Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #14 May 2015 | Page 49

“An assassin begging mercy for others?” Asmoran
boggled in mock amazement. “Surely we live in an
age of wonders. However, I fear I cannot comply.
Given the sensitive nature of my business, I must
have staff I can trust implicitly to protect my investments, even at the cost of their own lives.” He
bowed to Abrodail. “Whether you wished to or not,
you have betrayed this estate.” He turned to Favriel. “At the same time, I can hardly execute her for
treachery and expect you to remain loyal, can I?”

“M’lord, we... I warned you of the assassin! We’ve
given our lives to you.”

“So you did and so you shall. I will reward you by
not putting your daughter to death along with you.
She’ll come into my care for the time being. Your
little flower, you call her? Charming. I’ll see she’s...
well-tended.”

The glint in the noble’s eyes told Khellus all he
needed to know about the man’s intentions. He
envisioned Eogwen as a young woman, dull-eyed
and drooling as an elderly Asmoran pawed at her, a
plaything for nobility, her mind and body enslaved
and ruined by years of abuse.

No. Devils damn him. He’d not allow it. No child
should suffer so because of him. Not at any cost. He
just didn’t know how he could live up to this silent
oath.

No opportunity offered itself as the guards moved
to obey their lord. Abrodail and Favriel wept and
cursed in turn as they were forced to their knees like
Khellus. Favriel begged Asmoran to stop this madness, that they’d do anything to prove their loyalty...
anything to live.

“Khellus!” Abrodail cried, tears streaking her face.
“Do something! Gods, please!”