The Wu Jen have been after me for months; the stout little men have a very interesting way of deceiving you into thinking they won’t attack as soon as they do. As of late I have been locked in a castle keep with nothing of note to do other than write this account, however insignificant it may be, of the events of my actions. No matter, it will keep me busy.
I suppose that I should explain how I got into my predicament in the first place. Not too long ago, several years in fact, I arrived at the castle of the King of the Island. After inserting myself into the highest levels of the King’s court, and through many favors and services to him, I was asked to perform at the New Year’s Ball. This ball is the highest of high honors, and anyone who is asked to perform at it is truly lucky.
However I was not in the king’s castle because I desired a life of luxury, I was there because I had a mission. This mission is not one I was proud to undertake, but in a world with a dwindling amount of magicians it was the one only I could undertake. The reason I accepted it at all was because I have a family, a family that I must take care of, and a little girl, with a little snub nose and curly red hair, that I want to have a good life and not one of poverty. If you have not yet guessed, my mission was to bring down this tyrannical ruler, no matter the cost. I had been promised a considerable sum of money for the deed.
So after preparing for my appearance at the party, I stepped out onto the marble floor of the dining hall. Guests were everywhere, gazing around and talking, at leisure, to their tablemates. The color red was predominant among the hall, from the banners hanging from the high rafters, from the table cloths that swathed the tables, and from the extravagant dresses and suits the lords and ladies were clothed in. My time had come and I stepped into the shining candle-light.
The hungry spectators grew quiet as I walked forward. The creaking of chairs was all that could be heard as the onlookers leaned forwards in their high, wooden, seats. My black robes flowed around my ankles as I stopped in the area that had been cleared for me. I sat on the cold hard marble and a sense of calm came over me as I began the incantations. My mouth became a blur of languages and sounds, my hands whipping back and forth to make the shapes required for the spells. The guests gazed in wonder as their empty plates were filled with food, hogs, pheasants, venison, and other wondrous and expensive meats, their goblets they found full of wines and meads, beers and whiskies, forks and knives had appeared in their hands, and napkins in their laps, bread was in baskets that weren’t noticed before, all sorts, rye, pumpernickel, sourdough, and wheat. At last deserts appeared on the thick, sturdy, tables. The guests were astounded. They poked and prodded at their dinner, wondering if it was really there. All except the King. He was sitting bolt upright in his chair. Having tasted the food he finally understood why the young and mangy magician had appeared on his doorstep so long ago. As reality washed over him sights and sounds were drowned out. His head began to swim with nauseousness. His body felt heavier than it ought to be. His lungs would not expand, he barely made a squeak as finally he closed his eyes. The lords and ladies were oblivious to what had happened as they tore into their sweetmeats and nugget.
While the guests were distracted with their foods, I made my escape. Luckily I had gotten a fair head start on the Wu Jen, the King’s magical guard. Traveling day and night I finally arrived at an abandoned mansion that could qualify as a miniature castle.
This is where I stay now, locked in the upper rooms, with death waiting at the gates. I have sent my messenger pigeon to my contractor with instructions to send the money to my family. I hope that I will not be betrayed by him. If it were possible I would have my family know what has become of me. How I wish to see them again, but I dare not go to them for fear of bringing the Wu Jen to them. If they ever read this I would like it to be clear that I loved them. The supplies that I have found in this castle are running thin, I won’t last much longer and I have prepared myself for death. I have decided to go to the gates and see if they might have mercy on me.