Original [Story] Spirit of Fire: Lineage

[Noblesse Oblige]

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CHAPTER 1: Caveat Emptor​

The year is 176 SC, and the Wheels of the Renaissance are in full swing. Inspired minds who seek to expand in the arts and sciences, in architecture and war. And Damon d’Idoni was no different. Although he inherited the Banking clan from his father and grandfather before him, Damon is a wise and powerful leader who would do anything in his power to ensure that the people and his banks are safe for all of Ratio to use. However, Damon was in no mood to enjoy the day.

For the past several weeks and into the New Year, the Salvucci Family of Siena had been bringing in enemies of the Inori to Orizzonte. If they tried to launch an attack, everything in the city would be destroyed, and this made Damon worried.

Marco entered the dining quarters where Damon was eating breakfast. The first thing he noticed was the fact that he was sad.

“Fratello, (Brother) why must you look sad. The day hasn’t even started yet.” Marco said with a smile on his face, trying to cheer up his stepbrother.

Damon looked at his brother when he said, “A threat has arisen in the Republic. They threaten to destroy it”

Putting his hand on Damon’s shoulder, Marco said, “Cheer up Big bro, the people look up to you, least you can do is try to use that big noggin of yours. Anyway I’m heading out, going hunting Mario and Luigi.”

After breakfast, Damon took to his younger brother’s advice, sat down and wrote a message to the Vinierno’s residence. The Vinierno’s were friends and allies of the Idoni would indeed help in this matter. After the letter was written he gave the note to his courier, Cornelio and told him to send it to his friends. The sight of his trusted aide leaving to do as requested gave the man a sigh of relief.

----​

Cornelio decided to stop at the local market to get something to eat on the way. The market was small, being a wooden stand with various fruit such as apples, oranges, and grapes. At the market, he bought an apple for 5 florins. Paying the merchant, he was surrounded by 4 human men. While they were not armed, they were physically foreboding and very dangerous.

One of the tough guys, a 6’ tall man with black hair and black eyes said, “And just where you think you’re going, boy.” The man crossed his arms while his friends started punching their hands, looking like they’re ready to beat the boy to death. The leader pushed the boy, knocking him to the ground, the parchment was knocked out of his hand and onto the ground. Looking at the seal, the leader laughed.

“Oh, so you’re gonna deliver that for Idoni, are you? Let’s teach Damon a lesson he won’t soon forget, never cross the Sevucci!”

Just as the Sevucci mob was about to close in on Cornelio, one of the guys was felt a sharp pain on the back of the head, he looked down and found a rock on the ground. The man then looked around and found two Felidian teenagers, the girl tossing up a rock repeatedly, “Why don’t you go leave the boy alone, bastardi (bastards)” The girl shouted at the group.

“Oh, so you wanna play huh? Come on boys, let’s take care of them.”

The men charged at the two teenagers. The closest one, a very muscular man, ran forwards as fast as he could in an attempt to tackle the two to the ground. The Felidian group sidestepped, and the boy put his foot in the way, tripping the man up. He fell to the ground face first and whacked himself on the brick street.

People who originally going by their way where now either getting out of the way or started focusing on the fight between the two cat-like teenagers and a bunch of thugs. The male teenager took up a broom leaning on the corner of an abandoned building and swung the wood at the man’s abdomen, the attack made the person cough and wheeze, falling on one knee to catch his breath.

The female on the other hand started to fight against the small guy of the group. Although she was no professional boxer, the female Felidian has amazing agility, for every time the guy punched, she would dodge and punch back. For every time the thug kicked, the girl would jump and kick back. Finally, the Felidian girl launched a jumping kick to the face of the thug. It connected, bringing the thug to the ground. It wasn’t long before the other thugs picked themselves up and were starting to retreat. The leader, fortunate to not pick a fight said, “We’ll get you next time you stupid kids.”

After the fight, the young Felidian girl extended her hand to Cornelio, who after seeing their fight, was surprised someone came to save him.

The girl said, “Aren’t you gonna get helped up?”

“Oh” Cornelio grabbed the girl’s hand and said, “Thank you signore, signora.” He bowed his head in respect to the two who essentially saved their lives. “Can I ask what your names are, by the way?”

The two Felidians looked at each other then at the boy, “My name is Frederico.” The Male Felidian said, which left the female to say proudly,

“My name is Virginia, Virginia Vinierno!”

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 2: Occhio Dell’aquila​

A few moments later, Virginia, Frederico and Cornelio entered their home, the Casa dei Vinierno. The Casa dei Vinierno Built in 90 SC and financed by Velia’s parents, the building was 2 stories tall and built like a square, with an iron gate serving as an entryway into the center. The only way into the house was a wooden door on the opposite side of the gate. The building had a beige yellow paint on the outer walls and had red tiles like every other tiled building in the city.

Virginia knocked on the door, and was opened by Annetta, a human servant and a sister of a friend of Giovanni.

“Oh, Ser Frederico, Signora Virginia, you’re back.” Annetta then looked at their visitor, saying, “Oh, you’ve brought a visitor?”

Frederico said, “Yes, his name is Cornelio, and he works for the Idoni.”

Cornelio then said to Annetta, happy that he finally arrived at his destination, “I have a message for Senora Velia, it is very important.”

