In the dim light of the estate's outskirts, Shikihime relentlessly pursued her adversary, a woman with a newly-blinded eye, a result of their fierce skirmish. The enemy, attempting to escape into the city, summoned reinforcements, placing obstacles in Shikihime's path. Undeterred, Shikihime cut down each opponent with precision, fueled by a burning desire for retribution.
As Shikihime reached the estate gate, she saw her enemy, a figure from her past she both loathed and feared. Her heart raced, adrenaline surging through her veins. The gate stood open, a beacon of escape for her foe. Sprinting forward, Shikihime closed the gap, her breath ragged but her resolve unwavering.
The clash of steel echoed through the night as they exchanged blows. Shikihime's enemy, despite the impairment, fought with a vicious intensity. The injuries on her face, a testament to their previous encounters, twisted with each movement, displaying a grotesque dance of pain and rage.
But just as Shikihime sensed victory within reach, more enemies swarmed in. She found herself surrounded, yet she moved with a dancer's grace, parrying and striking back. Her finesse was unmatched, but so was her exhaustion. Each movement, each evasion, drained her energy, her limbs growing heavy.
In a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, Shikihime realized the enemy's tactic - to wear her down. She cursed herself for letting vengeance cloud her judgement. The next onslaught of attacks came relentlessly, a tempest of fury and steel.
Through the corner of her eye, she spotted another assassin, lurking in the shadows with a crossbow. It was a deadly game of cat and mouse, and she was the prey. With a desperate ploy, she feigned a stumble. Her attacker, sensing an opening, lunged forward, only to impale his comrade, who had unwittingly stepped into his path. The bolt meant for Shikihime found another target, a mistake that cost the enemy dearly. This allowed her enemy, she was chasing to flee, but she had to face now immediate danger.
Despite the reprieve, Shikihime felt the sting of the bolt's head grazing her arm. The pain was sharp, a reminder of her mortality. But there was no time to tend to her wounds. She had to act. With a swift motion, she hurled a dagger hidden in her attire, silencing the crossbower forever.
Her legs began to falter, the strain of the battle and her injuries taking their toll. She leaned on her short sword for support, her only remaining weapon. The remaining enemies, sensing her weakness, advanced with renewed vigor. One lunged towards her; she parried his attack and countered with a swift thrust of her short sword. The other, armed with a poisoned blade, hesitated, allowing Shikihime to throw a cloud of poison powder in his direction. The enemy recoiled, coughing and sputtering, his attack thwarted.
Shikihime's breath came in short gasps. Her body screamed for respite, but she couldn't afford to relent. She had to end this swiftly. The first enemy, now cautious, circled her, looking for an opening. Shikihime, anticipating his strategy, feigned a lunge. As he stepped back to counter, she spun around and drove her dagger deep into his chest. He crumpled to the ground, his life extinguished.
But victory was short-lived. Another shadow loomed behind her. With no time to think, Shikihime reacted purely on instinct. She swung her blade in a wide arc, the steel biting through her own flesh before finding its mark in her assailant's heart. Agony seared through her shoulder, a burning reminder of the price of survival.
Shikihime collapsed to her knees, the world spinning around her. Blood, hers and her enemies', pooled beneath her. Her vision blurred, and the sounds of the night grew distant. She knew she was seriously injured, perhaps fatally so. Yet, there was a sense of accomplishment in her heart. She had faced her demons, both literal and figurative, and emerged victorious, albeit battered and broken.
In the eerie silence that followed, Shikihime's thoughts turned to her sister, to the vengeance she had sought and failed again, and the cost it had exacted. She wondered if it was worth it, if the cycle of violence would ever end. But there was no time for such reflections now. She needed to survive, to return to the safety of her estate, to heal and to plan her next move.
***
Kage's heart pounded as she followed the trail of blood, her instincts heightened in the aftermath of the chaos. The blood path led outside the estate, and to her dismay, it branched off in two different directions. She cursed under her breath; Shikihime and Mai had recklessly pursued the enemy, splitting up in the heat of the battle.
Pausing to analyze the footprints, Kage's experienced eye quickly discerned the different treads. One set was distinctly Shikihime's, lighter and more deliberate, leading off into the darkness. "This way," Kage directed Sora, her voice a mix of worry and determination. She glanced at Rin, "Follow Mai's trail. We must find them both."
