Chapter 3

Rothor Forel led Cristoff through the back alleys of Asshai. They eventually reached a tall building of unknown purpose, as Cristoff could see no signs or wares anywhere around it.

"Stop. Here will Rothor tell you of his proposition." Said Rothor, as he stopped and turned towards Cristoff. The street was dark and empty, most of the buildings vacant.

"Your family was killed due to your own folly. Rothor knows this, yes, but what was this folly? Rothor wonders…"

Cristoff frowned at Rothor; this man had no right to pry into matters like this, why should he tell him anything?

"Ah, Rothor sees the hesitation in your eyes," He said with a lilting tone, "It is alright, you can tell, because we already know. But it would serve to hear it from horse's mouth."

Cristoff wondered at this Rothor. "This man is a complete fool. And he dresses like some kind outlandish merchant. How could he know anything about-"

"Since you seem lost at words, Rothor will start for you. Your family had come to Myr, your father had business with men there, and your betrothed lived there too. Kaisha, her name was. You were almost to be married, but in drunken stupor you rejected her, spat on her house and her family's name and started brawl with father. You lost, and he broke off engagement. You returned to-"

"How do you know any of this?" interrupted Cristoff

"Ah, you do speak, then. Want to finish the story then, yes?"

Cristoff nodded, then looked at the ground as he continued the story in a sad tone, "My father was so disappointed with me, he tried to apologise for me but the father would have nothing of it. He sent mercenaries to teach us a lesson of respect, and I attacked the mercenary captain, and he slaughtered my house and gave me this as a reminder." Cristoff lifted his tunic to reveal a fresh scar on his belly, going from left to right. Rothor tsked in sympathy.

"Looks like you learnt lesson, yes. And now you have nothing. No family, no house, barely anything left to your name. We offer you new family, new house, new purpose. We have seen you fight, you are good, but we can make you better."

"You call yourself Rothor, but you say 'we.' Who do you mean?"

"Clever too. We are many, Rothor is just small part. You can be part too, but you must swear your loyalty by whatever gods you follow, and we will hold you to those vows to your death."

"What do I get out of this?"

"You get a life that is not running from guards and living in old broken house. That has learning, and living, and money if you need. We are brotherhood, and we take care of our brothers."

Cristoff backed away slowly; Rothor was beginning to scare him a little.

"I sense something sour in your words; none would be so generous without something that sours the deal."

Rothor smiled again and nodded solemnly, "There is condition, yes. But you should be fine with it. You already do this thing, yes. And are good at it too."

"What? What do I do already?" asked Cristoff. He was answered by men dropping off the roofs of the building and running to circle him.

"Killing." Said Cristoff simply.

Cristoff looked around slowly. He was surrounded by seven hooded men with no swords in their hands, but at their sides. One, with slightly different robes and a crooked nose walked forward to Cristoff.

"We are the blades in the night, who serve all men for a brighter future." Said the man with the crooked nose.

"We work in the dark, to serve the light." Echoed the men around the circle.

"We are Assassins." Said the man, as he laid a hand on Cristoff's shoulder.

"Wait, I have heard of you. You are the Hidden Blades of Asshai." Said Cristoff with disbelief

The man with the crooked nose chuckled and walked back to the circle of men,

"There are those who call us that, but it is no title we gave to ourselves."

The man circled around to face Rothor.

"Are you sure this man will be of use to us, Rothor?"

"Yes, mentor. He fights well, and has no family. Rothor offer him our family, but he has not said yes yet."

Several of the men chuckled, "Someday, Rothor, your generous heart will get us all killed. I trust you with this one, but we will test him, like all the others."