The third part of the night drew in as Sloane and Nine continued their night patrol. There were no signs of wolves or other wild animals other than the hooting of owls. Nor was there any soul to be seen miles away. Only thick trees in the forest grew through their leaves they were generous enough to let the moonlight pass through them lighting the forest floor.
"You worked for the dark guild?" Sloane asked twice to confirm if she heard him wrong.
"Yes, I worked for the dark guild. Both Twelve and I were assassins and were former mercenaries."
-"The dark guild is the largest underground organization. More like a place where mercenaries are hired to work for every bit of information about the country. I remember that they collect every single piece of information about each individual on this land. If you are on bad terms with them they leave no chance of destroying you be the person a noble or a commoner. Every being here is under their watch. And... they only work for money."
"What made you so desperate to join them?"
She inquired out of curiosity.
"That..." He looked at her then hesitated for some time.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it-"
"Twelve and I...we were born to a single mother."
"What?"
"I don't know exactly but...when we were young I heard her say that we were from the same father. Although we never knew who that person was. We were born in an orphanage. The orphanage had very few children. At the age of five, they were taken to another branch where they were educated for their future. We were fed well and were taken with great care. Our mother worked as an assistant taking care of the children. She was loved by everyone...But I found no reason why that person left her alone to raise us." He frowned and looked at the starry sky. They sat on an isolated log for a few minute's break. He took off his bow placing it on his lap.
Sloane's gaze fell upon the tassels tied on the bow. The glass beads reflected the moonlight giving it a mystical look.
"On our fifth birthday, both Twelve and I were collecting woods in the nearby woods. When we arrived at the orphanage, we sensed a foul smell of burning flesh. We ran as fast as our feet could take us. What greeted us was not the family...but flames that engulfed our only dwelling. I still remember the cries and the smell of burning flesh."
There was a brief silence for a moment. Sloane felt her eyes filled with tears. She immediately wiped off her eyes. But the sensation of her throat choking her did not subside.
"I took Twelve away from that place as she cried out her eyes. We dwelled on the streets of Carolus. We became child beggars who were often chased by angry shopkeepers or by abductors. During that time we were rescued by a mercenary. He took us in as his children. Fed us, trained us, educated us. When I came of age he took us to the temple where we commoners who come of age are blessed by the High Priest. We were given our share of money and clothing. He took us to the place he worked for. The Dark Guild."
Sloane flinched as sweat drops trickled down her forehead.
"Twelve was fond of him. She often used to dream about having our mother marry him for she despised men like our father. It was a few years after I entered that place for my job. I was in the intelligence sector. I...did all the dirty work like the assassination attempt on nobles. Killing, exploitation of secrets even abduction." His voice trembled as he placed his hand on his face.
"But it was all for the sake of survival. It was to protect my only family after my mentor was killed in front of my eyes by a bastard who I didn't know about. Since I was outnumbered by them, I had no choice but to flee."
Sloane didn't say anything as he continued the last bit of his story.
"After a thorough investigation, I discovered that my instructor's killer was a member of the Royal Knights."
"Royal Knights?!"
-"It's one of the factions under my father."
And looked away with guilt.
-"I swear I am never going to bring it up even if I'm at death's door."She cried out.
"Despite my persuasion and many failed attempts, Twelve joined the guild with me. She was a remarkable member who was all praises in the guild. But I disapproved of her taking a path with no way to return. To make her lead a carefree life I had no choice but to keep her from staining her hands. I decided to let her follow her passion for the good instead. This is why I signed her up for knighthood."
-"In the end, her life was brutally taken away from her."
She looked at the ground as her grip tightened with rage.
"Giving her a life she desired...I was so close yet so far. This was my greatest sin."He sighed and bit his lip keeping himself from crying. But there were no tears of remorse.
"By the looks of it. She was aware of the pure intentions you held for her."
-"That is why she smiled as she ascended to the heavens. That is what I want to say...but who am I to say this? I know how karma hits. I did all the dirty work upon that bastard Charles' orders and ended up tangling myself into the web of his schemes. As a result, it cost my own life."
"Oi, how long are you two going to stay there?" Jack stood behind them as he folded his hands across his chest.
"The sun is already out. Our shift ends here."
"W-we are coming!" Sloane called out.
"Hurry up we need to go before the commander hits us."
-"He just ruined the mood."He let out a quiet laugh.
"Nine!"
"Yes, my lady?"
"You are not alone anymore." She smiled brimming with confidence.
"Come on you two!" Jack called from afar.
"Let's go towards a bright future together."