The Ronin & The Serpent
Part Nine
A Warlord’s Rage.
Writers
IceTe3a
CharlotteCarrendar
xZephyrZ
IceTe3a: Ronin followed his sister he still could not believe it was her this entire time, If only he knew earlier perhaps things may have been different. He sighs slightly as he’s brought to think about his father ‘I found her father’ he thought to himself as a smile cracked on his face, his body was still in such pain from being beaten and chained up for so long, he defied his muscles requests for him to stop as he pushed on keeping up with his sister. Watching his sister pull herself up and through the iron bars he was next, this would hurt he said to himself as he readied his body, with one outstretched arm he pulled himself up “Argh..” his muscles were straining before he got a grip on his footing pushing with all his might he landed right behind the Serpent, finally free of that hellhole he glanced around the grounds as he caught his breath. The forest edge was so close; he could see it as he knew exactly where his horse was located. His sister started talking to him as he glanced up at her face “I am a marked woman. The Dragon will want my head, and the child of Rikken….she will want justice for the death of her father. You should take your horse, and go back to the Warthogs. I will take the north road, to the land of the Wolf. I may be of service there.” Shaking his head in denial he came to a stand cupping her face in his rugged palms “No, I just found you after years of searching, You will stay by my side; No one can blame you for your misdeeds as you were not the one to blame. The warlord is they will understand your situation, I will be by your side to protect you do not worry” he smiled as he leaned in and kissed her head. Kayne stood there as his newly found scarring on his neck still burned from the magic he used, picking up keke in his arms he smiled down to her as he knew her skin looked like nothing ever happened “The things I do for a beautiful woman” he simply stated as he made his way out of the Castle grounds, almost near Ronin and his sister, his glowing hues glance around the grounds as his eyes fall upon the two, a half smile creeps onto his face “ A brother and sister reunited after years of being apart” He left this part of the card readings out so the warlord would not know, what fun would it have been if the warlord knew about this reunion? He laughed slightly as he looked down to his Keke, he could relate to Ronin for what his goals in life where “What men will do for a female” he sighed slightly as he reminisced over tonight “We shall leave for now and rest until you are feeling better” his eyes glanced around as he continued to walk down a dirt road, he’ll find the nearest inn, barter for a room for the night so Keke could rest at ease. After an hour or two of carrying Keke in his arms they finally reached a Inn down the road, the Innkeeper asked no questions and showed them to their room, Kayne requested Food and drink be brought up as he placed Keke down on the bed gently, and boiled the water, placing it in the bathtub once it was hot enough, he dropped a few healing oils in the water as they let of a relaxing aroma of lavender “Come Keke, relax in the bath and heal your muscles” he said as he walked to the window, removing his scarf so he could see the new scar he would have for life through the reflection of the window. The warlord watched as the priests did a prayer for his dead son, so many emotions coursing through his body at one stage rage for the ones who took his son, sorrow for his son dying such a dishonourable death, Guilt he blamed himself for what had happened, if only he was more prepared he would have foreseen this and it never would have happened his son’s body was removed to go be prepped for burial “I promise my son..” His son will be given the honors of a warriors death, by fire he will have it setup for tonight. “Prepare the flame pit for my son… Give word to the public of what has happened here tonight” he welcomed all to come grieve and mourn the loss of the warlords son. Glancing around everything that Kayne had read in the cards had come true so far, He should have heard their warnings more clearly but he was too cocky to listen; now he paid the ultimate price. “I want the armies readied and prepped for a siege, any man able to hold weaponry are to be trained to the best of the abilities time gives us” he was prepping for a war, for siege to lay claim over his castle as he continued barking orders about the food storages and water supplies to be filled. Adding a curfew no one was aloud out at night unless under strict instruction of one of his heads or himself, anyone else was to be killed on sight. The Dragons army would be on his door step within any day, he needed Raiden to come back with his reports, he regretted Kayne and Keke being lost allies of his, Kayne did promise their return but to what end he did not know, All he knew was he owed the two a debt he did not know how to repay, (( More))
