The Killing Grounds Read online

  “Mr and Mrs Black, I am sure that you recognise your tour guide,” he held out a hand toward Black who was waiting by his bunk and standing at attention. Alara noticed that his shield was firmly in place and that he failed to acknowledge the couple that stood in front of him.

  Lord Black was a tall man with salt and pepper shoulder length hair. He wore a grey business suit, a white shirt and red tie. “Maybe the girl would like our company better?” the man indicated to Alara.

  “The tour has been specifically organised Sir. I must insist that the Guild's decision is not to be questioned today,” Lord Sirap said. Alara noted the need for Lord Sirap to address the man as Sir. Whatever credentials he had were obviously higher than Lord Sirap's.

  “Very well,” the man said shaking his head. “I’m sure apprentice Black will be acceptable under these circumstances. We wouldn’t want to upset the Guild, now would we?” He was looking at his wife who stood statuesque, dressed in a blue businesswoman’s suit. She smiled at him, but said nothing.

  “Black will show you the way and will be willing to offer answers to any questions you may have.” Lord Sirap motioned for Black to lead the party out of the dorm.

  “I think that we know enough about Black to understand that, Lord Sirap,” the elder man said as the party left the room.

  “A4, front and centre,” Lord Sirap instructed.

  Alara quickly moved to Lord Sirap's side and saw her guests up close for the first time. Lord Sirap introduced her to Lord and Lady Millhaven, their son Sebastian, and daughter Penelope. Alara smiled and greeted Lucinda’s family politely. The senior Millhavens came from old money and they failed to return her greeting, the two junior members of the family offered their hands and Alara shook them. Bodily contact was the easiest way to search for Artistic tendencies, but she found none. Alara hated the limp handshakes and she wanted to scrub her hands as soon as the greeting was done. “And this is Madam Isabelle.”

  Alara had sensed the presence of Madam Isabelle in the room before she came face to face with her. The woman had probed her constantly since the group of recruits had left the room, and it had taken all of her will to keep the Artist out of her head. Alara greeted Madam Isabelle with a bow and held out her hand.

  “So we meet again young assassin?” she said in her sickly-sweet voice.

  “Yes Madam Isabelle, welcome to the Killing Grounds,” Alara emphasized the last two words.

  “I hadn’t realized that you had already met Apprentice Du Preeze, Madam Isabelle,” Lord Sirap said as he stared stony-faced at Alara.

  “Indeed I have Lord Sirap. Young Du Preeze here came to visit my offices on an errand from Lord Osari, it seems he had lost a blade and was looking for Manak to replace it. Am I correct Du Preeze?” Alara was caught off guard; she hadn’t told Sable that she was there on Lord Osari’s behest. In fact she’d made it very clear that she wouldn’t give up the name of her Lord. “Oh, come on girl, do you think that I am that ill-informed that I didn’t know who your Lord was?” Alara stumbled for an answer, but found none. Sable continued, “Maybe we can catch up with Lord Osari today?”

  “I’m afraid that Lord Osari is away on business at the moment,” Lord Sirap lied.

  “Oh what a shame, let’s hope he isn’t being detained too long,” she said, smiling at them both.

  Alara’s blood was boiling and she wanted to send a blade hurtling at the woman’s head, but she managed to smile and keep her temper at bay. “I’m sure that he will find his way home Madam Isabelle and I’ll send him your warmest regards when he does.”

  “Excellent, shall we begin then?”

  Alara led them out of the room and took them on a quick tour of the kitchens where she explained what it takes to feed an army of assassins on a daily basis. She wanted to linger there as long as possible, she could feel the group’s disgust at having to come to where the servants work, and it made her feel good. She launched into a long speech about the kitchen being the oldest in the city and the home to many famous chefs over the years. She’d fabricated and overemphasised most of the information just to keep them in the area for a little longer. She invited them to try their hands in bread making, but they all quickly and vehemently declined the offer.

  “So I believe that the class system doesn’t apply to the Killing Grounds?” Lord Millhaven asked Alara as they left the kitchen and headed to the library.

