Rain pelted the awning above as Virenna crept along the sheer alabaster wall, the sounds of her footsteps completely masked by the downpour. Across the narrow, cobbled street she could barely make out Meira and Ulessa, the sharp lines of their sapphire armor gleaming in the moonlight as they split to cover either side of the compound’s upper level. As she passed a tiny window in the dwelling beside her, she heard a swiftly silenced scream from within. She spun and could barely make out the three terrified faces of a family within. Their rough, pragmatic clothing and small, sparse dwelling was consistent with this poorer section of Usamea’s outer ring. Okmin’s Hammer, she hadn’t expected anyone in the area to be awake this late after curfew. At the sight of the argent crest on her helmet, the woman hastily bowed towards Virenna, hand still covering the child’s mouth. This was a complication that she really did not need right now. Judging from the abject terror on their faces their continued silence would likely not be an issue, but this close to Phaern’s compound she couldn’t take the risk. They’d seen her and for all she knew they might warn Phaern and compromise the entire mission.
In a single smooth motion she summoned her Conduit, targeted them, and sent the command. Three tiny golden needles appeared before her then streaked towards the family. They passed through the window in a series of soft tinks without slowing, giving the people inside no time to react as the needles connected with them in a trio of bright yellow flashes. All three dropped instantly and Virenna was already halfway across the narrow street by the time their bodies hit the ground. She pressed herself against the cold wall of the compound, having already excised the family from her mind. Capturing Phaern was going to require absolute focus; she couldn’t afford any further distractions.
A quick series of concepts came through her conduit: Ulessa and Meira were in position and waiting on her signal. She had trained with them for as long as she could remember, and she felt a deep sense of pride being able to lead them on her first mission as Prima. The compound was relatively small; hidden away near the outer wall of Usamea and tucked inconspicuously into a cluster of run-down dwellings and tiny shops. The squat, square buildings in this section were grouped haphazardly together, some stacked precariously upon others. The ubiquitous white sandstone of the structures and their erratic organization always made Virenna think of a jumble of sugar cubes dumped unceremoniously against the towering outer wall of the city. Here in the slums larger group housing compounds weren’t uncommon, and no doubt that’s what Phaern’s had been before his cabal had commandeered it. Anything bigger would’ve drawn too much attention, but the low profile also meant fewer guards patrolling the perimeter.
She summoned her conduit again, switching her vision into the infrared spectrum and activating her Perspivisia and Calorvisia. The wash of alabaster buildings and pouring rain disappeared into a solid cobalt wall. Above her the slight silhouettes of Ulessa and Meira vanished as well, their body heat completely masked by their armor. She turned back towards the wall beside her. The previously opaque facade now appeared translucent, as if she was gazing through a stained-glass window. With her vision focused on heat, she could make out several people inside, their bodies appearing to faintly glow shades of vermillion against the blue-black backdrop of the cold building. It was impossible to tell which was Phaern, the fine details obscured by the constant vacillations of heat across their faces. According to the, admittedly rudimentary, map their informant had supplied, she should be standing next to Phaern’s study. However, there were at least three people inside, and two more stood either at the far wall or in the adjacent room. The combination of Perspivisia and Calorvisia made discerning the exact position of inanimate objects, like the far wall of the study, exceedingly difficult.
The two furthest from her stood very still, and she could barely discern the outline of the cold metal swords by their sides. Guards, most likely. She refocused on the group nearest her. All three were standing near the desk at the center of the room, and any one of them could’ve been Phaern based on their informant’s description. She summoned her conduit and sent a series of concepts to Ulessa and Meira. Guards, door, first. Middle three questioning. Begin. Their silent acknowledgements perceived, Virenna opened her conduit to summon her Faith Blade, willing the magical portal into existence over her left arm. Its outer perimeter was a constantly shifting and swirling band of cerulean energy about a hand’s length across, the center an impossibly black nothingness that appeared to bend reality around it like the edges of a lens. Her hand disappeared into the inky void, withdrawing a second later gripping a tiny dagger. The blade glowed faintly, bathing the wall beside it in soft, shimmering white light. The blade connected seamlessly with the pearlescent hilt, the ornate guard and pommel inlaid with gleaming sapphires.
