The Scarred Kingdoms

Chapter 1

Esme sat down across from Sol, debating whether the punishment for slitting his throat would be worth it. Deciding she rather not spend two days locked up in a cellar, chained to a pole, Esme sighed through her nose and glared at Sol. Hard. She heard the pointed cough in her direction, and shifted her gaze to the other person in the grand room. His disarmingly handsome face was wan in the dim lights of the meeting room. Enzo Akmad, leader of the Bane, a professionally trained group of killers, assassin's, and thieves. Most, unlike Esme, have never even seen the man, Esme being one of the few lucky enough, to be trained directly by him. Esme prided herself on being Enzo's protegee, and in being so she was the best of the best and was not only allowed to attend these meetings but they wouldn't start until she got there. Speaking softly, in a threatening voice, Enzo commented "Sol, watch your words wisely tonight." Esme couldn't tell if he meant because of the glare, or because of the crushing news Enzo undoubtedly carried. "Ooh don't worry, Enzo, I've never killed someone just for being a dickhead." Sol's throat bobbed, and a smirk worked its way upon Esme's lips. Enzo just shook his head "No but you have killed for less." Esme had never thought bad about her profession until just a few nights ago, her assignment was to kill a political figure of Northern Asmya. She had done it of course, the pay to good to pass up, but as she finished the job, she heard the sound of a child. She may be a killer but she sets limits she will not cross. No woman and no children. Hearing that child's cry, made her think of when sh-. No, she wouldn't think about those days ever again, not now, and not on her deathbed. Which, with how Enzo was looking at them now may be soon. Esme look up at her master, trying desperately to read what was going on in those gray lifeless eyes. But perushual, she couldn't figure out a damn thing. But, there, a twitch in the left corner of his mouth, so small you wouldn't notice it unless you had lived with him all your life. Which, if she was being honest with herself she basically has. That either meant that he was about to lose a game of cards or- CRASH! The sound of Sol's head smashing to the table was the only sound. Quick and nimble as a cat, Esme drew her dagger and got into a defence position. She could do nothing as Sol's head was slammed into the hardwood, over and over again. Enzo turned to her, a gleam in his eye that she had never seen, even in their years of ruthless and unforgiving training. Esme was good, she knew that, but she was pretty sure that her master hadn't taught her everything that he had up his sleeve. "Esme, Asmya's Assassin, how happy do you think the King would be to find you spiked on the palace gates in the morning. I don't think he'd miss you, no one would. Actually, he would probably hunt me down...to give me a reward for putting down the "biggest" threat in his precious kingdom." He said with a smile that leaked crazy. Her instincts taking over, Esme took in every detail of the room,and noticed that Sol was just coming back to consciousness. Not that he would help her, he most likely would sit there and laugh as Enzo tore her limb from limb. Adjusting her grip on the well worn hilt of the dagger, she couldn't help but think of how stupid she was. Enzo had been acting weird lately, and she had trusted him so much she never thought that he would ambush her. Plus, she wondered, why would he order Sol to be here, and go through all the trouble of a formal meeting when he could most definitely just get us alone in the halls of his keep, and finish the job there. But none of her questions were answered as the pommel of Enzo's sword hit her in the temple, and the world tilted before going completely black.

Hey yall, just want to say thanks for clicking on one of my books...anyone who does that has my love lol. I want to give a shout out to Baylee Adams and Shiiann Williams, my best friends, who gave me the idea to publish this! LOVE YOU!!! :)