Rownan managed to survive the rings, and compared to this, it had been a cinch. He stumbled into the kitchens at half past four in the morning. His stomach grumbled, his head throbbed, he was sure he looked like something the cat threw up, and then slept in. Rownan sighed and trudged to the fire places. This early in the morning, there was nothing more then hot coals carefully banked. One flick of the Power changed that. Rownan stripped off his sodden cloak, and after a moments hesitation, his coat as well. He wished he could do the same with his shirt and breeches. But as early as it was, there were still a few stragglers in the cavernous place. The last thing Rownan wanted or needed at this point was an uproar. A little food, then I can finish, Rownan thought as he poured himself a small glass of milk. The trip tonight had been worth it, though, however soaked he was. However tiered.

Rownan hated playing the assassin. Murder was always a messy business. But nessisary was nessisary. Zaide had to die. Soon. Rownan took another sip of milk. Why should it fall to him to do the dirty deed? Of coarse there was no one else who could really be trusted with it. No one else could stalk as he could, or leave so little trace. Rownan turned the glass over and over in his hands. If at all possible, he would not use saidin. If he had any skill left at all, the man would never even know what hit him. A very faint smile tugged at the corner of Rownan's mouth. The Black Tower had done very well teaching him to kill. The place was full of men who knew hundreds of ways to kill. How could there ever be any suspicion of him, the model student?

Shaking his head at his own confidence, Rownan picked at half a dry loaf of bread. Tonight he had confirmed the man's whereabouts. Now he could procceed. Rownan had toyed with the idea of poison, but quickly dismissed it. Though he was a passive killer by nature, rarely given to violent blood lust, poison was a tricky business at best. Since becoming dedicated, he was no longer close enough to Zaide to use the poison method effectively. So that left other, messier options. Rownan almost sighed. He liked things to be quiet and smooth. Not bloody, not slipshod. It had become clear to him that the man had to die, and once that desicion was made, he had to follow through with it as quickly as possible.

Thunder peeled away in the distance. Rownan looked down at his arm. The fire had helped. He now steamed. Soon you will have to get up and get on with it. Rownan told himself sternly. You will have to be wet again, so don't bother enjoying it!. At that moment someone came quite close to him. Rownan looked up in annoyance, ready to tell the person off, but changed his mind when he saw who it was. Having a little conversation might put off leaving for awhile. Yes. I cannot jump up and leave now. It would be suspicious. Rownan sighed with relife that he would be able to stay warm a little longer.