Pound of Flesh
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Curious
Date Posted: 9th June 2024
Characters: Ay'ell
Description: Ay'ell plots his revenge. Or, as he considers it, the repayment of a massive debt.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 2, day 11 of Turn 11
Notes: Mentioned: Saedyna, Pierce Warning: Murder plotting
Saedyna had to die.
There was no question to it â€" the girl’s fate had been decided the second she received his warning and decided to ignore it. She was an even greater fool than he had ever believed her to be if she thought that her threats would _really_ keep her safe, or that he could not find a way to destroy her without making sure that he would not follow suit. There was no question to it. No, there were only two questions that he needed to contemplate.
When? Timing would be of the utmost importance. If he acted too soon, he would end up striking while her guard was still up. He had to wait. He had to give the idiot girl a chance to get caught up in her own ego and lull herself into a false sense of security. If he struck now, then her threatened letters would doubtlessly become a reality, but if he outlasted her, she was bound to grow sloppy and careless.
He would need to increase his “searches” in the meantime. Three marks a month was not enough to devastate a man such as Ay’ell, but it was still a painful amount to part with. It demanded a change to his lifestyle that he _refused_ to make. With a few more “candidates”, however, he would easily be able to make up for the difference. It _ached_ to know that the extra would not be lining his own pockets, but he would survive. He would anticipate. And when the day finally came for Saedyna to pay her debt, the satisfaction would be greater than any amount of marks.
Then there was the other question. How? He could not use another of the ignorant children in his debt â€" _Pierce_ had done a good enough job of proving that they could not be counted on when the chips were done. The sloppy little brat was lucky that he did not look to get even with him later. Shards, maybe he _would_. A pound of flesh from him, or the boy he cherished so much - both were viable options.
Later. Later. Saedyna first.
The solution was an obvious one, at the end of the day. Ay’ell needed a hitman. A talented, trustworthy hitman, someone who knew how to cover his tracks and would make sure to finish the job. Such a man would not be easy to find or afford, but with enough time, enough marks put aside… Ay’ell could afford it. It would mean yet _more_ searches, but it would be worth it. Not even for the marks that Saedyna’s death would save him â€" no, it would be worth it to show the repugnant little _brat_ that she held no power over him. It would be the last thing she ever thought, one final gasp of regret before oblivion claimed her.
}: Must you kill the girl? :{ Tseyth asked, interrupting his rider’s frantic pacing.
Ay’ell turned to frown at his dragon. “We need to take care of this, Tseyth,” he said. “Or do you _want_ to lose your scented oils and premium leathers?”
}: Only a fool would want such things, :{ Tseyth huffed. }: But do you not have other tactics? :{
Of course he did. It would be so much easier, so much safer, so much more _satisfying_ if he could teach Saedyna her lesson through psychology rather than physicality. If he could get one a sibling or dear friend under his thumb, put her debt on _them_, force her to dance to his song if she wanted their life to continue to be something worth living…
There was only one problem with that.
“I doubt that girl has anyone who loves her,” Ay’ell said. “She wouldn’t have needed to turn to me for help if she did.”
Unfortunately, sending her ex-husband to the Weyr was not an option either. It would have worked a short while ago, would have _broken_ her, but if the girl had grown a spine, she likely knew by now that the Weyr would protect her.
There really was only one option.
Tseyth went quiet, and with that, Ay'ell considered the matter settled. The distress to his dragon was unfortunate, but necessary. After all, the girl had blackmailed him first. But...
“Don't worry, I'll make it quick,” Ay’ell said. “I’m not a monster.”
Last updated on the June 11th 2024