- “The skies will plunge into a sea of sorrow […] and the black star will make fester the old scars. Disruption of the world order is imminent. […] by the advent of nightmares we shall perish” fragments of page 15, The Last Book, Anonymous.

- May I ask how do you interpret these words, master?

- Yes!, he says with an enthusiastic look, I would be more than glad to!

- I see you are more cheerful today, I respond, mildly surprised but in a matter of fact tone.

- Is that so, he ponders while caressing his curly mustache, well that’s because I’ve finally did it! I admit, I screwed up! Haha!

- Shut the fuck up, old man, didn’t we tell you to keep quiet?

- Hey, hey, careful with that rusty spear over here, ouch!

- If it is not discourteous to your grace, would you lay down your weapon? We are already surrounded, there is nothing to achieve by making my master uncomfortable aside from sating the hatred you harbor.

- Tsc! You’re lucky to have such a loyal retainer by your side. Why did someone like you choose the life of an assassin is beyond me… Suit yourself! Barks the guard while setting a distance.

- These youngsters… Pay respect to your elders!

- Don’t push your luck, master, and thank you for your kindness, I react, quick to notice the bloodshot eyes of the rage induced warrior.

- Where was I again…

- Page fifteen. “The skies will plunge into a sea of sorrow […]”.

- Right, right, that one! It was most likely written during the First Great Cataclysm, in which a giant fire boulder raining from the skies collapsed upon arrival, causing severe impacts on the geographical configuration of the East Empire, while also greatly affecting other areas duo to the rise on temperature. However, the advent of nightmares is a tricky one… What do you think?

Why would master read such a book in a situation so dire? The question does not trigger my anxiety, for I am hardly surprised by anything, but it is quite unexpected of him to fall for his addiction: history, while our entire clan gets slaughtered in this ambush by the army. I don’t know if it is madness, an act, or the unveiling of his true, inner self.

Regardless, I play along.

- Records from after that period are unlikely to be found, considering the total destruction of what would be today’s East Empire. Tomes, scrolls, books and other such evidence that survived the catastrophe couldn’t be written post-effect.

- Your point?

- My guess is that this book was written by a religious adept or fanatic, maybe even a mathematician, astronomer, or someone involved in architecture, that was able to predict the fall. In that specter, the last line could mean anything, or hold no meaning at all, which is what I support.

- Hmm… I see your point… Bahaha! History sure is misleading, don’t you all agree? He asks, directing the question to all of those men of the king who wear blood tarnished masks and expressions as dead as cold iron; it is not a heartwarming conversation.

We are running on a short leash. I hear heavy steps coming from upstairs, no doubt to be the commander in lead.

Our time has come to an end, and I’m fine with that. I don’t seek forgiveness, I don’t wish for atonement, and I regret nothing.

Master will be beheaded, but I would rather have a more peaceful ending. I know it is selfish, but a dead woman fears no judgment.

- Master, would you like to pass from history to the studies of plants?

- Sigh… Is it that time already? Damn… I may as well learn what is edible or not before I travel to the unknown!

- Aspersius, also known as Stargazer or Night Stalker, is one of over thirty species of plants with nocturnal characteristics. These perennial plants can only grow in the soils of a mountain meadow or near caves. Among them, only Aspersius is poisonous enough to pose a threat to humans.

- If you ingest any of its parts, you may suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which is followed by a sensation of burning and numbness around specific parts of the body. Although in some people it manifests as more severe conditions, such as the spreading of numbness to all limbs and rapid decay of intellectual capacities, as well as features such as sweating and dizziness, all victims will ultimately die from paralysis of the heart or of the respiratory center.  It is, however, a slow-acting drug.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

- On the other hand, I proceed, taking a very small flask holding a white gleaming liquid, a strong enough dose of this venom is capable of instantly killing any human being. A flask of 20 mL is enough to wipe out an entire kingdom.

- Ohh! I wonder why you’ve never told me about such a wonderful poison! Would make our lifes so easy!

- It would indeed prove useful. Sadly, there are many risks involved in its maneuvering, and thus I have never bothered mentioning this plant. I thought it would be a good occasion for an insight, considering I have never had the opportunity to test it on a human.

- A very interesting display of your knowledge, mister, or should I say miss, Alchemist, says the commander, descending from the stairs and clapping his hands on pure admiration.

- Thanks for the compliment.

His stern gaze turns into pure disgust at the sight of my master. Why did I receive such differentiated treatment, I don’t know. Maybe his cruel deeds overshadow my presence.

- I see you didn’t kill him right away? Must I remember you of eight years ago, when we had him on our hands, but we chose to execute him at the capital? Tell me what happened!

- Sir…

- I’ll tell you what happened! We were raided! And he escaped amidst the chaos of battle! It took us this much time to find him again, and I’m not willing to waste any more in this witch hunt!

- Yes Sir! Shouted the guard, stabbing master’s heart and then cutting off his head. It was so quick he was unable to mutter his final words, although I doubt they would be of any importance.

- Now… Woman. Any final words? Asks me the commander.

- My master believed in an unknown world. It is from this world we came, and to which we return. That belief may be part of the reason he was unfazed about his death.

- I see, but what about you?

- I hold no such beliefs, and the existence or not of a god, or gods, is of minimal importance to me. From the start, I had a duty. I could not be raised as a skilled assassin, prominent in martial arts, and my studies were focused solely on poisons, herbs, plants and, when there was nothing more to learn, I went outside to hone my skills.

- It was during one of these journeys that I found master. He gave me something I was not able to find anywhere else: a meaning, a purpose in life, the feeling that I was needed and that I had found my place. Now, such place ceased from existence, and my meaning is gone.

The commander stood in deep silence, giving off a heavy aura, digesting the words spoken.

- Have you, not a single time, thought about the lives you’ve destroyed while following this path?

- Not once.

- Then I shall end your life right now.

- Can I ask you one thing, as my last wish, commander?

- Although you definitely do not deserve it… I don’t see a reason not to.

- I don’t wish to be killed like an animal. I want my appearance to look peaceful and unfazed.

- And how do you suggest we do this? Know that we are not willing to give you much time.

- I won’t take away your precious time, commander. In my hands, I hold a flask with one of the deadliest poisons in existence. One sip and I will die an instant death.

- Alright… Do it now.

Before I gulp down the liquid, I stare into his eyes:

- Please don’t hate us. Hatred is one of the most powerful venoms humanity has ever tasted; it will prevent you from being true to your own path.

Now, the deepest sleep…

- Sir…

- We’re done here, boys. Grab his head and burn this place down!

- Yes Sir!