She had summoned it with a much shorter blade this time; excess length would only make controlling the weapon more difficult and serve to alert those within as it passed through the wall. She shifted, aligning the blade perpendicular to the wall and slowly pressing the tip against the sheer sandstone facade. The light emanating from the blade flared as it began to shear through the stone. At the angle she was positioned her Perspivisia allowed her to accurately estimate the depth of the wall, and she made sure not to cut all the way through, leaving a sliver of solid rock left as she slowly outlined a circle about three feet in diameter.
A few minutes later she finished. She took a few steps back and could barely make out the faint discoloration cut into the wall, the misty night masking the tiny trails of smoke rising from her handiwork. She sent the Ready concept through her conduit, backed up a few more feet, and readied herself for their responses. A few moments later Ulessa and Meira signaled the completion of their preparations on the rooftop above. She re-opened her connections to them, 3...2...1....
As her countdown finished she burst into motion, sprinting directly at the wall before launching herself forward and aligning her body, feet first, toward her incision. Just before impact she fired a Projection of Force through her conduit, blasting through the weakened area at her feet and flying inwards as twin impacts sounded above her. Ulessa and Meira dropped into the room just as she did, the force of their projections scattering the pieces of the wall and ceiling everywhere, filling the room with dust and debris. One of the guards near the door was already falling, struck by a large piece of rock from the ceiling. The rest of the heretics still stood, reeling from the sudden confusion, their arms raised reflexively over their heads.
Ulessa hit first, dropping directly on to the remaining guard, her Faith Blade slicing through his steel helm with ease. As he fell she slid off his shoulder to land beside his stunned companion, quickly dispatching him before he had time to stand. The two guards handled, she spun, pressing her ear against the door, listening for anyone coming down the short hallway outside.
Meira touched down in the center of the room on the other side of the cowering trio. As she landed, she raised her conduit and a series of silver darts materialized before her. In a smooth motion, she swept her arm outward and the darts launched themselves at the men. Two of them attempted to leap backward to avoid the projectiles, causing them to crash into each other before falling to the ground. The darts swerved in mid air and all three connected dead center of their targets’ chests. The men opened their mouths to cry out, their faces contorting into looks of terror and confusion as no sound escaped. Meira stood over them, the unwavering point of her blade enough to keep them on the ground. She quickly followed the darts with another command and this time coils of luminescent rope sprang from her conduit, binding the legs and arms of her captives.
At the back of the room Virenna hit the ground running, sliding across the desk and hooking her boot behind the knee of the last man standing. Her momentum pulled him forward, dropping him to the ground as she landed and rolled, her Faith Blade at his throat before he could recover. His eyes widened as they focused on her, the sight of her sapphire Envoy’s armor enough to cause him to nearly faint. Up close, her Visia off, she was able to clearly inspect the faces of the three men cowering before her, and none of them fit their description of Phaern. She cursed, then leaned down towards the nearest, so close the condensation from the man’s ragged breathing fogged her faceplate.
“By order of the Warden of Absolution, I am assuming control of this compound. Cooperate and we will show you mercy. If you attempt to cry out you will be killed. Do you understand?” she whispered, her voice low and calm. The man stared up at her, eyes still wide with panic. Okmin’s Hammer, would’ve guessed heretics this brazen would have a bit more grit. She didn’t have time for this.
“Do you understand?” she repeated, shaking him forcefully. This time he managed a trembling nod. “Now, where is Phaern?” His mouth moved soundlessly in reply. Damn. Blade still at his throat, she summoned her conduit and removed the Silence upon him. He sputtered and spoke again, his voice high and frightened.
“Ph-Phaern? Why do you want h-him?” he asked, confusion written all over his face.
She backhanded him, whipping his head to the side and leaving a bloody imprint of her steel gauntlet on his cheek.
“Last chance,” she hissed, “I don’t--”
“Vi!” Ulessa interrupted from her position at the door. “We’ve got incoming.” She turned back to the hallway. “Two men, unarmed, don’t seem to be in a hurry. Estimate 8 seconds.”
“H-Hel, help!” came a shaky voice from below. Virenna glanced back to the men on the ground before her and cursed. She immediately Silenced him again. Stupid mistake. Her first mission as Prima and it was already coming apart at the seams. She looked back to Ulessa, desperate, then shook her head quickly. No time for deliberating. Summoning her conduit, she sent a series of concepts to Ulessa and Meira. They immediately began moving, concealing themselves against the wall on either side of the door as Virenna ducked behind the desk. 2...1….
The door swung open, revealing two surprised faces as they took in the room, eyes darting to the bound men on the floor whose mouths worked in silent attempts to cry out. They took a few uncertain steps forward. As they passed the threshold, Meira stepped past, slamming the door behind them.
“What in--” said one, spinning and breaking off mid sentence as Ulessa’s Silence hit him in the chest, followed swiftly by her armored fist. The air silently knocked from his lungs, he stumbled then crumpled at her feet. The second turned, confusion shifting to terror as he saw Meira. A cursory leg sweep and summoned Binding and the two newcomers were rolled unceremoniously to join their comrades near the desk. Virenna stood and returned to her position above the growing pile of captives. She really had to get control of this situation.
“Phaern. Now,” she growled. One of the terrified men raised a shaky hand and pointed down the corridor. She summoned her conduit and removed her Silence from him.
“H-he was just here. Went down to the mess for a bite, ‘least I-I think,” the man said, voice unsteady. She narrowed her eyes, inspecting his face for signs of subterfuge.
“What was he wearing? How will I know?” she asked.
“Oh, uh, I-I don’t know, ‘bout same as us, I think. Not rightly sure...” He trailed off, looking around wildly to his silent companions for support that did not come.
“I’ve got five of you here, if you’re unable to answer my questions I’m sure one of your friends will be more forthcoming. And then I’d have no further use for your continued existence...” Virenna said flatly, pointedly resummoning her Faith Blade.
“Wait no! No! I’ve just remembered!” he sputtered, attempting to sit up. The luminous bonds stymied his efforts, causing him to lurch forward then slump face first into the ground. Virenna sighed, upper lip curling in disgust as she hooked an armored boot under the squirming man and unceremoniously flipped him over.
“Of course you have.”
“His hat! His hat! I-I didn’t think of it right first since you asked ‘bout his clothes, but now I’ve remembered! He’s wearin’ ‘is red cap! Almost always wearing it, on account o’ he’s losing his hair, he is!” he said earnestly, the tremble almost gone from his voice. Virenna turned, surveying the rest of the captives.
“This true?” she asked, and received a flurry of nods in response. She’d have to have a word with their informant after all this was done; something this distinctly identifying should definitely have been mentioned. She turned back to Ulessa and Meira.
“Mei, you’re with me. Lessa, stay here and cover exfil,” Virenna said as she walked to the entrance to the hall, pausing a few steps from the doorway. She turned halfway towards Ulessa, and vaguely gestured towards the captives. “And Lessa, clean up this mess.”
“Wait!” came an indignant cry from behind her. “I did what you said! You can’t--” he yelped before his argument was cut short by Ulessa’s blade. Virenna continued, unperturbed, into the hallway outside.
Reactivating both her Visia, she looked down the short hall, noting what appeared to be several empty offices on either side. Behind the door at the far end was a vast circular room, filled with several rows of simple wooden tables and benches. She could make out around four or five people in what must be the mess hall. The Visia made discerning individual people grouped together rather difficult, but only one of them was wearing any sort of head covering. The man who was hopefully Phaern sat alone at one of the side tables, scribbling furiously on something she couldn’t see. She couldn’t be sure at this distance but only one of the people seemed to be armed, a steel longsword at his side, lounging at the end of Phaern’s table.
She strode forward but stopped partway down the hallway. Why were there so few people in this compound? Granted, she could tell there were more rooms on the other side of the central mess hall, but this was far from the well defended insurgent headquarters she had been expecting. No matter, she had to act. Motioning Meira to the edge of the hallway near the entrance, then positioning herself before the large double doors, she deactivated her Visia, raised her conduit, and began a short countdown.
As she finished she summoned a considerable Projection of Force and aimed it directly at the door handles. The displaced air whooshed before her as the Projection slammed into the doors. The doors exploded outwards, blasted off their hinges, bits of wood and torn metal flung across the room. The room’s occupants turned in surprise, several at the nearest table knocked to the ground by the shockwave. Half the candles illuminating the mess hall winked out from the sudden rush of air, and several more fell to the ground or spilled across the tables and chairs, which burst into flame. As Virenna and Meira swept into the room, Phaern jumped back from his table, hiding himself behind what must be his bodyguard.
