Part IV
I had no way of knowing it then, but those brief hours set into motion a plot that would ultimately consume and drastically alter my life. I was already a deserter to the 'great' king that ordered the death of my family, and, in my leave, had put a bounty on my head- dead or alive. Of course, Thomas Paris ceased to be years before. He would never...could never be the assassin I had become. Paris turned Protius turned Crycus. Like the good actor I was, I shrugged on a new outfit, a new persona, and become the man I'd grow to hate.
Unlocking the door and swinging it open, I was greeted by my entourage- two guards and an odd looking little man dress in reds and gold.
"His name is Arkin," Kathryn whispered into my ear. "He is a personal assistant of sorts. He keeps track of all your appointments, contacts, and business affairs."
I let out a deep feral growl as if she had suggested something inappropriate which branched into resolution of an earlier problem. "Kathryn has told me that someone broke into her room last night and attacked her. She had to dispatch of him herself. Why wasn't there any guards present to stop him?"
I watched all three men stiffen at the remark. It was Arkin that finally spoke. "I wasn't aware...I mean is your property damaged, sir?" he asked, looking towards Kathryn and then me expectantly.
"This property's name is Kathryn. You would do well to remember that. It was she that dealt with the man and, in doing so, has gained my favor. I do, however, suggest you deal with the body left in her room before the stench escapes down the hall."
"Yes. Right away, sir."
I nodded and brushed past them as if they were insignificant. The movement was one my former king had used on me more times that I could count. By Kathryn's bemused smile, I was fairly certain it was an appropriate action.
She guided me past several large tapestries, past her bedroom, finally turning and descending a massive staircase. "The dining room is ahead on the left. Your military advisor, Tuvok, is usually waiting to brief you on the status of your wars. Trust him; he has shown nothing but loyalty to Crycus."
A servant pushed open the massive, ironwork door as I approached, bowing deeply until I passed him. The first thing that struck me about the room was the expansiveness of it. Leave it to a megalomaniac to have a dining room fit for a king.
A large, mahogany table filled most of the expanse of the room. Thirty chairs lined the perimeter but could easily be pushed together to accommodate more. At the head of the table was what I could presume was his chair. Painted in gold with deep, red velvet cushions it looked more like a throne than a dining room chair. It was almost laughable.
Near the aforementioned chair was a fireplace that took up most of the left wall. A fire raged within warding off the bitter cold that night left in its wake. Above, on the mantle, was a large portrait of Crycus. He was dressed in a fine, white wrap that had gold accents. His hand was resting on the hilt of his saber, an eyebrow quirked. The majority of his face was hidden behind a wrap.
Kathryn pulled me gently towards the effeminate red throne. I took my place at the head of the table noting that not one but five men were gathered around it all of which looked as though they recognized me. Not good. Offering Kathryn a seductive smile, I pulled her into my lap and kissed her soundly. She pulled back, nuzzling my neck and whispering into my ear.
"Tuvok is the man on your left. Sitting behind him is his lieutenant. They call him Neelix."
I growled appreciatively. Just putting on a show, I reminded myself. Those gathered acted as if it was commonplace, but looked anywhere but at us.
I gazed at the first two men she had pointed out. Tuvok was a Moor. Resilient, nomadic, and a tough match in battle, they were one of the few colored groups from Africa that had not been taken as slaves. Crycus was wise to choose Tuvok. His reputation proceeded him. Neelix, on the other hand, was not as strong of military mind. He was a valiant fighter according to all the bards I had run into over the years, but he was of a weak stomach when it came to killing in cold blood. Tuvok though...there was an evil streak within him that was just lying in wait beneath the surface.
Kathryn's arms snaked around my neck. Conscious thought was becoming difficult. She was peppering kisses along my neck and murmuring her explanations.
"You know Arkin from earlier," she said as my eyes followed hers to the other side of the table. "Kes is at his side. She's your favorite assassin. Beside her is the local law. He comes every seven sunrises to collect his pay for looking the other way. His name is Chakotay," she said, voice dipping low, colored with hate.
I cocked my head towards her on instinct. "I'm sure there's a story there, pet."
