9 City of Monsters

After traversing the labyrinthine streets of the Slums, I found myself staring at a dead end of an alley in its heart. On either side and in front of me was a rough yet soft stone wall while the barren road watched silently at my back. I moved my hand over the stone in front of me as I tried to find what I was searching for, the entrance to Ironclad's underground. A place built when the city was known by another name lost in the ashes of time. The Slums and the underground were home once when I was driven solely on seeking revenge. A home and a prison binding me to my past.

[(Funny how things turn out. For so long I wished to escape these pits. Now…now I'm returning on my own volition.)]

It would have been more appealing if I was alone and didn't have three noisy knights at my back. Stealth was somewhat critical because the five families that ruled here hated trespassers, especially those loyal to my uncle. Most of the families thought Ironclad would run more smoothly under their care. However, I knew one family that just wished to make better opportunities for the next generation besides the acts of illegal trade. As I crouched, I saw Ruben, Ulf, and Xeth stiffen as an gaunt orange cat with puffs of hair missing chased a plump rat down the alley. Their hands tightened even more around their weapons as shouts could be heard in the distance along with the occasional explosion as light loomed over the distant buildings. The Slums were still the same dangerous place I left behind.

"Lord, are you sure we are in the right place?" Xeth whispered in a low tone as the translucent crystal of her staff gave off an orange tint to the surrounding brick.

Ruben quickly added as he crouched low to become engrossed in the shadows even more, "I'd hate to have a run-in with the families, let alone their hounds."

Puzzled, I asked as I felt what I was looking for, "Veronica mentioned something about how uncle and the five families were on speaking terms. Are things still bad?"

I turned and faced the three as part of the wall began to move and disappear inside itself as a dark passageway became visible. Ulf drew his shield from his back and took up a defensive stance as the crunching sound of the doorway faded. I watched as his eyes darted from one side to the other. In a silent whisper, he muttered "Where did that come from? Lord, how did you know this was here and where does it lead?"

I didn't say anything as a small black blaze came to life in my open palm. Motioning them to follow, I turned and plunged into the abyss. Nothing but the sound of our footsteps bouncing off the cold stone as we descended for several moments. The air, unlike that of the surface, was cold on the skin almost like a winter's rain as it falls from the heavens. The sound of running water slowly filled our ears as the steps gave way to a walkway that ran alongside Ironclad's sewers. The smell of compost and other fluids tickled my nose as I knelt down beside the water, placing my hand in it.

[(It still amazes me how advanced the precursors' technology was.)]

The precursors were an ancient civilization that called Athax Frein home long before the primordials left. From several books I read and the ruins I explored, they believed in something called the sciences of the world and considered it greater than its counterpart, magic. Once they were a powerful kingdom feared by neighboring kingdoms for their sheer military might. Now, only scraps of parchment and decaying ruins are all that is left from their time. Bits and pieces of their knowledge however have been improved upon as kingdoms grow.

Technomancy, the art in which technomancers create their contraptions, is derived from such sciences. The water system before me is one example of their knowledge. The side that I am on allows clean running water to flow into a system of pipes spread throughout Ironclad while compost and other waste flows on the other side. Such waste is then gathered and discarded appropriately. The tainted water is then collected to be purified and stored for later use. It was a constant system that not only relies on technomancy, but magic as well.

I listened to the silence of the flowing water as my hand began to feel numb. "To think such purity is present underneath so much hate," I muttered to myself as I stood and started to follow the current.

As I walked, the footsteps of my watchers were drowned out by the moving water beside me. My eyes moved in a constant motion as I peered into the darkness searching for the symbol marking the entrance. To pass the time, I again asked the question before we descended, "How bad have things gotten? Aren't my uncle and the families on speaking terms?"

From all around me, I heard Xeth's voice echo, "They are, however, blood runs deep. Fights have been to the point that your uncle withdrew all knights from patrolling the streets and increased security at the borders. Funny thing is, it's the younger generation that is wanting the fighting to continue while the old ones seek peace, or most of them anyway. There are those that still believe your family are traitors who stole the crown."

I couldn't help but shake my head, "What about Willem Lloyd and his family?"

Willem Lloyd was one of the five heads that ruled the Slums. A terrifying man who rules with an iron grip, or that's how he's portrayed. In reality, he's one of the few that cares for the people under him. I remember how the room would light up whenever he was around and his hearty laugh that sounded like a drum. He was one of the few that helped me forget about revenge and helped me find Momma Joan. He acted like a mentor and father to me when I needed one the most.

