A middle aged man sat and studied a map that stood in front of him on a massive wooden table. Beads of sweat were visible on his forehead and his mustache trembled in outrage and fury. His tightly clenched fist struck the table with full force and made the vial with red ink lose balance and fall, spilling its content all over the table. The pool of liquid spread to a part of the map and painted it dark crimson. The man slowly raised his hand from which red ink dripped that was made even more visible because of his white gloves and shouted out, making his three guards freeze momentarily with fear on their faces.
-''Get the map before the marks get covered!''
The nearest guard quickly picked the map up and looked at the man for further orders.
-''Put it somewhere near. I have no more need for it, but general Zadrevus hasn't seen the results of the last report. We were right and it couldn't have mattered less by the looks of it.''
His last words were just a whisper and the flames of hate and anger appeared in his eyes again, making him seem like a demon that crawled his way out of the deepest corner of Hell. He abruptly rose out of his chair and his voice echoed through the room and and nearby hallways like thunder.
-''BY ZERDUL'S BLOODY DUNGEON AND HAMMER! I SHALL KILL THIS ASSASSIN ON MY OWN IF YOU ARE TOO WEAK TO DO SO! MAY I BE DAMNED IF I FAIL! THIS IS THE DAY HE DIES!''
He slowly walked towards a wall and looked with bloodthirst at his guards, like he challenges them to oppose his words. They just stood as before in position, but no one dared to say anything and they all couldn't meet the man's gaze that made them break out in cold sweat. He stood by the wall and took two swords that were hanging there. He skilfully placed them in his hands and slowly started to run the blade of one sword across the other sword making slow, metallic noises.
*swish*
His eyes focused intently on the moving swords in his hands yet it seemed like his thoughts were far away. The voice that came out of his mouth, barely a whisper, gave the guards goosebumps with its intensity.
-''... Averalla...''
*swish*
-''... Modrogan...''
*swish*
-''...Zale...''
*swish*
His voice trembled and distorted, filled with wrath. He suddenly moved the swords much faster and more violent, but his words were still unnaturally silent, hiding the boiling emotions.
-'' ...perished...like all the others...''
*swish*
His blades suddenly stopped and the leather of his white gloves squeaked silently as his grip around the swords grew stronger.
-''Har.''
*SWISH*
He ran the sword one last time intensely across the other and his voice suddenly turned loud.
-''The bastard even got Harold!''
The swords were put away on his belt so that he doesn't damage them out of careless fury. He started walking slowly around the room and talked now to his guards.
-''I was his right hand. The man he trusted most... And I wasn't there by his side but far away when that happened. I failed.''
He stopped moving and faced the guards.
-''I won't again.''
His voice returned to a normal volume and he pointed a finger at a guard.
-''Soldier. Do you know of a fort that has more men than this one?''
The guard looked at his feet and silently replied.
-''N..''
He was interrupted by a roar.
-''LOOK ME IN THE EYES WHEN I TALK TO YOU!''
The guard immediately straightened up.
-''Yes, sir!''
The man continued to speak loudly.
-''Have you ever seen a fort that has more men than this one?''
This time the response was loud and the soldier held his gaze.
-''No, sir!''
-''How good are our men?''
-''The best, sir!''
-''Is everyone alert and ready for battle?''
-''Yes, sir!''
Determination started to fill the faces of the guards and the traces of fear started to slowly vanish.
The man's tone grew cold and became a bit quieter.
-''Tell me. Who am I?''
The guard didn't even hesitate for a heartbeat.
-''Vertano Belero, right hand of our beloved late king, Harold the second. His most loyal friend and most dangerous servant who put fear in the bones of enemies and allies alike. A man who has proven himself time after time.''
Vertano showed a bloodthirsty smile.
-''Do you think that we will be beaten today?''
-''No, sir!''
Vertano rested his arm on the hilt of his sword.
