Young Writers Society

Author's Notes: 731 words.

Dressed in archer’s clothes, Karikoff’s spy walked through the Eimhin camp, observing the buzz of men and women as they swarmed tents, whispering among themselves and eating. She was, as usual, ignored, particularly after she ducked into a group of archers traveling towards the large tent at the camp’s center.

That she could be here at all was the testament to her skills. Most everyone that Eimhin could send patrolled the perimeter, covering every inch in their gazes and spears. It was dangerous enough that Karikoff had used a messenger to send her archer’s clothes to her, and she had slipped them on in a small shack just outside the perimeter. However, she was nothing if not competent, and so here she was, scanning her surroundings for anything of use.

Her internal voice told her something was wrong. The plan had been secure enough that Catharnach should have had no idea of its existence, but his army’s movements said otherwise. Kasimir had reasoned the creepy child had, by some unknown means, stumbled upon the plot. Alternatively, ‘Jonah’ could have found Catharnach was hated by the other armies and had rightfully predicted that they might threaten his supremacy. In any case, the spy’s goal was simple – find ‘Jonah,’ and extract as much information on him and his plots as possible.

She guessed that he had to be close to Catharnach, since he was such a vital piece to The Mad King’s operations. It still amazed her – The Prince of Exedor or not, there was a close enough resemblance that Catharnach could actually rule over Wyandanch. It was the immensely disturbing thought behind her second goal: if possible, capture ‘Jonah.’

Catharnach’s home loomed ever closer, swallowing up and expelling a constant parade of soldiers, all of whom seemed tense. None of the other archers paid her any heed; she was just another person in the crowd to them. She, however, watched all of them, noting their pained, frightful expressions. Their whispered conversations suggested ‘Jonah’ was at the center of their anxieties, though they knew only that he was assuring Catharnach’s security. Nevertheless, ‘Jonah’ proved creepy enough that they distrusted him. She had their same question - what was his ultimate plan?

“I have grown very tired of you.”

With that, she felt herself yanked by a huge amount of force, ripped from her position at the back of the group. The spy froze as she was thrown onto the ground inside of a tent, a chainmail-wearing soldier looming over her. He appeared normal, but his deep voice contained cracked and growled over words.

“I’ve not wanted to kill anyone, but you’ve made things difficult for me.”

The spy tried to shout, but the soldier leaned forward and grabbed her by the throat, stifling her. She tried to grab onto his wrists and yank his hands away, all to no effect.

“I had hoped your petty squabbling would not threaten this mission. Instead, a cursory look at Karikoff’s documents tells me that your people plan to capture or kill Catharnach and Ailean at Kasimir’s leisure. Not to mention his affection for you.” The soldier’s eyes flashed, irises temporarily disappearing as the voice became more inhuman.

“I-,” stammered the spy, as the grip around her neck tightened. What frightened her more was the thought that Karikoff could be in danger.

The soldier smiled. “What happens if I give him reason to weep, hm?”

“You – wouldn’t – dare,” spat the spy, desperately trying to breathe as her face turned shades of purple and blue.

“Had you not considered treason, I wouldn’t,” the soldier said, nodding. His face hardened, shadows lurking across it. “Catharnach must be The Dragon King. Nothing. Else. Matters.”

The spy flailed her legs, glancing his knee. He didn’t respond at all, beyond setting his feet back. Her vision began to blur, and she could feel the strength draining away from her arms and legs. Grip weakening, she gasped, “Kari!”

“Yes, he’ll get the message. It’s midafternoon? He’ll know by tonight, and then those fools won’t dare trouble the mission, lest they be stupid. Even Belisarius wouldn’t be of much use. I have little need for new puppets now, but this is simply too convenient. Thank you.” The soldier bared his teeth, jerked his hands to the side, and snapped the spy’s neck.

Among the countless active soldiers, the sound never traveled past the tent.