by David Petrie
Berwyn seemed to treat his people well, allowing them free use of the palace, even upgrading it to suit their recreational needs. Throwing events like this one was another way that he rewarded their service. Surprisingly, the Serpents, weren’t that large of a house, with only fifty-three members including the top three. Everyone Ginger talked to spoke highly of their Lord. More importantly, they seemed loyal. This could be more difficult than I thought. She wasn’t expecting Berwyn to be such a good leader.
On the flip side, there was also a fair amount of interest in the new and mysterious House Lockheart that had appeared from nowhere. Ginger had found herself answering more questions than she could ask at times. The most common inquiry being how their allegiance to the fallen city of Rend had come to be. Of course, Ginger made sure to keep things vague. She had to maintain some of their secrets, after all. This only added to the air of mystery that hung around the name Lockheart. It also helped that Ginger performed her role perfectly. She almost always knew exactly what to say to keep the illusion going.
Above all else, though, playing her new role was fun. She enjoyed pretending to be the enigmatic leader of a powerful house. It was like living a fantasy from her younger years. She was Lady Ginger of Lockheart, and she loved it.
The real surprise was that Kira had been gaining a similar reputation without even trying. Actually, it may have been because she wasn’t trying. Ginger overheard more than a few guests comment on the enchanting fairy that had been seen wandering the crowd. The fact that she hadn’t interacted with anyone had even added to their curiosity. After that, it didn’t take long for people to realize she was a high-level Breath Mage. Someone must have looked up her public profile. Ginger smiled. If that was the case, then they also knew what house she belonged to.
Suddenly, Ginger’s thoughts were interrupted as music began to play. The spectacle that followed was like something out of a major award show. Berwyn entered, top left, the music playing him down the stairs until he reached the landing.
Ginger had seen his picture before. It had been posted everywhere during his rise to power, which she had researched during her day offline. She knew he was good looking, but the pictures hadn’t done him justice. In person, he carried himself with something extra. Something more than confidence. He simply owned the spotlight.
Despite the high security around the palace, there were no guards near him, as if he had nothing to fear from anyone. It wasn’t surprising considering that the golden crown that graced his brow made him nearly immortal. The crowd stopped, turning with all of their attention before he even had to speak.
Ginger noticed Kira, standing on her toes to see past the sea of shoulders ahead.
“Hey!” Berwyn waved in a casual manner that somehow seemed charming. His voice carried through the room as he continued, “First of all, thank you so much for coming to celebrate our acquisition of Torn. It was really an amazing undertaking to be a part of. I can’t tell you how rewarding it was to see the house that I started grow into a full-fledged empire. Albeit, I am kind of regretting giving it such an evil sounding name. The Empire of Serpents doesn’t exactly sound friendly, am I right?” He laughed with a seemingly intentional awkwardness. It got him several laughs in return from the crowd.
“But hey, at least it’s memorable.” The crowd laughed again. “Anyway, I gave a lengthy speech last time I invited you all here, so I’ll spare you a repeat performance. Instead, let’s just get on with the party. I see some new faces that I’d like to get to know, and I’m sure many of you would like to get caught up as well. So without further ado, let’s move this thing to the real ballroom.” He turned and walked toward the massive doors behind him. They seemed to open on their own in response to his presence so that he didn’t need to slow down.
Ginger had assumed that the enormous ballroom that she stood in was as grand as things got. She was wrong. By god, she could not have been more wrong. The night had only just begun.
The pyramid awaited.
Chapter Eighteen
“Holy crap,” Max breathed as he picked his jaw up off the floor.
Farn had a similar reaction, blocking the doorway as she froze at the sight of the inside of the pyramid.
Max had obviously realized that the crystalline structure was large. Still, now that he was inside it, the scale of the pyramid was something else entirely. He felt like he was outside. The walls even matched the exterior of the palace to reinforce the illusion, all stonework and brightly lit windows.
The crowd followed Berwyn through a door below on to an enormous stone patio surrounded by hanging lanterns. Max caught a glimpse of Ginger as she entered. An expression of what could only be described as wonder settled across her face.
Beyond the patio, a strip of sand divided the space, complete with a natural pool that filled the other side. No, pool wasn’t the right word; it was more like a private beach. A stone walkway reached across the waves with a massive throne rising out of the artificial sea at its end. Water poured from the upper floors behind it like a curtain at the back of a stage. Moonlight shimmered across the water’s surface.
Max raised his head, expecting to find the geometric crystal ceiling he saw from outside. To his surprise, it was as if the ceiling wasn’t even there, just a romantic field of stars. An aurora effect danced across the sky as if refracted by the crystalline surface.
Farn let out an awkward laugh from beside him. “Berwyn may have gone overboard with his throne room.”
Max stepped up to the railing, finding Ginger and Kira again down below. The Coin had composed herself back to the cool and mysterious leader she had been portraying so far. The fairy, on the other hand, was enthralled by the fact that there were new food options inside the pyramid.
The servers had rotated, along with the menu. The men in tuxedos had moved up to the balcony to serve the bodyguards. Below, trays were now carried by women wearing light togas. Amongst them, nearly all of Noctem’s races were represented. All except for fairies of course, probably due to their rarity. As far as Max could tell, Kira was the only one of her kind at the party.
The rest of the guests gathered around the perimeter of the patio, which now doubled as a dance floor. Berwyn took his time, casually approaching one of his guests with a hand outstretched. She looked as nervous as she did excited to have been chosen. An orchestra perched on a balcony began to play as Berwyn took her by the hand and spun her on to the floor. The rest of the crowd paired off and joined the couple. From there, the party got started.
Max turned away from the view and snatched a mini egg roll off a tray along with a glass of champagne.
“Might as well try to blend in.”
Farn followed his lead, grabbing a drink of her own. “I’m going to take a walk around the balcony and see if I can find anywhere to invite our stealthy friends in.” She shook her wrist to draw attention to the Shift Beads she wore.
“Good plan. I’ll hang back here and keep watch on things.”
Farn nodded and sauntered off on her own.
Max grabbed another egg roll and resumed his sentry duty, which comprised of watching Kira hide behind Ginger to avoid dancing. He chuckled to himself at his friend’s discomfort. That was when a voice startled him from behind.
“Oh wow, do you actually dual wield?”
He dropped half an egg roll off the balcony and turned to find a wide-eyed reynard woman. Her ears stuck up straight with enthusiasm as she examined his pistols. She stood a little too close.
Max instinctively stepped away, the railing behind him pressing into his back. “Ah, yeah…” He tried to pretend that he hadn’t just dropped food on to the patio below.
“That’s awesome!” She took the space beside him without asking if he wanted company and immediately got comfortable, leaning her elbows on the railing. “I tried doing dual wielding once, but I could never handle it. I missed too much with my left hand.” She mimed finger guns firing in different directions. “So no thanks, I
’ll just stick with the one.” She angled her rear toward him to draw attention to the gun that was holstered at the small of her back next to her tail. She grinned as she proudly displayed her backside. The woman was either oblivious to the effect or didn’t care.
Max tried to check out her gun, but the leather flap of her holster kept most of it hidden. Plus he had trouble doing so without it looking like he was checking out her ass. He shook his head, confused by her sudden familiarity. “I’m sorry, who–”
She cut him off before he could finish the question. “Oh, damn, sorry. I’m Nix.” She stepped back from the railing and held out one hand for him to shake.
Max responded a little slowly, catching only her fingers as he introduced himself. She adapted by performing a ridiculous curtsy while holding the hem of her skirt. A lock of black hair fell across her smoky, blue eyes. He smirked. It reminded him of something Kira would do.
“Anyways, sorry to bother you. I just don’t see many other Furies, especially not a dual-wielder. So I had to say hi.” She shoved the lock of hair back between her fuzzy ears, giving it a messy but wild quality.
“I don’t meet many Furies either.” He leaned back on the railing, prompting her to join him.
She nodded. “It’s a class that has a lot of appeal for beginners, but most seem to find it too challenging since it relies on speed and aim. I stuck with it, but I’m still only mid-level now, so that’s not really impressive. How 'bout you?”
“My level’s pretty high.” He gave her a knowing smile but tried to keep things vague.
“Thought so.” She nodded as if congratulating herself. “I didn’t recognize your pistols, so I figured they’re a set that I haven’t come across yet.”
“Yeah, they weren’t easy to get.” He left out the fact that they were contract items.
“So, you’re not a fan of ties either?” Her eyes flicked to the loosened knot around his neck.
“What?” Max asked, before realizing what she meant. “Oh, yeah. It was choking me to death. I’m not big on formal wear.”
She snorted a laugh. It wasn’t as musical as Kira’s, but it sounded honest. “I know, right? I’m not exactly wearing this by choice.” She motioned down as if her appearance was enough to explain her point.
Her outfit was similar to his. Just a vest and shirt with a loose tie. The only real difference was that where his clothing was black, hers was gray. Well, that and the rather short, pleated skirt that flipped up in the back where her tail connected to her body. It would have been a little too revealing if she hadn’t added a pair of leggings underneath to keep things PG.
“Plus, who wants to be wearing a tie if there is a chance of getting in a fight. I mean, it’s pretty much a giant vulnerability.” She grabbed the piece of fabric and mimed being choked by it with her tongue hanging out.
Max laughed at the display.
“So, which one’s yours?” She pointed down at the crowd, her tone sounding like a proud parent asking another which kid on the playground was theirs.
Max decided not to admit to the fairy below who was currently trying to juggle a glass and a handful of tiny eclairs. Instead, he pointed out Ginger.
“I’m here with House Lockheart. That one down there in the green dress is our Lady.”
Nix followed the line of his finger to the floor. “Oooo, she’s pretty.”
“Yeah, she turns a few heads.” Max shrugged, then hooked a thumb down at the guests. “Which one are you saddled with?”
“I guess that one.” She poked a finger in the direction of Lord Berwyn.
Her words hit Max like a truck. The reynard wasn’t wearing a house ring, so he hadn’t considered the possibility that she was one of Berwyn’s Serpents. The simple acknowledgment marked her as an enemy, and here he was making conversation like an idiot. He couldn’t afford to let his guard down.
“Oh, so you’re part of Berwyn’s house?” he fished for information.
“Nah. I’m just here to make some hard.” Nix waved a hand then snatched a stuffed mushroom off a passing tray with the other. She took a small bite then spit it out over the railing. “Ack, crab.”
Max ignored the act. “So you’re a mercenary then?”
She tossed the remainder of the offending mushroom over to join the rest. “Yeah, I guess.” She brushed a few crumbs from her hand. “My partner and I took out Amelia’s First Knight during the attack on Torn. That’s her over there. Her name’s Aawil.” Nix pointed toward a female faunus leaning up against one wall, a Coin from the look of the wire launcher on her wrist. She stood with her arms crossed like they were a barrier to keep others away.
Nix shrugged. “Aawil’s no fun at parties, though. That’s why I have to go chat up random Furies.”
“So you’ve been to parties here before?” Max probed.
“I should hope so. I kind of live here. Well, obviously, I don’t live here. I live in Philly, but I have room in the palace that I have set as my home point.”
“Oh, so Berwyn just lets his mercs hang out here? That’s a nice perk.”
“Not all of them, just the ones he keeps on retainer," Nix grinned, “and yeah, the perks are amazing. This place has everything. There’s the beach, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and a tavern with pretty much every food item in the world available for free.” She listed everything off on her fingers.
Jeez, it’s like Kira’s paradise, Max thought. “Sounds like a good deal. I wouldn’t expect a guy bent on world domination to treat his people so well.”
