Ace Of Spades

Carlae

"I have a task for you."
Ace was shaken out of her uncomprehending gaze to realise Carlae was watching her expectantly. She was wondering where Flight had gone. She hoped he hadn't wandered too far. She always felt safer with him at her side, not that she wasn't deadly enough by herself of course.
"I'm sorry?"
"I have a task for you. Should you accept it."
Ace raised an eyebrow sceptically, now interested. She had not been given a task by Carlae for many years.
"And what would this task involve?"
"Killing."
"Killing who?" She asked, rolling her eyes.
Carlae never wasted words. She looked thoughtful.
"A man called Tarea Capella. His last known location was near the North Mountains."
Ace jerked her head in surprise, and it wasn't just because that was possibly the longest sentence she'd ever heard her friend speak. She had lived in the Northern Region as a child. The remains of her family history were there. She wasn't ever going back.
"What's in it for me?"
Ace had already decided she wasn't going, but was curious as to what price Carlae thought she would ever consider.
"A favour from the Bracken Spirits."
Now Ace was really stunned silent. She had only ever heard myths and stories about the Bracken Spirits' magic. Their power was unique and one of the regions creators. This man must be an extremely important kill to be offered even a hint of their magic. She chewed her lip thoughtfully, and wondered how Carlae had been in contact with the spirits. It continued to amaze her what her friend was capable of, especially considering her blood lines.
This probably also meant the target was either going to be hard to find or hard to kill. A small smile played on her lips.
"Can't be that hard. Why the big backing?"
"He'll be harder to kill than you'd expect."
Aces smile broadened.
"Pure human?" She asked innocently.
"Pure."
She decided to try a different approach.
"Why me?"
"We need guarantee that the job is done.we know you'd never back out of a kill."
And as an after thought, "I know it will be hard for you."
Ace couldn't believe how talkative her friend was on this morning. She smiled to herself and considered the proposition.
Ace breathed deeply. Could she do this? Yes. It would be a challenge that she would accept. Carlae watched her, as if reading her mind. Ace squared her shoulders and nodded slowly but firmly.
"Yes."