The moment Cornelio finished speaking, both Velia and Giovanni walked in through the front door. Both of them were coming back from an orchestra performance in the Santa Maria Pallazo. Velia eyed the letter that Cornelio held in his hand and said, “I assume that is for me?”

“Yes, ma’am” The messenger said in a hurried tone. “This message is for you.”

Taking the message from the boy, Velia said, “Wash up, I miei figli (my children), and get ready for dinner.”

Frederico and Virginia complied, saying “Yes, madre (mother)” before bowing in respect and leaving the living room. Cornelio also bowed, and left the house to go back to his master.

Opening the letter, she looked at what Damon d’Idoni had to say.

“Dear Velia Vinierno,

I have heard some troubling news as of late. The Salvucci family is planning something against this city. A few days ago, there have been recent incursions against the city, with random guards being murdered. At first I put this off as some freak incident that the guards can take care of.

But as the weeks progressed, more and more of these incidents are happening. There has also been a recent attack on the recently claimed province of Siena. Our spies have revealed that they are amassing an army of mercenaries to destroy the people of this city.

Velia, I need your help more than ever, I want to discuss this further, so meet me at my home tonight.

Sincerely,
Damon d’Idoni”​

As soon as Velia finished reading the message, she knew what needed to be done. Putting the message in her pocket, Velia went to meet with her husband Giovanni concerning the letter. It would not be safe for the children to know of this as it could endanger their lives.

Velia headed to the bedroom, where she found Giovanni getting ready for dinner. Turning to his wife, he had a sad look on his face. Velia knew that face, as he always made it every time she had to go off to do what she had to do.

“I’m sorry Giovanni.”

Giovanni was worried, but he knew that it has to be done, in order to keep the family safe. “Just be careful, mia moglie (my wife), and be back soon.

----​

Velia nodded and then headed to the fireplace in the den. The Den had marble flooring, and lovely ornate chairs, but there were no windows and thus the only light came from the fireplace. It did however containing several bookcases with an endless amount of books. Knowledge is important in the renaissance and this was certainly the case in the Vinierno household.​

Feeling on the top of the bookshelf, she activated a switch, one with the family coat of arms. Pressing this switch, the fireplace shook as the fire in the fireplace was being pulled up, as it if was fake. The fireplace covered up a secret passageway for Velia to hide her belongings needed for her mission. Velia entered the secret passageway into a dark room with just one candle, already lit, as well as a wide variety of blades, including swords, daggers and knives. There was also a wooden dummy, wearing a grey jacket with a red and black cape stitched on one shoulder and a hood with a peak at the center. Velia removed the jacket from the dummy and put it on. On the jacket were a multiple straps not only to keep the jacket on for when she is doing her work, but also as sheaths to carry her weapons.

Once Velia tightened all of these straps, she walked up to the wall of weapons, first removing the sword. The sword was finely crafted by a renaissance blacksmith. The sword is 3 feet long, and only but 2 inches wide. The sword has an ornate silver handle, tinted red due to the use of a Fire Gem, finely grounded into powder. Velia quickly eyed the sword to ensure it is not rusted, before sheathing it at the long sheath under her cape.

Velia then removed the Dagger. The dagger was only a third the size of the sword and only half as wide. Like the sword, it had a silver handle, but was not tinted, retaining its silvery grey finish. She placed this weapon in the sheath above the sword.

Next to be picked up was her throwing knives, unlike her more ornate weapons these were crude, with the blade only 4 inches long, but there were plenty of them that she can use them as more of a fire and forget weapon. As such, the handle is made of some thicker steel. 4 of these are put into miniature pockets on the collar of the jacket.

Finally, Velia puts on a single bracer on her left wrist. The bracer contains a blade, using a spring system to reveal the blade. The blade is activated by a ring. By sliding on the ring, the spring activates which extends the 6 inch blade which can be used for assassinations. Tying up the bracer and putting on the ring, Velia was now ready for her visit with Damon d’Idoni.

Taking up a lantern, Velia walked out of another secret passageway, this passageway was underground, and was winding in a such a way that it would be hard to find out where the paths would lead to. Eventually, she came to a stop by an old wooden ladder. Putting the lantern on a hook, Velia started climbing up the ladder until she reached a door, opening the door, Velia climbed up onto the roof of the Casa dei Vinierno. Quickly shutting the door, Velia checked her surroundings to make sure there were no guards around. Although she was an ally of the Idoni, the guards do not know of the fact.

Once Velia finished checking, she jumped from the building and extended her hands, grabbing onto another roof. She quickly climbed up and started running across buildings, jumping and flipping across rooftops as if she was born to do those things. Velia is very agile, even by Felidian standards, having high upper body strength, she is able to climb and lift her body way with little more than her fingers. Her lower body strength allows her to run and jump as good, if not better, than the best modern-day Olympic athletes.

In 5 minutes, Velia made it to the Idoni house, a trek that would have normally been done in 15 minutes. Knocking on the door, she waited for someone to open the door. Damon would be the one to do so, “Senora Velia, come in, come in!” Velia silently walked in to the Idoni household, following the head of the bank to his den, alongside his brother Marco and the lawyer, Uberto Arrigucci.

Marco was the first to speak, standing up and shaking the assassin’s hand, “It is an honor to meet you. My name is Marco d’Idoni, I’m Damon’s brother. I assume you’ve already met Messer Arrigucci?”

Velia, flattered by his remark said, “My name is Velia Vinierno, and yes I have.”

