Silent Night

by Emma Couette

  “Hey, um, the rest of us are still here,” Bast interrupts us.

  “Yeah,” Ajax jumps in. “I’d like to be home before nightfall, if you don’t mind.

  “Right,” Trey says. “Sorry. Go right in. He’s waiting for you.”

  What? Assassins below.

  I forgot about the meeting we’ve yet to have.

  Ajax turns to Bast and Blake. “You two stay here; we’ll be out in a minute or so.” They don’t protest.

  My nerves come back in full force.

  Guild, I can’t do this.

  Ajax somehow senses my distress, for he puts a hand on my shoulder as Trey opens the door for us and we walk inside. I don’t shake it off and a part of me whispers, don’t let go.

  We step into a large circular room with a long table. A single lamp illuminates the space. At the centre of the far side of the table, a man sits. He’s tall, but of average build with dark hair and skin. He looks familiar.

  “Ah, Mr. Forrester,” the man says. “It’s been a while. Have a seat.”

  I recognize the voice, but I can’t place it.

  Who is it?

  I follow Ajax’s example and sit down at the table beside him.

  The man studies Ajax for a minute. Then his eyes fall on me and stay there. “Well, this certainly is an interesting turn of events. Unless my eyes deceive me, you are Silent Night.”

  It hits me then and it makes so much sense.

  “Yes,” I reply, “yes I am, and you’re Avery.”

  He smiles. “Clever girl.”

  Ajax looks at me in awe. “How did you...?”

  “I’d like to know the answer to that as well,” Avery says.

  “A little over two weeks ago, you had a meeting with a woman named Rachel at 1253 Charles Avenue. The two of you were not alone.”

  “You were following her, I presume?” Avery says.

  “Yes. The Master Assassin suspected her and told me to find out what was going on. I reported back and...” I fumble with my words. I hate reliving the executions. I hate admitting I was a part of them. “She was executed,” I finish.

  Avery nods. “I expect nothing else from the Charger. Is that really what he calls himself these days?”

  “I... What do you mean?”

  “I’m not stupid, Assassin; I know that’s not his true name. It’s just one of the many monikers he’s chosen. Master Assassin is another one of his favourites. The Charger is a cover-up name, so when we catch one of you, we’ll write you off as black market lackeys, but I happen to know it’s a ruse. Haven’s black market and the Guild are one and the same.”

  I stare at him in utter disbelief.

  How does he know these things?

  I look over at Ajax, who is scowling at me. “You told me you borrow that name.”

  I did, but... Avery knows the truth. Why hasn’t he shared it with his troops? Why let it slip now?

  “What are you talking about?” Ajax asks Avery.

  “Get your head out of the sand, boy,” Avery says. “You should’ve seen this coming a mile away. He’s been manipulating us for years. The black market is nothing more than a way for him to garner funds. If you don’t believe me, ask her.”

  “Silent?” Ajax says, turning his eyes on me. “And tell me the truth this time.”

  “It’s true what Avery is saying,” I reply, “all of it. The black market is not a separate enemy.”

  “If the Charger is a cover-up name, then who is your real master?”

  I go to answer, but Avery does it for me. “Tell me, boy, have you ever heard of Black Death?”

  “No,” Ajax breathes, colour draining from his face. “He’s a myth, something mothers tell their children about to keep them in line. He doesn’t exist.”

  “Oh, he does,” Avery says leaning back in his chair, “and he’s sitting at the Guild right now, bending everyone to his will.”

  Ajax looks like he’s going to be sick.

  “How do you know all of this?” I inquire. “Why haven’t you told your agents?”

  “If I told you the how, you’d figure out the why, but I’ll keep my reasons to myself.”

  I scowl. “What in the Guild is that supposed to mean?”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure it out in time,” he replies. “All I will tell you for now is that Avery Norin isn’t my real name either, but it’s in there.”

  I am so confused. “You’re talking in circles. This isn’t what we came for.”

  “Too right,” Avery says. “You came seeking my approval and I give it.”

