Shikihime clutched Shikuro''s hand tightly, guiding him through the pitch-black tunnel. Her breaths were labored, each exhale a struggle, as sweat trickled down her forehead. Despite the oppressive darkness, Shikihime''s vision was unimpaired. They had been navigating this claustrophobic passage for half an hour when a sliver of light appeared overhead.
"There''s a ladder here," Shikihime whispered, her voice quivering with exertion. She tried to muster the strength to climb, but the world began to spin wildly around her. She glanced at Shikuro, panic etched across his face, right before darkness swallowed her consciousness.
Shikuro''s voice echoed in the tunnel, frantic with worry. "She''s passed out again! We need help, now!"
Minato''s voice responded from above, steady yet urgent. "I''m coming down with a rope! Make room." He descended the ladder with practiced ease, assessing Shikihime''s condition in a glance. "She''s in bad shape. I''ll tie the rope around her wrists. It''ll be rough, but it''s the only way."
As Minato secured the rope, Shikuro''s heart pounded in his ears. Fear gripped him, a stark contrast to the calm efficiency of Minato''s actions. Once the rope was fastened, Minato ascended, and Bjorn, at the top, began the delicate task of pulling Shikihime to safety.
On the surface, Yoru rushed to Shikihime''s side, her face a mask of concern and suspicion. Drawing her weapon, she confronted Shikuro. "What happened to her? She''s barely breathing and feverish!"
Bjorn, sensing the tension, drew his weapon too, but Shikuro raised a hand for peace. "She''s been hiding an illness," he explained, his voice laced with guilt. "Using herbs to mask her symptoms. But we''re out, and now it''s taking its toll."
Yoru''s expression softened slightly, her weapon lowered. The air was thick with worry and unease.
Seizing the moment, Shikuro decided to take charge. "Bjorn, help me get her on my back. Akalune, find us a safe campsite. Minato, Bjorn, you''re our best fighters – cover us."
His resolve was clear. "We''ll move today and tomorrow, then rest. We must distance ourselves from the river, to avoid detection."
The journey continued under the weight of uncertainty and fatigue. With Shikihime unconscious, Minato and Akalune took turns keeping watch through the night, their responsibilities growing heavier by the hour. Shikuro, driven by a sense of duty, surrendered his blanket to Shikihime, finding comfort in the colder air of Frostgard. That night, sleep eluded him, but he managed to rest with his eyes shut, his thoughts never straying far from Shikihime.
As dawn broke, Shikuro once again hoisted Shikihime onto his back. The group trudged onward, their pace measured but steady. The next day mirrored the first, with their progress marked by the sinking sun rather than the miles covered.
Just as the day was drawing to a close, Akalune returned from scouting ahead with welcome news. She had discovered a thermal pond nearby, a rare luxury in their arduous journey, along with a fresh water source. Her triumphant return was marked by the prize of a rabbit, a promise of a much-needed meal. This small victory lifted the group''s spirits, a faint glimmer of hope in their relentless trek.
Despite his incredible endurance, Shikuro felt the strain of carrying Shikihime for extended hours. Reaching the pond as darkness enveloped them, Minato and Yoru set up the tent with practiced efficiency. They gently laid Shikihime inside before joining the rest of the group.
Yoru suggested starting a fire for cooking, but Minato intervened, reminding them of the need for discretion. "We''ll cook in the morning," he said, his voice steady. Turning to Akalune, he requested, "Can you find some herbs, something to boost our stamina? And something to help Shikihime?"
Akalune nodded, understanding the urgency in Minato''s voice. "I''ll see what I can find," she replied, determination in her eyes.
Minato then took charge of preparing the rabbit, giving the others a well-deserved break. "I''ll refill our water supplies and take a quick wash after," he added, outlining a plan for them to follow. "Once I''m done, Akalune can go. The rest of you can take your turns when there''s light."
As the first rays of the sun filtered through the trees, bathing the camp in a warm, golden light, Shikihime''s eyes fluttered open briefly before succumbing once again to exhaustion. Shikuro, with a mix of concern and determination etched on his face, carefully lifted her in his arms and made his way to the pond. Yoru and Akalune were already there, preparing to help wash and tend to Shikihime. Respecting their privacy, Shikuro retreated, joining Minato who was tending to the cooking.
