In Dreams: Red

The Assassins

“Aye." Says Tyrus. “But he never caused us any trouble, that's what worries me, he's much too suspicious."

"I agree, My Lady, the fact that he just happens to be captured, so very easily to arrive here at the same time as an invasion from your father's enemies-something seems suspicious about that. But what if we're wrong? I will admit I do not like the man, nay I fear him! But he was very protective of us, in particular you. Why would he be so? Have you spoken to him since we arrived?" Reginald responds.

"Yes, he was most unhelpful, and in fact seemed to be quite angry despite his good behavior before that point. I'm not sure what to make of it. His attitude when I questioned him about his family confuses me. My suspicions are that the army may be holding his family to force him to act. Or even they've already killed his family or part of his family. Perhaps even he has a grudge against father. Is it possible father at some point unknowingly had his family killed?" I shrug, Reginald nods.

“Those are possibilities that would make sense I suppose, and I do think we should keep a careful eye on him... But if it pleases my Lady, I'd rather not make a judgment just yet, until we see how this invasion pans out." Reginald answers. I look to the other two men, but they appear as though they are not going to offer any further advice.

"Ok, so we'll table the matter of the prisoner for later consideration. One more issue: the most important and most pressing. I am going to ask you this-but I do not expect a yes from you-this is entirely voluntary and I would never dream of forcing you to do this. So do not hesitate to refuse, if you feel you should, you will not be shamed nor should you feel obligated. However, it must be kept private, not to leave this room and I will need an answer from you as quickly as possible.” I take a deep breath "My father has put forth that he would like me to lead a small ambush party to attack the invaders from the sides or the rear, depending on where they take up position and how they spread out. He'd like to send us out through some of the hidden passages scattered around the castle. We must plan to act swiftly and decisively, to appear and disappear as quickly and quietly as possible. Be prepared for the possibility of multiple of these attacks and heavy losses. We need a small party to keep us moving swiftly, I would say eight to ten. We will have four if you agree, but will need at least four more, so I am most open to your suggestions." I inform them. There is only a brief pause.

"My Lady, I will accompany you." Says Corwin, standing, swiftly followed by Tyrus and Reggie, both answering in the positive as well.

"Did you really have to ask?" Corwin asks with a grin. I smile in return.

"All right, all right, I wanted to be sure I gave you fair opportunity to duck out if you wished. Now sit down, you're making me uncomfortable. Do you have any suggestions on who else we might ask along?" I request to which there is a quick heated debate.

"What about that Rushford fellow?" Reginald suggests.

"No way! Guy couldn't keep his trap shut if the Gods themselves asked him to!" Corwin practically shouts.

“What about Morris?" Tyrus suggests. “He's been on many a mission with me, seems to be reliable."

“And he's been up on almost as many charges as he's been on missions, I don't think so." Reginald snubs his nose at the choice.

"Still a good man." Tyrus grumbles.

“Hey-I've got it, Plauto!" Corwin cries cheerfully.

"Are you kidding me?" Tynrs responds. “That guy is just asking for trouble! He's more of a court jester than a soldier."

“There's always Lister." I toss in.

"Begging My Lady's pardon-but I would say no. He's not the quietest of creatures, very noisy!" Reginald answers.

“Ok, try Septimio. Any objections to him?" I offer, to which there was no reply.

"Ok, so I'll take that as a yes. Our team is up to five members, provided he accepts. What other suggestions do we have?"

"I'd like to put lves' name in for consideration, M'Lady." Tyrus suggests, to grumbled assent around the room. I'm tickled by the choice.

"Ives is a well-known archer and would be excellent for our team, is there any objection?" No response when I ask this either. "Excellent, I'll be sure to send word to him as well! Six members. Any more?"

"Kornel, Lady?" Corwin suggests. I do not know him personally, so look questioningly around the room. "Any objections? I'm afraid I do not know the man myself." I say.

"Kornel is a fine soldier my Lady, he has a spotless record and is highly spoken of by his superiors." Reginald informs me.

"I take that as a yes from Reginald, any objections Tyrus?" I ask.

"No My Lady,I would welcome Kornel as well." Tyrus responds.

"I would also recommend Horace, the two are like brothers and often work together. They make quite the team."

“Any objections?" I question the other two.

"No My Lady." They both answer.

"Then our team is set, we have eight members chosen. I will send requests to those we have just decided to add to our team personally. It is my desire to meet with them all and give them the option of joining or refusing our offer, but it would please me if you could all be in attendance as well?" I request.

There is a chorus of “Yes, my Lady"s.

"Thank you-we will plan on meeting in three hours then, let's try for the Library this time gentlemen, now that everything is calm, or at least more so, and our plans are set. I will not know exactly when I will have need of you, so be prepared to be summoned at a moment's notice. Have all of your affairs in order and your weapons close at hand." I instruct them, and stand to leave. "If you will excuse me, I need to go find myself a messenger. Also, I believe my father is making an address to the villagers, or rather a plea for their aid in the upcoming battle. I know that he won't tell everything that's going on, but at the very least, you deserve to know: things are looking pretty grim. We don't have enough numbers and there are very many soldiers coming. I will leave Reggie to fill in the blanks for you Tyrus and Corwin, because I'm quite afraid he knows more than I at this point." The men stand at this and scattered "My Lady”s are audible. I thank them again and sweep from the room, as I leave I hear Reginald, Tyrus and Corwin continuing the conversation.

I hurry down the hall, intent on reaching the messenger's outpost. Well it was nicknamed the outpost, but technically it's more the headquarters. One could usually find at least one runner or rider here, whose sole purpose was to ferry messengers for soldiers and persons of my father's kingdom. While the messengers were paid a steady fee for ferrying military or business issues related to the kingdom, private matters were to be paid out of pocket. Of course, I never saw the messengers refuse a tip either. When I enter the messenger's outpost, I find no less than three runners, or foot messengers, based on their garb. I am briefly surprised there are not more, considering the gates are closed and none could leave, but on second thought-with all of the commotion, I suppose most would be running messages to and from military commanders. They all jump to their feet as soon as I enter, to yet more choruses of “My Lady". I quickly give them the names, locations and urgent messages I need delivered, stressing the importance of the meet in three hours. They divvy up the tasks between them and race off in separate directions, barely leaving me time to call a thank you after them. For a brief moment I simply stand in the empty messenger's outpost and breathe. I can feel the small, cold nervousness beginning to grow in my chest. The fear of an impending battle and its outcome. I will not be satisfied until I am able to put this fear to use in action, to essentially no longer have to fear because I am too busy to have the time. I clench my hands into fists and turn to go, only to run directly into my mother, who is just dashing her way into the room.

"Oh Kennice! Good! I wasn't actually here to send a messenger for you but no matter, just as well! Your father is giving an address to the people, you must come join Helena and I! You know you did promise to catch back up with us as soon as you were done with your other tasks. You're beginning to neglect your responsibilities, dear. Of course, with everything that's happening, I guess it can be excused this time!” How she breathes while keeping up this prattle is unknown to me. As she speaks, she is pulling me out into the commotion of the courtyard. People are flooding from every comer towards a small podium in front of the gates. My father stands there, speaking to the villagers.