Damon spoke up, “I believe it’s time for business so we should skip the formalities.” Damon sat down on his chair and spoke, “Velia, I assume you’ve received my message. Well, I fear we may have come across a problem.”

The Gonfaliare cleared his voice, “As you already know, the Salvucci is raising an army against us, and they are closer than we would’ve expected.”

Arrigucci also said in a stern matter, “Orrizontine spies have are still trying to confirm where their leader is, if we can get rid of him, we could avert a civil war.”

After listening, Velia responded, “That is fine, we should hire Mercenari (Mercenaries) of our own.”

Damon said meekly, “That is already being handled; we have hired a mercenari group led by La Rosa Ghiacciata (The Iced Rose), though I fear it may not be enough.”

Marco, listening to the back and forth discussion stated, “Brother, I said don’t worry! Ciò che può eventualmente andare storto? (What can possibly go wrong?)”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” An ear piercing scream broke the silent talks between Velia and her friends and allies. Getting up, all person in the den headed in the direction where the scream was heard.

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 3: La Rosa Ghiacciata​

Velia, Damon, Marco and Uberto entered into the living room and were shocked and surprised at what happened. The Idoni’s servant was scared out of her mind, and a young boy’s body, covered in blood, was lying lifelessly on the floor of Casa dei Idoni.

Velia walked up to the body, and immediately recognizing the person, she solemnly said, “Cornelio is dead” Looking at the still opened eyes of the newly killed corpse, she placed her hands on Cornelio’s head and said, “Requiescat in Pace” (Rest in Peace), before closing the boy’s eyes.

Standing back up, Velia said, “Messer Idoni, call the guards. I will find the bastardo (bastard)”

Looking at Velia, Damon nodded, saying “Be swift, show the omicida (murderer) no mercy.”

With that, Velia left the Idoni household, climbing the ladder to the rooftop and began the search for Cornelio’s murderer. The guards were also searching for him, but it would only hinder her progress.

She spotted 2 men, one wielding a war hammer, the other a sword. They did not wear the guards dress, and right next to them were some documents. Fortunately, they were only talking in the corner, away from prying eyes. It was the perfect place to strike.

Velia jumped down and startled the two warriors; they were trapped in the corner, unable to escape unless it was through the Felidian Assassin. The man with the war hammer pulled out his weapon and was about to swing at Velia, but the assassin quickly pulled out a throwing knife and threw it at the man’s leg, making him drop his hammer and wince in pain.

The swordsman drew his sword, forcing Velia to draw hers. The man swung first aiming to get a strike early on, aiming for her chest area. Velia countered with her sword and responded with a swing of her own. But the omicida countered that blow as well.

The fight was now starting to go back and forth with neither side trying to get on a fixed offensive nor a fixed defensive. Velia realized that in order to prevent this from going on forever, she would have to end this now.

On the swordsman’s next swing, this time aiming for the neck, Velia ducked, and quickly extended her bracer blade, stabbing the swordsman in the heart before he could complete the swing. Once Velia no longer felt life in the man’s body, she laid the corpse down, and retracted the blade.

With one dead and the other wounded, Velia picked up the message that they were hiding. Looking at it, it read of something of the plot against Orizzonte. While she was looking, the wounded man was able to crawl his way to pick up his war hammer, just as he was about to swing at Velia’s legs, Velia kicked the weapon, and put her sword in his face.

Velia hissed at the man, saying “What are you planning, where are the Salvucci?”

The man, seemingly unafraid of death said, “Hmph, you really think you can threaten me, you cagna (bitch)”

Velia sheathed her sword, and said “You’re coming with me.” She tied the man with rope found on the corner, lifted him up and carried him over to Lorenzo.

----​

The following evening, after almost a full day of torture, the man who killed Cornelio revealed to Damon and Uberto a startling truth. The Salvucci’s mercenary army was located in a neighboring Ratian State, Sinalunga. With this fact in mind, Velia was requested by Damon to send the message to the mercenary army in San Christiano, led by La Rosa Ghiacciata.

Heading to the outskirts of the city, Velia took a horse from a small shack where they were kept. Getting on, she ordered the horse to move, and he started galloping towards further away from the city of Orizzonte and into the Libran countryside.

----​

The Fortrezza di Santa Christiano, it is an old fortress, built hundreds of years before the Stella Celestalia, the period which gave birth to the Centrun Calendar. It’s towering walls and watch towers makes just a simple entryway hard to make. But Velia was certain that she can get in without detection. Getting off her horse she entered the city, guarded by two human male mercenaries.

“Hey, stop right there. What is your business?” One of the mercenaries said.

Velia stopped and said to the mercenary, “I come to deliver a message to your leader, let me pass.”

The Two Mercenaries nodded and said, “Va Bene (okay), we will take you to La Rosa”

Velia followed the two mercenaries around the walled town; it was old and run down, with many of the doors boarded up because it was condemned for people to enter. The only people who lived here were the few mercenaries, male or female, human or Felidian, they were brothers in arms.

Velia then thought about her sister Vittoria, who she hadn’t seen in some time. It was rumored that after the war she went on to become a condottiero, a Mercenary Leader, and fought to ensure that the peace is kept throughout all of Ratio. Because of this, the Vinierno sisters did not meet often, though they did write letters to each other.

