Shilon

“I was hoping not to see you back so early, Mira”, Shilon said as Mira jumped down through the old cellar trapdoors under the abandoned worship house. “Have you found anything out from Cordell and her companion?” Shilon’s body was completely engulfed in the deep shadows of the cellar, while a single sun beam illuminated Mira’s face and shoulders.

“I have reason to believe that Cordell’s companion is not a monk as was originally suspected.” Mira reported as her eyes shuffled about the cellar trying to find Shilon; as his voice came from different locations every time he spoke. “After getting a good look at her, I would assume that she is of western tribal descent.” Mira paused.

“Continue…” Shilon bade.

“She looks older than me by a four or five years. She is very perceptive, strong, and a bit… brutish.” Mira thought a bit then continued. “Though she does not carry herself like a monk of harmony, I believe that she could match one in combat. She has a fighter’s build and a few scars on her hands and arms that leads me to believe that she has been through some struggles. I personally think…”

“The savage girl who was with William?” Shilon whispered to himself.

“Master?” Mira looked toward the last area she heard Shilon.

Shilon’s inquisitive face joined Mira’s in the light. He faced the ground, pondering on this possibility and then looked back at Mira. “When is your next social engagement with them?” Shilon asked.

Mira hesitated, and then looked toward the ground. “Master, they… I mean I… There is no such engagement set, Shilon.” Though her eyes were not on Shilon, she could feel his glare burning over her.

Shilon spoke gravely. “Tonight I am leaving for West Port. It is very important that you do not impede this assignment more than you already have, Mira. I am leaving the responsibility of ensuring that the amulet remains with Cordell on your shoulders. She and the amulet must be protected from anything until she reaches West Port…” Shilon lifted Mira’s face to meet his eyes. “…even the order cannot have it.”

Mira pushed Shilon’s hand away and bravely asked, “Why… What is so significant about this girl and her amulet that I must protect it from those I have sworn oath to? Who is this savage she is with? Who is the noble they are travelling with? What is it you know Shilon? Why must I perform this petty task? My place is by your side, performing the will of the High Priests; learning from you, the greatest of them all.” Mira’s face grew bright red after she had finished drilling her master. She lowered her head and stared at her shoes. She knew that what she had done was a major breach in rank and respect.

Shilon reacted calmly. “What noble are you talking about?” He looked down on the pretty five-foot-four assassin he had trained from early childhood. She was still wearing the dress she wore in the marketplace. She looked up inquisitively. Shilon asked again, “You mentioned a noble. What were you talking about?”

Mira answered, “After evading me in the market place, the two women were met in the town center by a nobleman claiming to be Cordell’s husband.”

“Husband? Hmmm…” Shilon chewed on this new information.

“He and the two women departed the town and headed South with a small trade caravan.” Mira continued. “It didn’t seem that they were headed directly to West Port.”

After coming to a conclusion, Shilon backed away from Mira into the shadows of the cellar. He continued to speak calmly. “Mira, If you truly think me to be wise, then you must adhere to my instructions. I need you to follow and protect Cordell from anything, especially the order. Be wary of this noble. If he has money than he probably has a tie to Bartholomew. Ensure that no factions interfere with your mission. Observe from afar and strike from the shadows. This is not a petty task I am giving you, Mira. This mission outweighs any oath you have taken or any promise you have made… And I have full confidence that you will succeed.”

Mira glanced up from her shoes. “Why would you trust me with this task, Shilon.”

No response came from the black interior of the cellar.

“Master, why are you using me for this mission”, Mira asked again, only to be responded to by silence. After hearing no response from the empty room she removed her dress and secured her gear for the mission. She called a final time into the darkness. “I will not fail you Baine. My loyalty is to you above all others.” Mira looked up to the horizontal cellar entrance and leaped to grab hold of the ledge. She pulled herself up and made her way to the southern gates.

Shilon smiled from the black corner of the cellar. “Perhaps I am not as alone as I thought.” He whispered to himself.