Reparation The rain had languidly subsided into wavering drizzle, as Sado stood in front of the marbleized gravesite before him, transfixed upon the lettering etched into the smooth surface of the memorial. The dark swirling clouds above and the toiling effervescence of the collecting rain producing a lingering haze throughout the surrounding hallowed grounds, shrouding the man and the object of his attention in an almost dreamlike veil. This cenotaph being the only remnant he could find to carry out this disheartening task, and he simply stared at it through eyes that had not opened in this manner for nearing years in time. Nestled in the fitting gloom, it had been dutifully constructed to honor a great man, who had passed away during his...vacancy�if one were forced to select a word for it. The dark tomb of course being the final resting-place for one of the few he had held as a close friend for many years, and considered a brother during trying times. His very own neglect had now forced upon him another injustice in this place, one manifested in the situation that he not been present for this man�s departure from the mortal realm. It pained him deeply to imagine that he had never been given the opportunity to show the world that the man buried beneath the stone and earth had always been a source of infinite wisdom, and unsurpassed compassion for him. Two things he himself could only strive to parallel, and more than likely would never accomplish. Sado ignored the cold dampness of the dirt as he knelt down to pay his final respects, and he supposed this was perhaps yet another shattered fragment of shame, to add to his growing collection. In a foolish attempt for redemption he now found himself wanting to atone for the loss, through the selfish motives that his inability to do so before this particular time, had robbed him of the formality. He knew that perhaps if the man had been standing by his side at this very moment he would have shared with him a revelation that would assure him he need not be here, or perhaps find better words to do conduct this act this with. That ideal quickly repressed however by the cold reality that no such wisdom would be shared this evening, and that only the grim lettering of the stone would provide the timeless recording of their meeting. With a lamentably burdened soul in tow, he gradually pressed a gauntlet-encased hand against the uncompromising marble, letting the water glide through the crevasses fabricated by the effort. �It has been too long my old friend, forgive an old fool for not coming sooner. You know how I am with schedules these days, and with the turmoil abroad, I have even less of the time I would like. Notwithstanding the justification I wish we had been given the chance to part ways by the normal means. I should have listened when you foretold of the time growing short, and for that I apologize sincerely. I will take with me the lesson learned and once again thank you for bringing such wisdom to light. When the moment arrives for us to look back and reflect on our lives, I am sure you will smile upon my naivete as you always have before. Then when we are colleagues again, I will be able to repay you for the debts I owe. Rest well Hefera, you have earned it, I will see you when the time comes.� A few more trickling rivers of water passed between them before Sado once again rose to his feet, as silently as his aging armor would allow. The imprint his knee had created in the soil gradually filling with the rolling mist as he took a few more fleeting moments to look upon the site in quiet reflection. Torn between leaving behind some indistinct token of his visit, and just walking away, he was reminded of the brevity that he was required to adhere to with this gesture. A few heavyhearted breaths later, he was once again shifting with the mist, and fading into obscurity. Sado... The faint glow of sunrise crept slowly onto the horizon as the sound of a horse galloping pierced the morning silence. As it frequently did in the Badlands of DC a low fog had settled in over the area that latched onto the surrounding trees as it shifted with each tiny breeze that traveled past. The clatter of the speeding horse continued to cut through the fog and silence causing a few of the lurking creatures that it swept by to scurry deeper into the murk of the swamp. Then as if reaching a barrier of some kind the murky gloom turned into an open plain of dead grass and scattered brush as the horse and rider burst from the tree line. A small lingering trail of the fog followed behind them in swirls as their sprint carried them out into the open. Making quick progress before long the border of the swamp could no longer be seen, just the seemingly endless grassland. Slowing the horses pace after catching site of a lone dead tree the rider led the horse beside it and came to a halt. Remaining seated on the horse the rider reached up and removed the sash that had covered his nose and mouth and loosened its grip around his neck. A small gust of wind passed over the plain causing the dead grass to sway slightly in waves and the rider looked to the east at the growing glow on the horizon. Sunrise� How long had it been since he had last seen one? Since his recent undertaking