A heavy snow drift fell across the North including Hillperch, signalling the end of the Growing Season. During those last days three strangers arrived, reaching the warmth and safety of Hillperch avoiding death on the open road exhausted in deep snow and the possibility of a cold breeze chilling them to frozen death. They didn’t arrive together, disguised as old or young, male or female, the Guards attending the Gate noted them all the same since few strangers arrive during the days before the start of Death Season.

Heavy cloaks drawn tightly around their shoulders they took great pains to separately seek out an Inn each for lodgings after stabling their weary horses. Spoilt for choice this time of year as travellers typically return to their own home and comfortable beds; wife, sweetheart, concubine or prostitute available to warm them instead of being trapped elsewhere, cold and alone by Death Season.

The urchins though, as is their want notice their unusual behaviour in the days which follow. On occasions they bump into each other and briefly pass a few words between them for example. An urchin shadowing the Guards at the Gate the first to follow one of them, leading to at least two others as far as they could determine. They took to wearing multiple disguises, one staying at two Inns disguised as two separate persons, most suspicious! Another though staying across the street from the House at the Inn of the Knight’s Rest.

After several days of following and confirming Jocasta judged the time right to report to Charis. Late one afternoon shortly after Charis decided, accompanied by Helice and Zosime to visit the Inn of the Knight’s Rest and enquire after one of the strangers.

Charis wasn’t subtle. Reasonably competent with a dagger now and certain of Helice and Zosime’s skill she strolled up to the mark, accurately described by Jocasta, particularly the broad brimmed floppy hat he insisted on wearing inside the Inn. This direct action unexpected and while the mark, perched in his chair at a table with an ideal view of the Inn and potential paths of escape, couldn't evade Charis who knew the Inn intimately. Co-ordinating their approaches utilising their Seer link meant the mark discovered to his surprise, escape impossible, without resorting to a fight or starting a brawl. The mark settled back into his chair, convincing Charis the mission for this assassin required observation alone, confident in his cover story, perhaps.

After some meaningless idle conversation, Charis insisted the assassin pay them a visit in the House. In fact, ideal if he accompanied them now, she suggested. Without trying to make a break and bolting there wasn’t another option, therefore he tried to plead ignorance and sink deeper into his role of wine merchant; in town setting up deals post Death Season. Charis offering congratulations, inviting him to tempt them with his offerings, a wine tasting?

Charis contacted Alcmene as they stumbled, slightly tipsy, out of the Inn, ensuring the Training Room and Kitchen stood empty. Once in the Kitchen they warmed themselves before the stove, although due to the quick shuffle across the street and the layers of clothes worn, a polite show of hospitality, nothing more. Charis offered him a warm bath if he cared for it. He quickly declined. Helice sizzled rabbit flesh before him and when ready offered the fried flesh, with cheese and a mug of cider. Charis, Helice and Zosime accompanied him around a table in the Kitchen to share the freshly prepared meal.

“I suspect you are here to observe and report back?” Charis asked. The assassin continued with his cover story and denied any activity other than what was appropriate for a wine merchant. Charis pressed the questioning and accusations, poking him with sharp pointy objects occasionally to motivate him.

“You cannot keep me a prisoner, I will make a complaint to the Town Guard if you don’t release me at once!” he declared.

“Unfortunately for you we can. This is our Town and most within are our friends. We are also the Daughters of the Duchess and if you wish to protest our treatment of you then you need to petition the Duchess herself, which will require some travel time and risk with Death Season upon us.”

“I demand to leave, immediately!”

“You need to tell us information we don’t know first. Then we will release you. Then tomorrow we will visit the Inn again and invite you to our House and again you will need to reveal a secret to us and so on. I am sure you won’t escape our notice, even if you change your Inn. So, you could probably save us wasting our time and explain what you are really doing here.”

“I told you, I am a Wine Merchant,” he replied, his head animated with false anger. The gathering sweat across his brow causing one of his bushy eyebrows to fly free. Helice smirked, Zosime strolled to the Kitchen and Charis chortled while reaching over and ripping off the other. He gulped, his eyes darting about the room searching for escape, his narrow perfectly plucked feminine eyebrows gracing his masculine bearded face.

Returning with her garrotte prepared, Zosime swiftly wrapped the deadly cord around his throat, dragging loose his fake beard as she did. Helice bellowed. He visibly blanched, not moving as the thin twine pressed, circling his vulnerable neck. Helice for her part picked at his disguise, anything suggesting male, first, surprised when his nose broke away from his face. She then unpicked the lacings and bindings keeping him clothed.

Zosime hinted by tugging on the garrotte and her captive eased himself up, a hand on the table and another on the chair to steady him.

“I am a Wine Merchant,” he said, his voice pitching higher trailing off weakly, as his coat dropped to the floor followed by his warm woollen shirt top. Charis recognised the lower body, abdomen padding, although this example professionally crafted to suit the wearer’s body and ensure the contours matched perfectly with his, well her, wrapped breasts. A professional disguise in every sense. Charis studied it as she removed it, marvelling at the craftsmanship and quality.

Their guest’s long leather pants the next item in danger and at the threat to cut them off her she willingly fumbled at the bindings herself permitting Helice to remove them in one piece, revealing her loin cloth.

“Shall we remove more or are you no longer a Wine Merchant?”

“I am not a Wine Merchant. Please don’t remove any more of my clothing. I am but an apprentice and I wasn’t told, I didn’t expect such … closeness. I mean, I was just to observe, we were to stay at a distance. This shouldn’t happen.” Her reddening eyes darting from one captor to another and back again, desperate, not knowing what these strange women would subject her to next. Never did the observation target confront anyone watching her like this! Different from practice, she held back a flood of tears.

“Did the Mother Superior send you and your two companions on this mission herself?”

“Yes, she did.” Her hand snapped up to cover her mouth.

“Oh, I am not supposed to tell you anything! I am so mixed up. This isn’t fair, I should observe you from a distance, safe. It is only me, I assure you,” she mumbled, between her fingers.

“When did you lose your Seer twin?”

The dam of bottled up grief broke trumping her fear, releasing a flood of tears, shuddering, she lowered herself back into her chair, absently dragging Zosime and her garrotte lower.

“How, how do you know … I am a single Seer, I could still have my twin or no half of a twin or even a Seer, you are guessing!” Wiping away her tears with the back of her hands, her head rose, brown eyes locked upon her tormentor, Charis.

Helice then untied the soft woollen wrap around the assassin’s breasts, drawing the cloth to her slowly, in rapture, appreciating the opulent softness and bodily warmth. Charis wrestled internally with the guilt of teasing, possibly torturing their captive. Helice and Zosime quickly sent Seer linked words of support, ‘she is a threat Mistress, we will continue alone if you wish’. Charis’ body straightened, resolute, she is Mistress, the responsibility is hers.

Charis, Helice and Zosime appreciated the assassin’s horror laden face as her breasts found freedom, exposed to strangers, worse, to her dismay her nipples hardening beyond her control. She scrambled to place her hands protectively over them and Helice used the blade of her dagger to shift her arms to her sides.

“Considering your wide-eyed look, it is a face, which belongs upon a Seer who has never been appreciated for her body.”

Tears dried and blood drained from her face, her red-orange freckles glowing prominently.

“What do you mean? What are you going to do to me? I demand release! Now!” Unladylike spittle flying free from her lips as her emotions ebbed towards frustrated fearful fury.

“Stand please, carefully now as we wouldn’t want you to lose your head.”

As the assassin carefully stood, her eyes scanned for escape and before she reacted foolishly, a voice barked another instruction.

“Lay back down on the table! Now!” yelled Zosime. It didn’t matter who issued the instructions as the three Sisters co-ordinated, Seer linked.

“Please don’t hurt me. I am sorry I won’t spy on you. I will stay in my room at the Inn and venture out for meals and ablutions, nothing else. I promise.” The assassin didn’t flop back upon the table, her acquiescence a controlled recline, her core abdominal muscles effortlessly engaged. Her naked torso exposed she feared torture.

Helice admired the assassin’s breasts, clutching their guest’s breast wrapping in one hand grasping the ends of the luxurious cloth wrapped around her forearm. At Charis’ sent command Helice untied their captive’s loin cloth to reveal her femineity claiming the prize for her other forearm. Their guest whimpering with tears gushing down her cheeks. Charis contacted Alcmene to send Dirce. After a brief wait Dirce sauntered in front of their guest totally naked. Their guest snapped her head away, lips curled.

“She is unclothed and disgusting, her nakedness unseemly and her prancing around intolerable.” Her speech ending immediately upon Dirce’s fingers dancing upon the length of her body. She tensed up, unable to imagine what to expect. After some time and careful sensual effort on Dirce’s part their guest responded to her attentions, although the assassin resolutely refused to enjoy it.

