An Assassin's Anthem

The winds slammed against the fort, creating a roar. The sound of snow filled the air, and Riley woke with a groan. She looked at the room and contemplated burrowing back under the blankets.

Instead, she sat up and checked her notifications.

[Your base level has advanced: 334 → 335!]

[Assassin (B) has advanced: 262 → 264!]

[Bard (C) has advanced: 317 → 318!]

[Ranger (C) has advanced: 287 → 288!]

[Spell Thief (B) has advanced: 267 → 269!]

[Noble (D) has advanced: 308 → 309!]

[Infiltrator (E) has advanced: 208 → 211!]

I leveled. She looked through the experience notifications. Oh… my auras. Gods, this could turn you into a nightmarish monster who had your soldiers killing everyone.

Shaking her head, she studied her progress and debated. I can probably do this today, and I really should do it sooner rather than later. Turning her focus inward, she reset three of her classes.

[Infiltrator (E) has advanced to Infiltrator (D) - 27!]

[Enchanter (F) has advanced to Enchanter (E) - 110!]

[Noble (D) has advanced to Noble (C) - 36!]

[Your base level has advanced: 335 → 342!]

The power rippled through her. Riley blinked, forcing herself to stay awake. “Please gods, don’t drop me for this.” She braced herself with her quivering arms.

A soft song played through her mind, and she hummed along, using it to stabilize the churning storm inside.

The wind howled, and Riley sat there, slipping further and further inward. The room faded, and stars appeared. She smiled and looked at the swirling energy around her. “I’ll take it easy for a few days. Sorry.” She gently touched it, letting the strange essence flow past her hand.

It swirled and churned around her, slowly becoming a small storm. Humming, she stood and pulled out the lute. Letting her fingers dance across the strings, she played, enjoying the lilting song that flowed from her fingers.

She let the glowing energy stream around her, the music dancing with it. With a growing smile and peace, she danced around the space, the notes ringing through the air.

Her nightgown shifted, and Riley grinned at her reflection. Spinning, she sent the dress twirling, and she fell, dropping through the floor with a gasp.

The starry heavens faded, turning into the stone room. Riley tumbled out of bed and landed on the floor.

“Sorry,” Marcus said, turning away. “Are you ready to go?”

“I guess,” Riley said, sighing. She looked down at the cold stone floor and forced herself up. “Wait. Can you stealth?”

Marcus chuckled and nodded. “Well enough.”

Riley watched her attire shift to a white dress. “Thanks, Beauty.” She followed Marcus from the room, walking through the barracks and to the kitchen. Soldiers milled around the tables, boredom on their faces.

Walking over to the line, Riley rubbed away the sleep. She turned to Marcus. “Ready for this?”

“Sure. You’re the one that has to cross it.” Marcus chuckled.

The woman in front of them turned. She blinked at them and paled when looking at Marcus. “What are knights doing here?”

“Preparing. We are at war,” Marcus said, yawning and mussing his hair.

Riley chuckled. She reached up and ran her fingers through her hair, looking at the blue strands and down at the dress. I’ve gotten used to this. A soft smile spread across her face.

She turned back to the soldiers, who were staring at both of them. Growing bored, she waved at them and took a step forward.

“You can go ahead,” the woman in front of her said, moving out of the way.

Marcus nodded and moved forward. “Thanks. Sorry. I normally wouldn’t, but we have some things to do.”

Riley followed him, skipping the line, and walked up to the cooks. One ladled her a bowl of cracked wheat. She took it and walked out. Sitting at a table, she ignored the terrible flavor and quickly ate.

Finishing the food, she stood and grabbed Marcus’ bowl. She walked to the room next to the kitchen and handed it to the person washing them.

Returning to Marcus, she nodded. “Is it time?”

“Yes. Be cautious, and meet them over there.” Marcus stood and walked out the door.

Riley followed him across the yard and out the gate. A gusting wind greeted her. Snow slammed into her. Of course. Pulling her cowl tighter and tighter, she leaned into the gusting wind and headed toward the distant river.

Ice and slush drifted down it, moving slowly down the cold water. Walking down the banks, Riley looked at the ice that had formed around the edges.

“Run fast!” Marcus yelled over the noisy wind.

“Thanks!” Riley braced herself. Ice rippled across the water, and she sprinted.

Her feet churned snow, and she half ran and half slid across the ice bridge that snapped and broke around her. Vaulting over a crack, she slipped on the ice, skidding toward the water.

