Introductions

Snuggly wrapped in warm blankets and a body not quite his own, Willy was feeling quite well. He was seated in a big comfortable sofa that seemed to almost swallow him in its cushioned embrace and was holding in his hands a steaming cup of tea which expunged thick healing fumes that seeped into his nostrils.

In front of him there was another sofa similar to his own which for now stood empty and beside it there was a polished oak table on which stood one steaming teacup and a little blue plate filled with crunchy tea biscuits which Willy didn't even bother trying.

Instead he was focusing his attention on the rest of the old warehouse that loomed around him.

It was an old complex in the seventh ring of the City and it was built near the wide watering canals that passed through each section of Kingstown.

The City was actually built around the spring that flowed somewhere from the top of the mountain, and as it slowly expanded people started to regulate its flow, make water ponds and excavate underground wells, whose water supply they then added to the flow of the creek.

This gave Kingstown plethora of wells, small aqueducts that were used for water supply, and in some places, like said warehouse, even wider, deeper canals that were big enough for a small boat to pass through, and those were used for transporting goods from one part of the city to another.

These canals, gutters and sewers trickled slowly from top sections of the city, down to the outer rings, hugging each wall they passed like an ever descending snake whose head split apart upon reaching the outer ring and scattered around the countryside in plenty other, smaller streams that watered surrounding fields and orchards .

It was of course a given that in some poorer districts the quality of water degraded into something resembling thick and dirty mud, that was not quite water but was still liquid enough to flow slowly ever downwards and outside of the walls.

The warehouse they were currently in was built in one such district, and Will actually had some clues of where they were, but he couldn't be certain without having a look outside.

There were not many locations like this one in the city, and there was one relatively near the place he got ambushed so he supposed that's where they were.

Place in question was a complex of several old warehouses that fell out of use with improvement of other water canals and roads, and a decline of business opportunities which followed also had its consequences on local population which either fled to other neighborhoods or stayed and embraced the life of cutthroats and thieves who soon filled the empty places.

Willy finally felt some heat reaching his toes and he grabbed the teacup a bit closer to his face, still looking around in the surrounding shadows.

Warehouse itself was made of hard wood and stone, with thick support beams everyway he turned to, its ceiling loomed somewhere far above his head, and its solid walls and big wooden gates were barely visible in the distance and through the surrounding gloom.

All in all it would be completely empty if not for the small pile of crates stashed in the corner of its far wall and his own comfortable little corner, which looked completely out of place in this dark and soggy place.

"Feeling better?"

He turned to his captor who appeared out of darkness and casually poured himself some tea while taking a seat on the other side of the table.

Reluctantly, Willy spoke.

"Yes…for an undead abomination I'm feeling quite well."

The boy chuckled from his seat.

"You aren't dead, Willy. I just reshaped your body, put a few pieces in the right places and that's about it. If you listen carefully you will notice that your heart is still beating, and besides, if I did made an undead out of you, you'd know it. Believe me."

His other captor, the older one, came into view carrying a tray filled with fresh doughnuts and set it on the table.

"Who the hell are you people?" Willy asked in disbelief.

Stuffing his mouth with doughnuts, the boy turned to him and mumbled through a mouthful of sweet bread.

"Mphh auh forgout.."

Swallowing hard he forced the food down his throat and took a swing of tea, coughing slightly.

"Ah, excuse me. I'm being rude, didn't even introduce myself."

Willy watched as the boy straightened in his sofa, his chin rising proudly upwards as he looked at him over his nose and importantly proclaimed:

"I am Prince Edward, son of Emperor Leonard, eleventh son in the line for the throne, the greatest mind of the kingdom and the mightiest mage that ever walked this earth. I am a protector of empires and destroyer of kingdoms, unbound by fate and unrestricted by mortality, and upon me lies the fate of this world. Behold me and obey."

Politely ignoring the fact that half of those titles were made up, Willy forced a dumb expression on his face and blinked stupidly at Edward. Turning towards the man at Edwards's side he silently inquired.

Seeing his gaze shift the man started to speak.

"I am Samu…"

"This is Samuel, he is my slave, and he is addicted to me." Edward interrupted, and Samuel lowered his gaze apologetically towards his master.

"My lord, as I said before, I assure you that my service is absolutely voluntary. I would follow you to the ends of the Earth if you so commanded, and I am anything but a…"

Edward interrupted him once more, looking sadly at Willy.

"It's heartbreaking, really. He doesn't even comprehend the circumstances by which he was bound to me, you see."

Looking a little bit desperate, Samuel tried to persuade his master again.

"My lord, I'm quite certain that…"

"He is my Guardian, you understand…"

Edward continued, not paying much attention to his servant.

