Shards

Chapter 81 - Rescue Part 2

Everyone froze upon the arrival of the reinforcements.

Nine. There were nine injured soldiers left when the new force arrived. All hope fled from the three Shards in the courtyard. Crow estimated another ten to fifteen creeping from the shadows. That would make about twenty or more. His bloodied blades rotated in his hands as he assessed the situation, re-gripping his twin weapons in determination.

All hope of survival was lost. He threw a quick glance at the despaired Three. Poor Key, he would die on his first Kill mission. And Ghost ... well, at least he knew that they had come and not abandoned him. Better to die with friends than alone, right?

His gaze went back to the waiting foe. O'kay, he would leave six or seven fighters to Key and take the balance dozen or so. They would both die, and so would Ghost but they would have done their best. They would die as true Shards. Old Wolf could avenge them later if he wanted to, the Six thought with a cynical smile. He would too, the stubborn goat. The tough old veteran was a sentimental fool at heart and treated them all like real family. He would get mad then get even.

Just as he was about to launch himself at the nearest soldier, the new arrivals moved swiftly from behind the remaining Zhai soldiers cutting them down swiftly. The surprise attack was effective and deadly. All nine went down simultaneously. Vice-Captain Ling died alongside his men.

Crow and Key closed ranks, flanking Ghost protectively, weapons ready.

The leader, a small slim figure, walked forward calmly, removing the veil from her face. A determined pretty face caught his gaze.

"I'm here to help save Ghost."

Crow eyed the newcomer skeptically. He did not believe her but next to him, he heard Key's sharp intake of breath.

I'll be damn! Key cursed in delight. "Lady Zhang!"

"Xi Xiu?" croaked Ghost barely conscious.

Crow blinked.

Xi Xiu? Zhang Xi Xiu?

All at once information about her flooded his head. Zhang Xi Xiu, younger sister of Lord Zhang Xi Xuan, current Lord of House Zhang. Her status, connections and significance of her presence here and now with the support of soldiers meant that her lord brother knew of her actions.

"Lady Zhang, you came just in time," said Key.

"Key? Is that you?" she asked trying to make out his face behind the black cloth.

"Yes, it's me" the Thief confirmed, the relief in his voice palpable.

"You know her?" asked Crow speaking for the first time. He was still on guard. His quiet tone added nuance that Key caught immediately. Confirm her identity, status and if they could trust her. Confirm her risk and if she needed to be eliminated.

"We can trust her," said Key quickly. "She's Ghost's girlfriend and Lord Zhang's sister."

"Key!!" she hissed. Too late her own subordinates were exchanging amused glances while trying to stay professional.

House Zhang was an ally of sorts. They did not interfere nor get in the way of the Dark Sect's business. Old Wolf had discussed the Five's unorthodox yet strangely beneficial relation with the esteemed House with him occasionally. The Leader had observed the growing friendship but said nothing to his godson letting him believe his outside friendship went unnoticed. Tension melted off Crow at the confirmation.

"O'kay. Good. Now back to work."

The whole exchange took only a few minutes but every second counted. As Key returned to work on the last shackle on Ghost's wrist, Zhang fighters took up protective positions around them.