Dark clouds stood menacingly poised over the lush island of Sampetra, as if ready to strike. Wind wipped the waves against cliffs, and the jety. Rotwort Griptoe stood shivering on the castle walltop. There had never weather as bad as this in the history of Sampetra And, he was lucky enough to get wall duty. He pulled his cloak up around him and, squeezed it tight. Rain pellted his face. He eventually decided to return to the barracks. Rotwort started down the wall stairs and, made for the palace. Suddenly, there was a hissing sound, and for a split second, Rortwort felt cold steel against his neck. Then it was over. He spun around with momentum and, fell to the ground. Sinking into the mud, the red fletched arrow vibrating faintly... Three hours later the body was discovered. It was half sunk into the mud, and already half decomposed. When the word was out about it, the Taverns were in uproar. No-one would go outside alone. To highten the tension, this was the third time a guard had been sniped. Everybody had suspects. Even emporer Ublaz. He had decided upon one suspect. Dripp, The Sniper rat,. He looked up at the guard." You! Send for Nightstalker the assasin." The rat bowed and left. Suddenly, a voice echoed aroun the room:"You called my liege?" There was an explosion of smoke, and in a swirl of robes, Nightstalker Silvermoon was standing there. Ublaz smiled." Ahhh, Nightstalker. Please sit." He gestured a seat. Nightstalker accepted." I have a mission for you. I want you to kill, Dripp the sniper rat. He is responsable for all of the dead guards." Nightstalker nodded. Ublaz looked as his guard rat entered the room." Sire he is mis--" " No matter he's right-" Ublaz gestured at the empty chair. "-here....." Ublaz rose, and closed his window, smiling all the while. Nightstalker began at "The Dead Parrot Inn", Dripps favorite tavern. As he entered, there was a bustle as weapons were drawn. Nobody trusted each other. Nightstalker gestured his hands open. He walked slowley to a table, with a ruff looking bunch of Rats." Ahoy mate, shov' over there!!" Nightstalker seated himself. " Stow that gab!! I've got questions! U' know a Rat named Dripp?" A ferret eyes him oddly." Mabye,who want's to know?" Nightstalker grabs him and slams the ferret against the table."Who??WHO?? Me ya dolt!!!! Where is he?? TALK!!!!" The ferret yelps and holds up his paws." L,l,look matey. All he said was that there was gonna be a change around here is all." "When?" "Uhhhhh......ummmmm......tonight if I'm not mistak--" Nightstalker thew the ferret down, and rushed out the door. Ublaz was at dinner with his captins. He had addresesd them on the situation, and that he was in control. As he was about to bite into some roasted seabird, A figure appeared in the rafters. He was holding a bow."Ublaz!" He yelled. The pine martin stared up at him. " Who calls thus on Lord Ublaz in such rude fashsion?" " It doesn't matter who I am. You seem to be in quite the perdiciment though." Ublaz knew he was pinned down by the rat. If he moved an arrow would kill him. "Well Ublaz, its' been good survin under you, but I've got a duty to pref--" There was a hissing sound, and a scream. Dripp fell from the rafters onto the tabletop. In a flash, Nightstalker was at Ublazes' side, a clever smirk on his rough features." Topp of the mornin to ya Lord"