Chapter 2 - Alone in the castle

When you expect to wake up in a dungeon, with your hands and legs chained; nothing can surprise you more than a rather cosy room you find yourself in. 'Ok, this is really strange. Why, of all the places I could have ended up in, am I here?'I look around me, trying to pay attention to every possible hint, but unfortunately, I still feel a bit dizzy and can't fully concentrate.

Suddenly, I notice that on the table next to me there is a cup of water. I eagerly stretch to reach it, because my throat is completely dry, however, the sudden pain in my back point out that quick and sharp movements are something I shall avoid for a while. Yes, my wounds have already started to heal, but if I'm too reckless I may reopen the one extending from the left shoulder to the mid back. That one pretty hurts and does not seem to be done just by claws alone... maybe in a combination with a poison? That would explain the slight headache I have; my body probably needs more time to completely get rid of it.

Realising that, I can't help but wonder how much time has passed since that fight. It took place in the middle of night and now it is... 'What time of the day is it exactly?' I slowly stand up and move to the window, seeing the sun high over the horizon, so it must be either late morning or early afternoon. Then I lower my glance and see an extensive thoroughly guarded courtyard. So, this is the castle of the Lord of the Western Lands, the most powerful dog daiyoukai – the one who had defeated me. 'But why did he even bother to bring me here?'

I let the whole situation run through my mind once more:

That evening was quite busy as whole bit, I ended up having troubles with a bunch of annoying demons which whom I was "playing catch & hide and seek" at the same time. In the end, I got rid of them, however, it seemed that the blood was attracting more of them, so I had hidden my scent (one of the secret skills passed in my clan) and got away from that place.

I wanted to get as far as possible, after some time I got to relatively safer zone, however, I still refused to let my guard down – I had a strange intuition, so I remained hidden.

After about an hour, just as I thought I might release the concealing spell, I felt a strong presence. A powerful dog demon, I realised; tensing up even more when I found out he's not alone.

It seemed to be an important meeting. I overheard a bit of the conversation, it sounded like a battle strategy. Nothing that should matter to me, but had I been their enemies spy it could be troublesome for them.

I didn't want to get caught, so once more I started to back away, however, in the end I failed to retreat unnoticed. After few miles, I was caught and lost the fight, being thrown at the tree twice in the progress. However, looking back at the beginning he seemed angry, but as the fight went on he seemed calmer and – if possible - even interested in what I can de facto manage to do. 'What was responsible for that change? Could it have been when he found out that I'm from the Seigyo clan?'

Once again, my mind is like a maze, thousands of questions pumping up in my head: 'What happened to their plan? Why was I brought here? What is this lord's knowledge about my clan?And so on. But the answers are nowhere to be found. There is no other choice but to wait.

I lay myself back on the bed and close my eyes. After a while I find myself crooning one of the cradle song melodies my mother used to sing to me. 'Wow, how touching,' I say to myself with a bit of sarcasm 'here am I, held captive for eavesdropping and all I find myself capable of is singing'Still I can't help myself and let out a small giggle. No matter how strange it may seem to others, it helps me to relax.

...

I must have fallen asleep for a while because when I open my eyes again, the room is coloured by the setting sun. I feel way better than before, seems like the poison is completely gone from my system. And the slight bit of fear - which was trying to control me – is also nowhere to be found. 'Singing and a short nap truly help.'

I somehow feel that this waiting will come to its end soon. I get up from the bed, play with my light brown hair, running my fingers through it, before putting it into a high ponytail. 'Alright, now I'm ready.' And just like many times in the past my instincts are right. A minute or two later I hear footsteps in the hall, followed by the jingle of keys; one of them being inserted into the lock and turned around... Focusing on the opening door I remain silent. In the doorway stands one of the soldiers who announces: "The lord wishes to see you."

'Here it goes.'

AN: Finally managed to finish this chapter. It took some time to actually decide the backgroud of the fight, because I never actually paid attention to it before.
In the next chapter I will finally reveal the main character's name, so look forward to it. :)

Published: September 11, 2016