Authors: Jennifer Fallon

First Kill (4 page)

“An arrogant assumption, Kiam. And a dangerous one to base an entire plan on.”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

Teriahna nodded. “It worked. And in truth, you passed this test with flying colours. You killed Sofya the Siren without killing Sofya the Innocent. And you earned the gratitude of a very powerful man.”

“What about the mugging?”

Teriahna smiled. “I suppose you’re allowed one little mistake.”

“Thank you. For that. And for taking Sofya home. I won’t forget your help.”

“I won’t forget you either, Kiam Miar,” Teriahna said. “You’re a full-fledged assassin now, but one with a heart
and
a brain. That’s a rare thing in this business.”

“Do you think I’ll do well?”

“I think you’ll be dead before the year is out, actually,” she laughed. “But I will think of you fondly, nonetheless, and remember you to the God of War, whenever I remember to pray.”

Teriahna stepped forward and embraced him briefly. “Be well, Assassin Miar. We’ll meet again someday, I’m sure. In the meantime, remember the truth of our profession: knowing is not the same as understanding. Seeing is not the same as witnessing…”

“And killing,” Kiam finished for her, “is not the same as murder.”

About the Author

Jennifer Fallon
is the author of The Hythrun Chronicles, and one of Australia’s bestselling fantasy authors. She lives in New Zealand. You can sign up for email updates
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