Five of the best members of the Den of Souls clan were surrounding
AtomFlail.  Two of them quickly grabbed him from behind, and there was no
escape.  Their leader spoke.  "Our master has seen your work.  You have
indeed improved since your time joining in the Shadow.  Perhaps now is the
time to put you to your real use," he continued.  "You will assassinate Talon
and steal me the Scroll of Sangora.  I think you know of it.  And I believe
you know who Talon is.  You must slay him, and bring me back secrets from the
Sword's Edge, so that I may have some real proof of your strength.  Then we
shall send you into your own clan to give us the information that was kept
from us.  But of course, you may decline.  But I think you know what the
penalty for that is..."
           AtomFlail was looking distressed, for he had faced many dangers,
but none of any other clans.  He had secretly admired Talon, and hoped to
match him in skills one day.  But now, he was in real trouble.  Five of them,
and the best of their lot, which is known for there brutality.  He couldn't
afford to loose his head, but he just couldn't figure out a way to get away.
 
           Up until now, the leader was getting impatient, and was waiting
for an answer.  "What a ditz," Atom thought to himself.  "They may have known
me for most of my life, but they don't know that I am without speech."  The tension almost made AtomFlail's heart burst.  Getting himself together, Atom caught his two holders off guard and
sunk daggers into them both.  The final two didn't loose there heads, and
were running away from him at an angle.  Atom looked in there direction, and
the last thing he saw was the genial shadow form of Panther.  So he took off
after the other, and soon met with his master.  AtomFlail bowed to him, and
waited for his words.