The bitch prince of Kagney ch1

I stared into the heart of the fire, searching for the next words. “- and then the two of us escaped by sliding out through the latrine shaft. She had the golden egg, I had the papers and letters in an oiled leather pouch. They did not find out until about 3 days later when no one came around to put oil in the candles!”

The soldiers collected around the fire roared with laughter. One young officer theatrically fell over backwards out of their seat.

“I can’t believe you and the high mage herself went on a mission together.” he said, dusting himself off as he stood up. “I knew that spies and mages collaborated, but I’ve never heard of them going on field missions together.”

“Well, she was not the high mage back then, but rather ‘Novice Mage Emilia’.” I explained “Because of the nature of the egg we needed someone to nullify the magic. It is rare but it sometimes happens.

“Now, it is time for me to get back to the command tent. Get some rest, the enemy will be upon us in the next few days”

I left them to the fire, merriment and the night. High morale is important in the build up to a battle. At least, that’s what I told the Grand Admiral when she asked me why I was spending so many hours visiting campfires and fraternizing with the soldiers. The truth is that since my position had been elevated I missed the camaraderie of the barracks.

It would be wholly inappropriate for me to spend time with the soldiers at the castle garrison. There needed to be a separation between command and battalion. But gathered around a campfire, miles from home, facing what would likely to be a great battle of our time; everyone could use some reassurance and stories of glory.

Passing through the large war camp, I looked towards the edge of the cliff we’re on. A massive purple tent blocked out the night sky. Lit not by the glimmering campfires and torches dotted around the camp, but by the steady light of glowstones. Rocks enchanted to emit light in the darkest of conditions.

The mages staying in the tent would be auxiliary to the soldiers who would inevitably end up fighting for their lives and country on the white sand below. Led by the high mage, using a recently discovered technique, they will rain fire and death down upon our enemies.

I feel bad for the approaching Kagneyan fleet. The men and women on the boats will not have witnessed anything like the power they are about to be overcome by. And it’s only by the wishes of their mad prince, Armand, that they sail into destruction. While I grew up with a sword and bow in hand, my preference has always been to use other available options first. The upcoming wanton destruction had been souring my mood for weeks. We had tried diplomacy, but that arrogant brat would have none of it.



My mind shifts back to Emilia, 20 years ago. Both of us were so young. She had finished her training, been a novice for several years and had been promoted to adept. While I was just getting settled in my career as a spy for the realm. We both lived in the castle garrison, and while we were friendly and saw each other often we weren’t friends.

One day the master of spies called me into his office. I was surprised to see several high ranking military leaders already there, as well as the then High Mage and Emilia. Her blue adept robes were replaced with worn leather riding clothes. Quickly I was filled in on the situation, a royal opposed to the ban of the use of slaves throughout the kingdom had holed up in her family’s castle and was rallying any allies she could find. Hiring mercenaries and brigands to fill ranks. The influx of these unsavory types had caused large amounts of unrest in the surrounding country. My king had decided to send a spy to infiltrate the court and find some correspondence, any evidence really that the noble was actively engaging in slave trade and fomenting rebellion. The noble also had possession of a powerful artifact, an egg with the ability to enhance the user’s charisma and charm.

Originally there was another spy slated for the mission, a man with far more experience than me. He had, however, broken a wrist in an unfortunate fall while hanging from the window of his mistress’s house. My king’s advisors had decided that I was the next best substitute. While I was elated, I was also confused. I had been on my share of field missions but nothing as important or risky as this. I learned that Emilia would be joining me, to take control of the egg. We would leave within the hour. So I prepared hurriedly and Emilia and I set off shortly thereafter.

We spent two weeks riding together. I enjoyed her company, and conversation came easy. Her attention to detail and methodical way of thinking really gave me joy. She would notice the smallest details and extrapolate so many theories for its importance. I think she would have made an amazing spy. She was of course a phenomenal mage. Affinity for magic, especially as powerful as she had it would never have been wasted on spying.

We spent a few more weeks together pretending to be two bandits trying to earn some coin by joining the cause. We managed to get a private room together in a nearby town, this way we could compare notes and discuss strategies without worrying about being discovered or overheard. The room only had one bed and the nights were cold. So we slept together. Back to back, fully clothed, of course. Mages and spies, while not sworn to be chaste, are expected to be fully focused on the task at hand. The mission was difficult and we had to come up with new plans on the fly all the time. It was a lot of fun working with her. After weaseling our way into the good graces of the noble, we completed our objective, golden egg, documents, latrine shaft.

During the trip back things changed. I remember vividly climbing the crest of the hill we were camped on, a pile of small dry sticks heaped in my arms. I entered the twin flaps of the pavilion briefly making eye contact with Emilia, she was in her travel blankets in her chosen spot on the floor. A small fire sputtered in the middle, the smoke making its way out of a vent in the top of the pavilion. Above it a small black pot with something thick and hearty, stirred gently as large bubbles formed and popped on its surface. Bits of vegetables just showed floating gently near the top. I piled the sticks against the inside wall and grabbed a few likely suspects to throw on the fire. At that point I realized she was still staring at me. So I stared back. She moved aside her blankets revealing her naked body.

As dirty, ragged and tired as I was. I quickly stripped down and joined her under the covers.