Blood sprayed in an arc following the tip of the whip.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh!!"
"TEN!!"
The Announcer's monotonous voice boomed out over the prisoner's screams. His cries of agony carried a long way in the cold morning air and echoed in the now quiet courtyard. The nobles watched in morbid fascination. They had never actually bothered to watch any punishments meted out before. Now that they did, the brutal reality was shamefully captivating.
It called to their basic primal instinct of survival. Several were rudely reminded of the days of war. It seemed like so long ago they were fighting for their lives, lands and Houses, yet it had hardly been five years. They shivered glancing furtively at the Ruling Lord. Was this a subtle reminder for them to behave? That he still had his mighty army and brute force to back up his power? Well, they would take heed for now but if he showed any weakness, then that could readily change.
The Ruling House's unexpected joining with House Yuan instead of House Zhang was very interesting. It's strange new dynamics called for close scrutiny. Why forego the stronger Zhangs for the relatively weaker Yuans? Lord Zhai must have something else planned up his voluminous sleeves. They would wait and see but were ready to pounce on any opportunities if any presented itself.
Did Lord Zhai really allowed his daughter to marry for 'love' or was it another of his schemes. Whether he planned to switch the Houses or not, it placed his daughter in a very bad light. The wedding was a farce now.
A muffled sob and tortured groan followed the next lash.
"ELEVEN!"
Somehow, Ghost trying to hold back from shouting out in pain was worse. It tore at Key's heart. His revered senior should not be treated so, especially not for some petty lordling's sadistic pleasure.
Something snapped inside Key, an anger he never felt before exploded and burned hot in his chest. He saw red. At that moment, Key knew he was ready to be a Four. He wanted to kill Lord Yuan, Lord Zhai and even Shuang. He wanted to kill the Executioner, the Announcer and all the nobles present who was enjoying the humiliation and flogging of a Shard. He wanted to kill everyone who was hurting Ghost, his idol, friend and mentor. His angry tears dried and pure fury took over. He wanted justice for Ghost.
He was ready to kill.
Swish! Craaack!
"TWELVE!!"
Key gritted his teeth and clenched his fists swearing to himself. He vowed vengeance on all below.
Suddenly, a servant wearing Zhang colors scurried to Lord Zhang's side disrupting his silent rage. Key glowered at the man but cocked his head to listen. It might be something important.
The servant went directly to Lord Zhang and whispered into his ear.
Lord Zhang! Our supply caravans have been ambushed!
The overdue wedding supplies? When? Where?
Yes. Late evening, on the road two towns from here.
Good. Then all is going as planned. You know what to do.
Yes My Lord.
He bowed low and scurried off with an appropriate 'worried' demeanor.
Key frowned at the odd exchange. What was that all about? Shouldn't Lord Zhang be worried or upset? Strangely, the noble sounded satisfied, almost gleeful.
YOU ARE READING
Shards
FantasyAfter years of war, House Zhai proved supreme among the major Houses to become the new Ruling House of Zinnu. With it's military might, law and order was established quickly and the land prospered. However peace was short lived. Forced to bow down t...
