A Wolf and A Raven

Marcus Leocadus

Theme





The imperial lexicon knew this ancient city as Cyrade, one of the great conquests of the second century, it was hard to believe that those records spoke of Valradios the great burning and breaking that ancient citadel of dark sorceries brick by brick, it was one of the first cities to fall in the age of strife that seemed now to be little more than a distant memory, breaking the imperial hold over the Mare Aureatum, the sea of gold and the monopoly of trade over the strait of horns that had lasted for aeons. Only a keen eye could discern subtle architectural details that lended to this place having an imperial past, in truth Shahravan was more a city-state, a gem in the desert as it were and the only oasis for miles, only a stones throw away from the Ishtari port cities. Shahravan was ruled over by its own sorceror sultan who paid homage to the Shahaneshah of Ishtar in name only, a mysterious figure of opulent and mystical repute who seemed to open the gates of the city to anyone who held some gold or silver, great riches were brought to these sprawling bazaars, a gilded visage if one would of a desert paradise where ones wildest dreams could be made true, where mystics performed ritual and miracle daily and where all the riches of the four corners of the realm were brought to be traded and bartered. Its strategic position and daunting walls, alongside the supposed powers of its sorcerous sultan and its wizards kept any would be invaders at bay. No nations or flags it would seem, but that merely belied the truth that this was a place where dark arts and sinister deeds found a refuge away from the prying eyes of the rest of the realms.


Worst of all was that Shahravan was an infamous slaver's den, perhaps the largest slave market Tyranoth had yet to see and the unfortunate victims were either defiled or worked to death under cut-throats that had nary a moral vein in their souls, nevertheless one could find themselves getting lost in the riches and decadence of this place, the hawkers and shopkeeps brandished their wares and made chase of travellers and merchant caravans, beggars and those downtrodden lined the streets, nefarious characters hinted at their occupations of thievery and extortion, dancing girls and skilled bards unleashed enticing rhythms onto these streets, strange animals and stranger wares found themselves here all the same. It was a truly alien world from what one was used to on the continent and not even the trade leagues of the former imperial south, city-states in their own right could rival such spectacular wealth.

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She had told him to keep a low profile, though a large man draped in crimson with a black wolf strolling beside him was hardly what one could consider inconspicuous, nevertheless the crowds and the variety therein allowed a person to blend in, it was more a hive than a city and Marc hailing from sparsely populated mountains was hardly at home in the unforgiving and congested clime he found himself in, it was a veritable urban sprawl and when he was not swatting away over-enthusiastic vendors or pushing himself through crowds the sun was quick to remind one to stay in the shade, there was beauty here though, the public gardens and orchards, flowing waterways crossing through the city and the menacing masked guards wearing sapphire blue turbans patrolling the streets, certain areas were free to the public, others still strictly off limits, there was no such thing as humility or modesty here, the rich were quick to flaunt their wealth being carried around on canopied loungers hoisted by slaves or more grander yet on small palaces built upon the backs of elephants.


Marc's instinct drove him to scan the perimeter and keep a lookout, he needed to break from the crowds, there was too much uncertainty, his other hand stayed close to his dagger and a growl from his warhound dismissed any would be pickpockets or thieves. He hadn't sailed all the way down here for idle pleasantries, and the expression on his features seemed to hint at a sort of perturbance with the whole thing, but nevertheless, he relented, he needed to keep a clear head, it had been years since he saw her and he didn't want to spoil the mood immediately, a shrill voice rang out as it spoke a broken imperial " Going to see a guest Domine ? perhaps you'd like to take a gift, a box of sweets only a denarius " Marcus turned and looked at the boy selling his wares, neatly cut cubes dusted with powdered sugar of a varied assortment of colors, soft to the touch. " Pomegranate, apricot, rose, melon and grape " the vendor added commenting upon the flavors " And what about those " Marc added pointing at another confection " Squares made of fig and date, with crushed pistachios " a subtle grin swept on Marcus's features " I'll take those two, and a box, one of each " he added, grabbing a piece to taste for himself, all of a sudden making the trip here didn't seem like such a bad idea.


After a bit of pathfinding through the maze of a city, Marcus found himself in a quieter section of the city, a neighborhood of decent wealth, well off but not particularly notable and it was here that Marc found what he was looking for, rather undisturbed he strolled up to the gates and delivered a resonant knock to that large wooden frame, a response was received in a foreign tongue as a small slit in the door was parted before suspicious eyes gazed at the stranger, Marcus sighed twisting at the door and delivering a swift blow with his shoulder that was received with a loud scream from the veiled servant maiden who rushed aside, another servant reached for his dagger which drew a smirk from Marcus as he looked him in the eyes, the large wolf in tow, he merely issued a sideways nod, admonishing the man for even entertaining the thought. It was a spacious house of the Riad architectural style which had a large central courtyard complete with a fountain and an orchard garden with tiles of marbles in between, the overhanging foliage provided a coolness to the courtyard and the low trees held an assortment of fruit and flowers. It was certainly decadent.



" Where's your domina ?" the servant paused, and lowered his head as a visage draped in royal purple emerged, armed, naturally



"Istiana, I see you haven't aged a day, I hope I didn't interrupt your bronzing yourself beneath the Shahravan sun " Marcus added strolling up to her in his nonchalant manner, before thrusting the gifts he bought for her into her arms, admittedly with a bit of tenacity " You'd figure with all of this and what you're making here you would've spared poor old Marcus the coinage to actually make the trip here... you promised me arrangements were made, instead I boarded a ship to find out only half the voyage had been paid for and there were no accommodations not for travel nor sustenance nor stay when I arrived on the other side of Tyranoth, cursed by this blistering desert sun... and all of that aside, I made it here, despite your directions "



Marcus paused as the buried rage left him with a deep sigh and he smiled some at her, issuing a gentle grab at the shoulders and kissing each cheek as was the traditional valradic greeting.




" Expone voluntas tuarum litterae, quare hic sum in fornace ? " - (Explain to me the meaning of your letters, why am I here in this furnace ?)


Istiana Komenenos

Cyrade, to Istiana, was much the same as other cities, though the air held nicer smells overall in some of the finer areas, more colorful and noisier. A wider swathe of types of people. The constant sun was a highlight, reminding her of the home she'd once had, so very long ago. The sun warmed the skin and baked the sand beneath the foot.


Much like every other city, it had a much seedier underbelly, full of those willing and wanting to exploit unfortunates for their own profit. Grow their own gluttonous stomachs and fill their pockets. The worst, was the slave trade that happened on these shores, the constant sale of people.


This was one of the reasons, correspondence with a certain Wolf had been going on, she had sent him letters along with the arrangement details for his travel.


It was peculiar, that he hadn't arrived yet, it had been arranged that he would be, more so that there had been no tell that he was nearby. Istiana had been informed that he had boarded the ship she had arrange, yet there had been no word of his disembarking, no word that he had made his way here. The irony of it being, that Istiana was accustomed to being able to control most everyone, Marcus however, he was not so easily under her control.


For all she knew, he had stepped foot on the boat, then stepped right off again. There was also the potential that he had annoyed the wrong person on the ship, gotten into a duel or ended up thrown overboard. Yet still, despite the years between them seeing each other last, she held the belief there was little that could stop him. Ignoring the times she had contemplated slipping her dagger between his ribs herself.


Perhaps that was the delay, he had been thrown over and was swimming his way here.


First, there was a knock, that was soon followed by a loud thud, the kind that rumbled through the property, that would shake it to the foundations.


Istiana's favored dagger that had been sheathed at her side, a long shining blade, with a hilt that curved from one side to the other that ended in a curl with a golden hue. The pommel was wrapped in leather, to aid in the ability to hold it, in the darker moments she had need for it.


With a purposeful stride, she broke from under an arch into the sunlight, to see a less than repentant looking Marcus with a large black wolf by his side. She should have known that would be how he would make his entrance, with a loud boom.


As he strode toward her, she sheathed her dagger, to have boxes thrust into her arms. A flicker crossed through her eyes, with what he relayed. There was a Captain that would need to have a lesson taught to him.


"I thought Wolves enjoyed the hunt. I thought it would be an enriching exercise for you. You aren't as angry as you sound, you have flattered me and brought me gifts." She stated, before she kissed his cheeks in greeting, smelling the dirt and sweat on him, telling of a long and tiring journey. "I shall reimburse you, minus the cost of repairs to my entranceway."

