The Grey Tower

Kaci Taravin [If you would like to join in, feel free to do so any time!] Kaci watched Keiran ride away. A momentary wave of sadness washed over her as her heart sank. They had always done everything together. She would follow him into the Pit of Doom if he asked. A sigh escaped her lips. Kaci had every intention of continuing her training at the Tower. Keiran would need someone to protect him from a dagger in the back, and she knew that someone would have to be her. Their bond as twins was already almost as strong as the one between an Aes Sedai and her Warder. Maybe without all the bits from the One Power, but what did she know about that? Her heart was what mattered, and a life without Keiran was bleak and dull.

“Lady Kaci! It is so good of you and your men to choose my establishment for your stay!” The Innkeeper pulled Kaci’s mind back from her thoughts of Keiran. His words were a welcome respite from her somber thoughts. “I would love to show your Ladyship to your room. As soon as I received word that you wanted exclusive use of my Inn I made certain to make sure I had accommodations prepared that are fit for an honored Lady of your…stature.” He seemed quite pleased with himself. Kaci was slightly disappointed. The idea of escaping the trappings of her noble birth was exciting, adding to the adventure her and Keiran were now embarking upon.

“Why thank you, Master…?” Kaci raised an eyebrow in question.

“Oh, by the…my manners! It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Lions Rest Inn, my Lady. I am its proprietor, Marty Gill, but a humble servant of her majesty the Queen. I live here with my wife Elisa and our daughter Tara. They do the cooking, of course. Just one look at me, my Lady,” he patted his round stomach, “and you know we will keep you well fed. Trust me!” His laugh was boisterous. Master Gill was a pleasant enough man. Kaci had no doubt she would be enjoying her stay.

“Thank you, Master Gill. I am sure that you have everything well enough in hand.” Kaci laid a hand upon his shoulder, “I have a few things I need to take care of, but I trust you can see to it that my men are fed and their horses stabled?”

“Certainly, my Lady. Elisa has a small feast prepared! You will be dining with us this evening, my Lady?” Master Gill wrung his hands nervously. Clearly his wife had been working tirelessly on the meal she prepared, and would be disappointed if Kaci refused.

“You have a private dining room, yes?” Master Gill nodded, about to speak when Kaci continued. “My officers and I will take our meal there shortly after sundown. There are things I must do while the sun still shines.” His smile and furious nodding told her he was pleased.

“Of course, my Lady. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No thank you, Master Gill. You’re hospitality is all the help I require at the moment. And please, do call me Kaci. I would prefer my…lineage be kept between us. Even my men will not be using my title. I trust the messenger I sent helped you to understand the nature of my business here?”

Master Gill’s expression changed from a smile to a grave scowl. “Nasty business that. My Lad-“, Kaci cut him off with a twitch of her eyebrow. “Kaci, if there were more women in the world who cared as you do, it would be a better place for all of us. I understand the discretion you require, and I assure you that you could not be in more capable hands.” He beamed with pride.

“Then I am pleased to work with you, Master Gill. I will return at sundown, no later.” With a slight nod, she left to find her officers.

Mikael Vars (NPC) Captain of the Freedom Guard "I bloody well know the blasted dangers of this city, Lieutenant. You don't know Lady Kaci very well if you think she will take our advice and stay hidden away here." Captain Mikael Vars was perhaps the most loyal man in service to the Taravin name. When Kaci formed a detachment of the Freedom Guard bound for Hama Valon, he insisted she place him in charge. He was Captain here, but his primary mission was to protect Kaci from harm, though even she was unaware of that. She had come to Mikael when she was only thirteen, begging him to teach her how to fight. Her persistence prevailed, and even Mikael had to admit that she was the most talented pupil he had every trained. Still, she had much to learn yet.

Mikael rubbed his temples vigorously. A dull pain forming from all the effort required planning the logistics of their Mission. Mikael was still a young man not much past thirty. His eyes were sharp and filled with a mixture of greens and greys. His hair was long, pitch black, falling just above his shoulders. He was tall, and took special care to make sure he was always in the best physical shape. Most men would take a single look at him and expel any thoughts of engaging him in combat, even more so if they had ever seen him fight. He was a ruthless, no holds barred fighter. To Mikael, you either kill or be killed. No exceptions.

