My neck. That's all I could think about. Some would call it a case of 'sleeping on the wrong side of the bed' but my version isn't so pretty. Instead of a bed, stick a tree in the middle of that saying. That's how my neck feels. I yawned and stretched, making sure to not fall out of the tree I had hibernated in the night before. When I gave those coins to that bastard, I thought I still had enough for lodging. As it turns out, I accidentally gave him more then fifteen coins. It was more like my entire savings for the trip. I couldn't just go back and grab my money either. Sadly, Leviticus has a whole bar full of people who clearly saw me give the sack away, so I can't ask for it back. Demanding it back would probably warrant my arrest too, so I was out of options. Besides, I doubt the old man would give it back anyways.
I yawned once more and jumped out of the tree. Back in my academy days, students were thought to sleep in trees if resting indoors wasn't an option. I finally, after eight years, put that knowledge to use last night. I somehow think comfort wasn't really discussed when the teachers decided they would teach us this however. Who was I kidding? I doubt it was even mentioned. After of few minutes of limbering up, I packed what I had taken out of my satchel and started heading towards town. Luckily enough, the drunk guard was no where to be found today. Lucky me. Again, I had plenty of time to myself this morning, the meeting with the slave trader wasn't until noon. Judging by my calculations, it was about 11am. As I walked into town, things felt different. Particularly, the amount of people in the streets was alarming. Most, if not all the inhabitants were jogging around the town, each one seemingly on a mission. I chuckled at the sight. The town had the same atmosphere as black Thursday in the capital. I regrouped myself and took one step into the town, only to bump into a fowl smelling woman. She shot her eyes towards mine and shouted slurs. One of which was "Watch where yer' goin' you stampcrab!" I could tell this was going to be a great day.
After dealing with the hag, I finally had time to stumble around town. I noticed a couple of things at first. For one, most if not all the inhabitants owned slaves. Although, not as surprising when you think about it, considering this is a known keidran trafficking town. Seeing so much animals walking around, even if controlled, is quite bothersome in my opinion. After a few minutes of wandering in the main street, I turned right into what seemed to be a market district. There were all kinds of things, including keidran pelt, food and aura products. Most of the aura items were poorly forged, they were nothing like the ones in Alexandria, however they still worked and that was enough for most people. I would have certainly bought something - if I had the money. The stands were decorated with wild herbs, something I had never seen before. I enjoyed the unique style of the stores, although primal, nothing was as beautiful a nature itself and it was refreshing. Walking through this area got me used to bumping into people. Some were nice about, some were pessimistic, and some didn't even acknowledge the contact. I found it funny how completely oblivious this town was. Everyone carried on without any delay, nothing seemed to bother anyone, and life went on. Maybe this was normal? Maybe I just forgot what peace felt like. I didn't have the right to complain though. I am in apart of the most infamous army in the world, I practically chose to forget what concord felt like.
After about forty-five minutes of roaming around, I decided to start heading towards the trafficking headquarters. After all the trouble I went through to get here, I didn't want to be late for the meeting. Luckily, it was about a block away from my current location. I went back through the market where I came from, noticing new things as I strolled along. Before I knew it, I was facing a huge gate that was guarded by two men wearing funny looking hats. A headquarters, at least in my mind, had to be a big intimidating structure that popped. The building certainty did fit one of those criteria. It felt out of place among the other architecture around town - I knew slavery was a good market, but I had no idea it was this profitable.
There was a brick wall that separated me and the house. Everything within the fence including the mansion; made me think of the White House in Alexandria. From the white that stained the walls to the roman inspire marble pillars that held the roof up - it was almost a perfect match. I hated myself for not bringing something I little spiffier, because just like the villa, I didn't fit in at all. If I wasn't here for business, I would have probably gotten chassed off the lot by now. I could already tell I was making the two guards uncomfortable. They stood there, as stiff as rock, each holding what seemed to be a magical rifle. They seemed to become even more ridged every second I didn't say anything. I finally decided to make a move, but not before letting out a quick chuckle, noticing I had probably been stressing the two guards out for what had to be five to ten minutes. I removed my hood, cleared my throat and got within speaking distance between the two guards.
