The Killing Grounds

by Simon Corn

  “Wait here,” Gideon instructed the guards and went into the hall. Alara saw an opportunity and fought against the bindings, but someone behind her punched her in the back of the head and her face hit the wall, breaking her nose, but she refused to cry out. She tried to heal, but it was no good, she was trapped and without a plan. Things looked hopeless. A cold shiver of inevitability ran up her back and a tear ran down her face. She’d fought and lost and she would die at the hands of a man that could have killed her any time within her first few weeks of her apprenticeship. A little part of her wished he had done it. She tried to make mind contact with Black, but the boy was either unconscious or just unresponsive to anything she tried.

  As the last of the guests left the ballroom Gideon came back. “Bring them in,” Alara felt the muzzle of a rifle push into the base of her neck as two other guards grabbed her by the arms and dragged her into the room. She tried to raise her head to see who was left, but the guard lifted the rifle and pushed her head back down.

  Broken glass from the roof crunched under her feet as she was marched across the black and white tiles of the dance floor, the guards came to a stop and she felt a booted foot smash into the back of her knee. As she fell the glass smashed and Alara remembered the sound of Black's arm being shattered. She heard more glass breaking next to her and knew that her friend had been forced to kneel alongside her. Black, speak to me we need to find a way out of here! But if he could hear her he never let on and Alara felt more alone than ever.

  She heard Gideon's voice behind her, “I found these two snooping about on the roof.”

  “Snooping includes this?” Lord Black screamed at Gideon and pointed at the hole in the ceiling. “Have you any idea how much that will cost to replace?”

  “You could always replace it with the original roof.”

  The dig wasn’t lost on his father. “Is that what my hard earned money got me? I should never have agreed to send you to that …” his voice was trembling with rage, “…pathetic Guild in the first place.”

  “Maybe so Father,” Gideon said calmly.

  “Don’t forget who you work for boy!” he stood up, knocking the chair out from beneath him.

  “I know exactly who I work for Lord Black!”

  Lord Black turned his attention to the prisoners. “Stand the boy up,” he bellowed at the guards. The two guards that flanked Black dragged him to his feet, but his legs couldn’t hold him upright and the guards had to support his weight. Alara managed to look up to see Lord Black ram his table away from him with a boot, but only managed to push it on its side and get the table cloth caught around his foot. He pulled a ceremonial sword from the scabbard hanging around his waist and clumsily hacked at the linen several times until it fell to the ground. The man hefted his large frame over the table and crossed the chequered marble floor to stand in front of Black. He lifted the sword and placed the tip under Black’s chin and lifted his head. “Call yourself a Black do you? You're nothing more than a worthless kitchen boy that spends his days begging for scraps from the cooks. I may not have killed you at birth, but it doesn’t matter since you won’t be surviving the day!” Lord Black removed the sword, but the boy kept his head held high. “Ah, so you’ve still got some fight in you? Good, maybe after Gideon has finished playing with you I’ll retire you myself.”

  “Lord Black, has this boy committed a crime?” Penelope Millhaven rose to her feet with a look of dismay on her face.

  “This boy has killed several of my guards! And I don’t answer to you, girl!”

  Penelope looked to Lord and Lady Millhaven who were sitting still, quietly watching and waiting. The blank looks told her that she was on her own. “Even so Lord Black, the law requires witnesses to the murders, do you have such witnesses?”

  “I can get you all the witnesses you and your silly Council require!”

  “Then a trial is in order.”

  “Not so,” Gideon interjected, “I have a bounty for both of these two.”

  “It seems that all is in order then,” she paused. “The assassin bounty is valid on producing the said bounty papers,” she waved Gideon’s unspoken comment away, “which I’m sure you have. However, that does not include letting someone else retire your mark, does it Mister Black?”

  “No, it doesn’t Lady Millhaven,” Gideon said through clenched teeth.

  “And should another party retire your mark in your presence that isn’t a member of your Guild, that person would be punished in a similar manner, correct?”

  “Correct again.”

  Alara sensed an opportunity. Gideon had lied, there was no such Guild law.