Sado had seen countless sunsets and all shapes of moonlight, as they usually marked the starting of his day. But by sunrise most of the dark calling retreated back to their shadowy dwellings and it was more practical to sleep during the day. Stopping for a moment to adjust the saddle he decided to linger and watch the event and commit the moment to memory since he didn�t know when he would see his next. Reaching into a saddlebag he retrieved the loaf of bread he packed and quietly sat eating and watching the horizon. Just as the bright light began to break the crest of the earth below he noticed a small column of smoke to his right. After finishing off a little more of the bread and watching a little bit more of the sunrise Sado quietly put the rest away and sealed up the saddlebag. Reaching up and placing the covering over his face so that only his eyes were visible he kicked the horse back into motion. Heading in the direction of the smoke the horse gradually picked up speed and once again the terrain below was racing past. Moments later he could make out what looked like a small cluster of houses, one of which was apparently using their fireplace as the source of the smoke was now clear. Once again slowing his horse to a trot he quietly approached the huddle of homes and as he neared them a sly smile came over him. �This should be interesting.� He thought to himself. To the left of the houses there were a few lots of land being used to farm and rows of wheat covered several of them. As he rode a little closer a man working a pitchfork next to a pile of hay looked up and over at him. Sliding the crest of the Uprising that he was wearing out of sight Sado raised one hand as he drew closer. When his horse stepped up next to the man and the pile of hay the farmer thrust the pitchfork into the ground and leaned over its handle. �Heya stranger, jus passin through?� the farmer blurted out. Sado quietly leaned forward and got off the horse, remaining silent as he led the horse by the halter past the farmer towards the houses. He could hear the farmer curse him under his breath before the man went back to work. As Sado stepped into what was somewhat of a square he caught sight of a well in the center and walked his horse over to it. Reaching over he began to pull the water bucket up and could feel eyes upon him from inside the houses. He didn�t bother looking around and when the bucket came up he set it to the side and guided his horse�s head over so it could drink. While Sado reached up and lightly began to pat the animal�s neck a stern voice spoke out behind him. �Hey look mister, we don want no trouble, what�s ya business here?� a deep voice spoke. Sado continued to lightly pat his horse�s neck as he thought about how to answer this question best before turning around. He could tell his interrogator was getting impatient with each passing moment by the shuffling behind him and when he had delayed long enough Sado turned around. �I was just passing by and noticed your little village here, thought maybe somewhere here might need a extra hand with those fields. Honest work is difficult to find in these parts but I didn�t see the harm in trying.� Sado calmly replied. The deep voice was a man dressed almost the same as the first one her met only he was wearing a hat. Not waiting for an answer to his response Sado went back to tending to his horse and placed the bucket back in the well. He could tell he must have chosen the right thing to say because the farmer didn�t turn him down instantly and must have been going over how to handle the situation. �Well we can�t pay ye anythin for workin here.� The farmer finally replied. Sado smiled slightly underneath his sash and shook his head as he walked beside his horse and began loosening the straps on the saddle. �A place to sleep and a couple meals for the time I am here will work just as well.� Sado answered in the same calm voice. The farmer continued to think the deal over as Sado removed the saddle from his horse. The man walked back into his house and Sado took the saddle over to a nearby bench and tossed it over the seat. Shortly after the farmer returned and Sado stood up from what he was doing. The farmer extended his hand. �It�s a deal. Johns broke his leg driving our wagon a week ago and we have been shorthanded ever since. Be good to take you on.� The farmer said sternly. Sado quietly reached over and firmly shook the man�s hand before going back to winding up the straps on the saddle. For some reason the farmer seemed to have grown suddenly comfortable around him because when he turned around the man slapped his hand on Sado�s shoulder and laughed heartily. �You must �ave been the answers to our prayers my friend, what�s ye name?� the farmer questioned. Hiding his displeasure in having the man�s hand on his shoulder Sado turned his attention into coming up with a name as his own would probably not be fitting at the time. He decided to use one that was common amongst the realm in hopes this farmer wouldn�t ask any questions. �Cloud�.� Sado answered, wincing slightly at even saying such a thing. The farmer seemed overjoyed just by discovering a name and laughed heartily again before giving Sado another slap to the shoulder and motioning him to follow into the house. �Well Cloud, less give ya the tour of the place, today jus make yourself at �ome and we�ll start ya on some chores tomorrow.