"In tempore." - ("In time.")

"Pylia. Bring refreshments to the courtyard." Istiana said, peering around Marcus, before she turned, slipping her hand onto his arm near his elbow, to use gentle cues to lead him to where they could sit and talk.



While those that worked for her were well paid for their station, she didn't trust anyone enough to let them overhear everything, even if they were to speak in a foreign language.

"Tempus benignus fuit ad te. Distinguitur." - ("Time has been kind to you. You look distinguished.")

The white in his beard was new, there may have been one or two the last time they had seen one another, now it was all through and creeping in at the temples. Her own she covered with special inks, that washed out and would be reapplied, before her hair was styled and woven into place.


At this time of day, the coolest area was near the fountain, in a little patch that was covered over with vines that held the prettiest little blue flowers.


"Come. Sit. Leave your journey behind you." Using the box in her hand to indicate where they could sit. Istiana released his arm, to sit down. "You hound will be able to slake his thirst." She added softly. "You may call it a furnace, but it is better than any cold clime I have spent time in."


"I won't insult you by saying that I orchestrated all of this simply because I missed your very large presence." The touch of smile curved the corners of her lips. "Though seeing you is a delight. You want to get down to the heart of it. There are things I need your form of help to do."

Marcus Leocadus



She had a way of possessing the conversation that belied her exceptional skills as a diplomat over the years or atleast that was the facade the Consula Frumentarii had settled into over the years before her untimely disappearance nearing the fall, a wise move undoubtedly. Years of bittersweet memories were exchanged in glances between the two and yet somehow admiration was the prevalent emotion, it never ceased to amaze Marcus how easily she could read him, much less any other man and he couldn't help but be a little irritated that Istiana toyed with him in such a manner but then again that was just the spymistress's seductive way.

"Honeyed words with just a little jab of poison hm? I haven't heard jests this creative since that awful tenure as a guard to the senate..."



He added, that hook in his arm quite compelling, as she lead the wolf on, if only the circumstances allowed them to reminisce further but as was the usual nature of these meetings there was far more important business to attend to.



" You've been missed all the same my dear Istiana, naturally, I assumed that should the ever-magnificent Istiana call for reinforcements then matters would be quite grave indeed, poisons and silent-knives can only take you so far... *sigh*.. what have you gotten yourself into this time Istiana? "


Marcus paused watching the refreshments being brought forth, it put a smile to his lips seeing the emblem on the bottle.

" Vinum, meministi " - (The wine, you remembered.)"

Marcus paused and looked at Istiana solemnly for a moment before she began to elaborate further, there was no doubt about it, Marcus's response was as resolute and expected as ever.

"I'm In"



There were no questions asked, no further detail inquired, merely the oath of a legionary held to one he had trusted and one who had been there for him so many times before.

" I'll admit I'm a little distraught, did you really think I'd have something else to say after all this time Istiana... after everything we've been through... hmph... "



He paused leaning towards her and grasping her hand gently.


" A wolf never leaves one of his own, pleasantries and teasing aside.. I'll always have your back, just like you've always had mine "

He added laying a kiss upon her hand to seal the pact as it were.



" Iuramentum Legionarii - A Legionary's Oath "


"Best not to keep those libations waiting"

Marcus added grabbing a cup of wine for himself and Istiana, pouring that sweet crimson liquid, it was evident he was quite parched for some of that southern vintage, the very finest of imperial wines came from Istiana's region, spiced and sweet.




" Salut "

He added clinking the glass to Istiana's and taking a slow swig as his shoulders relaxed and he leaned back into the chair.

" By the way, I took a small liberty of bringing along some valuable luggage "


Marcus added making a whistle sound before his companion, the black dire wolf by the name of Thorios came darting with what appeared to be a large bag, the rattling sounds within suggested there was something of metal within.



" Your armor wasn't lost within that fire afterall, it did however sit idle in my throneroom in Cornaeth, personally, I think it looks better on you than the marble figurine... "


" So Istiana, who do we need to murder or make disappear first ? I presume you've already weaved one of your masterful plans... or have you run into a few walls along the way that I'd be more than happy to... besiege. My skills as a general don't quite come up to par with your wits but put two and two together and I figure we could take this whole city in a fortnight. And on the note of my reimbursement "

Marcus turned somewhat, his icen steel gaze sweeping over Istiana's hourglass visage draped in Tyrian purple what could render any man's discipline to naught. And the scent of her, rich and delectable, the woman took spectacular care of herself, they said appearances deceived but then perhaps some were given to deception.

