The Last Realm: The Blood of Clans

13: Escape into the Night

I wasted no time in rushing from the room, the journal note tucked into my pants pocket, as I scrambled and knocked before Chang finally opened the door. He looked half-asleep and groggy, mumbling about beet stew before shaking himself to a bit of reality. He still looked dazed at me as I pulled him out of his room.

“What's going on?” He asked in a curious slur of words.

“We have to get the others and leave, as quickly as possible, and no later than tonight.” I replied back hurriedly.

“Leave? But Zale said we needed to stay put and..” Chang started in before I cut him off abruptly.

“I think I know what your brother is planning and if you wanna live, we have to go now.”

Chang gave a slow nod, trying to shake himself fully awake as we talked about meeting back in another half hour. We both went into our respective rooms to collect all of our things and then met back up in the corridor.

“So how do we go about this crazy idea?” Chang said with a slight smirk.

“Well, we try to find and locate the others, let them know about things and head out immediately.” I told him with a nervous, flustered expression.

No quicker than we could step out into the halls, than Zale nearly ran us over in his sprint. He paused and stared at us both blankly for a moment. It took him a few seconds to catch his breath, but that self assured smiled easily spread across his face quickly enough. “Good thing you two are about, some trouble might be brewing soon.”

“I thought we already had plenty of trouble.” Chang stated flatly.

“Well, consider that to be the warm up. The infirmary is crawling with, with.. well, you just gotta follow me to see for yourself.” Zale beckoned us as he took off back down the halls again, heading for the overly large, white room.

“Guess we got no choice, c'mon then.” I called to Chang as I took off in a sprint behind the silver haired young man.

We speedily raced down the corridor until nearly crashing to a stop outside of the infirmary room. I wasn't exactly sure what we might find inside of the unnerving white expanse, but what we did find was both shocking and frustrating together.

“By the gods...” Zale muttered loud enough for both of us to hear, as he practically froze outside the room.

I would to say that the scene wouldn't be shocking or anything gruesome, but then that might not do it total justice. The room was chalk full of injured bodies, all with varying degrees of wounds. My eyes scanned over the those who were attending to some of the female knights, royal attendants and regular folks.

Kelicia turned to see us standing outside the door and rushed to where we stood, seething a little as she spoke. “What do you think you're doing here?”

I heard Zale reply something back about needing to be here, but my eyes and attention was focused past her. Aurelia and Jace were both frantically trying to deal with the seeming horde of injured, but there was no sign of Vahn, Wesley or even Kat. I almost thought a second that Troy was missing as well until I spotted him off the side with his head buried in his hands, his previously injured shoulder now had a nasty looking wound that looked like it ran at least down to his elbow if not a little further. I flinched slightly and swallowed dryly. His arm looked like someone had taken a blade and slashed deeply right down the middle of his muscle and flesh.

I started to absentmindedly walk into the room before I heard a shrill half-scream that seemed directed at me. It quickly caused my attention to refocus.

“What are they doing here?!” The Queen shrieked at Kelicia and Zale, who both rushed in front of me to make an effort to explain.

“In the hallway. Now!” Queen Chiara angrily demanded.

Her eyes burned a shade of red that almost matched the color of her hair. As soon the four of us got back to the halls, where Chang still stood silently and with a pensive look on his face, the door shut behind us forcefully as to not interrupt.

“Sister..” Kelicia was about to begin, but was just as quickly silenced.

“Silence! I want to hear from the lordling only.” Chiara was glaring murderous daggers at me. “So explain the meaning of this.”

I looked at the Queen and then to Kelicia and over towards Zale. Quietly starting to stammer as the more than upset Chiara snapped again.

“Don't look at them. I want to know what's going on, and now..”

“I'm not exactly sure I follow, your majesty.” I gulped back with my reply.

“My father is dead, as well another member of our court and many innocent spectators. There were assassins in the courtyard. So start talking and fast.”

“My lady, I'm sorry about whatever is going on..” My voice trailed off before I steeled myself a little. “I have a strong reason to believe that Naren is trying to kill his brothers, if not myself and those who came with us from Kreshia.”

I bit hard on my bottom lip, the words tumbling out in a rush. Her face seemed to harden under my words and she kept the razor-like glare pinned on us.

“Your majesty, that would be a plausible thought.” Zale interjected, causing the Queen to turn and stare at him coldly. He kept explaining himself out though. “I bumped into the young lords while I was on my way to come see you. The assassins in the courtyard were all confirmed to be wearing the colors of Cherden's Nine Shadows.”

“The Nine Shadows?” I felt like an i***t as soon as the question escaped past my lips.

Everyone turned to give me curious looking expressions and glances, the last of which was Queen Chiara exhaling with a deep sigh. Nobody answered me for a long moment, until Chang piped up from the back of our small discussion.

