Book One, Chapter Two, Post One

The waiter whirls around as Roland lunges at him, his foot sliding back as he pulls a concealed dagger from inside his coat.  In his forward momentum, Roland steps into the glinting blade. The waiter’s face contorts for a moment in shock, but then he grabs Roland’s shoulder and drives the weapon deeper into the young man’s stomach.  With a purse of his lips, he lets out a high whistle; a clamor can be heard behind the door to the kitchen in response.

One of the other nearby waiters also draws a dagger.  He goes to attack High Lord Fennix but the man is already standing. He manages to dodge out of the way, rolling to his knees and using his abandoned chair as a makeshift shield.  Suddenly, as if out of nowhere and by magic, a longsword appears in Lord Fennix hand. He rises calmly to his feet.

Tyrects moves between the High Lord and the armed waiter.  He snaps his massive jaws at the waiter. With a sickening snap, his maw closes over the man’s hand.  Tyrect’s thrashes, and the limb is torn from torso. Warm blood splatters out over all those nearby. The man’s face grows pale, and he begins to waiver.  Barely, he maintains grasp on his weapon.

Roland lets out a gasp of pain as his own momentum drives the "waiter's" dagger deeper into his shoulder, almost to the hilt.  The shock of it is so great his mind doesn't even register the pain at first. In a surge of adrenaline and pure fight or flight, he loses himself to his secret.  Placing his hands on the waiters chest a gout of flames bursts forth.

The fire scorches into existence, engulfing the servant.  Through the flames, Roland can see the man’s flesh melt from his face and char against his skull.  The dagger clatters to the ground as the man falls, dead. The tapestries on the wall, and the door to the kitchen are set ablaze.  One of the other guests leaps from their chair as the furniture also lights.