"The burden of my debts to you weighs heavy, I need not gold or silver, having your company i'd say is a far more valuable luxury, Lupor est anima ardens (Wolves have passionate souls)... but first the hunt, then the festivity."



Istiana Komenenos

A knowing smile graced her lips, she had intended to pull out all the stops, to honey him, to convince him to help her, including making sure that his favored wine was served, not that she thought it would take much, but it was an attempt to soften him up.


There may have been a somewhat practiced speech, one she was about to head into, though he had cut her off and declared with no more information that he was in. He was only her side. Supporting her unreservedly. As he had always done.


Her nimble fingers curled around his as he took hers, then kissed it. A pledge made.


The gravity of their history took her over for a moment, that long ago, he'd taken her as one of his own, and made himself a part of her life. A part of her. Regardless of perceptions, roles that were defined, he had helped her grasp her own destiny and forge herself in to who she was. With that same unyielding spirit.

"Salut."

Istiana used the toast and time to reform her thoughts, as swiftly as was possible, his sweetness had stolen the words from her mouth and left her fluttering like a maiden in her first summer.


The surprises didn't stop there, with his hound bringing forth a bag. That, if she was interpreting him correctly, was armor she had long thought lost. Carefully, she extracted it from the hounds mouth, with a gentle praising brush of her fingers against the fur at it's neck. She opened the top, seeing her lost armor returned to her.

"I am flattered that you created a likeness of me."

The bag is set onto a vacant seat, before she angled herself to face him more, with a hand lifting to rest against his cheek, her eyes usually a cool, almost cold blue now warmer with affection.

"Relieve yourself of that burden. You owe me nothing. I leverage them sometimes, that is true, though there is no scoreboard between us. No tally of who owes whom and what. Let that be lifted from those already over burdened shoulders." Istiana's thumb brushed over the beard on his cheek, feeling the soft prickle and scratch of it, her a spark of mischief flitting through her eyes. "Though I shall invoke Shatterspine when the need arises."

Lowering her hand, she lifted her goblet, taking in some more of the wine.

"We could lay siege to the city, it is rotten and needs to be burned out. Yet, in a fortnight, we would be close to parting ways again. Can you see yourself doing things my way a little longer? Enjoy the luxury for a time."

She began, reclining into her seat, her back resting against it, the glass in her hand still.

"My poisons still work. A man a few streets over is still suffering their administering. A more vindictive move on my part. Though I am pleased with it." A devious smile slipped across her lips before she covered it with the glass and taking a drink. "There are still some things I need to find out, to explore the field. Which is why I asked for you come now, you can help me sniff them out."

Marcus Leocadus



" Are you sure that's the only reason why you asked me to come ? " Marc stated sarcastically before issuing a quick wink " In truth, I know little to nothing about our foe, the man who rules Cyrade now is enigmatic and cautious, his likeness is not even known to the Ishtari and he keeps his own guards, those scimitar wielding fellows in the blue turbans from what i've been able to garner there's unsanctioned sorcery afoot, though the term might as well not be used... those men all wear masks, they barely speak... I have a suspicion that there's hypnosis or perhaps... " Marc paused in deliberate thought " " Necromancy at work, it wouldn't surprise me, the wizardry of the east holds something of a mythical repute... I figure that's the reason you've been playing it steady thus far as well "

Marcus pondered with a stroke of his beard as he recounted various memories and stratagems, that steely gaze affixed to her as they spoke. " There is... something. Cyrade has the unusual distinction of a city built on top of ruins, rumors of a deep network of tunnels running below the city, our best bet of getting in and around the place while remaining unseen and perhaps establishing a forward camp... but it is a treacherous gamble... dead ends, traps, guards and worse... we'd need a guide or map of sorts. "



Marcus issued a deep sigh nodding his head. "There's an old... lets say associate, of mine... a man by the name of Kavadh, a smuggler and thief par excellence, he brokers information and is likely our best bet unless you have other ideas... the only problem is Kavadh has a tendency to gamble for that information... I owe the man a substantial sum but there's little point squandering gold and silver where it yields no returns, we may need it for what is to come... but he can be made to cooperate"

Marcus looked up to Istiana. "We infiltrate the smugglers den below, kidnap Kavadh, I take care of his guards... and then... you do what you do best... I presume he knows about a lot more than just the tunnels"

Marcus made an idle and dismissive gesture.