IceTe3a: , something he would have to discuss with the two once they return. He needed their advice more than ever right now; he was left alone in the dark, was his kingdom to fall to ruins? Not on his life, he would not allow this to happen. Raiden was sitting on top a hill, near the Dragon’s armies; Skuttle his raven perched on his shoulder watching the armies with his black eyes as Raiden took a tally of exactly what was going on. “The army is well prepared.. unlike the warlords who lay wasted in alcohol” his hues flickering across the vast encampment of the dragons army, noting the siege weaponry as he scratched skuttle’s belly, who in turn started to stretch his wings showing how happy he was to be scratched “What you think skuttle? I think the warlord bit off more than he can chew this time” his eyes glanced over to his loyal raven who knew he was talking to him through the use of his name “KYAAAAH!” as he flapped his wings, Raiden chuckled “I agree, he will choke” his hues glance down to the pile of 4 guards stacked on top of each other, a small scouting party keeping watch of the outer rims unable to report back at this time due to their untimely deaths. Under his mask there was a sinister smirk “Never saw it coming” he said as he sighed as he took a stand, he was happy with the count he had in his head “Right, time to head back” as he came to a flash stepping run towards his horse who in kind started galloping, Raiden made a speeding jump clearing the back of the horse, landing safely onto the saddle “HAR!” he screamed as he kicked the horse to gallop faster. (( End ))
xZephyrZ: The Gates had closed, perhaps they saw the Dragon coming? It mattered little (Seiyuu) “Forward Scouts, open the gates” he shot at Takana. (Takana) “Of course Young Dragon, the way shall be cleared”. With that the shadowed figure would vanish almost instantly, soon after a gaping hole in the Warlord’s hide would be opened. The Young Dragon and his vanguard rushed through like sharks drawn to the scent of blood. He could taste it, the blood of the guards who lay dead in all directions, the fear of those who would soon meet the same fate, but most of all the sensation of his blade plunging through the Warlord’s filthy throat. Turning back to his men he issued the only order they needed (Seiyuu) “Lay waste to it all, leave none alive”. With a nod man and woman began hurling firebombs on anything that would burn the fortress would be ablaze in moments, trapping them all, no soul would enter and none would leave. Swiftly the proceeded through the streets of the castle, civilians cowered in the homes while guards who tried to stop them were silenced without so much as a gesture, approaching one of the Warlord’s men he drew his sword, the guard took a defensive stance with his spear, lunging for Seiyuu as he advanced. Effortlessly the Young Dragon swatted the spear aside, relieving the man of his head with a single horizontal slice before continuing forward.
CharlotteCarrendar: – For the first time in as long as the Serpent could remember she actually shed tears. Who would have thought that the Ice Queen herself was capable of feeling? The Ronin; her brother was all too ready to forgive her for her misdeeds, but the problem was she couldn’t forgive herself. The Serpent knew what she was, who she was. One of the most hated females in all the lands. As the Ronin cupped her cheeks, pressing his gnarled digits to her cool flesh, he would see the pain in behind her eyes. Almost like she was undeserving of his pure intentions. Ronin swore that he would protect her if she stayed by his side. He had no intention of letting her go, now that he had found her after years of searching. But she was not the child