Assassins Road

[Borael]

I started writing this last year and then I just stopped. I have recently taken it up again and am glad that I did. I have the first three chapters done and most of the fourth. I have recently gotten a lot of new ideas, I hope you enjoy! (Any feedback would be nice, positive or negative as long as it is suggestions!

Here is the first chapter. It may have some gramatical errors cuz I haven't cleaned this one up but I will.

Chapter I: An Easy Job

There he was, right below me. A man said to be un-killable. He was wanted by so many people he wouldn’t even piss without body guards. An easy job, I thought to my self. I was on a wooden beam above him, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. There were five guards posted in the room, one slip on my part would be the end of me. I walked to the far end of the beam keeping directly above him. He looked up suddenly right at me. About three seconds later he looked away. I was a trained assassin although now an outcast I was still an assassin. I was blended in with the shadows well enough that the average person would just look right past me and not notice.
Most men who have a lot of power are really cowards at heart, and this man was no different. He had a lot of money and had obtained many enemies over the years. He started by hiring people to kill these enemies. The more he killed the more he found how easy it was to obtain what one wanted with money. His last victim was a woman of royalty, and now that her family had hired me she would be his last.
He stopped his pacing and crossed the room to a large red door. Two of the five guards followed him. The three remaining guards blocked off the two doors. Now I waited until one of them got tired or had to leave for some reason. “Ay, watch me post for a minute, I aven’t pissed all day.” A large guard said. Receiving silent nods from the other two he went into the opposite room that his boss had gone in. Perfect, I thought to my self, smiling slightly.
I took a small jar from my cloak and positioned my self above the guard by the red door. I slowly and quietly opened the jar and let out a poisonous bug next to him. The bugs poison started by dulling the senses, then constricted muscles, and finally caused fast deterioration of the body. The bug landed on him and he clapped it in between his palms. “What is it”? The other guard said.
“Just a damn bug, the son of a bitch bit me to.” He replied. The other just laughed. Now I went over to he other and got a small knife in my right hand. I jumped down and hung on to the beam with my left. By now the other guard was staring at the ground with a dazed smile.
“Hay, what u look...” He didn’t finish for I had just brought my arm around and slit his throat. I let go of the beam and ripped some of the guards cloth from his uniform. He made a slight gurgling sound but mostly all that happened was blood began to spurt from his throat. I took the cloth and tied it around his neck to stop the blood from going everywhere. The other guard tired to call out but his throat had begun to constrict. I dragged his body back up into the rafters and hid it then dropped back down. I had stolen the layout for the guards patrols earlier and new that the guard I just killed was to leave into the back room by himself. Nobody would notice him gone for 18 minutes. The other guard had fallen asleep now but wasn’t making any noise. I took his hat and put it over his face and leapt into the rafters again. Now the other guard entered and saw the sleeping guard. “What are ye doin’? Sleepin’;?”
“No im resting, now come over and help me up.” I said making my voice sound like his. He came over and reached down to help him up. Halfway he stopped, noticing his hand was rotting and dripping a thick green fluid. “What the god damn ‘ell appened?” He was about to call for help but a knife with a string attached shot through his throat piercing his vocal cords. I took the two bodies and hid them high in the rafters. I only had 15 minutes left before the next switch.
I opened a window in the room that led to the outside and slipped out of it, not making a sound. By now my mark would be in the room above me. The guards that were supposed to be in the room in which I would have to go through were the ones I had killed. The building was old and had many uneven surfaces and was easy to climb. I slowly came up to the window and got two mirrors. One I attached to the left of the window and the other I held in my hand. I positioned the hand mirror so it would reflect the images on the other. Four guards, one mark, two doors, and my expertise. I took the mirror from the window and put it in my belt. I started to climb over to the window that led into the room left of my marks.
I snuck through the window, making sure to shut it silently. From there I grabbed onto the wall next to the door and tossed a rock against the far door, making a loud noise. “What was that?” I heard one of the guards say. “Dunno’ go check it out. I’ll come with.” Another offered.
The two came through the door, swords ready. As soon as they passed the door I jumped diagonally off the wall and did a back flip over the door. From a Keeling position I flipped a knife towards a guard and heard his half scream as it embedded its self in his throat. Just as that happened the guard behind me turned and slashed from his shoulder down, attempting to behead me. I had my silver, semi long katana ready. The blades clashed and held. I pushed him back, rising from my kneeling position. He was still pushing when I suddenly twisted off his sword and spun around. As I span I unsheathed my shorter, black katana; slicing his belly open and spilling his guts upon the polished floor. I didn’t loose a step, for in my turning I faced another attacker. This one had a curved sword which he swung at me. I barely avoided it, feeling it drift over my nose. His slash was to strong and he over balanced. As he was bent over, trying to recover his balance I rolled over his back avoiding the other guard at my back. The latter was so sure he had me he had swung without thinking. The strike aimed for me ended up taking of the head of the un-balanced guard. He looked in surprise and shock and was for the moment paralyzed by what he had done. I took advantage of this and ran him though with my long sword. He dropped his weapon and doubled over. I ducked into him and flipped him over my shoulder into the last guard.
I sheathed Itonya, my black sword and brought defiance, my hard earned assassin blade, to the ready. I could tell this last one was skilled and experienced. He had a medium sized sword, able to be held with one hand if the wielder was strong. He was. His right eye, seemed with a curving scar through it, twitched slightly, then he attacked. A quick series or slashes, which defiance intercepted and he jumped back. He was testing me to see what technique to use. Zaden, my mark, must have been confident in his mercenary’s abilities for he hadn’t left yet. Now it was my turn, I brought the sword up diagonally from my right boot tip to my left shoulder. His blade caught mine and fallowed it up. I reversed the grip in my left hand and held his sword up. I grabbed Itonya from my left waist sheath in my right hand and brought it around in a cross body slash in a reversed grip. He spun around, disengaging our blades, as he came around he brought his sword across at my now exposed left side. I dropped to my knee and held defiance at an angle so his blade glanced off of it sparing my head. I twisted on the ground, held myself up with my right arm, and thrust my legs at his. He fell back, but slashed at me as he fell. I barely blocked the attack and got to my feet. He followed and was now watching me. I had my back to the window and was waiting for his charge. He came with all his strength, attempting to force me out the window where I would fall 200 feet to my death. He slashed from his right to left but was to slow. I ducked past it and brought a reversed defiance from his left upper leg to his right shoulder. I quickly spun behind him and thrust a powerful kick into his back. He fell out the window his front facing the building, as he fell his entrails and blood left a long streak all the way down.
“Now, to finish this.” I said turning to see Zaden trying frantically to open the locked door. “Don’t bother trying, I locked it before.” I said smiling slightly.
“Do you really think you can kill me? My guards will be here any second, I don’t know what’s taken them this long.” He said his voice shaking.
“The family that hired me has banded together and hired enough men to take out your guards. Your all mine Zaden.” He was backed against a wall, trying to stall me by talking. I shut him up by throwing a knife half an inch from his head. “Wait, please!” he begged.
“Don’t move I might miss if you do, and you don’t want that do you?” I said now laughing. I tossed another one by his thigh. “Money! Ill give you money, how much do you want? Name it, just please don’t kill me!” he continued to beg.
“Don’t talk it ruins my concentration.” I said and threw another knife, this one hit him in the palm pinning it to the wall. “See what happens when you distract me? I miss, and like I said you don’t want that.” I said over his screaming. I drew a larger curved knife and started pacing. “Now about this money you offered? I need enough to pay of some debts and still have spending money.” I said not smiling anymore.
“As I said earlier, whatever amount you want.” He said slightly relived.
“In that case I want those two money pouches that are on you.” I said knowing how much was likely in them. He went to untie the pouches but I stopped him with a raising of my hand. “I don’t think so, throw them to me.” I said as I threw a two of the many small knifes lining my cloak at the strings of the pouches. He caught them as they fell and tossed them to me. I felt the weight of them and knew them to be full of gold and silver pieces. I threw the curved knife between his legs pinning his pants to the wall and took a slow step away. I turned and got halfway threw a step and turned again lunging at him with defiance drawn. I used the same diagonal slash I used for his last guard. It was lightning quick and resulted in an arch of red blood that went up the wall and halfway across the ceiling.
I heard a rumbling from the door as I was cleaning of my weapons and retrieving knifes. I backed towards the window as the guards poured from the broken door. “Your friends didn’t last long, assassin!” The lead man said looking very unhappy.
“Oh well, I still get paid. I can live with that.” I said and took a step back. “Well we will see how long you live with it!” he said and charged. I laughed and jumped back words at the window.
I let my self free fall for a while, then when I was close enough to the ground I thrust my sword into the wall and slowed my decent. Once I was slow enough I pushed of the wall with my legs and did a long slow flip in a large arch landing about 20 yards away from the building.
The guards were running down through the building hoping to catch me so I didn’t waste any time. I looked around for a means of escape, saw a horse tied not to far away and ran towards it. Cutting the rope and leaping on I took a look back and saw some of the guards running towards me. I snapped the reins and the horse took off.
I was trying to get into the forest which was around 200 yards away from where I found the horse. The guards gave up chasing me but were now aiming arrows at me. A couple flew by closely, most were way off. I looked back, saw a particularly accurate arrow coming right for me. Reaching out, I closed my hand over the shaft of the arrow, and tossed it aside. The horse closed the distance I had left to the forest in a couple of long strides. The forest was to thick for a horse so I dismounted and ran until I was safely into the forest.
Once I was sure they weren’t going to find me I set up in a small clearing for the night. I would reach the my contractors tomorrow if I started early enough. I thought of what I could have done to make the job go better then gave way to the sleep that was tugging at my mind and body.