" Well I suppose that's my take on part of the plan, you're someone of repute here all the same, they still think you're just a merchantess that struck her fortunes, your disguises are infallible as always, your caravans even know you by a different name, others haven't seen you... I hear tell you own a few shops and such around the city, your informants must have given something to go off of... all of this will put that at risk you know... as much as I'd like to be the hero of the trial, even you know this is a very grand campaign you're undertaking Istiana, and we're a pack of two here... the repercussions of all of this run deeper than gold and silver and you'll have to get your hands dirty all the same. Intricacies and considerations can wait however, for now, I'd just like to imagine we can have the one evening to ourselves... what a marvelous place this is... how poetic "


Marc added as a smirk of wolfish mischief struck his features as he saw Istiana rise, in all her glory, sumptuous and fine as she was, she could've just about heard that aroused growl that seemed to arise out of instinct from her wolf.

" Speaking of sniffing things out... come here you fetching little enchantress "

Without warning a brawny arm seemed to issue a slight tug just to tip her off balance only to come to rest against Marc himself, his cerulean eyes affixed to her charms as he issued a slight laugh, before the awe of her seized him more readily.



" I've missed that intoxicating scent more than anything... you're as profoundly immaculate as I remember... all those years back, what was it then? they sent you to spy on the unruly general hrm? It was at the baths, I knew but I played along... that touch of yours though tested every sinew of my resolve, so close... before I felt the slightest prick of that dagger just about to slip in... you could've spared them the trouble... made up a lie right there and then, but you didn't... on my part I wouldn't have lamented dying in that embrace, looking into eyes which might as well have been a pleasure denied to gods themselves... how like a goddess in seduction, how like umbra mortis in swift lethality... what a magnificent being you are Istiana Komenenos. "



Enthralled would've been an understatement, the warmth coming from the man and the thundering throbs of what lay in his chest, it seemed Marc had learned a thing or two about flattery from Istiana but the chemistry was rekindled in an instance, it almost felt like a forbidden love given some root, like the subtlest glimpse or reverie of a life that could've been, she could tell couldn't she, how rare such a thing was for that battle-worn wolf to feel human and himself with another soul, to savor a sort of connection that was seemingly lost to him, a life of standing on guard and with her he was finally allowed to be at ease. So what if it was an ember of lust or such a thing, it was passion, powerful, overwhelming and wonderful, primal bonds exchanged through eternal glances. Marcus's powerful grasp caressed at a bare arm as he laid kisses and tender bites to Istiana's shoulder, as the other hand clutched her clawed digits.



The trance was rudely interrupted by a bark and subsequent scurry from the servants, Marc looked back at Istiana and nodded, his gaze turning more adamant, there was trouble at the gates.. "Assassins... how predictable" Marc added with a subtle grin back to Istiana, much as she made a name for herself in these parts she made more than a few enemies, no one could implicate her in the recent poisonings but her adversaries had their suspicions and took matters into their own hand... a party of three cowled assassins had forced their way into the courtyard. A battle commenced.

Marcus had his gladius at all times, you could never be caught off guard, the wolf menaced and barked at the assassins, holding their advance somewhat at bay, a stream of three arrows flew past both Marc and Istiana, the first man to charge was interrupted by a swift blow from Marcus steel met steel and sparks flew as the two engaged in a vicious bladed bout, before Marcus leveraged his legionary training, hardly above fighting dirty, catching the man's arm following a parry and snapping it with a sickening crackle before smashing his head against one of the courtyard statues, this however left his back exposed, the attackers prepared to make a swift counter after having been caught off guard, it was likely owed to the hound that their element of surprise was taken from them, they were skilled killers.



