"The lotus band are moving in the west. But they will be camping at Mt. Sije tonight. Our ally also heard that they will be having an audience with the region's governor the next day." Asher relayed what their lookout reported just now.
"Prepare our men. we will raid them tonight." Liam casually answered.
"Eh? Tonight?" Asher creased his brow. "How about the ladies? Are we going to leave them here?"
"Do you want to take them with us?" he sarcastically answered. "Well, if they can fight then why not."
Asher suddenly sighed. he thought Liam must have softened his heart towards the poor foreigner but guess he was wrong. leaving the ladies here at the top of the mountain? Aren't they heartless?
"Assigned someone to stay with them and make sure to send them back early morning."
Ah, so he still keeps a bit of his conscience then. Asher smirked.
Meanwhile, Yana had been sweating profoundly while in bed. Guess she was having a nightmare. She was having a hard time breathing and her body was feeling numb.
"Ah, please someone help! I believe I am shouting but on the dark cold room, no one seems to hear me."
"Mom… a tear escape from my eyes, then suddenly, I woke up drenched with sweat. The room was dark but a bit of the moonlight have penetrated the small window. I stood up weakly and opened the door, then walked down the staircase and went to the kitchen. I need to drink some water to cool down myself..."
"It's 1am. I saw the time from the big wall clock. That nightmare… why did it came back after how many years... It was a dream which I hated since I was young. people pointing their hands on me, some was plotting to kill me. one time, I am being chase then the next time, someone was drowning me. worst, I always felt someone strangling me. it was so real that I couldn't figure out whether I am still dreaming or not....."
"I took a cup and fill it with water, then I swallow it at once. I am actually lost in my thoughts when I suddenly heard some clutters in the living room. I could hear heavy footsteps along the hallway too. Who would it be? I slowly trek the way to the living room and I was a bit shock to see all the men fixing their outfit. looks like they are going on a hunt."
A hunt? I creased my brow. at this time? everyone was busy tucking their weapons so they didn't notice me standing beside the door post.
"Is everyone ready?" I heard Liam spoke. "Let's go then." He said.
"Liam?" I don't know what's gotten in me that I call out his name. surprise was visible on his face as well as the others.
"Go back to sleep." He casually voiced.
"Where are you going?" I walk towards them. I can feel Liam's annoyance but I still want to ask. Why do I feel like they'll do something reckless tonight? Am I worrying, perhaps?
I saw him heaved a sigh. "We're going on a mission." I heard him.
"Oh okay. when are you coming back?"
I know I've been asking a lot but I can't help it. then I saw him motioned the others. Guess they already know what he meant because they went out at once. we were left standing opposite each other. I was touching both my arms since the cold breeze of the night seemingly penetrated my body.
I am looking up to him but he is looking at the moon outside the window. That time I realize that I am just his shoulder level.
Also, that moment, I realize that I am still wearing his shirt. Then all at once, my memories about what happen yesterday resurface. I got to have a moment with him!
As soon as the men went out the house, he looked at me in the eyes. I stared at him back and for a couple of minutes, we stayed like that under the shade of the moonlight. Ah, the atmosphere… it's kinda… romantic? Then I bit my lower lip in awkwardness. My mind is running wild as of the moment. can you believe me when I say I wanted to embrace him? and kiss him?
"We're not coming back." he finally speak up. "make sure to go back to the lodge as soon as tomorrow morning."
Eh? I felt my heart sting a bit. He's going to ditch me again. Does he dislikes me that much? I glowered but I am not sure if he notice it since he turn around as soon as he voiced his thoughts.
"Liam." I called out when I sense that he is about to walk out the door. He halted. "Please be careful." I smiled. But then he emotionlessly went on his way.
I followed him outside, but I chose to stay at the door. I want to see them off, at least. Then as soon as Liam rides on his black horse, everyone got on their own horses and followed him. the others looked back but Liam didn't even bother. Ah, why should he? I pouted before going back inside.
Meanwhile, Liam was feeling a bit edgy. Something within him is perturbed but he doesn't know why. is it the sadness that he saw from the woman's eyes earlier? not sure though, so he decided to shrug off that thought. he needs to concentrate on their mission.
"Are you okay, Liam?" Asher went beside him.
"Yeah. Guess I was just a little tired." He replied.
"You sure that's the reason?" Asher started to tease the man.
Of course, Liam knew what he was pointing out so he glared at him.
"Don't even start it."
"Fine." then Asher chuckled teasingly.
They stop at an elevated hill and make sure to tie their horses. Then they move into an area where they could see some campers. The Lotus group! It's without doubt. Vigilantly, the group move closer.
Liam observes the surrounding. There are at least five men guarding everyone, but their main concern is to find the location of their goods and treasures.
The Lotus group was known to be one of the ruthless goons stealing from the market peddlers and extorting money from the poor. However, the current government couldn't stop their reign since the officials are benefiting from them too. The chief leader of the lotus band have connections, therefore, they continued extorting from the poor.
And Liam hated it. if only the king listens to his people's cry then this kind of reign will end.
Well, if the kingdom can't do anything about it, then he, the shadow knights' leader will end it in his own way. Though he was not planning to annihilate them yet but crippling them would be the best thing to do right now. he will show them how it feels to be empty-handed. He wants to show them that someone is ahead of them.
Then he cued his team to be prepared. Therefore, everyone put on their masks. Then at the count of 1-2-3, they saturated the camp without getting any attention.
******
"What?! what did you say?!" the governor of Rouen yelled in frustration. The news about the lotus group is the main topic in every region. How come? Who dares to steal from the lotus group? That man or group must have a death wish cause no one even dares to touch that powerful team.
"Y-you heard it correct, master Randy, the group lost all their goods and treasures while they were at Mt. Sije." The servant is trembling after he reported the news to his master. The old man is pretty upset since today will be the day he will get his share. Ah, his silvers and golds, it banishes like thin air.
Or maybe, the chief leader was lying? Is he? Maybe he wanted to secure the treasures alone. That thought aggravated him even more.
"But who did it?" he asks.
"No one saw them, Master. But according to the guards that night, it was some unknown group with their mask on. but they were moving like shadows."
"You mean the shadow knights again?" he raises his brow in annoyance.
"That's what everyone is saying."
"If that unnamed group was able to infiltrate the Lotus group without any problem then I think I need to find them." he grinned evilly. "Tell our men to get some more information about this shadow group. I want to meet them personally." He orders.
"Yes, Master." Then the servant left his presence.
"I might as well use them for my advantage if that's the case." Then the old man laughs evilly. Anyone who hears him will definitely know that he has some malicious intent within him.