The Mercenaries led Velia to an old villa perched atop a hill. The villa was old; some of the windows were broken and had to be boarded up. But despite this, it was a decent place to live in. Knocking on the door, the Mercenaries opened it and the three headed to an office room. A Felidian female was writing something in a journal of some sorts. She had long brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a flamboyant crimson red jacket with the coat of arms of her family on the leather paludron on her right shoulder.

“Vikki, si dispone di un ospite” (You have a guest).

Vikki looked up to see the guest, cloaked in white, while Velia looked at the mercenary. After a brief moment, Velia removed her hood and said, “Looks like you’ve made a name for yourself, mia sorella.” (My sister)

Vikki got up and hugged her sister out of respect, “It’s been a long time, Velia, far too long.”

Velia, for the first time in years, has met her sister, now a famed condottiero, to discuss what to do with the current situation in Orizzonte.

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 4: Comitato di Benvenuto​

“So what brings you to Santa Christiano, Velia? Still doing business with the Idoni?” Vikki asked. While she wasn’t a fan of Damon or his banking clan, she respected his ideals of maintaining the piece, ensuring that the people of Ratio are not dying.

Velia answered her sister, “Yes, He wanted me to help you in defeating the Salvucci’s mercenary forces by killing their leader in Singalunga.”
Vikki thought about the leader, saying, “Ah yes, Taddeo Salvucci.” La Rosa Ghiacciata walked towards the window and looked out to the city itself. Velia followed suit and stood by her sis.

“His family has been on and off the map for several years now. His family returned to Ratio from Gran Rugido, the last time I confronted his forces, they were spouting some nonsense.”

Vikki pulled out a paper containing an emblem on it and gave it to Velia.

Taking the parchment, she opened it, revealing an emblem never before seen. It was a shield type coat of arms, separated into quarters:

On the top left was a ram-like zombie surrounded by rock.

The top right, was a Turtle-like creature with a man’s head instead of a turtle, this was surrounded by bubbles, indicating water.

On the bottom right, a man cloaked and surrounded by fire

On the bottom left, a female courtesan-like creature riding on top of a tornado

“They were referring to these four figures as the ‘Lords of the Elements’ a cult of some type; I think his family may be trying to spread the cult everywhere.”

Velia found it preposterous; it wasn’t surprising that there were those who do not believe in Catholicism, Vikki still believed in the ancient Felidian mythology of the sun goddess and moon god, but nonetheless, Taddeo had to be eliminated. “Let us get back to business, sorella. I will get my mercenari ready for attack, once all their guards are focused; you go in and kill Salvucci.”

Velia nodded and put her hand on Vittoria’s shoulder. She smiled and said,
“Just like old times, huh?”

Vikki smiled back, “It is good lives we lead sister, May it never change!”

“And may it not change us”

----​

The 50-strong mercenary army led by Vittoria Vinierno, marched up to the gates of the small town of Monte Taranto, a border town in Singalunga, but only within 5 miles of the Orizzontine Republic. The mercenaries were carrying a wide variety of weaponry: swords, halberds, war hammers, spears, even a couple of female healers and mages for magical support.

When the mercenary forces reached the gates, Vikki yelled out to the defenders, “TADDEO SALVUCCI!!!!!!”

At her shouting her enemy’s name, Velia began scaling the walls of the city. She was going to sneak around and open the gates from within thus putting more focus on Vittoria.

In the meantime, as expected, Taddeo came up and said, “And just watch do you want from us, you stupid ubriacone (drunkard)!!”

Vikki laughed at the man’s insult, and responded, “Look, how about you surrender this city to La Rosa Ghiacciata, and maybe you won’t face the embarrassment of getting your asino (ass) kicked by a woman.”

All that did however was make the man angry. “MAGHI (mages), kill that cagna (bitch), portarmi la testa (bring me her head)

The mages started conjuring up and throwing Fireballs at the force. 2 Black Mages countered by firing Bolts of Lightning from his hands to make the Fireballs explode. Meanwhile the mercenaries where charging at the gates, skewering some of the guards who got close. The Black Mages also shot Icicles back at the Salvucci’s own mages, impaling them.

Velia, after climbing to the top of the wall, looked down and saw a wagon full of hay. Sensing an opportunity, Velia jumped down, and landed back first into soft hay. Quickly coming out of the hay, she quickly followed the sounds of battle, following the walls. The mercenari were too focused on Vittoria to notice the Assassin running across the guards and get to the other side. Quickly climbing up to the switch, Velia lowered the handle and raised the gates. Now there was a battle to be had, a perfect distraction while she goes ahead to kill off Taddeo Salvucci.

Scaling the walls, Velia had to use her upper body strength to her advantage, climbing up using the small gaps of the brick walls. She even had to climb on the protrusions that made up the towers. Velia got up to the side of the tower and pounced on the two guards protecting the target. The first was stabbed in the back of the head with the bracer blade. The second had his neck sliced open with her dagger. By the time
Taddeo turned to notice, Velia threw 2 throwing knives straight at the man’s heart, putting him down.

Walking up to the body, Velia looked at the man wheezing, and coughing up blood. He said, “Vinierno, I should’ve known”

Velia responded by saying, “Let go of your hatred, if you plan on going to heaven.”

“Heaven!?! Ha! God is worth the dirt on my shoe. My family will ensure that Ratio is united and led in our direction.”

“And you believe that you can do that by bloodshed?”