Sitting beside Minato, Shikuro tried to engage in small talk to distract himself. "It smells good," he commented, glancing at the simmering pot. "Save my portion for Shikihime, alright?"
Minato gave him a knowing look. "As you wish," he replied, stirring the pot.
Shikuro observed Minato''s calm demeanor. "Aren''t you worried? You seem to be handling all this too well."
Minato paused, then responded, "Isn''t it you who''s taking it too hard? I need to stay calm to avoid rash decisions. I''ve seen many fall prey to their emotions, including her. It nearly cost her life. Is that how I should be, Lord Shikuro?"
Shikuro pondered Minato''s words, realizing the wisdom in them. Just then, Bjorn joined them, sitting down with a thoughtful expression. "At this pace, it''s two days to the city," he said, looking towards the horizon. "Expect the city gates to be guarded. They''ll likely inspect everyone. We might have to find a way to sneak in. We need Shikihime to be at least somewhat able to move. We can''t fight or flee with you carrying her. Maybe we should consider giving her more than a day''s rest. We can hunt, cook, and help her recover."
In the dimly lit tent, Shikuro carefully scooped up some soup with a spoon, gently blowing on it to cool it down before cautiously bringing it to Shikihime''s lips. His movements were awkward, clearly unaccustomed to such a delicate task. Even Minato, who was quietly observing from a corner, couldn''t hide a frown. "Careful," he cautioned, "or Yoru and Akalune will have to clean her up again."
Distracted by Minato''s comment, Shikuro''s next spoonful was too hot. Shikihime coughed as the soup touched her mouth, startling Shikuro. Trying to lighten the mood, he half-joked, "At least you''re awake now."
Shikihime''s response was weak but tinged with her usual teasing tone. "Waking up to a man putting something in my mouth is a terrible experience," she murmured. Minato''s face remained expressionless, but Shikuro found himself smiling despite the situation. It was the kind of annoyance only Shikihime could evoke in him.
"Can you swallow?" Shikuro asked, concern lacing his voice.
Shikihime''s smile was faint. "First, you put something in my mouth, and now you ask about swallowing? Aren''t you bold, my dear?"
Shikuro''s smile broadened. "That''s a yes, then. Let me sit behind you to make this easier."
He gently repositioned himself behind Shikihime, supporting her against his chest. Minato handed him the bowl and spoon, and Shikihime obediently began to eat. After finishing, she whispered that she was still a little hungry.
Shikuro glanced at Minato, who quietly fetched another bowl. With patience and care, Shikuro fed her, whispering softly, "Don''t you dare not get better. You''re a strong woman, Shikihime. You will recover. We''re not far from the city now. I can fight where I must, but this battle is yours. Fight and return to us healthy and as formidable as you were before."
Shikihime''s recovery was evident the next day as she began to walk unaided, a small but significant sign of improvement. Her strength was returning, much to the relief of the group. However, as evening approached, a new challenge loomed.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Akalune, who had been scouting the area, rushed back with urgent news. "We have company," she announced breathlessly, "Around 10 men are approaching. I can''t say if they''re after us, but they''re not far behind. We need to hide, and fast!"
The group sprang into action. Shikihime, wanting to contribute, began to gather her things, but Shikuro, protective as ever, intervened. "You need to rest," he insisted, guiding her to sit down. "Let us handle this."
Within a quarter of an hour, they were ready. Yoru, adept at camouflage, quickly masked signs of their recent presence. While it wouldn''t withstand close scrutiny, it would pass a cursory glance. Shikuro then hoisted Shikihime onto his back, despite her protests that she could manage on her own.
Yoru had located another hiding spot nearby, a well-concealed cave about ten minutes'' distance. The group moved swiftly and silently towards it, their steps muffled by the thick forest underbrush. Upon arrival, they stashed their gear and prepared for a possible confrontation, weapons at the ready. Akalune stayed close to Shikihime, who was still regaining her strength.
As time passed, it became clear they weren''t being pursued. Shikuro, with his heightened senses alert, and Minato, decided to reconnoiter the area they had left. They moved stealthily, keeping to the shadows.