"…and only recently I got the chance to study the connection between us, and the way we are bound together. Results were quite…morbid, so to say."

Samuel sighed sadly, abandoning any hope of changing his master's mind.

Now curious, Willy couldn't help but to ask.

"How so?"

Eager to explain, Edward pulled his sofa a little bit closer.

"Ah, well for starters; did you know that every living being is actually magical in nature?"

"No, I can't say that I did."

"Well it is so, every living thing is born with some magical potential, and humans of course are no exception, it is what enables us to use magic, you see. And technically speaking, with enough training and good enough education, every man would be able to use sorcery to some degree."

Nodding his head in pretended understanding Willy agreed.

"That is interesting."

"Yes I think so too, but anyway, when I first started studying the bond between Samuel as my Guardian and myself, I thought it had something to do with soul binding. It was a natural line of thought to pursue, what with all the "bound for life of servitude" and what not. So imagine my surprise when I discovered the truth of things."

Willy waited in expectation.

Edward took another sip of tea and started to distractedly nibble on a biscuit.

Silence dragged on.

"So what was it?!"

Edward turned to him.

"Hmmm, oh right. It was magic."

He concluded while licking his finger clean of sweet bits of biscuit.

"You see my Samuel here, like every other existing guardian, has a unique magical aura. Among other things it enhances his growth, regeneration and enables him to develop certain skills to the peak of human ability. Unfortunately it is flawed in its nature and it constantly resonates in search for a similar aura that would mend its imperfection.

And so when Samuel first stumbled in my way some ten years ago, certain pieces of my aura melded with his, pieces fell in place where once there was nothing and he finally felt complete. It's been that way ever since, and he can't really help it, no Guardian can. It's why they need to constantly be near the object of their compulsion.

So, to put it simply, he is addicted to my mere presence."

Willy stared wide eyed at him.

"Does anyone else know about it?"

"My father I suppose. What with the fact that he is the most powerful entity in the entire empire, and yet he had no sworn Guardians for the past fifty years, I am pretty sure he knows how to mend their aura too. He is far too soft hearted you see, and it would be just like him to release his most loyal servants just because they had no choice in obeying him."

Samuel turned to his master.

"My lord you speak like you disapprove of your father's actions, and yet you too threatened to free me of my service as soon as you learned this."

Edward sighed.

"I didn't threaten you Samuel, I just said that I don't like you being addicted to me, and that I would find a way to free you from your would be chains."

"I am not addicted my lord."

"For all intents and purposes you are, and therefore you are a liability, Samuel, which is why I have decided to free you from your need of me and then have you willingly bind your very soul to my will."

Samuel gave it a thought for a few seconds and answered.

"As long as I am in your service I will be fine with whatever you decide."

"No worries, if all else fails I will just kill you and put your soul into a flesh construct, that way you can serve me even beyond death."

Samuel seemed to cheer up at the thought.

"As long as you deem it wise master."

Willy stared at them in confusion.

"And what of me, what do you want from someone like me, anyway?"

Edward shifted his attention back on him.

"Oh that's right; we got a bit sidetracked didn't we. Well, back to business then, shall we. Now listen carefully to what I'm about to say, all right?"

Willy just nodded, it was not like he had much choice anyway.

"It's not like you have much choice, anyway." Edward cheerfully said and continued.

"And truth be told, I don't actually want something from you as much I need you Willy, and don't worry, I'm not lying to you, I find it's a bad way to start future businesses. Thing is Willy, I am a spider, I build webs, create connections and make deals, and right now, in the web that is Kingstown I have none of those things."

"So you need a player of your own."

"Exactly so Willy, and you are the lucky man."

"Why me?"

"Because you are that perfect blend of cowardly bastard, thief, and a scoundrel with morals low enough to do just about anything necessary to survive, and yet you are intelligent enough to understand the rules of the game, and why you benefit from them."

Willy stared at him in suspicion.

"You say you are the emperor's son, yet you are a necromancer."

Edward just laughed in delight.

"And there it is Willy, that spark of intelligence I was just talking about. And yes, if it means anything to you, I am, in the fullest meaning of the word, Prince Edward, son of the emperor."

Willy seemed to sweat a bit, and when he answered there was obvious fear in his voice, with just a hint of resolve accompanying it.

"If you're thinking of turning Kingstown into some sort of necropolis, then count me out. Might just as well kill me, I'm not helping you destroy my home."

Edward was looking at him in amusement.

"And once again you pleasantly surprise me Willy; I knew I picked the right one. Do you have any idea how few people would have the courage to answer like you did just now? All of those bastards you wear as your skin would have sold me their own mothers by now."

"Oh, you can have the bitch if you want to, but I'm not giving you Kingstown."