  I frown. “What? Just like that? Jenson interrogates me for an hour and you don’t ask a single question?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t need to. Silent Night, you can give us something we haven’t had in a long time: an edge. You are the key to the end of the Guild.”

  “How do you even know why I’m here?”

  “Jenson contacted me the day you arrived at the Warehouse. He told me about your betrayal and your offer.”

  “And you agree with my plan?”

  “Immensely,” he says. “The Charger won’t know what hit him.”

  Despite myself, I smile. “That is my plan, yes.”

  “I want you to move on to Stage One tomorrow and if Jenson gives you a hard time, well, just remind him who’s in charge because it’s not him.”

  I nod.

  “Well, that’s all I have for you. Think on what I’ve said, Silent Night. I promise it’ll all be clear someday.”

  I stand up. Ajax follows.

  “I’d say thank you for your time,” I tell Avery, “but I’m not yet sure what the results of this meeting will be. You’re hiding something and mark my words, I will find out what it is.”

  “I eagerly await the day that you do.” He sounds oddly cheerful for a man who was just threatened.

  I glare at him and march out of the room, Ajax trailing in my wake.

  “So, how’d it go?” Blake asks as we rejoin her, Bast, and Trey in the hall.

  “I’d wager they did well, seeing as she’s still alive,” Trey says.

  “Yeah,” I reply, “I’ve been approved and Avery wants me to move on with Stage One of my plan tomorrow.”

  “Really?” Blake says.

  “Yep, the Charger’s clock is ticking.”

  Ajax quivers at the mention of the name.

  Bast gives him a funny look. “What’s the matter with you?”

  “Yeah, kid,” Trey agrees, “you look awfully pale.”

  “I’m fine,” he says, though he sounds anything but.

  Blake frowns. “No, you’re not, Ajax. What happened?”

  “I said I’m fine.”

  She reaches for his arm. “Jax...”

  He pulls away. “Leave me alone, Blake.” He walks away then, nearly running.

  I wonder what exactly he thinks he’s running from, because the truth always catches up with you.

  Blake goes after him, Bast trailing behind, and Trey puts a hand on my shoulder. I shrug it off.

  “Hey,” she says, “is he going to be okay?”

  “I think so; he just had a bit of shock, is all.”

  “What kind of shock?”

  “Apparently, the general populace doesn’t take too well to the idea that Black Death doesn’t only live in their nightmares.”

  She gasps. “Avery told him?”

  “He told you?”

  “You forget I once had to answer to Black Death, Silent, and aside from that, Avery trusts me.”

  “But you used to be an assassin, why would he trust you?” Why am I such an abomination if they already have an assassin in their ranks?

  “He’s my uncle,” she replies, “and one of the few agents who knows my past.”

  “Well then,” I mutter, “you must have a lot of willpower.”

  She scrunches a brow. “How do you mean?

  “He’s not exactly easy to talk to.”

  She laughs. “I suppose. You better go run after your f
riends. They need you.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “Friends? Who said they were...?”

  She gives me a look. “One can only pretend for so long, Silent. Good day to you.”

  Feeling like my soul has been taken out and rifled through, I head down the hall after the others.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  When we reach the Warehouse, the four of us disperse, heading our separate ways. Ajax doesn’t even bid us goodbye. I suppose it’s to my advantage; I have work to do. I head straight to my room to change my outfit. It’s time to put my plan into action and I want to make an entrance.

  I dress in the best clothes my limited wardrobe can give me: a deep crimson uniform with plenty of weapon loops, black boots, and my old cloak from the Guild. Then I load myself with weapons.

  Nothing intimidates more than a fully-armoured assassin, especially Silent Night, and that’s exactly who I’m going to play. It’s time to show the Resistance who’s boss or we’ll never get anything done, certainly not a Guild invasion, and that won’t do at all.

  …

  I burst into the council room, the door swinging open and slamming against the inside wall. The men gathered around the table jump up in surprise and then in fear. The eight guards draw their swords.

