Throne of Blood

Part I Chapter 20

The rush and adrenaline Ilor felt as he sprinted through the streets of Seavern were unlike anything he had ever felt before. Having just taken out that pig of a man, Maximal, left Ilor feeling elated. He felt as though he had finally gotten even with the corrupt hierarchy that had ruled over the likes of poor folks like him by removing that scum of a treasurer. It was exhilarating, and any doubt he had had before was washed away in the moments as he ran towards the safety of the Night Thorns hideout.

Ilor looked over his shoulder to ensure that he had not been followed, knowing that he had done a good job of losing the guards in the midst of the chaos. After affirming his confidence, he maneuvered down a few more streets until he arrived back at the building that had been his home for the past couple of weeks. He felt the satisfaction of completing his task and presenting himself before the other members as he pushed open the door.

Once inside the tavern-like structure, he was greeted by his fighting mentor, Greylor. The large, dark man stood there smiling at the boy with his ivory teeth.

"Well done, my boy," Greylor said, wrapping the lean boy in his bearish arms. "You made me some good money by getting the job done without getting caught!"

"What do you mean?" Ilor said, breaking the embrace as he looked quizzically at the man.

"We all bet on yah and whether or not you'd come back!" Greylor said as he let out a laugh. "Me, I always take the long odds. Higher risk but bigger reward," he said with a wink.

"Glad to know I defied the odds," Ilor smiled, returning the jovial attitude.

As the two were catching up on the events of the afternoon, Kae walked in to congratulate Ilor on his success.

"You truly did quite well, Ilor," Kae said, "being the one tasked to watch you was quite a pleasure seeing as you were able to get that pig to chew the apple like a natural."

"Thanks Kae," Ilor smiled sheepishly. "It wasn't too hard; he practically couldn't help himself from consuming the whole basket. I bet if you had told him it was poisoned before he ate it, he would've still eaten the whole thing anyways," he said, causing each of the three to laugh at the hilarious event of the greedy treasurer's death.

Each person seemed unbothered by the murder that had just taken place. They laughed as though the death of an individual was a joke or something to be celebrated, even if he was a nasty man who abused his power. Ilor had even begun to feel apathy towards the man he had just poisoned, justifying his actions as he began to buy into the mission of the Night Thorns.

"Well, Ilor, I think it is safe to say you deserve the evening off," Greylor said as he squeezed the boy's shoulder, acknowledging the work that had been done.

"Thank you, Greylor. I could definitely use it," Ilor said, relieved that he could relax for the remainder of the day.

"Good. Tomorrow you will be tasked with your next assignment, so be ready." And with that, Greylor exited the room leaving Kae and Ilor alone.

"So..uh..Kae, what are you up to for the rest of this fine eve--"

Before he could finish, Kae grabbed his hand and led him out of the building and onto the streets of Seavern. Ilor was excited that Kae was leading him somewhere unexpected, hopeful that the adventure in store involved being alone with her. His heart raced inside his chest as he imagined a wonderful night full of excitement with the beautiful Kae. However, as Ilor began to notice the solemn demeanor of the woman leading him, he realized that this might not be the kind of adventure he was hoping for.

"Kae, what's wrong? Where are we going?" Ilor asked as they pushed through the main road and continued their beeline for the main palace area of the city.