Observing from a distance, they saw the new arrivals settle into their camp. These were not soldiers; their mismatched weapons and disorganized manner spoke of bandits or rebels. Shikuro marveled silently at how Minato''s gift of darkness lent them the upper hand in such situations, often more useful than his own ability.
The bandits, unaware of the watchful eyes upon them, started a large campfire, carelessly announcing their presence. As Shikuro and Minato listened, they gathered valuable information from the bandits'' conversation.
"It''s tough living like this," one bandit grumbled. "Soldiers are everywhere. I heard they got your brother''s group too."
"We have to keep moving deeper into the forest," another said. "They won''t chase us there."
A third bandit chimed in, "Can''t we just go back to Vrastislava?"
"That''s possible," another replied, "I know a guy at the southern gate. Just tell him ''the brother will rise again'' and slip him a small gold coin. He''ll let you through."
"A small gold coin? That''s a lot for a bribe," another complained.
"In these times, that''s nothing," the first bandit retorted. "Trying to bribe at the bridge costs a large gold coin, and if you''re caught, it''s off with your head."
Their discussion continued, but Minato''s attention was suddenly diverted. "Soldiers are closing in on their camp," he whispered urgently to Shikuro. "We need to get out of here. Now." They retreated swiftly, making their way back to the cave. The soldiers, focused on the bandits, were unaware of Shikuro and Minato''s presence.
As they neared their hideout, tension gripped the air. Shikuro and his companions, cautious and alert, conveyed in hushed tones the imminent ambush by enemy soldiers on the unsuspecting bandits above. The cave, usually a haven of safety, now felt like a trap, their fate hinging on the silence they could maintain.
Outside, the world seemed to hold its breath, the only sound being the distant rustling of leaves in the night breeze. Then, abruptly, a sharp whistle pierced the stillness, followed by the unmistakable clash of steel and shouts of men in battle. The sounds of fighting echoed down into the depths of their cave, setting everyone’s nerves on edge.
Minutes stretched into an eternity as they waited, unsure of their fate. The occasional scuffle of boots and muffled voices from above heightened the tension. Suddenly, the dim light from their hideout''s entrance grew brighter, indicating the approach of soldiers with torches. Three voices became discernible.
"It seems clear here," declared the first soldier, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet of the night.
"We''ll report this sector as clear. And thank the gods, it''s the last one," added the second, a note of weariness in his tone.
"I just wish we found those runaways... would''ve been an easy promotion," grumbled the third soldier.
The first soldier''s voice carried a note of resignation. "Forget it. There''s no way they''re on this side of the river. The bridges are too well-guarded now. Ever since we executed those corrupt soldiers, no one dares take a bribe. They made examples out of them."
"Let''s head back. I''m craving a beer. Join me?" proposed the second soldier, the sound of his footsteps retreating.
The group inside the cave exhaled in relief as the soldiers'' voices faded into the distance. They had narrowly escaped detection. Shikihime, exhausted by the ordeal, had already fallen asleep, oblivious to the danger they had just avoided.
Akalune, still alert from her watch, broke the silence. "At least she''s spared the stress," she murmured, glancing at the sleeping Shikihime.
Shikuro nodded, his thoughts a mix of relief and concern. The rest of the group, drained from the tension, settled down to sleep, leaving Akalune alone with her thoughts.
Dawn brought a new day, and with it, Shikihime emerged, conversing with the others outside the cave. Her face, though pale, showed signs of recovery. Akalune was in the midst of explaining her findings.
"I checked the bandits'' camp. They didn''t bother looting it, so I did. Got us five small gold coins and some smoked meat. Followed the soldiers a bit too. Overheard them... our disguises won''t be easy, my lady. Our black hair... it''s uncommon here."
Shikihime listened intently, her brow furrowing in thought. Without hesitation, she took a knife and began cutting her long, black hair. Shikuro, seeing this, rushed towards her, but it was too late. She held her severed hair in her hands, a pragmatic look on her face.
"What... why did you cut your hair?" Shikuro stammered, aghast.
Shikihime looked at him, her expression resolute. "If it''s short, I can hide it under a cap. It''s necessary."
Akalune, though initially shocked by her lady''s decisive action, followed suit, cutting her hair to a boyish length.
