CHAPTER 8: Silent Strike

Chapter 8: Silent Strike

Hours passed.

The sun had finally set, and the full moon loomed high in the sky.

Below, the two men guarding the wagon had begun their shift rotations.

One was asleep on the ground, his weapon resting beside him. The other stood on guard, scanning the area.

Perfect.

I grabbed a rock and threw it into the bushes.

Rustle.

The standing guard flinched and narrowed his eyes. Then, gripping his weapon, he stepped away from the wagon to investigate.

Now was my chance.

I moved.

I slipped towards the sleeping man, snatched his weapon, and—before he could even stir—

Pierced my blade straight through his throat.

A quick and silent death.

No time to dwell on it.

The other man was coming back.

I hid behind the wagon, gripping the sword tightly. The moment he stepped forward—

I lunged from behind.

Pierced straight through his heart.

Before he could even scream, I twisted the blade and drove it through his throat.

Another quick and silent death.

It was over.

Now—to free the hostages.

They were still asleep, so I quietly untied them one by one.

Hours passed.

The moon fell, and the sun rose on the horizon.

Then—

A voice.

"I'm untied…? Hey, wake up!! Someone untied us!"

The others stirred.

All at once, they got off the wagon—only to be met with a grisly sight.

Blood pooled on the dirt.

The two dead men lay lifeless.

And in front of them—

A boy, standing silent, gripping a bloody blade.