by Alex Cannon
Hamilcar was cold.
He rolled over and opened his eyes. His pillow was in the way. He pushed it aside. The window to his room was open and he could see the thick drapes billowing in the wind.
An icy hand clenched his heart and he came fully awake. What was the window doing open? He had made certain to latch it before retiring for the night. He moved to the side of the bed, intending to get up.
The shadow of a man stood at the foot of his bed.
Hamilcar reached for his dagger, but a firm hand caught his arm.He jerked his arm free and sat up, taking inventory of his room.
Three men were positioned around his bed. All three were shadows among the shadows.
“What gives you the right to come into my room?” Hamilcar asked.
No answer.
“Talk, before I call my guards.”
The shadow at the foot of his bed spoke.”We bring a message, Baron.”
The shadow to his left struck a flint and lit the bedside candle.
The three men standing around him were Sicari. Hamilcar’s heart sank.
“What is your message?” Hamilcar eyed his dagger, hanging on his bedpost. It would prove ineffective against these men, but he would feel better having it in his hand.
The shadow at the end of the bed tossed something at him. Hamilcar flinched but the dark object landed in his lap with no surprises. He picked it up rolled it around. It was obsidian in color and texture. The bottom was smooth, small glistening shards textured its top. It was a rare loqua stone.
“Is that all? Or have the dread Sicari added ‘courier’ to their list of dark services?” he snapped.
The first shadow said, without moving,”Your partner has found what he has been searching for. He is ready for you to begin. That is the end of the message.
Hamilcar threw his legs over the edge of his bed.”Well, you've delivered your message. Now get out!" He pointed to the open window.How dare his partner try to scare him?
After the Sicari were gone, Hamilcar stared at the stone and sighed.
The hunt was afoot. He had waited years for this and the time had finally come.