Her tall ears twitched at the comment. “He’s gentle as a kitten. I mean, I wouldn’t cross him, but he does right by us. I think he’s a bored rich guy or something out in the real world. Just doing this for fun.”
“So he’s conquering Noctem, as what, a hobby?”
Nix shrugged. “That and dancing, I guess. He loves showing off on the floor.”
Max shifted his view to watch the Lord of Serpents. The man looked at home as he twirled an elf away before pulling her back into a dip. “I guess he knows his way around a ballroom.”
Nix leaned forward. “That’s nothing. I’ve seen him do more out there. I think he’s holding back to keep pace with his partner.”
“I don’t really know much about dancing.”
“You should try sometime. Take that gorgeous Lady of yours out for a night on the town.”
Max couldn’t help but laugh at the suggestion of him and Ginger together.
“Or you could give your partner here a spin.” Nix leaned to look past his shoulder and gestured with her head to where Farn now stood.
Max froze for a second, unsure how Nix knew who Farn was without an introduction. He pushed off the railing and tried to act natural. “Oh, hey, how was the walk? This is Nix. She works for Berwyn,” he tried to inform his housemate that the over friendly reynard might be an enemy without making it obvious.
Farn stopped short, glancing between the two. “Ah good, good.” She extended a hand to the woman and gave her name. “The pyramid is really something. Especially over by the waterfalls in the back. You can actually walk behind them.”
“I know, right? That’s one of my favorite spots.” Nix looked back at her partner and let out a sigh. “I should probably go back and hang out with Aawil over there before she withdraws any further, but hey, it was awesome meeting you two. You should talk to your Lady about allying with us. I want to see you dual wield, and I’d prefer to be on the same side when that happens.” She gave Max a wide smile, then stalked back to her partner.
“She seems… nice. For a bad guy,” Farn commented.
Max tapped one finger on the railing. “Maybe.”
“Why maybe?”
“How did she know we were housemates? I don’t think she could see your ring.”
“Maybe she saw us together earlier.” Farn furrowed her brow.
“Yeah, maybe. Or maybe she’s keeping tabs on us since we’re new. I can’t shake the feeling that there was more to that
exchange.” Max folded his arms. “I don’t know, maybe not. She doesn’t seem that organized. Anyway, did you find a way to sneak the guys in?”
Farn sighed. “Nope. Every door on this balcony is either locked or has a pair of guards positioned at it. Even behind the waterfalls. I can tell if they’re players or NPC guards. They’re all wearing the same gear sets so they could be either or a mix.”
“Damn, we have to think of something.” Max leaned back on the railing.
That was when Farn grinned. “I think I have an idea.”
“And that is?” Max arched an eyebrow.
Farn began to walk backward. “Sometimes, the best solution is just to be yourself. And I… am embarrassing.” As soon as the last word left her mouth, she collided with a server.
Max winced as Farn fell, taking a tray of champagne with her. The resulting crash was louder than one might have expected.
“I’m okay, I’m okay.” Farn pushed herself off the ground, empty stemware falling off her as she did. Champagne ran down her vest. Droplets of liquid peppered the fur that lined her cape.
“Oh, I’m terribly sorry!” The server helped her up, clearly worried about complaints. “Let’s get you to a washroom to refresh your armor.”
Farn shot Max a wink.
“No need to apologize. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Farn bowed her head, “but yeah, I should probably refresh my gear. Don’t want to end up sticky all night.”
Max shook his head as Farn was escorted out into the hall.
“House Lockheart, we may not have style, but we get the job done.”
Chapter Nineteen
Corvin lay prone next to Kegan and Wren. The sound of music reached his tall, fuzzy ears, muffled by the walls of the palace. It helped fill the awkward silence that hung over them. A stick was digging into his thigh. He held in a sigh.
Suddenly, Farn’s voice came over the house line in a whisper, “Grab on to each other, 'cause I’m shifting you in.”