Journeyman Assassin

by Brian Keller

  The boys walked into the Training Room with bows sticking out over both shoulders and draped across their arms. They turned sideways as they entered the room, just to make sure they didn’t snag on one side or the other. Cooper scanned the room quickly as he and Kolrem walked to the weapons table to deposit their burdens. A quick wave from amongst the students caught his attention and he waved back at Loryn. The small girl turned her attention back to chipping away at her partner’s defenses. She looked like she was comfortable handling a blade in each hand. Mister Skran waited until the boys had started off-loading before he called, “Stop! Rest in place. Keep same partners again.”, and he walked over to inspect the weapons the boys had brought in. Kolrem spoke, “Apologies for interrupting, sir. Master Loril asked that we bring these to you.” Mister Skran examined a bow as he replied, “Yes. I’d heard you boys had been sent away. To Kalistos after your return from the forest, wasn’t it? These didn’t come from there, though, did they?” Cooper thought he sensed some tension in Mister Skran’s voice, “I don’t believe so, sir. These were brought by ship from Kalistos City. I’m not sure where they came from before that, sir.” Mister Skran easily slipped into his role as instructor, “These appear to be of Caldori design. Though several of the tribes in the Broken Lands have adopted their use in the last decade or so. Since the bows are short, they can be used while on horseback. Even a small force of mounted archers can be devastating.” Cooper offered, “I’m sure that’s true, sir. If there’s nothing else, sir. We should go. We are distracting your class.” Mister Skran nodded, “I’m sure you already know, but you both are in my class tomorrow at ten. You made bows of your own while you were away, I expect?” Both boys nodded and Skran continued, “Good. Bring them.” He then turned back to the class and called out, “Stand… Begin.”

  Once the boys were back in the hall, Kolrem asked, “Ok, is it me? Or was that somehow really uncomfortable and awkward?” Cooper nodded, his lips in a tight line, “I think we’re ok, but Mister Skran likely feels either angry or insulted.” Kolrem hadn’t made the connection, “About what?” Cooper lowered his voice, even though it appeared there was no one around, “From the way Utsef reacted to hearing that Mister Skran was teaching, I’d guess that Mister Skran didn’t do so well in the forest. The last time we were here, Master Loril almost said as much. Maybe why Skran’s an instructor, and not an Assassin. We might be a painful reminder, like salt in an old wound that never really healed.”

  When they reached the door to Miss Camilla’s classroom, they didn’t knock, they just slipped in. They were a couple steps into the classroom before Miss Camilla looked up and they’d taken a couple more steps before she’d fully recognized him. She laughed, “Mister Cooper, I cannot express how tardy you are. And your classmates graduated the apprentice class months ago, during your absence. How do you expect to recover your lost time?” Her tone was teasing, but Cooper dreaded how serious she might be. From across the classroom Aden called out, “Cooper! You’re back! Hey, Kolrem!” Cooper smiled and waved at Aden while he replied to Miss Camilla, “Uh, all things in good time, Miss? When shall I take the Apprentice level Apothecary test? Miss Camilla had a glint of mischief in her eye, “Well, it’s nearly dinner time. After dinner?” Cooper shook his head, “I can’t, Miss. We’ve been told to meet with Master Worthan after dinner.” She smiled, as if his reply didn’t matter, “Well, you can’t avoid me forever, you know. In fact, you both have class with me tomorrow morning, starting at eight. I trust you’re tardiness and absences are at an end? At least for a while?” Cooper sighed as he nodded, “I sincerely hope so, Miss.” At that, Miss Camilla couldn’t help but laugh a little, “All right. You’ve disrupted my classroom enough. I’ll see you both in the morning.” The boys bowed their heads and turned to leave and Camilla called out, “Oh, and Cooper, not that it’ll matter. I mean if he wants you, he’ll find you; but you should consider how you might avoid Felis for a little while longer.” All the color drained from Cooper’s face. He almost felt a little queasy as he left the classroom. Kolrem took hold of Cooper, “Hey! Are you alright? What’s wrong?” Cooper found his voice, “Felis gave me his token. He vouched for me. Then I go out and break a bunch of rules, we were just one word away from being executed but we get sent away instead… and it’s quite likely all that was then laid at Felis’ feet. I’m doomed.”

