I walked up through the medieval streets ignoring the stares of the villagers who lived and worked there, only intent on reaching my goal. Ahead the thick stone walls of the castle grew taller and taller as I neared looking impenetrable. I finally stepped onto the stone bridge high above a raging ravine that acted as a moat, and crossed it to the portcullis which was broken. It’s jagged metal crosses dented and a massive hole had been ripped through the centre. ‘Maybe not impenetrable then.’ I thought to myself.

My job would be easier than expected. I had been hired by the knights of Ebony to assassinate the lord of Saldorn. I slipped through the hole in the portcullis placing my hand on the hilt of my sword so I could draw it out at a moments notice. If you’re always looking for a trap then one cannot occur. That was my mantra and it had not failed me yet.

This however didn’t seem to be an issue, as as I walked through the castle corridors they were deserted by both living and mechanical. ‘This was too easy.’ I thought to myself. I had memorised the floor plan for the castle so I had no problem navigating the empty halls to get to the throne room. In fact I had actually memorised multiple contingencies plans and ways to avoid the guards but these were unneeded, and I entered the throne room with my sword still in its scabbard.

The bright red carpet was scattered with stains. Although they blended in I had seen enough blood to recognise what they were made from. However there were no bodies of those the blood had come from, except one.

I looked up at the stone seat centred on a raised platform overlooking the room. Upon it was sat a man in full armour leaning on a sword dripping with fresh blood. I stopped not daring to move. He looked up at me

“Your time is up. Better run!”