Entry #47

A Single Glass of Red Wine
by Craig Scott


“You shouldn’t be drinking like that Master.” Peldro admonished, unable to keep the concern out of his voice.

“A glass of red wine won’t kill me.” Renildo slurred.

“I’m sure a glass won’t.” Peldro murmured, frowning at the line of empty glasses along the bar. Renildo drained another glass and set it with the rest.

“Alright Peldro lets go. After all nobody lives forever.” Renildo stumbled as soon as he stood and Peldro had to support him as they went.

“Did something happen at the ball?” Peldro asked once they were outside. His teacher’s behavior was odd and his strange remarks troubled him.

“Halt,” Came a cry behind them. Peldro turned and saw a hooded figure striding towards them. Suddenly the figure drew a rapier from his cloak. Renildo surprised Peldro by shoving him aside and drawing his own blade. The stranger’s blade crackled with unseen power. Renildo tried to use his own power. Peldro had seen it hundreds of times before, The blade should have come ablaze in undulating waves of blue fury. This time it didn’t. The stranger howled in triumph and thrust at the helpless Renildo. It sliced cleanly through the old man’s rapier, through his chest and into his heart. Renildo crumpled soundlessly.

“Nobody questions my honour old man.” The figure spat, turned on his heel and disappeared into the night. Peldro rushed over to his master, cradled his lifeless head and moaned wordlessly. His master’s blood spilled onto the snow, staining it like red wine.