This was new, this was unknown to the sheltered Seer and she trembled resisting this silent woman’s tempting enticements and she hated herself for her weakness. After Dirce left, Zosime allowed their guest to stand and clothe herself minus her disguise. Helice offered to assist, instead rebuked and reduced to handing back her prizes of fine noble cloth.

“Will we need to search the town for you tomorrow or expect you to knock on our door at the same time as we did today?”

“I don’t know, perhaps I will knock or perhaps I will disappear, you will have to wait until tomorrow!” Strapping the ties on her long leather pants forcefully to emphasis her determination, covering her indecision. Where to hide? It needs warmth and meals.

Charis respected the assassin’s retort and defiance.

“She is the agent of our torment Mistress,” sent Helice.

“If one of your non-companions becomes involved, we will slay her, no warning, no invitation. You understand?”

She nodded nervously and didn’t say another word hurrying from their House using the elder’s door, racing across the street, ignoring the cold, relieved when she pushed through the door of the Inn. The warmth of the Inn skin deep, a persistent chill travelled the length of her spine no matter how close she approached the blazing fireplace.

+++

The next day Charis, Helice and Zosime, clothing layered, pushed through the snow, pre-dawn. Jocasta eagerly reporting to her Mistress the assassin’s overnight bolt hole, an Inn outside of the Old Wall.

Three wide grins, cat like, waited for the assassin as she climbed down the stairs from her room to break her fast. An old lady now, her jaw dropping upon spying her tormentors. Helice and Zosime swiftly upon her, one each side, kindly assisting the old lady out of the Inn. The assassin not given the chance to feast, Charis insisting she accompany them to the House immediately. The routine a copy of the day before although Charis’ questioning did confirm two other apprentice assassins accompanied her to town confirming the assassin will, with encouragement, tell the truth. Charis aware of the truth from Jocasta. Interrogation always benefitted from knowing the answers to some questions before asking them.

The assassin squeaked out further titbits, their mysterious trainer now on a special mission and the Mother Superior directed missions until her return. Dirce this time positioned her body up against their guest’s and fondled as many sensual locations as possible searching for some more sensitive and responsive zones.

Their treatment of the assassin continued for another three days, easier to find as she relocated back to the Inn of the Knight’s Rest and she turned up at their door on the appointed bell knocking, resigned to her fate. She learnt if she didn’t, they would find her quickly somehow, trap her, and escort her. Therefore, it became easier and less nerve racking to make the appointment, it made perfect sense.

The assassin staring at the four walls of her room between visits, considering the implications of her compliance. Outnumbered, threatened, their treatment of her unusual, preferred in many ways to the more familiar flesh wounds and toe nail pulling for sure. A subtle betrayal of her Mother Superior, relieved from painful torture her captors could easily inflict, intimidated by the pleasurable unknown, aghast she now hungered to return. The small mirror to hand from her assassin kit, now the tool she utilised to examine her naked flesh, trying to confirm their whispers to her. Their lust filled eyes, the one named Helice in particular, surely a confirmation.

She threw the mirror against the wall, shattering the fragile construct. The pieces reflecting a mosaic of her naked form. How could she descend so deeply, self-centred, never daring to rebel against their orders and warn her assassin sister partners. As a three any thought of resistance futile and no escape possible in Death Season. Loneliness and now offered warm tender company, to explore a mystery many years denied and taboo. The assassin shivered, certainly not due to cold, she finally accepted.

---

Dirce’s sensitivity eventually broke through years of indoctrination and the apprentice assassin, once Seer, allowed herself to enjoy a trifle of Dirce’s attentions. Charis upped the pressure when Drosis joined Dirce and between the two of them, the conservative Seer side of the assassin relaxed and savoured the pleasure being exercised upon her flesh. By the end of the week enjoying their efforts and with trepidation and excitement repaying some of Dirce and Drosis erotic devotions.

After three more days, their assassin single seer was completely relaxed and actively participating, then she shocked herself when she climaxed. She paused holding her breath, panicked, confused, seeking and receiving reassurance from Dirce and Drosis, explaining to her this pleasure, completely expected and normal. Dirce and Drosis succeeding to bring her to climax again. Charis able to confirm the assassins needed to stay for Death Season and then as soon as Death Season was over, they were to meet the real assassins and update them on the information gathered. Charis told their guest she didn’t need to call tomorrow or the next day. The House’s occupants would need those two days and possibly more to catch up on neglected duties.

