Freelance Assassin

Chapter 1

A lone house among many within the rich district of Acre. Soft lighting emanating from within it's contents and shone through the windows, giving the home a lively glow to the darkened streets. The man living here, I did not know. Nor did I care to. I don't know of what wrong he has done. I only know that his enemy is willing to pay a handsome sum for his life.

From my perch: directly across the street from the home, seated comfortably and boredly upon the wooden crates in the darkened alley way. I waited. I had been watching this man for two weeks and memorized his daily routine.

Waking up nearly two hours after the run has risen—Dress and was served his breakfast—Leave his home to visit my employer, there he would remain until late noon—Return home and retrieve a leather purse of sorts—Go to the busy market and converse merrily with the merchants, often buying supplies and supplements at random—Then moving on towards the docks where he handles his source of income and employees remains there for four hours when there are no troubles—Finally returning home, sometimes making a detour to a brothel, and staying up at random hours of the night before starting this pattern all over again.

Why this man was wanted dead I didn't have the faintest clue. But it did not matter. I was accustomed to my employers' hiding their reasons behind a cowardly reply to my question, most of the time not resulting in a straightforward answer.

"Ah. Finally." I murmured. Sitting upright in my place and watched, with the familiar adrenalin rush beginning to build within my stomach and limbs, as the soft lights within the home were beginning to go out one by one; starting from the main level and the darkness slowly made it's way through the home until it was swallowed in darkness.

The only remaining light coming from the moon shining down behind me.

I pushed myself forward and jumped to the alley floor below, landing onto my feet in a roll, to avoid senseless injury from the impact of the drop, and stood dusting my tunic.

I had another hour or so to be sure the man is asleep, so until then I would spend my time finding a way inside. It should be easy enough.

For a man with no family and impressive wealth, I was surprised he did not have servants running about his home. Just a lone woman would come every other day for a menial task for a few coins before leaving again… Not what I would call a servant, but I was in no position to judge how another man spends his wealth.

I am only thinking of pointless topics in a poor attempt to make time pass a little quicker so I may get this over and done with.

When enough time has passed, I climb up the side of the home. I could feel my fingernails bending and clenched my jaw. Once again I forget to bring myself gloves and my dagger was clanging against the short sword. I cursed under my breath, reaching a window and slowly pushed it open. I counted twenty seconds before climbing inside the darkened home, silently rising to my feet. I stood inside the empty hallway and began to ready myself by tying the sash around my head and mouth tightly; masking myself. The only feature he would see would be my eyes if he wakes.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to move towards his bed chambers in a light stride and was lucky enough to find the door was left ajar, leaving enough space for myself to slip through easily.

But I didn't put my sword into account and froze in stilled horror as the door was pulled open with an agonizing creak. My eyes immediately jumped to the man laying in bed as he was beginning to shift within the sheets.

He was laying on his stomach with his head facing away from me when he was pushing himself up to see what the cause of the noise was when I leaped onto his back, a small dagger ready in my hand and plunged it into the back of his neck. The damn blade was stopped and stuck within a bone!

The man under me yelled in pain and swung his arm back to throw me off.

I held the blade tightly in my grasp as the man jerked wildly under me.

In a panic a took a handful of his hair in my other hand and pushed the blade up to meet my other hand. A sickening crack reached my ears as the blade came loose and the man ceased moving.

I slowly relaxed, letting go of his hair and sitting back to regulate my breathing. I kept telling myself It's done and shakily crawled off the bed, clutching to the blade with a white knuckle grip as I stared down at myself with silent indifference. Thinking back to my first kill.

I wept and prayed for forgiveness, hoping the one I prayed to understood why I had done it. I was scared, to say the least. And for the next few months I could hardly keep my food down and I had horrible nightmares. But those nightmares were soon replaced with nothingness as the amount of coins raised for a life and I forget when I stopped shedding tears.

I couldn't place what I was feeling at the moment as I stared down, with a body behind me. Shaking my head I looked back to the body and searched for anything I could return to my employer to prove that the target was dead. I turned the man onto his back and jumped back in shock.

He was still breathing!?

I looked to his eyes and found them staring back at me. Tears had been falling from them at one point.

I cursed myself as I looked over his body. Blood seeped heavily down his neck and onto the sheets, pooling around his shoulder like a black river. His back softly and shakily rising and falling in short breaths.

The man was alive but he hasn't attacked me?

I stared down at him questionably. His face blank of any emotion. Brows furrowed in pain. Saliva began to run down the corner of his lips and onto the pillow.

What have I done to him? I wondered. Guilt and regret coming to me at full force. It was almost unbearable for me to handle. I could feel my eyes beginning to sting.

Running my hand over his eyes, sliding them closed. I retook the blade and pushed it into the indent of shoulder and collar bone in an angle with a quick thrust.

The sound of a soft gurgle filled the room before it fell silent. I removed the dagger from his throat. Deciding to give my employer the blood stained dagger as his keepsake. Ending his suffering and offering a silent apology. Leaving the home the way I had come.

F R E E L A N C E _A S S A S S I N

It was almost four months since that… unfortunate assassination. My birthday was three weeks ago and I turned nineteen. I wasn't sure if that was the appropriate age to label myself as an adult so I didn't risk making a fool of myself by asking a random man or woman on the street. Either way. My coin pouch has become annoyingly light for my liking, and I did not know when I would be called upon again.

At a spur of the moment. I find myself sitting upon a luxurious bed, adorned with pillows and silken sheets. A young girl to my side, braiding her hair.

Her name is Aida. She has hair of black, evenly tan skin and eyes of dark jade. When she stands, she reaches my shoulder. She favours the color orange. She was broken, but managed to keep most of her emotions instead of the other girls. She was very witty and our conversations often turn to petty arguments. She taught me to have a swift tongue. Her voice calms me.

And she was sold to the Mistress here when she was fifteen years old. I was seventeen at the time.

In some form of attempt to protect her from such a life- without means to have her as a wife, I became her faithful customer. Buying her company at generous amounts at a time, but it isn't what you may have been thinking.

I buy her company, not her body. Pretending that I have a friend. But it has come apparent to her that this friendship was all one sided, and she had begun to ask me questions.

Why do you not lay with me? – Why do you never show your face? – Why do you ask me about myself when you never answer me? – What is your name?

I wanted to avoid this, but I answered her questions all the same. But did not give her my name and asked her to give me a name she could call me by. It kept her busy for some hours and she had fell asleep thinking of a name for me. I didn't realise I had fallen asleep until I open my eyes to find Aida beaming down at me with a proud smile.

She named me 'Kahleel' that morning. Meaning 'Generous' or 'Kind'. I was taken aback and uncharacteristically stuttered. Asking for an explanation.

She laughed.

I never got an answer. But I assume that she was referring to the money or that I haven't taken advantage or her.

Every morning I wake within that bed and found that the garb I wear to cover my face had not been touched, I thank her. Others might have jumped at the chance to uncover my face while I am in such a vulnerable position. And each time I thanked her, she brushed it off. Telling me that she hasn't earned the right to see it. We had a mutual understanding… or agreement. Depending of how you may look at it.

If I am to disrobe her, she may disrobe me.

We had this agreement for more than a year, and I do not plan to change it. I knew that I didn't have to pretend anymore.

Aida had finished braiding her hair and was looking out the balcony. Her head tilted up, and the moon's soft blue light shining down upon made her appearance all the more beautiful.

I stood from the bed and made my way over to her quietly. Taking the empty space next to her and looked to the moon the same as she was.

I have never seen it so big before.

I could feel her shift closer to me, and she lays her head upon my chest with a sigh. I do not know when she had begun to have these feelings towards me. I wanted to ask what had spurred them on, but decided against it. Not wanting her to know that I know, in fear those feelings will grow or I may break her completely. Love was not something I was searching for. I did not want to hurt my only friend. So I remained to act totally oblivious.

"Kahleel, did you hear that?" She asked, now leaning over the rail of the balcony and looking to her right.

I joined her, though not looking so meddlesome. I stood behind her looking on, being sure that she did not lean far enough to fall over.

"What did you hear?" I asked. My mind immediately jumping to his last employer. He wept when I handed him the bloody dagger before sending me out of his home, throwing the money pouch into my hands as he did so. Had the man informed the guards?

I could feel my adrenalin beginning to stir within the pit of my stomach as we caught sight of a group of guards rounding the corner. Their large swords giving off a glint in the moonlight. I felt my body stiffen as they came closer towards the building, their strides quick and sure. Their heads rounding off in different directions as they mutter amongst each other.

They were looking for someone.

Aida watched them curiously as I backed away from their line of sight. My heart pounding against my chest and my mind screamed for me to run, hide, anything to get away from here.

"Kahleel, are you alright?" I heard her soft voice and I snapped my attention to her immediately. Her eyes quizzical and concerned. I gave a curt nod and looked past her.

"Where have they gone?"

She eyed me warily before turning. Giving a shrug. "They walked on towards the market square before running down an alley."

I gave a sigh. Not of relief, but of annoyance. She knows.

"Aida, come. You must be tired."

She shook her head. "I am all but tired, Kahleel."

Before I could ask her again, she asked, "Why do you shy away when I offer my body?"

I was taken off guard. I thought she was going to push the subject of my fear of the guards. Not of her advances. I remained silent, not knowing what or how to answer her question.

After a long, pain filled silence. She sighed and came to embrace me.

I did not want the conversation to continue. My only friendship was at risk all for the sake of this girl wanting her feelings to be heard and returned. I allowed her to embrace me. I could almost hear her heart beat as she begun to run her hands up my back. Hiding her face within the cloth of my tunic, taking in my sent. I had sometimes caught her doing so while I slept. She had gotten bolder. Her hands on my back moved to my chest and abdomen, moving down to my groin in a seductively slow pace. I couldn't let this continue any longer. For all I know, I was giving her false hope.

I pushed her hands away from me. Seen a flash of hurt and betrayal within her eyes before they shined with hope when I picked her up and carried her to the bed, confirming my earlier statement. I swiftly took my place beside her and wrapped my arms around her form tightly from behind. Enabling her from moving, touching or looking at me.

I left while she slept. Leaving behind my last amount of coins and my money pouch.

I am a coward.

I sat the edge of my own bed, unravelling the garb from my head. Allowing my own black hair to fall over my shoulders. The cool air of the early morn welcoming my bare flesh of my face and my lungs.

The door and windows securely boarded shut. I lived in a simple two floor home with another civilian that had a family of his own. I had never used the front door. Instead I had a ladder leaning against the lower building that connected to this one. Coincidently, one of my two bedroom windows led out to that very lower building. That window was my door.

The man that allowed me to live there thought of me as a shady character and was more than pleased to hear that I wouldn't have need for the front door. He was very protective of his family. His wife was a mousy woman and listened to what her husband's commands without question. She did, however, argue with him when it came to my welfare. She was the first to see my face and was surprised to see how young I really was. But her husband didn't give in. So she had taken the liberty of making me meals behind his back.

I didn't mind at all. It was a change for the better. A nice hot meal with a pitcher of water was gladly accepted to replace my usual bread loaf and dried meat.

She had told me that she didn't know when I was home and was unsure when to make me a meal. So she would know I was home, I would place a piece of paper under my door way. I would know when a meal was waiting for me when the paper was missing.

I had become particularly friendly with their child. Her name is Nawar.

She was their 'Little flower.' She was small and listened to her parents well. She was proud when she was given a chore and worked hard to make her father and mother proud. But one day she was meant to hang the sheets to dry, the wind blew the sheet into the street making it dirty again. Not to mention the civilians that stepped all over it while she tried to retrieve it off the street. She was crying, scared to tell her mother what had happened. I didn't know what she was scared of. Her parents had never hit her, nor did they even think of it. Her punishment was being cradled in her father's lap while she apologised. I took pity on her situation and helped her. We both rewashed the sheet and I secured the sheet for her, thinking I had not been seen.

That evening I got a larger meal and some wine. The woman had been watching the entire time and told her husband of my deed. He came to my bedroom door himself, and thanked me. Then asked if I would like to join them at the table.

I had never felt so… appreciated or accepted since I left my home. I wept. Wishing that I could change time and never had left my family. I was so foolish, thinking life was better within a city… but I was too cowardly, and proud to return.

I politely declined his invitation.

He never asked me again, and I stopped putting the paper under the door.

I do not know why I keep doing this to myself. I ruin everything.

I could hear shuffling of footsteps and the muffled voices of my land owners down stairs. They are arguing of my staying there. I cursed under my breath. I forgotten about the rent.

I waited for the sound of footsteps creeping up the stairs, but it never came. Instead I hear the front door shut and a womanly sigh slowly following after. I must have started trouble for her again.

F R E E L A N C E_ A S S A S S I N

I scale up crates and beams until I reached an open window with a candle sitting in the middle. I could hardly believe I have been called upon. The city had been at peace lately, I had never heard of any sort of trouble. I guess I needed to see for myself if I was truly called upon, or if it was some joke.

Reaching the window, I soundlessly crept inside. Seated in front of a desk with his back toward me was a man, dressed in a red tunic, named Fateen.

Fingering at my short sword, I remained close at the opened window as I butt out the flame with my thumb and index finger. This time very glad to have remembered my gloves.

Fateen did not move, or notice my presence for a time. Steadily writing on parchment and looking to book.

I figured that this was sort of mistake and turned to take my leave.

"Who are you?" A deep, wary voiced suddenly demanded. Making me falter in a mid-step and the candle at the window fell to the ground below in a clatter.

I turned back to the man, my eyes set in a fierce glare. "You called for me."

He tensed and he stood up from his chair. Turning to face me with his hands folded behind his back. I impulsively placed my hand over the hilt of my blade. He gave a nod. "Ah. The paid assassin."

He did not say more. Just stood in his place, eying me over as if I were a stray dog that needed a swift kick.

"…I'm waiting." I growled, showing my impatience.

He seemed to wake with a start and dropped his hands to his sides. A worried gleam in his eyes as he fumbled with the left arm hem of his tunic before turning his back to me. He was not as wise a man as I thought he was.

"Yes, well the man I want dealt with is Raakin, The trader." He said within one breath.

I felt my brows furrow in thought. Raakin was one of the most respectable men within the trade business that worked under Tamir. He would take charge while Tamir was busy with moving his goods to Damascus. Raakin treated most of his employees well and often got away with giving discounts, why would he need to die?

"Your reason?" I asked.

Expecting him to snap and tell me to mind my own. Instead he turned to me and said, "He has become a bother and is on a rampage. Killing of his own employees and mine."

My brows lifted in bemusement. He lied so flawlessly, I was impressed. I would have believed him if my land owner did not work for Raakin. And if he had not arrived home without so much as a scratch. I brushed it off and scolded myself for letting my thoughts wonder and allowing some feelings of worry drift about when I thought of my land owner's job.

"My reward?" I asked. He seemed pleased and leaned against his desk confidently.

"Gold. After he is gone the money will be passed on to me. I could afford your wage without putting so much as a ruffle within my coin pouch."

So it was greed. It made a lot more sense now. I grimly gave a curt nod, turning to the window once again to take my leave.

"There is a time limit."

I stopped and glanced to him, clenching my teeth. No one has ever put a time limit within my work!

He took my pause as a sign to continue and stated: "I want him gone before the month is up."

I glared down to the ledge of the window pane and climbed onto it. Fuming at his demand. That gives me less than two weeks to have it done and where the traders work are heavily guarded to protect the merchandise.

…was I questioning my own abilities?

Ridding all doubts from my mind, I reminded myself of the gold I was receiving for such a task.

"It will be done."

F R E E L A N C E _A S S A S S I N

I now find myself standing within a crowd of eager merchants looking to find their supplies at a cheaper rate.

The area is secluded. No guards in sight. My target, Raakin stood on a crate and behind him was a clear escape route.

To be completely honest, I stumbled upon this gathering by sheer luck. I had only begun to make my half-assed investigation on the man and there he stood. It was the perfect time and place. But… there was one problem.

My land owner recognised me within the crowd and approached.

"Kahleel, what brings you here?" He asked me. Confusion and slight suspicion imminent on his face. I had given him the false name Adai had named me when I was hurt and he watched over as his wife tended to me. He took that as an opportunity to interrogate me and I obliged, answering with lies.

But what was he suspicious of? I glanced around, pretending to be as confused as he was.

"The crowd was too thick for me to escape and it had led me here." I replied innocently.

He gave a nod and motioned me to follow him to the front, leading me to the opening behind Raakin. I was close… I only need to jump and make a fast stab in the man's torso or neck, then run.

My eyes jumped to my land owner. "I apologise, I wasn't listening."

His eyes narrowed at my rudeness and began again. "I'm asking that you keep what you seen to yourself." He said with a slight hint of a growl.

I gave a nod. "I do not have much choice…"

His brow quirked and had let go of my shoulder. "Why do you say this?"

I shrugged and glanced towards the opening. "You know where I sleep."

He seemed confused for a moment before he suddenly roared back in a hearty laugh, giving my heart a jump. I was being completely serious. If I could commit murder, what to say he wasn't? His hand found my shoulder again and place the other on his stomach. His laughter subsiding. "I never expected you to be a humorous one, Kahleel. Now go on, and keep this to yourself."

I nodded and turned on my heel. I could hear him letting out a last chuckle before I rounded the corner of the area. I now realised that if I am to do my job right, I would have to wait until he was sleeping. I wanted to avoid that option… and hoped that I found a different one soon. I might even be able to have it done tonight if I keep my eyes on him.

Making a sharp turn into an alley, I used the ladder to climb onto the roof and make my way back to the area. Though I would rather keep my feet on the ground. Another fear of mine was of heights and I used the roofs and beams to my advantage when I think it was absolutely necessary or my only option. I was not so nimble to have to constantly jump from building to building. I would rather avoid the guards and archers within the night or within a dense crowd and find it easier. Despite the fact that a man may be sometimes caught in my place if we wear similar fashions at the time, at least I was still alive.

I held my breath and kept my arms out, ready to grab to ledge encase I do not make the last jump and land on my feet, stumbling forward onto my hands and knees. Placing my hand over my chest, I thanked God, and took deep breaths to calm my rapidly beating heart. I remained on all fours as I approached the area and peeked down.

Raakin was now on the ground, handling money as my land owner and three other men helped hand the crates to the merchants. If only I had a bow and arrow. Another of my skills was fighting at long range and am proud to say that I scarcely miss my mark by few finger widths. But I am not the person to take care of belongings very well, and snapped my bow in two during an unfortunate landing months before. Now I only have the arrows to show my skill. Pointless.

I let myself fall flat against the roof when I heard a soft patter from behind me and turned my head to see a hooded scholar running past. He caught a glimpse of me, but did not stop to fully face me until he finished leaping into the air and landed gracefully onto the roof I had used to make my way here.

I stared at him oddly. Wondering why a scholar would be out this late at night and how he could effortlessly jump from one rooftop to another.

I backed from the ledge slowly, casting side glances to my target before raising to my feet. I matched his proud stance with my own. Most of his face was veiled by shadow and the hood. Mine fully covered with a long, deep blue cloth, my eyes only visible to the scholar.

We eyed each other cautiously, silently and curiously. Willing the other to make a sound or move before tearing our gaze away. I seen the situation as a battle of will.

I caught sight of a sword's sheath resting on his hip and instinctively reached back for my short sword resting on my back. This man was no scholar. He was equipped with weapons from head to toe, he was an assassin. He was too skilled for me to foolishly raise a blade to. I was never trained for this as he was, I would probably die before I even realise he drew his own blade. I wasn't a match for him at all! Even his body surpassed my own.

Hesitantly, I let my hand fall to my side and took three steps back. To show I was not looking for a fight.

But he did not move.

I could feel my heart begin to race in my chest. I couldn't leave or I would lose sight of my target, but if I stay he might take it as a challenge and come kill me. I took another step back, hoping he would turn away from me. And to my relief, he did. I took a breath of relief, glad I would live to see another day. Feeling as though I had just cheated death the second time today. I took my steps forward to keep my eye on my target as I was doing a moment before the assassin showed himself.

The sound of a pat, followed by quick patters cause me to freeze in place and snapped my attention to my right. The assassin quickly making his way to me with a blade in tow. I turned on my heel and dove away from his assault. A loud clang ringing in the air, surely scaring my target to pack up and leave.

Quickly looking back to my assailant I rolled away as his blade came upon me once more, this time making now sound but a sharp swoosh as it swung at air. I was now on my back, desperately pushing myself away from him. He watched me, until I stood and began to run. Sure enough, the area Raakin was located was empty. I cursed under my breath and leaped into the air towards the other roof. Landing ungracefully with an unsynchronized roll. I wasted no time to look back, and ran like the devil was at my heels to the ladder. There I was forced to turn. I looked to see if he was right behind me, he was not. He stood on the other roof, where I fled from, watching me. His blade back in his sheath.

I could feel my face burning in embarrassment as I imagined him smirking triumphantly in my direction. I looked away and descended down the ladder, feeling like a dog running off with his tail between his legs.

F R E E L A N C E _A S S A S S I N

"Kahleel? Are you in there?" A woman's voice asked from the other side of my door, waking me from my rest. I pushed myself up from the bed and groggily looked around my dark room. Beams of light shining through the boards of the covered windows. It must be mid-day judging by the intense, uncomfortable heat.

"Yes. I'm here." I called back, pulling the garb off my head face before answering my door.

My land owner's wife, named Hadiya, stood in my door way holding a bowl of stew and a pitcher of water. Looking me over with concern before it set into a motherly scowl. "You are just waking? By god, what have you been doing all hours of the night?"

I was slightly taken aback, my brows rising in bemusement before I gave out a chuckle. "I do have needs, Hadiya."

She paused for a moment. Then her face quickly turned an unattractive shade of red. I felt myself smirk, completely satisfied with the effect of my lie as she avoided my eyes and handed me the food. Wordlessly walking down the stairs and shaking her head. I chuckled once more, shaking my own head and shutting the door to enjoy my meal.

I ate slowly. Pausing every so often, thinking back to last night and that assassin that chased me off.

Where did he get the nerve to barge in on my investigation? I still was not sure if he was aiming to kill me, for he had not chased after me. Was he protecting Raakin?

All these thoughts buzzed through my mind like a horde of mosquitoes and I began to eat my food angrily. This assassin had no business with me. No right!

I sighed, forcing myself to calm and regain my indifferent demeanour. In my rage, I had finished my food and was scraping the spoon against the bowl, carelessly bending another utensil. Oh, well. Hadiya wouldn't miss it. I had other matters to attend to today, and must leave before the market begins to fan out and my land owner returned from work.

Getting to my feet, I placed the bowl outside my door while taking my garb into account. I re-wrapped the dark colored garb around my head, tucking my hair inside. Being sure that I've made it loose enough to breathe- but tight enough to stay in place, before climbing out the window and using the ladder to make it down to the ground safely. After that encounter last night, I decided it was high time I bought a new bow and a set of arrows. If I am ever to go up against a white robed assassin again, I am going to be sure that I would win. Injuring him with an arrow first, to weaken him. I would have to find some poison as well. Coating my blades and arrow heads with poison would make it all the more easier for me… as long I remain cautious with my own weapons. But first things first.

I need money for such expensive items.

Staying a safe distance from guards and the merchants, I took a seat on a bench and scanned the civilians that walked by and listened intently for the sound of a heavy coin pouch. While scanning around, I found two easy escape routes and a last resort. Not to mention a target with a large amount of coins dangling on his back hip.

I casually stood, making my towards him within a group of other dark robed men I recognised as vigilantes. Ironic that I found myself hiding amongst them to steal money from another civilian. Cursing myself and my retched luck, I walked passed my target. Then turned on my heel and began to follow him. Peering behind me towards the group of men and to my relief, they had not even spared a single glance. Turning forward again, I gained on my target. Pushing others in my way gently, muttering excuses and apologies along the way.

I was within reach. I slowly draw my knife as to not raise suspicion, eying the coin pouch's secure. Only tied in a knot on his belt. He might notice that the pouch had stopped hitting against his leg, but I hoped he would notice when I am at a distance. I took a last glance to his head. And swiftly took the coin pouch into my hand and cut it off his belt with my dagger, then quickly made a retreat to a nearby bench. The coins safely placed within my tunic. Just as I thought, the man stopped and found his money gone. He turned seconds too late to find the culprit.

I smirked to myself as he began to make a spectacle of himself. Accusing passing civilians of stealing his money.

Enough time had passed for me to move while staying clear of any accusations and quickly made my way to visit the weapons dealer and the herbs merchant. The herbs merchant was one of my employers in the past. I would make him the last person to visit, encase he didn't take seeing me very well.

I stopped in front of the rug merchant's stand.

"Ah, how can I be of service?" The merchant asked, wearing a forced smile. Looking at me as if he could smell the coins in my tunic.

"I'm looking for Ma'n." I replied gruffly. The merchant's face faded and eyed me warily. I stared back indifferently before flashing the man the size of the coin pouch. His smile returned tenfold and ushered me inside the building behind him.

Inside it was like any other home, and I waited for someone to come and assist me. I could hear a few bangs coming from deeper inside the home, followed by a muffled yelp. A string of curses before another man greeted me holding a very noticeable bump forming on his forehead. "I am Ma'n. What are you looking for?" He grumbled.

I looked him over and dubbed him as no real threat. "A strong bow and a sturdy set of arrows."

He nodded and walked down the hall, motioning me to follow. He led me to a back room, inside tables stood against the walls. Weapons of all kinds littered the walls, tables and even on the floor under the tables. I was speechless. Last time I was here there was hardly anything on the tables let alone the walls. He beckoned me to the back wall and extended his hand to the bows hanging proudly on the wall. A whole wall adorned with bows of all kinds. In the middle, three crossbows.

"Are you looking for anything specific?" he asked me, snapping my attention away from the crossbows. I acknowledged the question and continued to look. He gave an annoyed grunt and crossed his arms impatiently, apparently having better things to besides watch over his stolen goods. Finally, one caught my eye and I got him to fetch it for me for inspection.

It was made from a sturdy, yet easily bendable wood. The color was appeasing to the eye, and gave the impression of a hunting weapon. The draw string was made of the completely wrong material, but that could be easily replaced with a more reliable sort. Black leather wrapped where my hand would be, stopping in the precise area of where the arrow would be resting before I would fire. My hand wrapped around it easily and comfortably. Best of all, it was a reasonable length- Ideal for someone of my height.

I ultimately gave a nod after my inspection and asked to see the arrows.

