Fate

The Rescue Mission

The walls of the dungeon were cold to the touch. The passageways were dimly lit by torches, illuminating barely enough light to see where you were actually going. Smart people like the guards who were stationed here regularly would bring a torch of their own to ensure relatively normal sight.

However, to people such as Melody, who was currently hiding beneath the shadows of the dungeon, having a torch would only draw unwanted attention. Waiting for the final pair of patrol guards to pass her, Melody made her way in the direction the guards had just come from. Making sure that her steps were light and unnoticeable, she made her way down. She ran down what was supposed to be the last set of stairs before arriving at her wanted destination. Quickly scanning the corridor in both directions she checked for any guards nearby. She noticed two that were stationed in front of the Prince's cell, skilfully she merged with the shadows that the torches had created.

"Ha! Some Prince you are! You have hardly enough life in you to stand!" She heard one of the guard's mock the helpless young man chained to the wall.

The Prince did in fact look quite pitiful in his helpless state, he had been given hardly enough food to keep him alive for a few weeks now. He was also undergoing daily 'interrogations' and had been left with little to no strength at all. Melody felt a slight pang of guilt and pity shoot through her, upset that she had not come sooner. However, she knew what had constricted her delay on this rescue mission and knew that she really had no say in the matter.

"Now, now Dareous. Save your breath, I doubt he can even hear us at this point" an older voice said with what Melody could have sworn was a pity.

"Shut it old man! I can say as I please, you are too soft on the leader of rebels! He is getting exactly what he deserves for betraying his King" The other voice hissed back.

The old man's voice only quieted down at the younger solder's claims. It was common knowledge that anything said against the King and his reign could be seen as treason. Perhaps she could save this man from a painful death, at least, seeing he has a shred of humanity still left in him. Or maybe spare him altogether? No, she knew her boundaries. Grim had already informed her that she was expecting these two guards today, and Melody knew not to interfere with death. No matter fun it was to do at times.

But then again......?

After a while, she heard the heavy and relaxed breaths coming from just behind the wall she was hiding behind. They were finally asleep. Melody quietly unsheathed her dagger and cautiously turned to look at her sleeping targets. The younger guard was closest to her and sat fast asleep in his wooden chair, still clutching onto his spear at his side. The older man was obviously supposed to be on watch but tireless hours and sleepless nights along with stress were obviously catching up to him. Melody tried to conceal her laughter as the old man's head bobbed up and down in an attempt to stay awake.

Being as quiet as possible she quickly summoned upon her gift and immediately felt the warm sensation flicker to life inside of her. It quickly spread through her whole body and settled in her fingertips, itching to be released. As soon as she allowed it, a dark, thin, mist formed around her fingers, bending to her will. Swirling and gliding through the air as it made its way towards the younger guard's head. Melody watched in small delight as the unsuspecting guard inhaled it completely.

Knowing that he was done for Melody pranced over to the other man feeling slightly ashamed for having to end such a man's life. The old man had been following orders and felt no ill intent towards the Prince himself. Melody could see it. She had already read him and the other guard of course, she was not stupid enough to go through with an assassination without reading her prey.

Just then the younger guard began to stir uncomfortably, her gift obviously taking effect. His movements became more strained and his breaths became heavier, more desperate, his face contorting in major discomfort as he fell from his chair with a loud thump.