(Before I start, I know I have a lot of irons on the fire right now, but this is based off a great dream I had last night. I have to get it out before it poofs into oblivion.)
I sighed silently. The King's Dagger had rules. Many, many rules. One of them was to be silent in the shadows behind the throne. It was not like anyone could see us, the magic infused cloaks erased our presence, that even dogs and monsters could not detect us, even standing close. But we were the sacred order that did the jobs the just King could never order in public. Spies, assassins and even if need be, terrorists.
The King was a fair and just king, his rule was celebrated as the best of the entire continent. Even the more war-like, and aggressive neighbors kept the peace for fear of what he would do. The military was strong, and up to date with the times, and the populace could defend itself. But today, today was the monthly report from the nobles about the progress and the conditions of their territories.
The only change in the normalcy was the promotion of a high ranking aristocrat into the peerage of the nobles. They set themselves apart by finding and selling rare metals and foods. Their companies can be found in every city in the kingdom. However, they were also petitioning the king to allow them to move from the capital to my father's domain. Which was fine, we control a town, and a few farms, my father had no objections, though the family after promotion was now on the same level as us.
Not that it mattered. My father, and older brother could be promoted, while I, as a Dagger could never hold a title beyond the one I have, as if it got out that I was a Dagger, it would cause an obscene amount of turmoil in the kingdom.
It was not like I really wanted to advance, because I had no schemes for power, as my family was comfortable, and we had a scant few enemies. The worst problems our backwater domain faced was two herds of cows mixing together, and having to sort them out.
But as I thought hard about leaning my back against the wall to nap, The Leader handed me a scroll. No one knew who he was, as per law. He dismissed me with a pat on the shoulder, causing a small darkened shimmer effect, and I departed past guards, up the wall and out of the window.
"The Chef requests the recipe for the Sternwall's stew. Please obtain this through any means possible."
The coded message spoke volumes. The first born daughter of that newly promoted family was being targeted by assassins. It seems a rival wants to muscle in on their market and will escalate until there is no opposition. Guard duty, or babysitting duty, whatever needed to be done, I would do it. I was very good, having been trained since I could walk. My father is a retired Dagger, having left with high honors, so a lot was on my shoulders.
My only concern, as I spoke to the gargoyle in a hushed whisper, on the north east corner of the palace, was simple:
"Why does the Dagger have to fall for an aristocrat family?"
"War is brewing. The family has discovered something our enemies are highly interested in. They sworn themselves to secrecy, but the enemies will stop at nothing to obtain it. Protect her at all costs."
The gargoyle was actually a hidden speaking tube, leading to the secret area of the palace. It lead right to the Leader.
Later that afternoon, after riding on top of the girl's families moving wagons, I laid eyes on a beauty.
I may be a Dagger, but I was a man too. She was pretty, her hair was the shade of the golden sunlight over a ripening wheat field. I watched her carry her own personal bag into the old Greydawn manor.
The Greydawn's was a sad story of no heirs, and when the last of them died, the manor fell to ruin. But over the weeks, the manor was restored to life, and now a messenger was dispatched from the house, heading down the road to my family's manor.
I used magic to boost my leaps from tree to tree, trying to get back home, as Father, Mother and my little sisters were still in court.
I managed to arrive in time to whip the cloak off, and put it in the secret pouch sewed into the back of my shirt, so I can quickly get it out.
The door was knocked on and the bell rang. The gaunt, skinny man stood holding an envelope.
"For Lord Quickblade."
"Thank you."
The man bowed and departed. I took the letter, and using the edge of my knife I opened the letter without damaging the envelope. Father knew all the tricks, but I still feel he would not be happy if he found me reading his mail. Not that I make it a habit or anything.
"Dear Lord Quickblade,
You and your family are invited to our house warming party in three days. Thank you for allowing us to move here, away from the overly busy capital.
Lord Sternwall."
I resealed the letter, and placed it in father's mail stack on his desk.
I quietly walked past servants doing their job, and made it to my room.
I needed information. The Sternwall's were a secretive family, rightfully so. But I needed information.
Outside my window, as it faced the capital, I let loose a small magical sphere. In it was my requests. It would only be seen by the person I sent it too.
An hour later, a pink sphere hit me like a punch from a drunken laborer.
"Student. Katherine Sternwall. Single, no courtship. Excells in magic, reading, writing, numbers, and business. Five friends, all girls. No combat experience."
I sighed out loud, as I sank into my couch.
Why was she a target and what did she know.
I sent a black ball directly to the palace. Seconds later I was hit with a temporary item box.
In it was the school's uniform. Papers with my new identity, and the books for the classes she is enrolled in.
I get it now.
God I hated school. But the rules were beyond strict.
I read a book while waiting my parents return home.
---------------
She swore to herself that she was being followed.
It was like a ripple in the air with tightly wound weaves of a spell following her carriage.
She dismissed it as a monster, or security.
Of course her father would want to host a party. It was customary.
But what she would rather be doing is being anywhere but in this house, in these doll clothes.
The wanted to slip out and explore the area, to find a new peaceful spot.
But her father said she was not a little girl anymore, she was a woman of eighteen years. It was time for her to settle down, find a husband, and prepare to inherit the family businesses.
All in due time. She was more interested in ruins and treasure, than doing her hair and looking like some expensive item.
She unlocked the secret latch of her chest, and the bottom unlocked.
She drew her short sword, and cloak, and prepared to explore a bit, as it was far too early for dinner.
She checked her window, and noticed the new trellis with roses planted below.
Climbing down, she jumped and rolled, and through a hole in the stone wall, that was being prepared to be repaired, she departed into the early afternoon forest........