Editing Shattered Lands (section)

=====Aniket's Character=====

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Memory. Memory is a curious thing. Remus mused darkly.

When you try to remember something worthwhile, it escapes you. Like an oily Silk Wyrm. You cannot hold on to it enough to focus. It sucks up all your energy in that dark vortex and leaves you broken and bruised. And when you want to forget something terrible, it latches onto your mind, sinking its claws, making deep bloody scars. It never lets you go.

Of the three guards that are circling him right now, the one at the back left is new. Probably a recruit. Remus could tell by the way he handles his spear. The grip was totally wrong. You should never grab so close to the blade end. And also by the faint line of sweat visible above his trembling lips. He didn't expect a chase on rooftops so early in the morning.

That's the one who is useful to him.

"Give it up, assassin," called out the Captain as he readied his shield. "You have been giving us too much trouble. But you're at the end of your road here. Look behind you. No place to run". He cautiously stepped forward. "All those burglaries. And murders! For what? Money? Whores? Trying to make a name among the lowlife criminals? There are other ways to impress your girlfriend, kid."

"How well you know me Captain," Remus said quietly, trying to buy some time, just like the Captain was. His eyes moved to the only other guard- an archer, lining up a careful shot. He clearly did not use a bow at this height- above a palace roof. The wind is strong here. And Remus just knew which way the arrow would go. He smirked.

"Oh I know all about your types," the Captain spat, "You are moths drawn to the fire. You are so desperate for warmth, you don't see you will burn up!" He took another step. He's good.

Remus knew this was the right time. The Captain's shield was Inix bone. Not the best. And he could see where it was cracking. And the oblivious archer aimed at exactly where he wanted, while the recruit with the spear barely stood on his shaky feet. Poor guy was probably afraid of heights.

"But I have no thirst for warmth, Captain," said Remus with a mischievous smile, "Your daughter provided that so readily in her bedroll last night. You know, it's hard to believe she was a virgin until yesterday."

That did the trick. The guard Captain was visibly red, completely falling for the taunt. "You son of a-" he yelled ferociously as he jumped at Remus. Remus was ready. He leaned right, jabbing the sword in his right hand at the weak point of the shield- completely breaking it, and going through. It hit his stomach. And the arrow shot by the guard was embedded on the back of is neck. Lowering the body with his right hand, Remus shot his trusted hand-crossbow with his left. In a moment the archer was down with a bloody stomach. Remus leaped, leaving the sword with the body and landing near the archer, delivering a well placed kick on his jaw. He rolled over to a side. He'd live. Probably.

The recruit was already running towards the ladder. Remus aimed his crossbow. It had already loaded herself. The bolt touched his ankle. Bad miss. He was aiming for the thigh. Lucky he fell down anyway.

Running to him, Remus dragged him up and put him against the wall with one hand at his neck. The left hand aimed the crossbow just between his eyes.

"I'll ask once," Remus chewed the words. That way they sound more scary. "Where. Is. He?"

The recruit broke down, sobbing. That was easy.

"The Arena." he chocked through his tears, "I swear! They want him to fight!" Remus spotted an yellowish flow down his legs. He wet his chainmail.

"Do yourself a favor," Remus said, more quietly this time, "Forget my face. I'd hate to kill you in your sleep." He left him on the wall, and slowly walked towards the body of the Captain. He took out his sword, wiped it on the Captain's tabard and sheathed it.

The Arena. That certainly complicates things. A lot.

'Hold on, my friend. I'm coming,' he murmured, smirking, as he walked towards the ledge of the roof and leaped down.

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[[Shattered_Lands/remus]]

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