Shadows Bleed

XXXVIII

XXXVIII

Riding through the nights saw us to the Tandrian Alps early on the morning of the second day. News of the Emperor's death, and the rise of his successor, had spread throughout most of the Imperium. We rode past a number of patrols on the roads but they mostly ignored us. On the two occasions we were stopped and questioned, a show and examination of the Emperor's signet ring was all we needed to continue on our way.

A short distance from the compound was a clearing in the trees, an ideal place to leave our horses tethered. It would be safer to approach on foot. I headed straight for the compound with Celeste, while Yennyfer flanked around the palisade, bow strung and arrow nocked.

The compound was much as I remembered, unchanged even in the dark of pre-dawn. A number of guards, more than I remembered, patrolled the palisade. Whether the increase in security owed to my escape or the death of the Emperor was beyond me. It was probably my fault, regardless.

"Are you sure they're in there?" Celeste asked as neared the wall.

"I'm positive."

There was no longer room for doubt or hesitation in my mind. I did not know what I would do if they were not here. My whole life, for as long as was worth remembering, had always revolved around rescuing them. Failing that, I wonder if I would just fade away, purposeless.

Upon reaching the base of the palisade, it became clear that the Warden had learned his lesson since my escape. The wooden trunks that formed the wall had been sanded down until they were as smooth as any pebble.

"Well that crosses off going over the wall," I sighed.

"Oh no, not having to climb, what a shame," Celeste responded with an annoying smirk.

I glared at her.

"This would have been easier. Now we have to take the orthodox approach."

"The front door?"

"Precisely."

I stayed close to the wall, keeping my back to it, as I sidled towards the gate. Celeste did the same, circling around the opposite direction. She was out of sight for a few minutes before reappearing on the other side of the gate.

A guard was stationed to either side of the entrance and, once I saw Celeste had made it to the other side, I moved forwards. Placing my hands on either side of the nearest guard's head, I snapped it to the side, his neck breaking with a noticeable crack. The other guard was similarly disabled, Celeste lowering his body to the grass. Removing the bar that sealed the gate, I cautiously pulled it open.

The cluster of dilapidated shacks looked the same as the day I left. I guess the Warden didn't upgrade the housing when he did the walls. I made my way, almost by habit, to the hut where I knew my family would be; where they had to be.

Easing the door open, the slight creaking disturbing none but the same old Savari I had woken upon my departure. I was almost more surprised that he was still alive than he was to see me again, no doubt wondering what could inspire me to return.

"My mother and sister?" I asked and he pointed me to the rear corner of the shack where Lirhael's silhouette heaved in gentle rhythm to her heart.

A wave of déjà vu hit me as I stepped over the still, sleeping forms of my former housemates and neared my sleeping sister. My mother was not beside her.

"Lirhael," I whispered, kneeling down and placing a hand on her shoulder, gently rousing her from her dreams. "Wake up."

"No, I've been already," she mumbled as she stirred.