"Several. Before this is over," she said, gliding her hand down my chest, drawing circles on it through the silk. "I'm taking him out."
I chuckled, understanding her bloodlust. I found it and her temper appealing. Then again Lanna had been like that too; tough exterior, but she could be so tender too... Shaking my head to clear unbidden memories, I turned my attention to the opposite side of the table. Chakotay was a few shades lighter than Tuvok and his lieutenant. His olive coloring and black hair suggested he was from an Arabian heritage. The tattoo about his right temple was, no doubt, a marking of his people. I was unfamiliar with it though. He was of heavy build with more girth on his belly than his arms. Broad shoulders, dark eyes, and a visible scar on his left arm that ran down the length of it. His hands were worn and his posture suggested that he was a soldier at one time- back straight, ears tuned to the air around him, hand on the hilt of his sword. His glory days were gone, but he might still pose a threat.
Kes was surprising. She was legendary among the traveling bards as the 'Black Mistress.' Tales of her outwardly flirtatious behavior allowing her access to the most battle-hardened men were told in nearly every tavern in Britain, Japa, and Chin. She'd seduced more men into the quiet confines of their bedroom, killed them, and slipped out before sunrise than even she could count.
None of the accounts ever included a physical description- guards seldom took notice of their master's latest concubine. Here she was though, sitting inches from me. No wonder she had won so many mens 'hearts.' Blonde hair, blue eyes, elfin features, a petite body, and a warm smile. Who would expect someone so small could kill a man within seconds?
Arkin cleared his throat loudly, drawing my attention back to him. "Master Crycus, I really do hate to interrupt you, sir, but if you wish to stay on schedule..."
I laughed heartily at him. "Arkin, you are too uptight, friend, but, I suppose being rid of you will give me more time to play," I said, looking pointedly at the woman curled in my lap.
"How go the battles, Tuvok?"
"Quite well. The king will, however, be expecting you soon to solidify your plans. It is my belief that seeing you in person will put him at ease."
"I'm sensing a but coming, Tuvok," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"King Solomon wishes to test your skills in combat. He believes that any man worthy to lead his armies on to victory can survive his challenge."
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing aloud. The 'challenge' was, no doubt, the very obstacle course his men trained on. Any novice page could trudge through the course unscathed. Of course, the king, himself, believed it to be of great difficulty. "And I should fear this...'challenge'?"
"Your fighting form has not been in top shape since the skirmish in Zanzibar. I worry that your sword arm has not yet recovered..."
I released my grip on Kathryn and motioned for her to glide off of my lap. She did so, favoring me with an intrigued expression. My left hand found its way to the hilt of my saber tucked carefully in my belt.
"Care to test your theory, old man?"
My heartbeat quickened at the idea of facing off with a worthy opponent. Through my travels, I had picked up a few moves that His Majesty would never sanction, but were of great use in the field. My breathing deepened, preparing for battle. I could feel the adrenaline surge in my body.
"Very well," he said, standing. His voice so neutral it threw me off guard, but his eyes...his eyes told another story. He was excited as I was.
I drew the blade carefully taking a defensive stance. Smiling broadly, he pulled a well used scimitar from his scabbard. I decided a surprise move might catch his attention, jumping effortlessly atop the expensive table, bring the blade down on his shoulder and leaving a nasty nick.
"Fancy move for a novice," he growled, joining me on the wooden playing field. I smiled but had no time for a pithy comeback as he retaliated with a sift swing towards my forearm. I turned my blade quickly, deflecting the blow. He tried three more attempts in rapid synchronization. Spinning quickly, using momentum to increase the devastation of his blow, he turned his blade against my abdomen while trying to kick my legs out from under me. I jumped straight in the air to avoid his kick and lowered my sword to ward off his. Then brought it up and around in a circle, disarming him. The metal of his sword clamored loudly to the stone floor. I used his momentary shock to my advantage, delivering a roundhouse kick to his stomach, sending him flying backwards off the table. The wind knocked out of him, I had the precious seconds needed to kneel beside him, jab my knee into his gut, and lower the dagger I kept concealed up my sleeve to his throat.
