable looking mount was bearing down the road. Men moved out of his way as he leaped from the scaled beast. Sargent half way between the two parties stopped and stared at the man that was speaking in hushed tones to the high sheriff. "Sheriffs, the orphanage is on fire, we have tried to quench it but it''s unnatural, we suspect magic. We need your assistance. The tall man spoke hurriedly, he was a Marshall. Sargent stared at Scion, who now had a renewed widening smirk on his face. Chapter One: Revenge served over an Inferno! Chapter 1 Revenge Served Over An Inferno! In the shadows, I live. In The light, my plans lay exposed. My body is my temple, my fingers my many machinations.My pain is your Misfortune.Who am I? -Excerpt from the Red Foe. 1201 Yolan rule ~Nine Hours later, Orphanage of Dove Port, Moon phase~ A city ran orphanage burned in the background. Men, women ran about, spells were cast, attempting to quell the blaze. Soldiers in king livery cast spells from a distance. The heat of the fire was intense. The Sheriffs couldn''t even approach shielded. The blaze seemed alive, it ravaged places sporadically, only to burn another area and return like a predator in the night to consume the previous left meal. Children were huddled distance away, soot marred their faces, still in their thread bare sleep attire, they shivered from the chilly wind that blew and shrieked from the heat from the flame as it blew toward them. The bright red-orange flames rapidly ate away at the orphanage, townspeople came out of their homes, questioning those before them, some grabbed buckets or cast what little they could. But, the majority came to watch, to gossip. A well dress men was screaming at a motherly figure, he was adamantly pointing toward a three story manor illuminate in the backdrop from the flame. She had her hands raised, placating the lord,telling him the fire would be contained. The sheriffs were here. His face distorted at her reassurance. She looked around, searching for a face. Where was he? Three men appeared out the night, bird mask s adorned their faces, the man at the forefront had an owl mask own. It seemed alive, but the lord and lady chalked it up to magic. He bowed to the lord and questioned the lady, two men of similar appearance were standing behind him awaiting orders. They talked for few minutes. The motherly figure face darkened. She nodded, the lord smiled. Finally the damn orphanage would be gone, he would miss the added benefit of useful subjects to utilize in his pursuits. He had other means of getting his supply. No longer will this blot out his morning sunrise. The unruly, common slags wouldn''t attempt to enter his land to hunt and wreck his property. He took from his side a burgundy pouch. He hefted it playfully in his hands in front of the lady, who looked back toward the rapidly burning orphanage and the jingling pouch, she nodded. He tossed it toward her uncaringly, the bag missed her hand, by design. The contents spilled out on the ground. Her elderly figure squatted after lifting her dress to retrieve the contents, a couple gold coins, a few silvers and majority copper. She suddenly thought how convenient it was for him to have the exact amount on hand. She disregarded the thought she knew who caused the fire. The lord looked toward the bird-masked men. He tossed another bag toward them he had sequestered on himself. The bag disappeared before the same thing happened as the lady. They nodded and walked toward the building. A child barely over a meter tall was perched upon a wall. He used the elder tree and the gaurs shack to scaled the meters taller wall. He need a high viewpoint, he owed it to them to watch the orphanage burn.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. A sick, twisted place. The orphanage might as well been covered in blood of the countless unsuspecting children that fail to its walls. It was nothing but a front, the children were usually sold into slavery. He wondered if the king knew he was responsible for hundreds of lives every year. His sponsoring of a orphanage that moonlighted as slave ring. He shivered, remembering his captivity at the lords manor, the screams, smells; the smells he still couldn''t get out his nose, the sounds of children being experimented on. The nobles who came to purchase finished products. His fist tightened. His short life he had been at the end of a rope, barely fed, even by the orphanage standards, beaten by the kids because his strange appearance. He remembered the principal of the orphanage, he smiled. His teeth were pointed, his tongue was pronged. The principal, buried in a shallow grave. Upon his escape he made sure he made the man suffer for what he did, what had had always done. The children in his cell made him promise. "I have done right by you all." His small voice hiss into the night. His slanted eyes squinted, a faint glow permeated his iris. The fire blazed on. The first responders were crouched