Shanaz
A young man, slightly over twenty, sat reclined in a chair, utterly absorbed in reading a book — his lips twisted into a sickly smirk, and genuine curiosity was evident in his eyes.
The book's spine proclaimed its author to be one T. Arius, and the title was "The Path to Greatness."
— Enter, — frowning, the man shifted his gaze from the contents of the book to the door, at which someone had just knocked. The next moment, another man appeared before him — about twice as old, with sharp facial features, short hair, and a long narrow chin that seemed only longer due to the goatee adorning the newcomer's face. — Well, what is it?
— Everything went successfully, my lord, — the older man made a respectful bow, — your parents tragically perished during one of their trips. Now everything is in your hands, as the rightful heir.
— Excellent! — the young man smiled broadly and set the book aside. — Good work.
— I thank you for the praise, my lord. I have but one question, — the bearded man seemed to hesitate, — what do you plan to do with Lady Shanaz? I don't think getting rid of her would be much of a problem now.
— With a year-old child, I could have handled it myself, — the young man waved his hand, then turned his gaze back to the book he had set aside earlier. — Besides, that would be boring. And I have a better idea!
— Is that so, — the older man uncertainly shifted his gaze to the same book, which did not go unnoticed.
— Any problems? — the younger man raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
— None whatsoever, my lord, — the awkward pause was broken by a clear and firm reply.
— Splendid, — the young man nodded, — now summon Inga, I have an errand for her.
A few minutes later, a Reichheim maidservant entered the room — her gaze was completely empty and devoid of any hint of emotion, a brand from a slave mark visible on her neck, and her work attire carried an overt Hekkelian influence, in every sense of the word.
***
The young man was Shanaz's brother, and their shared father was renowned for keeping an extremely unusual collection of slaves — among them were samurai from the far east, practitioners of Shengkai martial arts, there was even a rather unlucky astrologer from Telos, but his most prized acquisition had always been Inga, one of the Reichheim maids who lost both her employer and her freedom during the latter's visit to the lands of Hekkelia. And his son's plan was exceedingly simple — he intended to conceal the truth of her origins from his sister and raise her as a loyal servant and bodyguard, under the tutelage of Inga and certain other slaves.
Contrary to his right-hand man's concerns, the plan proceeded without any hiccups, and Shanaz, suspecting nothing, grew up as a devoted servant to her brother. After she came of age, he also began using her to seduce and eliminate his foes and rivals, or else to "establish connections with useful people," relying more and more on his favorite toy. And so it continued until Shanaz herself became his most trusted confidante, replacing her retired predecessor.
***
— Don't hold back on anything, — flashing a charming smile, Shanaz refilled the emptied glass of the repulsive fat man with wine and perched herself on his lap. This kind of work brought her no pleasure, especially since upon completing this assignment from her master, she didn't even need to eliminate the target — merely ensure all his needs were fully satisfied. Nevertheless, her master's word was law, which she could not dispute. At least this swine had already drained more than one bottle and looked thoroughly tipsy — they usually don't last long.
— Got to say, — grunting disgustingly and laughing, the fat man eyed the girl from head to toe, peered down her cleavage, and wrapped an arm around her waist, — your brother sure knows how to butter people up, that's for damn sure!
— B-brother? — genuine surprise reflected on Shanaz's face. — What are you talking about?
— Ah, sorry-sorry, — the swine slapped his forehead guiltily, — master-lord-owner or whatever you're supposed to call him? Not too familiar with these games of yours.
— Oh, you mean that, — quickly realizing she had heard something she wasn't meant to hear, the girl tried to wriggle out of the situation, — yes, I often forget about that myself. But don't be shy, drink up. Or perhaps, — Shanaz leaned toward the fat man's ear and whispered, — would you care to move on to dessert?
To the girl's simultaneous disgust and relief, the swine took the bait, seemingly forgetting the slip or paying it no mind. At first, she even considered disposing of him, for safety's sake, but concluded that such a death at her hands would only arouse undue suspicion from her master... brother... however she was supposed to address him. Leaving the fat man alive was risky too, but at least there was a decent chance that after a full evening of drinking and other diversions, he wouldn't recall this "insignificant" detail.
Fortunately, the swine indeed did not remember what had happened, while Shanaz, being cautious, continued carrying out her brother's assignments, gradually gathering information to confirm or refute what she had overheard. Progress was quite slow, but the girl saw no other way — she had no desire to expose herself to unnecessary risks.
