Life Saver (2)

Right after Sam shouted, rustling was heard from the rooms around him as people roused from their sleep. Lamps were lit one by one, but Sam didn't see it as he was too busy running to the Prince's chambers, shouting as he went.

On his way, he passed by the corpse of the maid who had been tasked with alerting the guards. In her back between her shoulder blades was a red arrow. Sam shook his head, but continued on solemnly.

He finally arrived at the prince's chambers and cursed when he saw the lights on and the shadows fighting. He threw the door open and it hit one of the assassins in the back, making them stumble and miss his dagger throw. The prince was backed into a corner, a sword in front of him, and assassins creeping towards him.

Sam's sword went through the one at the door and his flying dagger nested in the back of another assassin. The prince took the opportunity to get out of the corner whilst the remaining assassins were distracted.

Sam ran toward the black dressed men and they ran at Sam. He met them with a slash to the neck and they blocked it, but the blow glanced off the forearm of one the assassins. The assassin grimaced and had to hold his sword with one hand since the other was dripping with blood.

The uninjured one lunged at Sam who whirled past them and slashed at his chest as he went by. He stabbed at the last one, but was stopped by the prince.

"We need one alive."

Sam nodded. The assassin's eyes widened and they tried to bite down, but was stopped by who Sam pried his mouth open and gingerly extracted a capsule from his mouth. He pocketed it and gagged the assassin so they wouldn't bite their tongue. The prince handed a torn bed sheet to Sam which was used to tie the assassin up.

"They knocked out the guards."

"I can tell," Draven said dryly, looking at the choked out guard by his door.

"They were not skilled in fighting, but they had poison and were able to slip by our security." He bowed to the prince. "I'm terribly sorry for our incompetence."

"Just make sure it doesn't happen again. Increase the guards on duty next time."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Which organization are they from?"

"I would guess the Thirsty Dagger from the red arrows, poisoned daggers, and wolfsbane capsules."

"I would guess it's the 8th prince then. He's the only one hard pressed for money enough to hire shoddy assassins like these ones. I'm truly disappointed that they managed to get this far."

"I'm sorry your highness. Today was one of the days the guards got to visit their families."

"I'm sure we can arrange it so that they go in groups next time."

Their conversation was interrupted by approaching guards. The guard captain stopped at the doorway.

"Why was it the general who fended off the assassins? It's your job, yes?"

The captain kept his head low. "I'm sorry your majesty."

"One month's pay docked off for the guards on duty. I'm being lenient because you didn't make excuses. Take the assassin and interrogate him. I'm going to sleep in the Moon pavilion tonight. Get it ready."

"Yes your highness. Thank you for your benevolence."

When the guards left, the prince sat down calmly on a table.

"Thank you for being there."

"Anything for you."

"Stop that. Don't be so formal. We're friends."

Sam smiled. And Draven stared.

"And Cut!"

George ran towards Sam. "All in one take! It's like magic!"

"You should repay me," Sam said cheekily, a mischievous grin on his face.

"With what? You can ask for anything."

Sam was taken aback, he didn't really expect George to agree. "Donuts."

"Sure sure sure. You deserve it and more." George's eyes were glittering.

"No, it's not that big of a deal."

"If we didn't film it, we would have had to hold the next episode back and that would be a disaster. It's a bigger deal than you think. The company would chew me out. You're a real lifesaver."