The entire fight had taken no more than a few moments. I had disarmed him, defeated him, and broken his lucky streak. Fear shone brightly beneath his eyes as the cold steel kissed the vein hammering away just under his dark flesh.
I swore that if I closed my eyes tight enough I can force myself to forget the image imposed over Tuvok's- the face of the first man I killed in cold blood. I was just a boy then- no more than ten or eleven summers, and it was my first joust. My lord had insisted that Ethan and I make a run of it and try out the skills we had worked so hard to perfect in a combat situation.
Ethan came towards me, full charge, lance down. I did the same, but, for some inexplicable reason, his shield failed- snapped in two. The tip of my lance cut through it like a knife through butter and continued on to run him through. My steed stopped as quickly as I pulled the reigns, but it was too late. Ethan resembled the hogs we used to turn on the spit in my village. Eyes wide in terror, mouth gaping like a fish's. There was so much blood.
I stepped back and away from the puddle that was cast unto the hay-covered ground. Sinking to my knees, eyes locked on what I had done, I lost my breakfast to the ground, retching until there was no more and continuing all the same. My lord placed his hand on my shoulder and forced me away.
"It wasn't your fault," he said, simply. "It was an accident. You just hit a weak spot in his shield. It could have happened to any one of us."
He sat me down on the stump beside the servant's well and began cleaning the blood off of my hands. He told me of the first kill he'd made- a peasant spy who had pulled a dagger to his throat.
"You don't understand," I told him, "I had a choice. You didn't."
Little moments that add up. I sat in the shade of the castle on that stump, listening to my lord, watching the older servants load Ethan's body onto the manure truck and pull it towards the outskirts of town. We sent him off in the old traditions, calling on Celesta to see him over.
That fear, anger, and disbelief that Ethan held in his eyes though...it is the same look that Tuvok and every other man before him that I was about to strike held. It used to haunt me until I learned to accept it and draw power from it. The ancient texts of Ares and Athena say that the true warrior shall look upon evil and the darkness shall have his soul for then and only then will he be free of conscious and fear. I have no doubt now that I will spend eternity in Hades suffering eternal torment, but I have every intention of seeing my enemies out with me.
"Never question my abilities again," I murmured, backing off, fighting the demon that raged inside me that whispered 'kill him...kill him...'
I returned to my seat. My heart still thundering in my chest, my breathing still labored. Neither was from the small amount of exertion. It was bloodlust and, as much as I am ashamed to admit, that violence to this day takes me over when I fight.
Sinking slowly into my throne, I turn my head towards Kathryn. Her eyes told me enough; my dark side scared the hell out of her. I shrugged and grabbed the wooden goblet of wine, taking a deep drink, willing my hands to stop shaking. Again, not of fear but of raw need. Murder to an assassin was like alcohol to an addict; you crave it, and, when you are left unsatisfied, your body rebels.
"Impressive work, Crycus," Kes purred in a sweet, alto voice. "Never figured you the type...all talk and that."
I shrugged. "You don't make it as far as I have and live if you can't fight," I said, standing. In my peripheral view, I saw Kathryn slip out of the room. Without her backup, I wasn't willing to stay in the room and continue the charade. "If you'll excuse me..."
I stood and walked three paces before Arkin stepped towards me, blocking my path. I growled in response, clenching and relaxing my hands. "Sir, I know how you do enjoy a good battle, but there are still a few more matters that need to be discussed this morning."
"Such as?" I said, evenly.
"Well…there is the matter of local security, and Kes' future assignments…"
I turned towards the motley group surrounding my table and offered them a weak smile. "Mr. Tuvok, Neelix, I would like you to leak to your soldiers that I'm not particularly happy with His Majesty's demands that I prove my fighting skills. From what I understand, the ol' boy has never been able to complete the course himself," I said, pausing.
"If he wants to fight me, he can challenge me or have me face his best man. Either way, it is of little concern to me," I finished, turning my gaze to Chakotay. "The security of this city-state is appalling. You will not receive any further payment until your men have been properly trained. If need be, have Neelix assist you."
Finally, I turned my attention to Kes. She smirked at me, eyes filled with merriment and approval. "It's 'bout time you cleaned house, Crycus," she said, laughing. "I was starting to think all those wives were making you soft."
