Riarté carefully signed the last document on his desk. He was surprised at how calm he was, really. He sipped the last of his favourite bottle of brandy, then, and only then, looked up at the intruder.

"Strange. I should have known, really, but somehow I never expected it to be you."

"You were expecting someone, then."

"Oh, yes." He held up the document. The words 'Last Will and Testament' could be seen.

"Organised," approved the intruder.

"Just for my curiosity, you understand, is this how you killed Campbell?"

"Oh, I didn't kill Campbell. As far as I can tell, that's another matter entirely. This is personal."

"I see." Riarté leaned back in his chair. "Quickly, then, please."

"You ask for mercy?"

"Just trying to spare you some nightmares. I've done some terrible things, I know that. More even than you do."

"Goodbye, Riarté." The intruder was excellent, the enchanter never felt a thing. Shaking, the now-killer walked through a wall and out into the countryside.

And then there was nothing but a cooling corpse, the tick of a dozen clocks, and the sweet chitterings of the day-birds.

Finis

© Naomi 'Ni' Claydon 2000. No copying without permission.