Knights of Dark Renown

[Dezan]

In the land of Eternia there are many kingdoms following a singal religion. However corruption and decadence rules these kingdoms, with monarchs changing almost as quickly as the whims of the people. Each ruler more tyranical or perfidious than the last, but all is not lost. The Church has begun investigating the rulers of these lands. Stripping the throne from unjust rulers.

Of course these rulers are not going to just let their rule be taken from them. They have begun building armies and petitioning for the Church to be removed from political affairs. They have started with holding tithes to the church in order to support their claims and weaken the church. The church has decided that if a decision is made then it must be carried out, by force if necessary.

They have started secretly recruiting men and women of sound judgement, honest disposition, loyal, and above all else faithfull. These men and women largely knights, but also rangers, farmers, and any person who is faithfull to their god are the ones tasked with enforcing the Church's decisions.

As these 'Knights' are recruited, taught the different customs of all the countries and how to defend themselves against magical influence and deciet. The Kings, Queens and Emperors of the kingdoms are discussing how to deal with the church and are begining to believe that a cleansing of the church is warranted. The three groups of the 'Knights' are now out and among the people. At least two of every group are sent after the same ruler to insure that the Church's will is carried out.

The kingdoms begin massing and fielding their armies to prepare for the war they intend to wage upon the church. At the last moment a messenger is sent to each kingdom from the church requesting parley. The Church agrees to support the rulers if they increase their tithes. All rulers hurriedly agree and everything is believed settled.

All the while the church is bringing in more and more people to become their 'Kinghts'.



Now five years after the Church agreed to support the kingdoms the 'Knights' are almost where they need to be to begin carrying out the Church's will.

____________

Alright rules are simple, all races allowed. Midevial setting so no guns or technology other than swords and bows, magic is allowed. You can choose to be one of the 'Knights' a ruler a clergy member anything you choose of course. If you choose to be one of the 'Knights' it doesn't you are a knight. The 'Knights' are just the Church's form of enforcement you can anything and still be a 'Knight'. Magic is allowed but only slightly, no blowing buildings up or setting armies aflame, and magic usage is going to be similar to melee is stamina terms it is just as if not more exhausting than hand-to-hand combat and requires full concentration.

If you wish to be a ruler or clergy member please pm me beforehand so I can inform you of the plot of the rp. Thanks and have fun.

[Dezan]

A man dressed in a deep green tunic trimmed in brown, brown trousers and studded leather boots walked through the corridor his sword swaying from side to side with his steps. He turned down a dark corridor then disappeared through a hidden passageway. He trusted his memory to guide him through the pitch black tunnel. He stopped after three right turns and one left and started counting his steps. At ten he reached out and knocked gently on the door he could not see. A clunking sound followed by gentle creaking and a faint flickering light told him it was time.

***

Name: Sebastian Cormac

Age: 24

Ht/Wt: 6'4" 260 lbs

Race: Human/?

Class: Knight

Occupation: 'Knights' agent; Comander of the Imperial Honor Guard of Raschwin

Appearnce: A tall, heavily built man with shoulder length whitish-blonde hair and sea green eyes. His skin is permanently tinted bronze, his ears are slightly pointy and his canines are longer than normal. He is known to dress somewhat modestly for his station when he is not in his armor. His armor is black with gold trim and the Imperial symbol of a dragon clutching the world is emobossed in gold and silver on his rysin plate armor.

Weapons: Black bastard sword made of rysin steel and two black daggers.

Bio: Born in Rashwin to an Imperial General Sebastion was brought up being trained for combat and leading armies. As he came into manhood however he found that the Emperor was not the best man to rule. He knew that he also was not the man to rule, but he placed his faith in the Church and they rewarded him by allowing him to come and spend some time with the High Minister after his father's death as a favor bewteen friends. He returned and was named to take his father's place then uncovered a plot to murder the Emperor and his family and brought the assasin to justice. He seeks a way to remove the Emperor from power in secret and without undo violence to him or his family.

