Elemental
an excerpt

Sonja entered the Tower with confidence in her steps. She sent polite nods to the guards on either side of the gates before making her way through the halls. She paused at the door to the throne room, gazing at the large mosaic that covered the walls to either side of the entrance. The massive likeness of Hyotel Magdelar stared back at her, spear in hand. She curtsied slightly before finally entering the room and approaching the throne.

Bowing low before the throne, she looked up at the Magnificent, surprised to see age showing on his face. When had he gotten those wrinkles in the corners of his eyes? Or the deep laugh lines at the edges of his mouth?

"You sent for me, my lord?" she queried, knowing that he would tell her all she needed to know. If he didn't mention his appearance, it was unimportant.

"Yes, Sonja, I did." He gestured for her to stand and she obeyed, moving closer to the throne. She gazed into his bright blue eyes and rejoiced as he smiled. "My powers are being taken from me," he said. The cold hand of fear gripped her spine, but before she could say a word, he continued. "You can see already the age that is claiming me. Soon, I will be an old man, just as I should be." She looked at him, worry marring her normally youthful features.

"How can I help, my lord? You have called me for a reason."

"Indeed I have. You are to go after the one who is taking my powers. Eliminate her." With his blue eyes on hers, she couldn't look away. He was mesmerizing even as he aged so rapidly. She nodded.

"It shall be done, my lord," she said, kneeling at the foot of his throne. He ran a hand over her hair, sending a shiver down her spine and a smile to her face.

"Just promise me one thing, Sonja," he said softly. She looked at him, her absolute devotion plain on her face.

"Anything, my lord."

"Do you remember when we met?" he asked. She thought back on the day when she'd been so young. She was deadly even then, but he had been deadlier. She nodded and he smiled at her kindly. "Don't die."

"My lord?" she asked him, confused. He said it as if it were a possibility, as if there were anyone in the world who could kill her. Other than him.

"Should you be faced with a choice, remember the day we met. And don't die." He kissed her forehead and sat back on his throne, appearing tired. "Now go. Head for the South Corner. She will be approaching soon." Sonja nodded, standing up. She bowed low and walked backwards for several steps before turning to head to the door. She had packing to do. And plenty of thinking. One must always contemplate death before preparing to hand it out. She left the Tower, her determination growing with every step she took. She would make the Magnificent proud. She would succeed.