[Borael]

Here is chapter two, this one is a little longer, I am actually thinking about changing chapter one completely. Also the chapters switch between characters so I have colored them all differently. The main character Damion is written in first person.

Chapter II: The Calm before the Storm

The night was quiet and still, unusual and unwelcome for being on a usually ruff sea. When this sea got calm it meant nothing moved no waves, ships, nothing. Things would move before long but it would be the exact opposite of calm. The storms on this sea could be watched as they came toward a ship and then headed away. Flux could see lightning in the distance knowing it would soon be upon her and the crew. Her silver eyes scanned the distance with worry. She had heard the stories of the terrible storms of the great Chaos Sea. The crew obviously knew it was coming and blamed it on there being a woman on board the ship, something considered to be bad luck by sea faring people. It made no difference to her what they thought as long as she got to her destination and so far the crew was fine with her and her money.
By now the rain had reached them in a huge cloud burst. Flux tightened her black cloak against the cold and looked for something she could do to help with the preparations for the storm. She didn’t have her light armor on because she was not trying to get a lot of attention. Her under shirt was black with silver symbols on the baggy sleeves. The shirt didn’t do a lot to ward the cold but then she was trained to handle things like that. Her jet black hair was tied back so it would not get in the way if she needed to work. Most people viewed her as just another traveler, which was what she wanted
She tried to stop a passing crew member but he just glared and continued running around checking various things. “If ye want te elp jus shut, up go in yer room and wait!” one of the crew shouted at her getting frustrated. She decided to give up and went into her “room”. The room was a section of stable for pigs that had been slightly cleaned but its smell was evidence of its previous use. The bed was made out of straw covered in some ruff material and looked as if it had been used many times before.
If she couldn’t help physically then she decided she would help other ways. She pulled out a small bottle of green water, a scroll, and a leaf from a pouch in her cloak. Reciting a prayer to the goddess Ithera she opened the scroll and read what was on it. Then she set the leaf in the middle and poured some of the contents of the bottle onto the scroll. As she finished reading the scroll it burst into green flame. Flux hoped Ithera would hear her prayer and at least dissipate the storm.
It wouldn’t be long until Damion found out that he was her top priority to kill and she needed to get to the Island of Itheria as fast as she could because of this fact. He was said to have been seen there recently and she was going to look. The reason she chose this forsaken, disheveled ship was because its captain was a smuggler and was also wanted dead. When she reached the island she would kill him and take her money back, that is, if she did make it.
The blinding light penetrated even into her room which was below deck. The whole room lit up in a bright white glow. As it faded and Flux got her vision back, an explosion took her hearing. The storm was now upon them. Her ears still rang as she stood up but she could hear again. She took a step and the ship took a violent shift taking Flux’s balance with it. She reached out and grabbed for anything to stay upright, which was proving to be difficult. “Gods forsaken piece of drift wood!” she yelled getting frustrated. She could have taken one of the newer ships that could handle the waves, now she was starting to regret her choice not to.
She made her way down the hall of stables and to the door trying her best to keep her balance. She reached out to the door and pushed. It didn’t move, she tried again, still nothing. They barricaded the door... she thought. The ship gave another violent rumble and she heard something fall with a loud noise to the floor outside her new prison. She tired pushing once more, this time the door moved slightly. She knew that the barricade had fallen with the last rumble and now all that held her was some chains. She opened the door enough to see the chains holding the door. She got out her sword that was strapped to her back so the crew wouldn’t know about it and swung at the chains which gave way easily due to there age and the amount of rust accumulated on them. She picked her way through scattered cookery and other assorted things that had been littered around the room during the swaying of the ship making her way to the stairs leading to the deck at the end of the “dining room”. She reached the top of the stairs and shoved open the overhead door. As she did that she was immediately drenched with rain. She peered though the pummeling rain and saw that the deck was empty and the only means of escape taken. “It’s to late for us woman! I have to go down with me ship, law of the sea I guess you could say!” Flux looked behind her to see the captain who had tied himself to the wheel.
“Well I don’t have to go down with any thing especially not this rotted thing! Now I don’t give a damn if you throw away your pathetic life but your getting me to the destination that I paid you to get me before you do!” She yelled over the raging storm. The captain just laughed and went on holding the ship on coarse as best he could being tied to the wheel. Flux grabbed some rope that was left laying on the deck and made her way to the wheel. She tied the rope to the wheel and the ship so it would stay and cut the captain from the wheel but not letting him stay unbound by the rope.
“What in the gods name are you doin’ you dumb bitch!” He yelled. Flux ignored him tied a long length of rope to his already bound body. She then dragged him to front of the ship and tossed him over. Letting him hang just above the water upside down. By now he was screaming profanities that Flux had never even heard before. “Either you do your damned best to get me the Itheria or I toss you in and let the ship run over you!” He wasn’t listing to her so she swung the rope out and let him fall into the water. His head surfaced and his eyes widened as the ship came towards him with alarming speed. Just as the ship was about to collide with him Flux pulled the rope to the side, sending him bouncing along the side of the ship. She pulled him up and let him hang upside down over the rail. His arm was broken now and the bone had penetrated his out of his elbow. “Now are you going to cooperate or do you want to take another dive? The salt will make that wound in your arm clean you know so maybe it would be a good idea if you took another little dip,” She then let the rope slide through her hand a little dropping him a few feet. “Or maybe you would like to help me and forgo the cleaning?”She yelled down. “DAMN YOU!” was all he said.
“Maybe I ought just let you hang until your head pops off from all the blood, sounds fun huh?” She said, jerking the rope slightly. By now his nose was bleeding along with his mouth, eyes, and ears.
“OKAY! I’LL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT ME TO DO!” He yelled in panic. Much better flux thought and began to pull the captain up. She pulled him over the rail and dumped him onto the deck. She forced him into a sitting position letting all the blood run out of his head extremely fast which caused him to curse at her more. The storm had begun to fade though still had an obvious presence. “See the storm is going now do what you can to get me to Itheria, then your free to do as you will, in fact you will never see me again after that. He crawled to the wheel and made some adjustments and then told Flux to pull on some ropes until the sails where open.
There was still the chance that the captain would just sail around aimlessly pretending to go to Itheria but Flux decided that his fear would rule out any attempt of something like that. A few more cloud bursts hit but nothing to severe, the captain was giving orders and complaining under his breath but other then that things were fine.
“Land to the north!” The captain shouted sounding like he was having a hard time believing they actually made it. Flux looked out and saw the Itherian flags on the impressive war ships that were docked . The captain steered the old ship into towards a docking zone yelled down to request a crew to tie down the ship and unload what he had undoubtedly smuggled across the sea. The Man at on the dock named the price for the service and the captain looked angrily at Flux expecting her to pay. She went ahead and tossed down the needed coins knowing she would get her money from the captain soon enough. She helped unload so she could keep an eye on where the captain was going. From what she overhead he was staying on his ship for the night then going into the city to get some “supplies” and heading back out to sea after he hired a crew. Se would sneak back onto the ship later tonight and finish the job the assassins guild had given her.
As she finished unloading what the captain had on the ship she headed into town looking for a likely place to find information. She had to start with what she knew. She knew a lot about Damion for he was her old partner in training and the real thing. During there time together they shared many things, secrets, techniques, and more. Flux didn’t really want to kill Damion but he had forsaken the assassins guild an elite training facility for assassins and with it he also forsake her for he life was devoted to the guild. She had strict orders to eliminate trainee #084 Damion. she was the top assassin and always was but Damion was close behind her and now that he had left she had no idea what he could have learned. Such a waste... she thought. She didn’t know the city but what she knew about all cities was that the best place to get information is in some gods forsaken tavern or something of the like. The best place for taverns was near the docks where all the sailors would come to drink and gamble, this dock was no different.
Now Flux just had to decide which one to choose. She knew that no matter which one she chose she was bound to have trouble with so many drunken men around. She walked to the one of the gates in the wall showed her pass to the guard who raised a hand signaling that the gate be opened. She stepped through the well kept gates and was surprised at how badly this part of the city was kept. There was a mixture of bad smells, unwashed bodies, beggars, animals, and an all over dirtiness to the place.
She was looking for the cleanest bar she could find and hoping there wouldn’t be many men in it. She looked up and saw a sigh that read Valkyries pub. It looked fairly well kept but the best thing was that there were two women in armor serving as guards and from what she could see it was only for women. Flux wasn’t afraid of men it would just be a lot easier to get information from women then men who only wanted one thing. She walked up the guards and asked if there was a room available. “Proceed past the bar area and into he door on the left, register there, though it is expensive.” One of them said and stepped aside. Flux fallowed the guards advice and went through the large circular room and tot he heavy bronze lined door on the left. The room beyond was large and painted a bright gold color, a spiraling stairway was at its center leading up to another level.
Flux looked around shocked by the dramatic change from the previous room and the general area. “Looking for a room? You will have to show me your pass and have enough to pay. I will also need to know what it is you are here for.” A woman who looked like she had led a life of war before this said. Flux showed her pass and her money but was a little reluctant to share her business.
“I... I’m on a contract to find someone, I was hoping I could get some information about that person here.” Flux said reluctantly.
“Maybe I can help. Who is it your looking for?” The woman said eyeing Flux suspiciously. “His name is Damion he was said to have been seen here. He is probably doing some mercenary work.”Flux said trying to reveal as little as she could about the true nature of her business here on Itheria. “What do you want to find this man for?” She asked.
“He is an old friend of mine, we used to work together, one of our old employers would like to hire the both of us again but he has been hard to find.” Flux explained. “Well that sounds reasonable enough and I have no reason not to believe you. Your room is number 03. Just remember if you have any problems take them elsewhere it’s hard enough to keep a respectable place in this part of the city I don’t need blood shed. If you need a guide to show you the city until you know where things are it will cost you extra, or you can just get a map for cheaper.” The woman said eyeing Flux’s money. “I will take a map, the best one you have please ill be willing to pay extra.” She said knowing she was going to have plenty of money later. “Sounds like we have a deal then” The attendant said as she handed Flux a map.
The day had gone and night had fallen like a silver blanket over the sky. Flux had heard many different stories some she knew to be false and others only semi true. One storey in particular got her attention. Something about a man who dealt in murder and stealing regularly had been killed. That wasn’t surprising in its self it was the way he was killed that grabbed Flux’s attention. Someone had apparently snuck passed many guards, killed the leader and escaped. It sounded as if the killer had some training in assassination. The kill wasn’t quiet enough for an assassin though. Then again Damion had never been to quiet in his kills. It could very likely have been Damion’s doing but then what if it wasn’t.
Flux had some time to think over what she had heard on her way to the docks. She couldn’t leave the gates and come back in before first obtaining a new pass which she didn’t have the time to do. She would just have to sneak over and back. There were guards on watch but not to many because there weren’t any shipments due for a while. Flux taken an extra key while she was unloading the captains ship. Now she quietly went into he empty storage yard which was a square open area that was fenced in on two sides. The other sides were made up of the wall that separated the docks from the main city. There was plenty of cover among the storage boxes and Flux had no problem melting through the shadows. She went to where the walls met at an angle and vaulted back and forth until she reached the top. She pulled herself slowly up and over now hanging from the top over the other side. A guard was below her but had ne idea she was above him. She took out some wire that was near invisible in that dark and lowered it until it hung just under the guards chin. She pulled up and switched the ends from hand to hand making a loop around the guards throat. She pulled him up slight cutting of his attempt to scream. She then jumped outwards keeping the wire tight, when she reached the ground she whipped the wire in two directions her arms now spread. This flipped the now unconscious guard onto his back once again she put the wire around his throat and dragged him to the docks edge. She silently dipped his body into the water and tied him tot he under side of the dock. She spotted the ship that she had came here on and crept aboard.
Flux found the captain sleeping with a jug of some kind of sailor poison next to him. He was likely so drunk that he would not wake until the ship started to move in the morning. A healer had taken care of his wounds and his arm had been set. She dragged hiss now tied body to the ship that was closest to his. She then tied him to the front of the boat his head under the water. If or when he woke he would not be able to move or scream, for now she tied a tube to the dock so he could breathe but when the ship left the next morning his air tube would stay at the dock. Now flux went back to her room and slept thinking of places to go for more information in the morning.