[Sile]

Name: Liera

Age: 18

Ht/Wt: 5'7'' 130lbs

Race: 3/4's Human, 1/4 Water Nymph

Class: Mercenary/ Assassin, Minor Water Magic Worker

Occupation: Mercenary/ Assassin

Appearnce: A slender, tanned, young lookin girl, with bright blue eyes and dark brown hair with streaks of green, cut short and shaggy. (Natural) She wears doe skins as clothes with light armor over her chest, and thick leather boots.

Weapons: Two throwing knives tucked in her boots, a Druid Bow with twelve arrows, and a short cheaply made (and ill used) sword.

Bio: She was born and raised in a travelling mercenary group. Her mother died while giving birth, and her father was not mean, but firm and strict, teaching her and throwing her into the battle field at a young age. She was born mute, but has made up for it in a language her and her father had made with hand movements. Because of this, she was taught how to read and write.

Her father died in the battle field when she was 16, and she traveled off alone to gather herself togther, and now finds herself in the middle of 'war' with the Church and the Leaders.

--

Leira was coughing, and she felt blood trickle to her lips from a raw throat. Twirling her finger in the cup of hot tea the Church had givin her, she quickly swallowed it down from a stern glance from one of the nuns.

Ducking her head, she stared silently around her, wondering what in the hell she had stumbled into with all these fighters, messengers, and only Goddess knows what else floating, running, and leisurely walking about.

Brushing her fingertips against the scraps of paper, and some charcoal in her pocket, she waited to find the best time to ask about what she saw. Gulping down the rest of her much honeyed tea, she smiled softly at the nun as she clucked her tongue at the girl.

[Dezan]

((OOC: If anyone wants to join they'll have the weekend to do so, otherwise me and sile are gonna super post. If you come in a few pages after we start pm me and we wil stop to allow you to catch up.))


Sebastian stepped inside and knelt letting his eyes adjust to the flickering light. The door closed and a hand fell softly onto his shoulder,"Father, I come once again to report what I have learned."

The hand was lifted and a chair moved into the light as an older man sat down,"Begin my son."

Sebastian stood and looked around the room first making sure no one else was present,"The Emperor is more paranoid now than ever. He increases the the patrols at the palace and the number of guards in place at any one time. Soon the army will begin to resent him and his paranoia. If we allow him to continue for another years or so I should be able to remove him quietly and with the support of the army. He is also constantly sending and recieving messages from Alendai. He forbids for anyone to view what is in these messages even myself."

Sebastian sighed and looked down at the older man,"He is losing himself and the Empire as a result. He does not trust his advisors," a twisted smile played across his lips," he trusts only me. Anything that he is told he waits till they leave then asks my opinion. If he doesn't trust someone he asks me to place a scout on them so they can be watched at all times. I begin to fear that some of his more intelligent advisors will be killed for treason and that I will be forced to carry out these orders."

The older man nodded then stood,"Thank you, Sebastian. Your loyalty to the people is greatly appreciated. May you go with god."

Sebastian bowed,"May you recieve his blessing as well." Sebastian turned to his right and walked out a different door than the one he entered. He closed the door behind him and made sure the seal was not noticable before stepping out of the counciling booth. He closed the door quietly and started out of the church. He noticed a nun 'mother henning' a young woman, then was stopped by a man in bright clothing.

"Commander Cormac, what a pleasure to see you," The man's words dripped with disdain. He glanced down at Sebastian's sword and smiled,"You come into a church armed Commander? Surely you don't expect to find any offenders of the law here?" The smile grew as the man's tone twisted from disdain to mock confusion.

Sebastian smiled politely,"I wish the same could be said of meeting you Sir Alexei." Sebastian gripped the hilt of his sword,"One of the pleasures of being a commander is that I can accuse anyone even you of offending the law, even in a church." He smiled once again and pushed Alexei out of his way and started back out of the church.

[Sile]

Leira sighed and downed another cup of tea. Flipping her hair out of her eyes, she turned as an exchange between a royal idiot and a heavily armed man. Tilting her head to hear better, she smiled as the weaponed man got the best of him. Staring at him for a second, she wondered if he could give her a job.