"Listen, I would lay down my life for Lady Kaci without even a thought, but we can't keep her out of this mess if we tried. This city is growing faster than they can keep order. It's a den of thieves and miscreants of all types. Worse, they're increasingly good at hiding from the Guard, forced to do so by the threat of the Tower. The best thing for us to do, is keep her with us at all times and help her hone her own skills. She certainly isn't helpless, and she's smarter than any of you louts." The other officers laughed.

"Smarter? That's debatable. Better looking? No doubt!" Kaci entered the stable, she had changed since their arrival. Mikael could not hide his surprise. She wore an elaborate cross between a highly advanced chain mail and leather, he had never seen anything like it. The most important parts of her were reinforced with chainmail arranged in such a pattern that strongly resembled scales on a fish. The leather was matte black with no shine in stark contrast to the lacquered metal 'scales' that caught the light and seemed to shimmer. Her golden hair was twirled up in a tangled knot, held in place by two thin black rods with pointed ends, no doubt functional in a fight. A black braided leather band was woven through the knot and rested near the top of her forehead. A few stray strands of hair fell on either side of her face. The sight was much more menacing than Mikael ever though she cold pull off. Maybe this Mission wouldn't be as difficult as he feared?

"The men and I were just discussing your disguise, which it seems you've already taken some time to prepare." He cocked an eyebrow and over played his eyes scanning her from head to toe. "We've also decided that while here, you will be Commander Kaci of the Freedom Guard. In public, you should defer to me in nothing. Myself and all of the men will take orders from you as if you were me. I would ask that you take me with you whenever you venture out, and that you never leave this place unarmed. Early reports already suggest this place isn't as safe as people pretend."

"Very well, Captain. You know I value your judgement. This is new territory for all of us, I think. Grab a few men and send the rest ins--" A man burst in, breathing hard.

"I'm so sorry for being late. I was supposed to meet you outside the gate this morning but things...well lets say I may have been asking too many of the wrong questions." He was a wiry man, short and dressed in ill-fitting clothes. His hair was greasy, his face dirty.

Kaci gave him a quizzical look, her hand on the dagger sheathed at her lower back. "You are the informant my Father hired?" The man nodded. "What's your report? A short version, please. Daylight is burning and there are some things I need to do yet."

The man bowed to Kaci. He straightened and began to wring his hands. He took a few steps in her direction but Mikael intercepted him and pushed him back a few steps. Mikael couldn't be too careful. All of his men had their hands on the hilts of their weapons, loosening them a bit in the sheathes like he taught. "Of course, m'Lady. It's as you feared. I asked around some of the shop owners and they claim the number of orphaned children running around is on the rise of late. The House of Hope near the Tower seems to be struggling to find them all and bring them in. Even then, I caught a few of the rascals myself. To question only, of course. They say they like the streets, and they claim there's been men offering up food in exchange for favors."

Kaci's fist clenched. She leaned in, her eyes blazing, "Favors?" Her tone was filled with anger.

"I'm sorry, m'Lady, I didn't mean those kind. One boy says there's a man who gives him food if he goes and hides things around town. Like a game he says. Here, I wrote down some of the things I learned. Some of this could prove useful, yes?" Mikael rolled his eyes. The man was slimy, but it seemed he got results. Still, he was loathe to pay the man. Grabbing a small purse from his belt, he handed it to the man in exchange for a crumpled piece of paper.

Mikael grabbed the man's shoulder and turned him around, "Thank you for your service. We can handle the rest from here." The man stole a look behind him, at Kaci. He pocketed the coin purse and sulked away. Mikael took a moment to scan the paper in his hand. The scrawl was barely legible, but some of the items he had to read twice to make sure he had it right. "Commander. You need to see this."

Kaci Taravin Commander of the Freedom Guard As Kaci scanned the parchment in her hand her anger boiled to the surface. What kind of sick person looks at a child and sees them as a pawn in their own twisted games? Any time Kaci lays eyes upon an orphan child, she is overcome with the desire to gather them up in her arms and tell them that their lives are precious. She feeds them and finds them a place where they will feel wanted and safe. It was a losing battle, but not one she would give up without a fight. The War waged against the Shadow has taken more than its share of mothers and fathers, leaving a small army of orphan children in its wake.
Kaci locked eyes with Mikael. “I want this flaming piece of scum found. I want him tortured.” She crumpled the paper and threw it at Mikael before spinning on her heels and grabbing the reins of her horse. In a single swift motion, she mounted. “Coming, Mikael?”

