Hellion's Reckoning
Chapter 34

With her dark skin and black cloak, Ava blended seamlessly in the shadows of the palace. Her tiny frame made it easy to slip into dark corners. The young spriggan kept a concealment spell around her, as patrols would sniff her out whenever she snuck around. The magistrate couldn’t see past her submissive mask. All he saw was a young girl too weak to oppose him. Since her arrival at the end of winter, she had kept her head down obeying every order with enthusiasm. It was an honor to serve under such an esteemed lord and she played her role as the loyal servant perfectly.

The Nightingale’s had been among the few to remember their Hellion brethren when the purge began. Fearing they’d be discovered harboring enemies of the kingdom; her mother had sent her to study under the Sage. If anything happened, it would be up to her to carry their legacy. At first, that burdened had scared her, but with Thaddeus’ gentle guidance she had come to accept it. At a young age she had gained the attention of scholars from across the Vale for her keen intellect. It was then the Sage agreed to take her, fearing the growing elite would mold her into another tool.

Thaddeus had laid the plan out perfectly. In her hands were two forged letters. One penned to Lord Varen and the other to Inias. Two generals were the key, without their support Lord Ailog’s control of the city would fall apart. In the letters they had forged plans for the two to defect to the Hellion’s side. After the massacre, many of their soldiers were disgusted by Ailog’s ruthless slaughter of innocent villagers. With his enemy massing north of him, Ailog wouldn’t risk betrayal in his circle, defying him would be their only chance at survival.

Sylvis’ arrival hadn’t been expected so soon, but she was thankful. Watching the way his father manipulated him, the more the young lordling seemed desperate to free himself. Beneath the years of careful grooming, he seemed to be a boy who only wished to do good. The thought of manipulating him further concerned her, it wasn’t fair to him. Not after all he’d been through. When she left the city, he would only have Ivaran left to turn to. For the good of everyone, she would have to put her feelings aside. Ava had faith that one day the lordling would meet them again as a friend.

Slipping past the dragon tapestry hung upon the ruby wall, she pushed against it. A section of the wall gave way revealing a hidden passage. Grinning, she slipped past the opening and pulled the wall shut behind her. Dim candles lit the narrow hallway as she passed, turning a corner to replace an old wooden door. She pulled a key from within her cloak and unlocked the door to replace two burly men waiting inside the small room. “Apologies, sirs.” She said with a smile, offering a low bow.

“Ailog sent his pet to speak with us?” One of them, face withered from years of experience. His eyes were dark, revealing an emptiness in him. The other was heavyset with thinning blond hair falling over his massive shoulders. “I’m afraid so, he’s busy planning your trial.”

“Trial? What for?!” The elder spoke up, turning to his companion, “What have you done now?!” Ava threw the two letters down, “He found messengers carrying these north. Betraying your kind, your lord. It’s disgraceful. You’ve broken his heart, his trust.” A smile tugged at her lips as she spoke, the two men began peering over the letters. “He’ll never believe this, girl.” The elder said, bringing a hand to the large broadsword at his side.

Ava pulled a knife from within her cloak and leapt onto the table between them, pointing it straight for the man’s throat. “You know what I believe,” She spoke in her sweet little voice, “I believe he’s paranoid, and you? You’re replaceable. It’s already too late, he’s been informed of your treason.” Even if they told him, he’d feel less threatened by a small girl than he would two influential generals.

The men began to tremble, feeling the gravity of her words. “Why do this?” The larger of them spoke, his voice shaking. He let out a squeal as a black viper brushed his leg. It’s midnight black coils began wrapping themselves around his legs. “She’s with them…” The elder growled, slowly lifting his hand from the sword hilt. “The only one who can oppose Ailog is Sylvis, ally yourself with him. The Magistrate is a usurper, so your armies will remain loyal to you. Hide yourselves, in four days Sylvis will inherit the city.” Her amber hues began to shimmer catching the man beneath her in their gaze. His terror faded into a dreamy smile, “A-as you wish.”