The air smelled of perfume and water music – neither of which could Sam stand for much longer. He had grown too accustomed to the harsh desert life of a warrior, and he had no mind for parties and pleasantries anymore. He barely even knew why he was here. What was he looking for? What did he hope to achieve?copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTTr9qPk3o
He walked up the steps of the Piae Tovuus with a firm hand around Ashley’s waist, hoping that some miracle would occur and Garn would just give himself up.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU9WdNwavQ
He was surprised by the immense number of people who had showed up. He knew that Garn’s parties were always big, but this surely must have been some spectacle to remember. Noveria's richest and most powerful all gathered under the same room, he was surprised the king wasn’t there. Ashley was more mesmerised than anything else at the spectacular golden image, and her face lit up like the dawn.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKjhC2fVdz
Sam spotted Garn almost immediately speaking to the keeper of the treasury – dressed completely in dark red and black. Hmph, it seems Garn has taken up some new colours. I wonder who else knows. No doubt Garn will want to speak to me sooner or later – he did send me an invitation after all. What’s he planning?copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2tyuCZjX3
Sam took a drink from a passing tray and took a mouthful, he didn’t know what it was but it tasted good, and then he sighted a familiar shadow. No way… it can’t be.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrYRnbFTlb
The man wore a full black suit, even a black shirt, and the woman by his side was dressed in a sparkly green dress. Sam took Ashley’s hand and led her over. “C’mon, let’s go visit a friend.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2V2jx4zth
The assassin seemed to pretend that Sam wasn’t there as he gulped down another drink. “You here to arrest me?” he said suddenly, lifting his green eyes up through his mask.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98kCHPfG8c
“Your time will come,” Sam uttered, “don’t you worry. As much as it pains me I believe we now have a common enemy.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQDHI1ToUe
Arlandra looked curiously into Sam’s face, “you saw it, didn’t you? Garn’s powers.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDhvGB3Law
Sam was surprised. “How did you know about that?”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jEoWldb2l
“I ran into the same dilemma out by the Elder Forest.” Arlandra’s tone shifted. “Whatever power he has, it’s nothing human, and certainly nothing we can deal with given the knowledge we currently have.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMc2uV3njX
Sam chuckled, “are you suggesting we team up? The assassin and the soldier,” he jested.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSBTnivq4F
Arlandra held his serious expression, “something happened to you.” He started. “You’ve changed since we last met. You came alone. No escort, no team, no authorisation…”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ZBwWXJ7Z
Sam sighed, “it seems Garn has the council on his side, until I can convince them otherwise that Garn is not who he says he is, well, I’m on my own.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wLhygcCDw
Arlandra nimbly picked a bit of food from a platter, carefully observed it, and then placed it in his mouth. “Did you know that Christel Saan is here as well?” he said casually as he chewed. “I heard that you two were close friends.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfpb9NuEdy
Sam would have been more surprised, however he knew too well that the thief was utterly unpredictable. No doubt he’s back for more of Garn’s treasures, but why is the assassin telling me this? “The assassin and the thief,” Sam said, “now that sounds more appropriate.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbGkMcgJWo
“We don’t need to fight on this,” Arlandra continued. “Christel knows more about Garn than either of us put together, and, he owes me a favour, so I say we get him to help us defeat Garn’s annoying little power, then I get the kill and you get to save Taelliwey.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1UvjtLw5p
Does he really expect me to believe him? The assassin of Taelliwey? “No, I’m not going to be part of your schemes. If we get Garn, we’re doing it the right way.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FFrROemts
From within the clamour of the party came a deep and painfully familiar voice: “Mr Ford, I’m glad I finally found you, we have business to discuss.” Garn Pallerii’s welling red eyes flashed over to Arlandra. “And Mr Knight, why aren’t I surprised, I thought I told you not to follow me.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNDB8qOoaK
Garn’s voice was like the edge of a dagger being dragged across his skin. “It must be your astounding personality, I just can’t get enough.” Arlandra smiled like he had a plan, and Sam was sure that he did, but he still questioned whether or not it was a good one.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTLIp4bbBh
Garn signalled two of his guards over. “You are to arrest this man and follow me.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡADXf4O4jbx
