text: [Themes: fantasy, fantasy]
  
  Chaos. The portal takes you into the monastery's courtyard. Arriving, you quickly dodge from a flying spear. The bodies of the invading soldiers are beginning to completely cover the courtyard floor. You breathe a sigh of relief when you don't see any fallen monks. The monks appear to be fighting well, but the sheer number from the mountainside is too many to count.
  
  Through the doorway to the main hallway, you see Kassi engaged with several soldiers. Their armor is nowhere as neat as Seth's, if you could call it armor. It's more like rags, with some areas of reinforced leather, than actual armor. The long hair and unkempt beards of the invading soldiers make them seem more animal than man. They fight with the same savagery that you've seen in your encounters with woodland creatures surrounding the monastery.
  
  Not wasting any time, you rush towards Kassi picking up a scimitar from one of the savages. Solely focused on Kassi, you impale the closest invader from the back. The sudden rush of blood and fallen ally alert the others of your presence. Savages on either side of you swing their swords at your head almost simultaneously. Dedicated to your training, you instinctively bend your torso backwards. Two blades fly harmlessly overhead. Recovering upright, you slash one's throat and gouge a deep cut through the other's chest. Now that you've drawn the attention of the others, Kassi picks them apart one at at time. She's only armed with a small dagger, and you realize she's fighting as if unarmed, the dagger striking the killing blow.
  
  "Are you ok, Kass?" you ask.
  
  "You're seriously asking me that? Don't forget who taught you everything you know," she says confidently.
  
  "Ok, sorry I asked. What should we do?"
  
  "I saw Brother Trevor and Seth head towards the library. If anyone knows what to do, it's them."
  
  You make your way through the hallways, fighting off soldiers whenever they come near. Though you are well younger, the soldiers fight with little technique. Their swords moves as if through water. You stick to your training and finish most with a single counter. A slight redirection of their sword leaves them vulnerable to the killing blow. You do not hesitate, even though it is your first time in real combat. You do as you are trained.
  
  After several turns, you arrive to the library's double doors. The library is normally kept spotless, but the inside looks like a hurricane hit the room. Books, bookcases, and bodies cover the floor. In the center of it all, you see Seth. King Aeric's emissary appears to be unfazed by the battle and fights alone, no monks by his side. His red armor looks freshly made still, and then you realize the entire robe is blood-soaked; it's just hidden in the red color. His twin short swords work magnificently together. They glide through the air removing limb and whole heads for those who get too close. He notices you and Kassi and begins to fight his way down toward you.
  
  Arriving near you, and still fighting off several enemies, he shouts. "There are too many of them. We must regroup at Aeric's keep. Gather all who you can and let's flee this place."
  
  "No, we will not abandon our home," Kassi states.
  
  "There's no time to argue, girl! Let's go!"
  
  Seth begins to whisper into a ring on his finger and punches his fist to the ground. Waves of flame fire from the position and sweep into the surrounding soldiers. Kassi screams at the collateral damage. The books in the area instantly light up and the fire begins to spread. With the fire spreading, you exit the library following Seth.
  
  Seth leads you back through the hallways, although in the opposite direction of the courtyard. After a series of twists and turns you end up in the meditation sanctuary. Rows of mats line the open room. A sizeable shrine sits in the center, covered with religious trinkets and sacred flowers. There are no signs of the battle here. Seth walks up to the shrine and examines it.
  
  "I never enter a building without an escape plan. Ah, here we are," he comments.
  
  Seth bends one of the candlesticks near the shrine sideways and pulls another towards him. As he stands back, a low rumble begins from the shrine. Scraping heavily, the top of shrine starts to move to the side. You can see a short staircase from where the shrine used to lay, leading to an underground passageway.
  
  "We must make for King Aeric. If the western border has collapsed, we must inform him," Seth says jumping down. "Come with me. It'd be best to have monk acolytes accompany me to answer any questions."
  
  "We can't just leave. The others need us," Kassi replies.
  
  "All is lost. We can only hope to avenge them. If you decide to stay, you will be choosing death.
  
  "I'm not going," Kassi firmly states.
  
  "What about you?" Seth asks. "Answer quickly, we haven't much time."
  
  > stay with Kassi
  "I'm not going either," you say.
  
  "Gods, you're going to get yourselves killed. Not my problem anymore."
  
  With that, Seth disappears down the short staircase. You feel Kassi's arms wrap around you.
  
  "I thought you were going to go for sure," she says.
  
