Morning light brushed the tall windows of Rhyse's study with muted grays and tentative gold. Rest had been uneasy, broken by imagined flashes of assassins' steel. The Minor Revitalization Draught had eased the worst of his lingering shock, but exhaustion still clung beneath the surface. And yet—something firmer now grew within him, a quiet determination settling into place.
Meryld arrived at his chambers precisely at dawn, as usual, her crisp white apron rustling softly as she moved. She had set a simple yet nourishing breakfast before him—warm oat porridge drizzled with honey, a small plate of cured meats, and a steaming cup of chamomile tea to soothe his nerves. Her hands, though aged and lined with years of service, were steady as she arranged the silverware just so, her sharp eyes noting the faint shadows beneath his own.
"You must keep your strength up, Master Rhyse," she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of decades of quiet authority. "The household depends on you now." With a final, assessing glance—one that took in the nearly untouched bed, the restless night still lingering in his posture—she had bowed slightly and withdrawn, her footsteps fading into the hum of the waking manor as she resumed her endless rounds, ensuring the gears of House Synkar continued to turn without a whisper of disruption.
Whether she was aware of the attack or the Core Guard's secrecy held fast, Rhyse couldn't say.
He sat at his father's desk, the system interface dismissed for the moment, his mind turning over the weight of what could have been. If last night's attack had succeeded… Rhyse shuddered, the thought sending a cold ripple through him. He could picture it too clearly—Marius and Livia arriving, their expressions carefully arranged in practiced grief, their words dripping with hollow concern. "For the stability of House Synkar," they'd say, "for the protection of your legacy." And all the while, their hands would already be reaching for the Seal of Synkar, their true prize. It would have been theirs before the ink on his death notice dried.
But can we be certain they dispatched the assassins?
The System had flagged Livia's communication with the Valtari, and Marius's suspicious archive access. It was a strong lead, but not definitive proof they'd order a Rank 4 infiltration team. What if it was the Valtari acting independently, or another, unknown enemy?
If Marius and Livia weren't the direct instigators, would they know the attempt had failed?
Rhyse had ordered a lockdown on information about the attack. Unless there was a leak from within the Core Guard – a chilling thought – his uncle and cousin might still be operating under the assumption he was dead, or at least blissfully unaware of the night's events, expecting a different kind of morning. Their behavior today would be telling.
Master Orrin Valerius entered the room, his expression composed but his eyes holding a new alertness. "My lord, the security details are in place as you ordered last night. Sergeant Vance, Mistress Meadowlight, and Technician Thorne have arrived and await your summons."
"Thank you, Master Valerius," Rhyse said. "Before I see them, however, how are the two Core Guard members who defended the Training Hall last night?"
"They have been healed with magic and have already returned to their duties, my Lord. Fortunately, their injuries were not life threatening."
"I would like to see them," Rhyse said.
Valerius nodded. "A commendable thought, my lord. They are Guardswoman Petra Flint and Guardsman Torvin Bellweather. They have specifically requested an opportunity to thank you."
Soon, Guardswoman Flint and Guardsman Bellweather stood before him. Flint was stern-faced as always, a fresh scar slicked with healing salve on her shoulder pauldron. Bellweather leaned slightly on his leg, but his eyes were bright with a fierce gratitude.
"Lord Rhyse," Guardswoman Flint rasped, her tone thick with emotion, "we're indebted to you. When those reinforcements struck, I don't know what magic you used, but those shields you conjured around us…"
Bellweather nodded emphatically. "That ward… it deflected a killing blow, my lord. And the one that appeared around Flint… we saw it. We wouldn't have lasted until the Captain arrived without your intervention."
Rhyse felt a flush of awkwardness mixed with a quiet satisfaction. Even at Rank 0, his Basic Leadership Aura clearly amplified the impact of real actions that kept his people safe. "You fought bravely to protect me," Rhyse said, his voice sincere. "House Synkar rewards loyalty and valor. Master Valerius will see to it that you both receive a significant commendation bonus and are treated with advanced healing if needed."
He focused his intent, activating his [Skill: Rapid Assessment (Personnel - Rank 1)] on each of them.
[400 Gold Sovereigns Expended...]
[Target: Petra Flint...]
[Scan Complete:]
[Integrity: Steadfast.]
[Loyalty (House Synkar): High.]
[Loyalty (Rhyse Synkar): Moderate (Increased - Gratitude/Respect).]
[400 Gold Sovereigns Expended...]
[Target: Torvin Bellweather...]
[Scan Complete: Integrity: Honest.]
[Loyalty (House Synkar): High.]
[Loyalty (Rhyse Synkar): Moderate (Significantly Increased - Life Debt Perceived).]
The System confirmed what their words and demeanor conveyed. Their loyalty to him personally had jumped. This was an unexpected but welcome outcome.
