(Jack's POV)
Assassin instincts completely in control, I cut through the shadows directly behind Lord Tiriel's mansion. I did not know what he had done to offend the Emperor, I did not care. There was too much at stake.
I slid through his background gardens, making no sound as my feet beat against the cobblestone walkway. The fool didn't even have a patrol guard. He was making this too easy.
Tonight for a brief period I got to be Jack Sentan, the world's greatest assassin. I couldn't forget what was at stake, but for I while I could enjoy the rush. The thrill of the hunt. I had used the past week to painstakingly memorize Lord Tieriel's schedule, and the schematics of his mansion overlooking the village Backraden.
I glanced quickly up to the second story window on the east side, the Lord's bedroom. It was past two so his candle had already been extinguished, and the wax has had time to cool.
I shimmied up the side of the manor, and pried open the window using a dagger. They popped open with a faint click, and I paused. The breathing of Lord Tiriel and his wife did not change. With a sharp exhale I threw myself into the room, and overlooked my prey.
Lord Tiriel and his wife were no less than sixty years old. Gray hair fell from their heads onto their pillows, and wrinkles coated their skin. Even asleep the kindness that I had noticed was still evident on their faces. Lord Tiriel had crinkles around his eyes as if he were still remembering a good joke.
Suddenly repulsed by the job I had been assigned to do, I looked down at my sword. Still sheathed, the dark iron the forged the blade was barely visible. It suddenly seemed very fitting. It was with a tool of darkness, that I would strike down kindness.
I drew the blade with a faint hiss, said a quick prayer for Lord Tiriel, and swung downward.
I looked away just as the sound of metal cutting through flesh filled my ears, and I knew the deed had been done.
The great looming castle of my father stood in the distance, a monument to the agony and suffering that still filled the landscape. My horse groaned but I pushed it even further, I wanted to be rid of these trophies as soon as possible. The disgusting sack beat against my leg, and the jingle of a chain in my pocket, reminded me of the sin I had committed for my own selfish means.
The guards nodded and opened the gate as I neared it. Even from up on my horse I still saw the fear in their eyes. Good, it'll keep them from asking too many questions.
I neared the grand ornate doors, each about ten men high. They formed a grand archway, and each bore half of the insignia of the empire. The golden dragon upon the blood-red sword. It suddenly seemed much more fitting to me.
I threw myself off of my horse, my knees stuttering from their sudden use. I forced myself to walk normally, and shoved open the doors. The grand hall filled my vision, and its silence was welcoming. Across the hall stood the doors to the throne room. Sucking in as much air as I could, I walked across the hall and shoved the doors open.
It would have been beautiful had anyone else been sitting upon that throne. The entire room was crafted not from the stone the rest of the castle used, but from a white crystal. The floors, ceiling, walls, and pillars were each built entirely from the opaque gem. The only changes were a crimson carpet leading up to a golden throne. Upon that throne sat the man of darkness.
My father was listening to a guard tell him a story, the man looked frightened but the Emperor seemed satisfied.
Once the man finished my father said "It is a good thing that he is dead, or else I would have killed him myself. Do not let this happen again or I will string all of you up by your toes." Taking his dismissal the guard quickly bowed and walked briskly out of the room, not even glancing in my direction.
Once alone I slowly walked to my father and bowed. After a few seconds he grunted, and I stood up straight. I pulled the pack off of my shoulder, and pulled my deadly prize from within. An aged male head sat motionless in my hand. Dried blood splattered all across his chin and neck. I tossed Lord Tiriel's head to my father's feet and a broad grin stretched across his face.
"Good job boy. I knew I could count on you." The Emperor declared absolutely delighted at his prize. "And what of his amulet?" I pulled the golden chain out of my pocket and tossed it up to him. He caught it easily in one hand and admired it.
"Ah yes, this is the old buffon's amulet. This should keep them all in line for a while. Your payment is in your old chambers, you may use them until I find you somewhere to stay in town."
"Thank you your majesty." I said with another boy, biting down bile I continued. "May I see my sister and mother?"
The emperor's smile vanished immediately. "And let you corrupt them? Your sister has barely reached her eighth year, and your mother wouldn't survive if she saw the despicable creature you had become. By all accounts Jonathan Ternac died when he left home years ago. If by any misfortune you should see them you will be called Jack Sentan. You will not reveal your true identity to them under any circumstances. I cannot allow your true identity to get out."
I understood the subtle threat he added at the end. With a final bow I returned to my childhood room, and as promised, placed on the trunk of the bed sat a large bag of gold, and a letter. I discarded my cloak on a chair in the corner, and looked at the letter.
"Jack Sentan" it read. I opened it up, and noticed my father's handwriting. Nervousness shout through me, but I read it anyway.
Dear Jack.
Congratulations on your first successful kill as my soldier, you have done a great service for this kingdom. Attached with this letter is your payment, 1000 imperial coins, to remind you that while you continue to obey me, you shall prosper.
He didn't need to add what would happen if I didn't.
As we are both aware of the gifts you have inherited from me, I would like to personally invite you to train with me tomorrow afternoon. I have located wizards outside of the empire who are willing to teach you everything that they know. I look forward to seeing your first lesson.
Your's truly
Emperor Ternac
Ha! He had to hire wizards from outside the kingdom because he had executed all of them known within the Empire. Although the prospect of training still haunted me.
I had spent the majority of my life hoping that my powers didn't surface, that I wouldn't have to use my powers like my father did. Even from a young age, my father used his powers as punishment. In my home, we didn't need a whip.
I looked to the money carefully placed on the center of the trunk. It bulged at the sides, and was packed to the top full of imperial coins. I grabbed a handful for food and tied the rest to my leg. I threw a cloak back over myself and left.
Later that night, the orphanage in town found a large bag of gold in a carriage on their doorstep. Nobody knew who had left it.
Author's note- I tried to make the letter in a different font, and even found a really nice one that I wanted to use, but the website didn't allow it. Anyway it seems like you are really enjoying the story, and I am quite grateful for it. I enjoy writing these, and to see that you are enjoying them as well is great motivation. Thank you.