.''Indeed. I was and still am the right hand of the king. Even if he is no more I am his hand that will avenge him and bury a sword deep into the body of the assassin that killed our king in an unspeakable way and pushed our land into chaos.''
He slowly approached the door.
-''You all know what is happening. The killer fought his way into the fort and is slowly making progress. His goal is obviously murdering me. I will go send now the command to gather all the guards from the outer and middle posts to this inner part. He managed to infiltrate the fort and now it's just a matter of time when he will come pay us a visit. ''
His bloodthirst grew stronger.
-''Rejoice men! We are going to write history in the traditional way of our land and the one we know best.
He took a sword off his belt and put a hand on the doorknob.
-''With blood and steel.''
He opened the heavy door and marched out while giving orders to his guards.
-''Take the map and come with me. Be prepared we could be attacked at any time.''
A guard took the map and they all walked through the stone corridors with unsheathed swords and crossbows. Their footsteps echoed in the silence like battle drums. Vertano held both of his swords and carefully inspected his surroundings with a reddened face from his previous outbursts.
Slowly rushed steps were heard and a small man appeared that ran towards Vertano and his men. He ran with all his might wheezing and gasping for air. He wore a gray robe that was messy because of his running. Vertano yelled out when the man came nearer.
-''Identify yourself! What are you doing here?''
The robed man tried to answer with a terrified expression, but his legs gave out and he collapsed. Sweat dripped from his face and the glasses he wore were crooked. After a few seconds he started to speak while still heavily panting.
-''I'm general Zadrevus's servant... He died a few minutes ago, his warriors went after the assassin that ran off after the kill. I heard the sounds of a fight for a few moments but it soon went silent, he probably got away.''
Vertano listened quietly and helped the man up while swearing.
-''Cowardly bastard! How did he get Zad?''
The servant that was now on his legs took a deep breath before continuing.
-''Everything was going as planned. Master and I patrolled the points that you assigned to us and made sure that the soldiers were ready. We just finished the check up on the fourth guard post in the West wing when a terribly bright flash blinded us. Master kept the men in formation and ordered everyone except one to move forward and engage against the enemy. They advanced to the place where the flash probably originated from, but they couldn't see anyone. Master quickly sent his man back thinking that it was just a distraction to get through the guard post. Everyone hurried back when it happened. A knife flew through the air and pierced master's throat. ''
Vertano briefly grimmaced but continued to listen.
-''The guards split up and half went after the assassin while the others returned to their post. I desperately tried to stop the bleeding, but there was no way to save him. He died in a matter of seconds and I then went to carry out the orders my master gave me if he were to die.''
Vertano interrupted the servant.
-''What orders?''
-''I was to alert the nearest guard post and make them inform all other posts to rush back to the inner part of the fort because the assassin already got past somehow.''
Upon hearing this Vertano nodded lightly.
-''Are you finished?''
The servant caught his breath now and stood straight in front him.
.''Yes, all the guards should arrive shortly.''
-''Good, but we must be ready that they won't make it in time. Do you have any other last orders from your master?''
The servant shook his head and suddenly two shadows quickly flashed. A gaping wound appeared on the servant's neck and started to colour his robe red as he fell onto the floor with a surprised expression frozen on his face.
-'' Then follow his lead, I have no further use for you.''
Blood dripped down from his two blades and he wiped them in the dead man's robe. The guards followed him expressionlessly as he stepped over the corpse and continued walking. Vertano talked as he was walking and his voice rang through the corridors and echoed, making it sound like a storm.
-'' We are a heartbeat away from clashing with the assassin. Be alert and careful of every sound, shadow and even wind around you.''
He arrived at a huge woodden door, opened it and stood face to face with another six soldiers.
They immediately all stood at attention and Vertano started talking.
-''Men, come with me. I expect a guest and want to make sure that he gets a proper welcome. He will be here any second.''
-''Yes, sir!''
The man responded in unison and followed him as he returned to the corridor he came from.