" Istiana.. " Marc turned moving towards Istiana focused on creating a barrier between her and the two assailants, he kept them occupied with his blade, before a swift cut held him, he narrowly missed being struck due to the hounds intervention, nevertheless Marc soon found himself stumbling and confused, breathing heavily as he leaned against one of the pillars, armor would've saved him but his light wares left him exposed and Istiana could tell with ease he'd likely suffered a poison, even a glancing blow could do that to a man like him but he was lucky it was poison designed to kill with a single blow, the assassins were after her, another assassins used a bomb of noxious gas upon the hound sending it darting off with a whimper... one wounded and one still fighting they now approached Istiana, blades drawn.



Istiana Komenenos

He claimed to know little about the city, yet he had information she hadn't gleaned herself. More so, he had a contact they could get more information from. This was yet another reason why she needed him here. He laid out a plan, one that didn't involve an army or honestly setting siege to it. Perhaps the Wolf had mellowed a little with the presence of the white in his beard and hair.


Istiana knew he was right, if they went ahead with this, clandestine or in full view, that her life her would be at risk. It would more than likely be over. She wasn't what anyone would call a sentimental creature, but she had liked being here. Yet another layer for her wanting the Wolf here, if things ended with her needing to leave, she knew that he would take her in, like a stray in want of a home.


Her inclinations for the evening settled on the want to enjoy in a evening where they weren't plotting the downfall of a city, just be two who needed more time to catch up and settle into what existed between them.


"I will fetch us something to eat."


Or so she had thought, he snatched her back down and Istiana leaned against him, easily slotting her smaller body into his. A warm lift in her lips as he recounted their initial meeting. Her own memories of it differed, though it was about perspective. Istiana had indulged her own desires that day, seeing the lean, muscular General with water lapping around his waist, the heat from the water creating a sheen up his chest and across his face. Marcus had been a sight to behold, a sight that had only been relegated to second place after seeing him in battle.


Marcus knew what he was doing, eliciting a warm, arousing sensation through her, with the timbre of his voice in her ear, the pressing of his lips and teeth against her skin. Not only had his charm grown in the time apart, his ability to seduce had as well.


Not that she would put up much resistance.


Istiana had missed all of him, the warm words, the flattery, the affection. In the moments, he made her feel as if she were the reason the sun rose.


She had been about to reciprocate, remind him of other times they had been inexplicably drawn to one another, until they had gotten to a fever pitch and there was no holding back. With the express mission of getting them to that point once more.


As her lips parted, to speak silken words back to him, as she trailed her fingers up his chest. Yet, they were interrupted.


"Disappointing is the word I would use."


Ever the leader, Marcus took the forefront, gladius in hand he began the battle. As he did, Istiana began to plot, pretend to not be herself, until the opportunity presented itself. Danger never shook her, it turned her cold and calculating. She had once stood in a hall filled with the sound of souls screaming for justice, her own had added it's own scream, though hers had screamed that she would be the justice. And she had been.


With a calm she was proud to possess, she resisted stepping in as an assassin went for his back, she'd call out, like any other woman would. Though his wolf barrelled through the would be attacker. With subtle movements, Istiana unsheathed her blade, tucking it behind her back.


Any prepared idea vanished when Marcus stumbled, appearing to struggle. Then she caught the sight of his blood.


He'd had to go and say he'd have been happy to die looking into her eyes, within her embrace. He couldn't die. Not here. Not today. Any warmth that had been in her eyes had turned hard. There would be no keeping one alive to get information from, no sending one back with a message. They would all die. And haste was of the essence. Marcus' bulk was likely the only reason he was still alive, the difference in weight and size, his being here not expected meant they had dosed it for her. Had she been the one knicked, she would very likely be dead.


That didn't mean that he would easily survive it, depending on what it was.


"You hurt my wolf." She stated in the language of the city, though whether she meant the dire wolf that had bolted, or the man who had stood in her defence, was open for interpretation. They would pay for both, though her vengeance would fall for Marcus, more than the wolf.


As the closed the distance, she decided the wounded one would be easier to fend of, deciding to focus more of her attention to the one that wasn't.


The blade of one came close to her, the blade kept behind her back spun out swiftly, glancing the attack away, with her slipping the blade back and cutting the arm, pleased when the blade dropped from the hand that tried to attack her.


Istiana moved quickly, fluid grace, tendrils of purple flowing around her as she spun beneath the now bleeding arm, knees bending into a crouch, with her blade striking out to sever the tendon at the heel, a trick she had learned from watching Marcus. The rage and pain filled scream was music to her ear, almost sweeter than the honey laced words that had been murmured into her ear not five minutes past.


