Perla and the Empire: Chapters 1-2

Perla and The Empire

Chapter One

Perla gazed into the pond with red-rimmed eyes. Tears smudged her cheeks; her parents and siblings had been murdered. Thieves, the letter said, broke into the family estate, killing both her parent’s older brother and sister. Now, she was alone, an orphan. Yet for all that, very little was stolen. Assassinated, that was the truth Perla knew. It was ever the same in the Empire, where different houses vied for power. Perla gave a shuddering sigh, wiping away tears. She hardened her heart, determined to avenge those who murdered her family. Looking up, she straightened her back and clenched her fists.”How peaceful it is here compared to the world outside.” She took a deep breath, taking in the scent of the flowers. Perla listened to the insects buzzing and the birds singing in the trees. The warm summer breeze blew loose strands of flame hair across her face; brushing them back, she reflected on what she had gone through these past years. The Garden of Reflection was a tranquil place where one could come when time allowed to rest and meditate away from the daily routine.

Perla remembered when she first came to the convent of the Sisterhood. Two sisters had come to her home and tested her for the arcane, finding she had potential. Her parents had reluctantly agreed to let them take her. In truth, they had little choice in the matter. Perla had protested vehemently and cried to the point of exhaustion to no avail. The sisters were indifferent to her cries and pleas. It had taken months to finally resign herself to her new life. Then, she became determined to learn the arcane arts as quickly as possible so she could return home sooner. A naive assertion, she realised much later. It had been five years now. Perla finally not only passed all expectations but achieved first in all four elements as well as in the mysteries of the occult. No other acolyte had ever reached her level in all four elements. Perla had achieved the highest level possible. Mastery of the arcane.

Perla was looking forward to seeing her family again after the passing out ceremony in the autumn. Now, she would never get to see them again in this life. Tears threatened to overwhelm her again, but she held them back with her strength of will. Perla looked skyward. The sun had passed its zenith. Now, long shadows grew in every corner of the garden. The sudden quiet and stillness altered her. Perla listened carefully, reflecting in the pond; a shadow moved behind her. A sound similar to a bowstring releasing. Perla bent over backwards as an arrow narrowly passed over her body. She spun as two more arrows sped her way. Raising her hand, the arrows stopped in mid-air with a flick of her wrist. She sent the arrows back in the direction they came. A groan of pain and a man fell from behind a bush into the open, the arrows protruding from his chest.

Two more men charged her from the bushes. The black-clad and masked clothing marked them as assassins. She dodged out of the way so fast they had no time to react. Perla’s intention was to capture one of the assassins alive so he could be interrogated later. The two regrouped and attacked again, leaving Perla no choice but to kill them both. A fourth assassin rushed her, throwing deadly darts in quick succession. Perla nimbly side-stepped the darts, jumping high and sprang towards her attacker in a single bound. A magic sword appeared in her hand as she came down on top of the man toppling him to the ground and slit his throat. The Matriarch and two sisters rushed in breathless. “This is unbelievable. Never in the long history of the Sisterhood has anyone been able to penetrate the convent.” The Matriarch said, appalled at the scene of carnage. “ Are you alright, my child?” she asked. Perla nodded. “I’m fine, Matriarch. I think they weren’t expecting me to be so gifted in the arcane.”

”One of the sisters examined the bodies, “Matriarch, they have raven tattoos,” the sister said. The Matriarch frowned, concerned. “The Ravens! They are no ordinary assassins. They charge the highest price and complete their mission or die trying to fail means they take their own lives.”

Perla was taken aback to realise that the Sisterhood knew so much about life outside the convent. “Ravens? I have never heard of them. But for assassins to get in, they must have inside help from an informant or spy.”

The Matriarch sighed and nodded, “ There is much you have to learn about what is happening in the Empire at present, my child. Even so you are a quick learner, you are right. We must have a traitor in our mist.” Perla pursed her lips, considering, “I wanted to capture one alive to interrogate, but they were determined and never gave me a chance to.” “If you had captured one alive, I’m afraid you would never have got any information out of him, and the first chance he got, he would have taken his own life,” the Matriarch said. “The spy is our problem; we will find out who it is and deal with her. You must pack and prepare to return home to see to your family’s burial. Come and see me before you leave. I have things to give you and tell you.”

After finishing her packing, Perla headed to Matriarch’s study, knocking lightly on the door she entered. The Matriarch looked up from behind the wooden desk. Perla had visited the Matriarch’s study many times over the past few years. It had a warm, cosy feel to it, filled with books and keepsakes. She had always felt safe in this place. The Matriarch a part of that, always calm, reassuring, and unflappable. Nothing ever seemed to shake the Matriarch’s confidence. Even after what had just happened. It seemed to Perla, the Matriarch took everything in her stride. Despite her age and slightly bent figure, her hair long-turned white. Her eyes were clear, her will undaunted.