in the photograph. She was a woman moulded to become the creature of nightmares. A she devil with a beautiful face. The Ronin moved his hands from her cheeks, but planted a kiss on her head. A swirling of emotions were squeezing at her very heart, as though trying to kill the evil viper that lay coiled within her. “I don’t deserve you, Brother.” Her voice was almost broken, as the words came out – an ache if one listened carefully. A few moments of silence between them and then the roar of the sounds of horses hooves. The Dragon was on the march. There was no time to lose. She knew where the horse was tied; she could see it, and together she led the wounded Ronin to his steed, so that they may flee to the Warthog’s land. :: Many miles away the old warrior was now galloping through the gate of Rikken’s town, much to the shock and astonishment of the towns people. Many that had burnt their dead, along with Rikken himself. The child bride was pummelling her small fists on the old Warrior’s back as she realized she had been stolen away from her Warlord groom. “You mean mean man. Take me back!…Take me back to my new home.” She certainly made a fuss, as the old warrior pulled up at the stairs of Rikken’s home. Many of his faithful servants came out and all praised to see the return of the angered child bride. Alighting from his horse, he then helped the troublesome girl down, who was still calling him many colourful names. “Wait till my father..” Oh, that was the wrong thing to say. “Your father is dead, Child, as are many others that were here for your wedding to the Dragon’s son. They all died too. You should think long and hard about this. The Warlord’s son was a murderer. Now you are home, where you belong. In time, you will see this was for the best.” One of Rikken’s wives came out, and ushered the sobbing girl back inside the house, as the old warrior leaned against his tired horse. “I only hope the Ronin got away.” :: Carried by her brother many miles to a nearby inn, Kekeyama was relieved to be taken to a quiet room, where a bath was drawn for her weary body. But she could not get over the sacrifice that her brother; Kayne had made in taking the scar from her neck, and replanting it on his own. She rose from her bed, and crept across the floor to where he stood. Gently, she placed her arms around him, burying her face into his back. “My brother, you suffer for me. I promise on my life that I shall find a magic to make the scar vanish.” She rubbed her cheek against his back, silently cursing the Serpent for her wicked ways. The gypsy was sure that the Serpent’s run of luck was fast running out. <3>
IceTe3a: They arrived over the hill a small handful of them ran straight into the castle screaming and slaughtering the guards unaware, The bell’s were ringing warning of attack the dragons army was attacking or so the warlord thought, the warlords small army was ready for a siege as the warlord ran down to meet them on the wall, little did he know the young dragon was already inside the castle coming through the main gate, The warlord made it to the strategic wall where it was best to fire arrows from as they took their positions “TO WAR MEN” the warlord bellowed as he pushed through the ranks of his army, “ARCHERS TO THE WALLS, SWORDSMEN DEFENSIVE POSSITIONS YOU KNOW YOUR PLACES” he continued to shout out orders his hues glance up to the dark skies, as hurling firebombs whizzed through the night sky lighting up the darkness,, the City walls were ablaze, as the firebombs hit random locations over the cities “FIRE CREWS SORT OUT THESE FIRES, DEFENCES PREPARE THE BOILING OILS AND FIRE PITS” he hollered as they all took place. Climbing up the stairs he glanced out to the dragons army as he raised his arms “YOU BE LOST YOUNG DRAGON OFF THE EDGE OF YOUR MAP, THERE BE MONSTERS OUT HERE” he hollered towards the young child taunting him, “TREBUCHE’S FIRE AT WILL, ARCHERS AT THE READY GIVE NO QUARTER” the trebuchet’s hurled large boulders towards the Dragon’s army, as the archers released their arrows into the night sky. Squire boys running around as they checked the archers arrow supplies making sure they were filled. Medics prepared to take the wounded as many had already arrived with loss of limb or already dead. A bloodied young squire came to the warlord and screamed “THE CASTLES BEING STORMED, THEY BREACHED THE GATES WE’RE