For most of the day Tannin continued at a fairly fast pace. He did not pass anyone within the forest. Something that he was glad of. Only once the sun was beginning to set did the man slow the horse down to a walk again, allowing the creature to rest. They finally made their way back onto the road and Tannin tugged on his hood once again, making sure that his face was still hidden. The sound of Oachi's hooves striking the stones that were upon the ground sounded, breaking the silence once again. Tannin reached out, stroking the horse's neck in praise. The horse bobbed his head happily causing a small smile to grace Tannin's face.
They traveled for another hour before coming across a stable that was located just outside of the city. The assassin brought Oachi to a stop a bit away from the building and then dismounted gracefully. He then pulled the reins over the horse's head and then began leading the horse. There were only a few lights lit within, showing Tannin just how late it was getting. He came to a stop at the door, knocking. He waited patiently. Only a few moments passed before the doors were opened revealing a rather short man who looked like he'd seen better times. "What do you want?"
Tannin was surprised at the almost rude way that the man spoke to him. However, he ignored it. "I'm sorry to disturb you so late. I've been traveling for some time and my horse needs looking after until my business here is dealt with. I can pay you well." Tannin was certain that the man could tell that he was not from Silanos though he said nothing of it. It seemed the promise of actual payment outweighed the fact that he was from Axijan. "Very well. I want the payment up front. How long will he be here?"
"That is no problem. He will be here tonight and through til tomorrow..around midnight. I'll pay you extra if you'll have him fully ready for travel before I arrive to pick him up." Tannin handed the reins over to the man and then moved to the saddle bags, pulling out a medium sized bag of gold coins. Tannin removed only a few coins and then handed the remaining bag of gold over to the man. "Anything you want, good sir. I will make sure that your horse is well taken care of and ready before you return for him." It was clear that the man had not been expecting such an amount.
Tannin thanked the man and then left, heading off onto the trail that led into the city. He walked at a slow pace, trying not to seem in too much of a hurry. He soon found himself in the street and then was soon walking in the direction of the large palace that could be seen from his location. He would not dare to get too close just yet, though needed to scout out possible escape routes before he entered and killed the Princess.
He walked slowly, looking as if he was simply taking in the sights. He soon found himself near the water's edge, looking across at the palace. The building was huge and he would likely have to find a more unthought of way to enter that night. Perhaps taking a boat across and scaling the building. He would then be able to easily exit the same way. There was no way of knowing how heavily guarded the Princess would be. It would be something that he would have to discover once he was in the palace.
Tannin turned, heading on along the dock. There were quite a few boats and a small ship upon the water. It was quite a different sight from that of Axijan. They were located within three different mountain ranges, making Axijan quite far from any bodies of water save for smaller ones such as streams or rivers. He'd been to Untsul before as well. It was even more of a thriving area...the entire main city built upon the sea. It was a sight not seen just anywhere.
When it was nearing midnight, Tannin finally moved from the shadows. He knew that he only had a short window if he wished to complete his job. Once he had reached the docks once again, it was easy to see that none were there. They had all turned in for the night. The Assassin made his way along the dock until he came across a very small, aging boat. He made his way onto the old vessel and picked up the oar.
He then untied the tether and pushed off and away from the dock. The oar struck the water as Tannin began making his way towards the palace undetected. As he neared the palace, Tannin found himself looking up, eyeing the large structure. It was a beautiful building, every much the part of a palace. As he reached the side, Tannin moved the boat as close as he could and then sat the oar down. He then began slowly moving up the side of the building.
It wasn't easy, he had to find any stone that was jutting out just to continue. Before leaving Axijan, Tannin had gotten as much information about the building and its inhabitants as possible. He knew where he needed to go, what room was the Princess's. It would just be a matter of finding it. He finally, after about thirty minutes, reached a fairly high window. He was able to open it quietly and pulled himself up and into the palace. He froze, being silent. He did not hear anything and so silently began walking through the hall. By the decorations that lined the hall, it was clear that he was in the Royal Wing.
He suddenly heard voices and so he plastered himself against the wall. But, they were slowly getting farther away. He moved again, heading in the same direction that he'd been heading. He was not used to being around such nice things and he did not think that he could ever get used to it.
It was a short time later that Tannin came across a door that was unguarded. He approached, pressing his ear to the door. He didn't hear anything coming from within. He opened the door as quietly as he was able, finding himself within a sitting room. There was another door within the room and so Tannin quietly made his to it, opening it. It was easy to see that this was the Princess's room. He was glad that he'd found it first.
He made his way into the room, closing the door behind him. She was in the bed, asleep from what he could tell. He made his way to her, stopping only once he was close enough to touch her. He gazed down at her, regarding her for a moment. She was quite beautiful. Not that he'd suspected anything other than that. She was a Princess after all.
He reached behind him, pulling out one of his daggers. He then held it above the young woman, above her heart. He had to do this. He suddenly allowed his arms to move, the dagger moving dangerously fast towards her form. It was only right before it struck her that Tannin suddenly stopped. If he'd been a moment later he would have killed her. He found himself looking down at her again. He knew in that moment that he could not kill her. She'd done nothing to warrant it. To do so would to go against everything he lived by.
He put the dagger away suddenly, his eyes never leaving the young woman. He knew that Lorn would simply send someone else after her. She would not be safe in Silanos. Not once the news reached Nuhardos. He could not allow her to remain here. He suddenly began searching himself until he found some rope. Gently but surely, he moved her wrists together and then tightened it so that she would not be able to get free. He then tore off a piece of fabric from the end of his cloak and tied it about the woman's mouth so that when she awoke she could not alert anyone to his presence.
Tannin moved suddenly, pulling her up and over his shoulder. He then headed towards the window that was in her room. When he reached it, he opened it and exited onto the room. He then walked to the edge, looking down at the water. He would not be able to climb down with the Princess. They would have to jump. "I would suggest you take a breath and hold it."
RPG