[Borael]

Here is chapter three, I hope I dont post to much so that people don't read it... Hoping for some feedback soon!

Chapter III: A Demon Awakens

“Get the hell out my tavern you piece’s of filth! And take yer damn fights with ya!” The Veteran now tavern owner yelled, his veins in his bald head bulging with anger. He slammed the door, leaving Draeos and the two other men he had picked a fight with standing in the rain. The tavern owner had taken whatever money thay had to pay for the “Damages” they had caused.
“And that, my friends was a mistake on that stupid son of a whores part. That old basterd doesn’t know who he is dealing with.” Draeos said in a cold tone.
“What do you plan to do about it? Walk in there and kill him? The guard will be all over you the second word gets out.” the shorter of the two accompanying Draeos out of the tavern.
“Just watch imbecile, I have better ways of getting my revenge.” Draeos said with a twisted smile on his face. He walked around to the back of the tavern which was up near on old wall. He raised his arm towards the wall of the tavern, then began whispering under his breath. The words hadn’t been heard by humans for over 1,000 years yet some how they echoed in Draeos’s head as if it was the language he had always spoken. The whispering grew louder, and as it did Draeos began tracing symbols of black fire in the air. The two men who were with him felt fear as they never had before, there bones grew cold and they felt empty. All they could do was watch as the stranger called on some great evil.
Draeos finished and the wall of the tavern burst into flame. As he inferno quickly spread over the small tavern the two men came back to there senses and ran, one of them looked back at Draeos. Maybe it was just the fire but it seemed as if his brown eyes were glowing a furious blood red, his wheat colored spiked hair seemed black, but worst of all was the twisted smile he had on his face. The man stopped looking then and ran, ran as hard as he could knowing that what he saw was some kind of demon or devil, something not of this world.
Draeos took some kind of pleasure from watching the bodies run, screaming from the tavern as they tried desperately to put out the fire that had enveloped them. Draeos knew that they could not put out the fire for it was a demons fire. It did not burn to the touch but it burned ones soul damning it to feed the soul of the demon that resided within Draeos.
He was laughing now, a bone chilling laugh, not Draeos’s normal laugh but the demons. He walked back around and entered the tavern, looking for the man who had thrown him out earlier. He found him running around gathering his belongings before he fled the burning tavern. The demon that had taken Draeos’s body for now made sure that the fire did not reach the tavern owner for he needed Draeos to kill him. The more evil Draeos did the more power the demon gained.
The tavern owner looked back and saw him and as he did his eyes widened in a cold terror. On Draeos’s left hand were five long metal claws that he wore on a glove. It was his custom weapon from his past life as an assassin. The demon had released its grip on Draeos on was now urging him to kill the fool who had thrown him out. It was Draeos’s evil that had attracted the demon in the first place, he had knowingly called on it to burn the tavern and was glad for the chance to kill the fool of an owner himself.
By now the owner had jumped over the bar and was trying to hide behind it his sword at the ready. Draeos jumped onto the bar and saw the man crouching in terror. Seing that he had now where to run the owner lunged with his sword. Draeos brought his double bladed sword that he had in his right hand out to catch and hold the blow aimed for his chest. He pushed the owners sword from his hand and thrust his own sword into the shoulder of the owner, pinning him to the floor. He savored the mans screaming and picked up the sword that once belonged tot he tavern owner and thrust it into his other arm.
By now Draeos was driven into a blood thirsty rage by the demons encouragement echoing within his head. Normally he would have just finished the man but now there was no stopping the demon. The man was crying now, pleading with Draeos. Part of him wanted to stop but a bigger part of him called for blood. Draeos reached towards his face with his clawed weapon named Talon Grip. He opened his hand wide and grabbed the mans face. He slowly began to squeeze laughing even as the man screamed and writhed under him. As the talons began to cut into muscle Draeos gave a violent twist shredding the mans skin from his muscle. The sound of the mans screams were racked with so much pain that it made Draeos flinch and he was about the end the mans pain when the demons voiced entered once more stopping him.
Draeos walked away from the agonized screams of torment and left the tavern. As he walked out of the door the flames that didn’t burn to the touch changed from a deep red tot he orange of a normal fire and began to burn the tavern to the ground. Draeos ran to the back of the tavern where he had started the fire and jumped the wall. On the other side was an alley where he wouldn’t be found.
The demon released Draeos completely for now and he was free to do what he wanted again. He knew that the two men that had been thrown out with him had seen him when the demon had taken his body. Every time the demon took him it changed his features more and more into the image of the demon. Originally this is what Draeos wanted but more and more he was losing control of the power. He had always been known for his coldness when it came to killing but the last one shook even him, and there was nothing he could do. The two men that were with him would tell the guard of Itheria about the demon and he was sure to have a bounty on his head before long if not already.
“I saw your work back there, impressive.” Said a man who looked like he belonged to the sea. His arm was broken and he had many cuts and bruises. Draeos looked at him and brut his sword to the ready. The newcomer raised his hands “I have no intention of fighting with you. I am just a captain of an old smuggling ship who has an interest of a little hired revenge. A woman, an assassin actually, tired to kill me but didn’t think I would be able escape from those damn ropes. She is dangerous and I don’t want to hire anyone who isn’t capable of killing her. You seem overly qualified to kill her.”
Draeos had no money and new he had to take this job. He felt the demon stir inside him , knowing that it wanted hi to kill again. “How much am I getting for this? You don’t look like you have to much to give.” he said as he stood up.
“I have a ship that I won’t be needin any more. She isn’t the best out there but she is reliable, she also has more hiding places then you’d think possible on a ship. No crew though, unfortunately. I will also be sellin what I smuggled over soon so you can take half of what I get from that which should be a lot because it is higher quality then I usually get.” The captain explained hoping it would be enough for the assassin.
Draeos considered it for a second then replied, “Well, im in need of money at the moment so I will take the job, you will have her head by the end of the week.
“Good, I was hoping you would say that. All the information is in here, and don’t under estimate her she is dangerous.”
The captain said and handed Draeos a package. Draeos fallowed the captain to his ship. The captain was right about one thing: there were a lot of hiding places on the ship. Draeos could hide from the guard on the ship while he was here an either sell the ship upon his leave or hire a crew to sail this one.
He looked over the contents of the package and realized that he might have to just kill the captain because killing Flux was not something he wanted to do, if he even could. He couldn’t believe the captain was still breathing if Flux had been assigned to kill him. Draeos could feel the demon’s soul stir as if he wanted the challenge of trying to kill Flux. He heard the sound of horse hoofs on wood outside of the ship and quickly got to a hiding spot. The captain went out to talk to the guard after making sure Draeos was properly hidden. When the guard passed The captain made a “dinner” and told Draeos everything he knew about Flux.

[Borael]

This is as far as I have gotten I will be writing more tonight though!

