Julia
Finally after weeks on the road I've finally made it to Alquimia. I can't wait to take a bath and eat some decent food. My hair and nails are totally ruined and my clothes are filthy with travel dirt. No one would recognize me now and that's been my saving grace. The closer I got to the research center, the more guards we encountered. It looked like they were checking everyone who was traveling.
And I had a secret to keep. Tucked away in a pouch under my clothes is a badge that will grant me entry into Alquimia. If anyone knew I was carrying such an item I would be executed without thought. The lepharists are hated by the powers of Beluslan Fortress and loved by the common poor people. So far the daevas have been unable or unwilling to round us up. Oh they send the occasional fool to teach us a lesson or some such nonsense, but most of those end up as prisoners at the Citadel or in the mines.
I've had to take the last part of the journey on my own. No one in their right mind leaves Hoarfrost to go to Alquimia. I snuck out during the night so I wouldn't be questioned. And now I'm here. I pulled out my badge and showed it to the sentry. He took it and looked it over then handed it back. He waved me on and I went quickly. I could smell the scent of freedom ahead and I was eager to see who had made it.
I had heard about Alquimia but hadn't ever been here myself. The place is huge. People were briskly walking to and fro, all on some business of their own. I couldn't find anything resembling a tavern or eating place. The place was set up as if they were expecting a siege. Everyone was armed and no one appeared to be just lounging around. Damn! I was really tired and irritable. I wanted a bath and I wanted it now!
I walked around a few more minutes when I heard someone calling out my name. I turned and saw it was one of the guards who worked at the Malek mine. In fact he was one of the guards who watched over that cow Jaisea. I smiled to myself. Here was someone I could use to help me acquire what I wanted. I waited for him to join me. He looked me over and then asked, "Are you here by yourself Lady Traconn?" I considered how much I should tell him then said, "I've was told the commander was here." It was a lie of course, but this man was just a guard, and no one who needed to know my business. Better he think I'm not desperate.
He nodded at me. "Ah yes, come this way." I stood there and glared at him. He stopped when he realized I wasn't following him. I said, "I cannot possibly go before the commander looking like this! I need quarters to freshen up in!" He looked startled then bowed. "Of course you are right assassin. Please come this way." I followed him and shortly we came to cluster of buildings. He led me to one that had the look of an inn. The man at the desk looked me over like I was dirt. My anger rose.
I was dirty and tired and in no mood to put up with this oaf. The guard said, "She needs a room to clean up in and…." I interrupted him. "I need quarters suitable to my rank, a bath brought, and food!" The desk man just gaped at me. I yanked out my badge and shoved it in his face. He looked at it and his face paled. "Of course my Lady, at once. Please follow me."
He led me out into the square and past a few buildings until we came to one that looked more elegant than the rest. He opened the main door and led me to the right. He pulled open another door to reveal a suite of rooms that would serve my purpose. "This will do!" I snapped. "Now I need a bath and some food and…oh send me a servant!" He had better hop to it. I smiled at him with my special smile then stepped inside and closed the door behind me.
At last I sighed. I walked around the rooms. They were elegantly appointed and would serve me well. A few minutes later a knock at the door interrupted my walk. I yanked open the door to find several servants there with bath items and covered trays of food. They drew a bath for me and set the tray up so I could eat in the tub. I dismissed all but one. I hadn't had any fun in a while and I was in the mood for company. He wasn't much to look at, but he would do for now.
I made him strip and wash me. I teased and tortured him with my murmurs of pleasure. I allowed him to feed me fruit with his fingers and then I took him to my bed and used him until I was too tired to stay awake.
When I woke up the next morning he was gone. Someone had come in while I slept and left me some clean clothing. I would have to put a lock on the door. No one, but no one just walks into Julia Traconn's quarters without invitation. A note on the table bade me to attend the Commander at my earliest convenience. I ate then went. I had no idea who I was to meet, but it didn't really matter. I was sure I would be able to twist him around my fingertips just as I had my lover.
I put on my most seductive smile and swept into the room. I froze just inside the doorway. Sitting at the end of the hall in the Commanders chair was a woman. The Commander was a woman. Quickly recovering myself I glided forward and bowed. She looked me over coolly. "You are?" she inquired. "I am Julia Traconn, an assassin based at the Malek Mine," I replied. "Ah yes, the mines that no longer exist. So really you are from nowhere." She smiled a thin smile. My fingers clenched in anger. Taking a breath I said, "I was on assignment when the Balaur….." She interrupted me. "None of that is important now. I might have a use for you at some point if you are any good." She smiled a nasty smile. She said, "I will have some supplies brought to your rooms and some clothes. When I have need of an assassin, I shall send for you. You may go." And with that I was dismissed like I was a recruit.
Keeping a smile frozen on my face I bowed again and turned to leave. I kept my walk slow and even and didn't give any indication how angry I was. No one had ever spoken to me like that. It might take some time, but I was going to make sure that Miss Commander paid for her treatment of me. But first I needed to establish myself here. I might have to eat crow for a bit in order to further my plans. I had to find out if that cow Jaisea and my pet had survived the cave in. It didn't seem likely, but one should never underestimate ones enemies. I smiled. Oh yes, first Jaisea, then the commander. I giggled to myself. I was going to enjoy plotting my revenge. Oh yes I was.