“You are……naïve…my little gattino (kitty)……this world will belong…..to the Elements…”

With that ominous message, Taddeo Salvucci was dead.

Velia began saying her last rites to the man, “Prego che la vostra anima torturata, finalmente trovare la pace. (I pray that your tortured soul, will finally find peace.) Requiescat in pace. (Rest in Peace)”

Closing his eyes, Vittoria’s mercenaries started cheering as she climbed up the tower in the same way that Velia did. Velia extended her hand and said, “Just like old times huh.”

Vikki smiled, and took Velia’s hand “Yup, Just like old times.” Velia helped her up and was showered by the cheers of her allies and her sister.

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 5: Il Duca di Mediolania​

Velia returned to Orrizonte via the secret passageway early the next morning. She quickly took off her White Assassin Robes and put back on her Jacket and Dress. Exiting the secret passageway, Velia walked into seeing Virginia and Frederico practicing their fencing with their swords. It was said that fencing was originated but 300 years ago and was primarily used by the nobles to practice not only their weapons but also physical combat, in the form of boxing and various striking styles.

Virginia was caught in a blade lock with Frederico’s blade. But Virginia, using her flexibility, threw a kick to the midsection, which Frederico dodged by back flipping. Virginia continued to charge at the 18-year old Felidian Male. Frederico, countered with a knee to the midsection and a knee to the face, bringing Virginia down. She tried to pick up her sword, but Frederico pointed the sword in her face. Virginia looked to the ground, defeated.

They both heard a clapping noise coming from the other side of the room. It was their mother, applauding the end of their match. “Complimenti, (Congratulations) Frederico, you’ve done well.”

Velia helped up her daughter, telling her a lesson so she won’t make the same mistake, “Don’t rush to try and defeat an opponent, make them rush at you. You must force them to make a mistake.”

Virginia smiled and said, “I will learn that lesson well, benvenuto madre indietro (welcome back mother)” Velia put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, while being hugged by her son. The only thought that Velia had was, “It’s great to be back home…”

----​

Many days have passed since Taddeo Salvucci’s assassination. While the threat of his family and his potential supporters still looms, they have yet to make a move.

However, on a cool Sunday morning, a carriage pulled up to the gates of Orrizontine, the man was wearing lavish a lavish green jacket, dress shirt and pants, and had been conversing and going to Church with Damon and Marco d’Idoni.

After church, the three headed to the Vinierno household. The man has heard many things about the Vinierno family, more so, the banker Giovanni and the merchant/assassin Velia. The man wanted to meet the two, which another part of the man’s agenda.

Upon reaching Casa dei Vinierno, the door was opened and the family greeted the Idoni’s, wondering who their guest was.

Damon spoke up, “I would like you two to meet Il Duca di Mediolania, Jesse Cassino Sforza.”

Velia, Giovanni and the rest of the family bowed in a respectful manner.

“No, no, you do not need to kneel to me.” Jesse said, “I just want to discuss business.”

Since it was business, Frederico, Virginia, Fiorenza and Pietro went outside to have some fun, leaving Damon, Jesse, Velia and Giovanni in the Living Room.

Jesse said early on, “The banking system has become quite a success in Ratio, the economic prosperity of the various Ratian States, including Orrizonte and our Mediolania, ensure our successes.

Damon said, “I am glad you feel that way.”

“Unfortunately, there are those who wish to end the prosperity and bring the Ratian people to ruin.”

Velia was surprised, “What do you mean?”

“Salvucci and his family are not the only ones who sought to overthrow a state. They have other members of their little cult, trying to assert their influence on the other city states through assassinations and revolts.”
Damon added, “One of the Salvucci succeeded in assassinating the Doge of Liguria, which forced Jesse to step in. The assassin managed to get away and headed to their presumed headquarters in Sapin.”

Velia spoke up, “I figured that Salvucci wasn’t alone, but never in such a manner as I see here. I need names that will link me to whoever is threatening your rule.”

The Duke stopped to think, then said the names, “Manuel Ghibelline, Filberto Vercelli and Abrogio Sanremo, they may hold the answers to what this order is about.”

Velia and Giovanni nodded, with Velia saying, “So be it, I will leave for Liguria tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow, the Ides of November, and the Birthday of my Beloved daughter, Virginia, I hope that one day I will tell you my secrets, so that you and Frederico…and Firenza and Pietro will continue my legacy.”

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 6: Sciabola Sciopero​

Velia was with Duke Jesse’s entourage on his return trip to the walled city of Mediolania, the royal capital of the Duchy of the same name. The duchy was once a member state, or to some people, a colony of the Mons (the capital of the Holy Belkan Empire). But a lot has changed since the Sforza gained power in the Duchy roughly 25 years before, as Velia found out.

When the carriage arrived at the gates Velia was awed at the sight of the city. Although she did visit the Lombanian countryside and fought in its boundaries during the war that put Sforza in power, she never once visited the Duchy’s Capital. It was extravagant; the city was as large, if not larger, than her hometown of Orizzonte, and was seen as a major renaissance city.

Duke Jesse’s Palazzo (Palace) lied right down the street from the most famed monument in the city. Mediolania’s Capella de Santa Diana. (Chapel of Saint Diana) The palace was one of the tallest structures in the city and served as a symbol of power for the major Ratian power.

