The prey

  I part the crowd easily enough, a tiger gliding through the reeds as it stalks its prey. Tonight’s prey waits for me at the head of the table, unaware of any danger. I note the guards watching for trouble, the warriors scattered throughout the hall that could change from merry makers to savage fighters in an instant. It is important to be aware of every danger you might encounter. I continue to move toward my prey as the fool groom drinks his wine and laughs at something his new bride has said, her head bowed and lips barely moving, as his guests pass by giving their well wishes. An unlikely pair, the man round as a gourd and known for his temper and wandering hands while the girl is small, almost childlike, quiet and shy, and has never been outside her own village, much less her own country before coming here to be a bride. The feast is in their honor, for they were wed today. A forced arrangement, granting peace at the price of the young girls innocence and freedom. My training does not permit me to become involved in the matters that surround my prey, but a smile crosses my lips as I think of the gift the bride would receive this night, and I allow myself to wonder if she will be happy to keep her innocence.

 I continue forward, in no hurry, milling with the crowd but moving steadily toward my target. My route of escape is already planned, my mission playing over and over in my head. I am close now, the adrenaline begins to course through me as I prepare to strike; one blow, fast efficient, deadly. I move to the edge of the table, standing just to the side of my prey, my whole body tense. My body wants to strike, but my instincts hold me steady, make me wait for just the right moment.

 Suddenly a scream erupts as one of the well wishers pulls a dagger from his cloak and, leaping over the table, attempts to drive the blade into the grooms heart, calling out the love for his country, and the young brides. Amateur. He is stopped easily by the sword of the nearest guard as he steps from the brides’ side to defend the happy couple. The room explodes into chaos, guards and warriors unsheathing swords and axes, searching for more would be assailants. I walk easily out of the meeting hall into the clear night sky as the other party goers and well wishers run past me screaming for fear of being caught in the midst of a battle. I find my horse where I left him, untethered. The people do not bother him, neither their screams nor their proximity, and anyone who dared touch him would find themselves quickly on the floor with a hoof shaped bruise on their chest. He has been well trained, just as I have. As I ride slowly out of town the call goes out. Word spreads like wild fire. It took them less time to realize than I had thought, but no matter. They begin searching the town for the murderer, going from house to house, looking for someone to blame, any outsider, but I am already gone.

 War will come now; there will be consequences for the sudden end of this union. The two countries will destroy each other in answer to this simple act. That is no concern of mine, of course. It only means more missions for me. Yes, war will come now, and all for the death of one girl, forever innocent.