:The old man snored softly in his sleep. His young apprentice deftly slipped past his defenses arcane and mundane for the old fool had trusted him too closely. His silver skin reflected the cold glow of the moon, the expression calm and not marred by a single droplet of perspiration. With a soft HISS the dagger came free from its scabbard, the steel of the blade almost eager for the
soft flesh undulating in time with the old wizards snores.

:With a deft downward stroke, the blade sliced tendon and sinew, spilling forth the hot crimson vitae of the master. Waking with a start the old man sputtered, blood forming bubbles as his mouth gaped like a suffocating fish.

:"How..how..could you..." with a dying wheeze the old man perished.

:"I have learned all I need from you, old fool." the apprentice turned and strode forth from the bed chamber.

:In the rafters, the owl watched, resisting the urge to scream its rage.

:...

:The smell of hay stuck in his nostrils, cloying and musty. He woke with a start, his black bird sending him the feeling of danger. The warning came too late as a spear tip rested against his chest.

:"One move, and you're dead." the guard stated. "We know what you did, and you should be thankful our laws are as ... lenient as they are." Another man strode forward, dressed in robes so black all light seemed to flee from its presence, a slight incantation was muttered and the young elf felt cut off from his source of power. Panicked, he struggled for air, feeling as if he was about to die. The guard didn't care as he dragged the young elf to the stockade.

:...

:With a clang of ancient metal, the cage door opened, a case was thrown in then the door was closed. Opening it, he read the letter inside. A pardon for performing some small service. How foolish these mortals be....