  I laugh. “Put those wimpy things away. I’m not here to hurt anyone.”

  “Then why are you dressed for an assassination?” someone demands to know.

  “Oh, I’m not dressed for an assassination,” I drawl. “If I was, you wouldn’t have seen or heard me coming.” I grin wickedly. If they want an assassin, they’ll get one.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Jenson asks.

  “I wanted to catch your attention, to remind you what I can do if you refuse to obey.”

  “Obey what?”

  “My orders from here on out. Avery has approved of me and my plan. He wants Stage One to begin tomorrow. I’m in charge of the proceedings.”

  Jenson raises an eyebrow. “Did he now? And how do we know you’re not lying?”

  “You don’t, but you can go ask Avery if it would make you feel better.”

  Jenson narrows his eyes. “Avery may trust you, Assassin, but I don’t. Until we get word from him, nothing has changed. Good day.”

  It’s my turn to narrow my eyes. “Jenson, let’s not be unreasonable, we both know exactly how forgiving I can be...”

  “I said good day.”

  “Call in Ajax then!” I snap. “He was in the meeting with me.”

  “Ha,” Jenson huffs, “and how can we trust him now that you’ve had the chance to get into his head? Good day, Ms. Night.” He and his men go back to their discussion and I stand there, gaping like an idiot.

  I lost them, just like that. They’ve dismissed me like I am nothing.

  Well, I’m not nothing! I am Silent Night and I will not stand for this!

  My hand goes to one of my throwing knives just as the door slams open again and Trey steps in.

  What is she doing here?

  Jenson and his men look up again and, from the looks on their faces, they’re thinking the same thing.

  “Morning, gentlemen,” she says, “or afternoon, whichever it is. Hello, Jenson.” She nods her head at him and he scowls.

  “Trey,” he says, “to what do we owe the pleasure?”

  “Avery sent me over with the letter of approval for Silent Night here, so we can get Stage One on its way, but I see you’re already in the middle of it. Avery will be pleased.”

  Jenson looks taken aback. Trey walks over to him and slaps a sheet of paper on the table, winking at me. I stand there, stunned. She just saved my butt.

  Jenson reads the letter and then grinds his teeth. “I see. Well, we’re certainly on it. Tell Avery that it’s all under control and he needn’t worry.”

  “I’m glad things are in order,” Trey says, “you mind if I join in on the meeting? I’d like to hear for myself how Silent plans on getting us in.”

  “Not at all,” Jenson mutters. “Why don’t you have a seat?” He turns to me. “Well, let us have it then.”

  Trey gives me an encouraging look and I take a deep breath. “Certainly,” I say. “So, to start, I’m going to need two black uniforms...”

  …

  The meeting is a success, the men listening intently and leaving their questions to the end. They agree to give me all the supplies I need and the title of leader on tomorrow’s expedition. Ajax and I are going into the belly of the beast to see if my tunnels will prove to be a suitable entrance. If not, we’re going to find more. Jenson is giving us three days and after that, we’ll be considered lost if we’re not back.

  The meeting comes to a close and Trey asks me to wait for her outside. She has a few words for me. I heed her request and stand in the hall with much apprehension.

  What if she doesn’t like my plan? Does she have the authority to call it off? What is her position anyway?

  A few minutes later, she joins me. “I just wanted to say that you did a good job in there.”

  “Thanks, I guess,” I reply. “I... I didn’t need your help, you know. I had it under control.”

  “Right,” she says. “Silent, I’m not stupid. You were in deep shit before I showed up.”

  I sigh. “How did you know to come?”

  “It might surprise you, but I was once in your shoes, the exact pair you’re wearing right now. I came to the Resistance with a plan akin to yours. I was young and angry. I wanted the Guild turned to dust, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

  “If you couldn’t manage it, how can I hope to?”

  “Simple,” she says, “you’re smarter than I was. I was seventeen and made my treachery obvious. I planned my escape a week in advance and told two people I ‘trusted’ exactly what I was going to do. I barely escaped with my life.” She pulls up her right sleeve, revealing an ugly scar that runs the length of her arm from wrist to elbow. “I was ambushed that night by five assassins and received this before Kuen managed to come to my rescue.”