Chapter IV: The Lady Hailia




Of course this would happen, it always does. It can never just be easy and simple. I thought to my self as the last of Zaden’s men fell to the ground staining the mud a dark red color. They had caught up to me when I was resting for the night about halfway through the Tarth Forest. They must have had excellent trackers with them if they could fallow an assassin. With my luck a rain storm had formed over the forest. I knew footing was going to be bad for my self and my horse.
I let out a sigh and pulled on my white assassins cloak making sure that my two katana’s would be free to wield at any moment. It was still night and would be for about another two hours. My eyes had always been red at night something the priests of Arka seemed almost scared of. During the day they were blue with white pupils. My red eyes scanned the darkness, looking for any more of the men who might still be waiting. Seeing none, I preceded to pack my things onto my liberated horse.
The rain fell even harder around me as I road through the heavily treed forest. My horse lost is footing a few times one of which almost sent me falling headfirst off of it. This of course made my mood no better. The horse wasn’t a very good riding horse but it was better then walking in the muck that was by now ankle high in the low spots.
The sun was up by now and the rain had receded to a slow drizzle as I rode up to a large basin where I had made camp on my way to Zaden’s estate. There were foot prints of a person and a horse. Ordinarily this would not be a problem except I hadn’t taken a horse when I came the first time. The prints circled around the camp and then disappeared. Whoever it was, was not trying to be noticed. I wasn’t sure who might be following me or why. I decided to figure on them being an adversary while trying not to be to paranoid about it. I let it go for then, being more pre occupied with how I was going to navigate through the rest of the woods. I thought about continuing with the horse to save time and make it easier on my self. I also thought about going afoot because the guards that were chasing me were likely taking the road, which I couldn’t take, to get to the city gates before me. They would be looking for there missing horse rather then me because most of them didn’t really know what I looked like. After some debate I decided to go on foot and led the horse around my old camp and then sent him in a direction that would lead him to the road where he would hopefully be picked up by someone who could use a horse.
The footing started to get better as I made my way to the rockier part of the forest. The trees of the Tarth Forest began to thin as I neared the fortified walls of Itheria. The city had cleared much of the Tarth as it got bigger and more prestigious. Itheria had started as a huge temple, built for the Goddess Ithera. As more and more people came to pray and live in the temple more supplies were needed. People began clearing the trees and putting up small houses to live in, all the while building up riches from the trade that increased. It did not take long for others to realize the potential this temple town had. A group of religious knights settled in the town for a time seeking the guidance of Ithera. At the same time a group of pillagers decided to raid the town. After only killing a few priests and some townsmen the pillagers were slain by the knights who then decided that a better defense needed to be erected around the town. These knights became the first of the Holy Order of Itherian Knights. The walls that they erected are now the first inner city walls. With the walls in place more merchants came, buying and selling from the town which was starting to become a city. The city had become one of the greatest cities known to the world since then. I broke past the last few straggling trees and onto a large cleared area about a half mile away from the road. I looked out upon the city walls and saw the huge flags flying on every turret. From this spot the city almost looked peaceful, but that was just because I was off of the road and didn’t see many people.
As nice as it was to be able to sit and think I knew I had to head towards the bridge that led to one of the main gates of the city. As I reached the road I noticed something and wished I hadn’t sent the horse off earlier. A small group of Zaden’s men were questioning a young man and his wife about where they had found a white and brown horse. It was the same horse that I had stolen earlier to make my escape. I tried to walk by naturally and pretended not to notice, slipping further into my hood.
“Hey you, show your face!” I heard one of the guards say in a gruff voice. Seeing as how he hadn’t actually said anything to indicate that he meant me I continued walking. The previously said guard rode up in front of me, turning his mount and stopping in my path. “I was talking to you. It isn’t polite to ignore a fellow traveler friend.” He said.
The mercenary was a tall man easily six foot, He had close shaven beard and had what looked like a knot of metal in his left ear. He shifted in his saddle, his polished sliver armor gleaming in the morning light. “Sorry sir, I didn’t realize you were talking to me. Is there trouble here or something?” I said trying to sound like an innocent traveler as I took off my hood. The mercenary eyes flicked up to his companions as he saw me. With a flick of his fingers he signaled them over.
“Have you been out towards Lord Zaden’s estate recently traveler?” The leader said in the same gruff voice, once again flicking his fingers signaling his men to surround me.
“Well I did go by about two days ago; you see I am a man who travels the world. I enjoy camping out under starry skies. I was on my way to Itheria when I passed by Lord Zaden’s estate. Seeing what a good night it would likely be I decided to camp out for a little while. Now I am headed into Itheria to see the sights as we traveling folk say.” I was getting annoyed with the mercenary but still continued to look innocent.
“Your story is nice traveler but I think you are coming with us to the Lord Zaden’s estate, give you a chance to see that sight one more time right?” The mercenary said his eyes growing hard.
“I appreciate your offer sir but I really must be on my way, lots to do you see.” I said knowing that all I was doing was prolonging an act that had already been discovered. The mercenary started to reply but was stopped short as a beautiful woman in a carriage and her entourage rolled up the road. The road was easily wide enough for all of them or even twice as many but the woman was obviously noble and wanted the center of the road, she said as much.
“Well, this looks like a happy little gathering but it just happens to be in the Lady Hailia’s way. I would appreciate it if you could all move over so I could pass; I am on urgent business with a Lady Kathryn’s family. She has just died you see, and I have been asked to the funeral, I really would like to get of the road for I am tired and dusty.” The Lady Hailia said, obviously used to talking and complaining. She was partially right; she was a little dusty even though it looked as if the almost translucent mesh screen staved off most of the dust. I didn’t really mind moving in fact I was happy to do so, and not just because the lady Hailia was beautiful and eying me, but because it gave me a chance to escape. The lead mercenary let out a loud sigh not bothering to hide is annoyance but non-the less signaled his men to step aside. The lady had 15 men with her and as they moved by I slipped quietly in with them as the mercenary’s men were staring and trying to catch the soft sent of the lady. It did not take long for the mercs to notice though and one of them came looking for me, fallowing behind the guard. One of the guardsmen noticed the dirtily dressed man and shoved him back. I was noticed to however but as a guard began to tell me to move I flipped him four gold coins from Zaden’s pouch to let me stay. The man eyed his lady in askance who then just giggled; no doubt thinking I was here for her, which wouldn’t have been entirely untrue. The man took that as a sign to let me stay which I was greatly relived to find out.
“Hey! That man in the cloak is ours.” The gravelly voice of the mercenary leader called out. Hailia glanced at me and then waved a hand. A guard stepped out of the ring; this one dressed in a lightly plated purple tunic, and rode towards the merc. I couldn’t pick out what he was saying but whatever it was only took a few words and turned the merc red with anger. The mercenary group stayed where they were however and I knew I had made it safely away. I looked back toward Hailia and noticed her once again watching me. Not staring or admiring, she was to high class for that, but just watching. The trip went on like that for another few minutes, nobody saying anything. The guard must have had a god enough Idea of why I was trying to escape the mercenaries.
“Do you have a place that you are staying sir…,” Hailia said realizing she did not know my name.
“Pleas excuse me for not introducing my self, I am Damion. I am actually on business for the Lady Kathryn’s family and they have offered me a room on there estate.” I said figuring that I could trust this Hailia well enough to let her in on a few details. I was trying not to let my eyes drift over her well shaped legs that she wasn’t really trying to keep hidden within the seemingly endless folds of silk.
“Hmm, business you say? Well I won’t press you about that right now. I will take you to the Lady Kathryn’s house and maybe we can talk more. As for now I would like some company in my carriage, would you be kind enough to join me sir Damion?” I really only heard the last she said in her soft yet strangely powerful voice. There was really no way to say no, but hell why would I have wanted to?
