Ersin
Ersin
You get up from your bed, an instinct telling you to take the time to grab your sword from its
place on a nearby table. Silently, you open the door to your room and move into the hallway.
Shila's door is closed and you can hear her gently snoring within. Apparently, she hasn't heard
anything. You walk down the hallway and to the stairs, making as little noise as possible. You
emerge in the tavern portion of the inn, not seeing anything until you glance to the bar.
A man, standing about half a foot shorter than you and dressed in tattered clothing, is hunched
over the bar, apparently trying to steal some of the liquor stored behind it. You see that a large,
sharp looking sword -presumably his- is laying on a nearby table. You decide to make your
presence known.
'Who are you?' You demand in your most commanding voice. Considering that you've led
legions into battle upon many occasions before, this particular voice is very impressive. The
man jumps, startled, and spins around to face you. A second later, he dives for his sword.
You're faster than he is, however, and you knew he was going to do that anyway. You strike
at a leg of the table that is holding the sword. When the would-be murderer collides with it an
instant afterward, the leg snaps in half, throwing him off balance. All that is required is a small
push from you to send him tumbling.
The man is now lying on the ground, looking around frantically for his weapon, which you
have pushed away with your foot.
'I asked you a question.' You say, glaring down at this man. 'Who are you? And while
you're explaining yourself, you might want to add why you're here. The inn's closed, and my
friend and I have the only rooms.'
The man swallows nervously. 'N- name's Edward. ' His eyes dart around the room, as though
he is looking for a way out. 'I- I just needed somethin' to drink, and I can't pay for it, so....'
'Of course. That's very plausible. Now, tell me the truth.' You say.
'That is the truth!' he objects loudly.
You step forward, pointing your sword at his neck. 'The truth.' You repeat.
'All right! All right! I was sent here to find you! Happy?' The man looks disgusted.
'What were you to do once you had found me?'
The man glares at you. 'I think you know that.'
'Tell me.'
'I was supposed to kill you. Except you've got the jump on me!' The assassin speaks through
clenched teeth. It's apparent he doesn't like you. You are about to ask him who paid him to do it
when Shila enters the room.
'What's going on here?' She asks, a look of fear on her face as she watches the confrontation.
Shila has never actually battled in a war- just helped heal the casualties. You turn your head at
the sound of her voice-
And that's all the motivation that the killer needs. He knocks your sword aside and springs to
his feet, rushing past you. You twist to bring your sword after him, which probably saves your
life. As he passes you, the killer stabs you in the chest with a short dagger, and then runs out of
the room. Pain wells up from the wound and you fall to your knees. Shila is there in an instant,
slowly removing the dagger, holding you as you fall to the ground, murmuring something as your
consciousness fades....
You wake up an hour later, in the bed upstairs. Shila is sitting in a chair on the other side of
the room, watching you intently. There is a soreness in your chest, but nothing else.
'You're awake!' Shila says, jumping up from her chair and rushing to your side of the room.
'Don't try to get up.' she warns as she looks over you. 'I think I've repaired most of the damage.
You're lucky he didn't hit your heart- there wouldn't have been much I could have done about
that.' She continues talking as she removes the bandages ringing your chest. You hadn't even
noticed them up until this point. After Shila applies new bandages, she looks toward you. 'How
do you feel?'
'My chest is sore.' You say. 'Like someone hit it with a hammer.'
Shila nods. 'Good- you're getting better. You should be all right by the morning. I'll be
across the hall if you need me. You go back to sleep, you need it.'
You start to protest that you're just fine when you realize that you're incredibly tired.
Apparently, sleep brought upon by blood loss isn't very refreshing. You close your eyes
and go to sleep....
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