Assassin No More
Copyright© 2019 by Ka Hmnd
Chapter 16: The Quirrin Master
The sidhe stayed for two weeks before leaving. Everyday many would go down to look at the old king. After they left things returned to normal and a few months later Winter’s Song was pregnant again. Every time I saw her she seemed more beautiful. Flower was learning to cook and was spending more time in the kitchen. She took the time to come out and move through the room as she sang though.
Sky was growing and actually staying awake longer. We had a lot more women coming to eat with the men so the atmosphere was calmer. Winter was almost over when he came, the room was crowded as Flower and Song sang together when I felt his presence and looked at the doors. He stepped into the room and his eyes swept the room before locking on mine.
He crossed the room as I turned to put Sky in the cradle on the table. The Quirrin Master sat across from me, “You should have continued to run.”
I smiled, “I was not running. I left to seek a true home.”
He looked around, “The clan is your home.”
I looked into his eyes, “You are assassins that take money to kill. You sell your honor and thought to use me to make more.”
He shrugged, “True but you owed us...”
I stood, “I owed the clan for what was given and left instead of killing all for the lies and treachery that was done. You refused to acknowledge me a full master when you knew there was no other but you that could face me.”
He stood, “And that is why I have followed, to judge and sentence you to clan death.”
I gestured to the door, “Then let us go out into the night. Clan business is clan business and not for outsiders.”
He smiled, “You have until the midnight hour to face me Lan.”
He stood before looking around the now quiet room. He glanced at me before turning to walk out. I sent everyone home and pulled Song out of the kitchen before giving her instructions in case I did not return. I knew the master would not just be waiting, I also knew where. I went to dress carefully and sat to think and let my mind center.
I stood at the midnight hour and smiled at Song and Flower before walking out. I walked to the tomb and opened it before starting down. When I entered the throne room it was dark and silent. I let my senses reach out as I took a step and brushed a thrown dart away with a dagger, “You can do better master.”
Silence answered my statement as I moved to the side and began circling the room. I deflected another dart, “You have become lazy.”