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Date Posted: 19:59:05 01/11/02 Fri
Author: Erlic Eastlore
Subject: To trust or not to trust
In reply to: Rowan Silvertree 's message, "A shado's secrets" on 15:17:46 01/11/02 Fri

So, Shado meant silent warrior, a most proper title befitting only those that succeeded, or in Rowan’s case, those that were blessed with the ability, and trait for that particular talent.

Erlic analyzed Rowan’s conception of the magic he used to the chi used by those raised in the martial arts of the east like he had been. And in Rowan’s case, it wasn’t a solid substance that one could touch; rather it was something internal, harnessed by the body’s power, and ready for use upon the right moment. Erlic believed that his chi was very similar to Rowan’s magical abilities; both were used when they were needed, and only in those particular times when secrecy was a must.

Rowan talked about working for the government, and killing for the government. All in all, it was very much like the ninja of the east, whose main objective was to eliminate usually those who exceeded in their power, and were very close to unbalancing the system of powers that had evolved over the course of many years. If one perceived himself to be too powerful, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to do something about it, and eliminate the threat once, and for good. Of course, as in all systems, once a power collapsed, it would only be a matter of time before another rose, and took over. Such was the system, and such was the necessity of the ninja, a myth among children, told only in bedtime stories to plant a little fear in children so that they would go to sleep. But the ninja were quite real, and quite deadly. Once could be working for a nobleman for many years before given the order to eliminate the threat, while others had the capability, and capacity for entering unseen, and unheard, killing quickly, and neatly without ever drawing any attention to them.

“That’s what we do, you see. That’s what the power does, anyway. We become part of the scenery, even ignoring gravity if we have to. Of course, it’s more than just the magic. It’s training, and concentration, and long hours of practice.”

That was the part Erlic had been waiting for. It didn’t matter to him how much magic one possessed, or how careful one was, but how much training, and practice had gone into that particular art in order to succeed, without getting oneself killed. To him that was extremely important.

Suddenly Erlic felt an unusual occurrence floating down the link from Marz. He focused on his chi and managed to look through the youth’s eyes, only to see a lone man trying to assault them. For the moment it seem that the trio would be able to manage. If not, he would have to go to their rescue. He also had managed to spot an unusual person suddenly speaking to Ravin off in the distance. Who, or precisely what this person was he didn’t know, but he decided that Ravin could take care of himself under any circumstance. There was also the strange occurrence of the Sheikh looking like something totally…not normal. It was quite obvious the man had no knowledge of applying makeup, let alone acting the part of something he was not.

He turned his thought back to Rowan, whose back was facing the area Erlic thought the assassins might be hiding. If they were professionals, then they would know how to read lips, and figure out their plans. It was always best to avoid leaking out any type of information.

He nearly smiled at Rowan’s comment about the masters who claimed to be able to walk on water, and one that supposedly had the ability to walk on the air. His own master had achieved the art of walking on water, and when Erlic fist spotted this most unusual feat he was more determined than ever, to make sure he listened to everything his master taught him, and to insure he learned it properly.

“I’m not supposed to talk about that, let alone do it. But there comes a time when you realize…well, that’s it’s the past. Almost another life, really. And if I can help the new friends I’ve made…well, maybe that’s even better than what I used to do.”

Erlic had to stop and think of Laurel. Did she not know her brother’s abilities, and if so, did she not frown upon his capacity to kill? Why hadn’t she thought of Rowan as the assassin that traveled amongst them, or was it someone other that Rowan that she had been told about? It was a most intriguing question, one that he might ponder a bit, but at a later date. There were more important issues at the moment. Although it wouldn’t totally eliminate all the assassins, it would definitely cut them down a notch or two.

Erlic position himself carefully in front of Rowan to insure that the assassins weren’t able to read his lips. “I have a proposition for you,” the assassin began. “There are three assassins located behind an outcropping of rocks just outside the Jann’s camp. You take out one, and I’ll handle the other two. But…” and Erlic stressed this next statement. “Above all, no one is to know what transpired, and no one is to hear anything during our battle. We must get in quietly, and unseen, kill them, and quickly be out of the area. We have no idea where their accomplices might be, or when they might be coming to help them. Stealth is of the essence, as is surprise. We go to eliminate a partial threat, and quickly get out. Do I make myself clear?”

Erlic hoped that Rowan would understand the gravity of the situation if anything went wrong. Assassins, especially those who were professionals, had means of communicating with their brethrens, especially if one happened to be a mage. One had to be invisible, and ready to kill at a moment’s notice under these situations.

‘Since I don’t know if you need to prepare for this,” Erlic finished, “I’ll let you be the judge of that. I, on the other hand, will need some time to prepare certain items necessary for me to accomplish my end of the task. When the sun has set, I’ll meet you at the outcropping, and we’ll take care of matters there. Any questions?”

Erlic thought the whole situation over. He already had a back-up plan in case anything happened on Rowan’s end. Grant it matters would become even more difficult but there was a way he could still manage the assassin’s death, even if Rowan, through whatever circumstance, happened to accidentally slip up. Perhaps Erlic now had a new ally, but it would be a dangerous scenario, especially since Rowan’s sister didn’t approve of cold-blooded killers. He enjoyed the woman’s company, and didn’t want to reveal his abilities to her, or to anyone else for that matter.

As a precaution, wondering just what Rowan would think about all of this, Erlic added to the conversation. “I’m a very good thief, and a very good fighter,” he explained, thus eliminating the fact that he was an assassin. “I’ve done secret jobs before, so I do have some prior experience in this field.” It wasn’t the total truth, but it wasn’t a lie either. People simply didn’t enjoy having an assassin in their midst. It seemed so…..wrong for lack of a better word, and usually people felt very uneasy about that fact. Erlic preferred to be judged as a good thief with good fighting capabilities. That way, no one would be the wiser.

He patiently awaited Rowan’s response.

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