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The chill of the night bit Jarek's skin as he practiced a new sequence of moves. Thrust. Parry. Stab. Duck. Thrust. Kick. Victory.
Despite the cold his black hair clung to his skin, bonded by sweat. The hard muscles of his bare torso flexed with every move, Several people passed by and paused momentarily to watch his show of skill. He paid no attention to them. His mind was focused only on the task at hand.
"Jarek Therion!" a booming voice called out and caused him to end his practice with a final cut that would leave his opponent decapitated. If he was fighting an opponent, that is.
He bowed to the ground, pressing his forehead into the red-hued dirt. A smear of earth colored his face when he rose back to his feet to formally greet his superior, but neither man paid attention to that.
"Master Shion, I live but to serve. What may I do for you?"
"Enough sweet talk, Jarek. We have business to attend to. Meet me in the conference room as soon as you've cleaned up."
The grizzled old man winked at Jarek with his one good eye and turned to head back into the castle. Jarek retrieved his clothing and hurried in after Shion, not wanting to make the man wait any more than necessary. He rushed through the stone corridors, past colorful tapestries illuminated by the dancing flames of torches. He swept through the kitchen and grabbed a small loaf of bread and a slice of smoked meat from a passing tray. He ignored the protesting voice that called behind him and continued toward his room.
Several young maidens huddled in a corner, talking in hushed whispers. They giggled and blushed as he passed by, but he paid them no mind. There were more important things right now. Perhaps later he would come back and woo one of them into bed. But, of course, a direct visit from Master Shion usually meant another mission. He had only been back three days since his last one. Most times he would get at least two weeks in between. No matter, he got paid well for the last mission, and no doubt this would be the same.
He threw open his oak door and tossed his clothes in a corner. His water basin was filled hours ago, so the water was cold, but the temperature didn't bother him. It felt good to wash all the sweat and dirt from his body. He quickly bathed and then got dressed in a regal burgandy tunic, trimmed in gold. He donned a silver cape that billowed behind him as he passed through the winding halls of the castle toward the conference room.
He opened the door and was surprised to find more people than anticipated. He expected Master Shion, and perhaps a few high-ranking nobles, but there were also two other people who were seated and appeared to be just as lost about this meeting as he was. What was going on here? He sat down and shrugged his shoulders, figuring he would soon find out what this was all about.
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