The bodyguard alone seemed unfazed by the explosion, spinning immediately to track Meira and positioning himself between her and Phaern. He reached over his back, drawing a miniature crossbow and firing it in one fluid motion. Virenna and Meira split, Virenna diving towards the outer edge of the hall, Meira sliding behind the nearest table as the tiny bolt whistled past her into the hallway. The bodyguard cursed and stepped back, quickly winding the winch to prepare the next bolt.
Virenna landed and rolled, leaping to her feet on the far side of the room, the confused jumble of people and flaming overturned tables between her and her quarry. She raised her conduit, hastily targeting the group of four before her and firing a volley of the tiny golden needles. Meira could easily handle the bodyguard and Virenna was absolutely not allowing this mission to unravel further by leaving witnesses. She watched as three of the needles connected, their targets instantly dropping to the floor. The last needle thunked solidly into the wood of the table. Its target rolled out from cover and dashed through the door on the far side.
Cursing, Virenna launched herself over her table in pursuit of the fleeing man. She skidded into the hallway behind him just in time to see him disappear through another doorway. Okmin’s damned Hammer, she’d lost him, this mission was quickly spiraling out of her control. She shook her head. Phaern was the focus, she could tie up loose ends later. She spun, sprinting back into the mess hall.
She re-entered the room just as Meira hurdled a chair and threw herself at the bodyguard. The man was backed into the corner of the hall, half crouched behind an overturned table with a salvo of Meira's golden needles embedded in it. He ducked and swore, furiously cycling his crossbow, his previous bolt protruding harmlessly from the center of Meira’s breastplate. Virenna raised her conduit, preparing to fire. Meira’s Faith Blade flashed in the flickering firelight, and Virenna heard the distinct thwump of the crossbow before Meira collided with the bodyguard and they both crashed to the ground.
Virenna rushed forward as Phaern dodged past the falling bodies and bolted. She slid to a stop and whirled towards Phaern, her conduit ready. The room was suddenly bathed in brilliant golden light as coils of luminous rope shot from her outstretched hand and slammed into Phaern. He lurched forward and collapsed, his arms and legs limned by glowing bonds. His head smacked hard into the stone floor as he landed and his body fell still. Oh by Her light you better not be dead she thought, starting towards the body.
A labored groan on her left refocused her, and she turned toward the table behind which Meira and the bodyguard had fallen. The fire from the overturned candles was spreading, engulfing most of the table and several chairs. She slowed, a visceral sense of foreboding overwhelming her as she rounded the corner. The two lay motionless, Meira face down on top of the bodyguard, her sapphire armor glittering in the firelight. No…
Another groan and Meira’s body shifted slightly, exposing the face of the bodyguard pinned beneath her. Blood streamed down his face from a deep gash and he took shallow, ragged breaths. Virenna stepped forward, her hand shaking as she grasped Meira’s spaulder and slowly turned her over. She rolled limply onto her back, revealing a crossbow bolt pierced straight through the mirrored glass of her faceplate and buried deep in her right eye. Virenna gasped and fell backwards. No, Mei, no… The room began to spin, her vision blurring.
The bodyguard coughed, spraying blood. Meira’s body had shifted off his torso, and now Virenna could see the pearlescent hilt of Meira’s Faith Blade buried in the man’s chest. A sudden heat hit her and she pulled back; the fire from the nearby table had spread to the overturned chair Meira lay upon. The man coughed again, and his eyes refocused, locking on Virenna. His unpinned arm reached toward her weakly, pleading. As she looked into those eyes an abrupt calm washed over her and she stood, then stepped forward. Planting an armored boot on the man’s chest, she bent down and pulled Meira’s Faith Blade free. He groaned as she released the pressure, his arm suddenly flashing forward to grip her boot as the flames grew nearer, the edges of his shirt catching fire.
She turned, wrenching her boot free and moving back toward the hallway where Phaern lay. She had to get away from those pleading eyes and Meira’s body. She hoisted Phaern over her shoulder and he groaned softly. Not dead then. She turned and carried him back through the burning mess hall. By now almost the entire room was aflame, fire spreading across the rugs and up the curtains. Flames licked at her as she passed, swirling higher in her wake.
She strode into the study where they had entered. Ulessa waited there, faithfully guarding their exit, the jumble of dead captives at her feet. She ran forward as she saw Virenna.
“Prima, what happened? I heard fighting and there’s a fire--” Ulessa cut off. “Where’s Meira?”
“She’s gone.” Virenna’s voice was flat and hard. “We’re leaving.”