DOOMED” as he continued to run away screaming the same thing over and over. His gates were left open, Why were they open?!? As the young dragon’s army started to pour into the castle he had left a choice few to fire the Flame bombs into the castle, a two point attack it was perfection expertly executed, he backed into a corner his archers watching him, as he gets grabbed from behind “It’s time to leave sir” it was Raiden, he threw the warlord in front of him and continued to push him forward “I have saved your life this night, our contract ends on the dawns break.” The warlord looked at him with fear and shock of what has happened … The cards were right, he nodded in agreement to Raiden’s demands. As he watched raiden scream out orders “MEN FALL BACK TO OUR MAIN CASTLE, YOU RIDE AHEAD AND PREPARE THE DEFENSES THIS CASTLE IS LOST” with that the men all screamed and ran away some running straight into the young dragons path others running towards a escape gate and attempting to make it to the main castle far away from this one. The warlord finally came to his senses to find himself on horseback being led by another horse Raiden was riding, they were going towards his main Castle “Good… Goood” the warlord stated. Ronin quickly took the serpent in hand as he heard the war cries of the two armies “Come, I will not take no for an answer” he pulled her along behind him forcefully as they snuck through the darkness to the single horse left Behind, he looked around to make sure no one was following them “We will ride to Rikken’s old place, which is now the young ladies, no one will come after you I promise” he said as his hands gripped her waist, throwing her in the saddle he swung up behind her, this was more to make sure she had no choice but to follow his commands, he would not let her out of his sight “I do not care what you have become, nor what you have done young sister; Whatever path you may lead in life I will follow without question, My life is in your palms. But for now we will regroup back at Rikkens” as he kicked the horse it went off into a gallop
IceTe3a: “I Promised our father, on his deathbed I would return you to my arms, My entire life has been for but this one reason” he said as he held her close in his arms, his hands gripping the reins of the horse making sure it stay on trek. A sigh of relief and a tear from his eye rolling down his cheek as it dropped down and hit his sisters shoulder, he did not notice he was tearing up more lost in the moment as he had a smile like the none anyone has ever seen upon his face.
IceTe3a: Kayne was looking at his scar as Keke wrapped her arms around him, he could feel her face in his back as she promised she would find a way to remove the scar apologizing, he smiled lightly as he turned to face her, his back now leaning against the window, his chin resting on her shoulder as he softly kissed her neck “Darling Keke, you do not need to apologize, do not worry about the scar, It’s manly for a man to have a scar, I wear it with pride darling” he said as he wiped her face, clean his hues casually glancing into hers with delight you could see how sincere he was about what he had said, as the innkeepers cabin boy came in and dropped in two plates of mixed meat and fruit, with a bottle of wine and two cups. Gently leading her to the bath he smiles as he encourages her to take a warm soothing bath, walking to the tray of fruit he picked up a bunch of grapes, taking one off he placed it in his mouth and chewed as he casually walked back and sat at the head of the bath facing towards the wall, just where he could see her head popping out of the bath and nothing more “Come, try the grapes you are famished im sure” Raiden was on the borders of the castle, watching the two have at it “Im late” he said as Skuttle crowed, Raiden pushed skuttle to fly as he pointed to the castle “Go my friend be safe and find me afterwards” he quickly dismounted and slapped the horses ass forcing it to gallop off into the distance away from danger.. “Good…” he said as he glanced around slightly, walking into the shadow of the wall he disappeared into the darkness. The warlord was up on the Wall’s shouting and barking orders as Raiden appeared from the shadows near him grabbing the warlord from behind, he simply says “It’s time to leave sir “ he threw the warlord infront of him and continued to push