***
— Well, tell me, how did things go with Taris? — lazily propping his head on his palm and smirking smugly, Shanaz's brother looked at her expectantly.
— Everything went smoothly and cleanly, my lord, without any problems, — the girl smiled slyly in return, — when we were in the very act, he asked me to wrap my legs around his head and neck. He was in complete ecstasy from what was happening and likely parted with his life without ever suspecting what was truly going on. A sight both amusing and pitiful, if you'll allow me to share my opinion.
— Allowed, — the man nodded approvingly, — though in my view, it's exactly the end that descendant of Pyrotessa deserves! Lived sinfully — died absurdly. But come on, don't skimp on details, eh? I want to etch this scum's death into my memory.
Shanaz did not refuse and, suggesting they celebrate the occasion over a bottle of wine, began recounting her exploits to "her master." She talked at length, in detail, until her interlocutor, at some point, passed out — the sleeping draft added to the alcohol had taken effect.
He awoke in different surroundings — Shanaz sat nearby casually sipping wine from a glass, while beside her sat another man, tall and lanky, with regular features and emerald eyes.
— Awake already, dear brother? — the girl inquired, noticing her prisoner beginning to stir.
— Yeah, — he spat contemptuously, — and how am I supposed to take this?
— Quite simply — you are our captive and I know the truth. Initially, I wanted to poison you earlier, but then I thought that wouldn't be interesting enough. Then I tried to devise some cruel fate for you, but I lacked the imagination, time, or simple resources for that. And then such a fortunate assignment came along, targeting Lord Taris, and I realized that to carry out a "crueler fate," I merely needed to secure outside help. Fortunately, you are our common enemy, and we both stand to benefit from such an arrangement. That's why I approached him with a proposal, we reached an understanding, and what happened afterward you already know, with the caveat of a small lie about Lord Taris's death. Did I explain clearly enough, "master"?
The "master's" response was merely a stream of profanity, resulting in his mouth being stuffed with a gag.
— Heh, eloquent speech — worthy of Imrud's descendant, — Taris sneered caustically, having listened to his foe's tirade. — Well, you'll be singing a different tune soon enough.
— I'm certain the upcoming performance won't disappoint me, — finishing yet another glass of wine, the girl laughed.
— I'll certainly try not to disappoint, — the descendant of Pyrotessa smiled in reply and, thinking of something, added. — Still, Lady Shanaz, are you certain you wish to transfer all of this, — Taris swept his gaze across the estate's furnishings, — into my hands? It's an exceedingly generous gift on your part. I'd even say, so generous it's almost suspicious. You could take the burden of rule onto your own shoulders, — Taris's eyes slid over the girl's shoulders, — or even, — now his gaze moved to her legs, — forge a mutually beneficial alliance with you. What do you think of that?
— I'm flattered by your offer, but... — Shanaz set her glass aside, — ... honestly speaking, I've grown weary of all these intrigues. And I would inevitably sink into them if I did as you suggest. Perhaps someday later? Who knows. But right now, I'd like to see the rest of the world.
— Your prerogative, — Taris nodded. — In that case, I'd welcome your visit should you decide to return home — we'll share some wine and reminisce about old times.
— Most certainly, — the girl smiled in return.
Origin:
Conviction:El Isin
✦ +3 to charisma, +1 to strength, +1 to endurance, +1 to agility.
✦ Character attacks deal additional sun damage: +5% per unit of piety.
✦ +5% to sun effectiveness per unit of piety.
✦ Piety 3: +25% fire resistance.
✦ Piety 6: +25% fire resistance.
✦ Piety 10: immunity to the sun.
✦ Piety 15: faithful follower for every 5 units of leadership after the current game cycle ends (maximum 5). Activates once.
Date of birth:12.05.759 (Trier, Shepherd)Attributes:Strength — 10 (6+1+1+1+1)Endurance — 9 (6+1+2)Agility — 7 (6+1)Perception — 10 (6+1+3)Speed — 10 (6+4)Intellect — 5Spirit — 5Faith — 3 (0+3)Charisma — 8 (5+3)Beauty — 8 (5+3)Skills and mastery:
Mastery - unarmed combat
1. +1 to perception
2. +1 to strength
3. +1 to strength
4. +1 to strength
5. +50% to evasion
Taolun
MaidImpeccable manners [2000]
+1 to evasion per unit of etiquette.
Inventory:
Clothing, footwear, stockings, money, ring with yellow topaz, T. Arius's book "The Path to Greatness," bottle of Hekkelian wine
Граф Орлов
Небо