  I choke. “Excuse me, who?”

  “My brother, apparently his soul wasn’t as dark as it should’ve been.”

  My jaw drops. “You’re related to Kuen? The Kuen? You’re talking about the Charger’s right hand man for years, the youngest Agent One in the history of Haven?”

  She nods.

  “Dude, that guy was a legend! Especially his disappearance; the stories say he just up and left one night, no reason. He just vanished, never to be seen again.”

  “Yes, like you did,” she points out.

  “What?”

  “You disappeared just like my brother did and the Charger hasn’t heard from you since. He has no proof or even suspicions that you’re a traitor and is just hoping you’ll come back, and the fact is, he’ll let you.

  “The Charger never closed up Kuen’s entrances,” she goes on. “He is free to go back and so are you. My entrances were completely demolished, but yours won’t be. You’re the only chance we have. You’re our salvation. It will work this time. So that, Silent Night, is what you have that I don’t: the Charger’s trust.”

  Trust. Why does it always come down to that?

  …

  It’s about two o’clock when I return to my room. I know I should feel good about what I accomplished, but it’s bittersweet with the initial reaction I received. I appreciate Trey’s assistance, but I feel like I can’t do anything on my own anymore. I tell myself the only reason I’m bringing Ajax on the mission tomorrow is that Jenson would never let me go alone, but it’s not the whole truth. I’m bringing Ajax because I need him.

  I open the door to my room to find Ajax sitting on my bed. I jump back in surprise, hand going to my knife belt.

  He puts his hands up in surrender and I relax my stance.

  “Assassins below, Ajax,” I breathe. “Don’t scare me like that.”

  “Sorry,” he says. “I was waiting outside but then I saw Natalie coming down the hall so I ducked inside to avo
id her. I was also tired of standing and I didn’t particularly feel like sitting on the floor.”

  “It’s okay. Wait... How long have you been here?”

  “An hour or so,” he admits, “give or take a couple of minutes.”

  “Guild, Ajax, why on earth would you do that? You should’ve come found me.”

  “I didn’t know where you were.”

  “That’s a sad excuse...” I trail off as I finally notice the look on his face. “What’s wrong?”

  He gives me a look. “The same thing that was wrong at the Barn, what do you think?”

  “No need to get snappy,” I tell him. I sigh. “I’m sorry you had to find out that way. I know it must be hard.” I shut the door and walk over to sit beside him on the bed. Our shoulders brush against each other, but neither one of us move away.

  “It’s just...” he tries, looking down at the hands he’s wringing in his lap. “I can’t wrap my head around it. We’ve been fighting the villain from every kid’s nightmare, Haven’s Black Death. We’re protecting this city from the darkest assassin ever known. How... How can we win against him?”

  “By not letting him get to us like this.” I grab his hand in mine to still it and give it a light squeeze. His calluses rub against my own. “He rules by fear and Guild help me, he kept me under his thumb that way since I was a child.”

  His blue eyes gaze into my own. “How do you live with it? Knowing you worked for Black Death?”

  “As you keep telling me, I didn’t live with it, I merely survived it, and my mind was in a terrible place. I didn’t care who he was, just that I could keep doing what I did and I could keep surviving.”

  “How could you betray him? Aren’t you afraid?”

  “No, Ajax. I’m terrified.” I look at my feet. “Every time we step out of this base, every second we spend out in the open, I’m terrified. I keep expecting us to get attacked and keep seeing us all dying in new and horrifying ways, because of me, but I can live with it because life...life is better without him looming over me.”

  “But why did you betray him, if you knew death was so probable?”

  I look up at the door in front of us. “I found out he had been lying to me, to all of the assassins. We don’t just kill Resistance members. We kill innocent people too and that’s not what I signed up for. Not that I actually signed up... That’s another thing. I... I became a Guild Ward because my mother died; I told you that, right?”