Chapter 612: Assassination (1/2)
The Old World, The Cartel, Iron Gate
”How is he still alive?” A masked figure standing in the shadows snapped angrily at the two bowing dwarvans in the uniform armour of the city guard. ”It was supposed to be done quietly! Look at the mess you all made!”
”Since you have paid us... He will be found!” One of the dwarvan promised. He was the same dwarvan who had ordered the arrest of the Prince of Fire in the tavern. ”Our people are combing the streets and had closed off the city gates! He cannot escape!”
”Complete your task before dawn breaks!” The masked figure said coldly. ”Do not let the Greenrock Clan find out about this matter...”
Both of the dwarvan city guard commanders watched the masked figure disappeared into the shadows. ”By the Stone, this person must be someone important if they are willing to pay so much gold for his head!”
”Shh!” The snobbish looking dwarvan hurried silenced his companion. ”Keep it to yourself! Just do as we are paid!”
”Fine!” The other city guard commander grumbled and he waved his troops over. ”You lot of rock shitters! Find the escaped prisoner before dawn or I will hang you up by your balls!”
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The City of Ender, Ivory Palace, Annex of the Suugon Dynasty
The inner chamber was lit by scented candles and gentle notes of a string instrument could be heard. Lord Lei sat on a cushion pouring a cup of wine from a flask that was set on a long table before him. The translucent curtain that partitioned off the chamber was lifted as a servant entered and kneeled before Lord Lei.
”My Lord, this servant has received word from our agents by voice talisman...” The servant kept his head low against the wooden panelled floor. ”The Prince of Fire has escaped from members of the Underworld Chapter.”
”This lowly servant is willing to accept punishment for his failure!” The servant pressed his head down against the floor. ”Please punish this lowly servant!”
Lord Lei took a sip of wine and savoured the fiery liquor in his mouth before he turned to look at the kowtowing servant. ”Rise...”
”What happened?” Lord Lei asked.
”The hired killers had failed to ambush and kill the Prince,” The servant explained. ”Our agents have also bribed the local city guard to catch the Prince and even had him in their custody but he managed to escape!”
”The local city guard has closed the city and our agents are searching everywhere for him! He is also injured!” The servant hurriedly added. ”He will not escape for long!”
”Leave me,” Lord Lei sighed as he poured another cup of wine for himself. The servant bowed and retreated leaving him alone in the inner chambers.
Lord Lei picked up a delicate looking bell and rang it gently and the soft chimes brought a maid in. She carried a small tray that had a piece of magic crystal and yellow parchment on it. The maid gave a bow and placed the tray down before she left the chamber.
Lord Lei picked up the yellow parchment that was covered in red scribbles of runes and placed the magic crystal on the activating rune. The magic crystal glowed brightly and the runes on the yellow parchment flared up. ”Underworld Chapter Master...”
”Greetings Lord Lei...” A low raspy voice sounded in Lord Lei's head as the communication talisman was used. ”Something major must have happened for a being of your courtly status to contact this lowly one... What can the Underworld Chapter do for you?”
”The Underworld Chapter consisted of the deadliest killers and agents of the Suugon Dynasty,” Lord Lei sighed softly. ”All which were raised and trained from birth to serve the Eternal Emperor in the dark. Never will they ever see the light in their lifetime...”
”I have need of the services of the Underworld Chapter,” Lord Lei said. ”There is a person... who must die!”
”If Lord Lei wishes it so,” The raspy voice in Lord Lei's head replied. ”This lowly one shall send his best disciples to this matter!”
Lord Lei quickly gave the details and instructions to the Master of the Underworld Chapter. He watched as the glow of the magic crystal turned dull and lifeless while the yellow talisman slowly blackened and crumbled into ashes in his hands.
He dusted his hands clean and picked up his wine again and savoured it together with the soothing melody in the background.
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The Old World, The Cartel, Iron Gate, The Silver Moon Inn
”Urkk!” There was a flash of silver and the shadow fell back with a soft gurgling cry. Dr. Sharon spun around in surprise and saw a body flopping on the ground behind her. The handle of a dagger struck out from the masked man's throat which clearly was thrown by the wounded elf.
Private Bartley pushed Dr. Sharon back and covered her with his bulk. He drew a sword bayonet and his pistol out and braced himself as several more masked figures detached themselves from the shadows. ”Get back madam!”