Introduction 3

The Akkadian considered the idea for a moment. Though Trimon was a renowned fighter the assassin was confident of besting any man in single combat. With surprise on his side despatching the warlord should be childs play, making his escape after might be risky, but that was usual.

"Yes, if you can manage such a feat then I will accept." He replied. "But this will cost you dearly, five times my normal fee. And your body will be mine to use as I please for seven nights."

The sorceress smiled evilly at his stipulation. "That is acceptable, such payment is rich reward indeed, though not without pleasure for myself."

The evil witch gestured to the dark shadows further down the alleyway and three figures emerged from the dark. Two were hulking pigfaced Orcs who served the Sorceress as minions. Between them was the slight figure of a young woman. As they came nearer the Akkadian saw they each had firm hold of the girl's arms and she was gagged and struggling weakly against their grip. Soft tinkling of bells could be heard as she writhed.

"What's this, a whore?" The Akkadian asked puzzled.

The woman was marked with the bodypaint common to the guild of whores, clothing painted onto her naked flesh in indelible henna that could only be removed with a rare potion. Only the skimpy silk loincloth that circled her hips and barely covered her sex was tangible covering. Bracelets and ankle chains made of tiny silver bells, jewellery and soft leather slippers were the only other adornments she had.

The Akkadian licked his lips at the sight of the whore. Dark haired like the Sorceress, this girl was more slender and shorter and her hair was mass of black curls and longer than the exotic witch. Despite her slim body her breasts were large and firm, bouncing enticingly as she struggled against the Orc's grip.

"Trimon sent out for this one, but I had her waylaid." The witch explained. "The guards know her by sight as she is Trimon's favourite plaything. They will adsmit her to his chamber without question."

"How does that help?" The Akkadian demanded with a frown. "Even if they open the door to her there are too many guards there for me to rush and kill them all."