The Assassin

Chapter 1

Silence. Is there any better sound? It's always been my favorite sound. Well, that and the sound of fist hitting flesh but right now that was the farthest thing from my mind. It's around midnight, and I am sitting on the window seat of my dorm, looking out towards the outdoor training arena. It seemed so peaceful, yet empty without the ringing sound of sword hitting sword, nor the thud of arrows being embedded in targets, or the grunts and painful cries of girls practice fighting. It was still my favorite place in the school. Away from any drama or pressure. A place where I could punch and kick and release tension without fear of being reprimanded. It was the only place where I could be myself.

Suddenly, my peaceful serenity was broken as my head whipped towards a sound at the other end of the room, near the door. The dagger I kept beside my bed was in my hand so fast that, to the naked eye, it was almost as if I never moved at all.
"Lower your weapon child. I am no threat to you."
"Head mistress!" I cried, lowering my head in respect. "I apologize for my behavior. I was unbeknownst to who you were."
"Do not apologize for being prepared, Scarlett. That was a very impressive demonstration of your training."
"Thank you Headmistress. All the same, I am still very sorry."
"We will let the matter drop. Come, follow me."

Headmistress Anastasia lead me out of my dorm and down the corridor towards Elder Sarah's quarters. I had never been here before due to the fact that students were not allowed here unless... unless they were being given a prophecy for an assignment. Without warning, nervous butterflies suddenly erupted in my stomach.
My Headmistress knocked on the door of Elder Sarah's quarters and a very raspy voice, as though it was rarely used, answered from inside.
"Enter."
Headmistress Anastasia slowly opened the door and walked into the room, beckoning me to follow with her hand. I hesitated for a moment but after the headmistress' insistent beckoning I finally entered.
I'm not sure what I was expecting but it certainly was not this... Everything was grey. And I mean everything. The grey drapes, that hung over the windows, seemed to have accumulated so much dust that not a single ray of sunshine (or moonlight considering it was past midnight) shone through whatsoever. As well as the drapes, there were grey bed sheets, bed spreads, and a grey armchair. The furniture was not much better. The only furnishings were; a simple, old wooden table and chair, a bedside table and a set of drawers. I had been so absorbed in observing my surroundings that it took me a little while to register that Miss Anastasia had been calling my name.
"Yes Headmistress?"
"Come here child. I would like you to meet, Elder Sarah."
As she said this, I made my way slowly over to where she was standing next to the grey armchair by a stone fireplace. As I rounded the chair, a small and slight figure came into view. I was about to open my mouth to say something when the figure spoke.
"Scarlett Jett. I have been waiting for you."