Shards

Chapter 73 - Dusk

Lord Zhang hurried back to his rooms to 'receive' reports of his ambushed goods. Once inside, all doors and windows were tightly shut. His loyal guards moved to their positions wordlessly. Taking a moment outside Xi Xiu's doors, Xi Xuan paused long enough to calm himself down, suppressing the burning fury he felt at Ghost's unfair flogging. He had to be strong for his baby sister. Taking a deep breath, he open the doors to her chambers.

When Xi Xiu saw her brother's grave face, she burst into tears. They really did go through with Ghost's punishment ... going through, she realized, the whipping was still ongoing. With a cry of despair, she ran to Xi Xuan hugging him tightly and burying her face in his chest.

"It's not fair! It's not fair! How could they? He did nothing wrong!"

"Shhh, shhhh. I know. Our spies confirmed Lady Shuang was lying. Ghost did not take advantage of her," he murmured hugging his sister gently back and stroking her hair. "She lied to save herself."

"I hate politics!! I hate her!!"

Xi Xiu knew enough of House politics and economical governance to understand the bigger picture. Lady Shuang had been caught in between two hard choices and resorted to self preservation. Ghost was just casualty caught in the middle of a lordling's jealous rage and perhaps a move by him to test his newfound powers? Still her knowledge and understanding of such things did not prevent her from her emotions.

"I hate Lord Yuan," she sobbed. "And that lying maid!"

"Shhh, Xiu Xiu," he comforted her calling her by her nickname. "It'll be o'kay. Our information says Lord Zhai needs to keep Ghost alive," he continued over the top of her head. "Don't worry, he will survive. He won't die. I won't let him!" he added fiercely.

After a few minutes, Xi Xiu pushed away sniffling. "Gege, I want to see him."

It was risky but Xi Xuan understood. She was afraid she might never see him again if she did not take the chance now. After this, Ghost might either be returned as an invalid to the Dark Sect or disposed of after Lord Zhai had achieved his goals. Whatever happened, it would probably be impossible to meet the Shard alive again.

He hesitated fighting his protective instincts to deny her request. She should stay out of sight as she was supposed to be 'kidnapped'. Lord Zhai was still in the dark of his foiled plans.

"We'll help him all we can. I've given the order," he hedged.

"Gege, I need to see him," her voice trembled with emotion.

Xi Xuan reconsidered. Xi Xiu had improved tremendously in the weeks since meeting Ghost. Meeting the Shard in person had sparked a rivalry in her competitive nature, inspiring her to train harder. She wanted to be as good as the Ghost or perhaps even better than him. Now, she was more than good.

"O'kay. After dark, on one condition."

"What?" she asked. She would do anything to see Ghost.

"Yi will go with you."

Xi Xiu nodded acceptance immediately. Yi was a good fighter and an experienced spy. He was also a Zhang, a distant cousin but ultimately still a Zhang. And the Zhangs always protect their own. He would lay down his life for her. No harm would come to her even if she was exposed.

"Be careful, don't get caught. You are not supposed to be around. The longer Lord Zhai doesn't know you're safe, the better. Do not compromise our House."

"I understand, Gege. I won't," she said with resolve. She would not get caught.

-----

The cold morning gave way to an even colder afternoon. The Elite guards' breath steamed in the air forming little puffs of mists as they stood watch at their posts. All avoided looking at the prisoner. They couldn't help feeling a little guilty and pity for him. Once their friend and comrade, now they had to treat him like a criminal. They all knew Ghost was innocent of the charges but was disciplined enough to follow orders. Orders were orders. They were after all, soldiers.