Servants moved about the grounds, tending to various tasks with the easy efficiency of a well-run household.
Guards patrolled in pairs, though their relaxed deanor suggested they expected no imdiate threats.
The sight of the approaching group drew curious glances but no alarm.
"I don’t see any knights at the entrance or in the city too. This Baroness is pretty relaxed considering she raised a city in just a few months." Preeyonka observed quietly.
"All I see are guards and maids, and I can’t differentiate between them."
"Favourable odds, assuming they’re as soft as they appear."
"Numbers an little when surprise is complete," Gales replied.
As they drew closer to the mansion’s main entrance, Gales signalled for the group to dismount.
A steward erged from the mansion’s main entrance, his formal attire and practised deanour marking him as soone accustod to dealing with visiting people.
His approach carried the polite authority of soone confident in his position and the security of his household.
"Good afternoon," the steward called. "What do you want?"
Gales said, "We want to discuss a trade matter with your Baroness."
Steward looked at all of them once, reluctant to let them in. Their weapons and appearances are different; what do they say?
Gales stepped forward, his manner perfectly calibrated to suggest a successful rchant accustod to dealing with nobility. "We represent several northern trading houses interested in establishing long-term relationships with Tekkora’s impressive industrial capacity. Our goods samples should demonstrate the quality of our offerings."
"We are adventurers, and we have a lot to offer the Baroness and earn ourselves a little coin here."
The steward nodded approvingly. "The Baroness maintains regular hours for such etings. If you’ll follow , I can arrange for your audience within the hour."
As they moved toward the mansion’s entrance, Gales caught Preeyonka’s eye. Her slight nod confird that their people had achieved optimal positioning. The household guards remained oblivious to the threat that had just walked through their periter.
The mansion’s interior spoke of tasteful prosperity. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of the barony’s history and the empire’s glory. Polished marble floors reflected light from crystal chandeliers.
Servants moved quietly through the halls, their presence unobtrusive but attentive.
"The Baroness is currently in conference with her children regarding today’s business," the steward explained as he led them through corridors lined with portraits of Tekkora’s leaders.
"She should be available shortly. May I offer refreshnts while you wait?"
"Most gracious," Gales replied, his tone carrying exactly the right note of appreciation. "We’ve travelled far and would welco such hospitality."
They were shown to a receiving chamber adjacent to the main study.
Through the partially open door, voices could be heard discussing trade figures and production schedules.
Cleora’s voice carried clearly, strong and decisive as she addressed so point of business with her children.
Preeyonka positioned herself near the chamber’s window, ostensibly admiring the view of the city below. Her hand rested casually near her weapons, ready to move at Gales’ signal.
The other Crimsan Blades had taken positions around the chamber.
"We need to set up a route towards Avyaburgh city. There are reports that bandits lurk in that Wayanar Pass." Nora’s voice drifted from the study.
"The path which is present now, the trade people say that it is filled with uncertain dangers," Roblan added. "It would have been great if Jolthar was present here."
At the ntion of Jolthar’s na, Gales’ expression sharpened with interest.
The young man’s reputation had reached even the shadowy networks that employed the Crimsan Blades. Power such as his was most crucial to groups like theirs.
Previously, Preeyonka had seen Jolthar in action, and she had a complex expression on her face hearing the na of the boy again.
"That boy, I would like to et him. It would be good if he ca now," Gales murmured to Preeyonka.
"Trust , you don’t want to et him," she replied quietly.
"He is not so guard or knight you can take out easily."
"Perhaps. But power such as his tends to leave... impressions."
A servant appeared with a tray of refreshnts—wine, bread, and fruits that spoke of the region’s prosperity.
Gales accepted graciously, playing his role to perfection while his mind calculated the timing of what was to co.
Outside, storm clouds had begun to gather, darkening the afternoon sky.
The wind picked up, rattling windows and sending loose papers scattering across the mansion’s grounds. The weather seed to mirror the approaching storm of violence that would soon shatter Tekkora’s peace.
-
Gales was in the receiving chamber, his fingers drumming against his sword hilt as he counted the minutes.
The careful infiltration had proceeded flawlessly, but sothing held him back from giving the signal. His cold eyes watched the servants move through the halls, calculating casualties and resistance, when a shadow passed over the mansion’s windows.
The thunderous beat of massive wings shook the very foundations of the building.
Servants cried out in alarm as a massive bird descended from the storm clouds, its wingspan blotting out what remained of the afternoon sun. The creature landed before the mansion’s main entrance with force, its claws carving deep furrows in the stone courtyard.
It was called Skycleaver Myrruk.
The Skycleaver Myrruk has a powerful, muscular body covered in rust-red fur with a pale underbelly, supported by four clawed limbs. Its wide, blade-like wings and long, whip-like tail make it a deadly and graceful force in the sky, while its otter-like head and feathered whiskers give it a uniquely wild elegance.
It was one of the fastest flying beast and predatory too.
Eude dismounted from the great bird’s back with simple motion, his robes billowing in the wind stirred by those mighty wings.
He was no warrior, but he had the most powerful weapon, and it was the wealth. His fingers and neck were adorned with gold ornants, and even his shoes were made out of gold, showing how much wealth he had.
Eude was a man who liked to flaunt his wealth and threw people around with his coin at his whims.
Gales imdiately approached and greeted. "Mr.Eude, we’ve been waiting."
Eude nodded.
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