  "And leave you? No way," you answer. "Come on, we better rejoin with the others."
  
  You and Kassi exit the meditation room and navigate back through the hallways. You hear battle sounds almost immediately. The fight is working its way deeper into the monastery. You run into a few eager soldiers along the way. You can only guess they tore away from the main force to claim treasure first. They don't get the chance. You and Kassi don't leave any breathing.
  
  Suddenly, the monastery's tower bell begins to ring, leaving a sinking feeling in your chest. In these circumstances it can only mean one thing: surrender. Voices bring you back to reality. The clash of steel fills your ears no more. The battle has subsided. The voices appear to come from outside. You gaze out a window overlooking the courtyard to see what's happening.
  
  Monks stand in the center of a circle, surrounded by the invading soldiers. The Grandmaster is near the edge, fiercely arguing with one of the invading soldiers. You assume it to be their leader by the way he's dressed. Instead of the ragged armor, he's in full chain mail and the spear in his hand is far more intricate of a weapon than you've run into. Instead of the generic sword, it's dyed completely black. In fact, it's the only weapon of the soldiers you've run into that looks as if thought was poured into creating it. The argument between the soldier and the Grandmaster continues until a war horn pauses it.
  
  The horde of soldiers seem to understand the war horn's signal because they move back to the courtyard's walls to create more space. Through high arched entryway, you see a platoon of soldiers enter wearing white and gold. Unlike the invading force, these ones are well-equipped. They march in unison. The large tower shields they bear create an impenetrable wall. If you had to guess, you'd bet their combat strategy keeps the same synergy as their march. The white and gold soldiers part in the center, and one of their own walks to the front meeting the Grandmaster face to face.
  
  Unlike the others, this one doesn't have a shield. A sizable greatsword hangs on his back and a full helm with two horns sits on his head. He addresses the Grandmaster, and luckily you're just in range to make out his words.
  
  "It is finished. Swear your fealty to the Emperor and you will be granted life."
  
  You catch a twinge of pride in his voice.
  
  "We serve no one but the divine," the Grandmaster answers.
  
  The soldier with the greatsword crosses his arms. "Keep whatever archaic beliefs you may have. The Emperor only demands your service in this lifetime."
  
  "I am afraid we cannot oblige. Our worldly alignment is already devoted to King Aeric. We simply cannot turn our back on promises made, despite the circumstances," the Grandmaster answers.
  
  "Such a shame. Apparently the rumors of the deady mountain monks are simply not true."
  
  With his reply, the soldier pulls the greatsword from his back and swings through the air in a single motion. The jagged blade cuts through the air and then stops. The Grandmaster's open hand catches the blade mid-air. A layer of magic emanates from his palm, protecting his skin from the deadly sword.
  
  "Not even your mysticism can protect you from the Empire's might, monk," the soldiers speaks.
  
  The greatsword begins to emit sparks as if from a blacksmith's hammer. The Grandmaster's eyes start to grow wide as he experiences the power of the weapon. The blade slices through the Grandmaster's open palm, removing the hand, and leaving a large gouge in his chest. The Grandmaster's body his the ground with a solid thud, his severed hand closely following.
  
  The group of herded monks look shaken at the sight of their leader's fallen body. The Grandmaster, the spiritual and mystical leader of the monastery, lies bleeding on the ground. The piercing gray eyes that frightened acolytes are now lifeless. From within the herd, you see Brother Samuel step forward.
  
  "We will do what you say. Just don't harm anyone else," Brother Samuel says.
  
  The soldier with the greatsword removes his helm and shakes out his shoulder-length hair. He's much younger than you expected. He couldn't be much more than thirty years old.
  
  "The Empire has no room for misguided ideologies," he states to the army around him.
  
  On his command the onslaught of soldiers commences. The sheer number surrounding the monks overpower the seasoned monks. Though an average monk may be able to slay tens of men, thousands surround them. You witness several spears piercing Brother Samuel's gut. Before you can cry out at the death of your mentor, Kassi's open palm covers your mouth.
  
  "I hate to say it, but we need to run," she whispers.
  
  You nod. "There's nothing we can do," you softly speak through tears.
  
  You and Kassi leave the window's vantage point and sneak down the end of the hallway. One of the open windows leads to the rooftop. With most of the focus on the gathered monks, you're able to silently walk on the rooftop opposite the direction of the courtyard. No sentries block your way as you climb down the outer edge of the monastery's walls. Your life at the monastery is over, and a war-torn country lies before you. The life you once knew would never be the same.
  