Had it not been for the cut that had weakened Marcus, she would have called them amateurs, had they only waited a few more minutes, she and Marcus would have been vastly more distracted.


The flash of metal had her leaning back, watching another blade fly just above her head. Another jab of her blade hamstrung the same one who would never walk again. Her hand grappled in the dirt finding the blade that had been dropped as the one assassin lost the use of his leg and fell. With two blades, one ultimately not weighted right for her, Istiana glowered a freezing glare at the wounded assassin, who paused, for a fraction of a second. It was what she needed, the two blades crossed, one slash going from hip to rib, the other opening the rest of the stomach in the opposite direction. Entrails dropped and pooled, splashing her with blood and excrement, her slashes going deep enough to open the organs within.


Istiana rolled backwards, her legs swinging up and over with the momentum landing her in a crouch. Releasing the stolen dagger, to draw the thin, flat blade she had hidden in the ties of her sandals. The assassin on his knee reached for something in his belt, a flick of her wrist pinning the very hand to his chest.


Rising from her crouch, Istiana stalked towards the assassin, slowly, triumphantly. She pulled the small blade from his hand, the point of her dagger pressing into his neck, to still any stupidity he might try, though he probably wasn't thinking correctly. He had had no inclination to who he truly been sent after, more so, who was with her.


With another flick, she created a long cut across his face, the tip of the blade glancing across both eyes and nose. Blinding him in one fluid motion.


"Death is swift for you, but you shall die in the dark." With her favorite blade, she opened his throat, the veins on either side of his neck severed, creating a macabre spray around himself, all over her. Gurgles and rasps followed, before the death rattle took him.


"Amatus." (Darling.) She queried, scanning for the final assailant, but needing to know that she hadn't taken too long.

Marcus Leocadus

While he was no Mithridates, Marcus learned from Istiana the values of poisoncraft and alchemy early on in their meetings, the common legionary had nary the sort of connections and resources she did and ofcourse the luxury of having been tutored by the finest minds in the Empire factored into a woman that could very well have had run the Empire herself and who was to say the frumentarii did not pull the puppets of the senate by their strings nevertheless, Marcus's own curiosity and a sort of playful gamble between him and the enchantress had resulted in her inadvertently teaching him a harsh but necessary lesson, it was supposed to have come out of a lost bet, but Istiana tested one of her poisons on Marcus, not in a lethal dose by any means but certainly one that had caused agony and he somewhat went on with this practice, as Istiana explained to him once, the humors adapt to whatever they are exposed to provided it is in the appropriate manner, and right now, as muscles spasmed and breaths labored, he couldn't thank Istiana enough for that lesson, for a lesser man would have quickly succumbed and though the venom reprimanded him, he was soon on his feet albeit with a grimace, spurned by the sights of Istiana's lethal display, sure, he knew she could handle herself, she'd bested him during sparring on occasion all the same, but the wolf was always on guard for his pack... he'd have taken a thousand such cuts for her.


The matters of the third man remained, and credit was due to the warhound for not letting his quarry escape, it was a menacing sight to watch the direwolf drag back the limp corpse of the third assassin by the name, having been thoroughly mauled prior and with blood dribbling upon the beast's muzzle from the venture, he laid the prize down, not to it's master Marc, but instead below Istiana, before issuing a triumphant bark, it's own macabre gift to welcome her to the pack, or so it seemed. " Had you not been spy-mistress perhaps you would have earned the admiration of the crowds at the arena " a quip and compliment all the same in praise of Istiana's prowess. " Hrmph, never a dull moment between us is there, seems like you've got a fair few fans in Shahravan... this certainly changes things.. I will not let such a thing go unavenged... they've insulted your honor and as is custom in imperial law, this calls for a vendetta... and next time i'll have my armor " he added clutching at the stinging wound left, worse for wear certainly but nothing threatening.

The imposing visage of the legionary strode alongside the unrelenting force that was Istiana and in that moment they were akin to wolves ready for the slaughter, it was a brazen gesture, a profound one, in a world that was lost to them, in a foreign land, two stood against the merciless desert and its inhabitants, the gesture made was clear, Istiana's ambition far exceeded that of her adversaries. The rhythm of the battle that ended as soon as it commenced still hung heavy in the air and pulsed through the veins of each.


In the heat of it all the two were afforded some solace and privacy and seizing the moment as always and perhaps being more or less unable to restrain himself from the force which was Istiana, Marc issued her a proper thanks, one which was owed to her for a long... long time.



His expression thereafter was worth a thousand words of poetry, though arguably a more explicit impression.


" Naught but a flesh wound, nothing I can't rest off... we'd do well to set off tonight Istiana, tie off any loose ends and go on from there... are you going to tell me your grand motive for all this trouble, or will it remain another one of your many secrets... one that I may perhaps not be able to unravel "


Once more the tone took to their grand initiative, it was understood that this would be the first of many battles fought together but there was a resolute hope in the air, yet would it hold against the machinations of the sorcerous sultan in the serpentine tower of Shahravan.



Istiana Komenenos

Istiana would not admit that she had attempted to give warrior style deaths, something that could be attributed to the legionary within her walls. He might take a dimmer view of it if she did. She was proficient enough to engage in hand to hand combat, speed and agility were her strengths in it, yet her true talents lay elsewhere. She could get by in sword craft, but that was all. Normally, she would use other means, yet with no shadows to hide in and her guile more than useless while facing assassins sent after her, there had been an attempt to keep her true identity secret, by emulating a move blunt attack. Should the bodies be found, some might think him the hero he claimed he wasn't.


The welcome to the pack gesture she received from the direwolf was sweet, he seemed so proud of himself and so he should be.


The spy-mistress was always of the mind of asking forgiveness, rather than permission, so as Marcus dismissed his wound, she employed this same tactic, moving the material of his clothing aside and inspecting the wound. It was testament to the feat of nature that he was, that he was not only still standing, but alive enough to have kissed her. Something she'd more than readily given back.


"You should clean it." She spoke softly, before slipping her hand into his, with a coy look appearing in her eyes. He would be able to discern the plot she was orchestrating, destabilise the city in order to give it stability. Remove the head of state, to replace it with a better option. If there was one thing she had learned from her attempts to stop the decimation of the Empire, it was that the right person in the right position was all it took.


Though her endeavors there had come too late, too much rot had set in.



"Follow me." Once more, she used his hand to direct him to where they could clean up and she could begin to let him in on what was happening here.


Just in from the courtyard was a room which held a table, on top of which was a rendering of the city they were in.


"I had this commissioned a few months after I arrived, a wealthy woman wanting to look down upon the city she lived in. What I was truly wanting, was the view of someone who lived here, someone who might add a little detail that could get me closer to my quarry."



"It is not perfect, not a street by street map, those are on that shelf..." She mentioned with an idle indication of her hand. Rolls of parchment lay upon the shelves, each more detailed, each showing a different area of the city.


Istiana walked into the small adjoining room, that held soft linen drapes that caught the breeze when it was blowing in the right direction, she dipped her hands into the waiting bowl of water, running it up her arms to remove the blood that hadn't fully dried. She picked up a small bowl and a cloth with which Marcus could bathe his wound. If he didn't, she would and ask for forgiveness later.


"Sotera!" Istiana called out, placing the bowl and cloth down while she waited for the maid to appear. "It is time to close the house. Pack up my things, and include the package in the courtyard, it is very precious to me. Have Pylia find Hadrun, he'll know where to store them until I send word. Fetch what Pylia, Iason and yourself are owed from being in my employ and go make new lives for yourselves." The orders issued from her lips freely and practiced. A plan set in place long ago.

"Do you remember that skirmish, near the river, where we challenged each other to who could ply their trade best against the encampment? I believe I almost won, which was a feat, given I was in nothing but sheer material and a poisoned stain upon my lips." Perhaps she too was given to reminiscing at times.

At the table, she circled with a finger and area on the 'map'. "There are some empty freeholdings, we could stay in, if we take longer than a night to complete our mission." A few steps took her to the shelf to pick out two scrolls of parchment, which she lay on the table. "Or some caves here." A finger directed the eye towards the area on the table map and the parchment map. "Are either of these near the tunnels you know of? Because, Marc, me sweet," she added with a dip into a honey velvet tone as she leaned in closer. "We need to kill the Sultan and put someone better in rule."