Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

Wait

The assassin caressed one of his arrows, kissed it, and carefully placed it in the crossbow he had just loaded. It was a special arrow. Not only did it have great penetrating power, but it released a dangerous poison. He didn't know if it would be enough, but he didn't care either.

In the distance, horns could be heard announcing the arrival, the moment of truth. Looking around, it was evident that he was far from the only one finalizing his preparations.

What he intended was only for the projectile to hit the target. That arrow had half of an identification spell inside it. That way, he could claim it as his with the other half.

Through that method, the assassin could claim a part of the reward, if he managed to insert it into Eldi Hnefa's body. Part of the reward was a lot of money.

He cared little who Eldi Hnefa was, or how important he was to his people. The reward was the only thing that interested him.

His intention was to shoot just after the first attacks, but not too much later. He had to be precise to have the best chance of success. He didn't care if his prey was killed or not, if he contributed or not. Only the money mattered.

He knew that if he attacked too soon, the target's defenses would stop his arrow. If he took too long, there could be help from his followers. He had a short window of time to shoot, to hit, even if he was already dead.

Covered by her cloak and hood, the mage watched from the safety of the inn's window. She was too far away to attack, but it was enough to activate the magic circle she had placed along the way. She had been sure that he would pass over it, as it was the only path between the main entrance and the temple or the palace. Now, she was worried that they would kill him before.

She had never seen so many mercenaries and assassins together. Without a doubt, the reward was juicy. If she had known, she would have placed the trap closer to the entrance, but it was too late. All she could do was wait and pray to luck.

Like everyone else, she had means to prove that she had collaborated in the assassination. The mana from the trap would penetrate the flesh of her prey, with a unique configuration that only she could verify.

Above the door and disguised as a soldier, an indecisive assassin was waiting. His plan was to jump on the target, to take him by surprise. He wanted to exploit the force of gravity and his skills to break through the defenses, and catch him off guard. However, he was now hesitating.

The assassin hadn't expected so many comrades to come. He feared that even if he succeeded, he would be riddled by dozens of attacks. The assassin was confident of escaping quickly before Eldi Hnefa's companions reacted, but not from attacks that arrived at the same time as his own.

"Should I withdraw?" he asked himself, reluctantly.

The reward was certainly tempting, even if it was only part of it. Of course, he couldn't enjoy it if he died.

Cursing inwardly, he discreetly left. That was already beyond his abilities.

Those were just three examples of the dozens of assassins waiting for Eldi. Everyone was making their plans, everyone was ready to get the reward. Some were infiltrated among the spectators. Others were dressed as soldiers, clowns, merchants... Some were hidden between the roofs. There had even been fights for the best places. At least, one had died.

There were also many spies observing the situation, since their bosses wanted to obtain news as soon as possible, and firsthand.

Some of them had warned nobles allied to Eldi Hnefa, who were extremely nervous. Nonetheless, they could do little under the circumstances. It was too late to act.

Others informed neutral nobles, who were planning their next steps if what they expected happened.

There were also those opposed to Eldi Hnefa, who rubbed their hands. They were hoping that he would not go beyond there, that he wouldn't reach the altar, much less the palace.

The only thing that united them all was that they were waiting for events that they no longer controlled. With more or less nervousness, they had no choice but to be patient.

The rebel looked around with concern. He himself had been a mercenary and assassin in the past, so he could recognize the situation. Too many of those so-called spectators waiting to greet his hero were there to kill him.

He had sent a message to headquarters to request reinforcements. They had assured him that it was under control.

"Is it really under control, or do they want him to die?" he wondered.

Without caring about the insults, elbows or kicks, he made his way to the front line. There, he would be among the first to see Eldi Hnefa.

"It's too weak. They want him dead," he said to himself with frustration.

He was looking at the mana shield. It was supposed to protect Eldi Hnefa and his entourage, as well as prevent onlookers from pouncing on him. However, it could barely withstand a few attacks.

He gritted his teeth, and steeled his resolve. Even if he had to die, he would jump to his hero's side as soon as the shield broke. The rebel was willing to protect him, to block as many attacks as he could. His flesh and bones would be used to fight for a better future for his family.

"This isn't wise, Lord Hnefa. We can't enter through the main door, it is too dangerous," the countess begged.

"This's the sixth time you've told me that. Don't worry, nothing will happen," he assured.

"But... It's full of murderers...!" another count warned. He had gone ahead to try to persuade him.

"Do you trust me so little?" Eldi Hnefa provoked them, while laughing inwardly.

He also felt a little guilty for worrying them, for not explaining the entire plan to them. Of course, if he did it, they probably wouldn't believe him. They would even think he was crazy. There were no known precedents.

Even his children had looked at him in disbelief when he had proposed it. It hadn't been until he took out the item stored in his inventory that he had convinced them.

The twins had seemed as surprised as delighted, although they had also scolded him a little.

"You could've said it before! Now, we have to change a lot of plans!" Liodon had complained.

"I hadn't thought about this until a while ago. I didn't even remember it until Goldmi mentioned it," he had defended himself.

"Well, let's change the plans. Heh, heh. That will confuse the spies even more. Plus, it's a much better solution. Are you sure it will work?" Lidia had wanted to make sure.

"I hope so. I've never tried it," the battle mage had shrugged.

"Let's also add an alternative emergency plan then..." Liodon had sighed.

"Ha, ha, ha," her sister had laughed. "Don't complain so much. You love making plans!"

"But with more time!" he had protested. "Sigh, let's start..."