Jumping up and running over to him, she grabbed out her pencil and paper and wrote in crooked letters: "I need a coin. Do anything, best thing I do is assassinations, guarding, and battlefield." She shoved it up at him, staring hard, looking swiftly between an abused girl, and a woman with a hard history.

Taking it back, she wrote another thing, "Please!". She stepped back and bowed her head slightly, showing she knew her place.

[Dezan]

Sebastian looked down at the girl and shook his head. He reached down and grabbed her arm just above the elbow in a strong grip. He started to walk out of the church keeping his hold on the girl. He leaned down and whispered in her ear,"If you make a fuss I will be forced to kill you."

[Sile]

Leira blinked up at him, made a gurgled sound, and watched as the nun stared disapprovingly at them. She started to tremble, but kept still and followed, hoping his tight grip would loosin. She sneezed, coughed, and started shaking more, more in sickness then fear as the man drug her away.

Silent tears started falling, but she kept her head turned away, trying to keep her weakness invisible to him.

[Dezan]

Sebastian walked out of the church and down the main street. Once he was within decent sight of the gates the guards brought their lances up and stood straight before saluting. Sebastian stopped and looked to one of them,"Daniel take this young woman inside and get her some honeyed tea then take to my sitting room. Make sure one of the guards stays with outside the door when you return to your station." Sebastian let the girl go then strode past the gate. He walked to his quarters and went straight to his wardrobe. He put on his uniform and poured a glass of strong brandy.

[Sile]

Leira was tempted to just sit down and throw a mute tantrum, but she followed and sat down in the room, curled up in a cushy chair, her hands wrapped around the mug of tea. She sipped it and blinked in surprise as it tasted really good.

She tilted her head around the room and sighed softly, wondering what the hell she got herself into. Shifting slightly, Leira stared out the window, wondering if her bow was still where she had it stashed. Fingering the sword at her side, she decided to take it from its sheath and put it on the table to show she was no threat, even though she was pretty sure he viewed her as a lowlife traveler anyways.

[Dezan]

Sebastian took the brandy and walked into the sitting room. He set his brandy down, after taking a sip, and looked the sword over. He lays the sword back on the table then looks at the young woman before him,"You could been a little more discreet. You didn't leave me many ways to deal with the situation. Now if you can tell what all you can do and what experience you have." Sebastian took another sip of the brandy.

[Sile]

She tilted her head at him, and shook her head. Motioning to her mouth, she stopped mid-motion, taking out another small piece of paper, she took the charcoal out and wrote, "Born and raised mercenary. I can spy, guard, anything really. Just have to say." She slid the paper to him and sat back, sipping the tea. Her eyes locked on him, scanning and sizing before she droppd her eyes and resumed her small look.

[Dezan]

Sebastian read the note quickly and nodded he leaned back and thought for a second. He took another sip of the brandy,"What have you done as far as work? I don't need nor want to know specifics. Just give me some general knowledge of your level of experience."

He looked at the sword,"You obviously don't know how to use a sword, so tell me. What type of weapons do you use?"

[Sile]

Flipping the paper over, she scribbled down, "Spy work, assinations, guarding. I use throwing knives, poisons, and a Druid made bow." She paused, "I learn quickly, and have done more that can be written on the paper, but that is what I do best." She pushed it to him, then withdrew her last paper.

"My last paper. I will need more if you ask more questions."

[Dezan]

Sebastian read the paper and nodded,"I will have rooms arranged for you. Stay here and someone will come and get you when your rooms are ready." Sebastian stood and walked to the door,"You are free to move about mine and the servants quarters. You can not leave, yet, nor can you enter the Emperor's suite or my personal room." He opened the door and walked out, closing the door quietly he moved quickly through the halls.

He made his way to the servants quarters. He met with Killik the servant in charge of the quarters,"There is a girl in my sitting room. Get her set up in the rooms adjacent to mine. Tell the Captain you are acting under my orders and that he is to vacate his rooms immediately. Once you get the rooms set up retrieve her and show her to her rooms."