Ulf just chuckled, "No longer the head of the Lloyds. Few years ago, he charged his eldest, Jack, to be his successor. Soon after that, he was found dead. Some say he died in his sleep while others claim he was killed. That being said, Jack and several others claim that your uncle had a hand in his death."

[(Jack…I'm sorry my brother.)]

I took the next alley on the right and stopped in front of another dead end. This time however, the path was marked with a symbol of a bat across its center. I turned and faced the three escorts, "Pass this wall, you will under no circumstance draw any attention to yourselves. You will do as I say and when I say it. Do I make myself clear?"

After ensuring their submission, I turned and placed my palm on the bat's chest sending mana into the wall. Slowly, the lines of the bat began to glow a bright white as a grinding sound reverberated in our ears. After a moment, the alley we stood in was filled with light and elegant smells from cooking meat to perfumes. The clatter of multiple feet on stone and stall owners calling out wares to traversing figures. The sight of different Demihumans, races with human characteristics, that ranged from beastmen to goblins, and sentient monsters roamed the paths before us. Such monsters were both types of Aranea: Llirturus and Arachne. Llirturus were the most common breed that grew to an extraordinary height along with a pair of clear wings. Arachne, which was rare, had a human upper half sprouting from the head of the spider lower half.

We made our way through the throng of monsters as I led the way to our true destination. There were a few times that I had to keep the others moving when I felt their presence slowly gain distance from me. They were simply captivated by the sights of monsters that were feared walking around and acting like regular citizens of Ironclad. The sights of domesticated Streguar and Aranea walking around with children on their backs. Goblins and dwarves running shops together. To children of different species playing with one another without so much a care as their parents walked and talked behind them. I couldn't help but smile when I remembered my first time experiencing this sight.

[(Everything in the world isn't as it seems.)]

The words of the person I am here to see, the Madame. She was the one that truly helped me realize that vengeance isn't truly a means to an end. She's a wise woman even though she didn't look like it. The underground was her domain as she acted as the shadowed sixth family that ruled the Slums. It was her family that kept the denizens of the Undercroft in line and away from the surface. She was another mentor to me that helped reclaim a lost part of myself long ago.

Sighing, I took the next left making sure that no one fell behind for what seemed the hundredth time in a span of thirty minutes. I was pleased to find that their faces were shrouded by the hoods of the cloaks I commandeered from a clothesline. They gently overlapped their armor and weapons making them blend into the background. Most of the monsters here knew that a knight meant that the Undercroft was compromised and a possible riot would ensue if seen. I didn't want to take a chance of them being recognized by any unwanted eyes.

Pulling my hood down a little more, I noticed that an Arachne was walking beside me. Her sickly pale skin was outlined by the obsidian iron cuirass and chainmail shirt she wore. Her crimson blue hair was tied in the back as it cascaded down to the middle of her shoulders. Two large dazzling eyes were closed as she walked. Her lower half was a mass of black hairs with eight segmented legs dyed crimson at each joint. Eight crimson eyes dazzled in the light just above a gaping maul of teeth set behind two massive fangs.

I chuckled as I took the next right, "Hello Isho, you're even more elegant than the last time I saw you."

I smiled at the Arachne that I raised from a spiderling. Isho smiled showing the needle point fangs hidden beneath as she spoke in a soothing voice, "Flattery can get you only so far in the world, Father."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I wrapped my hand around Isho's hand. Before I could utter a word, Xeth, Ulf and Ruben repeated the final word filled with utter confusion, "FATHER?!"

I turned and faced the three with an unpleasant look as eyes began to fall upon us. I glared at the unwanted gazes as I released a small amount of my aura. Just enough to send a clear message to turn away and go on about their business. As my eyes fell upon them, the onlookers turned not wanting trouble. There were several that continued to glare at us, but looked away when Isho took a step forward. Each knew who she worked for by the symbol, two parallel lines with three diagonal lines connecting them, emblazoned on her right breast. I continued forward with Isho at my side with Ulf bringing in the rear.

I answered the question in their minds, "Isho was considered a runt of her brood. Like the other runts or those too weak, she was to be devoured by her siblings making room for only the strong to thrive. Survival of the fittest at its finest in my opinion."

[(I still can't figure out how this happened. I only plunged into that nest because it was the only job on the board. I didn't expect to save Zeke and Fang, or even have a spiderling follow me from its home. Not only that, but I now have a daughter that Nyx doesn't know about. I wonder how she would take it. Maybe after our date I could say something like 'By the way my love, I have an adoptive daughter that's an Arachne.' I can only imagine the look Nyxis would make.)]

