Written by Beau Gauthreaux
The afternoon was somber, hazy and warm. I woke up to a cat licking my face, and had been asleep for several hours on the ground in an abandoned alleyway. Using my magic earlier against the systemic affects of the crippleweed had an adverse affect making me weak and tired, so I decided to sleep. Everybody that walked by dismissed me as homeless and continued on their way. My cloak covered up my face and gear so as to not raise any suspicion. After pulling myself together I walked a few blocks in the poor district where Kronen’s guards would be reluctant to search for me, and checked into an inn. I bought food and water with the gold that I lifted from the Bishop earlier; then washed up, and ate. The crippleweed was still affecting my system but it was finally wearing off. The poor district was all but well lit under the pale moonlight. There was a cat howling just outside my window. To not raise any suspicion I decided to go out through the window so the innkeeper would think that I was still in my room. The palace was well lit far off into the distance, and was not well guarded so taking out the king may be easier than I thought. I made my way through roof tops and climbing railings. Traveling on the street would make me be spotted too easily. Jumping from roof top to roof top was effortless for me. I used my magic to make my jumps further, my running faster. This was me at my best. I would make no noise and blend myself in with the dark grey sky. Nobody would ever see me. I became the shadows. I became wind. I was a messenger and the letter was death.
Running my blade through king Kronen was the only thing that occupied my mind. I was filled with thoughts of revenge, hate, and sorrow for my fallen friends which Kronen was responsible for. Not to mention that Kronen was trying to orchestrate a war and he would be successful if I didn’t stop him in time.
I was approaching the palace very fast when I heard her cries. Normally I would not interfere with other criminal activities especially when doing so would be a distraction from my main objective, but when I saw her, I had to stop. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I was never distracted with my work nor had I ever made a mistake, but when I saw her face I nearly missed the edge of an approaching building. I stopped dead in my tracks. She was being held to the ground by two thugs, and a third that was taking his clothes off. I could not let this happen. She did not belong in this part of town. The now half naked boss thug ripped off her cloak. She was wearing a very elegant gown with a purple sash around her waist indicating that she was of nobility. Her hair was long golden brown down to her waist.
“Well now, somebody important aren’t we?” Said the boss. “I was supposed to kill you but instead I and going to hold you for ransom. I should be able to get a nice sum of money in exchange for you pretty girl, but first I’m going to have some fun with you.”
“Stay away from me, and let me go or I’ll have you all arrested” Protested the beautiful woman as she was kicking, and struggling to move.
All the thugs burst out in loud boisterous laughter at her comment. That was my queue; if I was going to help I had better react at that moment. Their laughter was loud enough to cover up the sounds of my movement. I was three stories over them, but the street was narrow. With cat like movement and reflexes I leaped from the rooftop to the railing of a balcony on the second floor of the building across the street. I drew my blade and descended on top of the boss thug. I drive my blade through the back of his head and he fell lifeless to the ground. On of his companions tried to unsheathe his sword but I had thrown a knife that landed dead center into his chest and another that landed in his throat that he may not make a sound. The other thug ran away in terror. I was always reluctant to kill a man that was running from me with his back turned.
I looked down at her and it seemed as though my heart skipped a beat. She was even more beautiful close up. “What have I gotten myself into” I thought.
“Are you here to kill me?” She asked. “You are an assassin are you not? And you seem to be a very crafty one.”
“Not going to kill you.” I replied. “I just could not stand to see those men harm such a beautiful women.”
She then began to blush. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say. You saved my life.”
I offered her my hand to help her up to her feet.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “You don’t belong in this part of town, and considering the clothes and mark of nobility you should have a bodyguard with you.”
“Thanks for the lecture but I think I can handle myself.” She was a bit annoyed at my last comment. She then took in a deep breath. “I am sorry. I’m not having a good day.” I could see that suddenly a look of sadness had overcome her face and a tear began to form in her eye. “My life is in danger weather or not I am here, more so If I go back to the palace. My husband has gone insane and wants me dead. I know you are probably on your way to kill somebody and are busy, but could you please help me. I know of a place that we both could be safe for the night. I could get you food, drink and gold for you troubles.”
The Palace I thought. Maybe she could give me information that would be helpful with my mission. Not to mention I do enjoy her company. She then began caressing my hand.
“I know you will. You don’t have to say anything. I know a good man when I see one.”
She then pulled herself close to me and gently kissed me on my lips.
“Thank you” she said. “You won’t regret helping me. I will make it worth your while.”
I instructed her to put her cloak back on so that she may not be spotted. We then took off into the night seeking the safe house. The king’s death would have to wait another night, because tonight I was going to live good.