My methodical reflection slowly ended as I let out one last exasperated sigh.
When had this forsaken war become so complicated?
Pushing my hands back onto the soft bed I pushed myself upwards and into a stand.
I slowly padded towards the exit to the tent revealing the still morning sun shining a gentle glow throughout the camp.
Today was the last day I would spend in this place. However, not my true home there Is some comfort to be found in the jungle of tents and the slow gentle breeze which pushed through the forest and whipped through the camp.
After all nearly half my life had been spent in this place.
Continuing to walk I assessed what needed to be done before leaving.
Weapons and camping supplies were a must. My weapon breaking mid-expedition would hinder me greatly in any battles. Furthermore, there was no point in preparing anything if they died of something like hypothermia on the road.
The third and most important part however was who to bring with me.
Some spots were taken already, Thassius was a must. As both a trusted friend and a fierce and intelligent fighter he was a definite. He would also have no connection to the king or any other major pawns.
The second easy slot to fill was a sniffer. Although weaker in comparison to Thassius he was still an experienced rat. However, what differentiated him from others was his pure trust and affection. He would not betray me even if the gods themselves attacked.
The third slot was harder. However, after deliberation, Twig seemed like the best third option. A handy tracker and Thassius's own second in command.
The fourth and fifth slots remained open.
Itch was a great fighter and could most likely be trusted but had too many connections to other major pawns. He also had a major role as a commander in the army. It would be difficult for him to drop everything to come on the expedition.
The first, however, was to convince Thassius and the other two to come.
It didn't take long to round up the three rats, bringing them back to my own tent.
Through a quick explanation, I brought them up to speed on the plan itself. Laying a quick and occasional reminder that if they said no now they would very possibly be silenced by the king himself. Whether this was true or not I don't know but I like to think it acted as encouragement.
All three responded with a resounding yes. There was not much in the army but death and bloodshed left for them anyway. After all, there is very little skill involved in war for the average soldier. One arrow to the throat could take out all three of them.
Only a characteristic made one an exception to this role. An arrow to the throat, while still potentially fatal if in the wrong situation was survivable for me. Using the excretion part of the prism he could stop fatal blood loss if done with near-perfect precision.
Once the three had agreed I set Thassius the meaningful task of recruitment. We needed two more rats. Upon sunset tonight we would set off using the night as a cover. We were to meet near the forest.
Upon my word, the three rats left. Leaving me on my lonesome once more.
However, this was no time for dilly-dallying. I still had the problem of a weapon. And I knew just the pesky little shit to take them from. A rat I had been meaning to deal with ever since the incident at the village. The black-robed assassin of the red baron's court.
Matching my way in steady but confident steps I approach the Baron's personal quarters.
Barging in I stared forward at the crowd of now just four. Lorath had clearly left once his power had been revealed. It begs the question of why he was even placed In such a lowly position, but such questions could have answers he did not yet need to hear.
With one quick and decisive move, I threw my sword to the ground.
"I Schreetch headteacher desire the head of the black assassin of the red baron's court, Styx Nightshade"
My actions were quickly followed by an outrage.
"What are you talking about insolent boy, Do you have no respect for your former clan?" The red baron spoke first in a shocked and boisterous tone.
"I accept your challenge you little shit" While the red baron attempted to calm the sudden forest fire that had been lit in the middle of his throne room the black-robed Styx took quite the opposite approach.
The assassin leapt from his seat displaying two circular-like blades in each hand.
The blades closed in around my throat clearing aiming to behead me in one clean yet brutal strike.
It was at this moment the room fell dead silent. The black-robed rat staggered falling quickly to his knees. Blood began to pour from his miserable little throat.
"Please.....please don't, I've done nothing wrong"
To the rats around him, it looked almost like poison. But to the red baron, he must have known differently.
What a creature looks like when its organs are devoured without even a single attack being thrown.
I watched the miserable wretch gasp for each of its breaths. It flowed seamlessly through emotions. Going from pleading to anger as it realised that no mercy was going to be given.
"You... will die for thisss.. you fuckers, my masters... wills kills you"
"Your master will do nothing. You are nothing to anyone, not even worthy of being a pawn on even the simplest of chest boards. Now try not to bleed on my new weapons."
I was no fool. I knew from his own daughter that this bastard was a spy. This 'Master' of his was clearly some big shot they had aligned themselves with. I was not worried. Like I said before a simple rat with no characteristics meant nothing.
I watched as the red light emanating from my very soul ran rampage amidst the organs of the rat. Devouring them one by one.
This process could have been finished within seconds but where is the fun in skipping a good show? I had some time to spare.
The room stayed in complete and dead silence as the rat slowly rotted before their very eyes.
Picking up the twin blades I slung them over my shoulder and marched out. As the final speck of the black-furred rat was greedily devoured by my characteristic.
I will deal with that master of yours someday. But right now more important matters lay ahead of me.
It was finally time to start the expedition.