“Stop squirming so much, you look weird,” muttered the Crow into Fena’s ear. She couldn’t help herself; everything about this situation was unpleasant, from the clothes Montegrie had forced her into to the people they were about to meet.

I’ve made a huge mistake.

Despite the fight she put up, Fena still found herself in front of the royal palace wearing the Mercenary Guild’s official uniform. It consisted of a charcoal grey high neck tunic, with gold buttons and a white belt and sash. The heavy woolen skirt was the same grey colour, with a yellow stripe trimming the edge. However, the true offender was the canary yellow frock coat that made them stick out like a sore thumb; with the other top members of the Guild wearing the same, she felt like she was part of a carnival troupe. Expressing as much to Montegrie had earned her a sharp rap on the head but in the hot sun she was glad she was wearing the skirt instead of the woolen pants that the men had; she could practically see the sweat pooling around their ankles.

“We’re about to meet our clients, the Royal Family of the entire city-state. They will be choosing who will be the princess’ personal bodyguards, or in other words, who gets paid the most. I want each and every one of you to be on your best behaviour, especially Oswald. And don’t think I don’t see you glaring at me Fena!” snapped Lady Montegrie.

Fena and the other four members of the Mercenary Guild were standing in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, an enormous ancient fortress that sat at the top of a hill in the city centre. Having not seen combat for several centuries, the fortress had long since been converted into a comfortable living space for the Royal family but its structure still betrayed its original purpose. 

Lady Montegrie had been lecturing them for almost the entire day on proper etiquette in the presence of royalty. Fena was already familiar with most of it and the lessons had left a bad taste in her mouth. As for the other mercenaries, they reacted accordingly. Antony, a 6.9ft male anweiran with a stupidly handsome grin and tousled brown hair, had taken the whole thing in stride as he did with everything. He was an annoying fellow that always insisted on following her around whenever he caught wind of her. Catching her gaze, Antony gave Fena a wink and adjusted his frock. 

“Don’t we look like proper tin can soldiers?” he snickered as Lady Montegrie’s back was turned. 

Fena rolled her eyes and glanced at the person next to him; a surprisingly short female elf with a rounded face that looked even more uncomfortable in the uniform than Fena felt. Fena didn’t know much about her, only that her name was Avairy and that she had a rather ruthless reputation. She also seemed to be obsessed with her hair, constantly running its extensive silvery length through nervous fingers. Next to her stood an older male human with a bushy black beard named Devurst. He seemed to be trying to put on a tough expression, but the effect was slightly ruined by the fact that he kept sneaking jealous glances at Antony’s enormous height. Lastly, on Fena’s left stood a man only known as Shadow. He was known for never showing his face and being a master in assassination techniques. However, like everyone else, Lady Montegrie had forced him into the uniform which unfortunately did not include a hood. As such everyone was surprised to see pale faced, acne covered and gawky-looking seventeen year old named Oswald. He looked absolutely miserable that his cover was blown and kept glaring at the rest of them, daring them to say anything. 

Having successfully made everyone present uncomfortable in some form or another, Lady Montegrie continued her speech. 

“Everyone who was offered the contract will be present, so expect to see the top adventurers in there as well.”

“Bah, they don’t have anything on us,” sneered Shadow ne. Oswald. “Do we need to protect those guys as well?”

“And that is exactly why you will stick next to Fena and keep your mouth shut. Fena, step on his foot if he opens his mouth uninvited. And Antony, step on Fena’s if she starts to lose her temper. I won’t have a repeat of last time.”

“What happened last time?” asked Shadow ne. Oswald and Fena stomped on his foot. 

“Perfect, you’re getting the hang of this already. As for Devurst, make sure Avairy doesn’t stab someone. We’re professionals people, let’s act like it!”

Fena quickly swatted the Crow as it tried to pry off a golden button from her uniform. It squawked then looked up to see a new group of people approaching. 

“Speak of the devil.”