Jesse, Velia and their entourage exited their carriages and headed to the palace itself. Officially, Velia was Sforza’s personal guest to inspect the Mediolanian branch of the Idoni Bank, but unofficially, she would serve to eliminate threats to the Idoni’s closest ally.

----
​

As soon as the sun began to set, people were starting to go back to their homes. Velia stood atop the Chapel, looking around her surroundings for any suspicious activities. After minutes of searching, she saw a female human tailing behind two black haired gentlemen carrying swords. Figuring that the girl would get caught and killed, Velia jumped down, landing in a pile of hay.

As soon as Velia got out of the haystack, she walked in another direction hoping to cut them off. Being on top of buildings have their advantage, as they allowed Velia to examine the streets, alleyways and back ends to the city, and once Velia can see it, she can remember it clearly.

The mysterious girl continued to shadow the two men with swords. Unfortunately, for the girl, the two men grew suspicious, the trailing man drawing out his sword and pointing it at the girls face. He sputtered in Ratian “E cosa pensi che stai facendo seguito a noi, contadino?” (And just what do you think you’re doing following us, peasant?)

The girl had nothing but a knife, and when it was shown, the other man said, “Oh, and I bet you were gonna kill us and steal this parchment.” He showed the girl the parchment rolled up in his hands.

Another voice was heard, silently, but audible for the two guards and the
young girl to hear. By the time the man turned around. He was stabbed in chest with Velia’s hidden blade. The second guard pointed his sword at Velia, only to be stabbed in the back by the mysterious girl and her knife. Fortunately, no one was there to see the two killed.

Picking up the parchment, Velia looked at the girl. She had fair light brown hair and hazel eyes. The girl was around Virginia’s age, wearing robes that could’ve tied her to a lower middle class citizen. However, she was a beautiful person in looks.

The girl spoke up, “Grazie, Thank you for saving me miss.”

Velia answered back, “You’re welcome, but why did you try to kill someone who was willing to kill you?”

The girl scowled, “Because those men are going to do something bad to the people of this city, just like they did to me.”

“Well, you can’t stay here, if anything, there will be others looking for these two. Come I’ll take you to a safe place.”

The girl smiled and said, “Grazie, signora.”

----
​

Back in Orrizonte, Virginia was leaning on the chimney on top of Casa dei Vinierno. She had nothing to do, as her mother was called up to help her father with the banking business, while her father was talking with Senor Arrigucci about the threat of another rival family, one that hated the Idoni. They were members of the Passerini Family.

The Passerini was a Felidian family, and were dedicated nobles who of course hated the middle class and the people who rise to their current class, like the Idoni. The reason for their actions was simply because they were losing power in an Idoni-allied Orrizontine Republic. Giovanni Vinierno believes that that the Passerini were just being sore about their decline of power.

Nonetheless, Virginia felt alright, the parents were busy, Francesco was helping Pietro with his studies, and Firenza was having the time of her life with her new boyfriend, Demetrio. Nothing could possibly ruin this moment for her.

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 7: Il Flore Sbocciato​

Virginia climbed down from off the roof of her house and decided to take a stroll around town. The city of Orrizonte was relatively peaceful, and the sunset was indeed beautiful. Virginia walked southward, checking out all walks of life.

She was heading towards the River Sieve to take a swim. The Sieve began in the Vienne Mountain Range, and flows down to the Spring Sea. Orizzonte was originally a city built on the banks of the Sieve, but no one would’ve thought that such a city would grow to be so grand.

Upon reaching the docks of the river, Virginia came across 2 of her 4 friends. A Felidian Female named Italia and a Human Female from Belka named Laura. Italia was fair skinned by Felidian standards; she was a year older than Virginia and had white hair. Laura was a blonde who was a year younger than Virginia, and spoke with a thick Belkan (German) accent.

Usually they would be happy to see their friend. But today, they were down.

“Ciao, (Hi) what’s wrong with you two today?” Virginia asked, crossing her arms.

“Oh, it’s that girl, Vanna.” Laura said.

“Vanna Passerini, bah, she’s a harpy. Why is she keeping you down?”

“That puttana (whore) had her friends came and attacked Liana, right now the medico (doctor) is taking care of her, but now that girl is running her mouth and slandering your family name.”

Just hearing those words, made Virginia angry, the two things she did not like others to do, was slander and dishonor her family name, and hurt her friends. Vanna had the gall to do both. Virginia clenched her fist, she knew that a fight was about to go down real soon.

“Come on, we going to find Passerini.”

With that, Italia and Laura got up and followed Virginia. They headed to where Vanna would most likely be at sunset, with her posse at the Basilica di Santa Rosa del Flore (Basilica of Saint Rosa the Flower), also known as the Orizzonte Cathedral. The Basilica was not far from the Sieve River and would probably be a good place to “persuade” Vanna to stop messing with her friends.

----
​

Although Velia was the esteemed guest of the Duke of Mediolania, in order to be safe for her work, she resided in a fancy Albergo (Hotel) near the Cattedrale di Santa Diana (Cathedral of Saint Diane), this time she brought a guest, the young hooded thief that she saved from death by the Salvucci’s men.

As both the assassin and the thief entered the hotel room from the third floor window, Velia removed her hood, revealing her Felidian face to the young girl. The hooded girl unhooded herself as well, revealing her fair blonde hair and shining blue eyes.

