Original X-roads-2003

    I heard light footsteps approach the first set of bars, glancing up I saw Emperor Kilji waiting for the guards to open the door. I glared as I waited, I don’t know what he wants. The one thing I do know is I’m not going to like it. The door squeaked and the Emperor walked forward, his eyes never moving off me.
    “You have very powerful friends.”
    I raised one eyebrow at his respectful tone, how long was this going to last?
    He rested his hands on the cross bar of my cell, “Tell me what Jonothan D’Brau wants with you.” He started studying me closely, like I was hiding something important from him.
    I screwed up my face at him, “I dunno.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes, this guy has to be kidding. Even if I knew what Jonothans problem was, I wasn’t going to tell him.
    “Oh, You Know.” his voice was slow and raspy, his tone accusing.
    I looked him up and down, “Maybe he thinks I’m good in bed.” I replied sarcastically.
    I heard him gripping the bar tightly. What did this old man possibly think he can do? All I need is for him to open that door and I’m outta here. Those stupid guys he’s got standing at the bars don’t frighten me, if anything they’ve already pissed me off. I’m an assassin for crying out loud, killing any of these people would be a sheer thrill for me. First, after he opened the door I would strangle him, then I would remove his belt and strangle the guard with the keys. After he’s dead I’ll unlock the door and escape. Never to be seen again, I’ll ride the wind.
    “I don’t think that would be a good idea, Assassin.”
    I glanced past the Emperor to Sertoff who stood waiting for the bars to open. They squeaked as he walked through. Man, they really need to oil those!
    “What about the guards in courtyard?” he questioned as he walked closer. He stood beside the Emperor, “What about me?”
    “Oh, I’m real worried about you.” I remarked sarcastically.
    He pulled the blaster out of his jacket, it seemed to charge a lot faster than it used it too. With one shot he melted the lock, then kicked the door inward.
    I rushed to the far corner of the room, before I could turn around he stood directly behind me.
    “Are you worried now, Assassin?” his arm slid around me in a choke hold.
    “Do you plan to kill her?” Emperor Kilji sounded angered.
    “Why not?” Sertoff called back to him, “She was planning on killing you.”
    I jabbed him with my elbow as hard as I could, “Does money buy everything with you?” I hissed.
    His hold became tighter, I began to gasp for air.
    “Release her, General.” Kilji commanded, “And bring her to me.”
    He let loose of the choke hold, and grabbed my wrists pulling them behind me.
    “You would do this to me.” I hissed at him.
    He pushed me against the cold, rough, stone wall. “I haven’t even started yet.” he seethed in my ear. He jerked me around and walked me towards the Emperor.
    Emperor Kilji looked me up and down slowly.
    I know they wouldn’t understand it if I said it but, really… Take a picture it’ll last longer.
    Sertoff squeezed harder on my wrists.
    “Tell her the consequences of her actions.” the Emperor never took his eyes off me.
    “Death.” Sertoffs’ words were a normally chilling cold.
    Emperor Kilji smiled slowly, “Not in this case.” He stepped away from the bars, “I wont have Jonothan tearing this palace apart again.” He glanced at Sertoff, “She came with you, you deal with her.” Then he turned and walked towards the first bars, “Do not mark her.” he warned, “And do not think he is only after you, General.”
    I could feel Sertoffs smile from behind, I could have felt it miles away from here, no, thousands of miles. Not that any of that’s going to help me now.
    “It’s a good thing Jamie is out scouting.” he started walking me to the bars. “That gives us more time to be alone.” the infernal squeaking followed his words.
    Funny but, I think I could get used to that noise now. Sure now that I’m not going to hear it for a while.