As Kage and Sora hastened along Shikihime's path, the trail of blood grew more pronounced. Every drop was a silent testament to the severity of her wounds. Kage's mind raced with fear and anger; anger at Shikihime's recklessness and fear for her life.
They found Shikihime in a small clearing, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the gruesome scene. She was on her knees, surrounded by the bodies of her fallen enemies. Her breaths were shallow and labored, her face etched with pain. The ground around her was littered with weapons and the remnants of her fierce battle.
Kage's heart was heavy with dread as she approached the scene, her eyes immediately drawn to Shikihime's battered form. Contrary to her initial assumption, it wasn't her shoulder that bore the bolt's injury; instead, her arm was impaled, blood seeping out around the metal shaft. Her other shoulder bore a ghastly wound, self-inflicted in a desperate defensive maneuver with her short sword. Shikihime's clothing was torn, drenched in a grim mixture of her own blood and that of her foes.
Rushing to her side, Kage's voice trembled with a mix of fear and urgency, "Shikihime, please, hold on." Sora, ever the professional, began to assess the injuries methodically, her hands steady despite the chaos.
Through her haze of pain, Shikihime's gaze met Kage's. With a voice weak yet filled with a haunting determination, she murmured, "I had to do it... for her... for my sister. She was among them." The revelation hit Kage like a physical blow, realization dawning upon her of Shikihime's true motive – not merely a pursuit, but a quest for vengeance.
Kage's throat tightened, and she struggled to maintain her composure. "Don't speak, Shikihime. We need to focus on getting you safe." Her voice was a blend of sternness and deep-seated sorrow. Kage berated herself internally; she should have been there to prevent such a perilous vendetta.
Sora swiftly administered first aid, her actions efficient and precise, to stop the bleeding. "We must get her back to the estate without delay," she declared, her voice firm and unyielding.
The tension in the air was palpable as the group of soldiers approached, their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. Kage, poised and ready for any threat, drew her blade in a swift, fluid motion, her eyes scanning the newcomers warily. The soldiers, upon seeing the armed woman, instinctively reached for their own weapons, a mixture of confusion and caution evident in their demeanor.
One of the soldiers, trying to assert control over the situation, shouted a command to drop the weapon, threatening force if not obeyed. Kage, however, remained unfazed, her voice steady and clear as she responded, "I am Kage, head attendant to Princess Shikihime. The woman here is the princess herself, injured and in urgent need of medical attention. I am taking her to the mansion for treatment. Any delay on your part will be met with resistance, and I will not hesitate to protect her."
The soldiers, taken aback by Kage's declaration, exchanged uncertain glances. The name 'Princess Shikihime' carried weight, and the sight of the woman on the ground, barely able to sit up and clearly in distress, added credibility to Kage's words. They hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. The possibility that they were standing before their princess, injured and vulnerable, weighed heavily on them.
Kage, sensing their indecision, added firmly, "I understand your caution, but every second we waste here puts the princess's life at greater risk. If you are truly loyal to the Realm and its royal family, you will assist us or step aside."
The soldiers, now visibly conflicted, looked to each other for guidance. Their training had prepared them for battle, but not for a situation like this. The responsibility of potentially aiding or hindering the well-being of royalty was a burden none of them had anticipated facing.
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As the standoff continued, with Kage and the soldiers locked in a tense impasse, Sora continued to tend to Shikihime, her hands moving deftly to provide whatever comfort she could under the circumstances. Her focus remained solely on Shikihime, trying to stabilize her condition as much as possible.
The stillness of the moment was palpable, broken only by the soft whimpers of pain from Shikihime and the rustling of Sora's movements. The soldiers, now clearly torn between duty and the potential repercussions of their actions, looked from the prone figure of the princess to Kage, whose resolve seemed only to strengthen with each passing second.
Finally, one of the soldiers, perhaps the highest in rank or simply the first to find his voice, spoke up. "We... we need to verify your claim. We can't just take your word for it. This could be a trap," he said, his voice betraying his uncertainty.
Kage's gaze didn't waver, her eyes piercing. "Then quickly do what you must, but know this: any further delay in getting the princess the care she needs will be on your heads. The responsibility for her life is now in your hands as much as mine."
