I can't show my anxiety in front of the guard, so as he relights the candles for me I tuck the parchment into my robe where he cannot see it. It crackles as if in protest, but I stifle the sound with one hand. Then I turn back towards the man and nod.
"That will be all," I say. His expression is unconvinced and the faint light picks out the crags in his rugged face.
He bows anyway and turns to leave, his red cloak snatching at his heels as he moves. The door creaks shut and I am left alone once more with a mysterious message tucked in my robes. I scramble to free it from its confinement and set it down on the table. I weigh it down with one of the candle holders and lean in close so I can read the scribbled words. They are hasty and spidery in appearance, but perfectly legible.
King Tyrl,
Your life is in danger. It had come to my attention that someone - who is unknown - at noon tomorrow during the late king's funeral will attempt to murder you. The weapon of choice is a throwing knife. Be wary.
My knees grow weak and I search the parchment for any mark left behind by the mysterious writer. Why would anyone sneak into my room just to give me this? I know my life is in danger, and I fear it. But I also know that I can't do much about it. A throwing knife? I clutch my robes tighter around myself and shudder.
I know that I can't trust everyone and every letter given to me. It might be a trick to get me not to go to the funeral so I can be apprehended in my room instead. Easy, no mess. I shudder. But on the other hand it might honestly be a warning made out of concern for my welfare to keep me away from a potential threat.
Thinking about it makes my head ache. I already have passed up too much sleep, and this isn't helping my frame of mind any. I chew on my lower lip and turn the message over between my hands. I should think about this. I need to think about it. I need more time, but the funeral is tomorrow and I'm sure the night is mostly passed me now. My fingers find my hair and tangle through the locks in the midst of my anxiety.
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