“I would be honored my Lady, and grateful to be able to rest some. I said as the lead guard, dressed in the uniform purple tunic and black plated armor moved to pull aside the veil. As he did he turned toward me and winked. I couldn’t tell if it was friendly or not. He seemed nice enough and the fact that we were both of the sword helped. If he trusted me or not, he still took my weapons before letting me into the carriage. I climbed up into the carriage and wasn’t sure how close I should get. The problem was solved however when she patted a spot right next to her. I was still dusty and in need of a bath after my work at Zaden’s but the Lady didn’t seem to mind, so I just sank into the remarkably comfortable silks and cushions. Not wanting to offend a Lady who had a lot of guards, I wasn’t sure where to look; I ended up just looking up at the sky.
”So, Damion, What is it you do exactly? You look like you might be a valuable asset to hire, and I think I like your company.” She said smiling and running her hand through her raven black hair. Now I had an excuse to look at her so I did. She was wearing a thin pure white robe that was tied loosely at the waist with a purple sash. She didn’t have too much else on which was fine with me. Her skin was a dark cream that was so contrast to her crystal blue eyes. Those eyes grabbed me more than anything. They were very watchful eyes.
“Well I guess most would call me a sword for hire. I was hired by the Lady’s family to find and kill Zaden, the man that killed Kathryn. I am returning from that right now actually. That is why those mercenaries were after me. Zaden was just another rich fool who pissed off the wrong people.” I said as I propped my head on hand, looking into her seemingly endlessly deep eyes, which were now, I realized, drifting over me the same way mine had over her. “How long will you be in Itheria, my Lady?” I asked now letting my self think of the possibilities.
She raised an eyebrow in thought before she said, “About a week, there is more here then just a funeral. The Lady was the last person left to the estate, so now someone else has to come and claim it. I am a cousin of the Lady and I shouldn’t have much trouble taking the estate.” She said trusting me with her reasons because I had trusted her with mine. Women, always having hidden reasons I thought to my self. I was starting to think about hiring on with this Hailia, at least for a little while. Hailia moved a little closer, letting her knee rest on mine. Well that decided it; I was going to be under the Ladies employ. Just as she was getting close enough that I could feel her breath caressing my neck the carriage was slowing to a stop and the leader, whose name I found out was Orn, knocked on the side, signaling that we had reached the main gate. I glanced up at the man and returned a knowing grin as he saw his lady. Orn was a good man as far as I could tell. He stood at about my height which was around 6’0”, his head was shaven and mostly devoid of hair aside from the thin beard he wore along his jaw line. He had three feet of steel strapped to his back and a curved dagger on his belt. Hailia gave him a nod and he went back to his duties.
“Maybe we will continue our conversation later Damion. As for know it wouldn’t do me good to be seen in the city with a sword for hire in my personal carriage.” Hailia said, putting a finger to my lips in a silent promise that more was to come if I stayed around. I rolled over and slipped out of the carriage and found captain Orn at the head of the column.
“How was your time with the Lady?” He asked as I walked up beside him. I studied him wondering if he was mad or just joking.
I decided to go with a safe answer and said “I learned a lot about the Lady” hoping that Orn would just drop the subject. He did, in fact he stopped talking all together. I decided that if I got the chance I might try and buy Orn a drink and see what he was thinking, unless I was too occupied of course. This was the good side of the city, not full of all the taverns and thieves. The roads were well kept and well built even with all of the people hurrying around to sell or by whatever they could need. Various brightly dressed shop owners called out prices to the people entering from the gate hoping to catch them before someone else did. I almost tripped as a small boy went running by, who was then fallowed by another, obviously playing some kind of game. I wasn’t much for kids but I didn’t let it bother me right then. The shop venders stated to thin as the gate fell away behind us being replaced with inns and high class taverns. Above all though, I noticed the huge green and white tower that seemed to dominate the city. This was the Itherian Tower, home of the Holy Order of Itherian Knights. The tower was built onto the original temple which was also magnificent in a subtler kind of way. He Tower was built like a fortress really, with a thick wall encircling it. Men in shining green and gold were on the tower watching the city to make sure all was well. The towers base was a huge stone circle raising about four stories. On the base was another circular structure that stretched up to a point that was almost too high for a person to see the knights watching with there telescopes. Between the wall and the tower were a training barracks, stable yard, taverns, shops, and many black smiths. The tower was coated in a thick green and gold marble that was always polished to a shine. My destination lay on the other side of the tower but still close enough to it to be in what most considered the nice side of the city. I generally preferred the lower class side; I was starting to grow tired of being in the presence of the rich who always put on an act of false kindness. The lower class people were less, confusing, never really hiding what they really meant.
I was born in the lower class, my father worked on a smuggling ship and my mother ran a tavern. I grew up mostly in the employ of my fathers’ boss. The captain was a middle aged man, though with all he had been through he looked older then he was. He was missing his left eye which he said had been take out by an Itherian Knight. My father and I were on a smuggling run with the captain and the rest of his crew, when a Talosian ship found us. The Talosians come from the island of Talash, the war and fire God of Arka. The island is mostly desert but had a huge lake in the middle of it. The area around the lake had become a huge city that held almost as many people as Itheria. The Talosian ship was armed with cannon and a fighting crew, unlike ours. Although we gave a goof fight, the ship was boarded and taken. My father had died by a Talosian sword that day. I was taken captive and forced to work on the ship. When I arrived in the port of Boralia, a large tear shaped island named after the Goddess Borael I befriended a man named Draeos who helped me escape the Talosians. We were both in the same spot, stuck and out of money, so we enlisted for training to become assassins. We did not take it two seriously at first it was more a way to get a roof over our heads. Draeos had always been a man without compassion and he left before me to become a sword for hire.
“Hey, quit day dreaming we are at the Lady Kathryn’s estate.” I heard Orn say. I had been thinking about growing up and lost track of where I was, which was hard to believe because as an assassin I rarely forgot about my surroundings. I cursed quietly under my breath feeling stupid that I let my mind wander so easily.
The deceased Lady’s estate consisted of a huge house, a barn, and a vast portion of farm and woodland. From what I had seen earlier Hailia had a lot more money and probably property then Kathryn had but both really had more then I would want but Hailia apparently wasn’t sated and wanted to add this estate to her fortune as well. All in all it really didn’t concern me so I didn’t worry about it. I generally try to keep out of other peoples problems, unless of course I get paid to interfere. As we crossed the yard to the house a group of people came out to greet the Lady Hailia, some of which included my employers. They took notice of me and looked as if they were more interested in finding out how the hunt had gone rather then greeting what they knew would be their new Lady. I reached into my cloak and showed my employers the coin pouch that had Zadens’ seal on it. They looked relived and decided that they would talk to me more later and instead began greeting Hailia.
“Thank you all for coming to greet me, I am deeply pained by my cousins death, Roderick, would you mind leading me up to my chambers so we can talk for a little bit, I would like to share my grief with you in private.” The Lady said, once again giving off her false pleasantries. From what I had learned Hailia really didn’t care about her cousins’ death and was actually glad it had happened. The Lady was known to be a person who took what she need and didn’t really care too much about what happened before she got it. I figured I should fallow the example of nobility so I decided that I would get from her what I needed and not really care what she thought afterwards. I didn’t really need a job for money but I don’t like to stay long in one place and figured I could hire on with Hailia for a job or two.
As Hailia was taken inside Richard, an old man who had done most of the negotiating, slipped out and was walking towards me. “You made quite the scene over at that bastards place. From hearing the talk it sounds like I hired the right man to avenge the death of my Lady.” He said in his light old voice. The man was very old and looked as if he had been the house keeper for a very long time. He walked with a limp, probably from a battle he had fought a long time ago.
I nodded and replied “Zaden was just another coward; I made him beg for his life like I am sure he has done too many others. His mercenaries are looking for me but I’m sure they will give up soon, no reason for them to work anymore. Uh, about my payment? Have you and the rest decided how to pay me?” I knew the old man was waiting for the question, the truth was that I had plenty of money from Zaden, but I still did a job and if word got out that I didn’t take pay…Well it would have ruined my reputation.
“Yes we have,” he said as he tossed a pouch full of money at me, “this and you will always be welcome in this house. I will be sure to make the Lady Hailia understand this if she does become the new Lady.” Richard finished, giving me a look that hinted as to the fact that the messenger Orn had sent ahead had told him about my ride to the estate.

