The people muttered among themselves at this statement. Zaros felt a wave of relief flow over him; he had assauged much of their fears. As long as the Riders completed their task, the war could be near its end that very day. "Stay strong, my people," Zaros continued, his voice taking a personal tone. "We have continued to resist the usurpers, and we are near the end. We will stand strong and be victorious, you can bet on that."
The people erupted into applause as Zaros finished his speech. Zaros allowed a smile to appear on his face. He waved at the people and turned to leave the balcony.
From somewhere in the tumult below, something shot upward like a falcon, its talons bared on Zaros's back. It was an arrow, and its precision was perfect and deadly. It was upon Zaros before he knew what had happened.
Suddenly, Spyridon appeared out of thin air just behind Zaros. His dagger flashed as he cut the arrow and knocked it away. The Mahjarrat's eyes were burning with rage as he scanned the crowd for the culprit. Then, he saw the cloaked figure running away into the back streets of Senntisten.
Kuura, meanwhile, had forced Zaros into a crouching position to guard against a second shot. "I've got Lord Zaros," he said to Spyridon. "You and Akthanakos go and try to hunt that guy down."
Spyridon gave a curt nod and leapt backward off the balcony into the crowd to pursue the assassin. Kuura began to lead Zaros back into the palace. As they entered, Zaros saw Azzanadra standing nearby with Esther and Calina. "Azzanadra," said Zaros, "go control the crowd."
"Yes, my Emperor," Azzanadra replied, and he moved past Zaros out onto the balcony.
Zaros looked back to his wife. "Take Calina and go find a safe place," he said. "I've been attacked, and there may be more of them around."
Esther gasped, but she stayed strong and took Calina deep in the Palace. She knew the drill for these situations.
"Come, Lord Zaros," said Kuura. "We need to go."
"Alright."
21-Sep-2008 05:25:29
