LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 156: Deadly Intent

You're awake with raindrops on your face and realise it's dark. Pain courses through your body as you wonder if you're on the bottom of a cliff. A figure comes close to you, lifts the wreckage off you and pulls you up. You can barely make out his face.

Xiu Ying: Are you hurt, Shadow?

Shadow: [Surprised] No... I'm okay. You're hurt though. Hang in there. We must leave before the assassins catch up.

Xiu Ying: I'm fine, just a flesh wound. We got to go now.

Your leg is hurt and rather than seeing you stumble, Shadow puts you on piggyback.

Xiu Ying: I'm sorry for slowing you down.

Shadow: It's my duty to protect you, my lady.

Xiu Ying: Who are they? Why would anyone want to kill me now?

Shadow: Who else could it be other than the boy king of Western Liang?!

It can't be Xiao Ze.

Shadow: He must have deciphered your identity, so there's no way he'd let you live.

Xiu Ying: Even if that's the case, he wouldn't send people to kill me. And why wait till now if he did want me dead?

Shadow: Because Wei Jie was there. Yo're too naive, my lady.

Shadow is extremely cold and cutting with his words, but you remember Xiao Ze's smile and shake your head.

Xiu Ying: I know it's not him.

Shadow scoffs but does not retort and continues running through the woods, searching for a place to hide. Unfortunately, footsteps close in around you in the rain. You're soon surrounded by lethal assassins.

Assassin: Time to die!

Shadow sprints forward with you on his back and attacks with the sword. The mix of rain and blood splashes on your face with a pungent scent.

Shadow: Who are you?

Shadow: Nothing to say? Not even a last word?

Assassin: Put her down, walk away and you'll be spared. Otherwise, you both die!

Xiu Ying: If you're after me, at least give me the satisfaction of knowing who sent you!

The assassin strikes. Shadow dodges in time but the blade still shears off a lock of your hair.

Assassin: Why? You're going to be dead, anyway!

It's getting dark and harder to see. Shadow takes the opportunity to duck into the woods, but looking for a spot to make a stand rather than running. The assassins spread out and whack at the branches in anger, though it's near impossible to track anyone in the darkness.

Shadow: [Whispers] You're right, the boy king didn't send them.

Xiu Ying: How do you know?

Shadow: I served in the military. I can sense they did too.

Xiu Ying: [Stunned] Military? You mean the emperor sent them?

You shudder as fear and confusion grip your mind.

Shadow: Not necessarily, they might not be following orders from His Majesty.

Xiu Ying: [Dazed] But they must be from the palace, right?

The rain's subsiding but the wind kicks up. The trees sway in silhouettes but any one could be replaced by an assassin at any time.

Shadow: Take off your overcoat, my lady.

Xiu Ying: [Refocused] I'll do whatever you say, but you got to be careful and stay safe.

Shadow: Yes, ma'am.

You and Shadow exchanged overcoats as fast as you can. You're counting on the darkness and rain to mistaken your identities.

Shadow: Keep running eastward. I'll catch up once I lose the assassins.

You're hurt and untrained in martial arts, and will just be a burden to him, so this is the best solution. Before Shadow can offer more advice, you're spotted by an assassin.

Assassin: There you are! You won't get away from me!

Shadow quickly lunges at the surprised target, who falls over and realizes it was a man in your outfit. Too bad he won't get a chance to warn his fellows.

Shadow: Go, my lady!

You take off immediately to the East. Thunder booms over you as the downpour resumes. The cold wind stings your face, but nothing compared to the fear of a sword suddenly thrusting out from the dark. Many suspects dash through your mind, including His Majesty, Her Majesty, consorts, princes... Who would want you dead? Why would the person kill you after everything you've been through?

Assassin: [Comes out behind the trees and smirks] I've been waiting. Where's the girl?

It's very dark and you can only see a rough outline. Fortunately, it's the same for him.

Assassin: Tell me where she is and I'll spare you, before I change my mind!

Several assassins converge and have you surrounded.