Kainin stared out at the water crashing against the rocks. It sprayed into the air coating everything nearby, causing a thousand ripples spreading through each other and eliminating the weakest. None of them survived the next wave though. A beautiful, but pointless existence and changing nothing, unlike him.

He turned away as one of the young apprentices ran up behind him. The lad was barely breathing hard, yet his face was flushed red. Kainin sighed and gestured for him to speak.

"We were unable to poison the two royals, assassin, but we got one of the survivors of the clan." The boy stood tensely awaiting Kainin's response.

He considered the information for a moment, then nodded. "Variations to the plan were anticipated due to their interference, but this should work well despite your failure. Well done salvaging your assignment. When they come for the antidote, we will continue as planned with the hostages. Our younger opponents are of no use. You may draw out their deaths, but not to the point they can escape. They are trained better than you or your peers, do not underestimate them. Use your numbers to overwhelm them." He held the boy's eyes. "I will help you take them and then they are yours to eliminate as you please. Do not lose them." He turned, dismissing the boy.

The youth turned, but hesitated. Kainin turned back. "Was there more you needed?"

"Assassin, the others heard rumor the Araluen Rangers came from us or at least had training with our people. I was unsure of this rumor and wondered…? He seemed unsure how to finish.

The older warrior smiled understandingly. "If they are our own, why do we kill them and attack their charged country? It is true our warriors were stationed here many years ago to defend a king we owed and they are considered the original Rangers of Araluen. The country's...Corps of today grew from their training and values, but the warriors we fight today are not of our blood or allegiance."

He smiled slightly at the boy's relief. He was so innocent to the world. Kainin had not disclosed the truth of his attack on the clan to the youth he had permitted to live since they would not understand the necessity. They believed the clan had been about to commit an unforgivable offence to the code and he had heroically defended the nuisance of a code. It simply made harder to earn money and complete jobs, but the young still clung to it without need. He watched the boy leave to assure his friends they were clear of guilt and shook his head.

He directed his thoughts back to the problem he faced. Despite what he had said, the young survivor now poisoned would be a problem. The children were trained well and would know he would not treat any of them, his enemies. They would try anything to save each other as he had observed over past encounters and always succeeded in the most unpredictable way. He could not underestimate them again, could not afford to think of them as children after all he had seen from them. What would they do now he had them backed into a corner?

The Rangers were also more of an obstacle than he had expected. He had thought they would not be at the level of his own soldiers, but they were skilled almost equal to him. They had even improved certain areas of his own training. Their cloaks were more effective than his and they knew their home well. They were a threat worthy of their origin and with the assassin youths' knowledge of his tactics, he had to adjust his strategy.

Sorry the chapter is so short, I'll try to post the next soon.