The Assassin 2

The Assassin 2 is an encounter in Children of the Dragon-Rider.
==Enemies==
* Royal Archer (1430 Gold, 176 XP, 110 Energy, 7 HP)
* Royal Crossbowman (1495 Gold, 184 XP, 115 Energy, 7 HP)
==Transcript==
===Introduction===
"Your techniques are interesting," Aya said.
Clara looked upwards, where the ninja crouched on the branch of a tree. Three corpses lay around the half-elf's feed. Redness gleamed on the keen edges of her blades.
"I don't think they'd agree," Clara replied.
"If I ever return to hell, perhaps I'll ask them." The ninja dropped from the branch. She landed on her feet without making a sound. "I've seen that fighting style before. You're a royal assassin."
The half-elf's eyes narrowed.
"Say that again, and I'll pull that mask off your severed head."
"What would Roderick say?"
The anger left her pretty face, usurped by amusement. Clara laughed.
"He knows what I used to be. And he knows that I bought my redemption in blood."
"Crimson is the most valuable currency..."
"They sent me to kill a man who'd committed no true crime. I spared his life and slew one of Crenus' assassins instead."
"That's why you joined Roderick? Because your former brethren would kill you?"
"No! I came to Roderick because I know they'll kill more innocents as long Crenus rules."
***
The arrow and the crossbow bolt hissed through the darkness together. Atop the armory's wall, the archer and crossbowman's eyes followed their flight. The arrow made a soft thunk as it hit something. It dropped towards the ground with dying black wings fluttering around it. The bolt continued onwards into the night.
"I win!" the archer said. She kissed her bow to thank it for the bat's demise.
"You got lucky," the crossbowman replied. He grunted as he reladed the weapon.
"Oh, so it's only luck when I win?"
"Yeah!"
"Well, there's another one." She pointed overhead, where a second dark shape was flitting.
The two of them whirled around and raised their weapons.
They were both taking aim whilst a slender shape climbed over the crenellations behind them.
===Conclusion===
When she'd been a royal assassin, Clara had learned the value of a quick, clean kill. It was both mercy and pragmatism. Kindness and security. So her strikes were fast, precise. Lethal. The archer and crossbowman perished almost before they felt the pain of their wounds.
Perhaps they'd appreciate her compassion in the underworld, while their eyes stared up at the dark forms flitting across the heavens.
Category:Children of the Dragon-Rider