By the third day, the assassin’s desperate, earnest banging on the door in the cold chill air embarrassing for her and bringing attention to the House. An occasional guest from the Inn keenly hooting and calling, slapping their knee and pointing at the spectacle. Helice opened the door, occupying it to prevent the assassin pushing in, evidently to gain respite from the cold.

Helice commanded. “You can only return to this House if in the company of one of your friends.”

Helice then slammed the door shut on the assassin’s stunned gapping mouth, her breath visible in the cold. As Helice swivelled, her back resting on the door she realised they didn’t in all their questioning ask the assassin her name!

There wasn’t another knock. Helice concluding she must have gone away to deliberate and possibly plan. After two days she returned, with a friend. Charis took her friend into another room and repeated the seduction process on her, including the removal of her disguise. A duplication of the contact and temptation the first assassin succumbed to, while the first assassin immersed herself in her pleasure entertained by other sisters, wonderfully surprised by their different pleasing attentions. The second assassin didn’t bother to change Inns and helpfully continued to show up with the first assassin, although adhering insanely to the sole order remaining to them, the one which required them to stay in separate Inns. Complying with this order resolutely, no urge or deliberate attempt to break it.

After a few more days both assassins demanded to stay, finally, selfishly breaking their final order to room separately. Their bold decision for naught, denied entry until the third assassin accompanied them. The process then repeated a third time. As a test Charis asked each assassin separately about a fourth assassin, they desperately replied no and quaked horrified believing they needed to return with a fourth assassin who didn’t exist, to continue their new-found pleasure.

If Charis set them free, she reasonably concluded the three would eye each other for pleasure, the temptation now demonstrated and revealed. If particularly fortunate, being Seers and indulging in their shared pleasure they may discover their Seer Skill, mind to mind while kissing and orgasming, their camaraderie of years binding them deeply, possibly resulting in the formation of their own Seer Circle. Did Charis want this secret getting out? After much thought the answer, a definite yes.

She didn’t want to educate the Seers of Saph, too many questions, doubt and possibly fear, perhaps a clandestine Assassin-seer company of Single Seers within the Temple a suitable discoverer and messenger. The sole issue being the danger of Assassin-seers being linked during the execution of their missions. To balance this risk, the reason why they were Assassins. As Single Seers, who suffered twin lost, deep sorrow still within them if Charis measured such emotions accurately, confirmed while under the House’s care and education. Their enlightenment potentially allowing them to reconnect and form new Seer bonds. Would they need the Mother Superior anymore? At worst the assassins learn and explore during a dangerous temporary transition phase, fortunately for Charis this occurring during Death Season when isolated in Hillperch or elsewhere.

The many years of strict doctrine, the taboo of not touching while within the Temple as Seer Twins followed by Twin loss, loss of hope and then the promise of service to Saph if they participated in dedicated and intense martial training to graduate as assassins led to their vulnerability. Charis certain therefore, weeks of conversation and heavy petting would accomplish the same result as confronting the assassins with days of intimate contact, a sexual shock treatment of sorts. She urgently required the assassins to rediscover their sexuality and embrace intimacy and build upon their familiarity from the years of martial training together. There existed an established trust between them to leverage. Potential guaranteed to turn to success?

Further, rightly or wrongly, Charis convinced herself if she could reach out to any assassins before conflict and provide an opportunity for her sisters to seduce them, the assassins would rediscover their feminine sensitivity and embrace human contact. Denied these emotions for most of their living memory going against the natural desperate need for humans to touch and enjoy company, to belong and for Seers, shown a true pathway to once again offer faithful service to Saph as Seers and no false calling such as Temple Guards or Assassins.

The three young assassins currently in Hillperch under her surveillance, Charis’ first complete test of her theory.

---

The heavy white robes and shadowing white cowl of the approaching, in truth summoned, Mother Superior always a treat, mused the Duchess, although the steady tap of her cane at each step irritating. She and others from her Temple shuffle respectfully in the Duke’s and Duchess’ presence aware of their ages long weakened position within the Duchy.

The Duchess lightly patted her hair, without consciously being aware in contrast to her straightening out her finely made and lavish courtly dress, her polished red shoes matching the pink of her gown. The Throne Room belonged to the Duchess and the Mother Superior, all other ears expelled in preparation.

Observing the difficulty and suffering of the Mother Superior while assuming the required kneeling position, the Duchess smirked in delight, leaving her there, head bowed for an excessive number of heartbeats. Upon the escape of a gasp and the venerable woman’s head dropping slightly further the Duchess determined herself satisfied.

“Rise faithful servant. What news demands my immediate audience?”

Silence, except for heavy breathing and wheezing occupied the Throne Room as the Mother Superior climbed cautiously and carefully to her sandalled feet. Once upon her feet, she paused to regain her dignity supported by her cane. The Mother Superior recognising the Duke and Duchess now as the true holders of power in the Duchy since the Seven Gods departure hundreds of years ago, the diminished, vaporous power of the Gods reflected upon their servants, immediately after and now. She read the written accounts herself, one day they strolled amongst them, carefree, helpful and the next day they didn’t, great worship, prayers and miracles reduced to myth and legend. The sole coincidental benefit, the magic of Magicians, Sorcerers and Spell Casters fading equally.

The Mother Superior pressured by urgency to speak, half a breath or not, observing the Duchess tapping her fingers on the arm of her Throne. A certain sign her audience faced termination, so she spoke through halting breaths.

“We found a minor noble family … suitable for our purpose Duchess.”

The Duchess steepled her fingers and lent forward the sides of her mouth curling up in anticipation.

“What is more, threats, bribery and intimidation weren’t required, they requested a token action well within my power to grant.” The Mother Superior bowed her head preventing her from witnessing the frustration on the Duchess’ face, perhaps by design.

“Well?” The Duchess said, through gritted diplomatic teeth.

The Mother Superior respectfully replied.

“One Seer Twin daughter is assigned to the Temple of Bircharbor and the other at the Lonely Keep, they request the Seer Twin at Lonely Keep be reassigned to a Temple closer to, or perhaps within the City, Duchess.”

“Once ‘we’ are satisfied Mother Superior and not before of course.”

“Yes Duchess, certainly. I have further news …”

The Duchess waved her hand encouraging the venerable and frustrating Mother Superior to continue, curse her dithering delay. The Duchess sure she could pull the ancient’s teeth faster!

“The Seer assigned to the Lonely Keep, Elpis is her name Duchess, we managed to ensure Charis and the Daughters escorted her to the Lonely Keep. I am sure they are known to each other from this mission.”

The Duchess quietly seethed, bursting to vent and explain to this dim-witted ancient the obvious flaw.

“How is a Twined Seer at the Lonely Keep going to help venerable Mother Superior? For a start she is not in Hillperch or a Single Seer!”

“You’re correct of course Duchess, although from this partnership we discovered Charis still cares for her father’s blacksmith and an Inn she acquired. The Inn is currently run by Charis’ lover it is said, so she will visit when Death Season clears.” The Mother Superior feigned a thoughtful stance.

“What else?” The tapping of the Duchess’ foot music to the Mother Superior’s aged, although not deaf ears.

“We have already canvassed several Single Seers willing to serve Saph in a special mission, their devotion will be tested after Death Season when they try to become recruited by the Daughters of the Duchess.” Raising a finger, beckoning to the Duchess to pause the Mother Superior continued after a deep breath, enjoying her moment of power.

“In the meanwhile, Elpis is building a friendship with Charis’ Innkeeper lover to ensure she is kept informed and hence, us also.”

“Your arrangement with Elpis’ family will ensure her loyalty?”

“Yes Duchess, the Lonely Keep seems to be a fatal posting for Seers of recent years.”

“Excellent. Dismissed Mother Superior, I don’t believe we will need to meet again until after Death Season, although my door is always open to you.”

“Your praise is appreciated Duchess and your humble servant is grateful for your patronage.” The Mother Superior bowed deeply, slowly retreating to the Throne Room doors, pivoting when near knocking them with her finely lacquered walking cane. The Guards standing outside, opening the doors to complete her withdrawal.

The Duchess eyed the Mother Superior suspiciously as she shuffled out, the old nanny goat playing her own game for sure. This suspicion didn’t matter overly much as an agent of the Duchess in the City Temple spied upon the Mother Superior. When the doors closed shut with a dull thud the Duchess permitted herself a small cackle.

This collaboration with the Mother Superior one investigation, a certain Baroness the centre of another. His noble majesty, the Duke and her determined to peel back the layers of truth or fabrication surrounding the Mistress of the Daughters of the Duchess. They decided she wasn’t The Foretold, nevertheless her independence would need to be squashed according to their timetable regardless of her usefulness or not. The Duke and the Duchess represented absolute power within the Duchy and would suffer no others to even think, let alone dream otherwise.