[Sile]

Leira fell asleep in the chair. The empty mug hit the heavily rugged floor with a mild thump. Head lolling, she started to snore softly, her finger tips twitching every once in a while.

She didn't even wake when the servant came to get her. Sighing and shaking his head, he went and called a maid and another male servant. The male picked her up and took her to the room, and the female sat in a chair next to the bed, softly humming and knitting as she waited for the girl to wake.

Killik went to Sebastian, knocking on his door, he spoke through the wood. "Sir, the girl is asleep, she didn't wake when I went I went to get her. She is in her room, with Sera watching over her."

[Dezan]

Sebastian opened the door and handed Killik a gold coin,"Thank you, please inform Sera that I will be in a meeting with my Captains. If the girl should try to leave I am to be informed immediately, I care not if I am with the Emperor. Is that understood?" Without waiting for an answer he walked out and down the hall.

He walked into a side room and sat down. Over the next few minutes several junior officers came in and took their seats. Once Sebastian was ready he cleared his throat and looked at the officers,"The Emperor would like to know why the people are beginning to resent him." He looked down at the report before him,"I would like to know why my men begin to become restless and their leaders do not keep them in check."

[Sile]

Her coughing woke her up. The bed was comfortable, but she knew not where she was. Leaping up, she found she only had her knives in her boots. Her ill-used sword was still in that room she was in before.

Sera jumped up in bewilderment as the girl went to go run through the door.

"Wait! You can't leave!" She went to reach for Leira, but she was all ready through the door, only to find her face implanted in a guy's chest. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pushed her back into her room.

"Child," Killik whispered, "You are sick. You need rest. Be at peace." He motioned at the maid and she curtsied slightly and slipped out the door to inform Sebastian of the girl's waking and near escape.

Killik gently pushed her into a chair and handed her a mug with more honeyed tea, and also gave her a bowl of sweetly smelling meat and vegtables.

"Eat, you will feel better." Leira grudginly obliged.

[Dezan]

Sebastian was about to drag the young captain across the table,"You mean to tell me that you can not control your men?" He glared at the younger man,"Perhaps I should show you how to deal with insubordinate men? Perhaps you wish to be shown how to teach them who calls the shots?"


Sebastian stood and slammed his fists into the table,"YOU ARE OFFICERS, YOU ARE LEADERS. YOU WILLSHOW THESE MEN THAT YOU ARE IN CHARGE."

The officers recoiled from Sebastian, the young captain almost fell from his chair,"Commander I merely meant that the men grow restless. They grow complacent here at the Palace."

Sebastian nodded,"Get me a list of names, each of you. I want the names by tomorrow morning. Ask the men who wishes they had a better assignment. You are dismissed."

As the men filed out of the room Sera poked her head in,"Commander?"

Sebastian looked up and waved her in,"She has woken up?"

Sera nodded,"Yes Commander, she tried to run but Killik stopped her. He should have her food now."

Sebastian nodded and walked by her, towards the girl's rooms. He knocked softly before walking into the room. He walked over to the and sat down,"I hope you enjoy your room." He sat a report on the table and a small stack of papers,"The paper is for you. I have decided to hire you on. I will inform you later on about exactly what will be expected of you."

[Sile]

Leira stared at Sebastian. She pulled a piece of paper to her and wrote, "I only needed a job for a day, to get coin and be on my way." She stared at him, shrugged, and wrote, "Father always said I needed an adventure." She smiled, pushed it to him and continued to drink her hot tea.

Smacking her forehead softly, she scratched in "Thank you!" crookedly, before backing away to her food and quietly eating and thinking off into the distance, her liquid eyes staring wide through the window.

[Dezan]

Sebastian read the note and nodded,"I'll let you know first thing in the morning what your job will be. Till then feel free to roam the palace." He stood and walked to the door.

"If you wish to speak to me I will be in the training area. Killil will be out in your sitting room just ask him to show you where it is." Sebastian walked out of the room and quietly shut the door.