Edward choked on his tea spraying it all over the table; laughing and struggling to catch some air as he waved his hand in dismissal.

"No need for that, Willy." He laughed. "But, as I was saying, I have no intention of harming the empire, it is too big to topple and even if had the power to do so its fall would most certainly crush me as well. That would be, of course, if I wanted to bring destruction to it, which I don't. Dead empires are unbelievably boring, trust me, I wish no harm upon it. Quite the opposite, I want to save it."

"By becoming an emperor?"

Edward frowned in disgust.

"Eh, not in a million years. I dislike responsibility of any kind, so the role of a simple prince suits my needs just fine. No, I have no such plans, and yet I need to have streets under my control."

Confused, Willy asked him in disbelief.

"But what for? You have money already, not to mention royal blood and all possible connections you could need, what the hell you need me for? Why is the empire in danger, anyway, why are you of all people trying to save it, and what from? I simply don't understand why you need me."

With a knowing smile on his lips Edward answered him.

"Ah, Willy. I have seen much in my life, you know. And if I learned one thing about empires, then it's that whenever they shift they do so at the bottom, not the top. That is why I need you to get hold of the underworld, which means drug trade, alchemy, prostitution, thieves. Whatever kind of illegal activity exists in the city I need you, and through you me, to have a hand in it."

In misery, Willy asked him:

"So you want me to become the kingpin?"

This time deathly serious Edward nodded in conformation.

"Yes, exactly so."

Holding his hands out, as if he wanted to show his thoughts to the world, Willy cried out in desperation.

"But that's impossible!"

"Hmmm…" Edward mused. "... how so? There have been others before, if I'm correct. I think there is one in power right now actually. With political and financial backing I could provide, not to mention other arcane means of solving problems I see no reason why it wouldn't work. But, do voice your concerns; you had more interactions with these people than I did, so I will trust your judgment on the subject."

Furious and desperate Willy tried to explain.

"Yes there have been other kingpins before, that is exactly my point. There "have been others before", but they are not here any longer are they, now?"

"Your point?"

"My point is that every single bitch and bastard that stabbed or murdered their way to the top died quite horribly soon afterwards. Sometimes just a few days after they climbed to the position of Underboss. Thing is, no one lasts as kingpin for long, it's a place surrounded by conniving, backstabbing, violent bastards and murderers, of which every single one is shooting for that very spot. Longest period someone survived as King of the underworld is five years, and that was way back, when I was just a toddler."

As if he found it completely reasonable Edward answered him.

"So then don't be one of those violent murdering bastards, earn their loyalty if you must, buy it if all else fails."

Willy looked positively sick.

"It's been tried too, the poor bastard who ruled with gentle touch, that one. All sweet words and treats, he lasted two years before his lover gutted him in his own bed. Took his position then, he did, but didn't fare any better."

In silence Edward thought for a minute.

"Well, get your own marionette then."

"What?"

"Your own marionette, you must know at least a dozen violent individuals who wouldn't mind sitting in that chair for a year or two, right?"

Willy thought for a heartbeat.

"Yes, that would be right."

"So put them on the throne in your stead, orchestrate a few betrayals and put your people where you want them. Once they start becoming independent just replace them with someone else.

"But I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that."

Edward rolled his eyes.

"You won't be doing it alone, silly. You will have me backing you, so don't worry too much."

Willy sat cowed, sheepishly rubbing his hands together.

"I guess I don't have much choice, do I."

"None at all."

"And what if I decide to betray you?"

Edward smiled.

"We both know you are not that stupid, and aside for the fact that you are the one who profits the most from this deal, I also implanted a black-bone spike inside your chest, which will pierce your heart if you ever betray me."

Willy gulped.

"Now Willy…" Edward continued "…to give you some motivation in the days to come, let's talk about the threat that is looming over our bellowed empire."

"Yes, what about it? I hardly see anything more threatening to it than you at the moment."

"Well then, tell me. What do you know about the gods?"

"Gods?"

"One and only Willy, the gods."

"I don't believe in gods."

Edward took another sip of tea.

"You should Willy, because it's one of them that we will have to stop if we want to save the empire, no not just the empire, the world."

Willy looked stunned.

"What do you mean?"

Putting down his empty cup Edward replied.

"Exactly what I said, if you think a necromancer is terrifying, wait till you see what the mother of gods and darkness could do to creation."

"Mother of darkness, but it doesn't make any sense. What do you mean by mother of gods…?"

Edward stared at him.

"I said I wouldn't lie to you, so best we clear the stakes right now. There are eight gods Willy, seven we know of and one goddess that was bound in the void six thousand years ago by the combined power of the First King and all the gods combined, and now she is starting to break free."

Willy stared.

"I don't believe you."

