Suspense Prose Writing Sample

Excerpt

Brothers Jade Novel

John Derlane approached Sylvan and gently grabbed her hand. "I would be honored to

provide your transportation home, or anywhere else that you might require. Thank you one and

all for a delightful evening." He said.

He then looked over to Hesikiah, who was about to leave with Drusilla, and finally to

Lawrence, who was starting to get up from his chair.

"I think that I'm going to bed, if my brother wants to stay out all night that is his

prerogative. There are many things that I have to do tomorrow, and now is a good time to head

to bed. It was nice seeing everyone, and I'm sure that we'll do this again." Lawrence said as he

started to make his way back to his room.

It was then that a small thin man came up to Sylvan. John Derlane instantly reacted and

had his weapon out towards the man's throat. "Reginald Duchain! Known member of the

assassin’s guild and wanted murderer. What brings you so close to Sylvan Songstar?" He asked

threatening.

"Beware the tyrant’s grasp!" Reginald said and than he fell dead onto the table, breaking

it in two. In his back was a small dagger that was deeply imbedded, although it was too small

of a weapon to be responsible for his death. John Derlane removed the knife and held it to his

nose. He then turned the body over and made sure that Reginald was dead by checking his

pulse.

"Some type of poison would be my guess. Whoever it was, didn’t want him to say

much. Sylvan, this man had a dubious reputation as an assassin, what exactly was he doing

trying to warn you? And more importantly, what did he mean by those last words?" John

Derlane asked.

"He was a man who led the attack against us earlier this week. He was with a group of

bandits and I was able to catch him off guard with a spell entrancing him and making him loyal

servant.”