The Matriarch gave a sad smile. “Sit a while, child,” she said. While Perla sat, the Matriarch opened a drawer and retrieved a couple of items. The first was a scroll. “The scroll is for your passing as a full Ssister of the Goddess,” the Matriarch paused as she held the second item, a medallion on a gold-coloured cloth ribbon. “I would have presented these at your passing ceremony later, but seeing as you won’t be here, you can have them now.” The Matriarch held the medallion up and nodded. Perla bent forward, and the Matriarch placed the medallion over Perla’s head so it hung around her neck. “There now, you are a Sister of the Goddess.”

“I’m honoured, Matriarch,” Perla said, bowing her head, feeling warring emotions welling up inside her. The Matriarch stood and went, opened a large chest, and brought out a sword. ““I have a special gift for you.” As an acolyte, you use a conjured magic sword. As a sister, you can use a real sword. Take it and feel its weight.” Perla took the sword, passing it from hand to hand. The sword was surprisingly light. It hardly weighed anything. “The sword is made from a rare metal we call Mistral. Only those of the Sisterhood know about this and can have these swords. They can be enchanted with spells of your choosing. Once enchanted, it is permanent and can’t be undone, so choose wisely.”

Perla nodded. "Where does the rare metal come from, and once enchanted, how do I evoke the spell within the sword?” Perla asked. “Little is known about the metal, but it is exclusive to the Sisterhood only. As to invoking the spell within the sword, you just have to say the spell similar to when casting a non-real magic sword.” Perla held the sword and studied it closely, fascinated. “There is one more thing,” the Matriarch began opening another drawer. She got another scroll out and handed it to Perla. “This is a list of places throughout the Empire run by the Sisterhood where you can go for help, information, or whatever you need. Just show your medallion.” The Matriarch paused a moment. Have you made arrangements for travel?” She asked. “I planned to hire a horse and carriage from Terno.” The Matriarch nodded, “Go to the mayor’s house in Terno. I have already sent word ahead he will supply you with a carriage, a coachman, and a maid. They are people who will serve you well and loyally as long as you need them. Remember, the Sisterhood has eyes and ears throughout the Empire. Now that is all my child go, and may the goddess be with you.”

Perla had one more person to visit before leaving. Doha, the enchantress, was working as usual at the forge. She nodded, giving Perla a knowing glance. “Hello, Perla. I presume you want me to enchant your sword? You are good enough to enchant it yourself.” Perla smiled, “I know, but you are the best enchantress in the Empire.” You flatter me. Okay, let’s have a look at the sword.” Perla handed her sword to Doha. The enchantress placed it over the forge, flames licking around the blade. “You can have two spells. Which do you prefer?” Doha asked. “Fire and lightning,” Perla answered. They suit your temperament,” Doha said with a wry smile. She stood over the sword, her hands moving above and along its length as she started casting the relevant spells. Abruptly, she turned her palms downward, facing the sword. Flames rose surrounding the blade and sparks ignited from it. “There it’s done. You will need something to keep it in,” Doha reached for a leather sheave and shoulder strap, handing them to Perla along with the sword. Perla gave a slight bow of the head. “Thank you, Doha; perhaps we will meet again one day.” “Perhaps, may the goddess be with you, Perla,” Doha returned the bow of the head respectfully.

Chapter Two

Terno was half an hour’s walk from the Sisterhood’s abbey. Perla found the mayor’s mansion close to the town centre. The mayor, a short man with a respectful manner, offered Perla light refreshments, for which she was very thankful after the walk into town. Afterwards, he showed her to the side of the house where her carriage and servants were waiting. Perla stood studying the two servants waiting at the side of the carriage. The coachman was of medium height and tanned complexion. The maid was slightly shorter, with fair hair and a pleasant smile. They both bowed to her, “I’m Carla, Sister and glad to be of service,” said the maid. She turned to the coachman, “This is Henry, the best coachman hereabouts and passing good with a sword too.” The coachman straightened. At your service, Sister.” Perla smiled. “The two obviously know each other well.” “Hello, glad to meet you both. I’m sure we will get along just fine. One thing, though. Please drop the honorific in future. Call me my lady. I don’t wish it to be widely known that I’m a Sister of the Goddess, understood.” They looked at one another, then bowed, replying at the same time. “Yes, my lady.” “There is no need for bowing either, at least in private,” Perla added. Again, they glanced at ech other and smiled. “Well then, shall we be on our way,” Perla said. Carla helped Perla into the carriage and joined her, sitting opposite. Henry sat in the box seat in front, taking up the horse’s reins. The carriage was of a light wooden frame with a roof and side windows that slid open. Perla sat back as the carriage started off at a steady gate, gradually gaining speed smoothly. Evidence, if any, was needed that Henry was, indeed, a good coachman, as Carla said. Perla let some of the tension go, and tears welled up.

Sitting opposite Carla observed her lady. She knew what had happened and why the lady was leaving the convent. She could only imagine what she must be going through and felt sorrow for the lady. Looking away, she kept her silence to let Perla grieve. Perla dozed in short fits, suddenly waking again as the carriage hit a bump in the road. The rocking motion of the carriage eventually lulled her into a deeper sleep filled with the imaginings of how her family died. Did they suffer? Was it sudden, quick? She kept picturing it over and over, torturing herself with possible scenarios of how they died.