"I'm here for a meeting. I'm supposed to converse with your boss regarding the templar."
They both perked up, but the man on the right spoke first, "Proof is needed before entry."
I let out a sigh, reached into my back pocket and handed him an envelope with the initials J.G written on the front. His eyes quickly scanned the letter.
After a few seconds he lowered the enveloppe and grunted, "Name please."
"Jakub Gray."
He huffed and nudged his head towards the gate, signaling I could continue inside.
Without hesitating, I pushed the gates open. My first impression about the compound from the outside was its clear lack of defense. It would have been easy to assume the same applied inside the manor walls, but you would have assumed wrong. A wave of andrenaline almost automatically started pumping through my blood stream, as the gates unraveled what could be only be described as a courtyard full of walking tanks, all staring right at me. All the guards were wearing magic proof armor. Sadly, it wasn't the cheap kind that you could get from Magic'R'Us. This armor was more like the kind worn by Templar who were fighting on the front lines.
I took a deep breath and continued on the stone walkway that paved the way to the mansion. I could feel, what felt like hawk eyes, stare at the back of my neck. Their stares almost felt radiant. Like how a magnifying glass can concentrate light into a single point to produce heat, it felt as if a hole was being burned into my flesh using that exact method. I didn't quite like being watched. It made me feel vulnerable. Vulnerability. A word I tend to closely associate to my childhood. Well. At least part of it. Its a sense that looms over my conscience, the fear of not being able to do anything. It was suffocating. I didn't have to much of a choice however, I needed to let them do their job. As I got closer to the central compound, two guards joined me, and as result a small convoy formed. Finally, my feet met the elegant marble steps the led up to the even fancier doors. This guy wasn't no small spender. Top of the line weaponry, decor that would put the capital to shame, and if I were to guess; top of the line keidran too. I sauntered up the steps and reached for the door knob, but once again; I was bluntly stopped from entering a building. What's up with the people of this town and their impulse to interrupt people?
"All weaponry must be discarded before entering."
Slightly miffed, I frowned and handed him my katana.
"When can I reclaim it?"
Instead of responding, my escort leaned over and opened the door. He respectfully motioned his hand towards the inside, offering me to enter first. It slightly irked me, but I hung my head low and stepped inside; deciding it was best for me to keep my pride out of business and ask about my sword later. The entrance alone easily resembled a palace that housed royalty. At least, it resembled what I imagined a king's castle would look like on the inside. There was a water fountain in the middle, incrusted with gold plates. Supprisingly, the fountain over shadowed the grand central stair case that hung behind it. Everything about the lobby screamed 'colonial' and the architecture was perfectly immaculate. It felt as if I was caught in a trance because of the cascading water that pored from the statues. The aura that was produced by the fountain was oddly satisfying, it felt like the calm before the storm. Luckily for me, a pathetic voice suddenly rang from the right, springing me out of my stupor.
"He-hello? Are you the one they call Jakub?"
Sort of taken aback from the sudden noise, I jumped slightly. However, I quickly digressed noticing the disturbance was nothing but a white tigress whom was wearing a maid outfit.
"That would be me."
Her ears twitched, receiving my words.
"I-it's an honor to meet a templar such as yourself... Lord Rubin's office is this way... P-please follow me."
She spun around and led me down the corridor she came from. After passing what seemed like fourty self portraits of random people, our trek concluded as we met a distincly coloured double door. The feline opened the door and half heartedly whimpered.
"My lord… The representive sent by the templar is here."
I took that as my cue to enter. A rough voice echoed in acknoledgement, following my introduction.
"Ah, yes. Mr. Gray was it? Welcome." He signalled for me to get closer, which I followed.
"Sit, sit, make yourself comfortable. Alexia! Get the Alexandrian rum!"
The tiger instantly ran off, presumably to fetch the drinks. I sat on the chair that faced his desk and glared at the man. We both sat there, analysing eachother for what seemed like hours compacted into seconds.
"You're an intimidating individual." He smiled sadistically, trying to initiate small talk.
"I know your type."
I narrowed my eyes.
"Do you now?"
