I had finished a mission father had given me. It had been two years undercover. I wonder if that girl still remembered me. Looking at my hair, I doubted she would recognize me. I hadn't been able to cut my long hair. After giving the news to father, I went to go see mother.
Strolling by, I hear the maids gossiping. A man dressed in our spy gear runs past and greets mother. When I am in range, I hear them talking about an ambush that was set in the forest that is a few days away. Mother stood up, shocked. I recognize a word she utters.
Castiano.
She was from that noble's family. They continue talking and mother demands a search party be organized as soon as possible. I step out and request she send me. She gave me the directions where they would go. My personal army was still waiting for my orders since we came back. I'm glad I hadn't dismissed them.
Running out, I give the orders and we set out. I try not to overwork them but it was difficult. I worried over that tomboy. I had to assure myself she will be fine. The tracks we follow show we are only a day away. We also see other tracks. My scouts report a group of mercs following them.
Not only the mercs, but also a strange beast. There was no mistaking what it was. A magical beast was following them. It meant a noble was trying to kill them. I look over the map again. It was the same pattern. Other noble families had been targeted and destroyed. I will not let the Castiano's...
I must hurry.
We move quicker, closing in. Sounds of a battle could be heard. I signal and we join the battle. I find one of the Castiano's guard. "Where is your lord?" I demand while showing the royal crest. The guard pointed towards the cliff. I signal for my personal bodyguards to follow.
We get to the cliff and are met with a terrible sight. Many mercs are dead. One lone body laid in front of the open cavern. I check and it's the lord. Spears were skewered into him. A loose fang was embedded in his stomach.
I couldn't tell what beast it was but I knew this fang killed him before the spears. I signalled for some guards to take the body back. Running in, I hope she wasn't here. Hope she was safe. The cavern was filled with echoes of more fighting. The ground even shook.
I could feel the air filled with magic being used. Following the magic should lead me to her mother. Nearing closer, the magic soon faded. It meant the user had ran out or died. Soon, we happen upon the body. She was lying on her stomach, her red hair sprawled in disarray. A large fang embedded in her torso like the other. It was the magic beast again.
I could feel my heart pound in fear thinking it was her. I blink and realize it was the duchess. She would be sad if her mother died but there was nothing I could do. Laying her mother down, she grabbed my hand.
"Please... Please help... Anemone," she whispered faintly. "She must... succeed..."
Her body went limp. Some soldiers carry her for me. Her words scared me. She was here. She was still being chased. I ran off without my guards. Anemone, please be safe!