Swords of Justice
Chapter 5: The Assassination Request
At that time, in an abandoned building, a group of four infamous mercenaries were sitting idly when a messenger bird arrived carrying a letter from Minister Taher. One of them took the letter, opened it, and said:
— "It's another assassination request from Minister Taher."
One of the others laughed and said:
— "Hahaha! That bastard—doesn't he feel any guilt for his growing pile of sins?"
Another replied:
— "We're scum like him. We kill for money; he kills for rank."
A third mercenary spoke:
— "Every time, he asks us to kill someone from the royal court! These jobs are getting boring… Refuse his offer. I'm sick of his repeated demands."
The one holding the letter interrupted:
— "Let's at least see who the target is before we decide."
He unfolded the letter and began reading. As his eyes scanned the contents, his expression shifted to shock.
One of them noticed and asked:
— "What is it?"
He replied slowly:
— "You won't believe what's written here."
They all exclaimed:
— "What is it?!"
He answered:
— "He wants us to assassinate the princess!"
The group froze in disbelief.
— "Are you sure?!" one asked.
— "Absolutely," he said, holding up the letter. "And the reward is four times higher than any mission we've done!"
Another grinned:
— "Then let's track her down and finish the job!"
But the message bearer raised his hand and said:
— "Listen carefully. I want to handle this mission alone. I don't need any of you interfering."
— "What? Why?"
— "You always mock my combat skills. Tonight, I'll prove you all wrong. I'll take down the princess and her companions with just my followers. No objections, you bastards."
The three exchanged looks, then said:
— "Fine. It's yours."
He left, calling his men to follow, and they began tracking the princess's trail. The remaining three stayed behind.
— "Are we really letting him do this alone? What if he fails?"
— "There's no room for failure. If he screws this up, we'll take him out ourselves."
— "This mission is too sensitive. We can't risk it… Let's follow him secretly and see what happens."
Meanwhile, inside the inn, Commander Jalal had stationed his six men as follows:
• Two guards at the front door.
• Two guards patrolling the hallway.
• One guard posted at the princess's room.
Commander Jalal and his deputy Sulayman were inside Princess Hasnaa's chamber, discussing their plans for the next day.
Princess Hasnaa: "Starting tomorrow, we must travel through the cities, take the people's requests, and learn their opinions on our kingdom's rule."
Jalal: "During that time, the royal soldiers might be scouring the kingdom, searching for you."
Princess Hasnaa: "I'll disguise myself as a palace maid, sent by the princess herself to gauge their reactions."
Jalal: "That might just work."
Outside, the two guards stationed at the front door were chatting under the full moon's light, until clouds rolled in and cast a heavy darkness.
Suddenly, one guard was struck in the neck by a small dart and collapsed silently.
When the moonlight returned, the second guard turned—only to find his partner lifeless on the ground. Startled, he tried to call for help, but a hatchet struck him across the face, killing him instantly.
At the same time, one of the upstairs guards was drinking wine while overlooking the entrance—since the inn had two floors.
His companion approached and warned:
— "Watch out for Commander Jalal! If he finds out you're drinking during your shift, you're finished."
— "He won't find out if you don't snitch. Hahaha."
— "Just be quick. I'll be nearby."
The guard was left alone, still sipping his drink.
Once again, the clouds masked the moon, bringing back the darkness.
When the moonlight returned, he glanced down—and saw his comrades lying dead.
Shocked, he tried to shout, but a poisoned arrow struck him, paralyzing his body.
Summoning the last of his strength, he hurled the wine bottle at the wall. It shattered loudly.
One of the guards rushed to the noise, found the dead man, and screamed in horror, waking everyone in the inn.
Commander Jalal ran out and asked:
Jalal: "What's going on here?"
Guard: "We're under attack! They've already kil—"
Before he could finish, a sudden blow struck him from behind, killing him instantly.
The attacker vanished once more into the shadows.
Eerie laughter echoed through the inn, and approaching footsteps could be heard.
Jalal rushed back to the princess's room with the guard still at the door.
Sulayman: "What happened?!"
Jalal: "We're under attack. Everyone's been killed!"
Sulayman: "What?!"
Princess Hasnaa (terrified): "What?!"
Jalal: "Don't worry. We'll think of something. As long as we stay inside this room, we're safe…"
Suddenly, the guard's head at the door was sliced clean off!
The princess screamed.
Sulayman: "I don't believe it… They're inside the room too!"
The candle went out. Darkness swallowed the chamber.
Jalal and Sulayman drew their swords, but they couldn't see where to strike.
Suddenly, a spear lunged toward the princess's head…
…To be continued