House Westmores downfall was their hubris. They were proud of their gold and accomplishnts, and had gone unchallenged for so long that they couldnt be bothered to keep a competent periter and patrols. Vogrin reported that theyd sent much of their force away, padding the security around various warehouses and stockrooms in Topside, which played perfectly into our hands. The proximity of House Erebus worked to our advantage. We were able to approach from the back and chip away at them thodically, subduing patrols and small clusters of soldiers while avoiding direct conflict. Thirty n to their fifty and it was over in less than an hour.
And most of my regint still wasnt using live steel.
Embarrassing, really, for an esteed house. But these tactics were rarely used in human cities. Most northern lords were comfortable with more direct strategies, as what was lacking in magic was frequently made up for with the numbers of a superior force. So much so that they were imdiately out of their elent when that situation was reversed.
They only realized when it was already far too late.
Fifteen n hauled a felled tree, improvised as a battering ram. Absolutely unnecessary considering the multitude of large windows around the front and sides of the mansion, but the dramatic effect of a battering ram could not be understated. I looked back over my shoulder, squinting at the sun. It was growing lower at an alarming rate, signifying the ti we had left. Id intended to do most of this inside the house. But now that I thought about it, they did have an east facing deck on the third story. The height would shield us from most prying eyes.
Cool fingers brushed the back of my hand, and I grasped them, looping Mayas hand into mine as the makeshift battering ram continued to hamr the door.
You know this isnt healthy, right? She murmured.
Its the best way to resolve this bloodlessly. The resemblance is coincidental. I shrugged.
Her hand tightened, and she shook her head. We made a promise. Dont do that with . Lie to the others if you like. But not to .
I fought the urge to stall until the door broke down, to distance myself from her. The idea of opening up to anyone felt so difficult now. Even if it was Maya.
Every word was a struggle. Maybe if things were different, I could have co up with sothing else. But now, I see her everywhere. In the corner of reflections. Standing in the distance, mocking . When I close my eyes. Shes all I can think about. Might as well use that to my advantage.
Her hand slid up my arm, holding it gently. If this is what you need, Im with you. Always. But it cant be like this forever. She rested her head on my shoulder. It cant all be hate. Theres no future in that. You need to heal.
Just for Thoth to find a way to hurt again?
The harsh sound of cracking wood drew our attention. Splinters flew from the next hit. The doors folded inward, revealing a flash of armor and drawn weapons within. The brief look revealed far fewer than Id expected.
Its about that ti. I observed. Ready?
Yes. Maya frowned, turning her focus towards the weakening door. Her entire deanor changed, expression blanking, hollowing out. Almost identical to the way she looked the night I t her at the end of my first life. Intimidating as any arch-fiend.
The double doors shattered open.
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Breach! An officer bellowed, from the back. I activated the ten seeded sparks Id already maneuvered inside and targeted the officer and the front-line of guards first, setting tal and fire alike afla. The guards broke ranks almost imdiately, panicking, attempting to strip the inflad apparel free before fire t flesh. I dug deep and unleashed my aura into the ambient mana, and the approaching back-line stopped mid-step, frozen in fear before my regint washed over them like a wave of armored fists, most not even bothering to draw their weapons.
Two nobles with clear combat experience charged forward, faces mixed with fury and terror. That they hadnt frozen with the rest marked them as the sort of threat we didnt want to leave standing. I signaled to Sera and Alten.
Sera moved quickly, intercepting one and sliding a dagger into his guts. She left it there as instructed, watching mutely as he writhed before her on the ground, moaning. Zin cut the second from shoulder to hip. The man fell to the ground with a gasp. His wound bled imdiately and must have been agonizing, but the actual damage done was mostly superficial.
The few remaining guards, nearly naked, quickly surrendered. They were forced to their knees alongside the handful of nobles that had simply frozen in place.
And then it was over.
A chuckle began in the back of my throat, growing into a cackle, loud and cruel. I held my face, like I was trying to keep it together. It felt less like playing a part, more like sothing deep within was finally let loose on a worthy target. Is that it? Really? The last stand of House Westmore, and this is the best they can manage?
I scowled at Maya. I thought this would be fun. Where are the rest?
Hidden away with the won and children, most likely. Maya answered, monotone. A few squads are searching the house, my prince. Well find them soon.
Good. I spun the sword-breaker in my hand, studying the blade. We dont have much ti to spare. Id hate to miss soone.
A voice bood out from the central stairway. Is this the true face of Cairn, son of Gil? Another tyrant that consus his allies? A man with gray hair and a full beard descended the stairs with one hand on the bannister. He had a proud bearing, and his expression was more furious than fearful. Id seen him a few tis over the years, though he was notoriously closed off.
Balan, Patriarch of House Westmore.
At your service, I bowed and looked up at him with a grin. If I was my father, you would have been the first to die.
I see no dead n. Balan scoffed as he continued his descent, stepping over small clusters of fla I suppressed. What I see is rcy. He pointed to the line of kneeling n. The soldiers and rcenaries you savaged are bruised and battered, but otherwise unhard. Not a single corpse among them. My nephews are worse off. He spared a glance for the two felled nobles bleeding on the floor. But their wounds are treatable. Especially with the resources at our disposal. He stood in front of and crossed his arms. And I suspect those resources factor into this show of restraint.
Theres not been much bloodshed, yet. That much is true. I scanned the room behind . Unlike my predecessor I dislike killing soldiers for their orders. Better to slit the throats that gave them, first. I frowned. But I see how that could be misconstrued. Hmm. Not really the first impression I wanted. Should I start with him? I strode across the room to the noble with the knife in his belly, hoisting him up by the neck with my left arm and pressing the edge of my dagger to his throat, staring at Balan over his shoulder, daring him to speak.
I played the part required drawing from within more than any external action. I had no intention of killing the nephew. But I needed to believe I did, more than Id ever believed anything in my life. I thought of Thoth, the pure malevolence that radiated, stemming from the confidence of knowing how badly this would end for anyone other than her.
If Balan escalates, even for a second
Perhaps He cut off, the first shadow of doubt flickering in his eyes as he held out a hand. Perhaps instead, we should start by discussing what exactly it is that you want.
No longer interested in testing my resolve? I grinned wickedly.
He shook his head. Negotiations are the groundwork of empires. Clearly, youre serious. And this conversation is long overdue. I intended to seek you out in the coming months to discuss the future of Whitefall and Uskar. If anything, youve saved ti.
All things considered, he was doing well. Better than I had. His refusal to beg allowed him to maintain a degree of power, even as the House literally burned down around him.
I hesitated, letting the knife linger. Then dropped the nephew and stared at him. Fine. I can be patient. Lets negotiate.
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