(This is a rather short chapter, but it's full of the suspense that I know all of you love. Enjoy!)
LEGACY OF KAIN: BLACK HEARTS
CHAPTER 17: MISSION
Baltizor gazed at Janos Audron's retreat in the distance. He stood at the edge of a cliff that dropped into a canyon. The entire landscape was covered in a thick blanket of snow. He drew in a deep breath and shivered harshly. Even with the three layers of protective clothing, the bitter cold still managed to attack his flesh.
Baltizor did one more check of himself to ensure that he still had all of his equipment. Due to his weather-resistant gear, he had to rearrange his arsenal. His sword was strapped to his waist, his assorted daggers were strapped across his chest, he had oil and matches in case he had no alternative if he ran into a vampire, and on his wrist he wore a new weapon provided by the Sarafan.
Is was simple a bracer that acted as armor for his forearm. But, just underneath the hand, a hidden blade extends for a quick and stealthy kill. This type of weapon suited Baltizor perfectly. He was surprised he hadn't come up with the idea before.
Baltizor usually hand built all of his weapons. His sword and daggers were all crafted in his own forge. The forge that did not yet exist.
It was odd being sent to the past. Moebius had sent him on jobs far away before, but across time was a whole new playing field. But it gave him quite an edge. None of the few remaining vampires in this era knew how to counter Baltizor. His fighting style was considered futuristic and unheard of.
That left him without a challenge against all of his foes. Honestly, this slightly disappointed him. He enjoyed difficulty in battle. He was so use to quick and painless assassinations that they began to bore him. He needed some excitement; some drama; some intensity.
Baltizor jumped as someone touched his shoulder. He instinctively elbowed his unwelcomed guest, pinned him to the wall, and extended the hidden blade to his neck. He hesitated, due to the familiar Sarafan armor.
"Hold, friend!" the priest said.
"Oh, Raziel," Baltizor laughed. "I would have killed you had it not been for your armor."
"And you wonder why I call you mad…" Raziel replied.
Baltizor had spent some time with each of the Sarafan priests before setting out on his mission. He had become close friends with them, particularly Raziel.
"I almost had you," Baltizor said.
"I'll admit, that was a close call." Raziel chuckled. "Luck, if anything."
"I make my own luck, Raziel." Baltizor said.
"So," Raziel said. "What's the status?"
"It's all clear so far." Baltizor repeated.
"Moebius wanted me to deliver a message." Raziel said.
"And what does our high and mighty lord of time accuse me of this time?" Baltizor asked.
"As much trouble as you cause," Raziel said. "That's not the kind of message I would deliver. He would simply like for me to emphasize that the 'half-blood' is your only target. He said you would understand."
"Yes, I do," Baltizor answered.
Clearly, Moebius did not like to share the full extent of his plans.
"Alright," Raziel said. "Put some of your own luck to use out there."
"To you as well," Baltizor said as his friend departed.
Baltizor thought about how foolish it was to make friends here. He knew he would have to leave. He did not belong in this time period. He would have to face those facts when his mission was complete.
Perhaps there was a different solution. Maybe he could negotiate with Moebius into allowing him to stay in this time period. What else would Moebius need him for anyways? He only said he needed him for this one kill. He never mentioned Baltizor being in any other part of his intricate web.
Baltizor took his post, peering once again down into the canyon. He heard voices coming from one end, farther from the retreat.
"Janos should be right this way." A familiar voice said.
Another unfamiliar voiced replied, but it was too subtle for Baltizor to make out what was said.
Then Baltizor saw a blue figure step into the open. It walked to the edge of the cliff, and peered over the frozen lake. Behind him, what looked like a human woman followed behind him. That must have been the half-blood.
The blue figure seemed to be observing the landscape.
"I'll need to travel to the spirit world for a moment," it said, once again sounded very familiar.
"I'll be here." The half-blood replied.
The blue creature vanished into thin air, leaving the half-blood alone. Perfect.
Baltizor drew in a deep breath, and shivered once again. The harsh cold will soon be gone once this mission would be complete. And it will only be a matter of seconds. Baltizor waited weeks for this moment. Weeks for a kill.
As Baltizor exhaled, he extended his hidden blade, and leaped off the cliff.