Valkyrie circled three more streets, intentionally looking for Scath now that she had noticed the abnormality. Indeed, people were out this evening visiting shops by the light of oil lamps and none seemed worried for their safety or concerned about much of anything.Her orders had been to reduce crime against the common citizen and a greater focus on the willing pleasures and vices of the gambling halls and bars. She hadn’t had high hopes but was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere.The lack of scath however had her concerned. This with had been overrun with the demons and yet, now, they were notably just gone. Where ever they were at would likely be some den of debauchery and chaos.Val made her way to the guild house to find a dark home. No lights shone within, telling her that the guild had either abandoned the home all together, or they simply dared not venture there when she was not in residence.Now that she was back though, she intended to make it a proper home again. Living

Samiel frowned at her. “I thought this was your city, so the lack of scath made sense. You grew up here right?” “Yes, but even in the four years I was in the streets daily, I barely put a dent in the ones down by dockside. I never ventured up here. There is no way for that to account for the complete lack of scath now. I figured they were fleeing from you.” Val said, a bit of dread washing over her. Where had they gone? Samiel took a long drink. “That is going to be a task for another time. For now, enjoy this city with me. Where is our girl Alexa? Lets drink and be merry. Tomorrow, we can solve the mystery of the missing nightmares!” Valkyrie sighed heavily before downing her glass. “Fine, but if we delay, I am going to expect your help in this.” “Yes, yes! Now, Another round! Where is that barmaid? Ha! Miss, another round for the lady of the house!” Samiel called. The barmaid eyed Valkyrie with one eye raised but Valkyrie just shrugged at her and held up two fingers and placed a

The next morning, Valkyrie and Alexa met at the same tavern with representatives of the Reapers Guild from across the city. Farson and Jonah Hex were both present as the guild leaders for up town and Dockside respectively. There were several business men that Valkyrie was not familiar with but she assumed ran various aspects of the semi legitimate side of the guild’s businesses. Also present was Sierra. While she would be joining the Luna Marra soon along with many of the girls from Caradon, Captain Talwater had not yet arrived. She would have to meet with the Black fleet separately but needed to set several plans in motion as soon as possible. “Gentlemen, I know some of you, others I plan to get to know. I understand that you have recognized my right to rule by defeating your previous leaders in open challenge. I expect oaths of fealty by the end of the day from each of you,” Val began. There were some grumbles from those she had not met personally, but those that were already mar

Hank Silverton tensed as he stared at the two women with growing fear. “So the rumors of a Reaper are true.”Valkyrie looked dumbly at the man, “Did you think the twenty bodies that lined the bank of the river a few months ago were fake?”Hank swallowed hard, “Look, I didn’t know the businesses were yours. I just got word from Mr. Nyx of the change of ownership. He didn’t specify who, just that it was going from private control to guild control. I was just doing as we always do.”“So you will cease all such activity?” Val asked pointedly.“Well, I mean that is a lot of money… I am sure I can cut you in on a percentage of-”He was cut short when Val reached up, grabbed a full fist of his hair and slammed his face down into the table.“Wrong answer.”“Ow! Bitch, you didn’t have to do that. We were negotiating!” Hank cried out as he clutched his bleeding nose.“You are about to be negotiating with my blade in your neck.”“Ok, ok. Give me a list of your businesses and I will make sure to

Valkyrie said goodbye to Maggie and told Talwater and Jonah to meet at the estate for dinner before dismissing them.Alexa followed her back to the estate house, oddly silent as she kept her thoughts to herself.“What are you thinking?” Val finally asked as they entered the house.“That you seem to have decent plans for the betterment of everyone you have claimed. That while you have clearly killed your way to the top, you have improved the lives or are in the process of improving the lives of each one of your guild members, from the lowest street kid to the more seasoned pirates. Each is getting what they need to be loyal. Training for the young ones, new careers for many in the middle and gold for the seasoned criminals.”“And? If I am going to claim responsibility for them, is that not what I should be doing?” Val asked.“Not many in power would be so considerate.”“And those who believed that way are now dead. What of it?” Val asked, still confused.“You may be dark and jaded, but