Jira crept along the small corridor. She had no concious for her future actions. She was driven by the need to survive and to do that she would have to kill the young prince sleeping in the room ahead of her. Jira had been taken as an assasian at a young age. She did not run, for if they caught her, the puishment was death. The young 14 year old was much more skilled than many of her elders, earing her many priviliges. She silently opened the thick door and crept inside.

Prince Elric was peaceful in his dreams. He had to be at least a year older than her, but the bags under his eyes seemed to increase his age. Elric had long brown hair and Jira slightly regretted having to steal his life. He had not wronged her. In fact, Elric was the most loved royal in a long time. She shook her head. Now was no time for sympathy. She raised the dagger high above her head. In a flash, his eyes flew open and his strong hand trapped both her wrists. He flung her over and slid out of the bed, crushing Jira. She struggled but dropped her weapon and looked up.

Elric stared at the girl trapped underneath him. It was obvious this would not have been her first nor last kill. As far as her appearance, she was very attractive. The girl had shoudler length blue black hair and large grey eyes. But he was past that. She had meant to kill him. Elric could not allow that. "You are an assasain. Who has employed you?" He asked in his strong, calm voice. She surprised him. "My adopted family. I have been killing since they took me as a child." She said in a high, sing-song voice. He felt a stabd of pity. She had no one, next to murderers. "What is your name?" He asked. The girl froze and looked away.

"I'm Jira. Like... my mother." She murmered. Elric leaned back and Jira looked up. Pity filled his eyes and she rose, getting to her feet. He followed suit. "Jira, why don't you run?" He asked. "There is no where to run. I cannot hide." She said. Elric looked around. "I... will take you in. I can get you apprenticeship with the castle. I think you would make an excellent archer." He said, observing her strong arms. Jira was stunned. "T-Thak you." She stuttered. "You may sleep ehr tonight. Tommorow we find you a master." Elric said. Jira nodded and lay down. Tommorrow...