"Your duty is to House Synkar, and you performed it admirably," Rhyse continued. "Be sure to rest and recover. Your House will not forget your service."
Visibly moved, they both bowed deeply and were escorted out by Valerius. Rhyse watched them go, a thought solidifying. He couldn't rely solely on the Core Guard as an institution, but individual loyalty, earned or pre-existing, was a powerful currency.
Valerius returned. "A wise gesture, my lord. It will resonate through the Guard ranks."
"Perhaps," Rhyse said. "Now, send in the team."
"Before they come in, my lord," Valierus said in a hushed tone, his voice carrying the weight of years of service, "I thought it prudent to provide you with this." From the inner pocket of his dark gray tunic, he produced a small, intricately crafted device - a sphere of polished blue crystal no larger than a walnut, its surface etched with faintly glowing silver runes.
Rhyse turned from the window, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the arcane communicator as he accepted it. The device pulsed faintly in his palm, its inner glow responding to his touch.
"These are the new secure comm-beads from the eastern forges," Valerius explained, his voice barely above a whisper. "Each member of your personal guard has been issued one, my lord. The encryption runes are keyed to your personal resonance frequency - no one outside our circle can intercept the transmissions easily."
Rhyse turned the device over in his fingers, watching the way the light caught on its faceted surface. "It will be invaluable," he acknowledged with a nod, his voice carrying the careful cadence of someone still growing into authority. "My thanks for your foresight, Master Valerius."
As the seneschal bowed and stepped back, a sudden, crystalline tone resonated through Rhyse's mind - a sound that existed only in his perception. The familiar chime of the Synkar Core system announcing a completed objective.
[System Notification: Taks Fulfilled]
[Acquisition of Secure Communication Device Confirmed]
[Reward: Standard Communication Scrambler Rune (Rank 0) added to Host Inventory]
The notification hovered in his mind's eye, its glowing text superimposed over his vision. Rhyse blinked, momentarily surprised - he'd nearly forgotten about this particular system task amidst the flurry of preparations. The communicator in his hand suddenly felt heavier, its significance magnified by the system's acknowledgment.
He made a mental note to examine the newly acquired scrambler rune later, when he had time to properly study its properties. For now, the immediate utility of Valerius's gift was clear - in the dangerous game they were playing, secure lines of communication could mean the difference between life and death. The seneschal's thoughtful gesture, combined with the system's unexpected reward, gave Rhyse a small but significant advantage in the days to come.
As the first of his new guards approached the chamber door, Rhyse slipped the communicator into a hidden pocket of his tunic, feeling the reassuring weight of it against his chest. The pieces were falling into place.
One by one, his new team entered. Rhyse, seated behind the desk, felt the subtle thrum of his Leadership Aura, hoping it lent his words an authority beyond his years.
"Thank you all for answering my summons," Rhyse began, his gaze sweeping over them. Vance stood near the door, an imposing sentinel. Lyra found a shadowed alcove, observing. Thorne hovered near a complex arcane instrument, his fingers twitching. "As you know, House Synkar faces… challenges. Last night, an attempt was made on my life within this manor by Rank 4 Infiltrators."
The air tensed. Vance's hand went to the hilt of his glaive. Lyra's sharp eyes narrowed. Thorne went visibly pale.
"Obviously, they failed," Rhyse stated, his voice firm. "Due to manor defenses and Core Guard intervention. But it underscores the immediate danger. That is why you are here."
He addressed Vance. "Sergeant, your primary role is my direct physical protection. Establish protocols for my movements. Assess vulnerabilities. You will also discreetly observe Captain Marek's assigned Core Guard detail. I need to know their true allegiances."
Vance nodded, his scarred jaw tight. "Understood, my lord."
"Mistress Meadowlight, your talents are in information. Last night's attackers were sent. By whom? Why? Your initial focus is internal. My uncle, Marius Hawthorne, and cousin, Livia. I have information of Livia's communication with the Valtari Syndicate and my uncle Marius's archive breaches. Monitor their activities – meetings, communications, deviations. I have here documents from the Synkar Archive with Historical Hawthorne Cipher Keys; hopefully they will be foolish enough to reuse some of their ciphers. Master Valerius will arrange secure transfer to you. It may aid your analysis."
Lyra met his gaze, a flicker of keen interest. "Discretion will be absolute, my lord."
Finally, Thorne. "Technician Thorne, your expertise is defensive magitech. This study and my wing – I need them invulnerable. Assess, reinforce, and propose. I have System schematics for a [Minor Alert Rune] and a [Personalized Warding Amulet] I'd like you to study. Analyze and familiarize yourself with them and other current Synkar Magitech; we may need to craft and deploy some swiftly. Your goal is to for the Ancestral Manor to continue to be a fortress."
