Chapter Four.

Entering the woods, Kipp and Arlo took cover behind the greenery, keeping an eye on Sira's movements. Suddenly, Dayle appeared behind them..

"I'll never bloody get used to that." Arlo shook his head.

"Your task is complete, you may depart now." Dayle stated.

"Huh? What do ya mean our job's done?" Kipp snapped back.

"If it weren't for us, you wouldn't even be here tryin' to nab that girl. Ain't we supposed to be rewarded for what we've done?"

Dayle's anger flared. He stalked closer, his aura crackling with energy.

Arlo stood defensively, ready to tackle anything that came near him, but suddenly he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

"What?! Arlo!" Kip tried to wake him, but his eyes widened in fear as he realised what had happened. "Shit…!"

Crouching down, he checked for signs of life. Arlo's breathing was unsteady as he gasped through his nose, avoiding choking.

"What did you do to him?" Kipp yelled.

Dayle didn't answer, instead pointing his short sword at Kipp. Kipp noticed a faint glow surrounding its tip. He shuddered, not wanting to experience whatever that was. He chuckled. "Yer gon' kill us. Typical."

Dayle didn't attack, but instead, he raised the sword and swung it twice. Kipp didn't know what was happening, so all he could say was "Ahh!" He shut his eyes, bracing for pain, but none came. When he cautiously opened one eye, Dayle had disappeared.

"Fuck…" Kip mumbled, rubbing his forehead. "Come on Arlo, wake up. We gotta go home."

*****

Sira arrived at the lock guarding the entrance to the cottage. She pressed her fingertip against her teeth, drawing blood. She carefully placed it on the lock. The door yielded, granting her access. Once she entered, the assassins slinked through the shrinking opening of the closing door.

Sira approached the cottage entrance and hesitated. She turned briefly, scanning the surroundings. Perhaps she was just being too paranoid. She took a deep breath and called out. "You guys, I'm back!"

The assassins emerged from their hiding spot, communicating silently through gestures. Tokio, positioned at the forefront, raised a hand with three fingers extended, indicating they split up. His fingers then curled into a fist, then he opened it, palm outward. This was the signal to spread out. Bose nodded in response, forming an "O" shape with his hand, while Dayle touched his right shoulder then pointed eastward. With mutual nods, they separated and melded into the surroundings.

Bose moved stealthily, finding a vantage point on a tree branch overlooking the kitchen. Simultaneously, Dayle slinked toward the cottage's rear, mirroring Bose's position.

In the kitchen, Neith tended to the pot of aromatic broth, its steam rising in delicate whiffs. The pot simmered softly atop the stove. Dinner was almost ready.

At a corner, Sira knelt beside Blu's food bowl, taking out the bag Magpie gave her. She opened the small sack and gently poured the food into the bowl. Blu pranced around, salivating with joy. Laughter bubbled out of Sira.

"Look at you, you're drooling. It smells amazing, right?" Blu responded with a joyous meow.

"I've got some dried meat too."

Sira pulled some dried meat from her pocket and tossed it into the bowl. "Here's your dinner, buddy," she said, placing a few leaves and a piece of fresh fruit into the bowl, along with a bowl of warm water. "Dig in."

"Magpie made this for you, so be sure to thank her next time."

Sira's attention was drawn to a new, enticing aroma. She traced the aroma to the bubbling pot on the stove. "Is that what I think it is?" she asked,

"Yes, dear. It's your favourite." Neith said, smiling. "I've prepared the broth and roasted beef you like. Could you set the table please? Dinner's ready."

Sira nodded eagerly. She grabbed clean utensils from the drawer and went to set the table. The utensils clinked as she arranged them. "I've already had a bowl of stew and vegetables from Magpie. But I'm still hungry." Sira chuckled softly. A pitcher of water and another brimming with refreshing juice were placed on the table, alongside cups and neatly folded napkins.

Neith brought out the prepared meal, and Sira extended a hand to help. However, Neith slid the bowl out of her reach.

"Take a seat, let me take care of you."