His smile disapeared, almost as if that response dissapointed him. He leaned in, crossed his fingers on his desk and glared me in the eyes.
"Ohhh yes Mr. Gray. Far too well." His grin reappeared as he continued, "The way you sit in the presence of a lord... Confident and unfazed. Your steely eyes haven't once faltered from mine." He paused and leaned back, "Yes… You've starred death down… Yet you still march among the living. Although... you don't feel triumphant don't you? You simply walk. You don't live. You follow orders and carry out missions. You're meerly a puppet. Bound by strings that are made to freely be manipulated by your superiors."
I gritted my teeth. Who does he think he is? Some kind of demi god? I , my train of thought was disturbed by the sound of a cart. The tigress opened the door, returning with a buggy that was carrying the bottle of rum and glasses. Confusingly enough, she had also brought along some kind of snack which I shrugged off. Rubin's reaction however, wasn't so discrete.
"And what is that?" he asked coldly, pointing towards the assembly of vegetables.
The tiger swiftly lowered her head.
"I-I-I thought I w-would bring along s-something to eat for our guest… I made my mother's special salad… S-she taught me when I was…"
Rubin stopped her there.
"Bring it to me."
Suprised, her eyes glistened with hopefulness. The feline picked the plate up and leaned towards the desk.
"I tried my best to replic-"
The lord shocked even me, wickedly smacking the plate out of the cat's paws before she could even finish her sentence, crushing the plate and her self esteem in the process.
"Who do you think you're talking too; you god forsaken animal? GET YOUR FILFTHY KEIDRAN MUCK OUT OF MY OFFICE!"
I watched the scene unfold, disgusted. It was just being considerate, why would he-… No... It disobeyed an order and needed to be punished.
The tiger, with tears in her eyes, scrambled to her knees and quickly started picking up the mess. I watched the feline pick the broken glass up with her bare paws, cringing every time she whimpered in pain. Her pads seemed to bloody more after every handful. I heard the tyrant chuckle from behind me, as if he was getting some sort of sick satisfaction out of her pain. Is this… Is this right? Keidran are… their still alive... No… NO!
"You don't seem well Mr. Gray."
I snapped my head towards the old man - his smile was absolutely putrid. This man. This man was a monster.
"I'll be alright."
"Erm… Alright then, if you say so."
I watched as he continued to speak; while he poured the golden liquid from the ornate rum bottle, "Now that we have refreshments, we can finally convey about business."
The sick smile was still plastered on his face, only disapearing as he sipped the cup.
"The templar want information. Is that correct?"
I was sick to my stomach, my head was hurting and I felt cornered. All of this because of the way he treated the animal… Why?
"That's right." I retorted.
"And what were your orders?"
My eyes narrowed.
"My orders?"
"Yes your orders, boy. How much do the Templar want this information?" his grin reformed.
"Enough." I answered.
He seemed pleased with that response, making sure to finish his drink before he continued.
"I'll provide my services on one condition." He paused and glared me in the eyes, his face serious and his stare unyielding, "You must do something for me."
"Who do you think I am? Some kind of errand boy?" I retorted instantly.
"No. You're a soldier."
I caught my tongue, realizing he was right. I needed to bring back results and he knew it. He may be sick in the head, but the information he has could shift the tide in this war; consequently saving thousands of human lives. Cyrus even gave me 'deplomatic immunity' and was clearly expecting me to complete this mission at any cost.
I gritted my teeth as he continued to speak.
I recently sold a wolf to a man named 'Leviticus Cornwall', maybe you've heard of him?"
"Possibly."
"Good." He shot back, "You may have also seen the wolf then. It's a female, with white fur and cyan blue eyes. She's quite the specimen."
Wait… It couldn't be the waitress that served me. Right?
"I have a buyer in Alexandria that will pay quadruple the amount Leviticus payed. Call it sellers remorse, but either way, your task is simple." Again, that sick smile appeared on his face.
"Burn his mediocre establishment to the ground and make sure he dies in it. All I need is the wolf, so the rest of the keidran can burn alongside their owner. Once you're done, I'll gladly hand over all the information your precious organisation so desperately needs." He leaned in closer.
"Understood… Killer?"