He walked through the palace at a quick pace, his boots clicking on the polished stone floor. As he passed out into the training yard he saw several new recruits being put through their paces by one of the instructors, as well as a few older troopers sparring.

He walked over to one of the gearc tables and removed his blouse and over tunic. He folded both and laid them neatly with his cap and daggers. He walked to where the recruits were being drilled and walked around them. A couple of them noticed him, the others kept their attention on the instructor. He noticed the two who saw him were naturals with their weapons and seemed to be able to keep up with ease.

Sebastian stepped up next to the instructor who looked at him and smiled,"Yes sir, is there any thing I can do for you?"

Sebastian smiled back then pointed at the two who had watched him walk up,"What do you think of those two? Are they as good as they seem to be?"

The instructor nodded,"Aye, they are naturals both come from families of troopers." Then added after a second,"Both families are known for their honor and courage."

Sebastian nodded,"Well you two come on. Step forward and get ready." He looked to the instructor who nodded and moved the others into a circle around Sebastian and the other two.

The two exchanged looks, then the larger of the two spoke up,"Excuse me sir, but you want to fight both of us? With all do respect I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

Sebastian laughed,"Don't worry about that, just come on." He unsheathed his sword and motioned for the two to begin.

[Sile]

Leira sighed and walked around the room for a minute after the man left. Returning back to the desk, she picked up the report and read what she could understand of it, but little of it actually did. Gulping the last of the tea down, she glanced at the bed and contemplated sleeping, but the need for her bow registered more effectively in her mind.


Stepping out of the room, Killik soon appeared. He motioned at her to follow him, and she did so with a waryness, it surprised her. She felt comfortable here, but something kept her on guard. It was weird.


Following Killik out, she watched as the man that drug her here set out fighting with two younger lookin boys. She tilted her head before getting out a paper and writing down, "Sorry. Placed bow by Church. I wish to get it back." She paused, added, "Sir." At the end, and grimaced. Handing it to Killik, she watched as the man patiently waited for the match to end before giving the paper over to Sebastian.

[Dezan]

The two did not move immediately but stood confused for a second. Sebastian leapt forward and struck one across the thigh with the flat of his blade,"MOVE!!"

The two launched into action, they began to mov towards Sebastian who stood and waited for them thed pint of his sword down. They started to attack in unison but one's attack was slightly faster than the other. Sebastian dodged to the left moving away from the faster attack and used his wrist to swing his sword up stopping the second attack cold. Before the recruits could react Sebastian grabbed the nearer one by his tunic and pulled him while sweeping his right foot forward tripping the man.

The second man moved forward attempting to use his size as an advantage. Instead of dodging Sebastian let the man come at him and caught him with a stiff jab followed by a short smack to the ribs with the flat of his sword.

As the first scrambled to his feet and the second stumbled back from the blows, Sebastian spun and brought the blade of his sword down to where it barely touched the back of the first man's neck,"You're dead." The man looked up at himand realized it was the blade of a sword press to his neck and paled.

He saw his friend start to attack Sebastian from behind and smiled. Sebastian once again swung his sword up using his wrist to snap the blade just at the point where it came in contact with the other blade. He reached out and grabbed the blade then spun and heel kicked the man in the stomach. The recruit flew back and landed on his face.

Sebastian sheathed his sword as the girl came running up to him. He held a hand up to her as the two men got to their feet,"You both did very well. I am Commander Cormac of the Imperial Honor Guard. The point of this was to show you that being a 'natural' doesn't beat experience. Practice hard and you could be great."

He turned to the girl and read the paper. He nodded to her then to Killik,"Take her out in town make sure she remains un-harmed and reutrns to her rooms as soon as she is ready."

With that Sebastian walked over to the gear table and grabbed his things. Once he had his things he made his way back to his room and began reading more reports.

[Sile]

Leira nodded as Killik came walking back to her. She smiled and started on her way when the bigger of the recruits caught her eye by staring openly at her. She stopped and stared back, wondering if he was an enemy or a someone just sizing her up. She was niave to what he was really thinking.