Sira arched an eyebrow, but obliged, settling in with fork and knife at the ready.

Neith served the meal, and the alluring aroma instantly made Sira's mouth water.

"Hey Neith, what's happening?" Sira asked.

Neith draped a napkin over her lap. "Is something wrong? Don't you like the food?"

Sira savored a juicy bite of beef.

"Mmm, absolutely delightful. Your cooking is always amazing. But, you can't deny that something's on your mind."

Neith's fork lightly clinked against her plate. "Alright, you caught me." she admitted with a chuckle.

Leaning closer, Sira said, "So spill the beans. You know you can't hide your feelings from me; I can sense them. So, spill."

Neith chuckled again.

"Well, now that you've caught me, how about a little surprise?"

Sira stared, her eyes lighting up. "Continue..."

Neith smiled, then nodded and rose from her seat. She briefly massaged her lower back before reaching for her staff.

"I've wanted to give this to you, my dear"

She directed her staff towards a high shelf, causing a black box to descend into her waiting hand.

Neith returned on her seat and passed the box to Sira. She observed as Sira's curiosity grew. Turning the box over, Sira gave it a gentle shake, producing a soft rattle. Her fingers followed the elegantly carved words that adorned the golden accents encircling its edges.

She read aloud, "Shan'gala lua mé tara, béndu n'gowé chula n'shanda mé runja fala...."

"....Kantu d'wéda aya mé n'kuta lékano pas." Neith finished. She reached for a napkin to dab at her mouth.

"Do you know what it means?" Neith inquired.

Sira nodded.

"It translates to 'Within this stone, potent power resides, yet corruption in the wielder may arise. Return'd to its rightful place, the strong shall find grace, the weak, rue.' "

"That's right," Neith confirmed. "Now, go ahead and open it. See what's inside."

Sira opened it carefully and retrieved an amulet with a two-colored stone- red and black. The amulet swung from her hand as she examined it.

"It's beautiful."

Sira whispered in awe.

She closed one eye and scrutinized the stone closely. "I can't seem to look away."

Neith said, "It's a key." .

Sira gazed at her. "A key? Does it unlock a door?"

Neith shook her head. "It doesn't unlock a door. It's a key that bestows the power of darkness to its bearer. This means the darkness you perceive within it transfers its power to the bearer, turning them into a vessel of darkness." She sighed. "But...if they're not cautious, the bearer might become corrupted and consumed by darkness."

Sira furrowed her brows, "Why would you give me something like this as a gift?"

"Because that is Bludark." Neith explained. Sira froze momentarily.

Bludark was a scared stone in Rieti; she knew its symbolic importance, though not all the details. Sira had never laid eyes on it until now; holding her people's cherished stone was overwhelming. Yet, she struggled to understand why Neith would confide Rieti's treasure to her.

Sira swallowed hard. "Neith... I can't accept this."

"You must, please. Consider it a gift". Neith pleaded. But thinking of Rieti's treasure as a gift was a tall order, even for Neith. Sira stared at the amulet.

After she finished her meal, Neith leaned back and elaborated, "Bludark is a precious heirloom, a significant stone linked to one of The Ancients. Passed down through generations, our royal ancestors wielded it in their prime. Now, as the last remnants of our kind, it falls on us to safeguard it."

"But---"

Neith interjected, "Please, give it some thought. I apologize for imposing my responsibility in you, truly. But i implore you, accept this gift."

Sira clenched her fists, then exhaled slowly. If this weren't incredibly significant, Neith wouldn't be so insistent on Sira bearing this responsibility.

"No, you're right. This isn't some joke; it's a life-and-death matter. I'll accept it."

With a slightly trembling hand, Sira lifted the amulet and gently looped the cord around her neck. As it settled against her skin, she felt the profound energy it radiated. A final glance at the amulet, and she returned to her meal.

"Could you explain further about the potential for corruption in the bearer?" Sira inquired.

"It implies that if the bearer completely unleashes Bludark's power, they might be unable to withstand its corruption." Neith clarified.