Sighing, I heard snickering behind me, "Before your imagination gets any worse," I glared at Ulf and Ruben who instantly stood tall, "I didn't sleep with an Aranea Brood Mother. I merely killed her and took Isho under my wing, nothing more."

I heard Isho let out a small giggle so childish and out of character for her. Lifting an eye, she just turned away from my gaze as her face was dyed crimson. In a quiet voice, she muttered "It's funny to imagine," she started to giggle as did Ulf and Ruben.

I rubbed my temples as their imaginations went wild. [(I can only guess what's in their minds.)]

I took a right turn as the street ahead was blocked by a crowd of people watching some street performer. From what I could see, the performer was juggling flaming swords. As we walked down the more deserted street, I felt the two hidden figures that have been following me since I left SwallowTail. One was hidden behind a corner of a nearby alley while the other leaned against a wall on the other side pretending to read a discarded flier of some sort. I didn't confront them because I didn't sense hostility from them, and because I'm sure my uncle instructed them to act as observers.

Sighing, I looked at Isho "Anything new to report?"

Isho didn't say anything as we walked a couple more steps. I knew something was bothering her by the way she bit down on her lower lip. It was the sign that I had taught her to let me know that something was troubling her when she came out of her cocoon with her newly acquired human half. My mind began to become troubled, but it eased when she finally spoke, "Father, I'm afraid that an all-out war is brewing in the Slums with the Lloyds at its center."

I stopped so suddenly that I felt Xeth bump into me. My mind froze on Isho's words as I repeated them once more in my mind. [(Jack, what the hell are you doing?)]

I turned toward Isho who took an unintentional step back as she met my gaze. From a nearby broken window, I saw my reflection out of the corner of my eye. In the darkness casted by my hood, my right eye glowed a bright crimson as a blackish red aura began to outline my body, "What!?"

Isho bowed on her eight legs and spoke her mind, "As we speak, Jack Lloyd and the heads of three other families are holding a meeting with Godmother in attempts to gain her aid to acquire full control of Ironclad. She sent me to find you when we felt your presence enter the tunnel. Though she seemed alright when I left, I fear that there is more to this than a simple meeting. I'm afraid that they plan to seize control of the Undercroft."

I turned and continued forward with a new found urgency. If what Isho says is true and I believe it to be true, then I must hurry before Jack or even the Madame do something that they would regret. The underground cannot come to light to the rest of Ironclad, not yet. Utter chaos would overwhelm the people upon the knowledge that monsters have lived under their feet for so many years. That outcome was a chaos that I wish to keep quiet no matter the cost. After all, it was my duty to protect what was unintentionally mine.

After some time, we found ourselves standing before a two story brick building with a charred oak door. Windows with broken glass rested only on the top floor as if long decayed eyes. Greenish brown mold caked one side of the outer wall as a lattice of vines that outlined the doorway. Along the pathway on either side was a row of flowers in full bloom from roses to tulips that added color to the baron gloomy scene before us. I couldn't help but remember the days I spent tending to the flowers with the Madame to add such color. A quality that I was good at from the many times I had helped my mother in the family garden. The building itself had seen better days, but was home at one point in my life.

[(I wonder if they'll even remember who I am. How long has it been since I last actually came here? How long have I avoided coming back to Ironclad?)]

Once at the door, I looked back to Isho who nodded for me to continue. Sighing, I knocked on the old door for the first time in years. I felt a sudden chill rush over my body as a slight pain began to erupt in the pit of my stomach. Regret began to form in my mind as nausea washed over me. I thought about running far away from the door and the past behind it. Before I could take a step, the small door that was eye level for the being on the other side opened.

Staring at us was a single gleaming turquoise eye with an iris that resembled a single tear in the ocean of greenish blue. A guttural growling voice that came from the deepest pits boomed from the door, "What is the password?"

I didn't say anything as I tried remembering the phrase that I was taught during my stay here. Growing impatient, the voice repeated with a more forceful hostility to it, "Password!?"

At such hostility, I remembered that I was no longer the whelp that left here. I remembered that I was a man that walked the thin nonexistent line between man and monster. Looking deep into the single eye, I saw fear within the reflection of my crimson eye that reflected in the still ocean that gazed back. "Password? It's been years since I needed a password to go somewhere as I please. It's been so long since a password needed to be used." I stepped a little closer so the eye could not look from mine, "I have business with the Little Bat and her guests. Now let me enter, or has it been so long that you've forgotten the shadow that haunted this place."