Panic filled her; she flailed against the ice and found herself soaring through the air. Looking down, she saw the ice he’d used to launch her into the air. I am not coming back this way.

Tucking herself into a ball, Riley braced for landing. She triggered Ambush and slammed into the icy snow, punching through the crust of snow with a loud thud. Pain rippled up and down her body. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, and Riley groaned. Gods, never again.

Reaching for her bag, she pulled out one of her healing potions and downed it, letting the cherry-flavored liquid wash away the pain.

Scrambling upward, she dug herself out of the snow and turned to find Marcus. I can’t even see him. Sighing, she turned and jogged out into the blizzard, squinting and trying to get a lock on the enemy fort.

Jogging forward, she quickly found herself in a sea of white and relied on the water behind her to guide her path.

Vaulting onto a drift, she listened to the howling wind and sniffed the air. Locking on the smell of smoke, she followed it through the blizzard and up to a snow-plastered wall.

Walking behind a drift, she used it for cover from the billowing wind. Gods, it’s terrible out there. And now, what do I do? Just wait? She sighed. I hope they learn something.

Moving to the side of the fort, she moved against the wall and used it for cover, trying to hear anything other than wind. Voices rose and fell; she failed to hear them.

Crossing her arms, she hummed and jogged in place, trying to keep her blood moving.

“Condemnation!” someone shouted.

Riley paused and leaned against the stone.

“They’re sending troops here. Get it together, and start cleaning!” the man bellowed. “I need to get the others!”

“There’s a blizzard. It’ll take weeks!”

“The elites are on their way. Get it together now!”

Riley sighed. So, that is the plan. If we want to take this, we need to take it fast. She frowned. Wait. Did Dad find out?

~~~

Roger prowled through the snow. His vision pierced the white, and he locked onto his targets. Turning, he nodded. Ivan nodded back, reaching for his bow.

Fluttering across the snow, Roger wafted up to the group. The scout spun, and Roger slammed his knives into the woman’s chest. Ripping them free, he spun and slashed. His blade arced and sliced through the Void Mage’s throat, sending a spray of blood into the air.

The mage turned, and Roger’s form wavered, nullifying the attack from the nearby warrior.

The warrior bellowed, and an arrow slammed into him. Ignoring it entirely, he swung furiously at Roger.

Roger dove and the blade whistled past his scalp. Bouncing up, he kicked the mage in the head. A snap rang through the air, and the nearby ranger snarled, his wounds slowly closing.

An arrow sunk into the ranger’s chest. Roger dodged the massive blade and dashed forward, slicing across the warrior’s forearms.

The warrior spun, his blade singing in the wind. It flashed, and Roger dove. Condemn it! Vaulting up, Roger ran, dashing away from the mess. An arrow zipped by his head, clipping off several hairs.

Condemnation. Pulling out a potion, Roger downed it and shot off into the white, vanishing into it. Turning back, he studied the group. The ranger was healing himself. The warrior was fuming, and the mage was dead, lying still on the ground. His eyes flickered to the others. Low levels.

A barrage of arrows filled the air, streaming toward the group. The warrior bellowed, and a stone wall flashed into view. Turning away, Roger raced up to Ivan. He grabbed his arm and nodded.

Both of them spun and ran off into the blizzard.

~~~

Riley stood there, her boredom growing. She looked at the stone and sighed. Is my deception high enough? If there is an S-tier, it’s really risky. She frowned and kicked at the snow.

Arms reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into a hug. Nicole smiled and bumped a message. “Pillow.”

“Where’s my dad?” Riley bumped back, hugging her in return.

“Hunting for the void mage. Let’s do this.” Nicole released her.

“Crossing the river is death. Don’t do it.” Riley chuckled softly. She conjured blades and handed them over.

Nicole began launching them through the fort walls. Images flashed into Riley’s mind.

A soldier screamed, blood rushing from their ears. They dropped onto the table, and everyone panicked. Swords came out of scabbards. Soldiers huddled together, and Nicole tossed the next one.

It whirred through the air and passed through four soldiers. Riley felt the connection. The group screamed, wiping blood from their noses. She handed over another set of blades.

“Psychic!” the commander bellowed. A blade passed through him, and he staggered, blood oozing down his face.

The group turned and fled the room. Nicole threw, and the commander staggered, dropping him to his knees. The other blade dropped a fleeing soldier.

Riley grimaced. I feel like a monster. She felt a presence fill her mind. Pulling on her inspiration, she sang.