  “And I suspect murder is still a crime in the city Lord Black?”

  The old man’s face was red and he was seething with anger. “This is my castle and I’ll do what the hell I like in it!” he bellowed at Penelope.

  The girl stood her ground. “This Fort, Lord Black, is the property of the city, and trust me when I say this, the city will be receiving a very detailed report on tonight’s proceedings!” She leant forward on the table. “Is there anything else you would like me to include in my report or shall I just say that the evening went swimmingly and only highlight these alterations you’ve made without city permission?” she said looking at the ceiling.

  “Enough of this,” Lady Black said firmly. “Do sit down Serith; I believe the girl has what she needs for her findings.” The old man faltered and Alara was surprised to see him hang his head and return to his seat. “You can have your report on my alterations and be careful not to miss out on the fact that I will be approaching the Killing Grounds for the funding to restore the roof to its former glory. And you may include that House Black sends its apologies to the other members of the Council.”

  “Thank you Lady Black.”

  Alara had never seen anyone use leverage like that before, the Millhaven girl knew exactly what she was doing. She turned Lord Black like a corkscrew until his ego burst from the bottle and then she rammed that cork down his throat; protecting a city asset and her sister’s boyfriend at the same time. Alara glanced at Lady Millhaven who sat upright with a look of aloofness on her face. Lord Black sat brooding in his chair, his face was thunderous and he stared hatefully at Penelope Millhaven who smiled back sweetly. Lady Black stood and addressed Gideon, “Does the girl have the same bounty?”

  “Yes Lady Black,” Gideon’s voice was low and respectful.

  Alara realised that she was in the presence of the matriarch; this woman had power, real power.

  “Bring her to me.”

  The guards lifted Alara to her feet and rushed her to stand before Lady Black.

  “Look at me girl,” she commanded. Alara looked into the coldest eyes she had ever seen. “Miss Du Preeze, you seem to be fairly useful with a blade and from what I hear, a very quick learner.” Alara heard the woman speak but she wasn’t listening. Her eyes were fixed on her Lord hanging in a web of ethereal light above the cross-legged Artist. She attempted a healing cast but nothing was working, “What would you say to coming to work for me? I have a few personal issues that I am sure you could take care of.” The old woman glanced back at Lord Osari, “Him for a start.”

  “I’ll never hurt my Lord, but if you let him go and I’ll do whatever you want.”

  Lady Black smiled, “I’m afraid that’s impossible young assassin. If I were to let him go my husband would find himself without a head.”

  Lord Black was Lord Osari’s secret bounty! If Alara was right there was another assassin in the room waiting to cash it in. But who? “Then with all due respect I have to decline your kind offer Lady Black.” Alara bowed and reached for the blade in her boot, but the guards were too quick and dragged her back to kneel next to Black.

  “Gideon, you may collect on the girl’s bounty now if you please,” Lady Black said coldly.

  Gideon stood behind Alara and grabbed her by her hair; he leant down and whispered, “Nothing personal,” and held the edge of the knife t
o her throat.

  Alara swallowed hard as a tear ran down her cheek, she’d failed and it was all over.

  Bastian Millhaven slammed both hands onto the table and shouted, “I’m afraid I cannot allow that Lady Black!”

  Gideon paused, awaiting further instruction from his mother.

  “And why is that Lord Millhaven?” the old woman said calmly.

  “As of yesterday Miss Du Preeze was retained as security manager reporting to the members of the Junior Council and has taken on other duties that her specific skill set allows.” His voice was clear and powerful and exuded a confidence that seemed to echo in every word.

  “And that makes a difference how?”

  “The Junior Council has doubled the amount on the bounty, effectively cancelling the existing bounty.”

  “I think that we both know that that is not the way it’s done Lord Millhaven,” Lady Black said smiling at Bastian.

  That seemed to irritate the boy and he seized the initiative, “On the contrary my Lady, the bounty on Miss Du Preeze was a Guild bounty, a token of their gratitude for finishing in the top five in her class. Should another bounty be extended at double the amount then the Guild bounty becomes null and void.”