  “Why would you be doomed?” The voice wasn’t Kolrem’s. In fact, it came as such a shock to Kolrem that the boys switched roles and Cooper was suddenly helping Kolrem to stand. Cooper replied, “Hello, Felis. It couldn’t have been Miss Camilla that informed you. Master Loril?” Felis stepped out from a doorway, “No. Nothing like that. I’ve been checking on what ships come and go for several days now. The Sundancer finally arrived today. It isn’t always possible for me to slip away from my duties at a moment’s notice, but in truth I did stop by the Smithy and Master Loril mentioned that you might be checking in with Camilla. Now, why would you be ‘doomed’?” Cooper looked incredulous, “Because my rule breaking is a reflection on you, isn’t it? Don’t you look bad because I got in trouble?” At this Felis laughed out loud. Cooper hadn’t even been certain he could do that. Felis replied, “First, my ‘reputation’ is already tarnished enough that your little infraction doesn’t even register with me. Second, even if it did, do I seem like someone that worries about how I am viewed or thought of? Third, I’m actually a little proud of what you did. I’m told your attack was fairly well coordinated for being so unplanned. In fact, the only negative thing about it is that I wish you’d brought your plans to my attention first. I could’ve told you that those boys were already under observation. The Council was convinced that someone was behind their actions, and by following them, we might find out who.” Cooper still felt ashamed, “So, we messed that all up.” Felis shrugged, “Some say so, but I don’t believe that Dregs House was acting under direct supervision. I think someone either forced or convinced them to start squeezing locals for coin and just never gave them any further instructions or guidance after that. I don’t think that watching them continue would’ve provided us anything.” He paused, but only for a moment, “But don’t ever do anything like that again. We are strong because we operate as a Guild. Our actions and efforts are coordinated. When Camilla decided for us to investigate the poisoning of that House in Batter’s Field, she made what is called an informed decision. That isn’t what you did when you went out to find those boys. You understand the difference?” Cooper nodded, “Yes, sir. We’ve had some time to think about it. I knew it was against the rules, but I can’t say that I really regret doing it. The families thought it was us, the Guild, robbing them, beating them, killing them. And the way the Dregs boys went about it… cruel. No, more than cruel… sadistic. They enjoyed it. I couldn’t let that continue. I just couldn’t. I know it was against the rules. But I don’t believe what I did was wrong. Does that mean I’m still in trouble?” Felis had grown thoughtful, “I believe you are in trouble, but not in the way you think I mean it. If you’re going to become an Assassin, you’re going to be handed contracts to kill someone.” Cooper started to reply, but Felis held up a hand, silencing him, “I know you can kill. But if you’re handed a contract, you’re now hunting a stranger. Maybe they deserve to die, but maybe they don’t. Maybe he’s a good man whose death serves no purpose but to feed an evil man’s greed. Let’s face facts here, most of our clients aren’t “nice” people. They’re hiring us to kill, after all. So now what? And before you think the person you’ll be called upon to kill will remain a stranger; by the time you complete the contract, you’ll know them as well as they know themselves. In fact, if you’re good at your job, you’ll know them better than that. Because that’s how you’ll know the best way to kill them.”

  Chapter 32

  The boys were waiting in the dining hall when the cooks brought out the food. Kolrem’s eyes were fairly glazed over. He smiled at the ladies as they placed the bowls, trays and platters laden with foo
d, “Oh ladies, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you!” One of the girls blushed a little and she asked, “Why? Where have you been?” One of the older ladies reached out as if to swat the girl. The girl evaded her and the older lady clucked her tongue as she scolded, “In this place those questions are best left unspoken!”, she abruptly shifted her gaze to Kolrem, “and unanswered!” Kolrem ducked his head as he busied himself with filling his plate.

