Shards

Chapter 82 - Contract's End

Old Wolf stopped in his tracks, hidden from the moonlight and bright festive lanterns as the commotion at the wedding hall commenced. Listening intently, he made out the gist of what was happening. It was Lord Wen. Ghost's Target was dying very loudly ... from poison? He frowned at his Five's careless mistake; the contract specifically stated that Lord Wen's death was supposed to be 'natural'. Then he turned his head to hear more clearly, allergies? Finally understanding, he grinned approvingly at the boy's ingenuity. Clever and a good cover.

He was certain it was Ghost's doing. What noble House would not cater to their invited guest's food and accommodation preferences? The remote Kill spoke of Ghost's research and careful planning. Circumstances for success were really too risky and uncertain, but it miraculously worked. Old Wolf shook his head at the boy's audacity. To all effects, the greedy lord had died of natural causes, just as contracted. It was brilliant!

Of course, some nobles would cause doubts and twist the facts to seize this opportunity to smear the Ruling House or other third parties. What chaos their narrative could bring, the Ruling Lord killing off someone not aligned with him during his own daughter's wedding feast to solidify more power. The only problem was that Lord Wen was allied with House Zhai. Old Wolf shrugged, it was all politics. They would find a way to spin it favourably somehow. All the better, he thought, it did not concern him. No one would suspect the Dark Sect had anything to do with Lord Wen's death.

Ghost would live ... he had to!! Old Wolf trusted Crow to do his job. Paying a hefty sum for a formal contract to save his adopted son ensured the mission's success. It was the Dark Sect's rule. Only Crow knew of this job's commission, and he would do his utmost to bring his special Target back alive. Ghost will be saved and brought home. He will live, he must live, he thought fiercely.

With that thought in mind, he continued grimly forward. He had his own goals to achieve tonight, one of which was to straighten the backstabbing Ruling Lord out.

The War room or Zhai's private inner study? He cocked his head listening for a brief moment then smiled grimly. The War Room it is. Old Wolf reached the securely guarded room first. Quickly he scouted the surrounding area noting the security, the guards, their positions and their weapons. Once satisfied, he settled down to wait.

Old Wolf did not have to wait long. Zhai and his long-suffering Captain marched down the corridor to burst into the War room. The double doors slamming shut behind the even before the guards completed their salutes.

"What do you mean the prisoner is gone!?!" yelled Lord Zhai.

Old Wolf winced. Zhai's panicked shout was deafening when he was listening.

Captain Chiang's quieter voice murmured, "Summon all the Vice-Captains here. Tell them to wait outside. Now go."

"Yes, Captain," a man mumbled before scurrying out the doors in a rush.

"The latest report says that the prisoner has disappeared. The chains are empty, the six Elites guarding him are unconscious. Vice-Captain Ling and his men ... their bodies were found at the courtyard. There was a fight ..." came Captain Chiang's clipped voice. "I think the Dark Sect came for Ghost. They've come to reclaim their own."

Good. Ghost has been rescued, thought Old Wolf.

"There were black feathers scattered among Ling's men."

"Crow? ... they brought in the crazy Crow?"

The veteran Shard's lips twitched at Zhai's panicked tone. Crazy Crow? The Six would like that. It would add to his already notorious reputation.