  “I’m not sure if that’s a question Sir,” she said to the old man.

  “Let me answer for the girl,” Sable said, taking Lord Millhaven's arm as a much distressed Lady Millhaven watched on. “This establishment has no need of a class system. Apprentices are either sent here by parents that can afford the tuition, or they are sponsored by a Lord in which case the expense is taken care of by the Guild. For which they get tax relief may I add,” the old man harrumphed and looked incredibly uncomfortable as Sable continued. “The class system would interfere with the retirement of apprentices and would be to the detriment of the Guild. Am I right Miss Du Preeze?” Alara nodded toward the old man in agreement. “Therefore it is appropriate that washer girls and even kitchen boys rub shoulders with their more affluent colleagues on even terms, so to speak.”

  Alara had to avoid showing any emotion at the fact that Sable knew about her and Black's upbringing.

  “But if they make the top five and make a positive impression on the Guild they are automatically granted the status of Lord or Lady,” she continued, “that would make them equal to us and they wouldn’t have to fear any repercussion if they were to collect bounties above their own station.” The old man harrumphed again. “Ah the library!” her overly dramatic tone echoed in the silence of the largest room in the Killing Grounds.

  Alara regurgitated the facts about the library that had been written for her, and invited them to take their time to have a look around. Lord and Lady Millhaven were whisked off by Madam Isabelle, who waltzed them around the aisles shouting in glee as she came across tomes that reminded her of her childhood. Alara was trying to keep up and make mental notes of the books she picked out, but Sebastian held her back. “Tell me Miss Du Preeze; is it true that you retired five apprentices in your first week here?”

  “Unfortunately I am unable to speak of Guild business Lord Millhaven.”

  “Ah Miss Du Preeze, let’s do away with the formalities please, call me Bastian. Most people reserve the Lord for my father,” he said smiling at her. “By the time you are Lady Du Preeze I may take my place on the Senior Council and we will see a lot of each other in the day to day business of the city.”

  She hadn’t realised that the assassins had members that mingled with the city politicians, but it made sense to her that they would have to mix at some stage.

  “Maybe you could find some time to visit the Council and I can return this favour and show you around.”

  Alara was shocked, he was flirting with her! “My studies keep me very busy I‘m afraid Lord Bastian.”

  “Bastian please, and may I call you Alara?”

  “As you wish Bastian,” she had trouble using his name, but she didn’t want to be rude.

  “Good! I have friends on the Council that can free up some time for you if you wish?”

  “Maybe after I graduate would be a better time, we’re well into our last year and I wouldn’t want to get sidetracked,” she found herself staring at her boots, refusing to meet the boy's gaze, and her skin crawled at the thought of spending time in his company.

  “Stop hogging Miss Du Preeze all to yourself,” Penelope said, taking Alara by the arm. “If he hits on you just ignore him, he’s a terrible flirt.”

  “It’s fine Lady Millhaven. I’m sure nothing untoward was meant by it.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you,” Penelope said winking at Alara, “he’s a bit of a dog; if you know what I mean.”

  “Very funny Pen,” Bastian said and left the two girls to their chatting.

  “I’m so glad that they sent a girl to help
us find our way around this wonderful place. There aren’t many girls on the Council and those that are there are boring me to death,” Penelope said, raising her eyebrows at Alara who remained silent. “I do miss the company of other women, especially strong women like you Miss Du Preeze.”

  Alara smiled at the compliment. “I’m sure that the other women are a lot more educated and interesting than me.”

  “You’d be surprised,” the girl said and changed the subject. “Tell me of my little sis Miss Du Preeze, I do miss her so.”

  So here we go! Alara thought, “As I said before Lady Millhaven, I am not allowed to speak about Guild matters.”

  “Do you know that when she was small I used to read her books at bedtime? She was such a joy. I was sad when she chose this path instead of joining us on the Council. She would have had such a good time teasing the boys. She was so beautiful before she shaved off her hair.”

  Alara found it hard to believe that Lucinda was ever beautiful. She had only known her as a ruthless assassin that snarled at her constantly.

  “The family miss her so much; do you think that you could talk her into contacting us more often? The Junior Council has a way of helping those who assist them Miss Du Preeze.”

  “As I said Lady Millhaven, Guild business is Guild business and I’m forbidden to speak to outsiders regarding it. If you pardon the expression.” Alara was beginning to question her decision in taking on this task.

  “Well good for you Miss Du Preeze! It’s so refreshing to speak to someone with such strong convictions; I’ll leave it in your capable hands. You can contact me directly at the Council should you have a change of heart and decided to join us.”

  To join them? Was this a recruitment speech? “I’ll keep the offer in mind Lady Millhaven,” she saw the rest of the party heading her way. “Maybe it’s time for us to move on with the rest of the tour.”

  Lord Millhaven looked fed up when the others joined up with Alara and Penelope. “I’ve seen enough of this rubbish,” he said to his family, “we're leaving now.” The two younger members of the family tried to interject but Lady Millhaven just stared at Alara. “I’ve made up my mind you lot,” he pointed at his two children. “Good bye Miss Du Preeze and thank you for your time.” He stormed out of the library with his family in tow.

  “We’ll see you soon Alara,” the two siblings said in unison.

  She smiled and waved, but if she had the choice she had no intention of ever seeing them again, unless of course, their names were printed on a bounty poster.

  “Ah, such a pleasant family, don’t you think Alara?” Sable asked.

  Alara was in the one position that she had dreaded since meeting the group, alone time with Sable, “Yes Madam Isabelle.”

  “I think that we can do away with the pleasantries now young lady. You may address me as Sable.” The sickly sweetness had gone from her voice and she was all business.

  “Yes Madam Sable.”

  Just Sable! Sable's mind blast nearly knocked Alara on her back, but she managed to keep her shield up. “Not a bad effort girl, but I could break you in an instant if I chose to do so.”

  “I have nothing to hide from you Sable, but I must insist that you refrain from trying to read my mind.” Alara kept her voice as steady as possible.

  Sable laughed to herself, “Ah the innocence of youth,” Alara felt a shield surround both of them. “You can drop your defences girl. I mean you no harm and what I have to say is no business of the Guild.”

  Alara reinforced her shield. She had seen what the woman could do and felt her power.

  “So be it girl. The days of this Guild are numbered, and you're either with us or against us. Bank on the fact that there will only be one winner. The rewards for joining our numbers are immense; we could assure you of A1 status within the hour and a seat on the Council within five years if you agree to join our cause. But make no mistake, if you fail us there will be no resurrection spell offered.”

  Alara felt her anger rise and she fought to keep control of it, “Madam Isabelle I appreciate your offer, but I made it this far on my own and I’ll make my own decisions as to where my loyalties lie.”

  “Is that so girl? Well maybe I’ll just put you out of your misery now, or maybe you’d prefer another trip to my estate? I’m sure you would find Manak’s chair very uncomfortable.”

  “If you wanted to kill me you could have done it already! Where is Lord Osari?” she blurted out.

  “Ah, so that’s why you were snooping around.”

  Alara swallowed hard, she’d given away her position.

  Sable dropped the shield, “It’s been an enjoyable chat Miss Du Preeze, but it’s time for me to head back into the city. Good luck with your search for poor Lord Osari. I am sure that whichever miscreant has taken him will be quaking in their boots when they find out you are on their tail.” Her voice had returned to its sickly-sweet manner. “Give my best to the Quartermaster would you?” she added and swanned out of the library, leaving Alara alone and confused.

  Eighteen:

  “They tried to recruit me,” Alara told Black as they stretched before training, “they even promised me a seat on the Senior Council.”

  “Hmmm…” Black stretched out his spine to a multitude of clicks and cracks.

  “You should get that looked at,” she said smiling.

