Chapter 7.5

Massoud smiled as he watched the group walk away. Rather than hinder his designs this could actually help things along. True Duilach was a dangerous man, he was clearly the most capable assassin of this day. This could actually help them in the long run if they were working together. Being good in killing was one thing though. Massoud himself was more than adequately skilled in this area. This game was not going to be won though, and the prize be taken by one who simply walked in and threatened everyone. No, this required vision, and skill in manipulation, and above all a plan that took everything into account. In this Massoud thought himself a master, and had no doubt that he could keep the upper hand, even with Duilach, “In control.”

He glanced over at the party as he tightened the straps on his horse, hoping to catch Roy’s eye. He did, and flashed a hand signal in the silent language of the thief’s guild telling him that nothing had changed. Roy made sure that he was not being watched returned his own sign, “I understand,” and then, “We must talk.” Both knew to what this last message referred, the death of Elspeth. The two eyed each other evenly and nodded. To a casual observer the whole exchange would have gone unnoticed.

Massoud chose to take it as a good sign that no anger was shown. Indeed he knew Roy well enough to still have confidence that he could rectify the damage that had been done when the news of the traitor’s death had been untimely announced. Still, he did not discount that Roy may need to be dealt with, removed. This would put a significant strain on his plans, but still nothing that he had not considered. This together with Duilach though? No, things were getting complex, even to the mind of Massoud, who excelled at such things. He must be prepared to simplify one of these two problems as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

They mounted horses and rode toward the gates as a single group. Duilach looked over at Massoud who met his gaze with a smile. “Do not cross me. I will find out and I will not fail twice in the matter of dealing with you.” The words weren’t spoken with any trace of anger.

Massoud thought the remark typical of an assassin, one who dealt with threats and used force to rule. Massoud moved with him like a tree in a storm and replied, “Now, now my good man, this is no time for making enemies. You and I are together on this. I will serve you well, of that you can be sure.” With that he nodded his head in friendship, and respect, and spurred his horse on and galloped ahead.

~ by ridgewalker on April 5, 2009.