*Pierre* After the training that I did in the ring, I had dirt in locations that should not be there. “Your assignment has been changed!” Wematin informed me as he strolled into the bathing room. I rinsed the soap out of my hair, “Do I have a new assignment?” Wematin’s expression was hard to read. “More training, for you … you have been fully accepted into the assassin guild … you are no longer considered a trainee! Once the Master has made his decision, we all will be informed of our placements.” His tone did not give any indication of what was going on. “I will finish up here and head back to the sand pit!” I informed him. As much as I enjoyed my assignment, I knew that there was more going on than what we were being told. Pretty much every cell was occupied by one or more prisoners. Everyone had their task to complete, and when that was done a new task was given. Hunters and Mages had started to train with each other. There were whispers that the Master’s siblings were getting ready to attack. We all were just waiting to find out where we were going to be placed. And I wanted to be part of the blood bath. A grin crossed my face as I thought about how many enemy personnel I was going to be able to take down. “Why are you smiling Pierre?” Wematin questioned my sudden change in mood. “This is going to be a glorious battle!” I said as I finished with the rest of my bath. “Remember to control that beast of yours. You will serve the Master better if you put a leash on that animal!” Wematin turned to leave, “Sadragon is waiting for you, you both will be given time to connect. Then both of you will be expected at the sand pit!” I jumped out of the water, grabbed the towel from the female serf and rushed out of the bathing room to our domain. Rushing past several hunters, each of them laughing. It did not take a genius to figure out why I was rushing around with a towel wrapped around my waist. *Master * Sadragon approached me in the throne room. With his report, I now knew that my siblings had taken over the whole Eastern continent. Their activity has been spotted in many different locations in the Western hemisphere. Sadragon informed me that none of my siblings had been spotted but many of their serfs, mages, and hunters had. Lower-ranking family members who were aiming to get some notoriety had been spotted as well. Each time any of them had been spotted, a human born had gone missing.For my siblings' realms, they were active, more than they should have been. Sadragon nor my other spies could tell me if any human borns were being taken to my siblings' realms. Gathering up as much information, I called for my grand master mage. Giving him the information, I sent him to the high council. Will the council do anything, I figured not, though this would explain the war that was about to happen. The next issue I had to deal with … Merna was making the last preparations for her departure. Without Merna knowing I selected the best hunter that I had to follow her. The next individual I was going to send after Merna was Kudiya. I already know he will not be pleased with this decision. More than anything Ashur will dispute this more. Merna was close to heading out, to buy more time so that Kudiya and the hunt could get themselves prepared, so I called for Merna. “Is there anything you need, Master!” Merna held a smile as she approached me. “Before you go and visit your mother … I require your fire again!” It was not a full-on lie! I could have dealt with things the old way … Merna’s way is just more efficient. Ashur and I were the only ones that knew that Merna had access to phoenix fire. Ashur and I realized with this new revolution, that if others found out about her skills, the attacks would increase, and without proper preparation, many lives would be lost. With all three of us agreeing, this would be our little secret for now. “Ah!” Merna understood what I was speaking about. Passing several hunters, directing Merna to the cell. I opened the door for Merna. In the centre of the cell was Aea, still positioned on the Judas cradle. Standing flat foot, the Judas cradle was inserted into Aea four inches. Her arms were tied behind her making it so that she was not able to get away. Merna’s eyes widened at the picture that was in front of her with her jaw ajar. “Is there an issue with my little pet?” I was gauging her response level to an act that would cause many human borns to throw up. Merna’s brows were raised, “If I may be honest!” “You are free to speak your mind!” “I have read about mediaeval torture and frankly I never found the logic behind such acts. It brings out false confessions, in the hopes that the pain will end.” Merna appeared disguised in what she was seeing.I inquired, “So you’re saying that this act is wrong!” “If you are aiming to gather information …” She cleared her throat, “I am saying you are only going to get faulty information. If your goal is pain … then you are getting what you are aiming for!” Merna strolled over to Aea. “I am going to go out on a limb and say you want me to repeat what I did with Natcattiram to get the proper information?” I kept my eyes on Merna, “Your assumption would be correct!” I was not going to inform Merna that we were not aiming to gather information from Aea. This was solely for our enjoyment. Merna placed her hand on Aea’s throat, “Ninkal unmaiyaip pecuvirkal, unmaiyait tavira verillai! Allatu hpiniks paravaiyin utpura tiyal patikkappatunkal!” Just like Natcattiram, Aea’s throat started to glow blue. As much as Aea tried to move, she was stuck screaming and begging to be released. Merna gave Aea once over, “it is completed.” She gave me a quick nod. I nodded once at Merna, “Leave!” I watched as Merna turned, ‘you have to understand, this is our world! You have to accept that!’ ‘I am not saying if this is right or wrong … I am saying you will not get the truth this way! I am after the truth and nothing more.’ Merna sounded a little upset at what she had to witness. I closed the cell door, “let’s get this started!” I glared at Aea. *Ashur* Kudiya and I were called to the throne room. “I am going to make this brief,” Father started, “Kudiya, get your things ready, Dath will be accompanying you on your next assignment.” Kudiya glanced at me with a smug smile. “Not a problem father, may I ask what the new assignment is going to be?” Kudiya asked. Father gave Kudiya the same attitude that he was giving, “You are going to follow Merna while she goes around finding prisoners to free.” Both Kudeiya and I glared at one another for a bit. I was by far not impressed with fathers decision. “Father, would it not be best if I go?” I questioned He raised his brow, “Are you questioning my orders?” Father’s question was meant for both of us. ‘You did not think I was going to allow our mate to wander around without protection!’He was trying to make it so that he was not questioning Father's orders. “Is not Ashur fornicating with the hybrid?” Kudiya pointed out the rumour that had been going around. “Father, I am not questioning your orders, just simply stating a fact … What I mean is that Kudiya has never been far from here and …“ I tried to explain myself without revealing the truth. “It is time your brother learned to walk on his own!” Barking, “I will not accept lame excuses, besides I need to know your dick is not inside of Merna while she is performing her tasks.” Again Kudiya and I were confused. Kudiya was my brother and I would defend him without questioning, with that said, I am a far better hunter, assassin and warrior compared to my brother. He was glaring at me with murderous thoughts. “What exactly is Merna doing, I do not understand this task!” Kudiya tried to hide his displeasure. Our father dropped old locks on the table. “Merna was able to find prisons all over the universe. Prisoners that had been imprisoned because of faulty allegations. Merna is freeing them. At the same time she is going to offer them the opportunity to find sanctuary in Pirapancam’s domain or join my army.” Father picked up one of the locks. “Merna does not understand the dangers of our universe or realms.” Father dropped the lock again on the table and brought his attention to Kudiya. “All you have to do is find Merna, follow her, and most of all make sure nothing happens to her.” Father’s eyes were locked on Kudiya, “I mean nothing!” He hissed. It was clear that Kudiya was not pleased that he was going to be leaving to keep an eye on Merna. “Looks like I have a new shift change, how long do you think it will take for her to finish?” “I gave Merna until her next blood moon. That is when you will be back! Get yourself ready, Dath is waiting for you!” Storming out of the area I glared at my father. I walked closer to my father, “If Merna finds out she is being followed she is going to be bent out of shape!” Hissing, “Do you really think I would let her out of our sights? Do you think so poorly of my judgement?” I slammed my fist on the table making the locks abruptly move, “There should be more heads going on this mission!” “I agree with Merna! The fewer the less of a chance this mission will be fouled. It is for the safety of Merna, your brother and the kingdom!” “Why didn’t you send me? You know I would have kept Merna safer!” I was seeing red. Father sat in his chair, “I understand what you are feeling!” He stated, “you can not allow this to cloud your mind. I need you to lead an army to the south … taking over the terrain that you concur. The men respect you … do you think your brother can perform the same task?” I growled and lowered my head. Knowing my father was right! “I know that you are right … I just …” “I know Kudiya hates Merna, it has not gone unnoticed. I need you to do what I have trained you to do. One day I will be handing over the responsibilities to you. And one day you will have to make decisions like this … that go against your impulses! It will be hard, but it is something that needs to be done. Even Merna understands sacrifice for the greater good!” “I swear if he does anything to her …” I had my fist up in the air shaking it. “When your brother gets back … when everything has calmed down … we will make everything official. Until then we will respond accordingly to what is needed of us!” My father said as he stood up. “I will have your task ready soon enough, for now … keep training!”