  Lady Black looked to Gideon, “Is that correct Mister Black?”

  “In theory it is possible my Lady, unfortunately I haven’t been back to the Killing Grounds to be able to say for certain.”

  Lady Black looked to the assassin that flanked her left side who nodded. “So it seems that you have a stay of execution Miss Du Preeze, but rest assured that House Black will be paying a visit to the Quartermaster shortly to…”

  Bastian hadn’t finished with what he was saying and butted in, “The Junior Council will be paying the Killing Grounds a substantial amount of money on a monthly basis for Miss Du Preeze's help, which will add up to millions over time. House Black, on the other hand, intends to bill the Guild for repairs to this fort. If I were a member of that Guild I know whose side I would be on.” Alara saw the change of expression on his face as Bastian realised he had made a mistake.

  “Ah…So there are sides?” Lady Black sat back down in her chair and waved a hand at Bastian. “Pray tell me more about those so called sides.”

  “I merely meant that business would be best served by the Junior Council’s interest in Miss Du Preeze. Sides was perhaps a poor choice of word,” he rallied, but it was a weak attempt to regain the upper hand.

  “No, I think you were correct in your choice Lord Millhaven. It seems to me that the Junior Council has sided against House Black. Or would you like to back out of your contract with the Killing Grounds and allow me to retire this girl?”

  “I am afraid that would call for a vote and not all of our members are present.”

  “Would you advise me to wait or would I be wasting my time?” she asked, casting a glance toward Bastian’s parents.

  “I cannot say for sure Lady Black, but the Council doesn’t normally back out of any business deal once they agree to the terms.”

  Lady Black sighed, “So be it.” She waved Bastian away. “Miss Du Preeze, you may join your… side.” Alara felt Lady Black’s eyes follow her as she crossed the room to stand behind Bastian and Penelope. “Lord Sirap,” she looked back at the assassin on her left, “is there any change to the kitchen boy’s bounty?”

  Lord Sirap removed his hood and stepped up to join Lady Black, “No my lady, the bounty on Black is still valid and available for collection.”

  “Well I wouldn’t be surprised if Mister Black wanted to collect on it then,” she said turning her attention to Gideon.

  He stood behind Black, took a handful of his hair, tilted his head back and rested his blade on the pale skin of Alex Black. Alara tried to charge, but Bastian grabbed her arm and shook his head.

  “Then feel free to go about your business, Mister Black,” his mother said with a bitter smile on her face.

  Gideon looked her in the eye, but showed reluctance to cut the boy's throat.

  “Something bothering you young assassin?” she asked, staring Gideon down.

  Gideon smiled at his mother and then looked at Sable who shook her head; he removed the blade from Black’s throat and stepped back. Alara saw the matriarch visibly annoyed for the first time. Her eyebrows were arched and lips pursed.

  Bastian stood up in front of Alara as everyone else looked on as the standoff continued, he crossed his arms behind his back and glanced back at her. She followed his eyes down to his hands and saw a blade half hidden in his sleeve. She reached down and took the knife and hid it behind her.

  Lady Black crossed the dance floor with Lord Sirap at her side to where Black knelt. Alara now had a clear view, but the Artist controlling Lord Osari opened his eyes and watched her intently. Alara pulled her eyes away and hoped that the Artist would go back to his meditation or whatever it was he was doing to keep Lord Osari a prisoner.

  “More sides?” Lady Black asked, looking at Sable.

  “So it seems. The boy is under my protection.” Alara hated the way Sable's voice dripped with insincerity. She tried to heal and the cast worked, whatever power Gideon had over her was gone and the wave of energy felt amazing. She quickly cast another and threw up a weak shield around her and the two Junior Millhavens.

  “That means little to me Isabelle! Lord Sirap, please put this kitchen boy out of my misery,” she stepped back and invited the assassin to administer the coup de grâce.

  Gideon drew a blade in each hand and stood behind Black, and Lord Sirap hesitated for a moment but rallied, drew two blades of his own and leapt for Black's throat. Gideon blocked the first attack by throwing his body in the way, but one of Sirap’s blades cut across his forearm and blood flowed freely down his arm. The two assassins circled each other as Lady Black walked nonchalantly back to her seat where her other assassin guard waited in silence.