Interlude: Traitor Revealed
Erik sat at his desk, his brow furrowed as he sifted through a stack of documents, each one adding to the growing weight of his frustration. So this was the tangled web he found himself in—a regret that seemed to deepen with every passing moment.
As he methodically reviewed each paper, Ingrid stormed into the room. Erik looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "You''re earlier than expected. I’m still wading through this sea of paperwork."
Ingrid''s reply was sharp, tinged with impatience. "I don''t give a damn. What have you uncovered?"
Erik gestured to the daunting pile of documents. "I’ve barely scratched the surface. This will take all night. You should rest."
Ingrid’s eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Do you really think so little of me? I won''t let you monopolize the evidence. It’s naive to think I consider you a friend, not until the traitor is unmasked and your loyalty is beyond doubt."
Erik, taken aback by her accusation, responded calmly, "I hold you in the highest regard, Ingrid."
Undeterred, Ingrid stepped closer, her gaze unyielding. "Then let''s get to work. We do this together."
They plunged into the documents, a silent agreement hanging between them. Hours blurred into each other as they pored over each letter and report. Occasionally, Erik passed a document to Ingrid, his expression fluctuating between confusion and realization.
Finally, as the noon sun cast its rays into the room, Erik declared, "I''m arresting Sagar. Will you join me?"
Ingrid shook her head. "I trust you to bring him in alive. But I''ll be there for the interrogation."
Erik sighed, bracing himself for the task ahead. He summoned the guards and soldiers, his voice firm. "Sagar is our prime suspect. Capture him alive."
As the soldiers dispersed, Erik allowed himself a wry chuckle. Sagar, of all people, had become the focal point of their suspicions.
In the evening, news arrived of Sagar''s capture. He hadn''t resisted, to Erik''s relief. Approaching the detainee, Erik''s sword was drawn as a precaution.
"Erik, why am I being arrested?" Sagar asked, a mix of confusion and calm in his voice.
Erik''s response was stern yet respectful. "Come quietly, Sagar. There''s evidence implicating you, and you have some explaining to do."
Sagar''s smile was enigmatic. "Alright, Erik. If you insist. I have nothing to hide."
Erik watched as Sagar was escorted to the jail, instructing the guards to handle him with care.
Ingrid appeared as Erik turned to leave. Handing him a letter, she instructed, "Give this to the crown prince."
Erik''s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What are you planning, Ingrid?"
Her smile was cryptic as she turned to leave. "Some things are best kept secret, Erik."
Erik was finally ushered into the prince''s chambers for an audience. He handed a sealed letter to Prince Leif. The prince''s eyebrows arched in surprise as he broke the seal. After a moment of reading, his expression turned grave.
"Do you know the contents of this letter?" Leif asked Erik, his voice tinged with seriousness.
Erik, puzzled, shook his head. "No, Your Majesty."
"Read it," Leif commanded, passing the letter back.
Erik''s eyes scanned the words - Sagar is not the traitor, someone made him a scapegoat. His brow furrowed in confusion. "Your Majesty, may I seek Lady Ingrid for clarification? If this is true, we must release Sagar immediately."
Prince Leif raised a hand, signaling Erik to pause. "Let''s not jump to conclusions, Erik. I have implicit trust in Lady Ingrid''s judgment. We''ll discuss this with her. She should..."
His words trailed off as a hurried knock interrupted them. A guard''s voice echoed from beyond the door, "Urgency, Your Majesty! Lady Ingrid requests an immediate audience!"
"Allow her in," Leif said.
Ingrid entered, her expression shifting to surprise upon seeing Erik. "Where have you been?" she asked.
Erik replied, slightly bewildered, "I''ve been here, awaiting the prince''s audience, as per your instruction."
Ingrid''s confusion deepened. "But I sent you hours ago. What delayed you?"
Erik''s confusion matched hers. "I was held up waiting for the audience, Lady Ingrid. I can''t exactly barge in as you do."
Leif interjected, "My apologies, Ingrid. The guards didn''t recognize Erik and didn''t inform me it was urgent. I was engaged in other matters, assuming the messenger wasn''t bearing a colored letter of urgency."
Ingrid sighed, a mix of frustration and understanding in her eyes. She turned to face both men. "Then, we have a grave problem. Sagar has been murdered in his cell..."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the news settling like a dark cloud over them.