Suddenly, a commotion occurred in the prince's balcony. Someone had kicked the balcony door open and was dispatching the prince's guards effortlessly. Eventually, the assailant forced the prince against the balcony's protective barriers and finally came into view. The person who now had a dagger pressed against the prince's throat was a hooded man clad in iron armor with a carved ivory mask covering his face. This man was the mute warrior known only as Guardian.

"Sheath your dagger, Guardian" the prince demanded "Or you will never see Princess Rosella again".
Guardian lowered his dagger but did not sheath it, there was no sheath for the 1st of his 3 daggers, Guardian kept it in his right hand at all times.
"If you wish to see your Princess returned, you will do exactly as I say" the prince declared.
Guardian nodded in acknowledgement.
"Below this balcony, there awaits a skilled assassin" the prince said "Defeat him and Rosella is yours".

With that said the barriers were brought down long enough to allow Guardian to drop into the courtyard below. Upon landing, Guardian turned to face Nicoli and drew 1 of his 2 short swords, holding is in his left hand.

"Fight!" the prince called out. With that said, Guardian jumped into the air an descended on Nicoli with a strong slash from his short sword aimed at the assassin's throat.