  > Chapter 2: Thorn in the Empire's Side
  I'm not sure I would have survived the war if not for Kassi. Fate is a strange idea. Was I merely lucky she happened to be walking past Brother Trevor and I, or were we destined to cross paths? The monks believe in a divine being. They believe this divine being has a life laid out for them. The older I get, the less I believe in a predestined path. Men forge their destinies. Life-altering circumstances are everywhere if you know where to look.
  
  I mourn for the loss of the monastery. True, I was not the model acolyte or star pupil, but the monks gave me a home. They taught me the skillset I needed to survive violence...and in this world, violence is common. Brother Samuel was a father to me. I hope he knew that in the end.
  
  My early adult years were full of adventure. Each new day brought excitement, a new opportunity to experience something new. Kassi and I were two young adults with an entire world before us to explore. We were not meant for monotony. We sought to give life meaning...and get revenge on our fallen brothers. We hunted for the men who massacred the monastery. Little did I know, I was the one being hunted...
  
  > arrive at Estabrook
  Two horses trot side-by-side along the weathered road, their riders completely cloaked. As the riders draw near to the village, the townsfolk gather their kids inside and shut their doors. Estabrook didn't receive many travelers and with the war going on, strangers usually meant trouble. The riders stop at the village's only inn. The building sporting a wooden sign with a carved tankard and bed was usually the first place people stopped. The brothel next to it was a close second.
  
  You tie your horse to a post and look to Kassi. "Not the friendliest looking place, eh?" you comment.
  
  "Nowadays I consider any time we're not greeted at swordpoint as friendly," she replies.
  
  As she dismounts, the light rain collected on her cloak scatters in a puff of droplets. Her bright blonde hair is now dyed a dark autumn red. It's tied into several loops all ending in a single tie in back. If she were to untie it, you know it would reach near to her waist. Your own has grown out considerably longer than the cropped monastery cut.
  
  You eye the white and gold sigil posted outside the inn: a wreath crown at the hilt of an upside down sword. Every town, village, and city you've encountered in the past few years has flown the empire's colors. Places that openly rebelled against the empire were burned. Surrounding areas learned quickly to post the sigil...and their allegiance. The land may have been conquered, but King Aeric's keep remains standing. Even the Empire's seemingly endless resources have fallen short in capturing the capital, though it's been laid siege for many years. No one knows how King Aeric could have survived being holed up for that long.
  
  A group of armor clad soldiers march by. Their footsteps stomp on the muddy path at exactly the same moment splashing drops of mud into their well-polished greaves.
  
  "Seems the Empire's influence has grown in Estabrook," you say after they pass.
  
  "Kind of hard to resist when your king is holed up in his castle," Kassi answers.
  
  You finish tying up the horses and enter the inn. Long bench-like tables fill the interior. You see the kitchen almost directly behind the bar. A few downtrodden patrons sit milking their cups, scattered at the tables. No one appears to be conversing with one another. The bar looks empty, save for a traveling merchant. You catch a glimpse of graying hair as the waitress rushes past carrying an armload of dishes.
  
  You find two empty barstools and sit. The wooden seat is only slightly less comfortable than your saddle. The warmth of the inn makes up for it, though. Your eyes focus on the bottles in front of you. Brother Samuel had let you try a sip of his mead once. Besides that, the drink hasn't touched your lips. Part of you is curious, and the other wants to keep your senses sharp.
  
  "You're not thinking about ordering that junk, are you?" Kassi asks noticing your gaze.
  
  "I admit it's crossed my mind. More than a few times, actually, but I need my wits," you answer.
  
  The merchant, overhearing your conversation, butts in.
  
  "Good. More for me then. Say, you two look a little young to be traveling alone. Where're your parents?"
  
  You eye the merchant. A subtle sway in his head alerts you to his drink level. The slurring of "your" confirms it.
  
  "Respectfully, our parents' location doesn't concern you," Kassi answers.
  
  "Don't give me lip, girl," the Merchant's voice rises. "I'll not be spoken down to by a kid."
  
  "That's enough, friend," you step in. You place a coin on the bar top. "Have your next on me."
  
  The act seems to calm the man, and he returns to his drinking.
  
  "I can handle myself," Kassi says to you. This time quieter, so the Merchant won't hear.
  
  "Kass, I'm more than aware of that fact," you answer. "I'd just prefer to not gather any more attention than we already have. By the villagers reaction to our arrival, we're probably the talk of the town. It's only a matter of time before the local authorities come knocking."
  
  "Which wouldn't be a bad thing for our contact to see. I imagine that conversation to be less than pleasant. Speaking of our contact, where is he?" Kassi adds.
  
  "Not sure. The message said he'll approach us."
  
  "Probably watching us to see if we're empire spies or not."
  
  "Wouldn't you?"
  
  She shrugs. "Depends. The average person probably assumes they're being watched and likely is on their best behavior. If you really want to know their loyalty, you're better off backing them into a corner and forcing them to decide."
  
  "Speaking of which..." you begin to say as the inn door flies wide open. Two soldiers enter followed by a tall, thin old man. The man's robes are fine quality. He moves with a certain air of authority, and you guess he's not someone who likes repeating himself. The trio marches up to the bar.
  
  "So this is the man selling empire secrets," he comments disapprovingly. "Take him."
  
  The two soldiers grab the drunk merchant and pull him from his seat. The Merchant attempts to say something, but a fist from one of the soldiers quiets him. He gazes towards you pleadingly.
  
  "Oh no, I don't like that look on you," Kassi whispers. "Last time I saw that look, we were given chamber pot duty for a month."
  
  "Follow my lead," you say with a wink. You turn towards the soldiers and put on your best performance.
  
  "Please don't take my father," you beg. "He's an honest man, he's just trying to take care of our sick mother."
  
  Kassi does her best to support you, although she's a little stiff in your opinion. "Yes, uh, that's right. We'll starve without him."
  
  The soldiers loosen their grip a bit and turn to the old man for direction. "Magistrate?" one of them asks.
  
  The Magistrate squints his eyes towards you. "You're too well-dressed to be related to this swindler. He'd sooner steal your cloak than feed you or your 'sick mother.' Take them as well. I do not know what game you're playing, but it's against the law to interfere with official government business."
  
  "Nice try, kids," the Merchant manages to say before receiving another punch.
  
  "Guess we better try the backup plan," Kassi says.
  
  "Which is?" you start to reply.
  
  Before you finish speaking, Kassi grabs a nearby plate and smashes it into the Magistrate's face. Shards of glass shatter into the air as the old man crumbles back. The soldiers look surprised at the sudden violence and toss the Merchant aside to focus on you and Kassi. Your right fist nails one of the soldiers on the chin. As his body falls to the floor, your knee meets his face mid-air.
  
  Kassi fires a series of punches and kicks into the other soldier. He tries to keep up, but slowly begins to fade as the flurry continues. Taking mercy on him, you knock him out with a hook to the jaw. Kassi looks at you, a bit surprised, and then draws her dagger.
  
  "Wait, Kass, I don't think--" you begin to say before she cuts downward with the razor sharp blade. Just before the blade pierces the soldier, it's suddenly stopped. The Merchant stands between the two with his dagger drawn. The two stand unmoving, without speaking for a few seconds as you take in what's happening.
  
  "You're the contact," you state.
  
  "That's correct!" the "Merchant" answers with a grin. "And you've passed the test. Man, I thought for sure you were just going to stand there and do nothing."
  
  "We aren't alone here you know," you say looking towards the waitress and the silent patrons in the room.
  
  "This entire inn is devoted to the cause, friend. They're all in on it. Now I'd prefer it if your pretty sidekick here would put away her blade."
  
  Kassi scoffs at his remark. "Pfft, sidekick? You really have no idea what you're talking about."
  
  Feeling the need to calm things before they get out of hand you quickly jump in. "Let's get on with the meeting. I believe you have some valuable information to share with us."
  
  The "Merchant" nods. "That's correct. We've a cellar in this place. Many a good scheming is done in cellar. Oh, and call me Vishal."
  
  > The cellar
  You follow Vishal through the kitchen into the back pantry. He opens a large cupboard and reveals the hidden back to a staircase below. The cellar is lined with barrels and debris. In the center, sits a single table with a map spread over the surface. Vishal kicks around in the debris and finally pulls two lanterns from the junk. He lights and sets both on the table.
  
  "So," he says. "You want to join the resistance."
  
  "We want to fight the Empire, yes," you answer. "An enemy of the Emperor is an ally in my book.
  
  "Ahh, so you have a personal vendetta then. That's the only reason you'd be here. What tragedy occurred in your short lifetime to project you into a life of violence? Dead parents perhaps?"
  
  "My reason is of no concern to you."
  
  "That's where you're wrong, my young renegade. I always know who I go into battle with."
  
  "Have you even been in battle?" Kassi interrupts.
  
  "Have you?" Vishal retorts.
  
  "You're looking at the only surviving members of the monastery massacre," Kassi answers. "We've have plenty of experience in battle."
  
  "The mountain monks..." Vishal begins to say, awestruck. "I didn't know any survived."
  
  "We've proven ourselves, spy. Now it's your turn."
  
  "Very well," Vishal sighs. "I specialize in knowledge. I know things and have friends in the most unattainable positions in the nation. I admit I'm a bit surprised, not even I knew about your survival. My friends and I strive towards the same goal."
  
  "Which is...?"
  
  "Freedom."
  
  "You might find that a near impossible goal. The Empire's might is vast, and their power is spreading," you answer.
  
  "Exactly. I'm counting on the Emperor's conquest to be his biggest weakness."
  
  Vishal eyes your confused look and continues.
  
  "The Empire is unsustainable in the long run. They have to import goods from the farthest nations in order to keep it supplied. It's gathering territory, too quickly, and does not have the resources to manage its upkeep. Eventually, it will implode on itself. I'm here to speed the process along. A shipment goes missing here, a food supply rots, an inventory tally gets miscounted. I'm in the business of sabotage, my friend. Why has no one been able to resist the Emperor? They tackle the Empire's strength head on. It's like running straight into a charging bull. I'd rather stand on the edge of a cliff and watch the bull run itself over the edge."
  
  "We're warriors, not skilled in the art of deception. How can we help?" Kassi inputs.
  
  "Muscle is always needed. Even the most cunning of plans sometimes go south.
  
  > Question Vishal
  "You said you never go into battle with someone you don't know. You do realize we know nothing about you," you say.
  
  "Fair enough," he answers lighting up with a smile. "Ask away then."
  
  "What do you have against the Empire?"
  
  "You mean besides their merciless killing all over the continent? I've witnessed personally the horrors of their conquered tribes. You do realize the Emperor's actual army, the ones in white and gold, are only a small portion of the soldiers at his command. They're his elite force and only deployed in special circumstances. The rest of the time, the Emperor sends the armies from his conquered territories to do his dirty work."
  
  "We've seen such tribes. They seem more beast than man," you say.
  
  "Exactly. They're undisciplined, violent men who get to run lawless because they bring more captured land to the Empire. The Emperor allows, even encourages, evil men to roam free and he's just as bad as them in my opinion. Perhaps a bit worse because he has the power to stop them."
  
  "Makes sense. Were you in covert operations before the war?"
  
  "In a way...my guise as a merchant is simply wearing the costume of my previous life. Before the war, I had an extensive trade network. A little favor here, a little favor there sort of thing to important people. I always know who I get into business with."
  
  Kassi rolls her eyes sensing Vishal's theme.
  
  Vishal continues. "Most people wanted to help after seeing the evil actions of the Empire. Others needed to be convinced. In the end, it's an impressive organization if I should say so myself, and we've been a thorn in the Empire's side for many years now. Anything else?"
  
  You shake your head. "Good enough for me. Let's get on with it."
  
  > join the resistance
  "Get some rest. Tomorrow we travel to the Narrow's Edge Outpost," Vishal says. "I have a room prepared for you upstairs."
  
  One of the "soldiers" stays behind talking with Vishal while the other, Yuri, leads you upstairs. He gives a nod to the waitress as you pass back through the main room. The small in only boasts five rooms upstairs for travelers.
  
  "I'm sorry, but we only have one open room. I suppose you're used to sharing a room though," Yuri says finishing with a nervous half cough, half laugh.
  
  "We're grateful just to have a roof over our heads," you answer shaking Yuri's hand.
  
  The door opens with a nasty squeal, and the room itself mirrors the small size of the inn. A single bed in the center takes up almost half of the floor space. To the right wall, a tiny desk is wedged in the corner. You walk in and place your traveling gear on the floor. Kassi lights the lantern on the desk.
  
  "Rather tight quarters, huh?" Kassi comments.
  
  "More space and privacy than in the monastery barracks," you answer.
  
  The mention of your childhood home turns both of your moods somber. Outside, you hear a stray dog barking.
  
  "It's been almost 15 years since we were there," Kassi comments. "And the Empire's strength has only grown since."
  
  "We've had our fair share of victories. Enough to get noticed by one of the leading organizations resisting the Empire. Soon the 'thorn in the Empire's side' will cripple it to its knees."
  
  "Practice your forms with me?" she suddenly asks.
  
