War of the Words/Chapter 10

"Dead?" Darin asked, his ill humor barely controlled. "How could this be?"

"We are certain," the shadowed figured whispered with authority. "As to the how: we killed him ourself."

"You killed Jano? You fool! Why?"

"We found him going to the guild of mages and overheard him planning to reveal your identify and the nature of your plans for Deren. We could not allow him to be seen or heard. He would have ruined everything."

"You insolent fool! Why was I uninformed of his treachery? This decision should have been mine and mine alone. He was my agent!"

"Had we taken the time to dispatch message to you, he would have succeeded in his devices. Besides, the order for his destruction comes from a higher authority."

"There is NO higher authority. I am in charge of this mission!"

"Oh, but there is a higher authority," the shadowed figure stated with grim finality, "as you well know. The order was received and we acted with faith."

"Faith?" Darin grew cold. "You mean...?"

"I do," the figure said. "If you have issue with the edict, I suggest you take it up with him. I understand he is MOST understanding about people questioning his decisions and commands."

"I..." Darin stammered. "If it is the Water Lord's will that Jano die, then Jano should die."

"We thought you might see it that way." The shadowed figure stood and slunk out of the inn. Darin was completely unnerved. He was a chief agent of the Water Lord. Why should he be left in the dark if one of his own were being marked for death? Suddenly Deren seemed sweltering and Darin longed to return to Neld and the battle ensuing there. The plans here were laid, he had no reason to remain.