The little window instantly closed as the clatter of several locks being undone filled the silence. From behind me, I heard Xeth, Ulf, and Ruben shifting enveloped by anxiety as silence once again filled the air. Slowly, the doorknob turned as the mechanisms that held it shut were released. An ear-splitting creak sounded as the door slowly opened to reveal the one posted to guard it. The figure ducked under the threshold to stand its full height, a few feet more than Fang's eight foot stature.

Standing before us was a humanoid outline with a monstrosity of muscle and flesh. Its enormous limbs looked to have the strength to crush a man's skull in one go. The creature's broad chest was carved from many battles from a large gash across its barrel of a belly to a thin crescent scar over its right breast. A custom-made belted loin cloth thankfully covered its undercarriage while a single bone pauldron, resembling that of a bull's skull with one broken horn, covered its left shoulder. The beast just stared down at me as I stood unafraid of its bulky figure. The light of the room showed the black abyss where an eye should be now long healed from being removed.

"What's a fucking ogre doing underneath Ironclad?" I heard Ulf whisper from behind me.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw Isho place one of her thin legs in front of Ulf to stop him from reaching for the flail hanging from his waist. Fear grew not only in his eyes, but the eyes of Xeth and Ruben as well. Though the Undercroft was usually temperate to match that of the surface, beads of sweat poured down their faces. All three couldn't contain their fear in the face of a beast capable of slaughtering an entire platoon of knights. Showing such fear was an action that would get them killed if the beast standing before us was hostile, or if I wasn't near.

"Master?!" I heard the ogre whisper and turned to discover that it had fallen to one massive knee.

Its bulky grey arm was placed across its chest and head with puffs of charred dirt bowed. The ogre looked like my father did when he knelt before my grandfather. Both looked like pieces of an unknown game submitting body and soul to a king. Though I hated it, the ogre had considered me a king like most of the denizens residing in the building before me. I refuse to be such a king like that of Vaniel's emperor.

Sighing, I stepped closer to the kneeling ogre placing a hand on his shoulder. Though it didn't look like it, the skin of ogres feels the same as humans except for the moss that sometimes covers their bodies. That aspect naturally depends on the breed of ogres. In all, there are three types of ogre that roamed Aquera: Yuglae, Ophin, and Urhog. The ogre in front of me was of the Ophin, half-ogre, breed that has a more disfigured human appearance.

"Feel free to look upon me as you would everyone else," I said as I patted the ogre's shoulder, "there will never be a time that you will have to kneel before anyone, again. That was the promise I made to you and your family. Now rise Ogga and walk with me to see the Little Bat."

The ogre, Ogga, smiled as he stood to his full height, "I am honored that you remember your promise, but you forget that I swore my allegiance to you. After not only sparing my life, but freeing my family and I from that hell." Ogga stepped to the side clearing the path to the door, "You will find the Mistress and her guests upstairs in her office. Isho, will you lead your father while I deal with our rambunctious guests down here?"

Isho stepped forward as she muttered, "It would be my pleasure, but only Father is permitted upstairs. Your escort will have to stay on the floor level with the others." She turned, smiling a wide grin showing the needle-like fangs. Both her eyes were opened revealing the red irises caught in a tide of white, "Knights of Ironclad, you will stay by Ogga's side at all times. Understood?"

After ensuring that Ogga would keep an eye on the three observers, Isho and I made our way up the flight of steps without much issue. The main floor looked the same as the day I had left it behind. Alcoves of tables covered in black cloths freshly cleaned and ironed positioned around the large L-shaped bar. A tower of ales, beers, and other liquors looming over everything for all to see without restraint. The walls were still decorated in velvet cloth with many designs of different styles. Sconces made from goat horns housing lit candles and clear crystals brought light to the room. The many doors of different sizes and shapes leading throughout the building. It appeared that the old guild hall was another fragment of frozen time forever unchanging. Everything was the same as I remembered on the second floor as well.

"Father?" Isho's concerned voice brought me from my thoughts as I stared down at the many faces that I shared memories with while we walked.

I watched as the hobgoblin, deviation of goblins, Teth still tried to woo the witch Morgus with his tall tales and stories of lost glory. The dwarves Arn and Tur were having their fill of mead in an unending contest to see who can hold their drink. I saw the harpy, a type of beastman that has the body of a human with bird wings attached to their arms and taloned feet though that was a rarity, Clara flying through the air delivering food to tables as her maid outfit fluttered against the breeze. I chuckled at the sight of Ulf and Ogga drinking as the skeleton Hillard served drinks. I found Xeth and Ruben laughing at one of Jester's funny tales as he jingled the bells of his hat. I saw so many more faces that I hadn't seen since I left to live in Siegfried.