Mikael lingered a moment, his eyes still locked on Kaci. He nodded, “Yes Commander.” With a glance back to the other officers, “See to it that all of our supplies are locked inside and inventoried. Have Master Gill see that an office is prepared for the Commander, on the main floor near the entrance.” Mikael turned his gaze back to Kaci, “We won’t be long.”

“Don’t worry Mikael, we aren’t going to track him down right this instant. I’m not a fool. We do need the Hama Valon Guard on our side, however. I want free reign of this city without looking over my shoulder for a blasted Guardsman.” Without waiting for a response, Kaci heeled her mare out into the street. The throngs of people seemed to have subsided a bit. There were only a couple more hours of sunlight left before nightfall.

Mikael reined his mount close beside Kaci. “Your language has roughened, Commander. All part of the plan, or is this just some new found freedom?” He chuckled.

“It comes more naturally than I expected. There is a certain…color to your foul speech.” Kaci cocked her head and gave him a grin. “Just don’t tell Grandmother. She would cut out my tongue if she heard.” The two quickly approached the Garrison not far from the Caemlyn gate. While tying their horses to a post, Kaci caught the arm of a young Guard passing by. “Excuse me. Lieutenant, yes?”

The young man shook his head vehemently, “No ma’am, just enlisted. Are you looking for an officer? I can help you find one.” He was obviously struggling to keep his eyes above her neck line. Kaci gave him a shy grin, then bit her lower lip.

“Well. I was hoping you could tell me a little about the Guard Captain. You see, I have a favor to ask, but I wouldn’t want to waste his time…” Her voice trailed off in thought, she lowered her head.

“Oh no, believe me. He would listen attentively to every word you say. It isn’t a secret how he is around women, and well, you are exc—,” Kaci cut him off with a forced laugh.

“Stop before you make me blush.” She removed her hand from his arm and wiped away her grin. “Thank you for your time, Guardsman. I think you’ll be Lieutenant before you know it.” With that, she winked at him and strode confidently towards the Garrison entrance. Mikael caught up to her, grumbling about something under his breath. Kaci stopped a moment. She loosened the knot at the nape of her neck, pulling loose the ties that ran nearly down to the center of her chest. She stretched her shoulders, arms bent and elbows reaching behind her back. The ties loosened further, her neck now bare, and skin showing down between her breasts. “Warm day, isn't it Captain?” Mikael shook his head. From High Lady to tavern wench with a change of clothes and a dramatic shift in attitude. Mikael couldn't hide his displeasure, but under the surface he was pleased. She was born for this.

Kaci had no trouble getting an impromptu meeting with the Captain. The further they walked, the more men there were who openly gaped at Kaci as she passed. She seemed to feed on the attention. Her stride becoming more and more provocative with each step she took. She passed out winks and grins with wild abandon. Passing through one more corridor, they finally arrived at the office of the Guard Captain.

After given leave to enter, Mikael immediately disliked the man who held the title of Captain of the Guard. He was at least two decades older than himself. His black hair interspersed with flecks of grey. A long scar curved down the side of his face and neck. It wasn’t his appearance that drew Mikael’s ire though, it was the leer he openly wore when Kaci entered the room. “My my. To whom do I owe this immense pleasure?” Kaci had taken up a position at the open window, she sat on the sill, propping up a leg on a nearby chair. She leaned out the window a ways, loosening the ties at her neck and chest even further and feigning disinterest.

“This is Commander Kaci of the Caemlyn Freedom Guard, Captain.” Mikael emphasized the title he shared with the man, as if it were somehow an insult.

“Mikael.” Kaci abandoned her disinterest. “Would you excuse the good Captain and me, please?” Her face was unreadable. Mikael was apprehensive about leaving her out of his sight. But, this man didn’t get to be Captain of the Guard without any honor. No doubt Mikael’s fears were unwarranted. Without a word he left the room, closing the wooden door behind him and taking up a post nearby.