him forward “I have saved your life this night, our contract ends on the dawns break.” The warlord looked at him with fear and shock Raiden saw the warlord nod in agreement to his demands. “MEN FALL BACK TO OUR MAIN CASTLE, YOU RIDE AHEAD AND PREPARE THE DEFENSES THIS CASTLE IS LOST” with that the men all screamed and ran away some running straight into the young dragons path others running towards a escape gate and attempting to make it to the main castle far away from this one. “Such cowards..” he simply stated, he noticed the warlord was in some kind of blind shock he had no choice but to lead him to a set of horses not far away, quickly he ordered the warlord onto the first one, who did what he was asked “So suggestible of you” he said as he jumped on his horse, grabbed the reins of the warlords horse and rode off to the larger and more defendable castle further in the warlords lands “GO MEN, PUT WEAPONS AWAY! RUN ON BACK TO DEATHMOURE’S CAVE” Raiden shouted as he knew just what was waiting for them, in the old warlord’s main castle. “I Promised our father, on his deathbed I would return you to my arms, My entire life has been for but this one reason” he said as he held her close in his arms, his hands gripping the reins of the horse making sure it stay on trek. A sigh of relief and a tear from his eye rolling down his cheek as it dropped down and hit his sisters shoulder, he did not notice he was tearing up more lost in the moment as he had a smile like the none anyone has ever seen upon his face. Kayne was looking at his scar as Keke wrapped her arms around him, he could feel her face in his back as she promised she would find a way to remove the scar apologizing, he smiled lightly as he turned to face her, his back now leaning against the window, his chin resting on her shoulder as he softly kissed her neck “Darling Keke, you do not need to apologize, do not worry about the scar,
IceTe3a: manly for a man to have a scar, I wear it with pride darling” he said as he wiped her face, clean his hues casually glancing into hers with delight you could see how sincere he was about what he had said, as the innkeepers cabin boy came in and dropped in two plates of mixed meat and fruit, with a bottle of wine and two cups. Gently leading her to the bath he smiles as he encourages her to take a warm soothing bath, walking to the tray of fruit he picked up a bunch of grapes, taking one off he placed it in his mouth and chewed as he casually walked back and sat at the head of the bath facing towards the wall, just where he could see her head popping out of the bath and nothing more “Come, try the grapes you are famished im sure” Raiden was on the borders of the castle, watching the two have at it “Im late” he said as Skuttle crowed, Raiden pushed skuttle to fly as he pointed to the castle “Go my friend be safe and find me afterwards” he quickly dismounted and slapped the horses ass forcing it to gallop off into the distance away from danger.. “good…” he said as he glanced around slightly, walking into the shadow of the wall he disappeared into the darkness. The warlord was up on the Wall’s shouting and barking orders as Raiden appeared from the shadows near him grabbing the warlord from behind, he simply says “Its time to leave sir “ he threw the warlord infront of him and continued to push him forward “I have saved your life this night, our contract ends on the dawns break.” The warlord looked at him with fear and shock Raiden saw the warlord nod in agreement to his demands. “MEN FALL BACK TO OUR MAIN CASTLE, YOU RIDE AHEAD AND PREPARE THE DEFENSES THIS CASTLE IS LOST” with that the men all screamed and ran away some running straight into the young dragons path others running towards a escape gate and attempting to make it to the main castle far away from this one. “Such cowards..” he simply stated, he noticed the warlord was in some kind of blind shock he had no choice but to lead him to a set of horses not far away, quickly he ordered the warlord onto the first one, who did what he was asked “So suggestible of you” he said as he jumped on his horse, grabbed the reins of the warlords horse and rode off to the larger and more defendable castle futher in the warlords lands “GO MEN, PUT WEAPONS AWAY! RUN ON BACK TO DEATHMOURE’S CAVE” Raiden shouted as he knew just what was waiting for them, in the old warlord’s main castle.