[(I wonder how many still remember who I am. Then again, it's best that they forget that I ever existed, forget about a killer like me.)]

Sighing, we stopped in front of the elegant door with intricate carvings that held a multitude of voices within. Voices that I didn't care for when I acted as escort for Willem along with Jack all those years ago. Ones that I still didn't care for to hear, but I was here to ensure nothing besides words were thrown around. With that in mind, I lowered my hood and tightened my grip around the doorknob. I felt a chill run down my spine as a wave of nerves washed over me, nerves of excited fear for what lies behind the door.

As I was about to turn the knob, the shouts became louder as the bangs of chairs hitting the wood floor sounded like bells. The sounds of yelling followed as did the all familiar sound of metal colliding with metal. All at once an alarm went off in my head killing all of my doubts as I kicked in the door. The sound of it hitting the wall reverberated within the room as all action stilled to gaze as I entered the room. I was somewhat disgusted as one of the rules had been broken by the guests feigning peace. Sights of weapons interlocked with one another as man and monster clashed. I moved my gaze on each pairing as the monsters assigned to guard the 'Madame' lowered their weapons and resheathed them. My gaze finally fell on two lizardmen that shielded a little girl from the danger in front of her.

The girl looked to be in her fifteenth winter and clad in the attire one would wear to a funeral. A well kept black dress with a halter neckline that spiraled like a rose into a frilly lower half. Her skin was a sickly shade of white that resembled that of a corpse drained of its blood. Her eyes were a bright shade of crimson like the ruby red of her lips. Her shoulder length black hair was parted and held by a black bow with a spider emblazoned on it. Though she looked like any other child, that was the bait that drew people in.

The girl, or woman I should say, was not what she seemed. She was one of the creatures that thrives in darkness. A being that feeds off the blood of those ensnared by her gaze. Yes, the girl shielded by monsters was a vampire and one that has roamed the world for over three hundred years. Bella Esmeralda Raelinn, the Little Bat, stood smiling as her eyes locked with mine. A smile formed on her face allowing the points of her fangs to gleam in the light.

I listened to the creeks of the floorboards as Isho made her way past me and over to the Little Bat. I watched as she bowed, "Mistress, I have brought him as requested and I see not a moment too late."

[(Guess I did teach her well.)]

I was about to say something when I saw a man in an elegant blue tarnished suit rush toward me with a knife hoping to take advantage of the confusion. Appearing behind him, I grabbed the back of his neck and used the momentum to plunge his head against the door. I watched as his body crumbled to the ground. The sounds of multiple feet clattering up the stairs filled the ominous silence that was so immense that it could be cut with a knife. Their eyes burned into my body as I towered over the crumbled man.

Slowly removing my hood, "First Rule – Weapons are to be kept sheathed at all times," I glared daggers at the three heads that were all dressed in tailor-made suits and dresses. My eyes then fell on the man that I called brother, "Business is business and I hear that some of you wish to acquire my territory."

I nodded to Ulf, Xeth, and Ruben as they pushed their way into the room. I noticed that several gazes fell on them as knuckles and talons were ready to massacre the three knights. "They are under my protection," I muttered as I stood before the Little Bat, "No harm is to come upon them, understood?"

Without so much as a hesitant gaze, the Little Bat bowed as she retorted in a seductive voice, "As you command," she took a few steps back allowing me to take her seat.

"Clara!" the Little Bat yelled as the figure of the harpy's beautiful face appeared from the top of the door frame, her long blue hair draping over the eyes of Arn, "bring our Lord a mug of the hard stuff."

Her gaze turned toward the ogre blocking most of the door, "Ogga, I want you to guard the door. Do not allow any more interruptions."

At her command both monsters did as instructed while I gestured to the extra chairs behind me for my 'escorts' to take. "Now then," I muttered as I took my seat and looked into Jack's eyes for the first time in several years.

As expected, he had grown to be the spitting image of his late father. His once smooth face now looked rough with the red stubble of a growing beard. His short brunette hair was now down to his waist and tied back into a ponytail while the sides were shaved. With age, his style of clothing had changed from carefree to a much more sophisticated dress. A purple tunic wrapped around his chest underneath an obsidian chainmail jacket with pieces of leather mixed in for comfort around the shoulders and elbows. His father's silver doubled cross dangled from his neck with what appeared to be a small hammer carved with runes. The true thing that struck me was how his hazel eyes that were once full of life and warmth were now coals of a smoldering fire filled to the brim with an ominous coldness.

