“Oh poor mercenary, I have already taken it from you.” She continued, “Why else do you think I would bother to talk with you?”
“What did you take?” Shinji felt kick in his gut.
“Something more significant than just a twig.” She giggled but didn’t laugh like last time, “You will die no matter Wernh’An lives or not. So I thought of taking it without your consent.”
“You’ve taken it from me.” Shinji fought the urge to say ‘stolen’, “Now you owe me a wish to fulfill.”
“Wrong. I owe you a question to answer.”
“How can I kill Eiga? He is blessed by fire.” Shinji watched Commander Eiga – whose eyes were locked at the hut very near to them.
“With a bit of breeze.” Metal Mage whispered as the horses stood infront of the hut.
“Dismount!” Shinji heard soldiers yelling at him.
“Do you hear me?” Shinji roared loud in his head while climbing down from the horse but he did not get any answer.
“Who is it? Mage’s voice came through the door made up of dried straws. Her voice’s audibility was not just limited to Shinji this time. It just sounded very different to the voice he had heard while coming towards the hut. He even doubted if it was her speaking but everyone was convinced it was Metal Mage.
“Soldiers of Lord Wernh’An from Hilcastle.” Eiga said, gulping.
Genzou also made his way to her doorstep and stood beside Commander Eiga with the box in grasp of his trembling hands. Shinji could hear glass inside the box rattling
“Can we come in?” Commander Eiga asked.
“Why should I let you come in?” her thin voice reached their ears.
Commander had made his mind to speak. Genzou placed his hand on Eiga’s shoulder, making him quiet while Genzou answered, “We have got the gift of youth for you.” Getting no reply from her he added, “Youth extracted from a healthy person.”
“Noble blood?” she was about to cough.
Genzou looked at Eiga’s confused face. He realized he had to answer her in a convincing way. And he had to do it quick.
“Yes, noble.” Genzou held the hand of lie.
“What do you want in return?”
“Our Lord was attacked with Death Pollens, so his squire put him in Valley of Life.” Genzou also gulped, “Give us cure of Lord Wernh’An’s sickness.”
Metal Mage hummed inside for some time. Perhaps it was her way of thinking but it was serving as anxiety booster for everyone involved outside.
“Leave your swords and daggers outside.” Metal Mage said and stopped talking. Shinji felt like she was looking at him during the pause, “Come in.” she said, ending her silence.
Eiga took no time to loosen his sheath and straps. Genzou took out his knife from his cloak then placed it on the floor as if he was scared dumping it hard would make the edges blunt. Shinji also removed the sword from his waist and dropped it. Commander Eiga turned at him after hearing the loud thud of metal. He was glad no one had seen him flinch.
“Not you.” Commander Eiga touched Shinji’s chest.
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