Vertano talked as he moved forward.
-'' Soldiers, I am a generous man and therefore I will give you three options. Number one: You turn away now and get killed by my swords.''
The expression of the soldiers didn't change and they continued to walk behind Vertano.
-'' You know who or what lurks in the shadows. A vengeful spirit according to some,a monster that feasts on blue blood according to others. A cowardly bastard if you ask me. Playing a game of smoke and shadows. You could try to run now from the beast, but I assure you that he won't be the only monster you will have to be afraid of if you decide to desert me.''
The soldiers didn't change their behavior at all.
-''The second option is that you fend off the assassin long enough for all our outer forces to come here and cut of all his escape routes and kill him. The coward's option.''
Nobody behind him said a word but he heard some rustling that quickly died down.
-''The third is that you fight with all you have got. For glory, fame, wealth and whatever else that you might desire. The other troops will come soon, but you shouldn't think of that like of salvation and run trying to stay alive before that happens. No.''
Vertano arrived again at the door that lead to the room he was adjusting the map before. He went in and then turned back to face all the soldiers.
-''The arrival of the others means game over for you. All the glory will go to me for organising a big mass of soldiers. If you manage to strike him down though... all the glory is yours. Only one of you can get the killing blow. I plan to be the one, but why don't we compete? If someone here manages to get the death blow before all the others arrive I will make him a man that is richer and more powerful than he could imagine in his wildest dreams.''
Vertano went silent and sat into the chair while looking at his men.
-''You don't have to say what your decision is, but keep in mind what I told you about every one of them. Now...''
He stroked his mustache as he thought about something.
.''Hmm I don't like cowardly tactics, but it would be foolish not to make an ambush here.''
He started to give instructions and show with his hand the locations where everyone should be.
-''There needs to be one soldier next to both sides of the door. Take cover there and try to put a bolt in his heart when you see him. Also ready your sword, the crossbow won't be very useful after firing one shot.''
He shifted his gaze to the inner part of the room.
-'' No one will be in front of the door, no matter the distance. I might be overcautious but that assassin is not to be underestimated.''
Vertano thought for a few moments and then assigned orders to every guard. After that they locked the door and waited in silence.
*krhhh*
Soon the silence was broken by a very subtle sound coming from the door lock. All the guards had either their swords ready or crossbows aimed at the door. A bloodthirsty smile appeared on Vertano's face.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
A second later the door abruptly opened and it had something stuck to it from the outside. A dagger was thrust into the door and it had weirdly thick handle that made the actual blade look very thin. Vertano looked at it with a confused expression for a second until he noticed that the nearly unnoticeable smoke came from the handle. He quickly lifted his arm and roared as he covered his eyes.
-''LOOK AWAY!''
He barely managed to cover his own eyes in time when he heard a whistling sound after which the room was filled with screams and groans of his men. He quickly uncovered his eyes and saw a tall man that rushed towards him and two guards near the doors with slitt throats. He was clothed in grey-black armor and a helmet that made seeing his face difficult.
Vertano started to swing his swords but two man at his side rushed in before he managed to do that and clashed with the assassin. The latter jumped backwards and quickly took a slim dagger out of his belt and threw it at one of the charging men, hitting his right thigh and burying deep into it, stopping him.
The other man swung his sword at the assassin after he caught up after a moment, but two daggers quickly appeared in his hands and he deflected the blow with one while he stepped right towards the soldier and stabbed him two times before the the soldier managed to push him away and lower his sword. By then it was too late and he collapsed with blood dyeing his armor red.
The soldiers that were blinded before managed to pull themselves together and charged towards the assassin. He ran in the opposite direction towards Vertano who also charged at him. Suddenly the assassin turned and and threw another dagger at the man that he had injured previously. He then swiftly took both daggers, the one sticking out of the man's throat and the one that was still in his thigh.
-''Got you!''
