Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ In the Arms of a Wolf ❯ Chapter 2

In the Arms of a Wolf

Chapter 2

Genrou and Kouji, led by Kiro made their way to the outskirts of the village they had just reached, on the edge of the woods. Kiro slid off his gelding, and the other two followed his example. They caught sight of a small cottage. It was rather run down, but it looked very cozy nonetheless. Genrou could already smell different herbs and spices, some of which he had never knew existed. Being bandits, they all were capable of great stealth, and still, somehow, they were detected…

"Who's there!?" a woman's voice rang through the twilight. The men froze. "Kiro?" the speaker appeared at the back door to the dwelling. "I see… Well, get in here."

Kiro hastened to obey while the two men followed, growing suspicious.

When they all were inside, Genrou was able to get a close up view of the grizzled old woman. She appeared much like Kiro's description, but seemed much wiser, a lot stricter, and far more capable that he had mentioned.

"So what is the reason for this unannounced visit and all the secrecy? And Kiro, you must introduce your superiors to me." She had a commanding voice that was seemed impossible to ignore.

"How did-" Kouji started.

"This is Genrou, the leader of the Mt. Reikaku bandits, and this is Kouji, his second-in-command."

"Kiro-" Genrou started to say in warning.

"So this is the boss of the Mt. Reikaku bandits. This is indeed a very important visit. I must say that you cannot keep much from me. Kiro had the right idea. He already knows I can see through lies and half-truths. So what is so important that two of the top bandits are here to speak to me?"

This time Kouji spoke. "The stronghold of Mt. Reikaku is being plagued by a mysterious disease. 3 are already near death, and a lot of others have cases that have yet to evolve."

"I see… so you need the use of my skills. I cannot refuse that no matter who you are, thieves or no."

Genrou and Kouji kept silent.

"Maru-sensei?" Kiro asked quietly.

"Yes, child? Might you wish to inquire on the health of my most talented, young, and beautiful apprentice?"

"How is Ailina?"

Marusann's face grew dark. "Judging by the state she is in right now, I have to say that she must be doing quite badly." She turned to look Genrou straight in the eye. "I need her help if I am to be of any use in your most unfortunate epidemic. I have a feeling that she will come to me soon. We must wait for her."

No one protested. It would have been pointless. Why argue with someone who knows everything?

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Ailina entered the main hall. It was beautifully decorated, but she was in no mood to enjoy it. Her fiancée was immediately there beside her wrapping one arm possessively around her slim waist. The gesture made her feel very uncomfortable.

"My lady, please forgive my rudeness earlier. I did not wish to seem too eager in front of your father. Business matters." He said almost seductively.

`Like I don't know what he means by `business matters.' Ailina thought. `That's pretty insulting.'

"So, tell me about where you come from." Ailina asked sweetly, as he led her away from the crowd of guests and onto the vacant balcony

He looked at her and swept in front of her. He smirked with evil intent. "You will see it soon enough, my pretty one." Then he leaned in to kiss her.

`Oh great! What do I do? I'm not having this vulgar man kiss me!' she though violently. Then she thought of something.

The turned her head towards the gardens. "Oh my! I think I just saw something move!" she suddenly exclaimed in her sweetest voice. "There it is again!" she paused. "And again!"

Lord Deshiru's head snapped up and she could hear him swear quietly. Her eyes stayed glued to the gardens. "Oh well. It's gone now. I wonder what it was… Anyway, we had better get something to eat." She made her way off the balcony and walked toward the table.

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Everyone ignored her at the table. Her life was discussed and planned before her. No one asked her opinion. No one consulted her for anything. It was worse than usual and very saddening, but Ailina kept telling herself that she would never have to go through this kind of emotional torture ever again once she had run away.

When the meal was almost over, she got up and excused herself. She then left the hall and started back towards her room.

Lord Deshiru watched her leave. He rose from his seat and then excused himself, explaining that he was tired and needed to prepare for the morrow's long journey. After this he, also, left the halls. As soon as he was out of sight from the other dinner guests, he adjusted the hidden dagger among his clothes. He then followed quietly after Ailina…