Assassin Lore

There's a lot you can learn just by looking at a man, you know. Yourself, for instance: when you shook my hand I noticed the scars of sword practice on your fingers, and could feel the strength in your grip. You hold your head like one who's more used to wearing a helmet, and your eyes have strayed to the windows five times in the last two minutes. You also flex your right hand nervously as if it wants to hold something - a sword, I'd bet, by the look of you. You're strong, careful, and seasoned. Every bit the warrior I've heard tales of. You're a match for any foe on the battlefield, but now you're fighting a different sort of battle, aren't you? Otherwise you wouldn't need me.

I've looked over your proposal, and I want to tell you up front that there will be some complications. Edmund, the Master Thief of the Scarlet League is a very wealthy man, and his mansion is a real fortress. Oh, I'll take the job, but I'm warning you that it won't be easy. I'm among the best at my grim profession, and I'll get the job done, but it will cost you extra. You've set no conditions for Master Edmund's death, save that he expire within ten minutes of midnight tomorrow. Planning a bit of a guild siege, are we? Not your usual style, but a cunning move, removing him just as your forces strike. It will probably work, too, his lieutenants aren't the brightest bunch. I'm just a bit worried that one of your lackeys might mistake me for a Scarlet Leaguer as I'm on my way out and things might get unpleasant. No matter, I'll just take a different escape route.

I'll enter in disguise, posing as a merchant ready to do business. It's a disguise I've used before, and the League has done business with me under that name, so few questions should be asked. I'll count on you to provide me with some rare weapons to sell them. I think ten thousand crowns' worth should do the trick. Don't fuss, my good duke, you did agree to pay all my expenses! Anyway, I'll wait until after dinner, be escorted to my guestroom, then stealthily make my way to Edmund's chamber. Don't worry, I'm no stranger to shadow, and can walk invisible through broad daylight if the need arises. We assassins have all manner of arcane tricks we call upon in our trade. Once into his chamber, a bit of bladework and all is done. I'll secure myself a servant's uniform to hide in the tumult, then make scare once you lot attack. Should be able to pull it off without too much trouble, and I'll even be sure not to alert Edmund's guards, which you might appreciate.

One final point, I will be expecting my payment in advance. Of course you'll understand - it is after all possible that you'll lose your little fracas with the Scarlet League, even if I succeed in my job. Oh, and there's one other complication. Master Edmund approached me last week and tried to hire me to kill you. Don't look so shocked! He didn't offer me nearly as much payment as you did, so take heart: you've nothing to fear from me. Although if I were you, I'd be careful what I ate and drank, and where I slept for the next few days. After all, many of my colleagues aren't as discriminating as I am when it comes to their wages. I could tell at a glance that you're a careful man, let's hope that you're careful enough.