  “It doesn’t surprise me,” he ignored her remark, “you’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, they see your potential. The Senior Council’s hold on the Guild is essential if they want to keep control of the city.”

  “Not according to Sable, she was quite clear about wanting to destroy the Killing Grounds and close the Guild for good; I don’t think she likes us very much!”

  “Empty threats to throw you off your game I’ll wager.”

  “Black, she knew we were there when Manak lost his head,” Alara readied herself for the climb.

  “She’s a powerful Artist Du Preeze, what did you expect? We were both shielded and she would have picked up our spell scent. She would have known it was us after our meeting at her offices.”

  “So why didn’t she just catch us or send that assassin of hers to hunt our asses?”

  Black stopped his warm-up routine, sat on the floor and called Alara over, “Manak lost his head to show us what will happen to us if we continue snooping in her affairs, and she knew we would be in the barn watching. The assassination was a clear message that she holds sway in the Guild. Right now she doesn’t consider us as a threat since we’re both still alive, but after your chat with her in the library I’m not sure that status will remain intact for long. I can only think of one course of action Du Preeze”

  “I know,” Alara said.

  “We need to kill them all.”

  “What! No! Are you crazy?”

  “I was just joking,” Black said straight-faced.

  “You might want to tell your face that! The only option is to join them and find Lord Osari from the inside.”

  “Indeed and how do you intend to do this Du Preeze, another crazy plan?”

  “Crazy is such a strong term Black, I like to think of them as a work in progress. I also believe I know of a boy looking for a date.”

  Black examined the smile on Alara’s face, “Aren’t you a little too young to date?”

  “I can fix you up with his sister if you like,” she fluttered her eyelashes at Black. “Or did you plan on dating me?”

  “The answer to both of those inane remarks is no. I have no stomach for these rich types and the thought of having to pretend to date Lucinda’s sister is preposterous. What would happen if I had to retire her?”

  The fact that Bastian was Lucinda’s brother had slipped Alara's mind and her mood sobered. “Lucinda approached me before I met her family, there doesn’t seem to be any love lost between them, but it could just be a ploy.”

  “No, I’ve known Lucinda for over two years and she has always spoken freely about hating her brother and
sister. Her parents shunned her for having the gift”

  “I’m thinking about speaking openly with her. I think that she could be useful if she understands what we’re doing.”

  “Du Preeze, most of the time I’m not sure what we’re doing, but so far you haven’t gotten me killed and your judgement has been sound.”

  “Then I’m going to speak to her, if she’s a spy for Sable and the Affiliation this will be the shortest adventure in history, but if she accepts our invitation we’ll have a way into the Millhavens and that should keep Sable off our asses, for a while at least. Just one more thing before I kick your butt in the climb Black.”

  “What?”

  “You sure you don’t want to cuddle up to Penelope? She’s such a sweet girl,” Alara said imitating the girl's grating voice.

  ***

  Alara stripped and wrapped a towel around her; there was an unwritten rule in the barracks that the boys always showered before the girls even though they shared the same bathroom. She cringed as she made her way through the debris left by the boys. The tiled floor was covered in wet towels and flooded from one end of the room to the other. How they managed to make such a mess for the girls to clear up was a mystery. She kicked her way through the chaos, slipped off the towel and immersed herself under the hot shower. This was her favourite time of the day and she sent waves of energy through her aching body, the hot water helped massage away the stress in her shoulders and revitalise her skin. Lucinda was already in the shower room, but unlike Alara she was sitting on the floor, allowing the hot water to wash over her. It had been a particularly tough day and Lord Sirap had pushed them hard in the classroom and the gym. Alara watched the water runoff Lucinda’s bald head and down her muscular body.

  “Like what you see Du Preeze?” Lucinda asked.

  Alara snapped out of her day dreaming. “Sorry Millhaven, I was lost in thought and meant nothing by it.”

  “It’s fine, I know how you feel. How did the tour with my family go?”

  “Pretty much as you said it would, your brother and sister took turns asking questions about you, but I reminded them that Guild laws forbid me to speak of another apprentice.”