xZephyrZ: Further they went, in to the castle, to the Warlord, but they had not gone unnoticed. The Warlord’s underlings rushed to the defence of their lord, before he knew it they were met by a hail of arrows and boulders, (Seiyuu) “TAKE COVER!” he yelled, he would not see any more death, not of the people close to him. Thankfully they were able to take cover in nearby buildings. Swordsman now rushed at them, archers continued to fire, but this would do little to halt his advance. (Seiyuu) “ADVANCE CAREFULLY, I WOULD SEE NONE OF YOU DIE TONIGHT!” he yelled, The Eyes would hear him, they always did, and they were the family he never had, their bonds running deep. The Young Dragon continued to move forward, slaying one petty soldier after another. Surprise now being lost he flicked the pistol on his belt in to action, turning on the ball of his foot just in time to slay an archer bent on killing the Young Dragon himself. He moved further forward, the Eyes of the Dragon not far behind him, a few had been injured in the melee, and some even seriously, and skills alone did not win you the day in this kind of situation. Noticing this he gave one final order (Seiyuu) “GET THE INJURED OUT, SCOUTS, YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!” Moving further still the Young Dragon was just outside the keep itself, felling another who had not even been paying attention to him. The Warlord was nowhere to be found though; little did he know the Warlord had escaped his grasp. More of the Warlord’s endless minions poured out of the keep in front of him (Seiyuu) “WHERE IS HE?! WHERE IS THAT PUTRID FILTH YOU SCUM CALL LORD?!” he spat, it was clear his own skill level was far above their own and numbers were no guarantee they would come out alive. Knowing he would be all but doomed one replied (Soldier) “HA! You fool! Our lord is no longer among us, your efforts are wasted! We will all burn together!” Gone? How? By what sorcery did he escape? It was the perfect opportunity; the fortress had been all but sealed, the Warlord’s men drunken. “Naivety!” he cursed under his breath, he had been blinded by his own rage, far too hasty, of course there were other exits, and of course the Warlord would not be so stupid! He grossly underestimated his opponent. (Seiyuu) “CURSE IT ALL!” A blade passed inches away from his face, another streaking for his chest, throwing his body back it passed over him. From this position he raised his right arm and fired, hitting his mark without any margin of error. Two more charged in one swiping at his legs the other cutting down toward his neck, letting his body follow through from the previous movement the Young Dragon fell backwards throwing his blade toward the man looking to cleave his neck in two, the other blade found mark down his right calf. (Seiyuu) “AGH” Seiyuu screamed out in pain, his frustration built. This violence was meaningless, had he spent those years away tempering his sole to become a bloodthirsty animal when he could not get to grips with one man? It was clear they had no further business being here. The Young Dragon reached for a small pouch by his waist, throwing Dragon Fire at the remaining men so as to cause a flash of fire, meant to temporarily stun and blind them. (Seiyuu) “FALL BACK, FALL BACK ALL OF YOU! DAMN IT ALL!” The world crumbled around him, his life, his past, his future, all of it burning just as the Warlord’s fortress did around him. Just as they had sped to battle the Eyes of the Dragon fled, leaving the fortress in ruin and many of his men dead, but not a scratch on the man himself. There was no choice for him now, there could only be War.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Thrown onto the horse by her brother, The Ronin; The Serpent had little choice but to accept the situation as it stood. The Ronin had made a vow and promise on his father’s death bed, that he would one day find his lost sister and when he did he would never release her from his arms again. As the horse galloped away from the Warlord’s lands, the Serpent could only think of the dangers that were now looming against them. As it stood, she was wanted not just by the Dragon’s Empire, but also by the Warlord. She had killed leaders of their people, and that was a crime that would not go unpunished. No matter what the Ronin said about being able to protect her, she had doubts he could stop entire armies for coming for her head. Riding to Rikken’s; a land with no army to speak of, and little in the way of defences seemed foolhardy. Feeling the press of the Ronin’s chin on her shoulder as they rode on, she knew he would keep true to his word but the cost would be great. In the blink of an eye the Serpent’s world had been turned upside down, and she was having trouble adjusting to this. One cannot simply stop being what they are, even in finding her lost brother. No doubt when those that sought her head would come, she would fight to the death, and perhaps then restore honour to her name. At the moment, she felt she had none at all. As the horse sped on, the cool of the air of night invigorated the Serpent’s senses