Arc One: Awakening

Chapter 33: Assassin - Part 1

"Please take the cars to the Kingsrose bay, but park them close to the canal," Penelope requested. "Make sure the lights and engines are turned off, and stay alert."

"Are you certain you don't want us to find a closer spot for you?" the chauffeur asked.

Penelope answered with a decisive nod. "You are aware of the protocol if there should be trouble?"

"Yes, ma'am. All your drivers have memorised and practised the codes. We are leaving nothing to chance."

"That is heartening to hear, Mills," she replied, mustering a faint smile as the chauffeur respectfully tipped his hat to her and returned to the car. The row of vehicles pulled away from the curb and headed for the parking spaces at the rear of the headquarters.

On the pavement, Esther waited. Despite the discomfort and limited flexibility of her new uniform, the advisers promised it would help her blend in. If it sufficiently masked her outsider status and allowed her to go unnoticed, she was willing to bear it for a few hours. But she did miss the balanced weight of her cape strapped to her shoulders. It had been with her from her first day at the academy, opting to mend and customise it as she matured instead of replacing it. Although she'd been given assurances that her belongings were safe at the Kingsrose estate, she felt their absence when she wasn't nearby.

As Penelope ascended the gradual slope to the entryway, Esther fell in beside her, her array of advisers positioning themselves within in the procession.

Five connected towers rose around a central courtyard, bleak structures leaking out water doused in an artificial viridescent glow. Esther craned her neck to get a better view, following the undulating lines.

"It was once believed that the colour green represented power," Penelope explained, watching as her bodyguard's scrutiny scoured the industry hub.

Penelope's glance at the mace on her belt didn't escape the mage's notice. Numerous individuals who had witnessed her fight at the Ironstrike prison would be there, and she anticipated their reactions would be anything but pleasant. It made no difference. Her purpose was to protect her charge, not concern herself with irrelevant opinions. Although she was itching for another tussle with them, she had a job to do.

"How many exits are there?" Esther questioned, locked on to the looming structure.

"Four downstairs, three on the upper level balconies where we will be holding the meeting," Penelope responded, methodically combing down the list in her mind. "The only others would be the windows, but as you can see, there are hundreds of those."

A click caught on Esther's tongue as she calculated numbers and odds. People were unpredictable, but their choices were not, making her task slightly less challenging. "Windows I can work with. Any basements?"

"None."

"Roof access?"

"Single route up and down. There is a corridor located behind the meeting room that provides entry."

"If it's so convenient for intruders to get in, wouldn't it make more sense to have the talks somewhere else?"

"Maybe so, but the other heads believed it would only express vulnerability and anxiety," Penelope conceded. "For once, I agree with them. I will not cower, Esther."

Something in Penelope's tone struck the mage. The way it shook, ever so slightly, before she promptly recomposed herself. It might have gone unnoticed by the rest of the entourage, but she was observant enough to detect it. Fear consumed the Kingsrose proprietor, and she couldn't blame her. Her struggle for good had only resulted in her becoming a target.