Prologue
Leon had received his command, and what a grave command it was.
"All in the name of Grado."
That used to mean something to Leon. It didn't anymore. Not since the queen took over. Her birthright wasn't even truly documented. They called her the queen of snakes, for good reason. She was a cunning tactician and an even more cunning killer. The story of her rise to power is not questioned. Anyone who questions doesn't live to tell the story.
The men he commanded believed in her, but Leon could no longer pledge loyalty to Grado. At this very moment his lover, Leanne, was undercover trying to warn Renais of this treachery.
They approached the port town in Carcino, his first team of men were dressed in Rausten robes. They did not know the extent of the plan. His men were to spill innocent blood in the name of Rausten, but leave a few survivors so they could tell the tale.
The real plan is for a second team of Grado men to come in and "rescue" the people by slaughtering their own men. Grado would tell Carcino of the cult acts and then Grado would have a reason to declare war on Rausten.
The Queen was ambitious and this plan would have worked flawlessly. King Seth and Queen Eirika of Renais wouldn't act until they knew the truth of it. King Joshua of Jehanna isn't likely to get involved. Carcino would be indebted to help Grado destroy Rausten.
Leon smiled to himself. "It would have worked." Leanne would warn Renais and together with Frelia they would march onto Grado. They would also tell Carcino the truth. Grado would crumble with every nation against them.
Leon drew his sword and watched as the flames took the houses and the innocent people were rounded up. Smoke billowed from the houses and filled the night sky covering what little light the stars provided. Then he heard it. The sound of the death screams, the pitiful sound that escapes as you take your last breath.
"All right men. When we hear them say to tell their council what they have seen, we charge out there and kill the Rausten scum."
He hoped his words were believable because his heart certainly wasn't. The night grew quiet except for a few people left pleading for their lives. One of Leon's men followed his order and told the family to report what they had seen to the council.
"Now!"
Leon and his men raced out to attack the men in robes. Their surprised faces made his heart hurt even more. They had no idea that their blood would be spilled "In the name of Grado" His sword cut through many faces that he trained once.
Once the deed had been done Leon said his lines flawlessly. "Dear people of Carcino. We heard of the Rausten Cults doing but we were not quick enough to prevent this tragedy. Will you go with us to warn the council of Rausten's evil doings?"
The sound of clapping made Leon stop to look around. He found the source and was shocked to see her there.
"What business do you have here, Kat?"
The strikingly beautiful woman stood there wearing all black. Her long black hair blew in the wind and her suggestive clothing showed off her body. Her name wasn't the Panther for no reason. She was one of the Queen's closest retainers and resembled the black wild cat. She had her gloves specially made with razor sharp knives attached to the ends of her fingers. Her narrow cat eyes followed him up and down.
"I came here to tie a few loose ends. You really didn't think the Queen would find out about your little plan? I'm embarrassed for you, Leon. You are as clueless as the men you just killed, your own men in fact."
Leon gritted his teeth and tightened his grip around his sword.
She snapped and the men all around him attacked. He managed to kill a few before he went down.
"Don't kill him yet, boys. I want to see him suffer. A cat always plays with her food before she eats it." She laughed mockingly.
Leon's face was in the dirt. The taste of blood and sand filled his mouth. "I haven't done anything to betray the Queen's trust, Kat."
"Still playing that game are we? The Queen gave you too much credit. I saw right through your little act. Leanne really did love you. That was pretty evident as she died."
"NOOO!" Leon shouted dirt stinging his eyes.
"You told her to leave in the night and carry your letter to Renais. She didn't even make it to the mountains before I slit her throat. I made sure to cut her everywhere else first. She was brave though, didn't even beg. I give her that much."
Leon couldn't hold his emotions. "I'll kill you!"
Kat laughed again. "Is that so? Keep him alive….barely. The queen will have fun with him."
The soldiers looked at the families that were clinging so tightly to one another. They looked like young families with small children. Their scared eyes haunted Leon.
"What shall we do with them?"
Kat looked them up and down. "They've heard too much. Kill them. We can tell Carcino ourselves."
The people screamed as the swords cut through them.
Leon said a prayer as they dragged him to a horse.
"I hope you have enough strength to ride back. Then again it would be better than facing the Queen."
Kat purred as they rode off into the night.