The tension among the soldiers was palpable, their indecision clear, until a familiar and authoritative voice cut through the night. "Let me pass, you idiots!" Ingrid's voice was sharp, commanding immediate attention and respect. As she pushed her way through the ranks of soldiers, her expression turned from frustration to shock upon seeing Shikihime's condition.
Ingrid's presence changed the atmosphere instantly. The soldiers, previously hesitant and unsure, now stood at attention, recognizing the severity of the situation. One soldier began to stammer out an explanation, but Ingrid briskly cut him off, her tone brooking no argument.
"You fools! This is the princess and future archduchess," Ingrid barked, her gaze sweeping over the group with a mix of anger and urgency. "Immediately help her carry to the estate and bring the royal healer. Close the gates, get reinforcements, and lock the house. This is a direct attack on the archducal family. How come you don't know what to do? Do you have a death wish?"
Her words were like a cold splash of water, snapping the soldiers out of their hesitation. They sprang into action, their training taking over. Two soldiers gently lifted Shikihime, careful not to exacerbate her injuries, while others ran to fulfill Ingrid's orders. The urgency of the situation was now unmistakably clear to everyone present.
Ingrid's gaze then fell on Kage, and their eyes met briefly. In that glance, there was an unspoken understanding and appreciation for the gravity of the situation. Kage sheathed her sword, stepping back to allow the soldiers to do their work.
As they quickly made their way back to the estate, Ingrid took command, her voice ringing out in the dark, issuing orders to secure the perimeter and ensure the safety of the estate. Her presence was a stabilizing force, her experience and authority guiding everyone through the chaos.
Kage remained close to Shikihime, her expression one of deep concern and regret. She had been prepared to defend her mistress to the end, and now, with Ingrid's arrival, there was a glimmer of hope that they could save Shikihime. The weight of the night's events bore heavily on her, but there was no time for reflection now. The priority was getting Shikihime the urgent care she needed, and securing the estate against further threats.
***
Mai's pursuit of the assassin who had attempted to snipe down Shikihime was fueled by a relentless drive for retribution. There could be no forgiveness for such an act. The assailant, realizing he was cornered, chose to stand and fight, but the dimly lit servant gate offered only a faint glow from a solitary torch. Mai used the shadows to her advantage, executing swift cuts and strikes, chipping away at her opponent's defenses. The battle was intense, a dance of blades in the semi-darkness.
The dim light of the solitary torch at the servant gate cast eerie shadows, creating an environment where every move was critical. Her opponent, highly skilled and cunning, had quickly adapted to the situation. Realizing the disadvantage of limited visibility, he positioned himself closer to the light, tipping the scales in his favor.
Mai, despite her skill and agility, found herself increasingly outmatched. The assassin's familiarity with her fighting style and his superior experience became evident as the battle progressed. Caught in a moment of indecision, torn between her pride and the strategic necessity of a tactical retreat, Mai hesitated. That moment of vulnerability was all her adversary needed.
A sharp, excruciating pain erupted in her chest as a arrow from behind struck her. The unexpected attack sent her crashing to the ground. Disoriented and injured, she looked up to see her opponent looming over her, a smile of victory spreading across his face. He raised his weapon to deliver the final blow, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
But fate had other plans. In a split second, an arrow pierced the night, striking the assassin in the chest. His smile faded, replaced by a look of shock as he fell to the ground, lifeless. Despite the timely intervention, the damage had been done. Mai lay there, feeling her strength ebbing away as blood pooled around her. The realization hit her with crushing finality – she was not going to make it. Her thoughts, in those final moments, were of Shikihime. She had sworn to protect her mistress, and now, in her dying breaths, she wondered if her sacrifice had been enough. As darkness enveloped her, her last conscious thought was a silent apology to Shikihime for not being able to continue her duty.
***
Rin, still reeling from the sudden split in paths with Kage and Sora, found herself confronted with a nightmarish scene just outside the castle. The darkness of the night was broken by the brief flares of combat, revealing Mai in a perilous struggle against an enemy assassin. She arrived just in time to witness a lethal strike, the assassin's bolt piercing Mai, and then Erik's arrow finding its mark in the assailant. The assassin crumpled to the ground, but the victory was hollow. Mai lay motionless, her life slipping away.
