Book 3 Chapter 13

“How did they do it without the others knowing?” Tirr asked Torvus, “Wouldn’t they be careful about something like that after such a big disagreement?”

“You would think,” Torvus replied, “But it was the first time there had been such a disagreement. Most times the council would quickly come to an agreement, as they don’t feel strongly one way or another about most issues. I don’t think Raife could have expected that they would be so bold. He couldn’t have known the other council members had bought out the leader of the assassin's guild, a man named Boris Ritter…”

Boris…” Maria chimed in. That’s the name you and that man you fought in Lutel mentioned right?”

“Yeah, while I was assigned to Raife, Odee was assigned to Boris, When Odee and I were both in training, Boris used to take a close interest in the academy, handing out the punishments himself… A real bastard… Anyways, what Raife and his friends didn’t know was that Borris had made a deal with the others behind their backs.”

“The leader of the assassin’s guild is beholden to all the council members equally. Yet he covered up everything they did… Sent false reports to Raife while helping the others smuggle the children to the Shard.”

“They started with the older ones, recent graduates that had yet to be assigned anywhere. Sera was one of them... Out of ten teenagers they threw into that thing, she was the only one that survived. But not without after-effects… The training they put us through was made to strip us of emotions. The shard seemed to amplify the effects n some people…”

“That’s why she…” Tirr started, thinking back to the emotionless young girl.

“Yes... She doesn’t like to talk about it… But from what she had said, when she got the shard she was made to live through the moment she killed her partner, over and over again.”

“That’s…” Maria whispered, her eyes watering.

“She took well to the shard's power though,” Torvus continued, “And that encouraged them to keep going. They kept going with the next year down and once again only a small percentage survived, but they took to the shard well, and that only encouraged them further.”

“So they kept going, leading over a hundred children to their deaths to produce the few that did work out… In the end, it was sheer luck that gave them away. One of the children escaped, managed to cause enough of a racket in the process to get Raife's attention.”

“One of the children escaped from the highly trained assassins?” Tirr asked skeptically…

“Yeah,” Torvus laughed, “He took to the shard better than anyone one could have predicted little Ian. Disappeared from right under their eyes. Sent the guards scurrying about like crazy. Eventually, word got back to Raife, and when he found out that so many of the academy's crop had been sent to the slaughter, he was furious.”

“He demanded they release the surviving children and that Boris be removed permanently. The others refused and in the end, Raife stepped down and away from the council, But not before giving me one last mission…”

“I found Ian myself, and with his help broke into the cells they were keeping the rest. We freed the children, leading them out from the assassin's guild’s nose and to Raife. The guild chased after us, but Raife was prepared, he had long set up multiple safe houses and hiding spots.”

“Because of his influence, the council couldn’t do anything to him directly, so they set wave after wave of trash after him… Nothing I couldn't handle, but it was annoying being constantly hounded. After about a year they offered the truce, I come to work for them and they stop hunting Raife and the children. I didn’t see a better idea coming along anytime soon so I took it…”

“And that’s how you met us…” Tirr continued for him.

“Exactly…” Torvus smiled.

“And why you were so concerned about removing the shard,” Maria added thinking back to their first meetings.

“Yes… I was at least old enough to understand what was happening to me when they brought me to the Shard, even if I didn’t actually have a choice. But the others…” Torvus shook his head.

“That’s why I trust Raife, I don’t think he’s not a good person, but when it comes down to it he risked himself and his wealth helping us. I’m not saying you have to trust him. A part of me still hates the old bastard. But I trust him.”

“I understand,” Tirr replied proudly, “I don’t know about once everything over. But I’ll accept his help in taking down this Council. Especially after hearing the things they did. Such abuse can not go punished in my lands…”

“Glad to hear it!” Torvus laughed, “Now we have a big day tomorrow, starting with going straight to one of those bastards and kicking his head in. Should be fun!”

“Won’t that scare the others?” Maria interrupted, “They’ll be harder to find if they go into hiding…”

“That’s what we're betting on…” Torvus replied with a smile. They can’t go too deep without abandoning their work within the city. If we stir up a ruckus some might try and hide, but the few that do will find it doesn’t help them, and those that don’t will be even more stressed trying to make up for those that hid.”

“Soon enough we’ll finish off the last of those old bastards and welcome that water witch with open arms…”