  Soon they were surrounded by friends and acquaintances, and everyone with questions, Cooper and Kolrem had catching up to do as well. Several classmates were torn between greeting Cooper and Kolrem, and welcoming Dailen back into their ranks. Dailen had tucked himself safely away in The Dregs after being chased in the Trade Quarter. Birt had planted himself right beside Cooper and was filling him in on how Etiquette class had progressed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He stopped speaking and looked to see who had interrupted them. Trea leaned down and told Birt, “You’re in my spot.” She smiled sweetly as Birt exclaimed, “What the-! oh, right.” Birt started nudging and sliding to make room. Trea sat next to him, placed an elbow on the table and propped her chin on her hand as she looked him fully in the face. She batted her eyes a couple times and then spoke in a deepened, breathy voice, “Hello, Cooper. I’ve missed you.” She batted her eyes again and gave him a sweet, mischievous smile. Cooper set his silverware down on his plate and replied, “Please tell me you’re introducing me to a persona.” She nudged him with the elbow that had been resting on the table as she wrinkled her nose, “Nah, just goofing off. It is good to see you though. There have been plenty of rumors surrounding your mysterious disappearance. They range all the way from you being dead, which actually isn’t so far-fetched considering what’s been going on lately; to you being held prisoner in a university tower.” Kolrem chuckled and managed a few words between bites, “Close. We were held prisoner by a tribesman in the forest.” Trea swiveled her head to Cooper with her eyes wide, “Wha-!?” Cooper was chuckling, “He exaggerates. We were in the forest, that part is true, but we were there to learn. Then a month ago we were sent to Kalistos City to help with a contract and rode back with some cargo. We just got back.” Kolrem swallowed and added, “We don’t even know our full class schedules yet.” He shoveled in another mouthful and Cooper finished the thought, “We know our first couple of classes but that’s it.” Birt interjected, “Etiquette is now “Scenarios”, and it’s from three to five, in the same room. But there’s rumors that not all of us will have the same schedules in the afternoons.” Aden added, “I have Advanced Apothecary in the afternoons, but I don’t think that’s the same for everyone.” Cooper nodded, “Master Loril mentioned that there were some changes in store for a while. I am rather certain that Archery will be included in Combat classes now, but not sure if that includes Beginners. I know it includes us. Mister Skran told Kolrem and me to bring our bows to class.” Cooper’s classmates exclaimed almost in unison, “You have bows?!” Kolrem shrugged and nodded, “Well, of course. You don’t think we fed ourselves for eight months in the forest by charming deer into the stewpot, do you?” Trea turned back to Cooper and batted her eyes again. Cooper brushed her off, “Oh, stop.”

  Cooper was relieved that Kolrem went for a second helping of food because it took him longer than it should have to eat dinner. It helped though that by the third time he was called upon to explain where he’d been for so long, Birt was able to recite most of the tale accurately, and with a surprising amount of detail.

  Once the boys entered Master Worthan’s classroom, Cooper already had questions in mind. The old man was expecting them, “I would assume by now you’ve learned a few of the impending changes to be made to the curriculum. I was going to announce these changes during dinner this evening, but needed to speak with the instructors first. They’ve only just left this room ten minutes ago. It seems that everyone supports the Council’s plan and it will be announced during breakfast tomorrow. The students will likely find it to be an abrupt adjustment, but most should be excited about the changes. Mister Skran sounded like he was looking forward to having you both assist him with his lessons.” The boys were confused, “Assisting, sir?” Master Worthan smiled, “Yes. With Archery. Mister Skran mentioned that he’d told you to bring your bows so you could assist him.” The boys shared a confused look and Kolrem spoke first, “Sir, he did mention for us to bring our bows, but he didn’t say anything about having us assist.” Master Worthan raised his eyebrows and shrugged, “Well, no matter. You know it now. I tell you boys about this because you’re already in a position to know much of the background. We are under attack. We simply haven’t identified our enemy, although I have my suspicions and draw closer to confirming them daily. We must proceed carefully. Rushing too quickly towards a resolution would be like trying to grasp water in your fist.” Kolrem grunted but said nothing. Master Worthan raised an eyebrow, “Yes, Kolrem. You would get nothing to show for your efforts but a wet hand. Because of this slow progression, our students will be at greater risk over a longer time. We must provide them with better means to protect themselves. Mister Skran, with your assistance, will be teaching archery from ten until noon every day. Also, all students will take their bows and arrows with them outside the classroom. This is not the only departure from the originally planned curriculum. Rather than explain it all, here are your new schedules.

