Gathered beneath the dreary, cloud-shrouded sun, the team sat atop their steeds, their eyes fixed on the commander as he addressed them. Dressed in their newly-minted, brown first rare guard armor, they stood proud and ready, guard swords and knives sheathed by their sides.
"Your recent pay may not be needed in this journey," Kanlor mused, a fond smile creeping across his features. "I have high hopes for the new leader of the Clan treating you all well. A very good friend of mine. Remember to report back once the case has been solved," Kanlor continued, his tone shifting to one of command, "and look out for each other out there."
"Aye, Commander Sire," the team replied in unison.
Kanlor's gaze swept over the assembled guards. "You have the map, Derek."
"Aye, Commander Sire," Derek responded, his hand instinctively reaching for the leather pocket on the side of his horse.
"I wish you good fortune in your mission," Kanlor said. "Dismissed."
With this, the team kicked their steeds into action, turning them around and into a steady trot.
The journey ahead of them was long and treacherous, taking them through the dense forests of Ozak, a deep gorge and a desolate stretch of black soil devoid of any signs of life. Only through the combined efforts of Alexander and Taven, an experienced hunter and tracker, was Derek able to successfully navigate the terrain using the map provided.
Their destination, the Eastern regions of Azma, was a cold region. Even during the day, thick gray clouds obscured the sun's rays, leaving a damp and chilly atmosphere in their wake.
Night was a particularly dangerous time, and the team had to be on constant alert. While two members took turns keeping watch for half the night, it was Liam's slumbering that led to a mischievous group of monkeys making off with some of their supplies.
Six days of grueling travel had brought the team to the outskirts of Ryue, their destination. Dense vegetation lined the dirt clearing, leading to the single-layer palisade wall that surrounded the town, the old wood showing signs of decay and neglect.
They dismounted from their steeds and cautiously approached the town, a sense of unease hanging in the air. The streets were deserted, but the candle-lit cottages offered proof of habitation. The cramped layout of Ryue left little room for exploration, and Derek cautioned his team to remain alert.
Just then, a young girl, no more than ten years old, darted from a narrow alley, colliding with Derek in a tight embrace. Instantly, Liam and Ivan reacted, unsheathing their long knives, while Alexander and Taven held their guard swords at the ready, their posture poised and controlled.
Derek, his hand instinctively clenching the hilt of his long knife, tensed up at the sudden contact. But as his gaze fell upon the child, a flood of empathy washed over him.
The girl, trembling with fear, clung to Derek, her body heaving with each labored breath. The expression on her face told a tale of untold horrors, and Derek felt a fierce protectiveness rise within him.
In that moment, three men clad in tattered rags erupted from the same alley, their faces etched with shock as they came face-to-face with Derek and his team. Spurred to action, Alexander, Taven, and Ivan gave chase, their shouts of "stop" echoing down the narrow streets.
Liam, his eyes on the horses kept a vigilant watch over the surroundings, while Derek crouched to meet the girl eye-to-eye. Her gray eyes sparkled with tears, their beauty seemingly amplified by her fear and vulnerability.
With gentle tenderness, Derek wiped away her tears, "Don't worry little one, everything is fine." He whispered, his smile gleaming with fulfillment, being here in time to save her from going through what he went through or far worse.
"They hit mama and papa." Laura, her small voice trembling, directed Derek to the alley from which she had emerged.
"I'll take you to them soon," Derek reassured, pausing momentarily as his smile faltered, then regaining his composure. "What's your name?"
"Laura," the child replied, her gaze fixed on the ground.
Derek's expression softened, fate, it seemed, was playing its twisted game.
"That's a lovely name," Derek said, his smile widening, "I once had a friend with that name."
"I'm mister's friend?" Laura asked tentatively, her shoulder slightly relaxing.
"Yes, we are friends," Derek confirmed, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.
In that moment, Liam called out, his voice filled with urgency, "Derek, unknown folks approaching really fast."
Derek's gaze hardened as he faced the six black-cloaked figures. Now within his range, he identified them as two sword-wielding women and four archers - still women, each wearing a transparent scarf over their faces, their eyes peering out with intent.
Derek remained unwavering, cradling Laura in his arms while Liam stood beside him, his voice a silent whisper in Derek's ear.
"Derek, what should we do?" Liam asked, his question laced with concern.
Derek responded in a steady voice, "Stay cool, chubs." His eyes never leaving the mysterious women before him
"Who are you and what do you want with that child?"
He turned his attention to the cloaked woman in the middle, her voice ringing with authority. Derek remained steadfast, his gaze shifting to the archers on either side before returning his gaze to the leader.
"You all are a disgrace as sworn guards of this esteem clan," he chided, his tone sharp and unrelenting.
Liam cleared his throat with a nervous chuckle, "Derek, you shouldn't really be doing that." He whispered.
"You call yourselves guards, but this little lady was almost taken away by unknown men, right now my team mates are chasing after them - what kind of heartless cowards are you?"
