Hold perfectly still

Machiko tried to hold perfectly still, and the assassin did too. Soon the guards filled the perimeter of the garden, and it looked like the ninja-girl was trapped. A lantern swung into view, and Machiko recognized the face of Konoka, one of her father's guard lieutenants.

"Who's there?" shouted Konoka.

"Stand back," said the assassin, putting a blade to Machiko's throat. "I have the Emperor's daughter hostage, and I want a safe passage out of here, or I'll kill her!"

The blood drained from Konoka's face. "Okay, okay, calm down," he said. "Don't get excited."

"Tell them to honor your word," the assassin said to Machiko. "Order them to open the gates and prepare a swift horse."