The White Angel of Death

Chapter 13 : Confrontation

The streaming, cold water splashed onto the rocks, making a loud rushing sound. The moon hid beneath the clouds. Only the torches hanging from the walls of the two guard towers gave off a shred of light. 
Toshiro crouched behind a rock, inches away from the wooden planks that paved its way to the other side. His eyes peaked through a small gap, watching the guards.

Charly had already crossed the river and attempted to sneak inside the towers. 
Suddenly one could hear the thumps of bodies dropping onto the ground. The cat's swift and silent attacks left no opening, no second to scream, just the switch from light to darkness. 

Then Toshiro could hear a soft 'meow' echoing through the air. The signal!
The young man left his hiding spot behind and crossed the streaming water. While the bridge was properly supported by giant stone pillars, Toshiro could not stop worrying the wood beneath him would break any moment. 
Luckily nothing the sort happened. When he finally reached the other side and set his first step onto enemy territory, his furry friend welcomed him by emerging out of the darkness.
Charly's paws were drenched in blood and left marks behind on the wet grass. 
"Won't they leave a trail?" Questioned the white-haired man concerned.
The cat looked down at his own feet. 
"It won't be a problem. We won't cross the same path twice." Replied Charly confident in his plan.
"You want to cross the main bridge on our way back? That's the most secured one in the entire north!" Intervened Toshiro still puzzled.
"Trust me, my young friend. This is not my first time." Grinned the cat with his right ear twitching.
The young man just mouthed out a quiet 'sigh' and began moving forwards, his little friend right after him.

The landscape was pretty much open fields. Of course they were all abandoned. The winter was right at their doorsteps and all the farmers moved their kettle closer to the capital.

So the two adventurers continued their journey across the lands south of the river. On their right, far in the distance - not visible for the naked eye at this time of day - was a small forest and the great bridge back to the north side of the river. But for now, both focused on the path ahead. 

A little further down the 'road' they saw a small village to their left. Cautiously, Toshiro and Charly avoided any contact with others and made sure to stay out of sight. 

Once the the village was behind them, they finally arrived at the library. A tall tower standing alone on a field of snow covered grass. Every time the moon quickly peaked through the clouds, one could see the giant mountain range in the background, separating the Northern Kingdom from the Land of Cyra. 

[Side Tip: For better clarification see 'Map of the Northern Kingdom']

"So this is it." Stated Toshiro reverently, as he looked at the tall tower.
"After all this time, it stands firmly on the ground. I wonder how long it will continue to do so." Replied Charly sharing the young man's admiration for it. 

As the moon's light shone onto the building, the two walked up to the heavy-looking door. 
"Don't just stand there. Open it." Complained Charly playfully.
With an annoyed looking face the white-haired man used all his might to forcefully push the door open. 
While it did take a moment, Toshiro remained successful. When it swung open, a rather unpleasant smell emerged from within. 
Toshiro reactively put hand in front of his nose to cover the awful smell. Charly however casually walked past him without showing any discomfort whatsoever.
"If you think this is bad, remember, I am the one with the sensitive nose." Quipped the cat in his deep voice.
"One would think, someone who has reached an old age would know when to be silent." Countered Toshiro with a smirk on his face.
Charly just responded with a little chuckle. 
But before Toshiro entered the smelly entrance to the library, the sound of wings flapping caught his attention. He immediately looked up into the night sky. His eyes caught white looking wings just for a quick second. The young man tried to squint his eyes and increase his vision, however the sound went away and so did the sight of the owl. Alertingly, Toshiro then decided to catch up to his friend, while remaining vigilante. 

"What is it the owl? Or maybe just some bird? Or just my imagination? ... No, I am sure I saw its wings. Maybe the owl was following us?! 
But I didn't notice anything, neither did Charly. I wonder ..." His thought continued to swarm the inside of Toshiro's head.