She woke suddenly, the heat in the carriage stifling. Sliding back the window, she stared out at the passing scenery as the carriage continued apace. “Would you like a sandwich, my lady? We took the liberty of packing lunch and some wine.” Carla asked. “Thank you, Carla; you have thought of everything, it seems,” Perla said. Carla opened a box at the side of her seat and removed a lunch basket. Perla thankfully ate the sandwich and sipped some wine from a small porcelain cup. She began to reflect on what lay ahead after the burial of her family. Perla was determined to find who was behind the murder of her family and get revenge for their unjust deaths. Right now, she needed all the information she could get on recent events in the Empire. She turned to Carla, “Can you tell as much as you can about what is happening in the Empire now? Living cloistered in the abbey, I have been out of touch with the current situation.” Carla nodded, “Of course, my lady. What do you want to know first?” Carla asked.

Carla was a mine of information not only about current events but all the rumours circulating in the Empire. Perla would expect no less from someone who secretly worked for the Sisterhood. By the time they reached the coaching inn just before dark, Perla felt she had a reasonable grasp of events within the Empire. What alarmed her a little, though, was that Carla stated that outside the convent, the Sisterhood was showing signs of breaking and was not as united as Perla believed, and a few Sisters had gone their own way. When she thought more about it, though, it fitted with the spy in the convent and the attempted murder of herself. That led Perla to another realisation: The assassination of her family was not just about houses plotting against one another. But an attack on the Sisterhood itself! “Plots within plots, indeed.” Perla considered thoughtfully.

“My lady, Henry and I will go ahead and sort rooms for the night,” Carla said. “Wait, Carla, just get the two rooms. We can share a room.” Perla said. “The mayor of Terno gave us plenty of coin, my lady. There is no need to share,” Perla frowned. “Still save your coin. It may be needed later. I don’t mind sharing a room with you.” Carla nodded and smiled, “ Very well, my lady, I don’t mind sharing either,” Carla replied as she hurried off with Henry to sort the rooms out, leaving Perla to follow behind. This Sister was very different from any other Sister of the Goddess Carla had met before. Most in the Sisterhood were cold and aloof and looked down on ordinary folk. They wouldn’t even consider lowering themselves to share a room with a servant. She told Henry as much. “Aye, the lady does seem to be more approachable than most Sisters we have served or met before,” Henry said.

The room Perla shared with Carla was comfortable, although Perla slept in fits, plagued once again by nightmares of her family dying a cruel death alone without her to help them. They left early in the morning after a light breakfast. Perla urged Henry to go as fast as possible. Perla wanted to reach her estate no later than the third day. They set a good pace, and Henry thought they might arrive sooner than expected. Suddenly, the carriage pulled up. Perla pulled back the curtain to ask Henry what the delay was. “Trouble ahead, my lady, seems like bandits attacking a couple of merchant wagons. Perla peered out ahead; bandits were attacking guards defending the wagons. Perla, noticed a couple of guards were down and either dead or wounded. One of the guards who Perla took to be in charge seemed to be experienced and handy with a sword. “This won’t do. Hand me my sword, Carla.” Perla said, turning around to speak. Carla handed her sword, “Stay here. This won’t take long,” Pertla stood beside Henry and leapt from the carriage, levitating she landed in the middle of the fight. “I don’t want anyone to know how capable I am just yet. A minable use of power should be enough to deal with the bandits,”Perla thought, staring down the bandits facing her. The guard she believed to be the leader gave her a sidelong look and nodded his thanks for her assistance. Perla used her sword skillfully with the help of minor spells. Faced with someone with arcane power the remaining bandits still standing fled.

The leader of the guards Turned and bowed to Perla, noticing the medallion. “You are a Sister of the Goddess. Thank you for your assistance. My name is Markus Trevelar…” “I am in a hurry on urgent business. Please clear the way and let us pass,” Perla interrupted. Markus gaped, speechless for a moment. Perla raised an eyebrow expectantly. The guards were already clearing the road of the bodies and tending the wounded. Markus called to them to move the wagons aside to let the Sister pass. Perrla waved her carriage to her and climbed in. “What do you expect from a Sister of the Goddess.” Markus’s second said, coming to stand beside him. They are pretty much all alike. Darn, rude and arrogant. Looking down on us ordinary folk.” “Have you met many Sisters of the Goddess?” Markus asked. “First time I have met one this close-up. I hear there are two in the Emporer’s Palace.”

Passing the two men who stood at the side of the road, Perla heard what they said. A brief moment of anger darkened her features. Carla spotted thel look on her iady’s face. “Ignore them, my lady. They don’t know what your pain is and what you are really like.” Perla sighed, “It doesn’t matter what others think of me. It was just a moment of irritation. More to do with the reputation of the Sisterhood than myself.” “There are many good Sisters like yourself, my lady,” Carla said. Again, Perla sighed, staring at Carla. “Is there? I really hope so.” Perla sat back, closing her eyes as the carriage picked up speed.