Apprentice of Darkness

6. Talon Manor

"Welcome to Talon Manor," an old woman greeted me as I stepped onto the doorstep of the manor. "Sherry Winters."

I raised an eyebrow. I hadn't shown her my invitation yet, how did she know my alias? Unless she was the one that arranged the contract, and the one that Nix had informed of my cover name. I could tell by the look she gave me that my assumption was correct.

"You are the one that sent this?" I verified, holding the invitation up between two fingers for her to see. The old woman didn't even glance at the paper, and continued to look me in the eye as she nodded. "Nice to meet you. Have no fear, things will go... according to plan. Have you anything to tell me before I am on my way?"

"No, no. I'm confident you'll have things under control. Just don't eat the apples, my dear." The apples? Really? That was cliche... but funny. I liked this woman, I decided, nodding. As I turned to enter the manor, the woman added, "Oh, and you do look stunning. I'm sure you'll steal the hearts of everyone inside."

I smirked slightly, noting the emphasis she put on "steal." It wasn't quite the best use, but it was ominous, though amusing at the same time since I knew the true intent of her words.

I was the last to arrive, so as soon as I stepped inside, the doors were locked behind me. A young man, perhaps in his early twenties, looked up at the loud clicking sound. I glanced at him, noting his short blonde hair, grey eyes, and general noblemen's attire. He would be my first kill.

As I entered the dining room, I looked around at the other guests. My second contract, an older woman with long white hair and pale brown eyes, stood up and approached me. "Hello my dear." She spoke kindly, like that of a grandmother perhaps.

I wouldn't know, to be honest. But that's the feeling she gave off.

"Greetings." I replied, smiling kindly. "I suppose you and the other four are the other guests?"

"Indeed we are. My name is Jacklyn Lee." She offered a hand, and as I shook it I introduced myself as Sherry Winters. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Winters. We have some time before dinner, and we have all just been getting acquainted. Would you like to join us?"

As I took a seat, I began chatting with the others. Other than Jacklyn, I learned the blonde man, my other target, was Michael Trougs. As well, there was a burly ex-guardsman named Travis Loren, who I estimated would be the one doing most of my killing for me. He had a general rough-looking appearance, with hard dark brown eyes, a beard, and openly carrying an ax at his waist.

There was also two other women there. The first was Carol Audrik, who appeared to be in her mid-thirties with blonde hair, blue eyes, and glasses. The second was a slightly younger woman, with long black hair and milky-brown eyes, that introduced herself as Sandra Marlena.

Out of them all, Sandra was the only one that seemed the type to be a possible assassin. She wasn't, of course. There were many things about her that obviously screamed she would never be able to kill another living thing, but she was quiet, and seemed just slightly on edge, as if she were anticipating something.

I, on the other hand, played the perfect act that I was the poor, innocent type. No one would suspect me - especially with the charming enchantment. I could have any of them wrapped around my fingers if given the chance.

"So, we are all to spend the night in this manor. Not bad, if you ask me. They've stocked up on ale, and that's all I need." Travis roared with laughter, and a few of the others joined in half-heartedly.

"Why don't we take a look around? I heard this place is haunted." I suggested, shaking slightly as I mentioned the bit about it being haunted. I had to look afraid, at least somewhat. Most of the guests exchanged glances before nodding, a few even chuckling at my fear.