Taris stepped aside quickly as the dozen or so riders thundered out of the gates, to the cheers of those inside the walls. A hunt, if he had to guess, given the look not only of the steeds but the riders as well. He nearly laughed, for he recognized Prince Kentaro at the head of the party. It would be too easy to nock an arrow, pull back, and his greatest target would be eliminated...

But that was too easy. An assassin like Taris couldn't bring himself to take so simple a shot. No challenge begat no pleasure. And to be sure, Taris enjoyed his work.

The guards at the gate we're busy enjoying the sights, women rather, but not so distracted that they could fail to notice an armed, ebon-skinned stranger approaching the gate in the pale morning light. Immediately they leveled halberds at his neck, and the bigger of the two barked a challenge, "Where do you think you're off to, Dark Elf?"

A small inward bristle at the name, the assassin merely smiled. "Good morning, fellows," Taris said jovially, "I hear there is to be a tourney today and I've come to participate. As you can see I've brought my own bow..." The guards only growled at him. The assassin's smile faltered, "I assure you sirs, that I am here by invitation. The Royal Spymaster is expecting me." That did it, he could see by their faces. The smaller one lowered his weapon by a degree and nodded to his partner. The big one shouldered his own halberd and gestured inside, "You come with me, we'll see if you're telling the truth."

Taris nodded graciously and fell into step alongside the big man, carefully keeping his hands neutral and in sight. The Palace was a labyrinth to the unfamiliar, Taris would need to learn the layout if he wanted to make the kills here. His mind wandered a bit, though his eyes took in every detail. [i]What name did she know me as back then? Mycah, wasn't it?[/i] He smiled to himself, it seemed he couldn't get the Princess out of his mind.

After several minutes of walking, the guard stopped in front of a pair of imposing solid oak doors, banded in iron. He pushed open one of them and motioned the Shadow Elf forward. Inside stood a tall sinewy man bent over a set of maps. He turned around when the guard cleared his throat, cocking an eyebrow in question. The guard cleared his throat again, "Sorry to bother you sir, but this Dark Elf says he is here at your invitation."

Taris stepped forward and clasped his fist over his heart, giving a small bow and muttering, "Milord." When he straightened a symbol glowed faintly, briefly, on the back of his hand. The Spymaster turned and grabbed a pendant, tossing it to Taris with an air of boredom. "I'm busy at the moment, come see me after the banquet tonight. In the meantime, wear that pin, and you should have no more trouble from the guards."

Taris bowed again and gestured to the, now respectful, guard that had brought him here, "Lead the way."