"Doesn't that expose me to risks?" Sira asked, her mouth still partially full. "Don't fret, Bludark's power is currently limited. You're safe," Neith reassured.

Sira speared a piece of beef. "But that's not enough information."

Neith exhaled in frustration. "That's all i'm aware of regarding Bludark. Even Queen Leysa, my closest friend, didn't disclose more. Only the royal bloodline can unlock its secrets." Sira pondered.

After a cough, Neith took a sip of water. "As the days pass, i feel my strength waning. You're strong. I have taught you our ways and trained you in combat, and you must continue to grow stronger."

Sira halted her chewing and swallowed, her appetite vanishing instantly. It was quite alot to digest all at once.

"Don't let your impulsiveness lead to your downfall. Protect Bludark with your heart and soul." Neith concluded.

Sira nodded.

"Thank you, Neith. I will."

"You also need to take care of yourself. Don't ignore your own needs or the needs of others. Your responsibility is to protect Bludark and yourself. YOU must survive!"

Neith spoke with urgency. She rose up from her seat and turned to the stairs.

Sira sat upright, stunned. This behaviour was definitely unusual. She had never witnessed this side of Neith before. What happened?

"Finish your meal, it's already late. And remember to clean up after yourself," Neith said, climbing the stairs. She paused at the top. "I'm heading to bed. Goodnight, Aesira."

With that, she made her way to her quarters.

Sira let out a sigh. What could be bothering Neith tonight?

*****

Having finished her meal and tidied up, Sira sank into the parlor sofa. She cradled the amulet close to her face. Its duality never ceased to amaze her. Neith's earlier warnings occupied her thoughts. Why had the amulet appeared during dinner, and where had Neith hidden it? Sira continued her unbroken stare at the amulet, drawn by its hypnotic allure. Gradually, she slipped into a trance. Suddenly, a voice echoed throughout the parlor. It seemed to emanate from all directions, unfamiliar to her ears. Sira blinked rapidly.

She saw a hand extending toward her. Instinctively, she reached out, hoping to halt it, yet it persisted. The voice spoke once more.

"Daughter of Kier!" the voice exclaimed, jolting her.

"W-who's there?" Sira stammered. The voice remained silent and the hand disappeared.

"Wait!" She exclaimed. Sira snapped out of the trance to find Blu's furry head nuzzling against her face. She giggled and gently patted its head, "Thanks, Blu." Her focus returned to the amulet, resting on her neck. She nervously bit her lip. Was it dangerous to remove it?

Unexpectedly, Blu growled as her horn emitted a brilliant blue glow. Sira leaped to her feet, hands raised defensively. Her gaze swept the room, eventually fixing on a window to her left.

"Over there. And there's more than one," she murmured to herself. She sensed the oppressive auras enveloping the house. Dropping Blu on the floor, Sira commanded, "Stay here and watch over the house with me, alright?" Blu replied with a meow.

In an instant, a barrage of glass shards exploded into the air, casting a perilous glint across the room. Bose appeared, his blade whistling through the air toward Sira. Her head jerked up. She grabbed a lamp from the table and hurled it towards Bose, who dodged in a flash, barely avoiding the lamp. The lamp shattered against the wall, splintering into fragments.

Bose removed his mask and smiled. He charged forward at Sira and struck again with his daggers, forcing her to jump backward. Sira gritted her teeth. Who were these intruders? How had they located this place? How was she oblivious to their presence until now?

The tense silence shattered as Dayle slipped into the room through the shattered window. Sira's heart raced, her gaze darting anxiously between them. The threat was clear; they intended to kill her. Blu let out a low growl, baring her fangs.

Bose lunged forward, swinging his daggers furiously, while Dayle's curved sword flashed through the air.

Sira desperately tried to parry their attacks, but their speed overwhelmed her, preventing any chance to evade. Each block sent a jolt of pain through her, leaving bruises beneath her sleeves. They moved too fast for her to heal herself.

