A light at the end of tunnel could be seen. It's actually a clearing, forest ends. The caravan of soldiers stopped there.

"Dismantle the carriages and take parts inside forest. Lead horses and tie them so they don't run away. Move deep inside so we can't be seen. Once night falls, we attack." Luis ordered his soldiers for preparation. He helped them do the work so they can all be rested for potential battle. It will be hard imitating masters of what they plan to do.

Being trickster wizards, they are best at assassinations and running away. Egale house is the only one teaching skills which dwell in the darkness.

Five generations ago, kingdom was struck with famine¹ and rebellion. James Egale, an assassin, obtained riches by following orders of king from that age. Over thirty  noble families were extinguished by one man. Rebellion finished with lack of nobility. A king decided to further award him for his deeds by giving him land and title. Now, they are among richest and largest families of low class.

"My lord, we are done. What should we do now?" Large soldier approached thinking Luis.

"Eat. We shall eat now. Spread out dried meat in large quantities. We will need our strength. Also, bring me twenty clumsiest soldiers you know of." Few minutes passed and soldiers approached with dried meat held in their hands.

"You came, good. You will be guarding this camp and keeping watch tonight. Don't light up the fire just in case someone is travelling."

Slowly, night enveloped the sky, dark clouds were lead by wind over the castle as if to give a sign to Egale house. With light bustle, almost four hundred soldiers walked out of forest towards their target. They will storm castle from all sides. Fourth of them carried grappling hooks to speed up the climb.

The infiltration started. The grabbing of hooks echoed in the night air. Still, no guards showed up nor did they walk on top of it to keep lookout. Luis got suspicious and brought change of plans.

"Assemble everyone in a group, do not follow initial order, spread the order." Being supposed to climb among last ones, he ran towards everyone still on ground to share update.

The calmness ruled the castle and Astem army was intent to shatter it. Everyone huddled into eight groups and followed different paths though castle. Doors broke with a loud bang with the help of soldiers heel. Although, every hallway had torches lit and rooms bright, no enemy was encountered, not even servants.

It seemed as if castle became haunted.

Then they reached ballroom. At the end of it was placed glorious throne with two golden knight statues keeping guard over their lord.

"Well, well, well, look who came unannounced. Welcome visitors. We, have been expecting you this entire day." Short baldy sat on the throne. His right leg was thrown over left one. Small hands interweaved their finger in order not to fall off his knee.

"My apologies Thomas Egale. The matter for which I needed you is quite urgent, one could say so." Luis sheated his sword. Showing courage and cockiness is just a normal thing among nobles. One has to appear strong in order not to get attacked or get used. It's in their blood.

Thomas temporarily separated hands. Using right hand, he motioned golden knight to go forward. Knight moved until he was in front on Luis and dropped on all four.

"Please be seated. Having important guest such as you, it would be lack of manners if I left you to stand." Luis looked at the knight in pity. "Don't look at it like that. It is just a golem. Of excellent craftsmanship I dare say." The host chuckled.

Golems are automated pieces or rock or metal. Their parts are produced then sold. A working golem consists of torso made of two pieces with rune placed in the middle, and at least one hand attached with another rune. Runes used for golems are made of three layers, first being joint engraving which pulls together parts and allows them to turn. Second layer is movement based, it takes use of joints and turns parts around. Last layer is mana based, depending of which kind of golem is made, controller will either fully link golem to self or surrounding mana.

Most of golems are automated and rough at the edges as they do miniscule tasks such as cleaning. Those are taking surrounding mana.

Linked golems can be automated with another mana layer. But it's not recommended as switching from one type to another takes time which renders them useless at critical moments. They are often sleeping guardians. These are usually custom made. One want a different look which shouts "This golem belongs to me!" These golems are refined and costly.

"I would rather stand. I feel as if taking care of the matter will be longer if I sit." Luis responded after glancing once again at the golden golem.

"Suit yourself. May I know what this urgent matter is so we can solve the problem?" Short baldy placed his both feet at the ground, pulled himself closer to the edge of throne and leaned waiting for response of his unexpected guest.

"Yes, of course." Luis placed his hand on the hilt once again. "The matter I would like to discuss is..." Three hundred and eighty three sword got pulled out of their sheats. Luis showed a dangerous smile to the host. "Downfall and extermination of house Egale."

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¹ - famine - extreme scarcity of food

I never thought explaining about golems would be so long. And those swords you see at the end are supposedly crosses but under italic they look like swords so who cares XD

BTW, this will be important later on so that's why main character isn't at this part. Next chapter should probably show some advance from him.