distance away drinking potions and being seen to by men and women in white flowing robes. They long ago gave up. The fire seemed like it was fueled by some unknown source. The three men walked near the building, wards were place before them, the heat and sparks from the blaze splattered the blue shields. They pushed onwards, until their shield were blazing blue against the fiery red of the flame that seemed to focus on burning the place to ash. Their hands were rapidly moving, their lips moved in synch. A low hum permeated them. Fire born, not. To much unlike the fire consuming the orphanage darted from the front man hand. The second man had a red orb that spun rapidly, it launched toward a section of the orphanage. The third man mouth opened, a gout of flame hissed from his gaped mouth, snapping toward the orphanage. The youth smiled. He never seen magic being used by mages before. He didn''t know why these wore masks but he enjoyed the show. He especially like the man method of spewing it from his mouth. Booom! A loud explosion drenched the area, the spells impacted the inferno. The orphanage crumbled under the might of the mages. Age old method, fight fire with fire. Dove port infamous orphanage, home to rumors and speculations lit up the night as the last remnants of the building crumbled, leaving a smoldering a volcanic ground. The towns people let out a cheer, more at witnessing mages at work, the children looked around. Their minders wondered why none were sad but they could see smirks on their face. Since the orphanage was king funded they would be shipped closer toward the Capitol to a more stable location, some of the kids thanked the strange boy. Others regretted mistreating him, some didn''t care. The majority glad they escaped their dark fate. The spot was vacant, the youth gone. A figure could be seen racing across the lords manor roof, a brown sack placed over his back, a sinister smile on his face. ''Revenge'' he thought. He leaped from the the second story, after he tossed the bag first. He rolled across the well manicured grass, snatch the bag and continued his sprint. He sprinted on a sodden path that lead toward the city proper, the orphanage was on the outskirt, Dove-port. The lord was located directly behind the orphanage placed their by the former king because the lord of the city angered him over a minor dispute. On his small waist was a small rusted dagger that dangled on an old string that served as belt to his thread bare pants. He was barefoot, his clothes were heavily tattered, he was smiling regardless of his ragged appearance. He lept upon the gate wall, his hands finding purchase in stony surface. He slid down the other side of wall, his claw like nails scraped into it, the bag dangling in his other hand, draped over his shoulder, the way the light played off of him and the unnatural glow of his eyes. If a person saw him they would swear he was some wight stealing into the night. He carved his final mark into a place that was never a home to him. It was a dark night. One could slip over their on feet. The light from the blaze now gone. The night was now returning to the moon embrace. His eyes glowed; reflecting the light of the moon. [Gift of the night: Able to see in the dark, as if its day] The moonlight illuminate his figure more visibility as he stepped from the shaded area like a wraith. Moonlight shined off of his face. He was petite, his hair was oily black, long tied up behind him, a few strands played war above brow. He smiled, showing pointed teeth. The light flickered and the boy was gone. Chapter Two: The Fowl! Crimes undone! Highwaymen! Chapter 2 The Fowl! Crimes Undone! Highwaymen! Lord Griffin screamed at his house staff. His arms trailed his harsh words. His voice terrified the small gathered group.His man-at-arms stood a distance away, grim look upon there countenance. "Fools! I can''t fathom your ineptitude." He moved away from the coward staff. A burgundy wooden countertop in his sights, it matched the room. A spacious well decorated area; adorned with expensive furnishing. On the walls one could see rows of different generations of Griffins. The new lord picture slightly newer and larger then his predecessor. Grabbing a clear glass the lord poured himself a clear brown liquid. He gulped it hurriedly. "At least that little hellion left me my drink!" He whirled around and when into his vicious monologue again. "How? is all I want to know! Where were you when he came into my home, and robbed me blind. My damn research. My family jewels! Brought from the old country, invaluable jewels!" He pulled at his manicured hair. "Let''s not adds the books. All fucking Rare. Ancient! I was close to unlocking the damn thing!" Spittle flew from his mouth. His face was ripe as a tomato. "How? Somebody better tell me how this happened! And I mean now?" The room eerily quiet. Glances were stole from dropped heads. Secret nodes were cast around the gathered.One man