I didn't respond. I was being ordered to massacre a tavern, as if I was some kind of murderer. Was I? Was I just a hired assassin - a 'Killer'?
"Is there a problem Mr. Gray?"
Again, I didn't respond. I've killed thousands of keidran and never lost sleep over it, they're animals and they've commited genocide on multiple occasions. This war alone has killed hundreds of thousands and I always blamed our ennemies for causing it. Yet, was I any better? Were we any better? Keidran blood stained my hands to a point the iron had sucken into my pores; branding me with the title of 'Templar'. Was the fight for peace an excuse - and was it a valid one at that? These past eight-years, I had only ever killed the keidran who fought back. The ones who bared arms and who used magic against me. This town was nothing I had ever seen before; the way they treated keidran made humanity seem evil, pouring ink on our seemingly spotless resume. Surely the Templar wouldn't kill innocent people, or had I just been blind for all these years?
"Hey!"
I shook my head vigorously, eliminating the condescending thoughts from my head.
"I heard you, pardon my silence."
He seemed suspicious, but digressed, "Do we have a deal?"
Killing is killing and there isn't any way around that. Those bastards have killed thousands of innocents, including… No… Keidran are evil - they deserved this. They're animals and nothing more. I don't need an excuse.
"I guess we do."
He smiled and stood up. "Good."
He unexpectedly stretched his hand out, clearly offering a handshake. In response, I closed my eyes and stood up myself.
I spun around and simutaneously denied his handshake in the process.
"We aren't friends Rubin. Don't kid yourself, because if I weren't on a mission..." I hesitated and tilted my head back towards him.
"I would have killed you instead."
He chuckled maniacally.
"I'd expect nothing less."
After what seemed like hours, I finally took my first step outside. The feeling of my muscles relaxing was oh so sweet, as a stream of fresh air hit my nostrels. The stench of that pompous snob's aura was already making me sick, leaving me with the question of how his employees dealt with his constant ass-pullery. The meeting hardly lasted twenty minutes and I already wanted to tear that grin off of his face. Luckily for the war effort, it didn't come to that. However, more pressing matters were now at stake. I rushed towards the entrance, expecting to see my equipment. Instead, my escort from earlier stood straight guarding what seemed like nothing in front of the gate.
"Where's my sword?" I asked.
"Ah yes... Mr. Gray." he responded, "Lord Rubin has decided to confiscate your sword until you finish your mission. In its place, he's provided you with basic equipment such as a torch and knife."
"What did you just say?" I shouted, five seconds away from ripping his head off, "That's my property! I insist you give me my shit back before we have problems!"
"Sadly, Lord Rubin 'insists' you take these instead."
I tensed up, about to attack, but the sound of guns being raised stopped me in my tracks. Looking around, I noticed atleast a dozen men holding what seemed to be high caliber magic rifles straight at my head. Just you wait Rubin. I'll get you for this. With no other choice, I huffed, grabbed the tools from the guard and stormed off towards the bar.
"Good choice." I heard him mumble underneath his breath.
That was enough. I quickly spun around and placed the knife he had provided me seconds earlier to his jugular. It happened so fast, he hadn't had the time to react. All the guards, almost instantly, jumped back into their defensive stances. I didn't care, instead I leaned in next to his right ear and whispered.
"Do you have a family mister..." I quickly glanced down at his name tag.
"Mackenzie? Do you have a wife, Mr. Mackenzie?"
He nodded slowly.
"Then you should watch your tongue, or else…" I could feel him tremble as I continued, "I'll be the last person she ever lays her eyes on." I released his colar and removed the knife from his neck, smiling as I did so.
"Have a nice day Mr. Mackenzie."
