Sweet Dreams (2023)

In the twilight hours of Jelhom as most of its citizens slumbered the solitary figure of Shao-Pui stirred within his modest quarters. A nimble youth of compact stature with a light olive complexion and midnight black hair bound into a tight top-knot, Shao-Pui exuded an aura of quiet resolve. A crescent-shaped white tattoo graced his face arcing gracefully from his left eye to the middle of his cheek, while a small goatee adorned his chin meticulously coiled with an iron ring. Dressed in shadowy robes he represented the epitome of a denizen of the shadows, adept at navigating the unseen realms of the city.

Within the confines of his room Shao-Pui approached a large wooden storage chest at the foot of his bed, inside he found his meagre possessions arranged in order: a pouch of reagents, his collection of books, various small blades and a humble purse of kingdom coin. Nestled among these items was a small slip of paper, seemingly insignificant in size yet holding profound importance for Shao-Pui, he had committed its contents to memory but its physical presence provided a sense of reassurance. This note outlined the task he was to undertake that evening, a clandestine mission for an undisclosed client, be they a shadowy organisation, a wealthy merchant, or even a ruthless mercenary band, he didn't know and it did not matter, they had paid.

After securing the note within his robes Shao-Pui donned a bandanna over his head preventing his hair knot from becoming entangled during his nocturnal exploits. With this final preparation complete he swiftly exited his lodgings through the open window, descending into the labyrinthine streets of the city below.
Moving with the grace of a phantom Shao-Pui traversed the darkened alleyways his form barely visible against the stone walls, he clung to the shadows, darting across moonlit doorways and avoiding the occasional flickering street lamp, his path led him to a bustling crossroads where four streets converged and without hesitation he swept through the intersection, turning left and disappearing into a narrow alleyway.
The alley grew increasingly dim as Shao-Pui delved deeper into its confines, the glow of the streetlights fading behind him. With calculated steps he counted silently to himself Twelve, thirteen, fourteen... before suddenly dropping into a crouch.

Shao's hand instinctively reached for a concealed dagger and his senses heightened as he perceived a faint clapping sound emanating from his left. While not prone to paranoia Shao-Pui had learned the value of vigilance in the treacherous world of the shadows. After a tense moment of anticipation the sound vanished and Shao-Pui resumed his mission. Feeling along the wall he located an old wooden ladder, weathered and moss-covered but still sturdy enough to serve his purpose, he had spotted it during his reconnaissance of the area earlier that week. Ascending the ladder with the agility of a seasoned climber he reached the top and effortlessly vaulted over the wall onto the roof of the building.
Moving with a low crouch, Shao-Pui traversed the rooftop, his keen eyes scanning the surrounding streets. He identified the building he sought and carefully positioned himself at its edge, peering down in both directions. Satisfied with his vantage point, he lowered himself headfirst over the edge, skilfully navigating his descent until he reached the open window of the sleeping noble's quarters.

A seasoned infiltrator, Shao-Pui slid into the room landing silently on the floor and a faint smirk played on his lips for he relished the thrill of the challenge that lay ahead. A young noble oblivious to the intruder's presence stirred in his sleep, emitting a soft moan as he shifted into a more comfortable position.
Perfect, Shao-Pui thought, approaching the bedhead with catlike stealth. He unsheathed his katana extending it outward and positioning the blade to face the noble's exposed neck.
"Sweet dreams," whispered the would-be assassin, his voice barely audible as he began to chant a series of low incantations. His spell wove their way into the noble's dreams transforming them into a nightmare of fire, molten rock, and grotesque images. Visions of children hanging in the streets, his family strung up like cattle and his entire world shifting toward a hell-scape filled the noble's mind, causing him to awaken in a state of sheer terror.
Lurching forward in a panic, the noble met the cold steel of Shao-Pui's katana, severing his head from his body in a swift and merciless strike, blood splattered against the wall and the noble's lifeless form slumped back onto the bed, his torment now finally ended.
With his gruesome task completed Shao swiftly exited the room disappearing into the night like a ghost, the city remained asleep and ignorant of the horrors that had unfolded within its walls while Shao-Pui vanished into the shadows.