One of the guards slowly aimed a pistol at Arlandra’s chest while the other cuffed his hands together. Arlandra didn’t fight them at all. There were a few troubled looks from the people around them, but they eventually returned to their drinks and conversations about business. The assassin turned to the girl in the green dress. “This won’t take long. I’ll see you soon.” Sam had almost forgotten that she was there. The girl nodded her head softly.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5lpHtPvRZ
With the assassin in chains Garn turned back to Sam. “Now, shall we have that discussion?”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡgET1ni6yuH
Sam told Ash to wait for him there and then he accompanied Garn, Arlandra, and the two guards up stairs. Garn led them through the shining hallways until they arrived in a massive room on the very top floor of the building. The marble floor reflected the light of the full moon that hung so beautifully in the sky, in a way so that it felt like they were walking on polished glass. Garn continued forward until he faced out of the giant window. Taelliwey was below him. The great city stretched away like a forest of glowing lights, it massive towers joining the stars, and the white moon towering above it all.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4lMkpBoJM
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Garn began, not turning away from the view. “From this window you can see all of Taelliwey, right up until it touches the sea. There are thousands and thousands of people down there and I am more powerful than all of them.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuShTAKJ6C
Sam took a few cautious steps forward. “Garn, this power you have, what is it? Where did it come from?”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡImhCnEVucp
Garn turned his head to face Sam, his lips curled into a smile. “It was a gift, no, a blessing, from a friend of mine… Well, I say friend, but the truth is I’ve never seen his face… and we’re not exactly equals.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2uxPPXreG
Sam knew that he was talking about the cloaked man from the mountains. “What do you and your friend want?” Despite the hospitality Sam felt like a hostage, so why was he the one questioning Garn?copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡeab7r5HcON
Garn moved slowly away from the window and Sam felt the urge to take a step back. “Why isn’t it obvious?” Garn chuckled. “What we want is power… to have power in a world controlled by the powerful.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx959xK52X
Sam didn’t like the sound of that. “And how far are you willing to go?”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡueZZMPOJh2
Garn’s smile grew larger. “Oh my, so cautious. You have nothing to worry about, besides, I invited you here to talk about you, not me, but seeing as he’s here, let’s talk about our assassin.” Garn leaned towards Arlandra, and with the black and red light protruding again from his hand, he used his power to lift the assassin’s chin up.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvdBCFGkRv
The guards had bound his hands and gagged him so he wouldn’t speak. He seemed so helpless.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G2hMcPwhR
“I propose a deal,” Garn continued. “I give you the assassin of Taelliwey to present to the Taellian council, you get back your precious pride, and in return…”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM5tMSjABA
“I leave you alone,” Sam finished. “An enticing offer I’ll admit.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡD15RDIwj2o
Arlandra managed to spit out his gag. “Sam, don’t do this!” There was green desperation in his eyes.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa4SrR5hnn
Sam drew his revolver from the inside of his coat –the purple metal mixed with the pale blue twilight. Garn was staring at him, more curiously than anything else. And then suddenly the lights went out in a flash.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R9ekV6EwH
Sam couldn’t see a thing but he knew what he had to do. He could hear shuffling, a struggle, a thump, a soft choking sound, and then the struggle began to lessen. Some kind of emergency light system activated after that and the entire room was illuminated in a dim orange glow. Sam found himself aiming his revolver at Garn. One of the two guards was on the floor, either dead or unconscious, and Arlandra had his arm wrapped around the others neck, but it looked like he was unconscious now as well, and then the assassin released.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaJk1m2yG5
An angry line appeared on Garn’s forehead, he did not look pleased. “Sam,” he said bitterly. “I’m disappointed.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwf1oHStYg
“In the name of king Alexander of Taelliwey I place you under arrest, Garn Pallerii.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ780ltWs7s
Arlandra didn’t seem too pleased by that either. “No, Sam, shoot him! He’s too dangerous to be left alive!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡalDTFEgHcX
“If I deliver this man to the council as the criminal he is I can get back my rank and my honour.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9t2bRK4lJ
Garn’s lips twisted back into his hideous grin. “And if you shoot me you’ll become a cold blooded murderer. The council will brand you a criminal and you’ll be wanted for the rest of your days as the man who shot the generous Garn Pallerii.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcQscbV8E3
“Shut up!” Sam cried. “Your words are like snakes!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOoeH3SYL5
“Sam, listen to me,” Arlandra begged. “You know what Garn is capable of. Don’t do this!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyfoBqgmuC
“Quiet! You’re no better than him!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5POVh07d9L
Sam realised that what he had just said had affected the assassin deeply. It was like he had taken a blow to the chest.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKAFYhIRgu
“Very well,” Arlandra said coldly. “If you won’t take his life then I will!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb3cAFCR16
Sam saw Arlandra’s hidden gun jump out from his suited sleeve. He might already be too late. An alarm sounded that was shockingly loud. Sam clenched his ears. Arlandra’s gun fired and somehow Garn managed to leap out of the way so that the bullet shattered the great window behind them. Sam managed another look at the moon. How could something so beautiful shine down on this chaos? Garn used his power to push Sam back – he flew and hit the ground, and his revolver fell from his hands.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Vi2diars
The door to the room smashed down and a band of guards stormed in. “Arrest them!” Garn bellowed.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIcwnaO624
Arlandra was on his feet and racing for the gap in the window. He tossed a handful of little beads towards his pursuers and the beads exploded one at a time with blinding flashes of light. Sam met the assassin at the window, but as far as he could tell they were trapped.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZgEbRkNJm
“We have to jump,” Arlandra said suddenly, looking down from the window.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdtPvw3OHu
“Are you kidding me! That’s like a ten meter drop!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDdsaADYGG
The disorientated guards had almost regained their senses and were bounding after them again.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hFkWQbhEV
“You’ll just have to trust me!” Arlandra gripped Sam’s shirt and then leaped from the building, pulling Sam down with him.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy87oEDssl
Of all the people to die with, don’t let it be with him… What Sam thought would be a hard ground and a certain death turned out to be a soft bed of cushions and pillows. What? I’m alive?copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJY9c8KQ7r
Sam looked up to see Ashley’s face in the front of the carriage. “Sam!” she cried.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaJbuG2GXH
The lady in the green dress was steering the carriage. “Arlandra!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBfJIEnm6Q
The assassin sat up suddenly. “Go!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3zFdLOXBW
Guards and party guests ran outside to see what all the commotion was about. Sam heard one of the guards call out: “Don’t let them escape! Use the scorpions!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡp868jBOmhL
The lady flicked the reins and the horses immediately bolted off, however it seemed that they were too slow, and after only traveling a few meters they were caught. A metal harpoon on a rope impaled the back of the carriage like a scorpions’ sting and the carriage juddered with a jolt. The horses stood on their back legs and whinnied loudly. A small army was now pursuing them.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TmjD5Y1r4
“I hate scorpions!” the assassin yelled.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡR88rOldDjO
“Arlandra do something!” cried the lady in the green dress.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIXFRghFDz
There was no hesitation. It seemed like the assassin knew exactly what he needed to do without thinking. He drew his short blade and leaped over the back of the carriage, holding onto the wooden frame with his left hand, and using the metal harpoon to balance his feet. He leaned as far as he could and with one strike he cut the rope, smiling as if he had won. But the wood on the carriage creaked in pain and then snapped under his weight. The assassin fell and tumbled along the ground, and Sam could only look back.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHsN05TY7k
He heard the lady in green cry out. “We have to go back!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YsbqhxDUR
Sam knew that wasn’t an option. “Keep going,” he said, as if it were an order. “If we go back now we’ll all be captured.”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡstAp9rGq7j
At least two-dozen guards and several horsed officers surrounded the assassin, and he raised his hands in surrender. “Sam! Go to the village where the Sandra River meets the Eldar Forest! There’s someone there who can help you!” He was so far away now. “Oh, and Juliet! I’ll see around, alright!”copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y0sm1yf0F
They passed the gates of the estate and were free for now. Who could this person be? Sam wondered. It wasn’t smart to trust the assassin but it was the only lead he had. He turned to the lady in green, the girl named Juliet. There were tears streaming down her face.copyright protection193ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3E2f4jNId
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