Killik touched her arm gently and pulled her along, sighing and shaking his head. "You be wary of these boys, men, anything really, around here. No one knows what they are capable of, even with Sebastian around."

Leira looked at him quizzically at the name, but shrugged and continued on. After a good bit, they reached the stables and pulled out two battle-hardy mares, retired from the battle field. Leira went to get on the grey one bareback, but Killik held her back.

"You have a lot to learn, dear girl." She tilted her head and smiled, blushing at knowing she was making a fool of herself.

[Dezan]

As Sebastian sat in his study reading reports, a heavy scowl began to form. The reports, while already extremely late, told of increased raids into the towns at the borders. While not entirely unexpected at this time of year the frequency and coordination of these attacks was unsettling.

Sighing, Sebastian turned and tossed the report he had been reading into the fire at his back. He watched to make sure it caught then picked up another report and began reading it.


______

A tall elegantly dressed man strode quickly through the halls of the palace his eyes darting into every open door searching. After several moments searching he came to Sebastian's door and knocked, then without waiting for a response entered,"Good morning Sebastian, we need to talk."

[Sile]

Leira and the old man were riding back, the brisk lope traveling them faster back to the palace. She slipped off the mare, running beside her before they both came to a stop. She put her bow behind her, and grabbed the quivers before running up into the palace. She skidded to a stop in front of Sebastian's door before knocking and entering.

Like a little kid, she wanted to show him her ulitmate weapon. And it wasn't a half bad weapon either. Finally looking up she noticed a man and Sebastian. Stopping, she dropped her gaze, and backed up, instantly sorry for what she had done.

[Dezan]

Sebastian looked up as the Emperor knocked then walked in. He smiled as he stood up,"Of course ser, what about?"

However, before the Emperor replied the small mute woman came running into the room. Sebastian shook his head as his door was fling open after a short knock.

The Emperor however smiled at the girl,"And who might this be Sebastian?"

Sebastian, mind racing, tried to think of an explanation,"This is a new recruit to the scouts Mi'lord. I am personally overseeing her training as she is the daughter of a close friend of my family."

The Emperor nodded turning towards the girl,"What is your name dear?"

"She's mute, ser."

"Hmmm good quality for a scout, so what's her name?"

Sebastian tried not to look surprised,"Name?"

"Yes, Sebastian, her name. She does have a name doesn't she?"

"Oh yes Mi'lord, Shera."

The Emperor nodded and turned fully towards the girl,"Welcome Shera, I hope Commander Cormac has been most hospitable."

[Sile]

As she was addressed, and talked about, she was gonna quietly slip out, but the Emporer had turned his attention fully on her. He asked her a question, and she dropped on one knee and bowed her head, then nodded. She kept her eyes lowered, waiting to see how this would turn out. She could only pray that this would turn out well for both of her and Sebastian.

[Dezan]

The Emperor laughed at the girl,"Now, now stand up, please. I may be Emperor but I am no more than a man." He looked to Sebastian,"I take it you were expecting her?"

Sebastian nodded,"Yes, ser. She was freelance until here shortly when she made herself known to me. She had some of her things hidden so I sent her along with Killik to gather them. I have given her the suite next to mine so I may keep an eye on her, until I see further notice."

The Emperor nodded assuming what Sebastian had wanted him to, that Sebastain was keeping her close so he could make sure she was loyal,"Very well, our talk can wait. Come see me at your earliest convience Sebastian."

Sebastian nodded,"Of course, Donald." The Emperor nodded to Sebastian as he walked out past the girl and shut the door quietly. Sebastian sank into his chair with a sigh.

[Sile]

Leira, or Shera, (she snorted at this point quietly to herself) stood and with a bowed head watched the Emporor go. Sneaking a look at Sebastian, she started to tremble as she stepped forward.

Her hand trembled as she wrote, "I am sorry. Please forgive my stupidity. I swear it won't happen again." She then placed her Druid bow on the desk for him to inspect. Her quivers were not so great, so she didn't put them into his view.

