Dragon's Fire

The guard at the palace was reluctant to let her in until she told him she had a message for the king from Maurynna Blackhart. At that, he quickly let her in and had another guard show her to the King's chambers, even though she already knew the way. The chamberlain announced a messenger from Maurynna, and the King, who had been working on something else, looked up expectantly.

"Well?" the King asked.

"This message is for your ears only, my liege."

The King looked around, and then dismissed his chamberlain and the advisors he had been working with.

"Now, what is the message?"

At that, Talon changed her disguise to her appearance before she left.

"Maurynna, where have you been?" The king came around the table to embrace her. "We missed you."

"Oh, here and there," she replied, shrugging.

"What have you been doing? I've needed you, but my men could never find you. After that night that you left, no-one even heard your name."

"That's because I quit using that name," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh? And what name have you been using?"

"Oh, just whatever pops into my head when I need a name."

"I see. Well, I have a problem that you might be able to help me with...."

"Wait a minute, Your Highness. I got out of that business when I left. I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive, and that I won't come back to your service. I'm sorry, but I can't." She turned to walk away, but the King grabbed her elbow.

"Is that because of that silly reward I had on you for a while? Maurynna, all you have to do is tell me that you didn't kill those men, and I'll grant you a full pardon, I swear."

Talon shook her head. "No, sire, it has nothing to do with that. I just can't stay."

"Maurynna, please, at least listen. I have heard rumors that the infamous thief and assassin, Talon, is in my kingdom, and I fear she might be here to take a bounty on my head. I need you."

"Never!" Maurynna gasped. "Talon would never take a bounty on your head!"

"How would you know? Some people will do anything for the right price." The King shook his head in dismay. "You are the only person who can protect me from her."

"Your Highness, there is no way Talon would ever take a bounty on you, no matter how high the price. I promise you that."

"You act as though you know her personally."

"Well, I guess you could say that," Talon looked around nervously. "Your Highness, promise me that you won't act hastily if I tell you why I know Talon won't hurt you?"

"Of course, Maurynna. I promise. You have my oath."

"Well, the reason I'm so sure Talon won't do anything to you is because, well, um, you see, well," Talon hesitated, then blurted out "I am Talon."

"You!? But, Maurynna, how..."

"It's not like it sounds, really. Just do me a favor, Your Highness, and don't call the guards until after I've had enough time to escape? I'll send you a letter sometime and explain everything, I promise."

"Maurynna, no. You can't leave," the King demanded. "I must have an explanation."

"I can't. My lord, please, just let me leave. I'm sorry." Having said that, she turned her back on the King's protests and walked out of the room, trying to hide her tears from the guards as she passed.

Outside the palace, Talon found the first corner she could hide in and wept for the pain she knew she had caused to her family and her king today.