Lady Of Charms

Chapter 1

Salem Marchmont was the Lord of Carrvana, second largest city in the country. He would do anything for his city, give his very life and soul for it. People would say he was a good Lord. People who didn't know his secrets. Those who did know, liked to stay far away from him and his domain. He was a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it. Anyone who posed a threat to him or his beloved city would disappear. That's what his troupe was for, to dispose of anyone whom Salem deemed suspicious.

He himself was a great warrior, but when his courtly business awaited, he needed someone else to do his other, not so courtly, businesses. In time, he discovered that he liked it very much when someone else did his dirty work. That was the beginning of his little troupe.

These days, he had six of the world's best assassins at his disposal. He personally chose them and oversaw their training. He spent a small fortune on tutors and warriors who taught them every skill they could possibly need. Sometimes, he trained with them, teaching them what he knew. And they taught him as well. But even they knew they should never cross Salem.

He was very firm with them, always criticizing, never praising. However, he did have a favorite and was very bad at hiding it. With no children or other successors, Salem had to find someone who would take his place once he was gone. He supposed it would be one of his loyal assassins. After all this time with them, they were practically his family. And who was better than his champion, Charles Laughrin.

Everyone in Carrvana knew Charles, but not everyone would agree he was the best choice. Some would say he was too tough and rude. And oh, he didn't have a clue about politics. But, in the end, it was Salem's choice. The one he, obviously, already made. And soon regretted.

~

"My Lord, I have some very important news!" The messenger was panting at the doorway of Salem's council room. The five Lords at the table turned to look at Salem who shot the messenger a deadly look. Everyone knew better than to interrupt Salem's meetings. Especially those with other Lords. What would others think if he let everyone do as they pleased. No, there had to be some respect.

No one moved and the messenger thought if he should turn around and leave.

"Well, out with it," Salem said with boredom in his voice. 

"It's about Charles, my Lord."

Salem's grey eyes widen in surprise, but he quietly got up and gestured the messenger to follow him out of the council room. No need for the others to hear this. He didn't even apologize to the Lords for leaving the meeting and they didn't seem to mind. 

Salem led the messenger to his work room, right next to the council room. It was almost as big as the council room, and even more decorated. Salem had an eye for expensive things. Everything in his work room indicated that, from his massive wooden table to his rich rug that covered the center of the room. He appreciated art, too. At least, that's what walls adorned with all kinds of paintings would suggest. 

Salem's work room was where he welcomed everyone important: other Lords, king's men, his advisors... And he liked to show just how powerful and wealthy he was. That was why his mansion was so richly embellished.   

Salem motioned the messenger to speak as he sprawled in the armchair next to his work table. 

"Your spies have spotted Charles rallying soldiers and plotting against you, my Lord," the poor man was left standing in the middle of the room, his eyes taking in every detail. 

"What?!" Salem bellowed fidgeting in his armchair.

"It seems he wants your position badly. So badly he can't wait a few years to become your official heir. He was planning to overthrow you." He made a few steps closer to the unoccupied armchair next to Salem. "Two guards reported spotting him meeting with some of your soldiers. They informed your advisors since you were in a meeting, my Lord. I came as fast as I could."