The Royal Assassin: Shadows of Myst

by Shireen Nemnich

  “Oh please, Shadowen. I promise I will be a perfect consort to you. You are just so lovely and I...” He's interrupted by Darken moving out of a shadow not more than three steps from him.

  I feel Darken's anger and I quickly put my anger aside. Could Darken be the Operative? If he is, Shadowen is in real danger right now. I get ready to move. No weapons but my magic to use, so I will have to be swift. Darken hisses at him. “Get up! I told you to stay away from her!” Harridan stands and I feel his white magic swell.

  “I do not take orders from the likes of you!” He says with anger in his voice as well. Great! I will have to fight both of them for my consort!

  “I swear if you do not leave this moment I will rip you into pieces.” Darken says smoothly but I see him reaching to touch Shadowen. She takes his hand as she stands. He then turns to her, “Shadowen, I fear it is no longer safe for you to remain here.”

  “She's safe in my home. It is you who should leave. You were not invited.” Harridan says.

  “I was invited and I will not warn you again.” Darken now places Shadowen behind him. I feel his magic swelling along with Harridan's. King Ormond appears and he quickly calls Harridan to his side. He silently scolds him and they depart. Once they leave Darken turns swiftly on Shadowen, scolding her. “I told you to not allow him to be around you. Have you no sense at all? He's dangerous to you. Very dangerous to you and your child.”

  “Darken, he's only smitten and he's been a good friend to me over these last few months.”

  “Friend? He doesn't want to be your friend! He wants you in his bed even in spite of the fact another man's child grows in your belly. He simply doesn't care.”

  She sits back down on the small bench and I shift to a closer shadow. Now that I am so close to him I see he's dressed as an assassin. I'm not exactly worried as I am the Royal Assassin; however I'm very weak and very much without my blades. “Darken, I know you mean well, but I can handle him just fine on my own.” Now he kneels down before her and she takes both his hands into her lap. “Do not worry for me so.” Even though they are both veiled I feel the intimacy between them and it only fuels my anger. I've been locked up in a prison for four long and lonely months without any magical let alone physical contact and here they are together... intimate. I will destroy this old boyfriend once and for all...

  “I cannot help it, you know that.” He says quite soft and tender to her. I watch his hands gently stroke hers and it no longer matters that he got rid of Harridan because I know he wants her for himself. He leans his head down touching their joined hands. “Shadowen, it's not safe now. You must come with me. I can protect you.”

  “I will be fine.” she says lightly and her voice touches me. It makes the emptiness inside me deepen for her to fill it.

  Darken lifts his head and even I can hear the anguish in his voice. “No you won't. You don't understand. I can't allow you to be...” She quickly stills his words with her hand against his cheek.

  “Darken...” she says softly and I can feel him relaxing somewhat, his guard coming down ever so slightly. “Reis has not abandoned me. He will come.” My heart flutters in my chest. She is waiting for me?

  “Why do you insist on holding onto this fantasy? When you know if he was going to return he would have done so by now?” Darken says trying to sway her.

  “You are wrong; he loves me and our child.” She says defending me and my heart feels alive again.

  “Even if that were true, he's not here and I am. Your child needs a father and you cannot wait any longer for him. She grows weaker every day; let me be the father she needs.” His hand gently reaches out to touch Shadowen's swelling abdomen. To my surprise and relief she forcefully pushes his hand away before he can even touch her. I'm about to reveal my presence when Darken says quietly. “Shadowen we haven't time for this. You must come with me so I can protect you and we must leave now.”

  “Why now?” She asks him but I know why. I'm free and he knows I'm heading straight here to protect her. I know with my entire being he's the operative and he could snatch her at any moment.

  “Only I can protect you and you must come with me now. We must leave this place before...” He silences his own words then in a much softer tone says, “You may refuse my healing touch now, but she is dying and I can save her.” She only stares up at him then he says, “I can force you to comply.”

  I feel Shadowen's defiance, something I know oh too well, rising inside her. “You think you can.”

  “We are wasting time!” he snaps at her.