With the success of his assignment Shao-Pui embarked on his return journey retracing his steps through the alleyways in Jelhom. Maintaining a covert stratagem he moved with the same stealth and agility that characterised his infiltration en-route to his target. He looked forward to enjoying the simple comforts of the modest room he occupied on the third floor of "The Mourning Star Inn," a nondescript tavern and inn frequented by travellers and locals alike.
Approaching the Inn Shao-Pui's senses sharpened, detecting an unusual presence lurking in the shadows. A figure - cloaked and masked - moved with purpose, its form barely visible in the dim moonlight. Shao-Pui's heart beat quickened and his hand instinctively reached for his trusty dagger.

The silence was broken by a series of abnormal noises; a faint whisper from somewhere ahead, a muffled chuckle above him, and the unsettling sound of soft leather boots tap, tap, tapping on the cobblestones that seemed to follow Shao-Pui's every move. The shadows danced and contorted around him creating shapes that taunted and teased his perception and Shao-Pui's mind raced trying to decipher the source of these unsettling occurrences. Was he truly being pursued or was this some elaborate ruse to unnerve him? Shao could no longer brush it off as mere paranoia.

The figure continued to remain elusive, never revealing itself but instead letting its presence be felt rather than seen, Shao-Pui knew that his assailant was toying with him to create uncertainty in preparation for an eventual ambush. Determined not to be intimidated Shao-Pui pressed on with heightened sense and unwavering resolve, he had never let fear control him and refused to do so now.
At last the figure made its move, dropping down from the roof of a storefront with an outstretched blade intended for Shao's neck. Shao-Pui was prepared for the attack and still barely managed to dodge the blow, rolling away in to a crouch to his right before quickly drawing both dagger and his longer blade, he offered a riposting slash with the latter then pressed the engagement to his advantage rushing forward with an arcing dagger slice high at the enemy's throat. Blades clashed and sparks flew in the moonlight as the two skilled combatants fought with equal ferocity, a dance of shadow and steel with each slicing and stabbing with sword and short blade. Shao-Pui's superior skills and experience eventually prevailed in forcing his opponent to retreat into the darkness, yet undeterred Shao-Pui pursued filled with determination to unmask his attacker and uncover the truth behind their purpose.
However, this unknown foe proved to be a formidable adversary, disappearing and reappearing like a phantom and resigning Shao-Pui to admit that he had stumbled upon a cunning and resourceful foe, one who matched his own prowess in the art of stealth and subterfuge.
As Shao-Pui continued the pursuit his intuition began to grow louder and louder, eventually screaming at him that he was being lured into a trap and that he had to cease this game before it was too late. So, opting for discretion over foolhardy valour he swiftly scaled a nearby wall disappearing onto a rooftop and ducking below the edge of visibility, leaving his assailant nowhere to be seen and unable to see him.

Some minutes later, finally reaching the window of his room, Shao-Pui hesitated, was he truly safe? Or had his pursuer simply vanished to regroup and strike again? He could not be certain and so with a heavy heart he climbed through the window securing it behind him.
Inside his room Shao-Pui gathered his meagre possessions and packed them into a small satchel, he knew that he could not remain in Jelhom any longer as his presence had been compromised, and his life was now in danger.

As the first rays of dawn pierced through the window Shao-Pui made his way to the main entrance of "The Mourning Star Inn." There he mingled with the early morning patrons, merchants, and travellers before slipping out unnoticed into the bustling streets.
Shao-Pui, now hooded in a heavy grey cloak walked briskly through the city, his eyes darting from one face to another, constantly vigilant for any sign of his pursuer. Shao maintained his composure but his mind was racing, trying to piece together the events of the night.