Tryst with Destiny: The End of the Beginning

108: Treachery and Betrayal

<Author's Note Begins>

I request all people who read this chapter to kindly comment. Even if I have told you not to comment or anything please do so on this chapter. It's a request. I have noticed of late the comments and vote of my chapters are dropping far more than my liking. If you think something is not to your liking then please mention it in the comments of this chapter.

Brand new music created for this dark themed chapter. Must play FOR EVERYONE since it is in the starting of the chapter.

<Author's Note Ends>

(In the Dining Hall)

Dragon Emperor only looks at the other dinner guests for a second. He sees that they are mortified and horrified beyond belief. He knows that they are not to blame so he turns around, places his sword on a nearby table and then walks over to the only assassin who is still alive because he stepped outside the fighting circle. One look at him tells the Dragon Emperor that the assassin is completely paralyzed by terror owing to the demonstration of power he has just witnessed.

"So. My friend." Dragon Emperor says as he walks towards the assassin whose skin is pale beyond belief.

"Yes?" the assassin manages to mutter out before gulping and shaking incessantly.

"You had the foresight of not taking part in the Trial by Combat. Unlike your friends, you are still alive." Dragon Emperor says as he walks around the assassin in a circle. The assassin, who is rooted to his spot, merely moves his head as he is unwilling to let the Dragon Emperor out of his sight.

"You see on the eve of an important occasion like a wedding the Dragon Emperor traditionally contemplates mercy on his enemies. Your friends would be alive and well right now if they had not been so foolish. Now you have survived because you used your wits. The question is whether or not you walk out of here unharmed and alive." Dragon Emperor says as he comes to stop before the assassin.

"Please don't kill me." the assassin begs as he falls to his knees. Tears well up in his eyes as he joins his hands in the form of a pleading fist.

"Kill you? I am not going to kill you." Dragon Emperor says which causes the assassin to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank you." assassin says as he bows his head in front of the Dragon Emperor.

"You misunderstand. I am not going to kill you yet." Dragon Emperor says which wipes the look of gratitude of the assassin's face.

"What do you mean?" assassin asks. Everyone else looks at each other while giving one another confused looks.

"Your survival is now in your hands. Tell me, how would you like a job?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Umm. Anything. Please don't kill me." assassin says while pleading for mercy.

"You will go. You will go and tell everyone what happened here. Tell them what will happen if any of the people who were the targets today are targetted in the future. And when the thoughts of retribution arise in their minds. Remind them what fate your comrades met at my hands. Remind them how you survived by my grace and mercy. And don't forget to stress on the fate that awaits those who attempt another such foolish endeavour." Dragon Emperor says in a cold yet serious tone.

"I will. I will. I will tell everyone. I-I-I swear it on my head." assassin responds in a frantic tone.

"I have the utmost confidence that you will. Now time for your test." Dragon Emperor says.