Thursday, November 11, 2004

“Our mark?”

“Another priest, this one in Tzaran.”

“Time frame?”

“The usual, two to three months.”

“Why you?” Kohan’s eyes widened at that question, a look of incredulous shock crossed his face.

“What do you mean, ‘why me’? Because I’m the best damned scout Khaine has in his service, that’s why!”

“Precisely so. Kim… Mistress Kimianne rarely sends you along on assassinations, you’re usually out by then. Where’s Malachi?

“Did you not know? He fell… Apparently some winged human did him in…”

Winged human? A Sorcerer’s minion?”

“Ah…I…I don’t know?”

“The best…Right…” Kohan raised his hands in defeat, and trailed behind Inodhill for the rest of the walk to the supply/prep room. Inodhill was surprisingly quick-witted today. But it did not come as too much of a surprise to Kohan. A trip to a tavern –or the local canteen in the absence of one –, some strong drink, and a lass on your lap were more then enough to make a man re-vitalized again. And what was that expression the Karadians like to say? ‘As right as rain’?

But the lass on Inodhill’s lap last night was no ordinary tavern wench, it was his love and partner, Avenda. Now that was quite a potent mix. Even Kohan understood the power of love, albeit vaguely.

Kohan seldom had the trouble of figuring out moral dilemmas. To him, the word of Khaine was law, and everything else came second. When he received his orders today, however, he was slightly troubled. He had never performed a mission quite like this before.

But two things held his resolve in check. One was his oath to serve Khaine, and the other was the promises made by Kimianne. Ah sweet Kimi, the glorious glow of Khaine’s dagger would pale beside her.

Kohan blanched at that blasphemous thought, worried that Khaine himself was listening in. He continued his walk a few moments later when he realized he was still alive, and that Inodhill was tapping his feet irritably.

“Alright alright, keep your pantaloons on…”

***

Several vine crossings later, they arrived at the supply/prep room. They would have to prepare gear that would last them several months. They were to travel to another country several leagues north from Akanista for the assassination. Most of the things they will need were to be gotten on location, the only things they would be getting from this room were their weapons and several enchanted items, if they had any.

No comments: