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Original X-roads-2003
There was a long table, the length of the room, one chair at either end. It was all mahogany, polished and reflective… The food was all upon silver platters and serving dishes. It was a vast cornucopia of delectable delights and foods from all corners of this particular universe. None of it familiar to me, the drink sitting in the wine glass was obviously Stajaki. The soldiers seated me in my chair and stood directly behind me. Kilji took the chair at the opposite end and watched me from across the vast quantities of food.
“A feast fit for a king.” I sarcastically replied. “It’s all wasted on me Emperor, I’m not going to eat any of this. Besides I don’t know of many men who would eat with an assassin, especially one who hates them.”
“Whom I break bread with is my own concern.” he leaned forward. “Now tell me,” he studied me again, “What are you hiding?”
“I’m not hiding anything, you’ve been misinformed.” the soldiers behind me shifted their weight.
“We can play this game all night if you wish, we have nothing but time to spare.” he leaned back. “Or I could find other ways to make you speak.”
“Like?”
“Such as sending your precious friends into a fatal battle.” his voice had a strange tone to it. “One in which escape would be futile and survival non-existent. One across the sea perhaps. Naturally the enemy would have to be informed of their coming. By an anonymous source, as I am sure you are well aware of whom that would be.”
I shook my head slowly in disbelief, “You would slit your own throat just to get me to talk?”
“The General is not unapproachable in these matters.” Kilji corrected me. “He has offered me unlimited protection and trading rights for the delivery of the Triblican Army.” He stood up from his chair and started walking towards me, “With the exception of YOU, now tell me how can this be? Why does it seem that you are in the middle of every major crisis? Protected by all parties concerned, as if you are some Mystical Key to a door unknown to the rest of us. Tell me Assassin, what makes you so important to so many?”
I laughed a little, it was all true but I can’t explain it. Then I heard a crash from the other room.
“Get your FRIGGIN HANDS OFF ME!!” it was a sort of muddled English accent, and it was female.
I jumped from my chair, knocking it backwards forcing the two soldiers behind to fall behind it’s force. I tossed Kilji a glare as I raced into the hallway.