  “There is no longer a reason to worry.” She says softly.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Reis is here.” She knows I'm here? Darken bolts straight up his weapons ready and I move just as swift, quickly stepping out of a shadow behind Shadowen. I slip my arms protectively around her. But before I can move her out of the way she turns and is in my arms holding me. She leans into me and I feel her sweet magic engulf me. Once again I'm drowning inside the sweetest magic I've ever tasted.

  I lean into her smelling her neck, but my eyes never leave Darken. He's poised and ready to strike. I sense his fear and his anger that I am here. I really wish I had my weapons! Her voice reaches me and I hear the soft tears, “Reis, I want to go home.”

  “I know little one, so do I.” I whisper back to her.

  Darken grounds out. “No! Don't be a fool! That's the last place you should be.”

  I hear the soft desperation in her voice, “I need to go home, now.” It doesn't matter anymore the risk. I feel her body join to mine and we are swiftly stepping through shadows. I know Darken is pursuing us but I note that Shadowen is somehow blocking Darken's advances. I also realize he doesn't give a damn about me, but he sure does about her. He's careful with each advance not to hurt her.

  It doesn't take us long and we are soon on the surface of Myst. I stop so Shadowen can take a breath and reconnect with our home, even if it is the surface. I had not felt her weakness earlier as I'm sure she was protecting me, but now I feel every little thing about her. Now Darken appears several feet away from us. I lift her up into my arms as her legs are just too weak to stand. I turn on him, “Are you the Operative?” He's silent. “You cannot have her!” I hiss at him.

  “You should have stayed where you were!” He hisses right back at me.

  “I'm sure you'd like that. So was this your plan all along? To steal her from me? Why not just kill me instead of lock me up?”

  “You're a fool and don't deserve her.”

  “Maybe I am, but she chose me, not you.” He makes a small step and Shadowen's hand comes up and he stops in his tracks. “Do not protect him little one, he's the reason I've been detained for so long. It is this sap of a boy who has kept me from you.”

  “Boy?” Darken bites back at me and I taste his magic on my tongue. I know this taste too. I tasted it many months ago when I was first imprisoned.

  “Yes, boy. You are a traitorous, infinitesimal, little boy who needs to be taught more than just a lesson.”

  “If I were you old man, I'd take that back.” Darken's magic swells and his blades are at the ready.

  “I take nothing back!” I feel Shadowen's magic weaving through mine like a well sewn tapestry. I know she is weak and she should not be exerting herself so I instantly back down enough so she will not feel the need to protect me. “Shadowen, do not protect me either.” I whisper calmly to her.

  I see Darken's head turn to her and I actually feel his concern. But it's just not enough for me to let my guard down. “Back away now or you will force me to protect that which is mine in a most brutal fashion.” I know I can tear him to pieces with my magic and although it would give me satisfaction, I hear Shadowen's soft plea in my heart. Please don't hurt him Reis.

  Out of the corner of my eye I see a shadow move then instantly Shade comes rushing through. Darken moves quickly to intercept him with his blades but Shade is not without protection. Magical spells are streaming off him l
ike I've not seen before causing Darken to not only retreat but slip into a shadow leaving us.

  Shade is quick in coming to be by Shadowen's side. His gloved hands move easily over her body assessing her. He then says emotionless, “Your daughter is drawing upon her too much. You need to establish your bond to her now.”

  “It is not safe here.” I tell him but Shade is already taking Shadowen out of my arms. “They both will die if you wait.”

  “We are not home yet.”

  “We are home, we are in Myst.” I think about his words for only a moment then nod. My hands run along Shadowen's belly. My daughter is moving inside and I know she is reaching out to me as I reach to her. This should be a special moment between father and child and it should have taken place months ago. I am glad Shadowen did not find another male for my daughter to bond with. I'm especially glad she denied Darken. Just as my hand strokes across her with my magic I feel my daughter pull upon it, like she is siphoning as much as she can. She has grown weak as her mother, both waiting for my touch and magic.

  Ironically I think of my father doing this to my mother, giving me this part of him and I'm astounded that I'd never thought about this. He obviously accepted me as his child in her womb... so what changed?

