Career Trial

"Hmm, a ship... There'll be one eventually." Liam felt put on the spot and gave Vanessa a halfhearted answer.

Speaking of ships, Liam remembered the little boat he'd brought from Gilneas three years ago. "The Southshore constable must've confiscated it by now. Besides, it was far too small. Never mind, we can figure out the ship business later. Who says pirates have to have a ship..."

Liam had one virtue: if he couldn't talk someone around, he simply stopped talking. The little girl, who'd always loved to oppose him, was forcibly appointed first mate of the "whatever-number" ship and was thoroughly displeased. In the end, Liam crushed every objection by force, and Vanessa VanCleef had the honor of "becoming" the Bloodsail Buccaneers' third member.

Though she looked reluctant and denied it aloud, Liam saw right through her. There was a simple reason: he could now see her attribute panel, and her loyalty was a miserable 20—lower even than Wilton's had been. Clearly, with him as captain, the rebellious girl wasn't the type to listen.

Hmm, loyalty and affection must be two different things, Liam thought, rather smugly. Given their relationship, her affection couldn't possibly be this low...

Having overcome the biggest obstacle to their future plans, Liam was in high spirits. He felt it was time to leave Ravenholdt Manor and see the world.

Wilton, who hadn't been home in three years, also wanted to return and see what his elder brother had done to the family after successfully "getting rid" of him.

In truth, over the past few years, Wilton Barov had undergone a great change in personality. Taken away from a family consumed by intrigue just as his worldview was taking shape, he had finally seen that there was a world beyond his own. He was no longer the frog in the well, trapped on an island in the middle of Lake Darrowmere.

In Wilton's eyes, the family's land, wealth, and everything else were mere toys to the Assassin League's top members—things beneath their notice. True power came only from within. Money and land could never guarantee a family's prosperity for long.

Now he was deeply grateful to Liam for bringing him here, and he wanted to follow him and see the world outside. So when Liam suggested forming that utterly ridiculous "pirate crew," Wilton hadn't objected. Pirate crew or thieves' crew, it was just a name. The Liam he'd known for three years would never commit the bloody deeds of real pirates.

Since becoming apprentice thieves over a year ago, the two had also traveled around Hillsbrad Foothills to train, rescuing many commoners and their farms from the Syndicate along the way. Wilton had watched Liam's way of doing things. Though the boy clearly came from the ranks of the great nobility, he had a fervent heart for the common people and spared no effort when it came to "meddling" in their affairs. Wilton found that unusual. By spending so much time around Liam, he'd picked up many of his "bad habits," and it seemed unlikely he'd ever shake them.

"You two want to apply for your career trial? Think carefully. The trials here at the manor are extremely harsh, and nothing like the little adventures you've had before."

As their mentor, Farad felt it was his duty to warn them.

"Yes, we've made up our minds, Mr. Farad. Wilton has been away from home too long and needs to go back. I also have some things to take care of." Since they'd already decided, Liam and Wilton had no intention of changing their minds. They nodded to show they understood what lay ahead.

Seeing they were set on it, Farad gave a small nod. "Wait here. I'll go see the Duke." Then he turned and headed upstairs without looking back.

They hadn't been waiting long when Farad came back down with two envelopes. Clearly, Duke Jorach had already made arrangements; otherwise, he couldn't have gotten an answer so quickly.

Farad handed them an envelope each, then looked at Liam. "There are two tasks here. Read the letters and destroy them afterward. You can decide which one to undertake, but you must complete it on your own. No one else may get involved. Once you've completed your task, you'll officially become low-ranking thieves. If you fail, you'll have to spend a few years as guards at the manor before trying again."

Ravenholdt Manor's rules forbade anyone who failed a trial from leaving; they had to wait for another opportunity. Farad's words were a reminder that this mission was important and left no room for carelessness.

"Don't worry, sir. We know what to do." Liam nodded and took the two letters. Then he and Wilton walked out of the castle.

"Liam, Wilton, I heard you're going on a trial?" Vanessa stood beside the herb garden, still wearing gloves made of animal hide. She'd clearly just been handling poison. When she saw the two of them coming out of the castle, she hurriedly pulled off her gloves and hurried over.

Vanessa had always called the two of them by their names, and this time was no different. But seeing the worry and urgency on the little girl's face, Liam knew she was concerned for their safety.

"Yeah, we're going on a trial. Be good while we're gone, and we'll bring you something nice when we get back."

Liam smiled at the little girl. He realized that after they left on this trial, he might not see Vanessa again for a long time, and he felt a little sad.

Vanessa's eyes reddened. She pulled a small vial from her clothes and handed it to Liam. "Aunt Simone and I made this 'paralysis poison.' It works really well against spellcasters. Take it with you... Be careful."

Perhaps thinking of their imminent parting, Vanessa puffed out her cheeks again. "You two had better come back alive."

Then she lifted her foot and kicked Liam hard in the shin before running back to the herb garden without looking back. She even forgot the gloves she'd dropped on the ground.

Watching the little girl run off, Liam shook his head with a wry smile. He took out the two letters, opened them, and handed one to Wilton. Then he read the one in his own hand.

"Infiltrate the old Alterac Castle and investigate the Syndicate. The mission's success will be judged by the extent of the damage done to the organization."

Liam read it softly, his brow furrowing slightly at the vague requirements.

When he couldn't figure something out, Liam didn't dwell on it. He turned to Wilton. "What does your letter say?"

"Enter Durnholde Keep and find evidence that Aedelas Blackmoore is colluding with the Syndicate," Wilton read softly.

His task was much more clearly defined, and it was also well suited to Wilton...