Snippet #2257055

“My Queen, the-er man you asked for is here.” Said Ser Sedrick Aurora's man of business.

The tall, large bald man was a formidable fighter who had no hesitation cutting a man's throat at the simple nod of his Queen's head.

She'd rather have Sedrick take care of this business but she needed the man here with her in the North Lands reflected Aurora more then a little irritated with having to involve someone she did not completely trust with this sensitive business.

Damn her mother! The woman was loosing her mind in her old age. She could say what she liked but only Aurora knew what was best for the North Lands, for Lore in general and most importantly . . . herself. Which entailed a sword and her sister and the first being run through the latter. Only then would her dark soul be at ease.

Ser Sedrick bowed his head in acknowledgement, his blue gaze almost as menacing as Aurora's own as he turned and opened the large doors to the Throne room.

“Enter.” He said in his gruff rarely used voice.

A small man, almost dwarfed by Ser Sedrick floated in slowly, his face darked and hidden by the hood of his long cloak.

“The Order of the Dark Justice at your service My Lady.” Spoke the Assassin as he bowed.

“My Queen, you mean Assassin.” Interrupted Sedrick coldly from behind.

Although his face was hidden, the Assassin's form visibly stiffened as he half turned to face the towering beast that was Ser Sedrick.

“There has not been a sole Monarchy of Lore since the days of Sephia.” Commented the Assassin.

“Well there is now!” Commanded Aurora as she rested on her Throne “Sephia's blood runs through my veins . . . It is my right to rule every part of this Land. Those that realise this earlier shall be well and truly rewarded.” Enunciated Aurora “What be your Rank Assassin?”

“I am a Disciple, Rank Four.”

“I hear you are the man I seek to bequeath my Quest upon,” Aurora stated as she rose from her Throne and came to stand in front of the Assassin “I've also heard pay is poor for someone of your calibre and capability . . . And the Lands of the North are well endowed. Naturally, should what I ask for be done, I will reward you handsomely . . . Out of the sight and pockets of your Masters.”

The Disciple Assassin stood silent a moment as he considered Aurora's offer and then finally spoke.

“It would be foolish of me to go against and hide things from my Masters . . . It would mean certain death.”

“No, Assassin . . . It would be more foolish of you to go against me . . . Think of it this way,” Aurora said calmly as she circled the small man “Your Masters be in my hand . . . So all that should concern you would be pleasing me . . .” Smiling coldly she stopped in front of the cloaked man. “Be you indifferent to my decree Assassin?”

His face was still hidden but Aurora could sense his equally chilling grin.

“My Queen.” His voice sang as he kneeled down on one knee and took one fair hand and placed a kiss atop it “How can I be of service to you?”

Aurora's smooth laughter lilted through the open room as she brushed the back of her palm across the rough scarred cheek under the hood.

“My sister . . . bring her head on a Silver platter to me . . .”