The rest of the day in Knife's Edge passed with murmurs and whispers. The archers had found their fallen brother, but knowing the lack of pay, the shame they suffered at actually killing their incompetent employer instead of their target, and the news of their precision being unreliable, they kept their activities that day quiet. They looted the body of Legaias Kenrick and swiped the entire affair under the rug. Throughout the city, news of both Kenrick's and Kenrick Jr's deaths spread. Who was responsible? An unknown assailant. People knew of the crumbling empire of Kenrick, and of the enemies Bale Kenrick has made throughout the years. Much to Bishop Draklira's dismay, the government seized Kenrick's fortress, uncovering his treacherous business. The secret safe in his office, however, was empty.

* * * *

As Stefan Tyray adjusted his mask in the mirror, a knock came on his door.

"I've been expecting you," he said, his voice sinister and calm.

The door opened and a man came in, dropping to one knee as Tyray faced him.

"Sir, Bale Kenrick and his son have been assassinated."

"Anything else?"

"N-no, sir."

"Then you may leave."

The informant, surprised by Tyray's lack of enthusiasm, immediately left and closed the door behind him.

"Hmm," Tyray chortled in amusement, "And I thought you were so protective of that brat."

* * * *

A shifty-eyed, hooded assassin stood in the office of Lord Bartholomew. It was the one from The Knife Den, the one who saw Teric and Rayse meet.

"I believe... it may have been that man," he announced in a low, raspy voice.

"I never thought he would actually succeed!" Fatman yelled, taking out his aggression on the hooded man, "But... it was Kenrick, after all. There's simply no way he can get any of the others. He is still as good as dead."

Fatman twiddled his mustache between two fingers, wondering, "Still, it wouldn't hurt to be careful."

* * * *

Unknown to the great crime lords, a greater power was guiding the forces in this world. The coming conflict would consume them all, no matter how much power they had. The rest of the day was spent in relative peace, but the winds of change were already sweeping the frozen nation. Starting tomorrow, Salvar would never be the same again.

End of Part 1.