[Anakin]

cool, I like the way it is written, most stories are told in past tence, while this is the character moving around explaining what he does, sees. It's similar written to a story I wrote called "Vader's Diary." although still a little different.

If you don't mind I'll post a little bit of it and you'll see what I mean:

It’s….It’s only a memory. I don’t even know if it’s real! She haunts my dreams. Although I am filled with darkness, she is the pure light in me. I don’t know if this makes me worthy to my master. I must exist out of pure darkness. There can’t be a sparkle of light in me to obey his wishes. But then again…How can darkness exist without light. If you look upon darkness like a species that dies. Then a new better, improved species will rise which represents the light. I know my hate is pure. I especially hate myself. But maybe my love is also pure and my master would never approve that. I still feel love… love for her. How can a machine love? Give love, feel love? I am…a machine…made out of darkness, hate and anger.
The light has to disappear. My mind must be strong to destroy it. The dark side will guide me to extinguish the light.

[Borael]

Thanks, I switch between charactors in each chapter, only Damion is writin in first person. I did it like this because I couldent decide how I wanted to write it so i did both. It was a good idea to write in first person in your story becuase you can show someones struggle between good and evil better.

[Borael]

I have Chapter four finished, I just have to get it from my laptop so I will probably post the rest of it in a little while.

[Berserk]

I was going to write a story about an assassin as well, until I saw this. I might have to do something different now. I have tons of ideas in my head, and I need to get them down on paper. Good job on your story by the way. One suggestion however, is to avoid using the first person to describe actions, but rather only use it for thoughts and dialogue.

[HumanInfiltrator]

I really like this. I would keep chapter one, you have a good eye for action scenes. Maybe a bit more discription of the characters like you did for Draeos. And be careful of spell checker it sometimes changes the word and therefore the meaning.

[Borael]

Hey, thanks for the feedback guys! It's been a while since I've had good feedback. I posted some fo my story on another site and it got murdered lol. I've had the fourth chapter finished for a while so I'll post it here fianlly! (This chapter is a lot longer then previous ones))