  The commotion of the fight was enough to attract the attention of the Artist and Alara seized her opportunity to strike. She hurled the knife with all of her remaining strength and watched the blade tumble through the air. The Artist sensed the attack coming and dropped his arms to protect himself, but the speed of Alara’s assault was too quick for the unarmed Artist and his body fell sideways as her blade smashed into his skull. She felt the protection ward fall away from around Lord Osari and looked to Bastian who nodded and smiled at her. She strengthened the shield around them as much as she could, she owed them her life and she would protect them in any way she could, but her Lord came first. She hurdled over the table and ran towards Lord Osari, but Lady Black's other assassin blocked her way.

  Lord Black grabbed his wife and pulled her out of the way of Alara's charge, but she brushed him aside and stood her ground. “Get away from me you oaf, why don’t you go and protect your slut?” she said pointing to Sable.

  Alara stood in front of the hooded assassin and raised her hands to protect herself against his assault, she was out of blades and her only chance was to crush his mind in his head with her own. She hadn’t tested the assassin for signs of the Arts and she prayed to all of the gods that he was mundane. The sound of steel clashing against steel filled the room as Gideon and Lord Sirap fought for their lives behind her. She sent a mind blast at the assassin, but her weak effort bounced off of his shield. She readied for his attack, but the man stood his ground and removed his hood. Alara couldn’t believe who stood before her, “Quartermaster?” she managed to stammer.

  The man nodded and smiled. “I thought you might like these,” he said, handing Alara two blades before stepping out of her way.

  There was no time to think and Alara ran toward where Lord Osari’s body was lying motionless on the floor. She ran a hand over his face and whispered his name, his eyes flickered open for a second and he smiled when he recognised his apprentice. She sat him up, but the effort made him cough up blood which ran down his chin. His body was thin and malnourished, his muscle mass had diminished to almost nothing and his skin
looked paper thin. Alara looked quickly at the two members of the Junior Council to check that they were still safe, Bastian gave her the thumbs up sign and Alara dropped her shield and sent a mass of healing waves at Lord Osari’s body. He clenched her arm and spoke through cracked lips, “Kill that fat bitch.”

  The Quartermaster had left his position at Lady Black's side and dodged the fight to half-carry, half-drag Alex Black to Sable's table.

  Sirap and Gideon fought on, neither giving an inch as blades flew through the air and Alara was glad to see that Bastian and Penelope had pushed their table over and were hiding behind it. She turned her attention to Lady Black who was now pushing her husband in Alara’s direction. She caught the matriarch’s eye and performed the assassin's curse. Lord Black clumsily charged at her, but Alara ducked as he swung a wild punch and she managed to him cut a deep gash across his inner thigh. The Lord stumbled, but managed to stay standing, he made a grab for her but she caught his hand and used her leverage to twist it until she heard it snap. He cried out in pain and dropped to his knees, clenching his arm. Alara stepped up, and spun her body around and landed a spinning heel kick to the side of Lord Black’s head. The man fell to the floor with a look of dazed confusion on his face. Alara straddled across his chest and crushed his nose with her elbow as he cried out for help. “No help for you!” She stood and dragged him to a seated position and stood behind him. She looked into Lady Black's face and dragged the blade across the throat of her husband.

  “Sirap!” Lady Black called out, but her assassin had his hands full with his apprentice and Gideon intensified his attack. “Quartermaster, help me,” she pleaded, but the Quartermaster stood behind Sable, unmoved by her plea.

  Lord Sirap saw Alara move towards Lady Black and hit Gideon with everything he had left in his arsenal. A single blade found its way through his apprentice’s defences and Gideon went down with a knife protruding from his stomach. Lord Sirap spun around and launched himself at Alara who managed to semi-block the charge and use Lord Sirap's momentum to overbalance him, and send him face first toward the floor. But the assassin managed to whip his body around and grab at Alara and both assassins crumpled to the floor.