The Rise

The killer watched the family intently. He had the perfect view. Nestled in the shrubbery of their backyard, he could see directly into the family’s kitchen. He smiled to himself, bemused at how blissfully unaware they were. Of course, who would have expected a strange man, lurking in their backyard at night? Certainly not the Carters. Toying with his silver dagger, the killer watched as the Carters cleaned up after dinner. The two young kids buzzed around the kitchen, clearing the table of dishes. Before dashing out of the kitchen. Now it was just Sienna and Nate. The killer’s gaze followed the couple as they finished closing the kitchen. They seemed so at ease. Turning off the lights, they disappeared further into the house.

The killer sighed as he continued to toy with the dagger in his hand. It was so shiny. Never been used. A gift for the job, they had said. The job had to be done with the dagger. The little man from the palace was very clear on that.

He wasn't a monster. He didn't enjoy killing. But for the right price, his morals could bend. Besides, this was her fault. She was the reason her whole family had to die tonight. She brought this on herself. Sienna Carter. The disgusting traitor. She was the one who betrayed the kingdom. She had to pay for her crimes. They all did. Rage boiled inside him, giving him enough nerve to make his way to the backdoor of the house. This had to be done. TONIGHT. To let this abomination continue, was just wrong. She hurt too many people. SHE was the monster.

He was just doing what had to be done. This was a great honor. He was personally selected by the King to take care of this problem. Him, Randall Edward Knox. No one would see him coming. He was a nobody. But after tonight, he would be a legend. Everyone would know his name. Randall Knox, restorer of balance and peace, to the kingdom of Henchford. And most importantly, rich beyond his wildest dreams. The King promised him enough money to start a grand new life. And this was a just and worthy cause. Everyone knew how much dishonor Sienna brought to the Henchford Kingdom. And for her to just leave...She had to pay. This was necessary. At least that's what he repeated to himself, as he crept out of the bushes and headed to the backdoor.

To his surprise the door was unlocked. Stupid girl, he thought, quietly making his way into the house, through the dark kitchen. This would be too easy.

The killer took a moment to let his senses adjust to the dark house. He could see a light on down the hall from the kitchen. He listened for the family's voices, but the house was completely quiet. The smell from the family's dinner still lingered in the air. Randall let out a deep sigh, he tried to ready himself. This was it. In and out.

Just as Randall stepped out of the kitchen a blinding green light flashed through the dark living room and engulfed him. His muscles contracted and the dagger fell to the floor with a sharp thud. Randall’s body stiffened in an unnatural manner. It was if he was turned into stone. Just like that, he was rooted in place. Only his eyes were free to move. As he frantically looked around the room. He could make out a figure a few feet ahead. The green light faded to a soft glow, but Randall was still frozen to the spot. He looked like a grotesque statue. For the first time in a very long time, Randall was scared. This was not supposed to happen. This was to be a quick honorable job. Sienna Carter was supposed to be just a stupid girl.

But Sienna was never a stupid girl. And to Randall’s horror, he would soon find out, just how wrong he’d been.

"So they stopped sending their best to find me." Said a taunting voice. The figure stepping forward. Randall adjusted his eyes slightly, the light now barely a glow. Still unable to move, his gaze focused on the source of the voice. Sienna. She stood in front of him, a mix of arrogance and rage fixed on her face. Her dark brown eyes locked in on his. She looked so powerful illuminated by the dim lingering light. "How did you find me?" She asked softly, her eyes never leaving his.

Randall’s mind raced as they stared at each other. None of this made sense. Magic outside of Henchford was strictly forbidden. Outlawed by the crown. Precautions and spells were put in place to prevent unauthorized use of power. Everyone knew that. Everyone believed that. Randall was assured Sienna would be powerless. And yet, here he was, securely stuck in place. By what he could only conclude to be, MAGIC.

The killer remained silent, his eyes darting around the room for any possible way out. He wasn't sure if it was fear that held his tongue or honor. Sienna chuckled softly. " You came into my home,” She paused as she eyed the dagger on the floor. Her body tensed as anger flooded her voice. “To slaughter me and my family. You have no honor. You will die here." The last of Sienna’s words sending a chill down the killer’s spine. He didn’t want to die! “Wait, wait wait!” Randall pleaded. “Please! I have a family….” He added desperately. That of course being a lie. Randall was nothing more than a drunk. Never wed or fathered any children. His parents were long gone. He was alone in the world. Plucked out of a bar by the crown, for that very reason. He wouldn’t be missed.

Sienna looked at the pathetic immobilized man in front of her and felt nothing but fury. “You didn’t care about MY family! Why should I care for yours?!” Sienna hissed. No one threatened her family. Anyone willing to kill the innocent, deserved no pity. Sienna would make peace with her actions later. In this moment, it was him or her family. And she would always choose her family.

With the flick of her wrist, the man burst into green flames. Still unable to move, His screams pierced the quiet house. "Shhhhh" Sienna cooed and the man’s cries were instantly muted. Sienna watched as the man silently screamed in horror. His face distorted with pain. Her magic rapidly burned through him, leaving a pile of ashes in less than a minute. His silver dagger barely visible on the floor. Sienna shuddered slightly at how coldhearted she had become. But quickly silenced her thoughts of self-doubt. She did what needed to be done. Sienna sighed as she flicked her wrist again and the ashes and all traces of the would be killer vanished.

Sienna let her body sink into the couch as her mind raced. She was exhausted. This was the first time in many years she used that magnitude of power. In fact, this was the first time in 10 years she used ANY magic. The years of peace had spoiled her, making her comfortable. But tonight, did prove that her powers were still strong. She was able to detect the assailant almost immediately. Secretly watching him as he spied on her and her family. Always aware. Why now? Why is the crown sending people after me again? This was the first attack in years. How did they find me, after all this time? If one came, there would surely be more. And maybe they wouldn’t be as pathetic as the one from tonight.

Suddenly fear started to wash over Sienna. The amount of power she just used would immediately alert the Crown of her whereabouts. It would confirm the king’s greatest fear. Sienna was alive. And she was more powerful than they could ever imagine.

They would be here shortly. Guards, Soldiers, Henchford’s finest henchmen. They would storm the family’s perfect cottage. Destroying everything in their path. This life that she built, Nate, her kids…. Her beautiful babies… They would end it all. There was no time to waste. They had to flee. NOW.