  I stroke along her abdomen and I'm surprised to discover that although I do not hear my daughter’s thoughts, I can feel her desires and intentions. She must know mine somehow because I get the distinct impression she would have made Shadowen ask Shade to bond with her. Although not unheard of for a male family member to assist in such a need. Rare for a sibling to. But these siblings are not normal siblings.

  I feel swept up inside Shadowen now and my mind is connecting to my daughter. She's beautiful and there is calmness about her that I know she gets from me. She touches my mind and heart and I'm pleased she is happy that I'm finally here with her. She's longing to know me as I do her. She is without magic but she dwells in it like being cradled in fluid. She has fed on Shadowen's for so long that to taste mine is like Shadowen eating a swey-cake; she doesn't want to stop and only wants more. Yet I know I must stop as I am growing weaker and we are not yet safe. I can nurture them both with my magic once we are safely home.

  I open my eyes giving one last caress along Shadowen's belly. Shade hands her back to me then he's casting spells I’ve never even heard before. “We are in danger Royal Assassin.” He says in between spells. I nod my head placing Shadowen on her feet. She is weak but strong enough to stand and she easily rests in me. “We must get within the hollows. I sense Darken is returning and he's not alone.” I cannot sense him but I'm not going to disagree or not believe Shade.

  To my surprise Shade steps behind Shadowen pressing her tighter to me. His arm slips over hers holding her even tighter to me while his other joins our joined hand. He presses his head into the back of hers which promptly places her face into my neck. His voice is firm. “Let us support her and walk together. You will lead us home.”

  I've never tried such a walk before. Although in theory it could work. I take a step and I feel Shadowen and Shade move fluidly with me. Both are in tune to my step. “Faster.” Shade says and I take another then another. I'm amazed at how perfect we are moving. Such precision and unison. I've never even felt this amount of perfection alone with Shadowen.

  Now I realize the shadows are actually binding around us. Keeping us in formation. They are touching and stroking Shadowen but not as before. I'm not sure if it's Shade's presence or the combination of the two of them but the shadows are moving with us, keeping us bound. Shade's voice comes again, “Faster. We must move faster.” Now I feel others approaching along with a warning from these shadows. Hurry... hurry.... This only intensifies my need to get Shadowen safely home.

  We break through the barrier and are concealed within our protective hollows. I do not slow in our stepping because although the surface dwellers cannot reach us I know that Darken can and if he has other Mystic allies then they can as well. Not to mention he could be stepping with someone. Bringing them along.

  I am moving even swifter than above and my heart is flowing at the safe speed of an assassin. My blood is slowing and my breath is still but my magic is sparking with energy. Shadows form and flow with an endless cascade of gray and black around us. Once we enter our home Shade releases Shadowen and me so smoothly casting protection and barrier spells that I'm standing almost gawking at him. He turns swiftly in my direction and although he speaks not a word to me I know it is a scolding look under his veil for me to move.

  I lift Shadowen up into my arms moving up the stairs. Just as I settle her on the bed my senses alert me to Darken and four others outside. An assassin, two conjurers and someone I cannot read. I know it is the strain of all that has happened that has Shadowen surprisingly sound asleep. It's for the best I decide. She and our daughter need rest. I call my blades to me and instantly they're in my grasp.

  Shade is moving all over, flowing easily through shadows casting spells back and forth. He stops only long enough to say to me, “I had no idea you were so fast. I couldn't even catch up with you over the badlands.”

  “You were there?” I ask.

  “Yes, you amaze me. Even weak and you move swift on the surface.” He pauses as if thinking then says, “It must be your Nightelf blood and magic.”

  This comment just doesn't sit well with me. “So you have to break it down into Mystic verses Nightelf?” I say while walking forward and calling more of my weapons to me.

  Yet Shade doesn't even register the implications of his remark, he simply replies, “Of course. Mystics cannot move fast on the surface, so it must be your Nightelf blood which gives you such power.” Power? I suddenly realize he's giving me a compliment. Yet with Shade and sometimes with Shadowen you cannot always follow their train of thought. So you have no idea what their true meaning is unless you dig deeper. Then again perhaps I'm being too sensitive about my heritage.