Erik, his face etched with urgency and concern, was rushing towards Mai, his bow still in hand. Rin's instincts as a fighter and protector kicked in, and she sprinted to Mai's side, her heart pounding with fear and desperation. She skidded to a halt beside Mai, her hands trembling as she reached out to provide first aid.
However, the approaching soldiers, drawn by the commotion, mistook Rin for another threat. They moved to apprehend her, but Erik's timely recognition of her stopped them in their tracks. He shouted orders to stand down, his focus entirely on Mai.
As Erik and Rin knelt beside Mai, Erik's hands moved with frantic speed, trying to stem the tide of blood flowing from Mai's wound. Rin's trained eyes assessed Mai's condition in an instant. A heavy weight settled in her stomach as she realized the truth. She gently placed her hand on Erik's, stopping his futile efforts.
"Mai's gone, Erik," Rin said softly, her voice laced with sorrow. "The strike was to her heart. She's not breathing."
Erik, refusing to accept the reality, continued his attempts to revive Mai, his voice breaking as he called her name. Rin, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears, repeated her words, "Erik, she's gone. We need to focus on Shikihime. She's still in danger."
Erik's hands stilled, the reality finally sinking in. He looked at Mai's lifeless form, his expression a mix of grief and resolve. Rin's request to bring Mai's body back to the mansion was met with a nod from Erik. He issued swift orders to the soldiers, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Interlude: Sagar Confronts Ingrid
In the stark, quiet office of Frostgard's governor, Sagar faced Ingrid, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. The usually bustling room felt oppressively still, as if anticipating the gravity of their conversation.
"Sagar," Ingrid began cautiously, aware of the tension in the air.
Sagar cut her off, his words sharp and direct. "Ingrid, what happened that night doesn't add up. The late reinforcements, the escape of several assassins, the unacceptable losses... It's uncharacteristic of you to let your guard down like this."
Ingrid shifted uncomfortably, her eyes avoiding his piercing gaze. "I... I might have underestimated the threat."
"Underestimated?" Sagar echoed incredulously. "This is not like you. There's more to it, and you're holding back. What are you not telling me?"
Ingrid sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Sagar, the situation was complex. There were many factors at play, decisions to be made in the heat of the moment."
Sagar leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "That's not an answer, Ingrid. And it's certainly not like you to be so vague. You're one of the most capable governors this realm has ever seen. Your actions that night... they reek of something amiss."
Ingrid remained silent, the weight of his accusation hanging heavily in the air. Sagar continued, his tone hardening. "Your focus on the commoners, your attempts at social reforms... admirable, yes, but not at the expense of security. You let critical defenses slip."
Ingrid finally met his gaze, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "I've always believed in balancing the needs of all citizens, Sagar. Perhaps that's where we differ."
"Differ?" Sagar scoffed. "This isn't about differences in governance philosophy, Ingrid. This is about keeping our Realm safe, about protecting key figures like Shikihime. Your idealism blinded you to the real threats lurking in the shadows."
Ingrid's expression softened, a touch of regret coloring her features. "Maybe you're right, Sagar. Maybe I did let my guard down."
Sagar leaned back, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Ingrid, I propose you consider stepping down as governor. Hand over the reins to someone who can prioritize and manage these threats more effectively. You've done remarkable work here, but it's clear your focus has shifted. Frostgard needs a leader who can balance internal affairs with the external threats we face."
Ingrid looked as if she had been struck. The suggestion was a blow to her pride, her work, her very identity. Yet, as she looked into Sagar's earnest, concerned eyes, she knew he spoke not out of malice, but out of a genuine desire to protect their Realm and duchy.
"I... I will consider it, Sagar," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Perhaps it's time for a fresh perspective at the helm."
Sagar nodded, his expression softening slightly. "It's for the best, Ingrid. You've done more for the common folk than any governor before you. But right now, Frostgard needs a different kind of leadership."
As the meeting concluded and Ingrid was left alone in her office, she gazed out the window, her thoughts a tumultuous sea. Sagar's words echoed in her mind, a harsh yet necessary truth. Perhaps it was time for a change, time to pass the torch to someone who could carry on the legacy she had built while steering the duchy through the murky waters of political intrigue and hidden threats.
The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the room, mirroring the uncertainty that lay ahead. But in that moment of introspection, Ingrid knew that whatever her decision, it would be made for the greater good of the duchy she loved and served.