Fear swirled down her spine, fear that she had done some great wrong, and was going to get a lashing for it, just like it would have been at home.

[Dezan]

Sebastian looked at the note then waved a hand at her dismissevely,"Not your fault." He picked up the bow and examined it. He pulled it out to its full draw, which happened to be half the draw length of his own longbow. He nodded then eased the string back.

He looked up at the girl,"Relax. Your not in trouble for anything." He laid the bow down and gestured to the seat across from him,"Sit down lets talk."

[Sile]

Her trembling took a few minutes to calm, but she sat and stared at him, her eyes searching his face for something. Something that she didn't know, but certainly if it was to become bad for her, she would react in a seconds notice.

Tracing her fingers on the paper in front of her, she waited and fidgeted, wondering what he could want to talk to her about.

[Dezan]

Sebastain looked at the girl studying her hard,"We must discuss your loyalty. I have no need for someone who will simply turn away from an assignment simply because it may cost them their lives."

He stood and walked to the fireplace along the wall,"I must know where your ultimate loyalty lies." He turned back to her,"To the gold, your employer, your country, or toteh church. Fear not for their is no wrong answer but your answer will determine the assignments you recieve."

[Sile]

"My alliance is to no one but myself, not even gold. I have no reason now that my father is dead, but since you have shown me great kindness, I fear that my loyalty is to you. I have nothing else to live for." She bowed her head and pushed the paper away from her, feeling the sorrow of loosing her father for the umpteenth time, but she let it go.

Picking up her bow, she gently pressed the pads of her fingers at the top and felt the gentle hum of its life, then smiled as her father's laughter rang gently in her mind. That was the Druid's gift to her, their magic that they granted her.

She blinked and came back down to reality. Staring at Sebastian, she waited for him to read the paper and make his answer.

[Dezan]

Sebastian read the paper quickly nodding,"Very well, in that case you will be payed well for your services as well as have the suite where you awoke. Killik will be with you shortly with your first assignment. When you finish your assigment report back to Killik, he is more than just a servant."

Sebastian turned away from her,"Also everyone from now on will call you Shera, write your name on a piece of paper and leave it for me. If I ever speak your true name ignore whatever I tell you afterwards and head to the church. Find the head priest tell him I sent you. You will be taken care of."

[Sile]

Leira nodded, saying she understood. Grabbing the paper, she tossed it in the fire before stepping towards the window. She had the bow clenched in her hand, her body slightly trembling again before she walked out of the room into her own.

Sitting down on the bed, she nearly jumped out of her skin as a girl came in with a tray full of food. "Hey, uhm.. They said you probably were still sick, so here's more tea, and more food that even I could stomach in three days.. That has a lot of 'healing' stuff in it... Or so the cooks say." She shrugged and put it down.

Leira smiled and moved towards the food and tea. She slowly started to eat, offering some of the food to the girl.

"I'm sorry that you are mute. It must be difficult.." The girl trailed off, and Leira only shrugged.

[Dezan]

Sebastian kept his back to the door as she left. As the door closed he moved back to his seat and finished picking through the reports. Once he had finished he stepped into his private room. "Killik, come here."

Killik stepped from his closed off alcove,"Yes, ser."

He quickly jotted down a message and handed it to Killik,"Make sure she understands what her job is. And how tenuous her current position is."

Killik nodded,"Of course. I'll Sean follow her."

Sebastian nodded and waved a dismissive hand at him. After Killik left he counted to five hundred then left his rooms and made his way towards the Emperor's gardens. It being before midday the Emperor should be relaxing there.

Sebastian took the last few steps at a jog. He easily spotted the Emperor and walked over to him,"You wished to speak with me about something."

Donald looked up as Sebastian strode over to him,"Yes, I fear we have a problem." He gestured for Sebastian to follow him,"I think we have a traitor in our midsts. I want you to gather evidence on Alexei and have him taken into custody as soon as you have enough evidence." Donald looked Sebastian in the eye,"Will you do this?"

