The Dagger Of Crimsonia

Chapt. 5

I wince as I turn to face my companion who was laying beside me and sleeping peacefully. At least one of us can get some sleep. I've tossed and turned all morning. Just another sleepless day but it's fine. I'll work as if I did have sleep. I stand up and step over Coven. My leg stings but it won't bother me. I sanitized it, sewed it, and patched it up. I also fixed my suit so that there's no rips or tears.

I sigh as I take a long look around my camp. Everything was quiet. Everything was peaceful. It almost made me forget about my distasteful failure.

How could I have failed!? I'm better than this! On top of that, I had actually got hurt, injured! I was off my game. That had to be it.

No... He wasn't like any guard I've faced. He wasn't like anyone I've faced! He's stronger and quicker. I'll just have to get better before I attack. I'll have to strategize and have a plan. That's it. I'll win in the end.

But I can't waste any time that I have for my injury to heal. I didn't have the time for that. I have to start training. I have to start now.

I muttered a few things as I picked up a bag. I left my base to set up a training arena. After placing targets, fake people, and contraptions that will try to attack me, I put all my weapons on.

}~~~~~~~~~{

I've practiced for hours and hours. My cut was throbbing, my heart was pounding, and sweat dripped from every part of me. It was terrible. I was exhausted and hungry.

I sat down in the tent and grabbed my tin can that held water. I paced myself as I gulped it down. After finishing, I set it on the ground with a sigh. I wondered if I should go try to fight against the King or not. It might be a stupid move or it might be a good thing. Either way, I needed to make a decision soon.

Coven looked at me as he walked into the tent. He slowly came to me and laid down. His eyes were still on me. I rubbed his side before forcing myself to get up. I hunted a few days before and saved all my catch. It was all cooked but I stored it away.

I picked up some of the raw meat and gave it to Coven before I ate a little bit of a cooked duck. My stomach growled for more which I happily gave it a few more bites. It wasn't enough but it'll be fine for right now.

I walked out of the tent with Coven trailing behind. I sat against a tall tree and closed my eyes. I steadied my breathing as a cool breeze swept by. The coldness felt good against my burning face. 

I take in a deep breath, smiling in content as I open my eyes. I surveyed the area, making sure I was alone. After being sure that I'm alone, I take off my weapons, closing my eyes afterwards. I let myself be engulfed in this peaceful and quiet moment. It's times like this when I feel relaxed and happy. 

But, there isn't time for this at all.

I snap my eyes open, shaking my head. I need to focus. Each second here, I am wasting.  I can not relax. If I do then I let my guard down. I can not have that weakness. The King is stronger than I anticipated. 

Coven's silky fur rubs against my left leg, making me look down at him. I give the panther a soft smile, slightly petting him. He purrs and rubs against my head, his way of begging for more. I shake my head and chuckle at the action. I give him more rubs before pulling away and putting my gear on. Back to work.

As I travel away from my camp and back to Crimsonia, I take note of the new plants sprouting. So fresh and green, it's truly beautiful. The soil looks soft and fresh as well. I smile at the mesmerizing nature, moving on. 

I know I should've eaten more before taking another chance at the King. I know I should've practiced more. I know I should let my wound heal. I know. I know. I know. I know that I fialed the first time. He's throwing me off my game. It isn't fair.

I can't throw a fit though. I'm better than that. I've always been better than that. I know that I need to do better but how??

No. Stop. You know better than this. I can't have a mental break down right before I attack. I need to focus on my mission. If I criticize myself right now then I won't preform my best. 

I see Coven walking on a tree branch far away from me. He knows the plan. He knows what he's doing. I have my complete trust in him. He's never let me down and I know he won't.

After a little bit of time passes and night starts to fall, I place myself upon the stone wall that guards the village. My eyes go over the small amount of people still going about their daily lives outside of their homes. Next I move my gaze to the guards who are on their patrols at the moment. They should be switching in a couple of minutes. That gives me a few seconds to slip in. Plan B is about to be into action.

I wait in a patient manner, my eyes watching intently. When the guards walk inside, I slip through a window, landing silently as always. I make way to the dungeon, trying to go unnoticed. My plan goes correctly, the guard at the door is asleep and the King is not in sight. He has to be in training or in a meeting with somebody. Perfect planning, am I right??

I swiftly take the keys from the sleeping guard, smirking a bit. I leisurely walk down the dungeon, looking at the people locked up. I unlock most of the cells, telling them to be quiet as they leave. Once I let out most of the criminals, I go through a secret passage way. 

"Got cocky? That smirk tells me all I need to know." King Jae speaks, his sharp pointed sword underneath my chin, aimed at my neck. My smirk is wiped off as I see him. I clear my throat before speaking.                                                                                                  "Might want to focus on everybody I let out." I tell him, a glare placed upon my face.                     
"My guards will take care of them. I'm more concerned about the killer." Jae tells me, a slight glare also on his face.

I glance down at the cold steel blade before shifting my gaze back to him.
"What are you going to do with me?" I ask. That gets a sly little chuckle out of him.

He doesn't reply. He just stares at me. He was focusing in something. I couldn't tell what it was that he was concetrating on.