“The Nine Shadows are a collective group of spies and such, that exist between the clan families. They only take direct orders from the rulers and heirs of Cherden, or the four families.”

“So that backs up what I mean about Naren attacking, right?” I quickly jumped on the obvious.

“Indeed.” Chiara pinched the bridge of her nose before composing herself back into the regal, dignified and stoic beauty who I had admired upon standing in front of her just the previous day. “It would be a blatant effort to frame Tajima and try and make us reveal where he was. Though with the crown prince's absence within Cherden, is it near impossible he could have summoned any of the Nine Shadows.”

“Uh.. also..” Zale added with a slight smile. “We would have noticed any Nine Shadows entering the port lately. I believe the ones who attacked were impostors.”

“Oh c'mon now.” I fussed in reply. “That's ridiculous, isn't it? I mean they are spies and assassins.”

“Actually. The Nine Shadows are required to announce themselves when entering foreign countries. It's part of their code and honor system.” Chang very softly remarked with a faint blush of embarrassment.

“What do we do then, sister?” Kelicia asked with concern.

Unfortunately before we could proceed our discussion or ideas any further, a small cluster of guards zeroed in on our position and flagged us down. They looked apprehensive to making any statements to Chiara in front of the rest of us, but she gestured them to go ahead.

“Your grace, the prince Naren is demanding an audience immediately tonight. He says that you are responsible for handing over his fugitive brother and accomplices.”

“Go and find General Isidro. I will meet with you shortly outside the throne room so we can attend to this matter.” Queen Chiara coldly shot back her answer.

The guards hastily bowed and shot past us, as more worry overcame our discussion group. Queen Chiara gritted her teeth as she stared at Chang and myself.

“I unfortunately don't know where Tajima is, but Naren is right to suspect he is within the Western City.”

“I knew I had seen him at the ball.” I couldn't help comment a little more loudly than I meant too.

“I suggest you take your friends and leave as quickly as you can.” Chiara closed her eyes briefly as she exhaled a frustrated reply back.

“What about trying to clear the matter up?” Kelicia asked in concern. “You don't have enough members of the court left to be able to hold Naren back for more than just a few hours at most.”

“Your majesties, if I may.” I waited until I earned permission to voice my thought. “If I can find Tajima and we can slip out of the city and country, then Naren has no right to stay as well, correct?”

“In theory, yes. Naren is only able to put us in this position because of what he knows.” Chiara replied back, which instantly made me remember the last scene from the docks.

“Naren met a group of men on the docks, as we were leaving.” I racked my brain trying to remember the name that Aurelia had used. “Lorres Salvatore. That was who Aurelia had said one of the heavily armored men were then.”

“Oh dear icy mining pigeons.” Kelicia huffed with exasperation.

My eyebrows both shot up with a bewildered glance at the beautiful girl. “Icy mining pigeons?” It took me a moment longer to snicker at her comments, and then awkwardly stop when I realized nobody else was amused. “Uh, what's the matter now?”

“If you really did see Lorres Salvatore at the docks.. Naren won't be leaving so easily.” Zale cursed quietly as he answered my question. “Lorres is one of Dohania's famed bounty hunters. Often referred to as a white knight. His presence severely changes things.”

“Sister, allow me to help clear things up please.” Kelicia pleaded lightly.

This was met with a harsh yet stern look of concern and a reply that was loud enough to let those in the infirmary room or elsewhere within earshot to hear the Queen's over exaggerated statements in mock anger.

“Kelicia, if you dare try and help that boy.. so help me..”

“Or what, Chiara?” Kelicia raised her voice as the two made an elaborate scene on purpose, as if rehearsed.

“Don't push me, little girl.” Chiara snapped back in mock anger.

“I'm helping James and anyone else who needs it. You're absurd to sit there on your throne and let some pompous prince like Naren dictate to you whatever he wants.” Kelicia nearly yelled back in response.

“Then take your stupid friend and leave. Leave!” Chiara did yell this time, tears forming in her eyes as she nodded to Kelicia, Chang and myself.

Zale drew his sword quickly as the infirmary door burst open and some of the female knights rushed to see what the commotion was. The Queen strode into the room and glanced to find my allies and friends, promptly pointing each of them out to the female knights.

“Escort all of these individuals into to hall, they are no longer allowed inside of my city.”

Jace, Troy and Aurelia were all shoved out our direction into the hall with us. A confused look on all their faces as I tried to give an “I'll explain as soon as can be” look. Two knights stood outside the doors as Chiara came back out into the hall, looking us each over with a theatrical disgust. If I didn't know she was acting, I might seriously think that we were really on her bad side.

“Zale, escort these disgusting troublemakers to their rooms and report back here so we can assign guards to keep them on lockdown until after this ridiculous situation has been handled. You are all now captives until further notice. I will ensure your personal safeties until the time comes when we can deliver you to your home countries, respectively.”