Vertano slashed with both his swords and the assassin managed to dodge a moment too late leaving him with two cuts running up his torso. The wounds weren't deep and the assassin rushed out of the door with the six men tailing him.
After a few meters the assassin suddenly turned around and threw two daggers towards the men. They managed to avoid one while the other pierced a man's arm. Vertano roared in rage when he noticed that it was again a flashing-dagger with a thick handle.
Vertano jumped at the men and threw him down face first before it managed to go off. The man's body covered nearly completely the flash while Vertano held him down roughly, making the man cry out in pain as the dagger dug deeper into his flesh.
Meanwhile the other four soldiers surrounded the wounded assassin and were closing in.
Suddenly the assassin lifted up his palm and slashed at it. His gauntlet was surprisingly easy cut up and it revealed red-grey powder underneath it. He quickly spun as he blew it towards all of the surprised soldiers and they all collapsed while screaming and rubbing their eyes. One managed to keep his eyes open long enough to jump forward and slash at the assassin, but the powder was too strong and weakened him making it easy for the assassin to dodge and stab him in the back.
Vertano stood up and left the injured man on the floor.
-''Looks like it's just you and me now.''
His men were all lying on the floor trying to get up but failing to do so because of either injuries or not being able to see. The assassin left the soldiers and slowly came towards Vertano. He loosened him helmet and took it off revealing a young man with a wolfish face that looks at him with determination.
-''Not for long though.''
With these words he dashed towards Vertano and tried to stab him, but it was easily deflected by Vertano who looked at him with pure hatred.
-''You would have to come awfully close to me for those toothpicks to become useful. Either that or you throw them, but what you if miss? I'd be quite unfortunate to be left without a weapon, wouldn't it?''
Vertano slowly started to move forward with a toothy smile and blazing eyes at the retreating assassin. Vertano's smile grew when he noticed that.
-''Oh, no more aces up your sleeve? I wouldn't recommend retreating, soldiers will come surging here from every direction any moment now. It's payback time for all my colleagues, subordinates and days that we were on full alert in this damned fort.''
Vertano clicked his tongue.
-'' I waited here for two months while keeping my men fully alert. You will pay for every moment I lost.''
The assassin suddenly stopped and started laughing with little humor.
-''When you talk like that it actually sounds like you care for someone other than yourself. If that's what you are taking payback for then I'm taking payback for every family that was terrorised and broken up because of you and your colleagues, for every man, woman and child you killed and for every other monstrosity you did. Death is a punishment that is by far too lenient for the likes of you, but it doesn't seem like I will be able to deliver much more.''
A glint of genuine amusement appeared in his eyes.
-''What I did to your king though... Now that was payback.Hmm, you might actually deserve a bit more... Well it's a pity that you invited even more soldiers to our party.''
The wounded soldier behind Vertano rose and tried to run, but a shadow flashed and his head suddenly rolled on the floor, disconnected from his body.
-''Poor choice soldier.''
Blood dripped from Vertano's sword and he turned again towards the assassin to discover that he already halved the distance between them. Vertano swung his swords towards him and steel clashed. The assassin was expressionless while Vertano's face was distorted by boiling fury.
-'' You still dare talk about monstrosities after what you did to Harold? You are no better than me. The only difference between you and me is that I know what kind of man I am while you hide behind false ideals and goals.''
Anger started to appear in the assassins face and he attacked repeatedly, but all his attacks were either avoided or deflected. Vertano didn't bother to attack back, but just talked for the time being while blocking the attacks.
-''You have that much blood on your hands and you still think of yourself as just? You make me laugh. How many wives will never again see the man they love because of you? How many children will grow up without their father, desiring what could have been? How many parents have cried because you slew their sons? You are the monster. Killing so much while feeling that it’s the right thing to do.''
A knife flew towards Vertano and he barely dodge it. After that he charged at the assassin as he talked.
-''Ah did I strike a nerve?''