They all turned to see a group of approximately twenty adventurers approaching the area they were waiting in. At the head stood the leader of the Adventurers Guild, Guildmaster Gendric. He was a tall older man, with salt and pepper whiskers and a sunburnt face. But he still wasn’t quite as tall as Lady Montegrie and Fena could see him suppress a wince as he and Montegrie tried to crush each other’s hands in a handshake.

“Guildmaster Montegrie! A surprise to see you here!” he said as he rubbed his bloodless hand. 

“The same to you. I see you’ve gathered your little heroes?” answered Lady Montegrie with a hungry smile and blazing eyes. 

“And you, your tin soldiers. So few?” he answered, unintimidated.

Fena suppressed a snort as Antony gave her a nudge and a knowing grin. 

“I prefer quality over quantity my good friend.” replied Lady Montegrie. 

“Well, we have plenty of both! And we don’t force our fellows into silly outfits.”

“Hmm, I can’t wait to see the King’s expression when he sees you all waltz in there in your armour and weapons. If you even get that far.”

“Practicality over propriety, that’s our motto!”

Montegrie let out a smirk past her porcelain mask.

“Or you simply don’t know how to deal with noble clients. Oh, what am I saying, of course you don’t! You never get them.”

“And how is that working out for you, hmmm Monty? Recruitment sinking a bit perhaps? Evidently so, since this is all you could scrape together. Oh, but don’t worry; we’ll do all the heavy lifting so you folks don’t have to get your nice outfits dirty. But we have a meeting to get to, so if you’ll excuse us…”

With that Guildmaster Gendric pushed past Montegrie and deeper into the castle, muttering “Pompous twat,” as he went. The adventurers followed him, all young, good looking men and women, though the ugly faces they made at the mercenaries ruined the effect somewhat. 

“Bloody idiot,” answered Montegrie as soon the last of them vanished. “Regardless, just ignore them. I have a plan, and I don’t need you fools ruining it by opening your mouths. Especially you Oswald.”

“My name is Shadow,” muttered the teen.

At that moment, a butler appeared and gestured for them to approach. “The king will see you now.”

Fena took a deep breath as she followed the group into the castle. The Crow shifted from side to side on her shoulder in anxiety, though Fena was amused by the sight of the adventurers being made to strip their weapons and armour by guards as they turned the corner. Finally they stopped before two golden rectangular doors that slowly swung open. The butler stepped forward and bellowed out, “Announcing the Guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild, Lady Andrea Montegrie, and representatives.”

They followed Montegrie into a wide audience chamber, covered in tapestries and a thick blue carpet. On a slightly raised dais at the far end of the room sat the Royal Family of Aquitania. The King was an older man who looked around sixty, with shoulder-length fading grey hair and a prickly chin. His wife was at least thirty years younger, with long black hair and an expression so stiff she looked like a doll. Lastly was the Princess, a fourteen year old girl in a frilly pink dress that was ten years too young for her. With curly brown hair and an upturned nose, she looked incredibly bored with the situation.

“My Lady Montegrie,” said the King in a slightly nasally voice that grated Fena’s nerves. “So good to see you again! I’m so pleased you were able to respond to my request.”

“It was my pleasure, Your Majesty,” answered Montegrie with a graceful bow. The mercenaries quickly followed suit. “I have gathered some of the finest warriors in the land to answer your call.”

“Please, introduce your compatriots,” said the King with a gesture. 

Pointing to Antony, Montegrie continued.

“This is Sir Antony, a brave and powerful anweiran warrior. He is a master of the spear and shield, perfect for defending an escort. He has even saved my life, though that is a story for another day.”

Moving on, Montegrie turned to the next in line. “This is Ser Avairy, a highly experienced dual blade wielder. Though she may appear small, her speed and gracefulness in combat is not to be underestimated.”

“Next to her we have Sir Devurst, a master of elemental magecraft. His expertise lies in fire magic, and he can destroy a rampaging troll in seconds.” 

Devurst gave a slight bow. 

“Next to Sir Devurst is a man only known as Shadow. He hides amongst the shadows, delivering quick and precise attacks against foes. He is perfect for counter assassination.”

Finally, she came to Fena.