Sighing, I turned my attention to those that still ignored the first rule of conducting business in the Undercroft. [(As always, the head gives the body full control.)]

As weapons were raised and spells came to life once again by the escorts of three of the families, I simply placed my hand onto the table, "Enet" I muttered.

Black threads shot out from under the table and began to cocoon every subordinate that wished to continue this needless act of power. I watched as their figures fell forward with loud thuds as their muffled screams pierced the air. The chilling sounds of bone breaking under the force of the tightening threads filled my ears. Those that tried to use magic found themselves eating their own spells along with the floor. This is a small consequence one gambles when breaking the rules of the Undercroft.

"I did warn you about the first rule, but you still didn't listen. Now I'm feeling quite generous at the moment, your injuries will be taken care of while us adults talk business." I turned and placed my chin on my interlocked fingers, "Now then, what was being discussed before I had to put the children in timeout?"

None spoke as the air became electrified with an unseen intensity as eyes shifted. In this stalemate of desires, I took in the appearances of the three others that joined the table with Jack and I. Each led three of the five families whose ideals and beliefs have caused many disputes over territory and how to truly run the Slums. I have seen how bad such disputes tend to get. While four of the families ruled one of the cardinal directions, the fifth ruled the center which was the smallest territory.

To the North, the Burns family ruled through strength and deceit. Like Vaniel, they believe only the strong survive while the weak were created to serve. They are known for brutality that wasn't limited to placing people in stockades while forcing others to throw stones. One of many disciplinary acts learned from countless years of serving as knights. Watching them fight was like watching hungry bears competing for the same honey trove. That being said, they did keep order in their district no matter how painful the consequence.

The O'Neal family looked after the eastern district through governing trade networks that ran the entirety of Ironclad and throughout Aquera. They were the first ones to go to when finding a peculiar item that your heart desired. Any item could be yours that ranged from oddities to something as extravagant as a dragon's egg for a price of course. The O'Neals believe that anything can be gained just by the flash of gold. That however is a double edged sword in a way. From experience, the O'Neals will often try to cheat their clients which results to noses being broken.

The western district was ruled by the Xin family who specialized in hired muscle along with trafficking of certain illegal consumables. From aphrodisiacs that were banned for unknown reasons to mind blurring mushrooms, the Xin had it all stored away in their multiple warehouses. The thing that not many knew was that they also specialized in the art of dealing death for the highest bidder. I remember the stories Willem told me about how the Xin were responsible for countless deaths around Aquera and how one was my great great grandfather. I didn't believe such stories at the time, but when I came face to face with their assassins I sang another tune. I still feel some effects of the poison they tend to coat their blades with.

The center was ruled by the more secretive Marcus family who seemed to appear out of thin air and not much is known about them except their strength. I have seen on three occasions where they were outnumbered by the Burns family when traveling through on some errands. Three Marcus family members took out twenty of the Burns family in seconds with unknown weaponry that seemed only they wielded. They had built a wall around their district to keep unwanted eyes at bay. I tried to sneak a peek over the wall but was always caught before nearing the top. I remember living in the sewers of the Undercroft for a week before returning to the Lloyd Manor.

Finally, the southern district was ruled and watched over by the Lloyd family who are considered to be the weakest of the five. That reasoning was because the Lloyds specialized in wielding words like the sharpest of blades. I personally saw on numerous occasions Willem bluff, threaten, and negotiate his way into things that would naturally be out of reach. On all three occasions, he had negotiated for the lives of Jack and I in exchange for cases of liquor. The Lloyds also wielded the knowledge of master brewers which was sought by each family. I smiled at the way he kept his mind during hard times as he led the family.

A small voice that was just beginning to mature broke the silence, "We were simply negotiating the assimilation of the Madame and her followers into our ranks before you interrupted unannounced."

Following the voice, I found that the owner was a boy in his fifteenth winter staring daggers at me. Children were considered to be adults upon reaching their fifteenth winter so it wasn't unnatural to see a child in a responsible position. His blonde hair was in messy curls while his chiseled round face was dotted with freckles. He was clad in a ragged bluish tunic outlined with gold trimmings that with one look a person could tell a lot of gold was spent. That being said, the most unique thing about the lad was his eyes. Bright brown that carried a cold gaze that not many would be able to hold with such a sinister stare.

