It was late afternoon when I called Shadee to the throne room and told her of what I saw.
"There is a ship heading for this island," I said, "It consists of many men, but only one in particular is a danger to me."
"Who is this man, Empress?" she asked, malice glinting in her eyes. My faithful servant was always ready to kill.
"He is the one they call the Prince. He comes from Persia, set on a journey to find this island."
"To kill you?"
I closed my eyes and took a breath, then ignored her inquiry, "Just gather as many inhabitants as you can. Make sure they have weapons and a lust to kill. Board the ship on the east shore and set sail north. You will find this ship, and when you do… kill them all. Don't hesitate. Not a single body can be allowed to wash in with the tide."
"Yes, Empress," she bowed, her curtain of dark hair concealing her eyes for a moment. But I saw her smile.
She would do this for me, as my lasting and faithful servant, this favor to me. I was sure of it.
"Now," I said, "Go."
"As you wish," she said, and then left the throne room, leaving me alone in the wonderland of red silk and polished marble and stone, the promise of death in her stride.