Okay, I don't even know what I'm doing with my account anymore. Just when I decide to catch my breath with a brief Hiatus, the plot bunnies attack. Oh well.
This one's a little different. It's from the point of view of an assassin, and a fair bit shorter than my usual work. Hopefully it's still interesting, though. It does, admittedly, paint Merlin in sort of a dark light, but it's not Evil!Merlin (although I may play with that later… maybe.)
Enjoy. (IDOM)
Quick Info- Arthur is King and knows about Merlin's magic, but he hasn't been revealed to the entire kingdom yet. That's really all you need to know for this one.
Drabble 11- It's in His Shadow
This is my story; the story of how I, Valmor, the famed assassin, met his end. When I was tasked with killing the famed King Arthur, I knew it would be no easy feat; for had I not heard of the king's legendary skill with a sword, his wit, his cunning? Many had tried and failed. It would take exceptional skill on my part to be an exception.
There was, of course, a moral aspect as well. Camelot was a region in which many a magical soul had met their end, and rumor had it that the present king was nothing like his sire. Killing the man who was quite literally a symbol of change would be a challenge in its own aspect. Of course, morals don't keep a man's stomach satisfied, so perhaps it's not really that bit of a deal. I suppose it depends on the person.
Anyways, if you, dear reader, hope to accomplish what I failed, allow me to give you valuable advice. Don't worry about actual entry into the castle. It's child's play, really. The security seems to be more ornamental than anything else; I admit I scoffed at the ease, looking down on previous failures as elementary instead of trying to learn from them (my fatal flaw, I confess).
Once inside, it is also easy enough to find the king's chambers. If you go during the day (which I don't advise, but to each his own) follow the crowd. If you go during the night, follow the trail of lazy guards. "Security" will be heaviest around your goal.
I always prefer night missions, so I found myself following the glint of moonlit silver to my target. I am no magician myself, but I do have some small magical trinkets I like to toy with on my jobs. Once such amulet had all the men around the king's chamber's snoozing soundly. (You could, of course, simply kill them, but it's flashy and more likely to raise the alarm. I don't recommend it.)
Warning: the king may not be asleep. Assume nothing. Remember the fighting skills I mentioned? Prepare yourself for the possibility of facing a fully equipped, angry knight. I was put in this position when I entered the room and found the king sitting at his desk, pouring over some documents.
His eyes met mine. He knew why I was there- yet I had one more trick up my sleeve. (I come prepared.) One last amulet adorned my neck; my last trick and my safety net. It was a summoning charm, and soon I held the king's sword. He doubtless had a dagger hidden somewhere, but with his own sword pointed at him, he was unlikely to get it in time.
Despite this, he showed no fear. I thought this was odd, but hey, kings have always been a little strange. Do not make the same mistake. He looked almost… sorry for me. Like I was a small child who had disobeyed his mother and run off, without a real understanding of the consequences. I resented the look.
"Prepare to die, your majesty," I snarled, resentful of his pity. My guilty pleasure, I admit; I love having the last word.
"I'm afraid not," came a new voice, sounding pleasantly calm. I had failed, in the darkness of the room and with adrenaline in my veins, to fully evaluate. For behind the king, standing calmly with his eyes looking anything but, stood a wiry servant.
The king is a foe in himself. He is skilled with a sword, can throw a dagger with impeccable aim, and is a clever leader. He has escaped many scraps miraculously unharmed and survived to adulthood against all odds.
And yet I give you my most valuable piece of wisdom: do not fear him.
Fear his shadow.