Chapter IV: The Lady Hailia




Of course this would happen, it always does. It can never just be easy and simple. I thought to my self as the last of Zaden’s men fell to the ground staining the mud a dark red color. They had caught up to me when I was resting for the night about halfway through the Tarth Forest. They must have had excellent trackers with them if they could fallow an assassin. With my luck a rain storm had formed over the forest. I knew footing was going to be bad for my self and my horse.
I let out a sigh and pulled on my white assassins cloak making sure that my two katana’s would be free to wield at any moment. It was still night and would be for about another two hours. My eyes had always been red at night something the priests of Arka seemed almost scared of. During the day they were blue with white pupils. My red eyes scanned the darkness, looking for any more of the men who might still be waiting. Seeing none, I preceded to pack my things onto my liberated horse.
The rain fell even harder around me as I road through the heavily treed forest. My horse lost is footing a few times one of which almost sent me falling headfirst off of it. This of course made my mood no better. The horse wasn’t a very good riding horse but it was better then walking in the muck that was by now ankle high in the low spots.
The sun was up by now and the rain had receded to a slow drizzle as I rode up to a large basin where I had made camp on my way to Zaden’s estate. There were foot prints of a person and a horse. Ordinarily this would not be a problem except I hadn’t taken a horse when I came the first time. The prints circled around the camp and then disappeared. Whoever it was, was not trying to be noticed. I wasn’t sure who might be following me or why. I decided to figure on them being an adversary while trying not to be to paranoid about it. I let it go for then, being more pre occupied with how I was going to navigate through the rest of the woods. I thought about continuing with the horse to save time and make it easier on my self. I also thought about going afoot because the guards that were chasing me were likely taking the road, which I couldn’t take, to get to the city gates before me. They would be looking for there missing horse rather then me because most of them didn’t really know what I looked like. After some debate I decided to go on foot and led the horse around my old camp and then sent him in a direction that would lead him to the road where he would hopefully be picked up by someone who could use a horse.
The footing started to get better as I made my way to the rockier part of the forest. The trees of the Tarth Forest began to thin as I neared the fortified walls of Itheria. The city had cleared much of the Tarth as it got bigger and more prestigious. Itheria had started as a huge temple, built for the Goddess Ithera. As more and more people came to pray and live in the temple more supplies were needed. People began clearing the trees and putting up small houses to live in, all the while building up riches from the trade that increased. It did not take long for others to realize the potential this temple town had. A group of religious knights settled in the town for a time seeking the guidance of Ithera. At the same time a group of pillagers decided to raid the town. After only killing a few priests and some townsmen the pillagers were slain by the knights who then decided that a better defense needed to be erected around the town. These knights became the first of the Holy Order of Itherian Knights. The walls that they erected are now the first inner city walls. With the walls in place more merchants came, buying and selling from the town which was starting to become a city. The city had become one of the greatest cities known to the world since then. I broke past the last few straggling trees and onto a large cleared area about a half mile away from the road. I looked out upon the city walls and saw the huge flags flying on every turret. From this spot the city almost looked peaceful, but that was just because I was off of the road and didn’t see many people.
As nice as it was to be able to sit and think I knew I had to head towards the bridge that led to one of the main gates of the city. As I reached the road I noticed something and wished I hadn’t sent the horse off earlier. A small group of Zaden’s men were questioning a young man and his wife about where they had found a white and brown horse. It was the same horse that I had stolen earlier to make my escape. I tried to walk by naturally and pretended not to notice, slipping further into my hood.
“Hey you, show your face!” I heard one of the guards say in a gruff voice. Seeing as how he hadn’t actually said anything to indicate that he meant me I continued walking. The previously said guard rode up in front of me, turning his mount and stopping in my path. “I was talking to you. It isn’t polite to ignore a fellow traveler friend.” He said.
The mercenary was a tall man easily six foot, He had close shaven beard and had what looked like a knot of metal in his left ear. He shifted in his saddle, his polished sliver armor gleaming in the morning light. “Sorry sir, I didn’t realize you were talking to me. Is there trouble here or something?” I said trying to sound like an innocent traveler as I took off my hood. The mercenary eyes flicked up to his companions as he saw me. With a flick of his fingers he signaled them over.
“Have you been out towards Lord Zaden’s estate recently traveler?” The leader said in the same gruff voice, once again flicking his fingers signaling his men to surround me.
“Well I did go by about two days ago; you see I am a man who travels the world. I enjoy camping out under starry skies. I was on my way to Itheria when I passed by Lord Zaden’s estate. Seeing what a good night it would likely be I decided to camp out for a little while. Now I am headed into Itheria to see the sights as we traveling folk say.” I was getting annoyed with the mercenary but still continued to look innocent.
“Your story is nice traveler but I think you are coming with us to the Lord Zaden’s estate, give you a chance to see that sight one more time right?” The mercenary said his eyes growing hard.
“I appreciate your offer sir but I really must be on my way, lots to do you see.” I said knowing that all I was doing was prolonging an act that had already been discovered. The mercenary started to reply but was stopped short as a beautiful woman in a carriage and her entourage rolled up the road. The road was easily wide enough for all of them or even twice as many but the woman was obviously noble and wanted the center of the road, she said as much.
“Well, this looks like a happy little gathering but it just happens to be in the Lady Hailia’s way. I would appreciate it if you could all move over so I could pass; I am on urgent business with a Lady Kathryn’s family. She has just died you see, and I have been asked to the funeral, I really would like to get of the road for I am tired and dusty.” The Lady Hailia said, obviously used to talking and complaining. She was partially right; she was a little dusty even though it looked as if the almost translucent mesh screen staved off most of the dust. I didn’t really mind moving in fact I was happy to do so, and not just because the lady Hailia was beautiful and eying me, but because it gave me a chance to escape. The lead mercenary let out a loud sigh not bothering to hide is annoyance but non-the less signaled his men to step aside. The lady had 15 men with her and as they moved by I slipped quietly in with them as the mercenary’s men were staring and trying to catch the soft sent of the lady. It did not take long for the mercs to notice though and one of them came looking for me, fallowing behind the guard. One of the guardsmen noticed the dirtily dressed man and shoved him back. I was noticed to however but as a guard began to tell me to move I flipped him four gold coins from Zaden’s pouch to let me stay. The man eyed his lady in askance who then just giggled; no doubt thinking I was here for her, which wouldn’t have been entirely untrue. The man took that as a sign to let me stay which I was greatly relived to find out.
“Hey! That man in the cloak is ours.” The gravelly voice of the mercenary leader called out. Hailia glanced at me and then waved a hand. A guard stepped out of the ring; this one dressed in a lightly plated purple tunic, and rode towards the merc. I couldn’t pick out what he was saying but whatever it was only took a few words and turned the merc red with anger. The mercenary group stayed where they were however and I knew I had made it safely away. I looked back toward Hailia and noticed her once again watching me. Not staring or admiring, she was to high class for that, but just watching. The trip went on like that for another few minutes, nobody saying anything. The guard must have had a god enough Idea of why I was trying to escape the mercenaries.
“Do you have a place that you are staying sir…,” Hailia said realizing she did not know my name.
“Pleas excuse me for not introducing my self, I am Damion. I am actually on business for the Lady Kathryn’s family and they have offered me a room on there estate.” I said figuring that I could trust this Hailia well enough to let her in on a few details. I was trying not to let my eyes drift over her well shaped legs that she wasn’t really trying to keep hidden within the seemingly endless folds of silk.
“Hmm, business you say? Well I won’t press you about that right now. I will take you to the Lady Kathryn’s house and maybe we can talk more. As for now I would like some company in my carriage, would you be kind enough to join me Sir Damion?” I really only heard the last she said in her soft yet strangely powerful voice. There was really no way to say no, but hell why would I have wanted to?
“I would be honored my Lady, and grateful to be able to rest some. I said as the lead guard, dressed in the uniform purple tunic and black plated armor moved to pull aside the veil. As he did he turned toward me and winked. I couldn’t tell if it was friendly or not. He seemed nice enough and the fact that we were both of the sword helped. If he trusted me or not, he still took my weapons before letting me into the carriage. I climbed up into the carriage and wasn’t sure how close I should get. The problem was solved however when she patted a spot right next to her. I was still dusty and in need of a bath after my work at Zaden’s but the Lady didn’t seem to mind, so I just sank into the remarkably comfortable silks and cushions. Not wanting to offend a Lady who had a lot of guards, I wasn’t sure where to look; I ended up just looking up at the sky.
”So, Damion, What is it you do exactly? You look like you might be a valuable asset to hire, and I think I like your company.” She said smiling and running her hand through her raven black hair. Now I had an excuse to look at her so I did. She was wearing a thin pure white robe that was tied loosely at the waist with a purple sash. She didn’t have too much else on which was fine with me. Her skin was a dark cream that was so contrast to her crystal blue eyes. Those eyes grabbed me more than anything. They were very watchful eyes.
“Well I guess most would call me a sword for hire. I was hired by the Lady’s family to find and kill Zaden, the man that killed Kathryn. I am returning from that right now actually. That is why those mercenaries were after me. Zaden was just another rich fool who pissed off the wrong people.” I said as I propped my head on hand, looking into her seemingly endlessly deep eyes, which were now, I realized, drifting over me the same way mine had over her. “How long will you be in Itheria, my Lady?” I asked now letting my self think of the possibilities.
She raised an eyebrow in thought before she said, “About a week, there is more here then just a funeral. The Lady was the last person left to the estate, so now someone else has to come and claim it. I am a cousin of the Lady and I shouldn’t have much trouble taking the estate.” She said trusting me with her reasons because I had trusted her with mine. Women, always having hidden reasons I thought to my self. I was starting to think about hiring on with this Hailia, at least for a little while. Hailia moved a little closer, letting her knee rest on mine. Well that decided it; I was going to be under the Ladies employ. Just as she was getting close enough that I could feel her breath caressing my neck the carriage was slowing to a stop and the leader, whose name I found out was Orn, knocked on the side, signaling that we had reached the main gate. I glanced up at the man and returned a knowing grin as he saw his lady. Orn was a good man as far as I could tell. He stood at about my height which was around 6’0”, his head was shaven and mostly devoid of hair aside from the thin beard he wore along his jaw line. He had three feet of steel strapped to his back and a curved dagger on his belt. Hailia gave him a nod and he went back to his duties.