“Mi dispiace (I’m sorry), I never introduced myself. My name is Ami, Ami Fregoso.”

“Wait,” Velia said, holding her hand up, “Ami Fregoso, as in the same family as Doge Ludovico Fregoso of Liguria?”

As soon as Ami heard her father’s name, she looked down on herself, “I am, signora”

Ami told her about her life, how her father was killed by a man wearing an emblem. She was 5 years old at the time, but she could remember the events as if they happened yesterday. She even remembered what the emblem looked like. This reminded Velia from what her sister Vittoria showed her.

“They were referring to these four figures as the ‘Lords of the Elements’ a cult of some type; I think his family may be trying to spread the cult everywhere.”

Velia put her hand on the young girls shoulder, “I’m sorry for your loss, but unfortunately, the same men who killed your father are planning to kill the Duke of Mediolania.

“Oh, no!” Ami said shocked. “Duke Jesse was a good friend of my father.”

“If they succeed, then they would succeed in taking over Mediolania, and all of our plans would’ve been for nothing. I will talk to the Duke, you stay here, try to stay safe, ok?”

With that, Velia climbed out her window and dropped down into the streets. It was dark outside, and most of the people were at home.
Fortunately, there was no one around to see her at this time. There was a light in a room in the Plazzo di Sforza. “So, the Duke is awake.” Velia thought, as she ran forward and climbed the walls of the palace.

Once inside, Velia entered a large hallway, with a dim light emanating from the door at the end of the corridor. Walking up to the corridor, she placed a parchment on the ground, in front of Duke Jesse’s bedroom door. Although he was awake, Velia did not wish to disturb him.

“There, tomorrow, the Duke should read the message, by which I should seek my first target on the list in Liguria.” She whispered silently, smiling, before turning around to leave.

Unfortunately, she was caught by what looks like a Felidian guardswoman. The guard was unarmed, but was just as intimidating as her sister, Vittoria.

“Arrestare, (Halt) Why are you here?” She announced.

“I just came to leave a message for the….”

Before Velia could finish, the guard threw a punch, which connected with Velia’s chest, knocking the wind out of the assassin.

“I don’t care who you are. For the glory of Mediolania, I, Olivia Soldati, will make sure you will be leaving this palace in chains for trespassing.”

 

[Noblesse Oblige]

CHAPTER 8: Strada Combattente​

Velia slowly got up to face Olivia, as much as the assassin wanted to kill her, she was only doing her job.

Olivia said, “You should’ve just stayed down. Looks like I have to teach you a lesson.” The Felidian guardswoman walked up to Velia, her prehensile tail swaying as she walked. As she got close, Olivia threw a punch towards the Assassin’s chest, but Velia sidestepped, making Olivia take a step forward. Velia took the opportunity to bring a knee right to her face, knocking the guard on her back.

Velia responded to Olivia’s last comment, “No, looks like I’ve learned quite well.” But just as the assassin was about to leave, Olivia grabbed Velia by her tail and pulled at it, dragging Velia back to the ground. It became obvious now that this fight between 2 civilized females was going to boil down to a no holds barred catfight, no pun intended.

With both women back on their feet, Olivia rushed forward and swung an arm at Velia, which the latter ducked and countered with a punch to the face. Olivia staggered back, but countered with a punch of her own to Velia’s face. The two Felidians traded blows with each other until they both staggered back, trying to catch their breath.

“Heh…you’re pretty good” Velia said

“Heh…heh…you haven’t seen…anything yet” Olivia said, before charging at the assassin, tackling her to the ground. The tussle continued with both women slapping and punching each other around. The fight caused so much of a ruckus that Jesse opened the door, annoyed at the developments.

Jesse said in an annoyed, “Che diavolo sta succedendo qui? (What the hell is going on here?)”

----​

Virginia and her 2 friends, Italia and Laura, entered the Basilica di Santa Rosa del Flore. Inside she encountered Vanna di Passerini, looking at the Holy Cross. Vanna heard the door open and some footsteps. Her head sank, then turned around and leaned back on the altar.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the vergine cagna (virgin bitch), I see you still let your friends fight your battles.” Vanna spoke with a cocky attitude.
Virginia looked at her with fury and determination. “You’re one to talk cordardo (coward)!!”

“Cordardo, aww, you hurt me with your words Virginia!” Vanna responded sarcastically, “Your friend got what was coming to her, that peasant. She’s not worth the dirt off her shoes.”

If Vanna was planning to make Virginia angry, she was doing just well. Virginia gritted her team, her fist clenched, unable to take Vanna insulting her friend.

“Aww, did I make the vergine cry?”
This was the last straw; Virginia rushed forward as fast as possible and attempted to tackle her rival, but Vanna countered by throwing a punch at Virginia lower torso, knocking her back on the steps. Both Italia and Laura screamed her name, and rushed over to rescue their friend. But by then, several men and women came out of the shadows of the Basilica. While none of them carried weapons, they were ready to beat Virginia and her friends up pretty badly.

Vanna finally gave the order, “Compagni, ucciderli!! (Comrades, kill them) With that, Vanna left the Cathedral through the back entrance while her allies were about to swoop in for the kill.

----
​

After a full explanation between the two bruised and battered professionals, Jesse was able to make sense of the situation.

“So, they have their headquarters in Liguria?” Jesse asked, looking at the document that Velia acquired earlier.