He stood there, stunned and gasping for air. He grabbed at his throat and didn't say anything as I walked off towards my target. I had released some of my pent up rage - which felt better. I could feel the adrenaline shoot through my body, preparing me for my task at hand. I could already spot the bar and hear the many voices inside. Not suprisingly, it was slurred speach and rambling. It made sense, the sun had already gone down and most of the citizens of this town practically slept at the bars. Following that subject, I didn't exactly know where the keidran slept, but I had an idea. If I remembered correctly, all the animals instictively ran off towards a doorway that was situated to the right of the kitchen when all hell broke loose between me and Cornwall. It would be easy to assume that they were simply hidding, however, that would only be the case if you didn't consider Alexandrian law. All keidran collars must posess a "call back spell" in case of an emergency. The spell must have been triggered when the ruckus was created, which incited all of them to head towards the most secure place i.e. their quarters. Meaning after I killed Cornwall, that would be my first place of interest. My plan was set and on cue I reached the tavern.
I took one step inside and witness absolute mayham. There had to have been over ten passed out men, all of which were being trambled by some equally as drunk peasents. They were all cheering, as spotted dog explicitly show off her body. She seemed uncomfortable, which brought up feelings of pity and disgust deep inside my chest. The females were often used for more depriving reasons, a fact I knew all too well and whole heartedly disagreed with. However, there were no laws that stopped people from doing so, which prevented me from intervening. I huffed and continued on, following the walls towards the kitchen. I bumped into a couple of fools, but none made a big deal out of it until I bumped into a familiar face. The man who cut me off the first time I came here, I remembered that disgusting face all too well.
"N' who the fuck r' ye'?" he slurred, "Do ye' hav' some kind of problem' with me?"
He clearly had no idea what the hell was going on. A keidran rushed from behind him and grabbed his arm before I could say anything. Supprisingly, it was the same keidran he had been abusing a day earlier.
"Sir! I-I-I believe you've had more t-then enough t-to drink." She continued as he drunkenly turned around.
"P-please sir."
What transponded was something I didn't even expect. He quickly and ferociously grabbed a liquor bottle and smashed it over the keidran's face. Instantly, the keidran flew to the the ground proceeded by ear renching whimpers that followed every thud. Every impact of the man's fist seemed to bloody it even more and every impact made me want to react. But I couldn't. I just couldn't. Doing something would almost certainly cause more of scene and attract more attention then needed. I had to leave it be and continue on to Leviticus's is office. I hesitated and continued on towards the kitchen while making sure to dodge any incoming drunkards and tables alike. After what seemed like an eternity, I reached the doorway. I flipped my hood on and slowly crept into the scullery. Instantly, I noticed a door that stood out. That had to be Cornwall's office, I'd put all my money on it. Like a train, the reminder that I had given all my money to the slob I was currently in the process of killing hit me. Yeah… All the none existant currency I had given to that fat bastard one day prior. On that note, I had to grab my money. Even if I did give it to him consentingly, I couldn't help but feel like I had been robbed. Besides, he wouldn't be needing it where he was headed. No one was in the kitchen which I found bizarre considering there had to be at least over thirty people in the bar. Although I little suspicious, I shrugged it off and continued on towards the door. I placed my hand onto the steel knob and tried opening it to no avail.
"Who's there!" a voice abruptly rang, "I'm busy! Come back later!"
Once again, I tried opening the door.
"Seriously? I said come back later!"
Fine. We can do this the hard way then. On cue, I took two steps and kicked at the door with all my might. The oak didn't stand a chance, isntantly exploding open as my foot made contact.
"Wha-? What the hell!?"
I took that as my informal welcoming and walked into the room.
"Wh-who the hell are you!?" he cried out.
I didn't answer. Instead, I slowly walked towards him.
"I sai- I said who are you god damn it!" his voice cracked revealing the amount of fear he was feeling.
"Guards!" no one came. The chatter going on in the other room was flushing out his plees.
"I said guards!"
He kept on backing up towards the bookcase behind him as I closed in.
"I suggest you leave!" he exclaimed again.
Curiously, his face had suddenly shifted into a confident one. I was confused until he quickly reached towards a side table that was next to the bookcase. From the drawer, he pulled out a normal revolver.
He smiled, "To late fool! Put your hands up before I blow your fucking head off!"
Unwavered, I kept on walking towards him.
"I'm warning you!" he shouted.
I didn't stop.
"One last time! Surrender!"
The desk was the only obstacle that stood between me and him. Effortlessly, I threw the desk to the side and continued on.
"Then die!" he shouted, followed by the ear deafening sound of a gun shot going off.
