Shards

Chapter 84 - Search

The soft warm glow of candlelight inside the Zhang rooms masked the growing chaos outside. Crow listened carefully as soldiers marched from courtyard to courtyard, shouting and questioning nobles loudly whilst searching their rooms imprudently. With the command of their powerful Ruling Lord, they feared no one, their temporary power overshadowing even those of noble status.

The Six's brow creased at the blatant abuse of power. Give a lowly soldier a taste of power and they soon grew drunk on brief authority. Well, he guessed they would learn the hard way. When their fleeting power evaporates, the nobles will still be nobles with higher status. One should always remember the hierarchy in the grander scheme of things, not just live in the moment if he wanted to live a long healthy life.

He glanced over to Xi Xiu. The petite Lady Zhang was far too busy fussing over her fallen Shard to notice anything else. She trusted her safe surroundings, after all, her Lord brother and her trusted House guards were there.

Crow signalled Key.

Ghost is safe for now. We have done all we can for him. Now it's his job to stay alive.

Key nodded mournfully, praying that Ghost would somehow pull through. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if Ghost died on a mission with him. It would be his fault for not doing enough to protect his brother Shard.

You have a new mission.

Key's eyes flicked to the Six uncomprehendingly.

What? A new mission? Now? He asked incredulously. Are you serious?!

Yes.

Crow let the silence stretch out between them reminding him who was in charge. He and Old Wolf still had plans. They had to look out for the whole Sect, not just one Shard, even if he was Old Wolf's adopted son.

The Three lowered his head in acquiesce.

Your new mission is to steal five thousand gold pieces or its equivalent from Lord Zhai's coffers. This mission is over, you have both successfully protected Lady Shuang until her wedding day. However, he has refused to pay for this contract.

What?!

Anger flared up in Key's chest. Lord Zhai was refusing to pay them after everything he and his wretched family had put them through? Had put Ghost through? How dare he!!

So, we are extracting payment, continued Crow calmly watching the Three.

Key's eyes glinted with understanding in the candlelight.

Crow smiled under his mask. Good, the boy was learning.

You know where his coffers are. The one in his War room with the false back and the one in his inner study with the double false bottom.

Key nodded. He knew.

You may go now. Take note on what is in the coffers but take ONLY what is owed to us ... no more, no less, understand? the Six instructed in a warning tone. This was not the time for the Master Thief to get greedy or steal for revenge. This was purely business.

Key's eyes gleamed, understanding the explicit command. Old Wolf is sending a very clear Message to Lord Zhai. The Dark Sect will not be denied payment. They always collect what is owed to them.

After that, go to Mouse. He has horses. Go back with him to the Dark Sect and wait for us there.

But ... what about Ghost?

Old Wolf and I will get him back after we conclude our business with House Zhai, Crow said firmly. The Ruling House needs to be accountable for their actions.