I, for one, held his gaze and noticed a hint of unease settled in as he realized I never moved my eyes. He was hesitant under my gaze, but managed to speak, "I…I am Quin Burns V and current heir of the Burns family. I wish to know your name for intruding on a delicate negotiation.'"

[(Negotiation…the boy has some nerves to lie to my face, then again the difference between a negotiation and an outright take over meant the same thing in the Slums.)]

Sighing already bored of this meeting, "Jack, why the hell are you here?"

The one to answer wasn't Jack, but an elegant woman clad in a golden dress "Isn't it obvious?"

The woman turned toward me and gazed into my eyes as a warm sensation began to wash over me. I felt the sudden attraction to the woman sitting before me as she continued to talk, "Like the rest of us, he's here seeking aid from Madame and her monsters to take the rest of Ironclad from that pompous king. He may fool his subordinates but we know his petty attempts for the betterment of the Slums is hiding the simple fact that he wishes to take full control of our territory. I mean, he killed Willem during such a supposed meeting to discuss improvements."

[(Guess she is the Heiress of the O'Neal family. They always were masters at charming their prey. Too bad, I don't fall for such petty use of magic.)]

Smiling, I directed my gaze fully upon her. Slowly, the sensation began to fade as my icy stare pierced the veil of her charm and settled deep into her mind. I watched the slight shake of her hands as she tried not to back down in front of the other families. Each one present knew that the O'Neal family was renowned for effective charms that worked on the most stubborn of wills. If she were to back down, her family reputation would be shattered to pieces like shards of glass.

After I had my fill of entertainment, my gaze returned to Jack who was so far the only being in the room that matched my gaze. He just smiled as he sat back into his chair and rested his boots on the table. He spoke in a hearty voice that boomed around the room like his father's did, "It's as Zofia says, I seek vengeance for the death of our father, Jackal. That and the fact that I simply want to see your uncle's head roll after I took it. What more reason do you need?"

"His Majesty would never do such a thing. He truly wishes to improve the Slums with the families aid," Xeth roared behind me as I took the mug of ale from Clara who just smiled as I patted her head.

Taking a sip, I watched the silent figure that was the head of the Xin family remain motionless as her face was that of a blank canvas devoid of any signs of life. The woman looked to be around her sixtieth winter with greying curly hair that rested gently in a short ponytail. Her tanned beige skin glistened in the light of the room along with the silver band she wore around her left wrist that was that of a jewel encrusted snake devouring itself. Her velvety streaked olive green dress sat nicely against her body as if specifically tailored for her figure. Two matching sleeves ran the length of her arms that ended in bindings around her middle fingers. To the eye it appeared that she had come alone while each other representative had two guards as customary to these meetings.

[(They are trying to uproot my territory from me and now wish to play in my domain.)]

I eyed the two figures that were invisible to the common eye as they slowly made their way to Xeth who was being secured by Ruben and Ulf as she continued to defend my uncle's honor. I watched as the faint shimmer of metal reflected the light of the room as blades were drawn from their cloaks. Slowly, they stalked closer and closer to their prey as a Streguar would as it waited for the perfect opportunity to pounce. My patience thinned as they continued to wait for an opening. With each passing second, Xeth became more of a target with each desperate attempt to reach Jack.

I reached into my coat and jolted from my seat with two misericordes between my index and ring finger. I listened to the blades as they soared through the air toward Xeth who wore a face filled with fear and betrayal. Turning, I sat back down as the clatter of two blades struck the floor followed by screams of anguish. "As I said before, they are under my protection," I smiled a sincere smile, "Next time, I'll aim for the throat."

I watched as Jack sent a cold gaze in the direction of the emotionless woman staring blankly at her subordinates as they cried out in pain. The view of my blades embedded deep into their wrists was clear as they were dragged away. "Hinata, what was the purpose of that?" he questioned to deaf ears.

As for me, I had my own theory as to why this sudden assassination attempt was carried out. I played the plan out in my head as I took another sip of ale while Jack continued his questioning. I imagined being my uncle and how I would react learning that one of my top knights had been killed by one of the families. I would send the entirety of my military strength crumbling down the walls I had built and bring those responsible to justice. This was key to rallying every denizen of the Slums no matter which district to take arms against me. That is what I would think would happen, but in all honesty I knew my uncle would do such a thing without thinking ahead.

