(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

hunted again seized my stomach and ruined my meal. Damn. It had been
such a fine piece of meat, too. "Just who wants to know?"
"I am in the hire of a wealthy noblewoman, Jolmi Syrma, sir."
I sighed. Might as well confess, especially now that I'd given up on that
Adahn nonsense. Besides, the enemy I faced would hardly announce
himself, "I am the man you're looking for."
He nodded, then bowed deeply. "A message for you then, sir: Mistress Jolmi
of the House Syrma, a lady of high standing, has sent me. Mistress Jolmi
would meet you in the Civic Festhall, where she would make a proposal - of
which I know nothing - to you. Should you choose to seek her out, she wears
green silks, trimmed with gold, and has hair the color of blue steel. That is
the extent of my message, sir... farewell."
My appetite never recovered, though I tucked the wrapped meat away for a
later snack. It was a fine thing, however, to be called back to the Festhall. I
had heard that there were training rooms where I might practice the Art.
A stern-looking older woman was in the inner court, eyes fixed on the
entrance though they wandered back and forth periodically. Her gaze fixed
upon my face as I approached her. "You there... might I have a word with
you?"
"Yes... you're Mistress Jolmi, correct? Of the House of Syrma? I spoke to
your messenger."
"I am pleased to meet you, then." She gave a slight bow, little more than a
nod of the head. "I would make you a somewhat unusual proposal... though
you must admit you are an unusual man. I will give you one thousand
copper commons... for your permission to kill you. Are you open to
discussion on the matter?"
I blinked, "But... why?"
Jolmi didn't bat an eyelash. "But why not? I thought it might be an
interesting experience - paying someone for the privilege of murdering
them. When I first heard rumors of your existence, how could I resist? So...
what is your answer? Shall we discuss the matter in greater detail?"
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