  8-10 Anatomy and applied Physiology – Miss Camilla

  10-12 Specialized Combat (Archery and advanced weaponry) – Mister Skran

  1-3 Metalworking – Master Loril

  3-5 Scenarios (Assassins/Thieves/Enforcers) – Miss Eiler & Mister Ysel

  6-8 Advanced Movement (Assassins/Thieves/Enforcers) – Master Brais

  As the boys studied their schedules Master Worthan elaborated, “As you can see, you’ll have some classes with the Enforcer students. We expect this will cause some friction. The Enforcer students are pushed to be extremely competitive.” The boys took a look at their last two classes, trying to figure out how the Enforcer students would fit into the mix, competitively speaking. Master Worthan continued, “Metalworking classes will be ongoing for most of the day. Some of your other classmates will attend metalworking classes while you’re doing Scenarios or Advanced Movement. The forge will stay active most of every day.” Cooper still had questions, “Sir, I hadn’t realized Smithing was a requirement for so many students. Is this a change?” Master Worthan nodded brusquely, “We are under attack. We need items forged and Master Loril simply cannot do it all. Students will learn to assist in making weapons to arm themselves, and possibly even craft a few bits of armor.” That got Kolrem’s attention, “Armor, sir?” Master Worthan considered, “Well, possibly. Do you boys have any questions about your schedules?” Kolrem raised a finger, “I do, sir. Cooper hasn’t Manifested yet, but I have. We have the same classes. Is he a Journeyman? Or am I still an Apprentice?” Master Worthan chuckled, “Kolrem, you’ll have to be patient. For the time being we are suspending ranks for the Apprentice and Journeyman classes. There are many students currently of Journeyman status who will require instruction in archery, and you will be assisting with that instruction. There are even some beginner students who are more skilled in dual hand fighting than a few of the Apprentices. This carries over into academic classes as well. Aden will become an Assistant to Miss Camilla. This appointment would place him in a position superior to Journeyman students in the Apothecary class. Journeymen students have seniority as well as a wider knowledge base than Aden, but Aden has demonstrated a deeper understanding than most other students with regard to the subject matter. We are pooling those two classes of students, as well as including select Beginners, in order to improve these students’ chances for survival and longevity. Aden’s appointment will likely remain permanent, but by the time this crisis is behind us I believe that he will be accepted regardless of whether he is an Apprentice or Journeyman.” Cooper cleared his throat, “So, uh, sir. We’re still on the hook for passing Miss Camilla
’s Apprentice Apothecary exam?” Master Worthan gave them a smile, “I’d say that was between you and Miss Camilla.” Kolrem replied, “But sir, we don’t have Apothecary classes on our schedules…?” Master Worthan held up a finger, “Ah, but you will. For now, you’re classes are all of a more, shall we say, practical rather than academic application. At some point, you will resume your original curriculum…provided you pass her test, that is. If you don’t pass her Apothecary test, and then the next one as well, then we’ll need to find other roles for you than that of an Assassin. Is that clear enough?” The old man addressed Cooper, “Twelve years old now? Or nearly so?” Cooper shrugged, “I should be twelve in the spring, sir.” Master Worthan appeared to have made a decision, “I shall need to start keeping a closer eye on you.” Cooper thought he understood and replied, “Yes, sir.” The boys left Master Worthan’s classroom and returned to the bay. They would need to try to get to sleep early. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.