keeping her from falling asleep whilst in the saddle. She wondered of her brother’s plan when he reached the lands of the Child bride of Rikken. She hoped he would be astute in his cunning, and have the foresight to see the dangers that lay ahead. :: In the small room at the Inn, Kayne and Kekeyama were sharing a quiet moment, as the young gypsy felt the weight of blame for her brother’s disfigurement. Her eyes rimmed with tears, as he assured her that he considered a scar to be a mark of honour for a man. But still, she could only see him as being harmed and Kekeyama found that difficult to accept. The bath that had been prepared was giving off steam and it did look so inviting, that Kekeyama removed her silken gown, letting it pool to the floor at her feet. Tender steps taken and the naked gypsy girl sunk into the bath’s depths letting her head go under, only to have it bob up again, with her face cleansed by the oil rich waters. She reached for a sponge and started to rub it across her skin, adding a soap to the mix so that she worked up a lather, paying attention to her shoulders and upper back. Reaching from within the tub, Kekeyama took up a chalice and sipped it quietly, as she regarded her brother thoughtfully. What would be their next move from the Inn? Surely the Warlord was in deep, with the Dragon Empire ready to attack. Where did they now stand? Allies in counsel, or enemies? Setting down the chalice again, she rested her forearms on the side of the tub, her skin glistening. “What do the cards say, my darling Brother?” <3>
IceTe3a: Dawn was almost upon them as Roning and his sister rode for Rikken’s estate, the horse working overtime carrying them both, he’d be tired after this one that was for sure. He wondered how faired the Warlord, not caring if he lived or died but Ronin would much rather kill the warlord himself, for stealing his sister away from him, but at this moment in time all that mattered was that she was with him “Ayame I did not mean to show such little respect for your opinion, I know you are hunted, but So am I as of now. There was no real reason for us to split apart once more” he smiled as he knew he was right, they were making good time as they pass the border onto the Dragon’s lands “When we get to Rikken’s stick close to me, I will explain your situation if they wish to accept me they must accept you” he fell silent for the rest of the trip Just as they arrived back into the town of Nagoya, the horse at this stage came to a walk as they approached Rikkens estate, he jumped off the horse leading the horse behind him with his sister riding ontop. A guard took a glance at the female, as he screamed “THE SERPENT” he came dashing forward towards Ronin not expecting ronin to attack, Ronin’s brows furrowed as he growled “ Her name is Ayame…” with his right arm Ronin grabbed the man by the neck “Lay a finger on her, See what happens” he squeezed the man’s neck tight before shoving him to the ground “ Go get me the warhorse, Tyunayoshi” he stated as the guard glanced from the serpent to Ronin before running off shouting Tyunayoshi’s name Kayne sat there as his sister stripped down to her skin, slowly sinking into the bathtub he smiles lightly as she sips the wine, Plucking off a single grape he raises it to her lips gently pressing it against them “I need not seek the cards to see this future Keke, The warlord will fail in his Endeavour, Ronin will have his day” His hues started glowing a dark orange as he glanced into hers “ The young dragon will take back what was rightfully his and finally prove his worth to his title amongst his men, as for you and me our paths are clouded from me” he smiled lightly as he continue to stare into her beautiful eyes. Finally reaching the gates of the main castle, far into the warlords lands his army was ready for war, archers on a split shift spread across the high and thick walls, the double barred iron gates constantly guarded by a small patrol of warriors, kept closed at all times to block entry to the wooden gate behind. On the outer of the castle walls the encampment of his footsoldiers were prepping for war as it looked like a giant tent city out here. Raiden rode himself and the warlord into the castle, just as dawn broke, Dismounting he glanced over to the warlord “I have fulfilled my contract, Our paths end here warlord. I wish you luck in your endeavors” turning on the ball of his foot, he did not wait to hear out the warlords plea or thank’s as he disappeared into the crowd of the city. : The warlord dismounting from his horse was approached by Raiden who laid claim to the fulfillment of his contact before disappearing from sight, Not giving him a chance to plea a second contract he had just lost one of him most skilled warriors. “I want the gates guarded and closed at all times, No one enters or leaves. Gather my war council I will see them in the strategic room” he barked to the guards as the scattered off. This was where he made his last stand, where he would finally rid the world of the very last son of the dragon. But he had no one at his side anymore, Who would he council now.
