A Fool's Blade

Chapter 30 - Word Wall

       Astrid was leaning against the wall to the entrance of the main chamber, "Good, you're back. Well, what did Mallory have to say? Is the amulet authentic?"

        "The amulet is authentic, and it's made specifically for members of the Elder Council."

        "The Elder Council... Oh, now that explains quite a bit. Motierre, you naughty, naughty boy. Hiring the Dark Brotherhood to help you rise beyond your station. Delicious. Was Mallory willing to buy the amulet?"

        Jade pulled the letter of credit out of her satchel, handing it to her. "Delvin said you two should get a drink some time. Catch up on things."

        Astrid chuckled a bit. "It has been a while since I last saw him. Maybe sometime soon. If that's all, we're ready to begin. Or, more specifically, you're ready to begin. I hope you have something nice to wear, because you're going to a wedding."

        "A wedding?"

        "Well, more like the public reception. It should be a lovely affair. You'll mingle with the guests, eat some cake... stab the bride. Oh yes. You've got to kill the bride at her wedding, and they say romance is dead."

        "Tell me more about the target."

        "Her name is Vittoria Vici. She oversees the East Empire Company's business holdings in Solitude. The wedding is being held in that city in two weeks, at the Temple of the Divines. Her death will cause an uproar, which is exactly what we want. The other family members might have some advice for you, so I would recommend asking them about the contract. Oh, and as part of a custom, Vici will address her audience several times throughout the reception, kill her during one of these announcements, you'll receive a nice bonus."

        "Understood."

        "One question."

        "What is it Astrid?"

        "Who's the kid running around my Sanctuary?"

        "Oh, that is Aventus Arentino. I adopted him and he's very interested in this line of work, so I brought him here."

        "A future assassin. Interesting. Just tell him not to mess with Arnbjorn."

        Arnbjorn roared, "GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE I EAT YOU!" 

        "ARNBJORN DON'T YOU DARE EAT MY KID!" Jade sighed, "Excuse me." She sprinted into the main hall, Aventus was nowhere in sight and Arnbjorn was rubbing his head. "Where is he?"

        "He went to go bother someone else. If you're smart you'll do the same."

        She walked up the the 'magic room' where there was an enchanter and alchemy table, where she found Babette talking to Aventus.

        "...killed my mama and papa, and then they took me captive! Please, please help me!"

        "But don't you like it here? I mean you're living with a group of assassins."

        Babette cocked her head to the side in confusion. "You're a strange kid."

        "Kid? I'm as old as you!"

        Babette giggled.

        "What's so funny?"

        "In truth, I'm a lot older than you are. Around three hundred years older."

        "Bu-but how?"

        "Getting bit by a vampire when you're ten tends to keep one remarkably fresh."