"You don't have to, it doesn't change anything, truth is truth and that is final. But do take in consideration that just this morning I ripped your soul from your old body and put you in another one. Think about that for a moment and ask me if I had a good reason to do it."

"But, but how do you know all this."

"Ahh…" Edward sighed. ".. I had a talk with my father. So tell me Willy, you are what, forty years old, right?"

"Yes."

"Tell me then, do you remember some twenty years back?"

"I, I think I do."

"Well do tell then, do you remember seeing my father, the emperor, in person? Was there ever a time you laid your eyes on him yourself?"

Willy stopped, his eyes looking back into the past, remembering.

"There was that one time, in the parade, I caught a glimpse of the man, for just a second at least."

"Mhm." Edward mumbled. "And since then, have you or anyone else you know, caught sight of him since that day?"

"N… no, I don't think so."

"Well you couldn't have, I'll tell you that. Even I didn't have many opportunities to see my father, let alone anyone else."

"And why is that?"

"That is so, my dear friend, because he is tirelessly guarding the last remaining artifact by which our nemesis of a goddess is bound by."

"Bound?"

"Yes, three artifacts, sword, scepter and the crown. Each was given for safe keeping to one of the first three existing nations. Each was carried to separate parts of the world. And it is my and my father's suspicion that the other two artifacts were acquired by someone foolish enough to use them."

Willy was frozen, his mouth half open.

"B… but, but I can't fight that. I can't do anything about it, why are you telling this to me? I am no one."

"I explained everything to you already, I'm not asking you to topple gods Willy, all I ask is that you do your part. You can do that can you?"

"Ye… yes, I have to now, don't I?"

"Something like that." Edward sighed. "Something like that. Now tell me Willy, a few last questions. What do you know of Lyrium?"

He squirmed uncomfortably in his seat.

"Not much, really."

"No?"

Looking guilty he shifted his weight this way and that.

"Willy? You are aware that I know it was you who sold me that Lyrium."

"I didn't know." He whispered quietly.

"You didn't know what, Willy?"

"I didn't know you were a damned prince, for heaven's sake. I thought you were some spoiled noble brat, and gods know you acted the part. But I'm sorry, my prince, I really am."

He tried to smile apologetically but failed horribly, and his face shifted into something that more resembled toothy savage grin of a shark than anything else.

"I know you are Willy, and have no fear, things turned out quite well on that part so I am not mad at all. I will need you to give me the remaining supplies."

"Ahh, of course my lord, of course." He sagged in relief.

"And as for who supplied you with it, I need names Willy."

His terrifying grin of apology stretched even further as he guiltily tried to excuse himself.

"I am afraid my lord that I don't rightly know."

"Explain then."

"I didn't really bought it from anyone per se, it's more that I had, acquired it through… let's say dubious means."

"You stole it?"

"Well, it wasn't exactly stolen, it was more that it was given to me indirectly, by a third party, who in turn had stolen it from someone else."

"Mhm."

"But I did inquire my lord, I always keep track of where the goods come from, else I cross someone I shouldn't. And Lyrium in question was first taken from an imperial cargo ship, through rather violent means I must say."

"And who did the job?" Edward inquired.

"Mercenary group, called "dead rats", rather capable fellows, I worked with them before and had never regretted it."

"And where are they now?"

"Rotting at the bottom of the sea, last I heard."

Edward took a deep breath.

"Hmmm, it fits the bill; sounds like someone did a nice little cleanup operation there."

Hopeful and pleased to add more to his report Willy continued.

"I did speak with their leader, a few days before the "accident", my lord and he had some interesting things to share."

"Do go on."

"First of all, their orders were to steal Lyrium from precisely that one ship by the name, "Black Orchid", interestingly enough, their orders were to take Lyrium, and Lyrium only, and then to sell it all over Kingstown."

Edwards eyes narrowed, he knew the name of that ship, heard it before in memories that he acquired a few weeks ago.

Willy talked on.

"When I asked him about the name of his employer he couldn't tell me, but he did give me a description. A girl, he said, tall, somewhat older than you, noble born too. Said she was as beautiful and cold as a winter's night and with hair as black as abyss, said she paid in royal coins, too."

Edwards' eyes grew cold as he whispered.

"Adriane..."

"The what now?"

"Nothing." Edward said as he rose from his seat.

"Go dress yourself, night is almost upon us, and we don't want to be late."

"Where are we going?"

Turning to him once more Edward answered.

"I told you before, didn't I, we are going to get a few more corpses."

Confused, Willy asked again.

"But where, you already killed everyone, where do you plan to go…"…"my master?" He quickly added.

Turning away with a cold smile on his face Edward replied.

"To the ring fights of course, after all it's where the best materials are found. And tomorrow, me and my sister are going to have ourselves a little chat."