Innocence Questioned
Chapter 3
Taless'naverine just stood there agape at the cloaked figure standing across the other side of her bed chamber, was a member of the Silver way. After all these years they had come.
The figure moved into the light, hood down Taless'neverine couldn't see her face but had judged by her accent was a lowborn of one of the eastern cities, possibly Ondo or Malada.
"You're the silver way?" Recovering quickly, Taless'naverine made herself comfortable in one the many luxurious seats and discreetly moved her hand underneath the cushion.
"Looking for this?" The woman asked, producing a rolled parchment from the folds of her cloak.
It was her scroll of searing light, a piece of near priceless combat magic. Taless'naverine gritted her teeth and folded her hands upon her lap.
"Now perhaps we can continue without further interruption". Taless'naverine gestured for the cloaked woman to continue.
"Fair enough then, Taless'naverine Iscario" she replied emphasising her families name like it was something unwholesome.
"We've been watching you now for quite a while, waiting for the opportunity to present itself. With your coming of age you are a potentially valu".
"Cut the crap!" Taless'naverine barked. Standing, she walked over to a small cabinet and poured herself a glass of wine. "I am in absolutely no mood for protracted speeches, say what you mean to say or leave!"
"Fair enough, no more crap then". The woman chuckled. "One of the reasons of I'm here is because the Silver way is on the verge of being wiped out. With the recent slave uprisings in Wendir, Morahame and Kemen a massive effort is being made to ensure those responsible are dealt with, that being us of course. We need your help".
Frowning, Taless'naverine sipped her wine. She had heard nothing of a slave uprising; perhaps knowledge of the events had been suppressed.
"You need my help with what? I'm not exactly an expert in plotting slave rebellions".
"Perhaps, perhaps not only time will tell". Silver way replied.
"In two months from tomorrow a conclave will be held here where an Overlord will be appointed to bring an end the silver way. We want you to attend that meeting and deliver a message for us".
"A message, this should be interesting". Taless'naverine couldn't help keep the sarcasm from her voice, "And what is you wish me to ask them then?"
"Nothing". Silver way replied curtly, sitting on the corner of the bed and producing from the folds of her cloak a small vial of purple liquid. "This should speak volume enough".
"Don't know how it works exactly" she explained, holding the vial into the light. "But there is some kind of daedric presence infused into the poison which will, if all goes as promised, seek out the Overlord to be and kill him. And before you go off on some holier than thou speech about bloody morality know that four good people died getting this stuff!"
Taless'naverine settled back into her chair and for a moment stared into the wine glass. "When I was a girl I made a promise to someone, a slave actually, someone I called a friend. To put an end to all their misery and destroy the intolerance and small mindedness that's eaten away at our great culture. To give a chance of hope to those who have none and maybe even knock some sense into our people". Taless'naverine regarded the woman across the room. "Ill do what needs to be done, you have my promise".
"Thank you". She whispered, visibly relaxing. "Look, sorry I've been such an ass tonight. It's been a hard journey here and I lost a good friend and mentor on the way". Smiling ruefully, Silver way returned the vial to her cloak. "I imagine this isn't the great introduction you were hoping for eh?"
Taless'naverine smiled and offered the woman a glass of wine, which was eagerly accepted.
"I'm assuming you have a face under all that". She remarked. "Don't you think its time for a proper introduction?"
"Yeah, I suppose it is" she said pulling back her hood revealing a young woman, perhaps a few years older than Taless'naverine. Her lightly tanned face, although outstandingly beautiful, with dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders, it was her eyes that drew Taless'naverine; she had never such sadness before, but there was something else, a look of stubborn determination.
"The names Shalinva Ve'strian".
"Lessa". The other replied, raising her glass. "Pleased to meet you".
The pair spent the remaining night discussing the various possible ways of infiltrating the conclave, all of which were doomed to failure and by the time dawn arrived, both were exhausted.
"We're screwed". Shalinva stated. She was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling. "We always knew the wards and security were going to be tough to crack, but from what you've said there aint a hope in hell".
Taless'naverine, sitting in her chair lost in thought, didn't answer. Shalinva's voice faded into the background as an idea formed in her mind, a terrifying idea and one she knew she had been avoiding but one that was probably their only hope.
"Ill walk through the front door" she said with more determination than she felt. "I am the daughter of the kings high slave master after all".
Shalinva looked at her with a sad smile. "You knew all along that this was the only real chance of success, but I wanted you to decide in your time".
Taless'naverine nodded sombrely. "You realise what I'll have to do, don't you".
"Yes". Shalinva replied softly. "I'm sorry".