“Certamente (Certainly), it appears from that document, for which they plan to strike here on the Feast of Santa Diana, 2 days from now.”

“Then my fears are proven true.” Jesse said

Olivia then spoke up, “Il mio Duca (My Duke), shall I cancel your feast day?”

“No, that would mean that they know we were suspecting them. The day will continue as planned, but it is imperative that those who conspire to eliminate me must be defeated immediately.”

Velia said “Understood, I will leave for Liguria immediately”

“Take Olivia with you. You could use the company.”

Both women were taken aback by the fact that the both of them, who just a few minutes ago were trying to beat each other senseless, would be working together. Olivia was the first to protest, “Why would I work with her. I do not trust an assassin for such matters.”

The Duke said, “Senora Soldati, you must work with Senora Vinierno. My life depends on it.”

Finally beaten in the argument, Olivia said, “Understood, Il mio Duca.” then left the room.

Velia was about to leave as well when called back by the Duke, “Velia?”

“Yes, Messer Sforza?”

“Olivia may be a hard person to get along, but she is loyal to me. I know you usually do things on your own, but please take care of my friend.”

“Lo faro (I will)” Velia nodded then headed out the window, diving into a pile of hay.

----​

In the early hours of the morning, Olivia had gotten a carriage ready to take the pair to the port city of Liguria. At first, neither Olivia nor Velia wanted to talk with each other, but as the two traveled they started talking to each other about their line of work during the Lombanian Wars, something they both had in common.

“Hard to believe someone as fleet footed as you were in the middle of a conflict.” Olivia said, holding onto the reins for the horses. “Guess I should be thankful for that when Jesse’s father became the Duke.”

“How else were you able to acquire that axe?” Velia quipped. The Axe that Olivia used was one that Velia acquired from fallen merchants who died when the Byzantine Ugellan Empire was conquered by Suleymanic
Delarans.

However, as Olivia looked out into the road, outside of the small town of Ticinium, on the border between Mediolania and the former Republic of Liguria, she saw a robed figure carrying a staff. He raised the staff up and in doing so, caused Lightning to strike, frightening the horses.

Velia came off the carriage to see the old man, who removed his hood. She recognized the man immediately, “Manuel Ghibelline”

The man said, “Ahh, I see you recognize me well, not that I don’t know you either, Velia Vinierno di Orrizonte”

Velia flicked her wrist and extended her hidden wrist blade, “And what do you expect to achieve by removing the Duca di Mediolania?”

“We plan to bring a new world, created by the 4 Gods of Harmony, soon all those who wish to destroy us will be cleansed from this planet. Die witch!!” Manuel raised his staff into the air once again, and Lightning struck the ground where Velia was. She quickly sidestepped to dodge the attack. As she turned to face Manuel, Velia saw multiple hooded men with swords approach both Felidian warriors. Olivia picked up her small axe while Velia drew out both her sword and dagger, the latter flipped into a reverse grip.

“Looks like we’re gonna have to work together after all” Velia said.

“Maybe so, but this won’t change things.” Olivia said back, swinging her axe and splitting one of the robed men in two halves.

Velia also committed to the fight, driving her sword at one of the swordsmen, followed by slicing the neck of another swordsman. But as the two were holding off the robed figures, Manuel began chanting a spell, the rain stopped, and instead headed towards the pair.

Both Velia and Olivia found themselves trapped in a water bubble, and try as they might, the pair could not get free. Manuel laughed, if he was to kill the assassin, this would move him further up the ladder of their order.
But just as the sorcerer of the Order was going to gloat prematurely, a knife flew through the air and stabbed him in the hand, releasing the spell.

As the pair gasped for breath, both they and Manuel looked to the side to see Ami riding on a white stallion.

“What the…you?!?” Manuel said, surprised to see someone coming to bail Velia and Olivia out.

The stallion came down, stamping on the ground next to a group of hooded men and knocking them to the ground. Ami said to Velia. “Need any help amico (friend)?”

With that, Velia got herself up and picked up her sword and dagger. “Go help my embattled friend, I’ll see about Ghibelline.” With that the assassin moved forward to meet the mage, while Ami went to help Olivia deal with the guards. Manuel was unable to cast anymore magic, he did not have enough mana reserve to continue.

“You cannot defeat us, this world will belong to…” But before Manuel could finish, Velia charged forward and pounced on the sorcerer. Extending her wrist blade, Manuel was stabbed in the lung, and the man was now coughing up blood.

“Now you will not harm anyone again.” Velia said.

“No…I will not…let you stop my…” Manuel struggled to speak, but was interrupted by Velia.

“Yes…I will.” With that, Velia began her last rites for the man, “Che il Signore ti dia conforto, come il riposo. Requiescat in Pace (May the Lord give you peace, like the rest. Rest in Peace).”

The hooded men, upon seeing the death of their leader, retreated towards Liguria.

Velia said “Ami, what are you doing here?”

“I heard that you were heading to my hometown, I wanted to help you.”

“But you are still young. You need not be a cold killer like me.”

“But Velia, I must do this, to avenge my family.”

Olivia said, “Oh, let her come, she could very well hold her own in combat.”

Ami finally said, “Well that’s decided. I’ll sit in the carriage.”

Velia somewhat at a loss for words, thought, “Well, I never wanted to have to watch over her… Still, she’s like my daughter. Would Virginia be like her if she found out of her lineage?”