motioned to speak. He walked toward his lord. His attire was a black suit with a white tie. He had peppered hair. "My liege." He said with a bow. "We do not know how he escaped, nor do we know how he was able to return unnoticed." He bowed. His head remained lowered. The lord yes bore into the man head. "You are telling me th-" before he could finish the most shaded corner of the room shifted. A shadow stretched outward. The light dimmed. A figure stepped boldly out. It was cowled, the only facial features was the owl like mask. The figure had on wine red robes that trailed across the floor. The man-at-arms recovered first. That drew steel and moved expertly toward the trespassing figure. A hollowed laugh emanated from the masked figure before it waived its hand femininely in their direction. As if they were suspended in liquid their bodies slowed before freezing mid stride. The room erupted in chorus of shouts and prayers as the gathered moved from the figure. The lord stumbled backwards, tripping over his own I''ll place feet in his hasty backpedaling. He slammed into his bar, glasses crashed upon the ground. The brandy wobbled, threatening to follow. "By the gods!" "The gods have no play here." The owl masked person declared. The female voice surprised the others who were plants distance away. The door was locked, so they decided to distance themselves. "You!" The lord stammered out. "Yes, me!" She replied. "What are you doing in my house? And how did you get passed my wards. I have on good authority that no one should freely enter here without causing alarm." The lord pushed out. His body language relaxed when he remembered the figure from last night. A deep feminine voice emanated from the imposing masked woman. "Your wards didn''t help you against a child. Who blindly robbed you. And let''s not add in his escape. Burning of the orphanage; which you utilize quite a lot." "I would say he did a number on you. Quite the number at that." She waved her index finger his way. Ignoring the lady. He looked toward his staff. Anger in his eyes. "Leave us!" The lord declared. The staff moved with haste toward the door, hoping it would open. "Wait!" The masked woman shouted. The room grew silent, gulps and deep intakes of breaths followed. "I''m afraid I would have to wipe your memories of my coming. Please, for your sake, do not fight my probes." She waived her gloved hand. A blue glow surrounded it, telling of magic use. Their eyes misted over. The guards, the staff, all blinked rapidly before they bowed to their lord. They turned and walked from the room completely disregarding the woman before them. The lord looked terrified. ''Mind Magic'' His mind trailed toward his great-great grandfather time. Casters who were gifted in mind manipulations. They were called mind reavers, at least the ones who dabbled in using it to control, dark magic. He would know. Casters who sacrifice their very own self to absorb and shape minds of others. They were rightly feared. An incident when a high aptitude mind user subverted an entire empire from the shadows. Enslaving the Royal family and ruling. The mind reaver sought to conquer the smaller kingdoms. The battles that followed causes the great calamity. The fall! It took the night of the strongest mages of the time to stop ''Mind reaver'' the most disturbing thing about them was the fact they can utilize the person skills and use them like mere puppets. With power of countless fallen skill users and mages the reaver carved a swath of destruction through the land. Once a user attempts to control another with the their gift they become intoxicated. Nobody knows why, but the facts were there. Reavers were uncontrollable, mad with power not theirs. Drunk off living through other memories. He shivered. After the Reaver fails the survivals rallied behind the mages and killed all people even slightly gifted in the art. Children and women alike. The woman silently looked at the man as his face took on several emotions. "So, your know of my gifts? Do not worry, I''m not my predecessors. It''s ways to go about the mind without going mad with the memories of others." "But.. but they were effectively wiped out! The families with the gifts were killed, even the minor illusionist were slaughtered. How?" She laughed. Her voice like bells ringing. If her voice was that of angel. What of her physical looks. He shook his head. He couldn''t trust nothing he thought at the moment. She waved her hand. He jerked, expecting an assault. "At ease my lord. If I wanted to harm you or your household, I would have before I came here. Oh! Do apologize to your brute of a captain. He was difficult to get by, at least utilizing my limited abilities. Berserkers were never known to use their minds anyway. How did he even come by the class?"This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. "Ahh... uh.. well. I''m not sure, he was an adventure before he came into my service." "Interesting!" She