Sebastian didn't hesitate,"Of course, give the time I need and it will be done. Not more than a sennight I think." The Emperor nodded and Sebastian left to his suites.

[Sile]

Her mission was simple, and very clear. A test, that she knew, but one that was vital to Sebastian anyways. In her room, Leira tied her hair back into a traditional brade, smeared some egyptian make-up on to cover her looks a little. Wrapping her middle section in a corsett, she then seemingly waltzed into a floor length dark red dress that snugged her body just a little bit, but not enough to take too much notice.

Slipping on her shoes, she stepped out the door and into the hallway before making her way out into the night. Looking up, she smiled at the moon, said her prayer before walking off into the middle of town where she knew Alexi would be.

Slipping into the tavern, she quickly melded into the dancing and singing of the rest of the group. She slipped into a corner after a few minutes to make sure she was seen, and she sat down. Playing with the end of her hair, she watched as Alexi moved in, slowly trying to dance with another trick, but knowing that the girl was busy with another.

Smiling, Leira stood up and slipped her fingers into his, pulling him away from the crowd. Kissing his cheek, she brought him a mug of wine, sweetened with honey, and sat down on his lap.

Soon after he got interested, he noticed that she had not said a single word. "You mute, girl?" She only nodded in response. He grabbed her wrist and tugged it painfully, causing a gasp, but not a sound to be heard. He tried again, even more painful before he was satisfied that she was. "Can you write?" She let confusion fill her eyes in response, before he nodded.

"Good girl I've found here," He laughed. Soon after, his 'boys' joined him and started talking. The talk that she knew Sebastian wanted and needed. She continued to act like the little trick she was playing to be, getting all the info she could.

[Dezan]

Sebastian walked into his suites and shook his head. He called Killik in, who helped him into his armor then donned his own chainmail shirt and sword. One his way out Sebastian found a few of his Captains and brought them with him. He knew where Alexei was, he always knew where everyone would be. With his extensive network of spies and informants he was even aware of the moment the Emperor fell asleep.

As Sebastian walked the streets towards the dingy, loud tavern he hardly help thinking this was hardly a place where a nobleman should be. He smiled inwardly as he stopped before the door of the tavern. The men around him waited a few seconds before one of them stepped forward and opened the door for him. Sebastian stepped through into the dingy, smoke filled taproom of the tavern.

He squinted till his eyes adjusted to the smoke and light. He took a few more steps into the room and his Captains followed him. The room grew hushed as the people noticed his royal crest and the coat-of-arms on his armor. Sebastian located Alexei in a back corner and started that way.

Chairs screeched as they slid back in a hurry in an effort to stay out of Sebastian's way. He stopped in front of Alexei and looked down at the nobleman, surrounded by his retainers and with a harlot in his lap. Then Sebastian noticed who the girl was, a smirk crept onto his face as he realised this was going to be rough for her.

Alexei looked up at Sebastian then spat on the floor before speaking,"What brings you to this run-down establishment at this time of night Commander? Surely no one here and done anything to bring your notice." The nobelman sneered at Sebastian, confident that whatever Sebastian wanted, he couldn't be touched.

Sebastian allowed the smirk to grow into a smile,"I come to this small establishment to bring in a traitor to the Empire. Though he has been suspect for some time, I never had reason to bring him to justice." He waited as he saw the triumph in Alexei's eyes shine,"Till now. Alexei Raschwin you are accused of being a traitor to the Empire and are to accompany me to the Palace dungeons for questioning."

Alexei laughed at Sebastian,"ME?! A traitor? You must be joking, my uncle will hear of this. You will be stripped of your title and command. Now go, leave me and be on your way peon."

Sebastian smiled,"You seem to forget who gives me my orders Alexei." Sebastian reached forward over Leira and grabbed Alexei's shirt. He snatched the man from his seat and threw him to the ground. One of Alexei's retainers went to stand but was stopped by one of the Captains. The Captains now came forward and stood beside Sebastian as he looked down at Alexei,"Get up and come with me Alexei. Do not force me to kill you."