The Shadow Assassin

A lone, scrawny messenger burst into the King's conference room. The twelve member council and the King stopped their debating of battle strategies and looked up at the frazzled young man who was clearly out of breath from running. He swiftly bowed at the King and inclined his head to the council members.

"Your Majesty!" he panted, "There a package has been delivered to you."

King Salln, high and mighty in his golden thrown, raised a brow, "Is that so? Please share your knowledge, what was in this package?"

The messenger shuffled on his bare, shoeless feet, "It was a child, Your Grace."

King Salln choked on his vintage wine, "Is that so? Well, is the child of noble blood?"

The poor slip of messenger swallowed, not wanting to invoke the wrath of his King.

Orin, the first member of the council, snapped, "Out with it!"

The messenger started forward and stuttered, "No, Your majesty. Not that we know of."

The King waved a hand, "Then, begone with it."

Prince Evan, third in line to the crown of Ylrinê, spoke up from his standing position near the table if council members, "Do you believe this wise father?" he asked.

King Salln regarded his son thoughtfully, "Pray tell, do you think it not wise of your King to make decisions?"

"That is not want I had been implying Father," said the diplomatic talking Prince, "I simply meant to ask if we should throw out a babe that has been brought upon us. What if it is a sign? You must not wish to anger the gods."

The King guffed, "You believe that a mere babe is a gift sent from the gods? What's next, a girl learning to fight? A boy wearing dresses and going to dance lessons? Some things never happen. Do you know why?"

Prince Evan had heard it all before, "Yes Father, "The things that don't change are rules. There is justice and fairness in those rules. In so ordering that we must follow the rules," he recited by heart, "But, what if the ba-"

King Salln raised a hand, "That is enough. You have not the power to question my decisions.

Prince Evan bowed humbly to his Father and muttered, "Of course, Your Royal Highness."

The messenger, who had regained his breathe during Prince Evan's and King Salln's discussion, cleared his throat, "Your Majesty? Ummm.. What would you like me to tell the Queen?"

"The Queen?" King Salln questioned.

"Yes sir," said the messenger, "She sent me to tell you, Your Grace."

"My, my. Well, this certainly complicates things. My wife would never allow me to abandon a lone child," the King said, an odd glint in his eye.

His eyes glazed over for a second, then he snapped alert, "Messenger," he ordered, "Send for your Queen's lady-in-waiting and the babe."

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