When the King Calls...

[Demetri Malius]

"Why must I be the one? Surely there is one more capable than I? The Shadow Walkers-"

"The Shadow Walkers are allied with the duke. If we were to contact them for this mission, we would find our own bodies lacking of life. We have already considered all options and possibilities, so go. Time is of the essence, and you are wasting it by pestering me with mundane questions.

I was speechless. I could barely hold back my grimace and hatred at what they were forcing me to do. Does he not realize that even if I succeed, the assassins will be after me? How am I to infiltrate an entire stronghold by myself, undetected for that matter? This was madness. A fool's errand, and I was the fool chosen to do it. Damn this wretched kingdom and all of its people.

As I cursed the King in my mind, the steward then came up to me, with a coin purse in hand. "1500 Gold for whatever supplies you need." I stopped for a moment. One thousand five hundred gold? I should have expected a large sum of money, but this was larger than I had expected. Maybe I actually will be able to get the supplies I need for this job. If anything, I might be able to flee the country, but that bounty might ruin my plans, and I would hate to have to join some kind of thieve's guild out of desperation. I made my way out of the court room, sneers and grunts coming from behind as I turned the corner. Hell, even the council didn't believe I can do it. To be honest, I agreed with them, but I might as well try, though it wasn't like I had a choice.

I made my way out of the castle, a few guards snickering over my annoyed face, though it was obvious they had no idea of my mission. I finally ended up in the local shop, where the owner kept a close eye on me, due to my reputation. However, a quick jingle of the coin purse I was given was enough to show him that I was here on official business. I requested items fit for ones of the more degenerate of types. He gave the usual glance around the shop before nodding and bring me to a chest whilst warning me of the consequences of finding anything missing. I repeated my intentions, saying that I have the coin for anything he offers, and have no trouble paying for it. He narrowed his eyes a bit and reluctantly opened the wooden container.

There were quick the assortment of supplies. Some weapons, poisons, and even a bit of odd looking armor..

"So, what is all this you have here?" I questioned the shady merchant.

He glanced around again, before pulling out a few items. "These armored garments here were salvaged off a member of the Shadow Walkers. Nice and sturdy, best suited for up close and personal combat. Not better than steel armor, but can definitely protect you from a few hits." I nodded, that sounded good just in case things went wrong, and a clever disguise among the the land, as long as he didn't actually run into anyone with the group. "Now, I have a variety of poisons stocked here, some offer the quick and painful death, while others are the slow, silent killer. For weapons, another Shadow Walker item, one of the famed Dark blades, made of the blackest steel, most overt at night. I also have a sword-breaker, for those adept at parrying their enemy's blows." I was quite intrigued. For the operation I was going to pull off, this was exactly what I needed. How convenient that this merchant managed to find a dead assassin. It was suspicious though. I would even say that it might be-

A sudden flick of the merchant's wrist send a blade my way, and although I barely had enough time to jump back, the cold touch of metal caressed my cheek. I instinctively touched the wound, my fingers coming back with crimson liquid.

"Did you not think the Shadows would be suspicious of the King of Theraz? That he would not send his own assassin after the our kingdom, to wreak havoc and destroy us?" The assassin retrieved his weapons from the chest. "We have scouts and members spread across the country,and we were waiting for someone to come seeking for items for the killing. I can say that I feel some pity for you, after all, you were most likely forced into this, but it looks like someone has to die. I promise though, your death will be swift and painless... so long as you don't resist.

Great. Five minutes in and people are already trying to kill me. Can't say i didn't see it coming.