From: mar@physics.su.OZ.AU (David Mar)
Subject: Re: Three Word Story Game (12/4/92)
Organization: School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 11:36:10 GMT

> looker, latch, inkwell.

Story 1.


Talsin watched from his position by the window as the Looker entered her
chambers. She removed her ceremonial robes and hung them on the rack
near the door. She seemed to survey the room with her milky eyes, but
Talsin knew that she could not see him.

She crossed to the bed and discarded the rest of her clothing. Talsin
had to check himself as he drew a sharp breath. It was well known that
the Looker had exceptional hearing, and he could not afford to be
discovered before he had completed his task.

The Looker had to be killed. She ruled the land with an iron fist,
exacting crippling taxes and ruthlessly slaughtering those who would not
or could not pay. And although she was blind, she had somehow managed to
avoid all previous attempts at assassination. Mostly they were crude
attempts made in public, where her armed guards could protect her and
cut down any who opposed her. But today Talsin had managed to gain entry
to her bedchamber. All he had to do was cut her throat as she slept and
make good his escape. The escaping would be the hard part.

Naked, the Looker climbed into bed and lay down. With her head on the
pillow, she seemed to be staring directly at Talsin. He wondered if she
shut her eyes to sleep.

"I know you are there," she said.

Talsin froze completely, midway through a soft breath. Surely he had made
no sound loud enough to be heard!

"By the window. A man. Wearing leather boots. And a woollen jerkin."

Talsin spluttered. She clearly did know. "But... how?" he said.

"I can smell you. It is not only hearing that becomes more sensitive when
one loses sight. Come here, I would speak with you."

Talsin stepped toward the bed, cautious in case of traps. He could not
rush her safely. She would call the guards before he could silence her
and then he would probably be dead and she saved. "You must know why I
am here."

"Indeed, and I am most flattered."

Talsin stammered for a second, before recovering to say, "I think you are
mistaken. You know that many people want you dead."

"While others want me very much alive."

Talsin stopped walking. He was two steps from the bed. He frowned and
unsheathed his dagger, ready to jump when he thought that she was most
unaware.

"I am not called the Looker for no reason. I can see deep into the hearts
of men. That is how I rule this land. I know the deepest yearnings and
desires of everyone under my rule. Perhaps better than some know
themselves."

"Then you know that I wish to kill you here and now," said Talsin, his
voice quivering slightly.

"With this power of mine, do you think I would have let you get into this
room with a wish like that? I know your true feelings. I have sensed them
often when I held court and you were present."

Talsin squinted slightly. "Why did you let me reach this room?"

"Despite my blindness, despite my powers, I am still human. I know your
deepest desires. And I have desires of my own." She lifted the corner of
the blankets, revealing her body to him.

Talsin's dagger slipped from his fingers to the floor.

***

The next morning, the Looker left her chambers, latching the door from
the outside. She made her way to her castellan's office. He returned
his pen to the inkwell as she entered. "Highness?"

"There is a man in my bedchamber. He is to be my consort.

"Have his eyes put out."


David Mar.                                      mar@physics.su.OZ.AU
Astrophysics Department, University of Sydney  NSW  2006, Australia.

ps. Robert/Richard(?? sorry, I've forgotten your name) I'd _really_
appreciate it if you'd e-mail the 3 words to me. I only saw these three
on alt.prose when someone else posted a story for them. My alt.prose.d
feed is rather slow.... :-(
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative