Meryo
Prologue
"Lady Pan?"
"Yes?"
"We must go."
"Must we?"
The woman Pan spoke to was of medium height and well built, looking just like most other people. The only thing that would make someone take her as anyone of importance where the golden clips she wore on her jacket's collar. They certified her ranks as The Uka; general of the Luthian army - fear by many for her swordsmanship. By the messy way she dressed and the way her short rusty hair hung down around her face, she didn't look the least bit threatening, but anyone who knew Katsumi knew better.
Katsumi placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and spoke surely. "I have vowed to protect my Queen for eternity, but I haven't one. Instead I look to you as a Queen and must therefore give my judgement on these things." She paused, letting her hand fall and shifting position. "We must leave this place."
The young female whom stood across the bedroom chamber from Katsumi nodded. "I see." She stated simply, turning away so she was no longer facing the general. She stared out the large window that over looked the misted ruins of her once great city. Despite how much se knew hope should be abandoned, she wanted desperately to stay with the city. Pan brought a hand up to adjust the headpiece she wore. "When shall we go?"
"Soon." Katsumi answered. Pan could hear her shift nervously as though she was neglecting to tell her something important. "And Gwondoya has sent someone to speak with you." She added quickly.
Gwondoya… what could he want?
Pan turned to face Katsumi and could easily read the fear in her face. But what is she afraid of? Despite her growing wonder, Pan forced a smile, hoping it would lift the general's mood. "Of course, send whomever it is in and I'll see them."Katsumi said nothing, but she could still read something strange resting in the general's eyes. She is still neglecting to tell me something … but I will not pry… "I'll see them now." Pan repeated. This seemed to snap the general back into life. She nodded and swiftly exited the room.
Pan turned and walked back over to the window over looking her city and let out a short sigh. Closing her eyes and concentrating, she could still hear the children laughing happily as they played outside in the courtyard and the shouts of merchants in the market place. How did it all end so fast? Abruptly her thoughts where interrupted as she heard the door behind her open and someone step inside. "Lady Pan?"
"Yes?" She answered without turning. Pan thought the voice sounded male, yet she did not recognize it, nor see the need to do so. Instead she stood patiently, awaiting a response.
"They're…" He paused, looking for a way to word his problem. "Rebelling."