Dayle's blow struck Sira's stomach, sending her reeling before she crashed onto the table. He seized her hair, yanking her into a chokehold. He twisted and tugged as Sira wheezed, vision blurring. Her fingers clawed feebly at his arm. The room faded to a distant haze as she fought to break free, panic and anger surging within her. Dayle let go of Sira and she crumbled to the floor. She coughed violently as she struggled to breathe. She glared at them, her eyes radiating a fiery crimson.

Bose and Dayle loomed over her. With a faint grin, Bose raised his arm, his dagger pointing at Sira. "Your aura... It's utterly revolting," he spat in disgust.

Her breath caught in her throat as she noticed the emblem on his attire- a silver wolf. Instantly, she recognized it. It was an emblem of a wolf's head carved in crystal. Silver claws dangled from it, connected by chains. They were lapdogs of the Founding Elements.

Sira's frown deepened.

"And why are the Silver Wolves in my house?" she demanded.

Dayle's face distorted in disgust. "You really think you're in a position to ask questions, you damn Rieti" he snarled. Her eyes widened in shock. The Silver Wolves were aware of their true identities. "The men from the forest.." she mumbled. "I knew i shouldn't have let them go."

Menacingly, the air around Sira shimmered as she got angrier. Her pupils flared brighter. She stood up from the ground, searching desperately for ways to explain this situation to Neith.

At that moment, Blu hissed fiercely, glaring viciously at Bose, ears twitching. Her blue eyes narrowed as she prepared herself to leap onto his neck. Bose turned around, astonished by the feline before him.

A low growl rumbled in her throat and her fur bristled. Her teeth started to elongate, tail flicking angrily behind her.

Bose chuckled, twirling his daggers "What a captivating creature. I'll handle you." he said. Blu leaped onto him, but Bose flung her out of the cottage through the shattered window using his arm.

Upstairs, Neith faced off against Tokio. Her pupils glowed beneath her glasses. Her staff crackled with energy as she deflected Tokio's clawed strikes.

Tokio grinned maliciously as he leaped back, extending his retractable claws.

"Did you really think you'd be able to conceal your presence from me?" Neith asked calmly, raising an eyebrow, "Do not mock me."

Tokio smiled evilly.

"Nobody in their right senses would mock you..." His smile widened. "....the strongest warrior of Rieti."

Neith grimaced but remained silent. She raised a finger, causing her staff to levitate before her.

"Who sent you?"

Tokio scoffed "You don't question me, you old hag." Neith glanced down at the floorboard; she could feel Sira and the other presences downstairs.

"When we were ordered to kill the girl, I didn't expect to see another Rieti, much less its strongest warrior." Tokio taunted. His smile widened. "Perhaps I should have."

Neith scowled and swung her staff at Tokio in a swift stroke, knocking him back several feet. Tokio stumbled backwards, before charging forward with renewed vigor and Neith swung her staff again, only this time she aimed it upwards and fired an explosive blast at the ceiling. The explosion generated a burst of light destroying the ceiling in a fiery shower of wood chips. The debris fell on Tokio. Neith swung her staff again and the debris grew heavier, pushing Tokio against the floor and crashing down into the parlor below.

Sira and Dayle were fighting one another furiously now. Both of them had already been injured badly from their attacks. Sira's lungs burned as Tokio crashed through the ceiling, a cloud of dust and smoke billowing into the room. She shielded her face from the haze with her arms. Sweat trickled down her forehead, mingling with the dirt and grime that clung to her skin.

The smoke dissipated, revealing the wreckage left. Sira slowly lowered her arms, as she surveyed the scene, assessing the damage. Tokio stood up,

his clothes emitting faint wisps of smoke. His eyes were wide with rage and his cheeks flushed red from exertion. Blood trickled down his lips as he spat a mix of blood and saliva onto the floor. He was injured and angry.

He looked toward Neith, who stood still, staring down at him, hands behind her back. A vein pulsed on her forehead, as she struggled to remain calm.

"Neith," Tokio growled. Neith remained unmoving, ignoring him completely, her eyes focused on Sira. Sira was fine. She wasn't in grave danger. Her expression softened slightly, before hardening again in her usual coldness..