“Maybe we will continue our conversation later Damion. As for know it wouldn’t do me good to be seen in the city with a sword for hire in my personal carriage.” Hailia said, putting a finger to my lips in a silent promise that more was to come if I stayed around. I rolled over and slipped out of the carriage and found captain Orn at the head of the column.
“How was your time with the Lady?” He asked as I walked up beside him. I studied him wondering if he was mad or just joking.
I decided to go with a safe answer and said “I learned a lot about the Lady” hoping that Orn would just drop the subject. He did, in fact he stopped talking all together. I decided that if I got the chance I might try and buy Orn a drink and see what he was thinking, unless I was too occupied of course. This was the good side of the city, not full of all the taverns and thieves. The roads were well kept and well built even with all of the people hurrying around to sell or by whatever they could need. Various brightly dressed shop owners called out prices to the people entering from the gate hoping to catch them before someone else did. I almost tripped as a small boy went running by, who was then fallowed by another, obviously playing some kind of game. I wasn’t much for kids but I didn’t let it bother me right then. The shop venders stated to thin as the gate fell away behind us being replaced with inns and high class taverns. Above all though, I noticed the huge green and white tower that seemed to dominate the city. This was the Itherian Tower, home of the Holy Order of Itherian Knights. The tower was built onto the original temple which was also magnificent in a subtler kind of way. He Tower was built like a fortress really, with a thick wall encircling it. Men in shining green and gold were on the tower watching the city to make sure all was well. The towers base was a huge stone circle raising about four stories. On the base was another circular structure that stretched up to a point that was almost too high for a person to see the knights watching with there telescopes. Between the wall and the tower were a training barracks, stable yard, taverns, shops, and many black smiths. The tower was coated in a thick green and gold marble that was always polished to a shine. My destination lay on the other side of the tower but still close enough to it to be in what most considered the nice side of the city. I generally preferred the lower class side; I was starting to grow tired of being in the presence of the rich who always put on an act of false kindness. The lower class people were less, confusing, never really hiding what they really meant.
I was born in the lower class, my father worked on a smuggling ship and my mother ran a tavern. I grew up mostly in the employ of my fathers’ boss. The captain was a middle aged man, though with all he had been through he looked older then he was. He was missing his left eye which he said had been take out by an Itherian Knight. My father and I were on a smuggling run with the captain and the rest of his crew, when a Talosian ship found us. The Talosians come from the island of Talash, the war and fire God of Arka. The island is mostly desert but had a huge lake in the middle of it. The area around the lake had become a huge city that held almost as many people as Itheria. The Talosian ship was armed with cannon and a fighting crew, unlike ours. Although we gave a goof fight, the ship was boarded and taken. My father had died by a Talosian sword that day. I was taken captive and forced to work on the ship. When I arrived in the port of Boralia, a large tear shaped island named after the Goddess Borael I befriended a man named Draeos who helped me escape the Talosians. We were both in the same spot, stuck and out of money, so we enlisted for training to become assassins. We did not take it two seriously at first it was more a way to get a roof over our heads. Draeos had always been a man without compassion and he left before me to become a sword for hire.
“Hey, quit day dreaming we are at the Lady Kathryn’s estate.” I heard Orn say. I had been thinking about growing up and lost track of where I was, which was hard to believe because as an assassin I rarely forgot about my surroundings. I cursed quietly under my breath feeling stupid that I let my mind wander so easily.
The deceased Lady’s estate consisted of a huge house, a barn, and a vast portion of farm and woodland. From what I had seen earlier Hailia had a lot more money and probably property then Kathryn had but both really had more then I would want but Hailia apparently wasn’t sated and wanted to add this estate to her fortune as well. All in all it really didn’t concern me so I didn’t worry about it. I generally try to keep out of other peoples problems, unless of course I get paid to interfere. As we crossed the yard to the house a group of people came out to greet the Lady Hailia, some of which included my employers. They took notice of me and looked as if they were more interested in finding out how the hunt had gone rather then greeting what they knew would be their new Lady. I reached into my cloak and showed my employers the coin pouch that had Zadens’ seal on it. They looked relived and decided that they would talk to me more later and instead began greeting Hailia.
“Thank you all for coming to greet me, I am deeply pained by my cousins death, Roderick, would you mind leading me up to my chambers so we can talk for a little bit, I would like to share my grief with you in private.” The Lady said, once again giving off her false pleasantries. From what I had learned Hailia really didn’t care about her cousins’ death and was actually glad it had happened. The Lady was known to be a person who took what she need and didn’t really care too much about what happened before she got it. I figured I should fallow the example of nobility so I decided that I would get from her what I needed and not really care what she thought afterwards. I didn’t really need a job for money but I don’t like to stay long in one place and figured I could hire on with Hailia for a job or two.
As Hailia was taken inside Richard, an old man who had done most of the negotiating, slipped out and was walking towards me. “You made quite the scene over at that bastards place. From hearing the talk it sounds like I hired the right man to avenge the death of my Lady.” He said in his light old voice. The man was very old and looked as if he had been the house keeper for a very long time. He walked with a limp, probably from a battle he had fought a long time ago.
I nodded and replied “Zaden was just another coward; I made him beg for his life like I am sure he has done too many others. His mercenaries are looking for me but I’m sure they will give up soon, no reason for them to work anymore. Uh, about my payment? Have you and the rest decided how to pay me?” I knew the old man was waiting for the question; the truth was that I had plenty of money from Zaden, but I still did a job and if word got out that I didn’t take pay…Well it would have ruined my reputation.
“Yes we have,” he said as he tossed a pouch full of money at me, “this and you will always be welcome in this house. I will be sure to make the Lady Hailia understand this if she does become the new Lady.” Richard finished, giving me a look that hinted as to the fact that the messenger Orn had sent ahead had told him about my ride to the estate. The old housekeeper obviously thought that he was the one who would be running the house when Hailia became the owner. After spending some time with Hailia I highly doubted she would let someone else run something of hers. I didn’t let Richard know this though.
“I think I will take you up on that offer then, is there a room I can use for the night? I don’t know how long I will be staying.” I said knowing full well that there were plenty of rooms but playing along with the game that these nobles seemed to play.
“Yes, I believe there is one on the third floor next to the Lady Hailia, it will be quiet to you liking I think Sir Damion.” Richard said giving a wink and a smile. The man was appreciative of the sword art and also felt in debt to me after I avenged his former lady. I didn’t particularly like him but I didn’t dislike him either so I retuned the smile and added a thanks. I allowed Richard to lead me up to the doors and into the house.
This was my second time in the house and it still surprised me that someone could stand so much white. The walls were all white along with the furniture. The only respite was the occasional wood frame on a couch or chair. It was only the first room that was like this though. The room was large and circular and had several doors leading to other places in the house. A small fire was in the hearth but no torches were lit. The room had many windows and the mid day sunlight illuminated the room fully. A few servants were cleaning a few things around the room that in my opinion really didn’t need cleaned.
“The Lady Hailia will be down in a few minutes after she is done grieving with Roderick Sir Damion.” Richard said, knowing who I was looking for. “In the mean time I can take you to your room.”
“All right a room sounds good, but stop calling me sir, I’m not a knight or anything.” I said fallowing Richard towards a large door.
“As you wish Damion.” Was all he said as he opened the door and continued into a more colorful room that was decorated with pictures and curtains. I did not have time to look around much because Richard turned and headed up a set of stairs and did not stop until we reached the third floor. A long hallway that stretched both left and right met me at the third floor. Turning left I fallowed Richard into a room that was not what I expected. The room was mostly purple and black, Hailias’ colors, whith gold thrown in here and there.
“The room has been decorated according to the Lady Hailias’ instructions, she asked me to set up a room for you to share,” he said and then broke the servant act by adding, “I hope you have fun tonight, friend. Of course you could always object and chose another room, though I would advise against it.” The man clapped my shoulder as he walked out to do whatever it was he did. The bed looked inviting after all I had done the night before but I first needed to take care of my armor and weapons. I took of the white cloak and tossed it on the bed. Underneath the cloak I wore a chainmail shirt that was made of a metal known only to the elite assassins. The links were extremely small but stronger than most plated armor. The best thing about it was its flexibility. I had mine made with a black and gold mix that confused the eyes if concentrated on to long. Pulling this off I checked for any damage to it and found none. Just as I began wondering about how to get a bath a knock came at my door. I went to the door and opened it to see a serving woman holding a robe and oils.
“Would you like a bath Damion?” the woman said in sweet seductive voice. No wonder nobles never really learn to do anything themselves, I thought to my self as I nodded to the girl and began fallowing her. The woman led me into a large bathing chamber that already had hot water waiting. Not sue exactly what to do I walked towards the bath. The woman giggled slightly and said something about me being unused to nobility. She then began to take off my tunic massaging sore muscles as she went. I melted at her expert touch and almost fell into the water. Her name was Loraine; well, I think it was anyway, I was lost in her touch and the smell of scented oils.
I must have fallen asleep sometime during the bath because I woke to Loraine calling my name and saying something about needing to get back to my room. “Why do I need to go back…? I like it just fine here.” I said stifling a yawn with my hand. Loraine just smiled and tugged on my arm guiding me toward the edge of the tub.
Feeling refreshed after washing I made my way back to the room to find Hailia waiting. She was wearing close to the same as she had been in the carriage just in gold this time. I was wearing a black robe that was to expensive for me but comfortable. I must have been asleep for a while because the sun was now starting to set in the west.
Not caring anymore about playing the game of nobles as I decided to call it I fell into the bed next to Hailia. Without waiting for her to say anything I reached out and ran my hand through her hair and continued down her back. She looked slightly surprised but only slightly as I slipped a hand onto the back her thigh. Through the pale light of the setting sun I saw her bite her bottom lip as I slipped the gold silk off of her body.
“I am yours.” Was all she said, her crystal blue eyes filled with something that I could not quite catch before she closed them and rested her head against mine.

[Kalimar]

Nice story you've got there. Loved the katana's!!! I'm a fan of samurai swords. Its a good plot, with good character development. The only problems I noticed were some missing commas and a few other minor grammatical errors. That's where I make my mistakes too. Otherwise its a good piece. Keep up the good work.