Thorne, though still shaken by the news of Rank 4 assassins, straightened, professional passion igniting. "To study the Nexus Architect's foundational warding and contribute is an honor, my lord. I will begin immediately."
"Good," Rhyse said. "Master Valerius will facilitate resources. Report directly to me. The threats are real. Your loyalty, skill, and discretion are vital."
As they filed out, Valerius lingered. "A strong team, my lord. Clear directives."
"Directives they must execute swiftly," Rhyse replied, a new thought striking him as he looked at the quiet study. "Master Valerius, have there been any inquiries from the East Wing this morning? Any unusual messages or requests for information regarding last night from my uncle or cousin?"
Valerius frowned slightly. "None that have reached my office, my lord. The morning has been… remarkably quiet from that quarter."
Quiet.
Too quiet?
If they had orchestrated the attack and Rhyse had ordered an information lockdown, they would be in the dark. Would their patience hold, or would their anxiety betray them? Or, if they weren't involved, their silence was simply normal. The uncertainty was another layer of the complex game he now played.
He still had the King's delayed conferral of the Dukedom, and the overarching [Quest: Identify the Assassins' Handler]. His new team was his first proactive move. The board was set.
Vance was a silent promise of protection; Lyra, a shadow already beginning to probe the manor's hidden currents; and Thorne, eager to turn his assigned spaces into a fortress. A sense of fragile control, of purpose, settled over him.
He turned back to the system interface, the [Identify the Assassin's Handler] quest a stark reminder of the previous night. The +5 system advancement was welcome, but the task itself was daunting. Where did one even begin to untangle such a professional, well-concealed operation?
His thoughts immediately went to Lyra Meadowlight and the information the System had already provided about Livia. The Valtari connection was too coincidental to ignore. Rhyse had grown up with lessons from his parents and grandparents about diplomacy and ruling. He was the heir not only to the business empire, but also to the Dukedom.
For now, the delayed conferral of the Dukedom served as a small timeout from his duties as a duke, which things left to other advisors. But that in itself could also become a problem, as when people sense a vacuum of power they want to occupy that space. However, Rhyse didn't want to stretch himself too thin. If he tried to grab too much right now, he would end up with nothing. Even if he was no longer a Duke, as long as the Synkar remained, he would have power.
The opposite was not true; if he no longer had the Synkar backing, he would be unable to hold on to the Duchy. Rhyse also had several other more urgent things to worry about. For example, the continuation of the Synkar bloodline.
Right now, he was the only direct heir of the bloodline, the only direct heir to Theron Synkar himself, but that doesn't mean there aren't others that carried the Synkar bloodline - distant relatives, illegitimate sons and daughters of past family members - all of those are common through nobility.
Rhyse was an only son, as was his father before him, but that wasn't true for all generations. There were even some family members that were exiled or banished from the family. As much as Marius and Livia were related to him by his mother, they weren't of Synkar blood. They wouldn't be able to inherit the Synkar Core. Besides, his grandparents on his mother side, the Hawthornes, were still alive. How did they view Marius and Livia's ambitions? Were they inciting things from the shadow, or would they take Rhyse's side?
What if Rhyse died? Would the Synkar Core be lost forever? Would it go for any of his distant relatives?
Rhyse had no time to produce an heir through normal means. He wasn't even engaged, and only thirteen years old. He had no other choice but to consider bringing in a relative's child to guarantee the survival of the bloodline, but that was also a matter to consider slowly. First, he would have to find candidates, but as soon as he started to look into them, his enemies would also find out what he was doing, unless he got rid of the traitors and informants first.
Just then, the discreet side panel to the study opened, and Valerius re-entered, his expression more urgent than before. "My lord," Valerius began, a new arcane slate in his hand, "Technician Thorne requested immediate access to the detailed schematics of your wing's foundational warding stones. He's already identified what he calls 'sub-optimal energy relays' in the corridor outside your bedchamber."
"Grant him whatever he needs," Rhyse said. Thorne's proactive start was reassuring.
"Indeed. But there is something else," Valerius continued, his voice dropping slightly. "While facilitating Technician Thorne's access, I was in the central security monitoring nexus. Captain Marek is there, overseeing the initial review of last night's events. He hasn't breached your order for an information lockdown beyond the necessary internal reports, but…" Valerius hesitated.
"But what, Master Valerius?" Rhyse prompted, a knot forming in his stomach.
"The duty records for the East Wing perimeter guards – the ones near Lord Hawthorne's guest suites – for the approximate time of the attack show something unusual. Two of the regular Core Guard sentries were unexpectedly reassigned to a 'low-priority archival duty' approximately one hour before the attack on the Training Hall. They were replaced by two junior guards, less experienced, reassigned from a different sector."
