Chapter 6: Sacrifice
I sat slumped against the wall of my prison, listening to the faint bustle of the market in the distance that filtered through the prison window. A few leaves made their way into my cell as the warm wind swept them from the whetstone ground that lined the inner court. I tilted my head back and sighed heavily, closing my eyes. I just wanted to clear my mind and enjoy the refreshing current of air.
"I'll take over from here, captain Beatrix has asked for you to gather at the round table." I heard Maxell heave himself onto his feet and leave briskly. I could hear the new guard shuffle along as he investigated the prison ward, the only sound in this hollow silence. "Sir Aki. How are you today?" I slowly let my head fall back into its regular position and opened my eyes to see the hunter who had supposedly shot my leg. I was not even angry at him because there was no point in wasting my energy. "You know, Riyu is safe so wipe that sulky look off your face." My head jolted up to give him a questioning look. "That's right. She's safe. She's back in Morroc, probably enjoying some fine dining for a job well done." Now he was beginning to pull me at the limit of my tether. "Do you want to see her?" That caught me off guard.
"What the hell do you mean 'do I want to see her?'" I was pretty stirred up now. "What does Sesshomaru want with me."
"Hey, there's no reason to be disrespectful to master Sesshomaru now. I'm offering you an exclusive chance – the chance to be free." My shoulders relaxed when I heard that word. Such a short word could hold so much meaning. "I know you know nothing comes without a price in this world, so I'm going to tell you what master Sesshomaru is asking of you. It is such a small price to pay for your freedom. All he asks is that you take as many knights as you can away from Prontera. He is willing to provide them sanctuary in Morroc if necessary."
"What foolishness is this? You think I would take refuge with my fellow men in the enemy's territory? Besides, what makes you think I have followers?" I did want to hear his offer. Call me selfish, but it would not hurt to hear him out.
"You know full well the extent of your influence. You reputation in Prontera has built you a throng of fanatics. Even as we speak there are many knights and swordsmen who have learned of your so-called betrayal and refuse to believe it. You have many loyal men behind you, sir Aki. Take them away from the ensuing bloodshed – I know you do not want them to die." The hunter began to pace in front of my cell. "It comes to no surprise that Prontera has learned of Glast Heim's plan to attack, but they are unaware that they have the support of several guilds. The assassin's, rogue's, alchemist's, sage's, and yes, the hunter's guild. Master Sesshomaru is not foolish and he is obviously using Glast Heim to help him invade Prontera for his takeover. He just wants to establish a new order, with as little bloodshed as possible and he would appreciate it if you could help him save lives! He's not asking you to choose sides; he just wants you out of the picture. Fair enough for someone on death row, no?"
I had to admit, the offer was very tempting indeed. I wasn't being asked to do anything ethically wrong. Master Sesshomaru definitely is a persuasive person. If I refused, I would die and those knights would die in battle as well. If I accepted, I could stay alive and save those men. I could even try to stop Sesshomaru with my small group, or at least hinder his plans. The choice seemed obvious. "Let me out. Get me out of here."
The hunter smiled. "Lord Silver and master Sesshomaru will be very pleased with your decision. However we have to make it look like an authentic jailbreak. You don't mind do you? It's not like any further charges will result in anything when Prontera is taken over."
"Sure, whatever. Let me out." I said, getting to my feet. The hunter slid an arrow out from his quiver.
"Don't' worry, I'm not going to shoot you. . . again that is." He smirked and picked the lock with the arrowhead. He swung the door open and I cautiously walked out. As I turned around I saw the hunter undressing himself. I turned away to avoid the homosexual situation but as I heard his tights thrown on the floor, he called out my name. Please do not be naked! I turned around and the hunter was in his long johns, and before I could think anything, he held the arrow out to the side and with a sad smile, he thrust the arrow through his neck. He made no sound, so the noise of the arrow tearing through his throat was only amplified in the echoes of the ward. The blood splattered on the wall and ground before his lifeless body collapsed. A gruesome corpse he left behind, but I was not unfamiliar with the sight. I was unfamiliar with suicide however.
"Now you know how loyal my followers are." I spun around to see Lord Silver leaning against the prison warden's table, legs crossed. "Take his clothes and put them on. We're going for a walk!" The joyful tone in his voice was unnerving.