pondered something and continued. "Now, my lord. Why I''m here? Let''s talk about the child that escaped. She motioned for him to sit. "Pour us a drink. We will be here a while. Also, please refrain from lies and half-truth. I''m sure you know my capabilities being a learned man?" "Yes.... uhhh." The lord stammered he drifted toward the bar. Hands shaking. The aged, expensive brandy spilled over the brim of the glasses. "Call me Fowl!" She spoke taking the glass. ? Sargent Cole stood was seated at his desk. The sun rays drifted into his office on the second story of the castle. He was reading stacks of papers. Each one had a red seal on the bottom. His face grimace at each one that he slapped in a similar pile to left. His fist smashed against the desk. "Why did I even accept his lord request to work for kings-men? I can''t even question the damn lords I''m hired to oversee. This is ridiculous." He stood up and went to his barely opened window. He looked outside. The sounds of people coming and going around the castle drifted toward his ears. The smell of castles chefs preparing food to feed the countless dignitaries and people residing in the castle made his stomach grumble. A loud whistle from the distance brought his attention further. Steam pushed up from a metal contraption that sped across metal tracks. "I''ll never get used to that!" He spoke into the room. It was a new invention from the east. Something called steam, was used to power it. Supposedly, wizards trained in fire and water with the right calculations were able to produce the necessary orb to power the loud metal beats. The mixture of the two caused a new element to be made, steam. Which was on the rise, factories, ship-yards even some fancy carriages were now utilizing the new invention. The king was the first to jump on this new way of travel. As of now it only served the nobles. It was a lot faster then most nobles could get around in there coach. Unless they used magical beast like most adventures. "I should have became an Artificer!" He whispered glancing out the windows. Dove-port. His eyes passed over the city. The commons, he had fun memories of. Being a low-born he grew up there. The markets, all minor of shopping to be done magical or otherwise. The docks, the city was named dove port for a reason. Maybe two weeks ride from the capitol, well two days for nobles. The kingdom was small, but the being surrounded by water made it secure, enabling to be one of strongest kingdoms, even though it had the smaller military. With an abundance of farms and fisheries, shipping was the main focus of the kingdom, most nobles owned or operated merchant ships. The kingdom mainly dabbled in export with the rich land and the abundance of spices that don''t grow anywhere else mapped. He drifted south passed the walls and looked at the more visible lords manor. He grimaced. A knock at his door brought him from his wondering mind. "Come in!" He spoke. Back facing the door, he watch the train come into dock. The whistle blared, alerting the waiting people of its imminent departure. "Sargent Cole. A mature voice spoke. He recognized it immediately. His facial features changed. He put on his most common face. That of a kings-men. He turned and looked into the eyes of a woman much older then him. She still had soot on her face, no doubt still busy from the mess earlier. "Yes, Matron Euila!" His voice was polite. "Sit!" He motioned for the chair in front of his desk. She nodded. She sat down almost quickly, her body almost slacked in the comfortable chair. She was exhausted. He looked at the woman. Waiting on her to gather herself. He had time. He looked down at the final notice. ''Cease!'' Was writing on this as well he placed it on the pile turned downward, wondering eyes. "Goodnes!" The motherly lady spoke. She took a deep breath. "Sorry, sir. I have been up the entire night. Thanks for procuring an inn for the children. And a nice one at that. "You are welcome! Matron!" "Yes, I hate to add that this is probably the best the children had in quite some time. Too bad it''s not permanent." "The king is a lover of children as was his fathers father. They will be taken care of. Some will be apprentice around town, the older ones at least. The younger one will be sent to the kings orphanage in the capitol." "That great! I was so afraid for their wellbeing. How goes the search for the missing boy. I can''t wait to see him face kings justice. I can''t believe he murdered the principal. I don''t know why we let these abominations into our land. It''s absolutely clear they have different values then us." "That''s exactly why I summon you here to discuss, Matron. This youth," he drifted through folders. "Here we are. So, he has no name?" He looked toward her. "Well, since we didn''t know how long he will be with us. We decided to forgo that!" She said eyes enlarging. ''Sigh!'' "Birthday? Origins? No picture of his likeness. Also, his results from the test