  "Sure, Kass."
  
  You flow into a meditative state allowing your martial abilities to empty your thoughts. You aren't nervous about the mission. You have no personal feelings towards Kassi. You only know the practice. The cramped room doesn't allow you to move much, but that allows you to adjust the technique to fit the environment. Time has no meaning in your state. You finish by sitting cross-legged in front of the bed in reflection.
  
  You open your eyes to find the room completely dark. You hear soft breathing coming from the bed. Kassi. You feel on the ground for bedding and find nothing. Either Kassi didn't think to leave some for you or she fell asleep before throwing down a blanket and pillow.
  
  > stay on the floor
  While you've shared a bed numerous times, you think climbing in unannounced might signal the wrong message to Kassi. You did not need to distract your minds with such thoughts before the mission. You refocus your mind on the monk's teachings.
  
  Your physical body is not who you are. It's merely a sanctuary for your Spirit. We train the body to be a better home for the Spirit to reside. Giving in to bodily pleasures are a denial of the Spirit. Protect the Spirit at all costs.
  
  You know you require sleep, but put Kassi's interests ahead of your own. You shut your eyes still sitting cross-legged. Meditation could last for hours in the monastery, so you weren't unaccustomed to long periods of time spent in this position. You attempt to align your thoughts with the Spirit within.
  
  Your mind draws to your past. The countless hours spent training with Kassi before sunrise and after sunset. You had trouble keeping up at first, but each day you'd improve. Eventually, you arrived to the point where the training sessions were less one-sided and turned equally beneficial for each of you.
  
  Your thoughts continue to draw from your past, towards the days in the monastery. You feel as if you're living the moments in real time. You find yourself in the training room, Kassi stands your opposition. The thin pad of the mat beneath your feet is a familiar texture. She charges toward you with her wooden dagger in attack position. You easily side-step the assault, at least that's what she wants you to believe.
  
  Your step to the right brings you into the trap she set. One quick pivot brings the wooden dagger into your stomach and then gently touches your neck.
  
  "Yield," she commands.
  
  "Nice move, Kass. I yield," you say dropping your wooden sword. It falls and bounces a few times on the mat.
  
  The wooden dagger presses harder into your neck.
  
  "I said yield," Kassi says again. The way her voice deepened at the end sends a chill down your spine. It was not her voice, but otherworldly, sinister.
  
  "Kassi, what's going on," you start to say backing up.
  
  Kassi's face begins to distort. Her skin droops from her face, and her eyes turn black. She walks towards you flinching as if an unseen needle is piercing her body. Then you realize you've lost the ability to move. You try to cry out, and find your voice is gone as well. Frozen, dread falls over your body as if someone's holding your head underwater.
  
  Kassi walks up to you and stares into your eyes with two onyx beads within her skull. Her head tilts slightly. Then she breaks into a mad cackle as if mocking your inability to react. She holds one of her own fingers to your face and snaps it sideways. Her laugh intensifies with each finger she snaps. The pure white teeth within her mouth have turned to a decaying black. She holds her hand of broken fingers closer to your face. Her laugh splatters spit onto your face.
  
  Suddenly, she crumbles to her knees staring towards the floor. Her arms fold in her lap clutching the wounded hand supportively. The mad cackle slowly turns into light sobbing. You've never heard Kassi cry before, and hearing it for the first time brings tears to your own eyes. The power that prevents you from moving releases and you fall to all fours in front of her. You both sit there crying until you notice she's stopped.
  
  You slowly gaze towards her still-drooped head to see why the crying stopped. A figure, masked in shadowy wisps stands in front of you holding Kassi's lifeless body. One of its arms reveals a curved blade. The shade slices upwards and splits Kassi's body in half. The pieces fall on either side of you. It walks towards you, but does not use the blade. It places a hand to your cheek, almost as if consolation. Its touch feels like diving into a frozen lake. Then it grips around your neck and pulls you to its eye level. A slow, resonating laugh begins in your mind. Its hand curls around your neck tighter as the laugh grows deafening.
  
  You awake to Kassi gripping both of your shoulders.
  
  "What?" you plainly ask.
  
  "Your body was shaking uncontrollably against the bedpost. It woke me up," she says.
  
  "I had a nightmare, like the ones I had as a child."
  
  "I'm sorry," she touches your cheek. The act reminds you of the shade. "Come, let's meditate until morning."
  
  She takes a seat next to you cross-legged. You try to refocus your mind on the Spirit, but all you can think about is the shade's grip around your neck. You think of nothing else until sunrise.
  