  Shade then says firmly, “Either way, perhaps we could explore this at a later date.” He casts a quick spell his hands moving upward then outward only pausing to glance back at me, “When we are not so busy with enemies at our doorstep.”

  “Of course.” I nod my head in agreement.

  Shade spins around quickly, “Do you feel that?”

  “Feel what?” I ask reaching out with my magic because I feel nothing.

  His voice seems to change as he says, “Bring Darken to us.” Suddenly I see a dark cloud emanate from him turning into a thick shadow. “Reach in until you find him.” This is definitely new! But I'm up for trying it. I reach my hand into this dark shadow and suddenly my hand begins to tingle. Shade whispers to me in this odd voice. I know instinctively that he's concentrating. “Concentrate on Darken and I can guide you to him.” This must be how he was able to find me, through Shadowen. He's casting a spell with his mind yet speaking to me. I'm amazed that he's able to divide his thoughts in such a way. I'm starting to realize how very powerful Shade is and I'm quite grateful he's on our side and not Darken's.

  “Bring Darken? Can't I just kill him?”

  “Shadowen will not forgive you, should you kill him.” I feel a twinge inside Shade that he too would like to see Darken punished and he confirms it when he says, “Hurting him, she will forgive, killing him no.”

  I know Shade cannot see my smile but it's there just the same. “Agreed. Pain is not the same as death.” I focus my thoughts and magic and I can actually see Shade manipulating me through shadows and there he is. I go to step through but Shade's hand stops me and he tells me to stay here and only pull him back with me. He holds onto me to keep me from going fully through. Again this is new.

  I do as he suggests and soon I feel like my body is in two places and both places are very far away from each other, as if I'm being stretched over a great distance. It's not painful but is very disconcerting. I no longer feel whole and my body is pulling me forward then when I try to compensate and not allow my body from being pulled all the way t
hrough, I then feel a great tug to go back and I have to move forward so I will not fall all the way back. It's like a great tug of war on not just my body but my soul and shadow. I know I cannot stay like this for long. It's very exhausting.

  I taste Darken's magic and instantly I'm behind him. Hesitation would alert him so I quickly and very precisely pierce his flesh with my stov-vo-kiev. I must confess I would like to break some of his bones. However I land between his ribs without even touching his bones. It's one of the most perfect stabs I've made in a very long time. It paralyzes him on the spot allowing me to smoothly pierce him with my shadow blade. Although my stov-vo-kiev causes minimal pain, my shadow blade is quite the opposite. “Not so fast.” I whisper to him. “Time to learn why I'm the Royal Assassin.” I tug and we easily step back into my living room.

  Shade instantly binds the shadow portal he formed and it dissipates. Darken is cursing at me but I hold strong. My shadow is ensuring he feels the utmost of pain. This does cause some pain for me but its damn well worth it because I know Darken is in pure agony. Now to my disappointment I hear Shadowen's tormented voice. Please don't hurt him anymore.

  My anger rises. She is still trying to protect him! He deserves a lot more than pain! I should have killed him and the only reason I haven't yet is because of you. So don't you dare keep protecting this old boyfriend or I will do it right now! I'm met with silence and I feel just a bit of satisfaction. So there!

  Darken hisses at me. “Just get it over with!”

  My voice is calm and cool, “Think I'm going to let you off so easily?” I twist my blade further.

  “You're pathetic!” He spits at me in a hiss of a whisper.

  “Of course I am.” I smile. “My pathetic blades, my pathetic skills are nothing compared to... yours. That's why you are paralyzed because I am so... pathetic.” He struggles against me but I hold firm. I lean in even tighter. “Just give me a reason to send your soul to Shadow Hall. Just give me a reason right now!” I practically purr with the excitement of my shadow latching on to his and feeling his very soul caressing mine. Ready to grab and pull, I can almost feel his life energy gravitating to my shadow. But I stop as Shadowen's voice once again stills me. Reis please don't do it.