Scarred

Note: Thanks for the reviews, again. Appreciate it.

Last chapter: Keith Hyaru is told to commit another murder. His target: a mother and her unborn child. However, something changes his mind. The Assassin is leading the father, a rather terrified individual, through the forests of Flourin. He assures him of safety.

Chapter 2: Three Heroes

He had average length hair, a sunny red. He was the same height as Keith, and sported a red bandana. He wore a brown robe, with a white shirt. The handle of a sword stuck out from his back. He seemed to be an ordinary person—with a sword and keen brown eyes.

The man's eyes froze with denial and his body shook with fear. Fear of the unknown runs deeper than anything else. Reluctantly, he followed the Assassin, who walked boldly.

After a couple of minutes, they arrived at a huge opening. To the man, it was an ordinary hill surrounded by looming woods; to Keith Hyaru, it was a familiar scene—too acquainted.

The man looked up at the hill. There was a bulky figure, most likely enclosed with heavy armor. Next to it was the silhouette of a woman—he recognized her as his wife. Without a second thought, he ran up the hill and embraced his wife.

"You're...safe," he said, breathless.

She was almost as flustered as her husband. Beneath her fear, however, was love. "Steven. Who are these men?"

"I don't know, Isabella, my dear wife. It's better than you don't speak. Leave that to me, okay?"

Allen was rewarded with a small nod. He took a shaky glance at his surroundings. A General, covered with armor so thick that he would not, with a million men, ever think of assaulting him. His face was old, wise, and beyond all else, kind. This enlightened Steven's heart slightly.

The Assassin had walked up the hill as well, and stood beside the General. He faced the man and spoke. "Steven. My name is Keith. This," he gestured towards the General, "is Cameron. He is head of the forces of Flourin."

The information flooded Robin's mind. "Keith...Hyaru? The legendary heir of the Hyaru lineage? Assassins in league with the Lords of Flourin."

A grim smile. "None other, but do not fret. We are on your side."

The General took off his helmet, revealing a bald head. "You have heard of me, surely."

"General Cameron, the one who commands the army of Flourin. Why do you reside here this night?" the man asked.

The General sighed, and began his brief. "Keith and I have decided upon something. The kingdom of Flourin is failing—that much is obvious. I don't mean its walls are breaking, or strength is faltering. My meaning is that it has become a tyrant city. The current Lord..."

"Narcia."

"Yes, the despicable cad. Needless to say, his ideals are intended to be evil, do you think so?"

Steven glanced around. "Yes, I do. It was he who ordered the command to have my wife executed, correct? And you who delivered the objective to Keith, the Assassin, who would commit the deed. Then, that would only mean you want..."

"Rebellion," the Assassin said. "Not open, but in secret. Our goal is to build an army capable of toppling Narcia's."

An inexorable understanding approached Steven. "You want to defeat Flourin? You're insane! Both of you! Their army is unstoppable!"

"Did I say it was going to be easy?" Keith said coldly, but understandingly. "Don't worry, where there's a will there's a way."

"What do you need from me? I'm just an ordinary person—"

"No, you're not, Steven. I've seen you out in the country more than once. You were once drafted to be a part of the Flourin cavalry, were you not?" Cameron asked.

"Yes, but I did not join..."

"That's not the point. You can ride a horse, correct?" Keith asked abruptly.

Steven nodded. "But don't call me a cavalier. I've never used a lance in my life. That's why I refused to join the Flourin cavalry. Plus, I did not wish to fight for Narcia. That would mean slaughtering helpless women and children, definitely."

"I don't blame you," Cameron said. "I would have done the same in your place. But you can use a sword, correct?"

"And a bow."

The Assassin and General were astounded. "A bow? When mounted?"

Steven nodded, blushing slightly—not that they could tell. The pitch night rendered color useless. "Yes."

Cameron was fascinated. "Intriguing. Archery while riding...where do you originate from, Steven? No spawn of Flourin would be capable."

"Me? I—"

Isabella, who had been standing silently for the last few minutes, spoke, interrupting her husband. "Steven!"

"Oh...uhh..." he hesitated. There was obviously something he—or Isabella—wished to keep secret.

Keith saved him the trouble of explaining. "Don't worry, you can keep that confidential. So, you can ride horses, swing a blade, and fire a bow? Excellent."

Cameron spoke. "Well, I must take leave at the moment. Lord Narcia will suspect something if I linger any longer. So, Steven. Do we have your allegiance?"

The red-haired man nodded.

"Okay, I'm pleased to hear it. Keith, issue him orders. We meet tomorrow at the docks. Discussion follows." The General turned his back and walked off.

"Okay, Steven...I need to see one more thing," Keith said. He drew his silver knife. "Combat."

Steven obliged, and drew his sword. It was made up of three feet of steel. The hilt was made of an exquisite wood embroidered with oak. The blade was glowing with a dark light.

The two swung at each other. Swing after swing clashed and clashed. The sparks of the brawl glimmered through the night. Keith and Steven delivered and countered blow after blow. Their skill was almost level, but Keith had the upper hand.

"You're quite good," the Assassin said, slightly out of breath.

"I've heard rumors of your strength, speed, and skill, Keith. Gossip lived up to its name," Steven commented tiredly.

They continued sparring, until...

Zip! An arrow had flown out of nowhere, and it was on fire. The small flame on the arrowhead flickered lightly. They both turned their heads towards the direction from which the projectile had flown. There was nothing there.

A voice from their backs echoed. It was one of a female. "How does it feel, to be hunted?! I have Archers in every tree around you!"

Aznboy714: Yep, they're gonna fight an entire city. fun, huh? Anyways, review please.

Next chapter: More identities given. Keith on a recruitment spree.