  > Morning
  A knock at the door brings you from the meditation, or at least your attempt at it. You rise and answer the door. Yuri stands outside holding a tray of food.
  
  "Eat quickly and then let's move," he says. "How'd you sleep?"
  
  "I've had better nights of sleep," you answer honestly.
  
  "Heh, I'm sure you have," he says glancing towards Kassi behind you.
  
  "Thank you, we'll be down soon," you say shutting the door.
  
  You place the tray on the small table and begin to eat. It's mostly bread and cheese, with various berries scattered throughout. Kassi and you silently eat, not mentioning the events of the night. When you finish, you pack your traveling gear and carry the tray downstairs. The waitress gives you a thankful nod as you set the eatery down in the kitchen.
  
  Vishal, Yuri, and the third man, Gregory, are waiting outside prepping their horses. Vishal notices you approaching.
  
  "It's about a four days ride to the outpost," he comments.
  
  "Then let's not delay any further," you answer.
  
  The five of you ride from Estabrook. No one notices the hooded figure watching from the shadows.
  
  > Narrow's Edge
  A few days later, you arrive at the base of the mountains. On the way, you had met with one of Vishal's contacts who had a cart prepared full of freshly harvested fruits. Vishal explained you needed a valid reason to be crossing through the Edge. Vishal assumes the guise of merchant once again and you, Kassi, Yuri, and Gregory, the hired protection.
  
  You turn a bend and the outpost appears before you. Built partly into the mountainside, you immediately understand the strategic location of the fort. No army would dare marching along the road. The road's only wide enough for around 10 soldiers or so to march side by side. The treacherous conditions are too much for hauling siege equipment. Whoever controls the road has a firm hold on transporting troops and goods in and out of the territory. You couldn't have chosen a better place to attack, at least not one that isn't a castle full of soldiers. You focus on your breath to calm your nerves.
  
  When you approach the front gate a voice shouts out. "State your business or be on your way."
  
  You look up to see a woman with chestnut hair peering down at you.
  
  "I run an orchard on the outskirts of Estabrook," Vishal answers. "The Emperor's troops have kindly provided me with a wealth of business. So much, in fact, I can't keep my trees producing quickly enough to meet the demands."
  
  "Then what brings you to the Edge?"
  
  "Expansion," Vishal smiles.
  
  "You have a lot of protection for an orchard farmer."
  
  "Last harvest, one of my carts was set upon by resistance members. They stole an entire shipment 'for the cause.' I'll not leave my cargo undefended any longer. Costs less to hire a few swords, than lose a whole cart."
  
  "Can't have too many swords nowadays," the woman replies. "Follow the directions into the inspection zone. No sudden movements; our archers fire first, ask questions later."
  
  The gate swings open with a squeal. You cautiously enter into the fort. Above you, archers train their bows on the cart. Their steady hands, along with the confidence in their eyes, make you believe the woman's threat is not a bluff. One of the fort's guards leads the cart into an open area of the outpost.
  
  Satisfied any hidden attackers would be fully exposed, he pulls the canvas back uncovering the cart's contents. Bright orange, red, and green shine in the morning sun. The fruit provided by Vishal's contact fit your story. The soldier motions to the surrounding soldiers, and you see them ease up. The archers still keep their arrows nocked, but release their draw.
  
  A man with short cropped hair and graying beard approaches Vishal. "Greetings, farmer. I am the commander in charge. Will you join me in my office?"
  
  "What seems to be the problem, commander?" Vishal asks.
  
  "Nothing at all. I simply have a few questions for you. Not to worry, you're completely safe here and can leave your hired help behind."
  
  "Very well," Vishal answers. He follows the commander for a few steps and then stops. "Commander, might I bring my niece and nephew with me? They are inexperienced and must be exposed to the world of men."
  
  "They can come. Surrender your weapons to the Lieutenant."
  
  The woman who first yelled at you from the gate walks over and takes your swords. She exchanges a quick look with the commander. Vishal notices the look as well and you see his lips curl into a small smirk.
  
  "These are fine quality for people so 'inexperienced,'" she comments.
  
  "Stays sharp if you never use it," you answer with a smile.
  
  The Lieutenant grunts a reply, which you can't decipher, and nods to the commander. Vishal tosses her an apple on the way past. The commander leads you through a narrow tunnel. Soldiers salute as you pass by. The two stationed outside the office pat you for hidden weapons and then allow your entry.
  