“Surrender and swear loyalty.

That will save your lives.

If you don’t, you will fall.

Choose now, and you’ll survive.

Don’t become a fallen one,

lost along the way.

Take your licks. Surrender now.

That’s my offer on this day.”

A strange refrain echoed and boomed through the fort. I should equip that skill. Riley considered it. Text flashed into view.

[You have extended an offer to surrender. It is being broadcast. Would you like to add further information?]

Riley looked at it and started singing.

“Vow to me your loyalty,

and I will do my best.

No prisoners who are forced to slave

at trivial requests.

I now extend the offer.

Join our troops instead.

Don’t let your lives end today.

Don’t join the ranks of dead.”

A stream of notifications popped into her vision.

[94 people have sworn loyalty to you. This bond will break if you fail in your noble duties.]

Riley paused and listened, waiting for the sound of combat. None came. How empty is this place? Is it like ours? She mused on it while raising her eyebrow.

“You can enter,” a man yelled.

Nicole turned toward her and smiled. “It worked. They are showing as allies.”

Riley grinned and walked around the wall. She looked at the soldier standing there. The solider looked haggard. A wave of pain passed through Riley’s mind. She reached out and healed the commander.

Walking through the gate, Riley looked at the group of low-level soldiers. We need to get reinforcements across the river now.

The commander stood and sighed. He gestured.

Walking across the courtyard, Riley entered the barracks.

“Well, I told them this would happen eventually, but they demanded the skilled soldiers restore the line,” the commander said, sitting at the table. “I suppose it was inevitable that you’d make your way here.” He looked at her and sighed.

“How long have you been here?” Riley asked, studying him.

“Twenty years, and I’m tired,” he sighed and looked at her. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t spread us to the wind. We have families nearby.”

“Who can I send to get them to understand what happened?” Riley asked. “I’d prefer not to send troops out murdering civilians.”

“We’ll go,” a woman in the doorway volunteered.

Riley turned and looked at her. “Commander?”

“They have kids there.”

Riley nodded. “Sneak back if you want, but I expect you to honor the request to tell them the truth. I will not harm them if they stay out of the war.”

The two turned and walked away. Riley frowned and turned to Nicole. “How do we get a message across the river?”

“You’re the one with spells,” Nicole said with a growing smirk.

Riley groaned and headed for the door.

Riley Milvsky

Level: 342

Bard (C)

Level: 318 + 4

Dominating Presence C +1 level to the assigned class. Enemies within 100 meters of you lose 20 strength, 20 dexterity, and 20 speed. You may expend bardic inspiration to increase the effect.

Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.

Restoring Presence B +2 to the assigned class. Subjects regain 1% stamina and 1% mana every 30 minutes; their healing is augmented by 50%. Allies within 100 meters count as subjects. You know of injuries and may use mana to heal allies within fifty meters. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect.

Empowering Presence C Your subjects gain +20 strength, +20 dexterity, and +20 movement speed; allies within twenty meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.

Psionic Assassin (B)

Level: 264 + 12

Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight.

Momentous Tempo B +10 speed. This boost will increase to up to +100 for every ten seconds you are in motion. Slowing in any way will reduce the effect. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 10 for a minute.

Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.

Spell Thief(B)

Level: 269 + 2

Predatory Sight C +1 level to the assigned class. Your perception and insight are boosted by 30. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for ten seconds.

Spirit Blade C +1 level to assigned class. Manifest an ethereal blade of psychic energy that will vanish after thirty seconds or six seconds after being thrown. Costs one stamina or one mana to manifest a blade.

Pretty C Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty.

Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.

Ranger (C) Level: 288 Inactive.

Noble (C)

Level: 36 Inactive.

Enchanter (E)

Level: 110 Inactive.

Alchemist (D)

Level: 237 Inactive.

Infiltrator (D)

Level: 27 Inactive.

- -

Psionic Storm C +1 to the assigned class. Conjure a storm of void or psychic energy. Variable cost.

Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies.

Conjure Potion C +1 to assigned class. Conjure a potion that you understand. You may add an additional minor healing effect to any potion. Cost varies based on the potion and potion duration.

Heavenly Refrain C +1 levels to the assigned class. Use this skill to have the heavens join your song. Grants +100 charisma for the duration of the song and may only be used as long as the gods are willing.

Dexterity 1553

Strength 684

Speed 567

Intelligence 1226

Charisma 1036

Stamina 960

Mana 2422

Inspiration 664