Some were crooked and off, others were missing their vane and more were missing the arrow heads. Did this man pick these off a battle ground?!

I slowly turned up and looked to him, expecting him to smile. Laugh. Snicker. Anything to show me that this was a joke of some kind. But he remained I his irritable façade, glowering down at me impatiently. I handed him the bin of arrows. He took the bin with an offended expression. "What's wrong with them?"

I glared in return, reaching for the coin pouch. "I can make my own."

His eyes gave a glint when he seen the size of the pouch, his irritability vanished. "Wait. I have others, forgive me for my rudeness."

I waited for him to fetch the 'others'. Opening the pouch to see just how much was inside. My eyes widened. I could eat like a king tonight!

He returned with two bins of arrows and three different quivers. I quickly regained my composure and began to inspect the arrows. These were in a lot better shape than the first bundle. They didn't even appear to be used. I glanced over to the quivers in his hands. He held them up eagerly for my inspection. These didn't seem used either. I began to wonder if the bow I held was used.

"This one could hold up to two dozen arrows." He told, holding the black leather quiver.

"It will go quite well with the bow." He continued. I had to refrain myself from scoffing. I didn't care about the color… But it was the largest and would not look too noticeable when it's strapped on my back, and it was the only one with a cover strap. I could easily pull an arrow out, and if I were to fall, no arrows would be lost.

I gave a nod, taking the quiver from his hand and begun to place the arrows inside. Heh. He was a liar. More than two dozen arrows could fit inside the quiver. When I finished he helped me strap it on comfortably and efficiently, being sure not to place it in the way of my short blade. I then stood, holding a bow in my left hand, my short blade and quiver intersecting on my back in an 'X'. Both properly placed out of the way of one another.

"The amount?" I asked. I could plainly see that I was now making his day.

"A reasonable amount! 50 gold coins, and I'll give you the proper draw string for free." He said, barely containing his excitement. I narrowed my eyes at the mention of proper draw string, but gave him the amount asked. It barely put a damper in my pocket. He held the coins to his face in a greedy way before running off to the corner and returning with a ball of string. I could feel a smirk forming on my lips. He was giving me more than enough draw string. This man had no idea how to sell his merchandise!

I took the ball, placing it inside my tunic and he led me back to the front. Apologising for his awful hospitality the entire time. The merchant in the stand waved to me happily as the other man, who I assume is his brother or relative, quickly approached him. Showing him the gold coins.

I've never seen a pair of grown men wave to hard in my life.

Shaking it off, I held the pouch tightly and made my way to the herbs merchant's stand. I was not expecting him to greet me so… merrily.

"Why, hello again! How may I be of service? Anything you need is half price!"

I felt the smirk returning as I gave a curt nod. Leaning closer to tell him what I was looking for. He nodded, glancing around to be sure no one would hear. "I'm sorry. But that would be a request. Come back in three days time. I'll have it. Does the amount matter?"

"Two jars, powder and several vials… have it done by your promised time and I will gladly pay full price. Half now." I paused, handing him the coins. Then holding up the pouch before slipping it back into its secured place within my tunic, and continued. "Half when it's finished. I am willing to over look the powder."

He seemed relieved and gave an eager nod. I left the market towards the docks. If I quickly change the draw string of the bow, I may have a chance of getting my target. But I would have to be in a secluded place, high above the ground.

I could feel my shoulders slump at my misfortune. I was not going to risk meeting with another assassin. Or worse, the same from last night. I sigh of what to do.

I guess I am forced to do this while the man slept.

So… what do you think? Should I continue?
A few questions I need answered:
- Altair or Malik (or both)?
- [If both: Fighting for the OC or the OC caught in between?]
- Romance or friendship?
- The OC: Male or Female?

Reviews needed and greatly appreciated!
(Sorry for any typos.)

~SafetyPinStitches

P.S. I own nothing!!! ...except the OC...?