The woman, Hinata, spoke in a silent yet harsh voice, "They have bent their knees to the enemy. It is only right to slaughter them where they stood." She turned and for the first time showed life as her eyes were filled with a long held hatred frozen in time, "Did you honestly think they would join our cause without a show of force? I acted where the three of you wouldn't."

Taking another swig of ale, I asked the only question that I needed answered, "Is that why Willem was killed? From what I heard, he was the only one willing to listen to the King's words."

I watched as Jack turned his gaze toward me and saw for the first time in years doubt. Looking over to Hinata, I continued to press for the true answer I wanted to hear, "The only family that truly knows the art of a silent killing is yours. For example while Xeth's attention was busy trying to reach Jack, your escort would strike. A very simple, but an effective plan if done properly. Unfortunately, the territory you tread upon is mine."

"Jack," turning to him, "this is my only warning. Do not continue down this path. You're the head of the family now, so please do not make them suffer your loss as well."

Laughter came from the O'Neal woman catching my attention. I watched as she wiped away a tear as she calmed herself, "Like he has a choice in the matter. The family you speak of abandoned him except for the two present when his father died. He is just a past memory ready to be forgotten. Not to mention, his territory has already been claimed with the exception of his manor. Call it a mercy for his father."

My eyes never left Jack as his once proud obnoxious grin had changed to that of a defeated old man. It pained me to see the person that supported me after our chance run-in to look in such a way. Throughout my time with the Lloyds and even after I joined the Undercroft, Jack had always been there for me no matter the situation. He always had this obnoxious smile that I was jealous of as he had a life filled with ups and a few downs. His once happy self now seemed all but a small flame waiting to be snuffed out by the winds of change.

I then turned my attention to the two figures that stood silently behind him. To the left was a masked figure dressed in finely crafted leather armor. Underneath the armor, I saw a black chainmail corset that covered her shoulder while matching sleeves wrapped tightly around her arms. Black cloth pants were held in place by a leather belt that held the two stiletto daggers on either side. Iron grieves rested evenly over her shins against the leather boots she wore. Strands of silver hair flooded around the blank mask she wore and stopped just below her shoulders. If I remember right, the woman's name was Åse Deilh Gaarder.

Beside the woman was a beast of a man clad in full scaled plate armor that resembled dragons and their kin. His helm was adorned with a crown of sharpened bones that made him look more dämon than man as it covered the entirety of his face. The pelt of a black wolf was draped across his shoulders as its snarling maw stared forward forever ready to pounce. A skirt of several vertical sheets of metal strapped to leather covered his waist down to his mid-thigh with a scene of battle depicted on each sheet. Cloth black pants gave some comfort from the cold metal covering his waist. A longsword with a thin serrated blade was strapped across his back while a pouch of dust hung against his hip. The man was the enforcer for the Lloyd family, Dugan Jedaih Aquarius.

I closed my eyes and took one deep silent breath to help focus on my words. My mind focused more intensely on the game of chess laid out before me. Opening my eyes, I unleashed a large amount of my aura as my rage flowed free. I watched as each family head became overwhelmed by my aura as their complexions paled by the second. Their faces contorted in pain as the air was pushed from their lungs by an unseen pressure. I heard Xeth and the others gasp for air like fishes out of water behind me. Ignoring them for the moment, I thought it was time to allow the heads to truly know who they were dealing with in their little game.

I chuckled, "Mercy? Mercy is ending the prolonged suffering of a comrade on the battlefield. Mercy is allowing enemies that deserve death live to make amends. No, this is not mercy, but a pathetic replica. You are taking advantage of a man who has lost everything while you fain mercy."

I stood and made my way to the silhouette of the window and looked down at the lively street below. "I want the three of you to return to your homes and never return. You will forget this little scheme of yours. Most importantly, I want each of you to think long about my next words." I turned and gazed into each pair of fear filled eyes as I spoke, "How long has it been since a king truly wished to work alongside each of the families for the betterment of the Slums? How long has it been since a king willingly pulled his knights from your territories in attempts to discuss such matters instead of plowing through with full force?"

I pressed on taking a swig of ale, "This is the mercy' that I bestow upon each of you rather than killing you where you sit," I withdrew my aura as the air began to return to normal. Without so much as a second glance I said my farewell, "Now go and think upon my words."

"Jack, if the three of you would remain, I'd like to discuss many things with you," I watched as the three heads along with their subordinates got up and walked to the door where a gateway to the surface waited on the other side leaving me alone with those I truly considered family.

[(I'm gonna need more than one pint of ale before tonight is over.)]