Assassins of Heretrua

Chapter Ten

All of the training in the assassin's quarters came to an abrupt halt when Evelyn walked into the room. "I need to know about the rebellions in Ligda," she said. "And I would like someone to go investigate a little bit for me so we can better choose our course of action in dealing with this problem."

"I vote we send Crystal," Jay said. "She is, after all, our master of disguise and feisty blonde. She'd fit right in."

"I'll be happy to go if that's what you want," Crystal replied, glaring at Jay as she spoke to Evelyn. "What exactly is it you need me to find out?"

"We can't go ourselves, because it's too dangerous and also because we don't have time or rulers to spare on this kind of thing. We have other issues to deal with, a realm to put back in order after war, and this is just a small part of it. What I want from you is a report on the general condition of things, and the perspectives of all parties involved. Also, if we could identify the leaders of the rebels and the root of the problem, we could fix it much sooner."

"Good. When should I leave?"

"As soon as you can. But first, I want whatever information all of you already have on the kingdom."

All heads in the room turned towards Jay.

"Ligda isn't a particularly large kingdom," he started, "though certainly not the smallest. They aren't poor and they aren't prosperous. They're just kinda..." He waved his hands around in the air. "Eh."

"Have they given Heretrua problems in the past?"

"No. They joined the union peacefully when it was formed years ago. Needed the support. We were kind of like the big brother kingdom, waiting to beat up anyone who picked on the smaller kingdoms."

"And now?"

"A younger generation is rising up and they are dissatisfied with our current system. They no longer want our protection because they see it as control, and they no longer want our laws, they want to make their own. They believe the way we operate is outdated and needs replacing. And also, their numbers come from the amount of punks who need to get a hobby. Or better yet, a job."

"How long have the rebellions been a problem?"

"There have been small, spontaneous ones over the last couple of years, but they fizzled out fast. These are new, stronger, and have more foundation. They've been rising over the past few months and appear to be ready to climax."

"Do they have any fair points we should be listening to?"

Jay shrugged. "Sure. But they're a little over-dramatic."

"Like what?"

"They want to be heard, and they want to have a say in how their lives are run. Not all rulers are as fair and kind as you and Ren, and even you have your faults." He grinned. "No offense."

"None taken. I'm well aware of my shortcomings. So what can we do about it? I don't believe in silencing the people and not giving them a right to speak about how their lives are run. Of all people, I am least qualified to decide what should happen to them. They're right, but they're still destroying so much..."

"The fact that a person's opinion is right does not justify their wrong actions. At this point is does not matter what they are fighting for. We need to look bigger picture for the time being. Heretrua can not stand to be ripped apart by its own people. There are better ways to solve what problems we may have. Until then, we need to keep the people from starting new, unnecessary problems."

"Okay. Then what do you suggest we do?"

"I'm with the governor," Ruby said. "Put forces of our own in there. Capture the leaders, shut down the operations, and lock up the criminals. And then once it's cleaned up we can go from there."

"I have an idea of someone who might be linked to these outbreaks," Jay said, giving Evelyn a meaningful look. She knew instantly who he was talking about.

"I don't think..."

"I do think. Don't let fear stop you from doing the right thing."

"I'm not ready to send you on a mission like this," Evelyn said. "You want me to send you to kill a man, and you know I never take that lightly."

"You've approved kill missions before."

"Yes, but..." Evelyn groped for another excuse but could find none. Something told her things wouldn't end well if she approved Jay's mission, but he was desperate to take action. He was smart and talented, and if he said someone was a threat, he wasn't ever wrong. He seemed to believe letting this guy go risked too much to ignore. Still, she couldn't push aside her gut feeling.

"I hope you understand that success in our missions doesn't necessarily mean making it out alive. You can't let the possibility of our deaths determine what you allow us to do. When we started this job, we knew what we were signing up for. Even if I get through this, there's no guarantee I'll come back from the next mission. And that's okay."

"Not to me it's not. Death never has been, and never will be, an okay thing. It's a part of life, and something we all need to learn to accept and cope with, but that doesn't mean we have to act like it's right."

"Yet it comes for all of us eventually. Do you want to risk me dying while getting rid of this threat, or risk him ending a lot more lives because we let him go on?"

Evelyn didn't reply.

"Let me go, Evelyn. This needs dealt with."

Evelyn finally allowed herself to meet his warm brown eyes. They were always so sincere. She couldn't imagine not having Jay around, as short as the time she'd known him had been. Already she was far too attached to all of her secret weapons, and she knew it would end up getting her into a lot of trouble and heartbreak someday.

"Fine," She said quietly. "Get your things and leave when Crystal does."

A smile split his face. "Thank you Evelyn."

She held up a hand. "Hold on. How long do you expect this will take?"

He shrugged. "Most likely a couple weeks."

"Okay. If in two weeks you haven't succeeded in completing the mission, I want you to come back."

He opened his mouth to protest but Evelyn shook her head. "I know, and I don't care. I'll let you start over, but I want you to report back. I want to talk to you face to face."

"Yes ma'am," Jay resigned.