The Queen turned back inside, the two knights staying only long enough to see us retreat down the halls back towards our rooms. Once we were out of earshot of anyone and the coast seemed quite clear at least, questions began to fire about from the three who were thrust into the ordeal without news of the events.

I spread my hands out in calming gesture. “We're officially in hot water. Naren is demanding Tajima's head. We're leaving as quickly as can be, the princess is coming with us.” I summed up as best as I could.

The news only seemed to rattle Aurelia, as Jace and Troy had seemed braced for these events to transpire sooner or later.

“This is about the fake assassins outside, huh?” Jace half laughed at his question.

“Yes, and the men we saw on the docks.” I replied back in return.

“You've got about thirty minutes at most to gather your supplies and any other friends and make haste. The Queen won't be able to hold Naren at bay for very long in court, especially without a council now.” Zale said as he separated us from the princesses.

“I'll be back as fast as can be with Kat.” Aurelia called as the two princesses disappeared down the hallway.

Zale turned to the four of us remaining and lightly shook his head sadly. “I wish things could be different, but if you can manage to pull this off well.. Well, I imagine that you'd be getting at least a little support from the Queen before you know it.”

He gave a nod to Jace, who returned it in kind. The silver haired, highly eccentric guard slipped back towards the infirmary. Our clock was now ticking, but since I had already packed previously with Chang, we were only waiting on the girls now. As the four of us stood outside of the rooms in silent anticipation, Vahn's door creaked open slowly.

“You sure are a rather noisy lot.” He said with a touch of irritation in his voice.

“Ah, so the golden prince is back to his annoying self.” Jace snapped back.

“To keep up appearances, yes.” He shot a glare at my friend and bodyguard.

“What is it that you want?” Jace replied back, venom seething through his teeth.

“To let you know, that you can't take Chang with you.”

“What? Why not?” I stammered back, clearly confused.

“Obviously.” Vahn, replied. “I'll stay and make sure he gets on the boat back to Kreshia. Naren isn't going to hurt his youngest brother. Besides, there is no telling what story Naren might try and concoct if Chang was missing come morning as well.”

I thought and reasoned it over and shared a slight inquiry with the group. We finally agreed that Chang should stay behind, especially with the painful reminder that he lacked an attendant. It took a little more convincing to admit Aurelia to go with us. Vahn didn't seem thrilled with the initial prospect but did relent at last. Just in time for the girls to come rounding the halls and to our group.

“You're taking the princess?” Vahn's eyebrows shot up dramatically.

“I've been banished, if anyone asks.” Kelicia smirked back at his expression.

“We need to be going, like now.” Jace said while clearing his throat.

“Right. This way then. I think I have an idea where he might be.” Kelicia said as we turned off down the hall and went just a short distance before stopping at a heavy wooden door.

She stayed silent for a few moments before pushing hard against the frame and popping the door open. We all stepped out into the crisp, cold night air. The faint glow from the setting sun just barely providing a glow of light on the skyline. The open yard looked like a sort of training ground or practice area for the guards or knights. It took a few, short minutes to reach the other end of the training yard and to a similar door as the first.

Kelicia turned around, pausing a moment before staring at each of us carefully. “The door would put us in the back halls, where Tajima should be nearby. I haven't seen Kokin since the commotion in the courtyard, so that means he must be back here. At least I certainly hope so, as we don't have the time to search for him.”

She forced the door open, similar to the one earlier and we filed into the halls. Following her lead, all of us intent to remain as quiet as possible, we went to a collection of rooms. Kelicia quickly checked them one by one, but paled as she found them all to be empty.

“That idiot.. he's not here.”

“Of course he isn't, dear.” A shrill voice announced itself from further down the corridor.

The portly, disgusting figure was easily recognizable as the merchant, and last remaining council member, Greeley. He sneered at us, stepping closer slowly.

“Why aren't you in the throne room, meeting with Naren like your uncle and sister are?” Kelicia angrily hissed at the man.

“Because I wanted to see the looks on your faces, when I caught you red handed and guilty.” He gave a snarled laugh, as his steps finally brought him just a few feet in front of us.

“You're a revolting pig.” Kelicia spat in his face.

“Now, now. I think you'll find me much more enticing, especially once I negotiate for you to be my wife.” He jeered at the princess.

“I'd rather be dead first.” Kelicia retorted back, while made him chuckle in amusement.

“Very well. It is sad to hear you say such things, but I have no qualms about calling the guards.”

We all stood there stunned and speechless, as Greeley started to open his mouth to announce our presence and have us arrested or worse. No noise came out but a garbled gasp, as the silver blade of a spearhead thrust through his chest from behind. The overly large, disgusting man stared down at the wound in disbelief before it was withdrawn with a stomach churning thwarp sound.

A black haired youth was standing behind the man. He had burning silver eyes like a full moon and a scar running near his left eye that extended to his ear. Tajima.

"We don't have all night to stand around gawking, hurry the hell up."