He brought his two swords down upon the assassin and slashed his left arm open. His armor turned red, but he still managed to counter attack and slip past Vertano's guard and stab him in the right shoulder. They both then retreated a few steps and eyed the other. Vertano was the first to speak up in a mocking tone.
-''Oh my, you got quite angry from my babbling mister Just-punishment. Could it be that you yourself are aware that we two aren't that different? I bet that you also enjoy your kills. Proving your superiority, toying with your victims and enjoying their fear... You must be over the moon now I guess. Everyone trembles at the mere mention of THE assassin and even I had to prepare for the time when you would come to visit me. And look we waited for you two whole months.''
His tone grew softer.
-''It must have been nice. Knowing that the whole kingdom trembles at the mere thought of you, that no noble no matter how well prepared could have stopped you. How powerful you must have felt, like a predator in the shadows and where all humans are your pray, to be used as you seem fit.''
The assassin charged at Vertano again and they started to exchange heavy blows. His face was full of anger and he replied to Vertano between blows.
-''Don't compare me to the likes of you. I am making the world a better place by getting rid of you. Too many people have died and suffered because of you.''
Vertano's blows started to get faster.
-''Ah and you are the one who judges what is good and what is bad? Killing all the people that stand behind you and your ideal? You should think of all the people that suffered and got killed because of you. I researched all your most prominent kills, I can see that you enjoy your kills to the fullest.The feeling of dominance and the game of cat and mouse, oh yes I know what kind of man you are. I don't know what you were originally but I can tell you what you are now.''
Their blades clased again and they both tried to get behind the guard of the other. Vertano continued with a strained whisper.
.''You are a beast whose only reason for going forward is the shadow of a past cause that you perceive as just, but truly you just want to hunt, kill and be the strongest. The desire of the strong to rule the weak...''
-''NO!''
The assassin roared and jumped towards Vertano whose slash didn't come in time because of his injured shoulder. A dagger dug deep into Vertano's chest and he collapsed on the floor. He could hardly breath or speak but he looked at the assassin with a toothy smile and pressed out his last words.
-''I... lost...I wanted...to send you to Hell personally...looks like my men will have to do it for me... See you soon...''
With those words the man relaxed and his last breath escaped from his lips.
The assassin stood next to him with mixed emotions of anger and satisfaction showing on his face.
-''I did it. Finally...''
Just as he went to retrieve his dagger out of Vertano's chest sounds of footsteps filled the corridor from seemingly every direction. The assassin instantly readied his daggers and quickly examined if there is some way out, but footsteps and loud voices could be heard coming from every direction.
-''Tsk... Vertano sure wasn't lying. I will have to fight my way out wounded like this.''
Blood was still surging our from his torso and arm, but he had no time to take care of it and rushed towards another corridor. After a few seconds of running he saw dozens of soldiers going towards him. Their leader screamed out once he saw the assassin.
-''There he is! Get him!''
The assassin continued to move towards them and jumped left and right to evade the flying bolts. He was also trying to confuse them and make them come after him, breaking their ranks and opening an escape path, but there were simply too many. The whole corridor was full and new soldiers were surging in with each second. The assassin was dodging, slashing and stabbing but things weren't going well for him. His wounds were making his movements slow and with every moment they got even more numerous.
The assassin tried to retreat a few steps to reassess the situation when he heard yelling that came from behind him.
-''He went that way! Quickly!''
One of the blinded soldiers probably directed the reinforcements to his location. Upon hearing that the assassin rushed with all his might forward, killing soldiers left and right, but no matter how many fell others took their place. After a minute the other reinforcements arrived and the assassin was attacked from both sides.
Heavily wounded and tired he attacked one last time putting all his energy behind it and taking with him many lives but he was hopelessly outnumbered and after a few moments the inevitable happened. A sword dug through his chest.
The last thing he saw were the soldiers who continued to stab and slash at him. His grip loosened and the daggers fell as everything around him was enveloped in darkness and his consciousness faded.
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