Rhyse felt a chill. "Reassigned by whom?"
"The duty roster change was authorized by a Senior Lieutenant of the Core Guard, acting on verbal instruction he claims came from… Lord Marius Hawthorne, citing a minor, urgent security concern in the archives that required seasoned personnel." Valerius's eyes were grave. "Lord Hawthorne has no direct authority to reassign Core Guard members, my lord. The Lieutenant should have verified with Captain Marek or myself. He is currently being questioned by the Captain."
Marius. While perhaps not directly ordering assassins, he had, at the very least, created a convenient window of opportunity by weakening the surveillance on his own wing, potentially allowing Livia or her contacts to operate more freely just before the attack on Rhyse. Or was it to ensure his own wing wasn't implicated if something went wrong with their plan?
Before Rhyse could fully process this new piece of damning circumstantial evidence, his System chimed softly, an alert appearing. It wasn't a threat warning, but a notification. He focused on it.
[System Notification: Personnel Update - Lyra Meadowlight (Rank 2 Shadow Agent)]
[Initial Observation Report (Provisional - Sector: East Wing Guest Suites Vicinity) delivered to Rhyse's Personal Synkar Arcane Channel.]
[View Report? Y/N]
Lyra was already proving her worth, remarkably swift in her initial assessment. She had relayed her first report via a secure channel Master Valerius had established specifically for Rhyse, a direct line that bypassed usual protocols. Considering Rhyse had routed all System Alerts to his own interface, and with the Synkar Core now seamlessly linked, the information flowed directly to him, negating any need to access it through an arcane tablet. The message appeared subtly overlaid on his vision, a convenient feature of the Core's integration, showing the convenience Theron Synkar had likely envisioned for his heirs, even if the intended method of access differed significantly. The system's efficiency was becoming quickly apparent, a subtle relief in the growing storm of suspicion surrounding his family.
Yes, Rhyse commanded.
The azure screen shifted, displaying concise, coded notes:
[L. Meadowlight - Provisional Report 01 - Timestamp: Current]
Subject: Lady Livia Hawthorne.
Observation Period: Post-team briefing (approx. 1 hour).
Activity: Subject remained within her suite. No external comms detected via passive scan (Note: High-level personal warding active around suite, may obscure basic detection).
Key Anomaly: One (1) discreet, unmarked Clockwork Courier (standard manor service type) observed exiting ventilation shaft near Subject's suite, proceeding towards West Wing service corridors. Courier carried a small, shielded Arcane Memory Crystal. Intercept not feasible without alerting Subject at this stage. Courier's path suggests delivery to an internal recipient or dead-drop.
Assessment: Suspicious activity. Memory Crystal contents unknown. Recommend immediate trace on Courier's destination/recipient if possible. Standard manor Clockwork Couriers do not typically utilize shielded memory crystals for routine tasks.
Rhyse's breath caught. A shielded Arcane Memory Crystal, delivered by an furtive Clockwork Courier, originating from Livia's suite...
"Master Valerius," Rhyse said, his voice tight with urgency, "Mistress Meadowlight has just reported a Clockwork Courier carrying a shielded Arcane Memory Crystal exiting Livia Hawthorne's suite, heading towards the West Wing service corridors."
Valerius's eyes widened. "Shielded? Unmarked? That is highly irregular, my lord."
"Indeed. Can we track that Courier? Identify its destination or recipient within the manor?" Rhyse asked, already knowing the System might offer a quicker, albeit costly, path.
He mentally accessed the [NETWORK] -> [Manor Security Interface] again. The schematic glowed. Could he use this? He searched for 'Courier Tracking' or 'Internal Transit Records'.
[Manor Mechanized Messenger Control Network (Phase One Access): Basic tracking available for marked Couriers. Unmarked Courier requires active scan protocol.]
[Option: Initiate Active Scan Protocol - West Wing Service Corridors (Clockwork Courier Signature Triangulation)? Cost: 1,500 Gold Sovereigns. Risk: Moderate chance of detection by sophisticated counter-surveillance.]
A risk of detection, but the potential reward was immense. Livia was moving, trying to communicate or deliver something crucial after the failed assassination. This was a thread he couldn't afford to let go cold.
"Master Valerius," Rhyse said, making his decision. "Alert Captain Marek to what Mistress Meadowlight observed. Have his people attempt to track that Clockwork Courier using conventional means, if possible, but tell him to prioritize discretion and avoid interception for now. I have another method I will attempt to use to pinpoint its immediate path."
Valerius, though likely curious about Rhyse's "other method," simply nodded. "At once, my lord." He moved to use a secure internal comm line.
Rhyse focused on the System prompt, the fate of the Clockwork Courier and the information it carried hanging in the balance...