  The Commander sits into a leather-padded chair placed behind a sturdy-looking desk. His leather armor settles against the similar material at his back. He folds his hands on the desk.
  
  "You're the first non-military traveler we've seen in months. How does the war fare for civilians?"
  
  "Good for business, bad for life-expectancy," Vishal answers.
  
  "Such is the nature of war," the Commander speaks. He trails off for a moment and then returns. "Listen, I did not bring you aside to discuss the hardship of war. I have a favor to ask."
  
  "Which is?"
  
  "I have a letter for you to deliver. My wife and kids are in a small city on the outskirts of the capital."
  
  Vishal takes the sealed envelope and weighs it in the air.
  
  "Must be an important note. Must be long too, judging from the weight."
  
  "It is. Listen, I hope I can depend upon your discretion. Do this for me and you'll be in my favor. It's no small thing to have favor from a commander in the Emperor's employ."
  
  "You have yourself a deal," Vishal shakes the commander's hand. "By the way, do you have any idea when the war will end? I much prefer traveling without risk."
  
  "Sadly, it doesn't look like the conflict will end any time soon. Luckily, we're quite a distance from the front lines."
  
  "I'm sure you get your fair share of action. This is a key location for mobilization."
  
  "Not as much as you'd think. The taking of this outpost would require substantial losses to their numbers."
  
  "There's that military mind of yours, always thinking in terms of numbers and superiority. You haven't considered a well-defended spot such as this is vulnerable to a small team's infiltration," Vishal says.
  
  "Careful, farmer."
  
  "All it takes is one poisoned apple, and you have an entire military fort at your disposal."
  
  The Commander's face goes white. He remembers the apple Vishal tossed to the Lieutenant. He springs from his chair and grips Vishal by the collar. You and Kassi start to react, but Vishal waves you off.
  
  "Give me the antidote," he spits.
  
  "I'm not daft enough to have it on me," Vishal answers. "Then you could simply torture me for it."
  
  "That's not a bad idea."
  
  "It is if you want your precious lieutenant to live."
  
  "Fine," the Commander loosens his grip. "What do you want?"
  
  "I want your undivided loyalty. You strike me as an honorable man and I'm willing to give you the antidote if you swear to me."
  
  "What's to stop me from killing you after I receive the antidote?"
  
  "Your honor, of course."
  
  The Commander releases his grip in defeat.
  
  "I swear my loyalty to you and your cause," he speaks barely louder than a whisper. "Just give me the antidote."
  
  "No need to look so downtrodden. I always take care of my friends," Vishal says. "Now we must be off, I have a letter to deliver. You'll receive the antidote later this week...along with your new orders."
  
  When you arrive back to the wagon, you see the soldiers have eased up. A couple of them are even engaged in conversation with Yuri and Gregory. Now that you're back in the open, your weapons are handed back. You strap your sword on and something feels different. The familiar weight feels off. You remove the blade and examine the sheath. Tucked between where your hilt and sheath meet is a piece of paper.
  
  "Everything ok?" Kassi asks noticing you removed the sword.
  
  "Yeah, just making sure those soldiers didn't tamper with anything," you reply.
  
  In order to hold true to your story, you leave the Narrow's Edge outpost and travel deeper into Empire territory. Vishal explained you'd spend have to spend at least a week there before returning back the way you came to Estabrook. Unsurprisingly, Vishal had people to meet during that time. Later that night during your watch, you unfold the piece of paper mysteriously attached to your sword.
  
  Swordmaster,
  
  I know who you are, survivor of the monastery massacre. Your talents are better spent on the battlefield, not parading as a spy's personal bodyguard. I happen to know you'll be in Searing Rock this week. There's a tavern on the eastern wall, Craven's Refuge. Meet me there if you're interested.
  
  Signed, M.
  
  > disregard the note
  You do not trust the mysterious note. For all you know, it's a trick to lure you into an ambush. Although you prefer the direct approach, something about the note feels off, like it's intentionally deceiving. You rip the note into small pieces and bury it in the dirt.
  
  The next day you're back on the road to visit Vishal's next contact. Vishal explains you will make a small loop, hitting Searing Rock, and then circle back through Narrow's Edge to return to Estabrook.
  
  Nothing exciting happens during the meetings. Vishal would show up, inquire status, and depending on the response, he'd issue new orders. Your revenge against the Empire ends up being a series of small attacks and sabotage. You're a thorn in the Empire's side, but the beast lives on despite your minor annoyances.