The double entendre was not lost on me. I smiled at her slyly and moved to stand behind her. I had to know if she and Crycus had been more than just business and sparring partners. Resting my hands on her shoulders, I felt the muscles beneath ripple and shake with anticipation of my next more. In that moment, I read her more clearly than I had the entire time I'd observed her from across the room. Bending down, allowing lips to press butterfly kisses along her shoulder and the nape of her neck, I whispered all the delicious things that I wanted to do with her…to her…or with her watching into her ear. Her breathing became ragged, and her pulse picked up exponentially. I smiled against her skin, knowing that I had won her over.
"Leave us," I barked at the men in the room. Last thing I needed was for them to overhear… Chakotay, Neelix, and Arkin walked quickly from the room without a word. Tuvok raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
"I have a special assignment for you," I said, returning the assault on her neck. "Not the usual kind at all."
"Mmmm…what's in it for me?" Her voice had taken on a husky quality I was finding hard to resist.
"I think you already know that one," my hands slid lower on her frame, brushing against her breast, eliciting a low moan. She stilled and turned to look at me. Her eyes were filled with mirth. "Is it dangerous?"
"The deadliest type. Chances are, it would be an ugly, quick death if you were caught."
She pouted her lips. "What? No foreplay?" I laughed at her forwardness. So few woman were as open about their sexuality since the introduction of the one god.
"You can play with me when you get back, pet. Until then I'll need you focused on this. You're one of the few people I have that's worth the skin the Goddess gave you."
She smiled at me. "Careful who you say that around. That King of yours wouldn't be thrilled to know he's in bed with a pagan."
"I prefer my bedmates to be a little more curvy," I brushed my hand against her again to make my point. "And as for being a pagan… well, that makes for a more interesting night. The Goddess never looked down on a little magick use. I hear you're a regular witch, yourself."
"Witch, Wiccan, succubus. I've been called quite a few names in my day. Is it my fault I know how to control the elements so well?"
"You might need that were I'm sending you," I said, a serious expression crossing my features. She straightened in her seat, all sexual play forgotten.
"Must be serious for the boss to be scared for my safety."
"King Solomon isn't exactly living up to his name. You recalled hearing of a man named Protius?" I asked, watching her closely to see if she recognized the name. Her features fell a bit.
"Course I have. Ran into a few traveling bards that tell stories of his killing sprees. Did you know he killed Prince Tibirious in the middle of a parade to celebrate his victory of the Nords? Shot him from the palace balcony straight through the eye. Thousands of troops lined up behind the prince and not a one of them was able to find him. I wish I had been there…seen the chaos. Can you imagine?"
It was the most I'd heard her say, and, in that small timeframe, I found myself amused. Was that hero worship I heard in her voice? I suppressed the urge to laugh aloud, and continued on. "Seems that the king sent Protius to kill me last night."
Kes' spine straightened against the back of her chair. "Obviously he didn't succeed. What happened to him? Is he in the dungeon? I'd love to go play with the puppy," she said, eyes lighting up.
"'Fraid not. Seems that Kathryn managed to kill him when he broke into her room last night."
"Kathryn?" Kes laughed, deep and long. "You mean that little git that was hanging all over you a minute ago?" I nodded my head slowly. "Must have underestimated her."
I laughed heartily. "You have no idea."
"So let me guess. Your little assignment is for me to go to the king and find out who his trusted men are and who are those you could turn to your side of thinking."
"Deadly, playful, *and* brilliant. Just how I like my girls," I said in a low voice.
She laughed and cocked her head to the side. "I'm not one of your girls, Crycus. Never will be. You want to play when I get back and I'm game, but I'll never be some simpering wife."
"Fair enough," I said, rewarding her with a smile. "Just be careful, Kes."
She nodded and slipped out of the room as quietly as the others did. I took a moment and slipped into her seat. Playing all these mind games in such a short spans of time was exhausting. I used the palm of my hand to work the tight muscles as the base of my neck. I always seem to carry all my tension there.
With all of the morning's crisis handled, I still have two loose ends to tie up- Protius' ride and patching things up with Kathryn.