The farr's market was one of the most valuable parts of Southside because of one thing.
It's black market connections and resources.
The farr's market was the place with the underground trade that deals with illegal and rare substances, bringing in criminals from even outside the city.
And the best part, it's cover was an actual farr's market. The traders keep two books, selling to the ordinary folks during the day and selling to the criminals during the night.
Governing over this area would give Ezra access to anything from the blueprints to a secure building to identity forgery.
"Thank you, my lady." He bowed slightly.
"Do not thank yet, Ezra Matten." Yuri said, leaning back on her throne. "I have a task for you. One that requires your unique sense of ingenuity."
"My lady?" Ezra asked, warily.
Whatever this was, it had to be the plan all along. It had to be the reason she was willing to give him any place he wanted. Yuri was after sothing.
"I believe you are the only one capable of executing it to my standards." Yuri said.
Ezra paused. Nothing was free in this world. Whatever the price was for the farr's market, he was willing to pay. "I am yours to command."
"As you are aware, all eyes are on ." Yuri began. "The domains of the Counts are no secret, for any Count that needs to hide has already lost."
"The war is in its infancy. If I personally make a move, the other counts will. Which is why you will do it for ."
Ezra stood, expressionless.
"The Ascension Well is currently our most powerful asset." Yuri continued, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that was amplified by her Aura. "Everyone wants to get their hands on it and all that protects it is the lock which only three people can open."
Ezra blinked.
"Itachi, You and I." Yuri chuckled at his montary loss of control. "Don't be so surprised, Ezra Matten. I know you're a prince."
"That is why I need you to enter the Ascension well, move it and hide it, Ezra Matten. No one else must know of its new location. Not even your wives."
"My wives, my lady?"
"Yes. Your wives." Yuri answered. "I know how close you are to them, Ezra. Which is why I would have your oath to not disclose its location."
Ezra's mind raced. He was trying to cut off all bonds to First City, not create new ones.
He went through his options, trying to find the best way to reject the 'honor.'
"My lady," he began, his tone hesitantly, "I do not believe that I am the best choice for this task. I have no experience with artifacts and the Counts are watching just as closely."
"That may be true, Ezra but the counts will act through their subjects. Subjects that can't reach you inside the well." Yuri said. "You're safe from them."
Ezra frowned, his mind working hard. Yuri acting would an the counts retaliating but him doing it instead would an they would stay still.
He was cornered. He didn't have any way to reject this. He frowned, settling on one topic he could use.
"My lady. The implications of being the one to move the Well…" He trailed off.
"What of it?" Yuri asked, a smile on her face as if she knew sothing he didn't. She probably did.
"Won't this affect your court? Amara and Lady Helena could view this as you playing favorites. What about Thor Odinson? Won't this put bad blood between us?"
"If I was worried about that, I wouldn't have let you take your pick of territories." Yuri smiled. "Understand that I did not choose you lightly, Ezra Matten."
"The cunning, discretion, and unwavering commitnt that you have proven to ti and again shows that you are more than capable." She said, her tone serious."I trust you with this, perhaps more than I trust myself."
Ezra stood, having nothing to say to that. He couldn't reject this now. He needed Yuri's protection for now. He'll have to accept the task. However, he still had a question.
"How will I move the Well?" He asked.
"Study the well." Yuri answered. "Use the water distribution system. Be careful, so that it isn't hijacked in transit."
"How will I protect it on my own? You told not to tell my wives."
"Don't worry. Ivo and Armand will protect you from the shadows."
Ezra almost sighed in resignation but held himself in check. Why did he have to be working with those two?
**********
Helena sat in her office, her mind on its usual subject.
Ezra Matten.
He had golden eyes, sothing only seen in the progenitor. He and his wives could also use each other's abilities. What did this an? How could she get this power for herself?
As she mulled over these thoughts, the door to her office creaked open. One of her officers, a young, male vampire who had taken the place of Target, stepped inside, his expression grave.
""Captain." He saluted. "We've just received intelligence from Star Heights."
Helena's focus was on him imdiately. "Report." She commanded.
"Our sources have inford us that Natalia and Griffin died yesterday, killed by Ezra and X."
"After Ezra and X escaped the bar, they teleported straight into Star Heights and set an ambush. The ambush was successful, and Natalia and Griffin's bodies were destroyed."
"Good." Natalia nodded. This was the outco she had staked her future on. Ezra Matten had to live.
"And the Necromancer."
"Still alive." The officer answered. "And..." He hesitated.
"And what?" Natalia asked.
"There were sightings of another Griffin."
Helena stood. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, captain."
She began pacing her office. That ant that Griffin had created another X before he was killed. And now, the Necromancer controlled that avatar.
"There's one final thing, captain. It's about Ezra Matten."
Helena stopped her pacing, turning to face the officer. "What about him?"
"The Necromancer called him Prince Ezra."
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