Imperial Assassin Read Online Free Page B

space was empty aside from an enclosed, raised podium, large enough for a single man to stand in. Next to it was a dark hole in the chamber floor, concealing a flight of
tightly spiralling steps that descended into blackness. The podium was like a pulpit in design, though no priest had ever visited this dread place. The staircase that plunged beneath the floor led
to the most secret places of the inner sanctum – the chambers of the Guildmaster. Few had seen what those chambers held.
    The ceiling of the hall was high and domed, but not ostentatiously so. Although the craftsmen who had delved this place into the rock had carved decorated, arching buttresses that met at the
centre point of the chamber roof, the room had been designed to be practical rather than ceremonial. Twenty alcoves had been carved into the chamber wall. Each was independent of the others, with
no immediate access from one alcove to the next. A wall, built to an average man’s waist height across the front of each alcove, made them look almost stable-like from the centre of the
chamber. All were identical in design and size save for the carved insignia on the wooden access gate through the front wall of each recess. None was internally lit. The architect’s intent
was clear. Those in the alcoves were to remain anonymous and be considered equals, with no prospect of being promoted above another except to the position of Guildmaster.
    A sudden movement in the centre of the chamber grabbed the attention of those seated silently waiting in the alcoves. The shadow that marked the well of descending stairs bulged upwards as a
black shape flowed from the forbidden depths. It was the Guildmaster, hooded and cloaked in the traditional black garb of the Assassins’ Guild. All of the assassins were similarly dressed,
their identities concealed from one another by their deeply cowled hoods and the darkness of the alcoves.
    The shadowy figure climbed smoothly up onto the podium, rising up the steps as if floating on a cushion of air. If the chamber had been quiet before the Guildmaster’s appearance, it was
deathly silent now. A torch guttered, the sound of it amplified by the stillness. The figure in black looked around the room, slowly turning full circle as he paused to focus his gaze into each of
the alcoves in turn. Most were occupied. It was the most complete gathering of the Guild for many months. That fact alone gave testimony to the serious nature of the meeting.
    ‘I accept . . .’ the Guildmaster prompted.
    As one, the assassins began chanting the litany of the creed by which they lived.
    I accept that as a member of this Guild:
    I must accept the ultimate authority of the Guildmaster.
    He is my guide, my father and my conscience.
    He will maintain me on the path of light.
    I will accept his orders without question,
    And carry out his requests, regardless of cost – even be it my life.
    I will accept only those contracts that have a just purpose.
    I will accept no contract that I foresee may cause the destruction of the Empire.
    Those who offer contracts that do not clearly demonstrate a just purpose,
    Or that work against the greater good of the Guild
    I will report to the Guildmaster.
     
    I will kill only to fulfil a just contract,
    Or to cover my tracks, such that none shall learn more of the Guild.
    I will kill at the Guildmaster’s direction.
    He is the discerner of truth, my leader who seeks only to serve righteousness.
    I will kill anyone who kills indiscriminately,
    Regardless of status, age or sex.
    These evildoers deserve the ultimate punishment.
    I will never kill for pleasure, revenge, in anger, or out of jealousy.
    I accept that doing so would place me at the mercy of the Guildmaster.
    I offer up a tenth of all contract monies to the maintenance of the Guild.
    As is fair and just.
     
    I state this creed in the full knowledge that should I break it,
    My life will be forfeit.
    The echoing mantra finished and silence descended