have not been submitted?! Why is that?" "He was unruly. Vicious and foul! It was hard enough to keep the other children safe from him." She stammered. "Ahhh.. I see! Here is a few forms on medical care administered at the school." He tossed the annuals and weekly forms sent in by the local healer guild. She looked over the numerous forms. Her eyes drifting back and forth. Sweat poured down her brow making the black soot run. "Injuries, bruising, broken limbs. Do I need to continue?" He asked "No! I can re...ad!" She spoke, eyes looking everywhere but his. "If I wasn''t mistaken, I would say the boy was being abused. But, that''s the less of your problems, matron!" He grabbed another stack. He tossed it toward her and stood. He walked toward his door. He opened it and ask for the receptionist to seen in the Deputies. "Please! I was only following orders of the principal. This is not my doing. Please-" "That''s is between whatever deity you pray to and the courts to decided." His eyes betrayed his anger. But to respect the office he didn''t pass judgment like he would have if this was the frontier. Out there the law was different. She stood upward. He face darting for an exit. "Please matron. Don''t make this harder then what it should be, own up to your crimes." She bolted toward the door. He moved from her mad dash, the receptionist jumped up alarmed. He shook his head to her. Two man came around the corner, startled. They looked toward the Sargent to get his permission and acted. ? A youth walked up dirt path. A sack was over his left shoulder, a dagger hung to his right. He was dirty and barefoot. In the distance a a large dust cloud was seen, screams and twins of crossbow bolts were heard. Men and women were screaming. The ragged breath of mounts, froth foaming at their mouth as they bit into the metal piece in their mouth. The youth darted off the path. Men came speeding toward his hiding spot soon afterwards being chased by men in tattered jerkin armor. The man on the coach had an arrow in his shoulder. The woman was working a crossbow expertly, as she shot the chasing men down. Another man trailed on a dark horse, sword flashing as he battled the brigands. Another man laid across the top of the wagon. His bow whistling as he launched arrow after arrow, his ears were pointed. The youth noticed that and rubbed his own pointed ears. "Yaw, Yaw" he coachmen slapped the reins forcing the beast of burden to give their all. A man riding on some lizard beast raised his free hand, a fiery orb appeared. He tossed the orb toward the coach, his voice trailed after it. he entombed. The ball zip passed the defending man. His mare neighed in protest, as he gripped the reigns and pulled sideways. His eyes tracked the orb as it spiraled toward the coach before become a blazing ball of fire. Startled by the attack, the attacking leather attired brigand nip him across his arm with his blade. "Arghhhh!" He screamed grabbing his arm, blood leaked freely. His good hand gripped the reign, the horse sped up, putting distance between his master and his pursuer. The fire all erupted against the axel, igniting the metal and old wood instantly. The coach lurched sideways, the wheels wobbling, smoke raised from the back. The woman turn and scream toward the man who was standing up in his seat snapping the reigns pushing the mounts to speed up. A squeal from metal grinding metal. A crackling of wood burning to ash. The coach hit a rough patch in the makeshift road, lurching it upwards, the woman and the bow-man gripped the coach before they were expelled. Snap! The coach landed hard. The wheel shot outwards into the greenery of the path. The coach axel dragged along the ground. Metal axel leaving a impression as the horse sped up insanely. The bow-man rolled from the top of the damaged coach. He landed on his feet Daggers at the ready. Brigand bearing down on him. Sword raised to slaughter the man. The coachmen pulled on the reins trying to stop the enraged mounts. Froth foamed on the lead horse mouth. He pulled the reigns harder, the mare neither savagely before its eyes turned white and it head lowered, snapping it neck into the pavement at an increased speed. The coachman grabbed the woman in a tight hug and and dived toward the side using his body as cushion. He landed hard. The woman tumbled out his hands and rolled across the pathway. Her voice cried out as her arm twisted. She was dazed. Her arm was broken and she was sure she had a concussion from the ringing in her head. She coughed hard, a coppery taste followed. She rolled on her side. She opened her eyes. Her vision was cloudy. Voices laughing and a man cry of pain met her ears. She laid their trying to stand, she had to fight. If they caught her.... she didn''t want to think of the implications. She stood on her knees her face facing the greenery. Slanted eyes met her renewed sight, curious eyes, crouch oddly in the bushes almost unseen, she choked a scream.