The guards, their arrogance faltering in the face of Derek's accusations, lowered their weapons, their eyes fixed on the man standing before them.
"Who is in charge here?" Derek demanded, his confidence unwavering.
The middle guard, seemingly deferring to an unseen figure, reined her horse to the side.
The clearing was silent, as a mature woman, her scarf now lowered, trotted forward on her steed.
Her presence was magnetic, her caramel hair cascading in soft waves over her round face, her almond eyes, soul piercing. Derek, momentarily stunned by her beauty, steeled himself against her allure.
"You must be Derek," she purred, her voice smooth and seductive.
"And you are?" Derek asked, his voice unwavering despite the presence of the beautiful and commanding woman before him.
"Sai Bert, leader of this esteem clan," she replied, her demeanor exuding authority.
Derek immediately bowed in reverence, "Apologies, my lady."
Sai smiled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Courageous, observant, and honest, Kanlor spoke highly of you, and I've seen so myself."
"I appreciate the compliment, my lady," Derek replied, his gaze drifting across the desolate landscape. "But why are the guards not on patrol, despite all that's happening?" Derek queried, his words laced with concern.
"After the passing of my father, my beloved brother chose me as his successor, causing an uproar. Many, including some guards, opposed a woman taking the leadership role," Sai explained, her voice tinged with sorrow. "People lost their lives - my brother inclusive. After the turn of events, a third of the town fled, leaving just fifteen guards. Three assassination attempts have already been made on my life, hence the reason why all guards are stationed by me."
"As you can see, this girl was almost taken because of that." Derek stood on his point.
"You see the dilemma we face. If I fall, this clan ends. If the compound falls, our history ends. That's why I sent for help from the closest Unit of Azma to help resolve the issue of the missing girls."
Derek, his expression one of determination, nodded. "I understand, my lady. But the innocent amongst your people can't suffer because of the mistakes of others. We will solve this case and ask for guards to be dispatched here."
Sai regarded Derek with a hint of admiration. "I hope your compassion is enough to help," she said, her voice filled with genuine hope.
Liam, his eyes locked on Sai's visage, appeared spellbound as he passed Derek.
"Liam". Derek muttered - his gaze transfixed on Liam, watching as he approached Sai, sinking to one knee with his left hand clasped over his heart and his right outstretched toward her.
"Permit me to be your true north, empress of my night," Liam's words rang out, his voice matured beyond his years.
Derek, amazed and bewildered, took in the sight of his teammate's sudden transformation.
The chime of amused laughter emanated from Sai's lips, her gaze turning toward Liam. "I would have gladly considered your offer," she said, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, "but you are ten years too late."
Liam, undeterred, flashed a rakish grin. "That's just the way I prefer it."
At the height of Liam's performance, Alexander and Taven appeared, their breaths heavy and labored, with Ivan emerging from a nearby alley, equally winded.
With an air of bewilderment, Alexander's gaze swept over Liam's antics before he turned to Derek. "What's going on?"
"Liam is into older women," Derek deadpanned, his eyes flitting to Liam's enamored countenance.
"From this point onwards," Taven remarked, his voice laced with incredulity, "nothing can surprise me."
"That's not the surprising part, it's how he spoke to her, he sounded like he was highborn." Derek chuckled.
His focus now returned to the situation at hand, Derek shifted his gaze to Liam, determination etched on his features.
"This battle is not over," Liam declared before his teammates, his passion burning bright.
"It ended before you were born, dammit," Derek retorted, hauling Liam away from the entranced state he had drifted into.
"My Lady, meet Team Twenty of the rare guards, of Camp Eve," Derek introduced, gesturing to Alexander, Taven, and Ivan in turn as they bowed respectfully before Sai.
"It's good to have you all here, I can see your chase was unsuccessful," she stated, her voice measured and controlled.
"Yes," Alexander replied, his brow furrowing as he recounted the events of the chase, "they had the advantage of knowing the town, very suspicious."
"Not really." Derek guaranteed, "Lady Sai has explained, certain things."
Alexander, catching on to the unspoken conversation that had taken place, nodded. "If so, I'd suggest we do a quick sweep of the town," he proposed, eager to take action.
"Absolutely not," Sai countered, her gaze unwavering. "You all need rest," Sai continued, her tone firm but not unkind. "I'll spare five guards to do that since I have you all in my company."
Derek nodded in agreement. "Agreed," he gently pulled Laura into view, motioning for his team to mount their horses. "You are in safe hands now Laura."
"Aria" Sai called to a guard, "Take little miss home and make sure her family is safe and alright."
Derek ruffled Laura's her a bit, assuring her all was okay with a smile, he took her in his arms then handled her over to Aria who placed her on her horse.
"Hiyah!" Aria spurred her horse into a canter.
"Lena, lead the others," Sai gazes at the guard by her right, "Patrol the town, let Aria join up when she comes back."
Sai, wasting no time, reined her horse around before trotting forward, signaling for the team to follow.