A Bargain

I find myself in Ren's study, leaning over his desk so I can see out the window. He has a spectacular view of the city - Valharan is not known for its beauty, but at this angle, with the sun just barely peeking over the horizon, I understand the appeal.

I can see the harbour, and the sea of Light beyond. It's waters are known to be some of the most beautiful in the world, home to merpeople, water and air sprites, nymphs. Every now and again a desperate fisherman will come to shore with a story of a sea monster with the face of a woman and the body of a dragon. It's entertained in the bars and clubs and quickly dismissed everywhere else.

As a child I liked to hear those stories - they bring hope and mystery. I don't listen to them much anymore.

Ren is late on purpose - he wants to make a point. I am at his bequest. He is the puppet master, I am simply the one dancing on the stage.

I try not to look too interested in the papers on his desk, I've been caught snooping before. I received ten lashes from his belt and was not allowed to see a healer the next day.

For your arrogant eyes, he had told me.

Instead, I spend my time glancing at the books on his shelf, listening to the ticking clock. He has a spectacular collection - authors both human and Laer, dating back hundreds of years.

One book in particular catches my eye - The Goddesses Grace. The worn leather suggests the book is at least five hundred years old, perhaps more. Just as I consider picking it up -

I hear his boots outside the door, and then the click of the door handle.

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting long." Just twenty minutes. "Business. You understand."

Ren smiles at me, his brown eyes twinkling. He knows he could have me waiting here until I starved to death - and I wouldn't say a word.

"Of course." I smile, equally as fake and practiced. The student becomes the teacher.

Our little game together is a dance. While he knows I am at his mercy, he also knows I am a well trained assasin - one of the best. To cross me is to cross Death Itself.

Perhaps that's why he spent so much time spreading rumors about my name. The Angel of Death.

"The North Side Gang has been acting up recently - I'm going to need someone to pay Kinj a visit." He cites the name of one of the two gang leaders in Valharan. They usually manage themselves well, but now and again they need a reminder of who is in charge of them - and who bankrolls their projects. Ren.

I nod, ever the silent and loyal servant - or slave.

"Who do you think can take care of that?" Ren sits down in his desk, looking up at me and placing his hands in his lap.

I cock my head slightly. "I am perfectly qualified-"

"I'm asking for someone else."

I rack my brain - why would he want someone else? While Ren has a handful of well-trained assassins, he uses me when he wants to send a message.

"Alyce is good." I've known her since we were fifteen. She's perfectly competent.

He nods, accepting that decision, and turns his head down to some paperwork.

Dangling the carrot - he wants me to ask why I'm not needed. When he wants something...

"I am not necessary." Not quite a question.

He looks up, those brown eyes shimmering with satisfaction. He knows he's won.

"I have a different task for you."

Dread coils in my gut. Something about his eyes - this isn't a regular mission.

I pin my hands behind my back and wait.

"I have a package on the Southern Continent that needs special delivery."

I try to hold in my surprise - the Southern Continent? I can't go there, it's swimming in Laers and death-

My face is a portrait of glorious boredom. "Why me?"

"As you said, you aren't necessary here. And I need to send a message to my contacts in the South. It's been too long." Ren smiles at me, a lion waiting to strike.

A message. I'm being put in danger to send a message-

I try to reign in the urge to vomit all over the floor.

"And what if I say no?"

Something shifts in Ren's eyes. He stands slowly, and makes his way around the desk to get close to me. He stands a few inches shorter than me, but his eyes do not lie. Ren will kill me.

"Do not forget where you come from, or what you owe." He snarls. "Last I checked, you were at two hundred and twenty two deaths until you broke even."

I try not to let the fear show on my face. I began with five hundred deaths to pay for. And I've been working for him since I was thirteen. Eight years of murder - of blood on my hands.

"But, if you do this job for me... I'll consider lowering the cost of your debts." Those brown eyes sparkle, as if he knows something I don't.

Something like shock reverberates through me.

"Lower?"

"If you retrieve this object I so require," Ren leans back on his desk, "The scores to settle will become fifteen."

I'm not sure I'm breathing. I must have taken a second too many before responding because Ren said, "Fifteen more jobs. Fifteen more deaths. And then we're done."

Fifteen - such a small number, standing between myself and freedom. Between me and that open night sky, that mountain town.

And to be realistic - what choice do I have?

I nod slowly. "I assume I leave soon?"

Ren grins, and makes his way back behind his desk. "You leave in two days. The Queen Andromeda will take you out of Satama Harbour."

He picks up a file he had sitting on the corner of his desk. "This is everything you'll need to know about the object, the people you'll be working with, travel details and whatnot."

I take it, trying not to let my hands shake. I don't bother reading it before I turn to leave.

"Auroin?" Ren calls, and I turn. His smile is nothing but predatory, a lion grinning at its prey.

I meet his gaze, but say nothing. Perhaps this will be my only way of fighting him - my silence.

"Don't let them smell your fear." Those brown eyes glitter. Them.

I leave, trying not to let the fear show on my face. I make it into the alley below before throwing up all over the cobblestones.

As I seal my own fate.