Kaci sighed a bit. The Captain stood from his chair and walked towards her slowly. “What can I do for you, Commander Kaci?” He was close. Not an arm’s length away. His hand rested on the back of the chair where Kaci propped up her leg, inches from her knee. Kaci turned her head, her gaze out the window overlooking this part of the city. There was a quaint splendor to this town. Each building built to fit the space it was given, much like the Inner City in Caemlyn, but with no Ogier stone. “You must know, that you are an impressive woman. Any man would be lu—,” Kaci didn’t let him finish.

With a finger pressed into his chest, she stood. Pushing him back more than a few steps. Kaci distanced herself a bit, showing him her back before spinning to face him. Her face had lost its flirtatious manner, instead replaced with the regal composure of a Lady of the Royal Court of Caemlyn. In a single motion, she pulled the thin rods holding her hair in a knot. Her long golden hair fell below her shoulder. Her signet ring on a chain around her neck was now visible between her breasts.

“You may know me as Lady Kaci Taravin of Caemlyn. That man outside is the Captain of my Freedom Guard, which a man in your position no doubt knows is funded by my House with the sanction of the Crown. You will never refer to me as such, only as Commander Kaci. However, it is prudent that you be aware. No one else must know. The nature of my business demands my discretion, as I am sure you understand.” The surprise was evident on the Captain’s face. Kaci was pleased with her abrupt words.

“That…was unexpected. Although I shouldn’t really be surprised. A woman of your…particular presence would certainly have more to her than meets the eye.” He shook his head a bit with a smile and retook his seat behind his desk. “So I take it you want me to do what, exactly?”

“Nothing. The Freedom Guard was created to rout criminals specifically involved in the exploitation of orphaned children, which I understand Hama Valon is currently struggling with. No doubt, it is a headache for you, but it is a burning passion for me. I will slaughter every man or woman in this city who seeks to use these children for their personal gain if I have to, and I want to be sure that your men will not interfere with my work. Are we agreed?” Kaci had paced the room in her passion, now leaning across the Captain’s desk, fists pressing into the cold hard stone.

The Captain sighed, “I can’t rightly refuse, or you’ll no doubt find some way above my head or around my order. A headache I’ve no desire to battle. There has been an increase in orphaned children. My men are instructed to capture them and escort them to the House of Hope near the Grey Tower. They are getting increasingly difficult to capture lately, and we’ve even been finding some bodies in less well patrolled areas of the city.” He lifted his leg up onto his desk, leaning back in a more comfortable position. He tapped a quill he was holding on the palm of his hand in an almost nervous gesture. “Look, I’m not going to lie, we could use the help. If you’re men are the group that entered through the Caemlyn gate that I received a report on just before you arrived, then I would venture to guess you are well trained and even better equipped. More so than my men at the moment. I’m feeling pressure from all sides and the bloody Grey Tower is pressing for my replacement. They want one of those flaming puppet Gaidin in charge out here. My men are doing the best they can, and if you’re offering to help for free I’d be a fool to turn you down.”

Kaci nodded, a weight lifted from her shoulders. Her top priority after entering the city had to be gaining the cooperation of the Guard. She was half afraid she wouldn’t be taken seriously like she was back in Caemlyn. The rush of power she felt from being obeyed emboldened her heart, feeding her passion for her mission. “I appreciate your understanding, Captain. Your cooperation will ensure I can focus all of my efforts on the real justice at hand here.” Kaci straightened and reached out a hand in friendship. The Captain took it in his firm grasp. They shook in agreement.

“One more thing, Commander Kaci. Justice is one thing, but a trail of bodies… That’s another thing entirely. Killing isn’t fun business, it isn’t even really the right business, but it’s sometimes the necessary business. It takes its toll on you, and I’d venture to say you’ve never killed a man before.” Kaci kept her composure. It wasn’t the truth, but this man didn’t need to know that. No one did. Only Keiran knew.

“I appreciate your concern, Captain. It is noted. My men and I have commissioned the Lion’s Rest Inn for our base of operations. You may stop in as you wish. Should you require an update on our progress, I would be happy to bring you up to speed there.”

“Over a pint even?” the Captain’s smile was genuine.

“That could be arranged.” Kaci gave him one last wink before opening the door and stepping out into the corridor. She gave Mikael a smirk. “The Guard won’t be a problem.”

Mikael clasped his hand at the base of her neck as they walked. “You really thought I had any doubts, Commander?” She laughed.

“Let’s head back for the night, Mikael. I’m starved.”