"Now are you idiots going to come out, or shall we see how strong my magic is when I'm really angry?" Wolfram's voice was still not it's usual forceful self, but it had a tone that could cut glass. The black-hooded assassins started appearing everywhere around Wolfram.Still, it's nice to see at least half aren't here, and most of the ones that are probably have nasty burns thought the smirking blonde. And at least the wimp isn't here. He might've gotten hurt trying to protect me. Wolfram sighed, not caring much about the assassins. At least I said goodbye.

"Now which one of you cowards is going to stop behaving like a sniveling 46 year old and tell me what in blazes is going on? Be quick about it. I'm tired, and I want to sleep somewhere warm. So that leaves hell, where I presume you wish to take me (take me, thought Wolfram, not send me, because I most definitely won't go alone. The prospect warmed him, as he knew he wasn't the kind to give up, even until the bitter end.), or the bed at camp, if you fools waste enough time for a search party to arrive. Which one shall it be then?" Wolfram couldn't help it, he was getting irritated. If you are going to kill someone at least have the courtesy to do so quickly.

A hooded figure that was exactly like the others stepped forward, before dropping to one knee in front of Wolfram. "My most sincere apologies, Your Excellency. I am Hedrid, the leader of this band of men. You were not supposed to get so badly injured. Rest assured the fool stupid enough to hurt you has been swiftly… dealt with. I and the rest will die for you before we allow you to get hurt. All we request is that you hold an audience with our ruler. However, it has been understood that you have accepted this request, and as such we will be bringing you to meet him. Is there anything your humble servant can do to ease your impending travels, my lord?"

Wolfram look was deadpan, even under the fluffy teddy hat Gwendal knitted. That's when he said the words nobody expected to hear:

"Pull the other one, it's got bells on"

(A/M:aaarghh, sorry! It's an obscure joke I read before. You know when someone tells you something shocking you say "You're just pulling my leg, aren't you?" This is like that but it means if you're gonna be stupid, I can be stupid too. Sorry.)

"Look," Wolfram said, feeling a bit sorry for the man who looked absolutely confused. "One of your idiot underlings hurt me rather badly, and massive amounts of healing magic means my body is trying to sleep regardless of what I'm thinking. So kill me now, if you wish. But if, for some reason you are after Yuuri and not me, tell me now because I will use every ounce of energy I have left to kill all of you." The threat, coming from a wounded Wolfram wrapped in blankets and wearing a woolen hat with bear ears ought to have sounded comical. However, there was an immoveable quiet certainty present in those words that caused all of the assassins to flinch and start looking around nervously.

"Still, after that letter, I doubt you're after Yuuri. Unless it's to sing praises at his feet or make flower crowns for his hair, I'm certain right now it's me you're after. So be done with it already, I'm tired of waiting". Wolfram turned on his side, away from the face of the man, and tried to send a mental message to Yuuri

Don't worry wimp. It's just me dying, it's no big loss. Remember to take Greta to see the seamstress tomorrow and don't buy her anymore jewelry. Take good care of her and tell her I love her. And say sorry to brother Gwendal because I couldn't take better care of you. Tell Weller that I don't really hate him. Try to make Mother happy when she's sad that I'm gone.

Goodbye wimp.

Oh, and Yuuri?

I love you

And don't be sad just because you don't love me

Seconds passed, and now Wolfram was REALLY mad. "You bunch of cowardly assassins! If I am not dead and disposed of before Yuuri returns, I swear I'll kill all of you for letting Yuuri see my bloodied body! In this world or the next, I will make your lives a living hell!"

Flames erupted from a small bush and the nearest assassin backed away hurriedly.

"Your Excellency, I fear you do not understand me. Our intent is not to kill. The letter was merely a ploy to get you away from the castle so that we could more easily send you to meet our king, the exalted sovereign of our human land. He has heard a lot about you, and is anxious to meet you. Indeed he is quite in love with you, and it hurt him deeply to write such a deceptive letter. 'This suits that weakling king better than it does Lord Von Bielfelt' was what he said when we were asked to send the letter."

Wolfram's jaw hung slack in astonishment. All that pain he had been put through… No, all the pain Yuurihad been put through was because some besotted fool with royal blood had a crushon him? Despite the severity of the situation, Wolfram was tempted to laugh. Oh, I can imagine being so silly if it meant getting Yuuri! But if it's just for a meeting, why not come see me at the castle? I've had admirers before. Why the deception and the lunatic schemes and the senseless brutality? Wolfram felt his fire grow again when he remembered the commotion and effort wasted on this.

"Who is this fool you call a king? And what does he really want to do with me?"

"I'm afraid you will only find out when we have reached his castle. For now, it is goodnight, my lord" As he spoke, the man placed a large hosenki chain around his neck and Wolfram's world went black. His final conscious thought was not again…