� Finishing up with winding up the strap Sado calmly placed it on top of the saddle and looked around the small square again as the man walked back into the house. Walking over and guiding his horse to a place where he could tie it up the same sly smile came over him and he turned to face the house. The ruse had been easier than expected and he walked towards the house with an evil grin. A small beam of sunlight poked through a dirty farmhouse window and Sado turned over to shield his eyes from it. But the faint light had already disrupted his sleep and he slowly opened his eyes. Leaning up in the bed he tossed aside the sheepskin blanket that his �employers� had given him and rotated his shoulder to stretch it out. Standing up and walking over to a wash bucket he splashed some water on his face and looked around for a towel. Not able to find one he cursed the rural place and wiped his face on the blanket. Looking around he failed to see how people could live in such conditions and began to get dressed. The farmers had given him a shack they used for guests, which to him was hardly more than a chicken coop outfitted with a bed. After getting dressed he stepped outside and winced at the brightness of the sunlight. Sado thought that for not being a vampire himself their qualities were beginning to rub off on him. Stretching out fully with more space he let his eyes adjust and looked around. �Heya bright-eyes bout time ya got up!� a farmer from across the way yelled out, �Over here bub� �Call me bright-eyes again and you�ll be without them�.� Sado mumbled to himself as he walked over to the small gathering. There were three farmers and the man who had broken his leg all resting in the shade of one of the houses. When he got over to them the man who had agreed to hire a helper tossed him a farming tool Sado was not familiar with. Catching it and looking it over it seemed more like a weapon than a tool. Following the man out of the shade Sado lightly tested the weight of the farming tool and shortly after they were standing at the edge of one of the wheat fields. �Ya ever harvest wheat afore Cloud?� the farmer questioned. �No I cannot say I have ever harvested wheat before.� Sado answered still not fully used to the dialect of the man. The farmer took the tool back and set about showing Sado how to cut the wheat, bundle it, and how use the tool. It was a simple task that was not hard to learn and before long Sado undertook the chore himself. When the farmer was satisfied that he was cutting the wheat and packaging it correctly he went to begin working on another of the fields. Sado quietly continued to cut the wheat and noticed that it quickly became repetitious and he noticed that out in the field it was rather quiet. While he continued through the chore he found himself lost in thought, going over events and tasks he had seen or was planning to do. Before he noticed it he had gotten completely down one row and was starting another. It wasn�t until a drastically increased heat from a sun directly overhead, interrupted his thoughts. Placing the tool down and wiping his forehead Sado took a short break and removed his shirt. Going back to work he pressed on through the heat and continued to cut the wheat. A few hours later his thoughts turned into his plans for this small village. A nice escape for a day but he couldn�t see himself spending another. Then the same grin from his arrival at this place came over him and his thoughts turned slightly darker. �Well on the upside of things they won�t have to worry about harvesting this wheat anymore.� Sado said as he tied up another bundle of wheat. With a fiendish smile he spent of the day harvesting the wheat and when the sun had traveled far enough through the sky he was once again joined by his joyful farmer friend. �Not a bad haul for a first timer, and ye even got yerself a bit of a tan too� the farmer spouted out as he slapped Sado on the shoulder again. Taking in a deep breath at the aspect of finishing his manual labor for the day Sado quietly went over to where he left his shirt and began putting it back on. �I think ya gonna do really good here bub. Wadda ya say to us gettin some grub and a good ale to wash it down eh?� the farmer asked as he began walking back to the houses. Sado listened to his stomach growl and realized for the first time how much of an appetite he had worked up. As he exited the field following the man he began to stretch out his arms knowing they would be somewhat sore tomorrow. Sado followed the farmer back to his house and stepped inside with him to the smell of cooking food. They both walked over to another wash bucket and cleaned up a bit before taking a seat at the table. Sado flopped down into the chair and took full advantage of being able to rest. �Wore ya out didn�t it?� The farmer laughed out. Sado only returned with a nod wondering why the man always seemed to ask questions that were quite obvious as to the answer. But before he could finish the thought the farmer�s wife set plates on the table and brought out a steaming pot of stew followed by two bowls and a large loaf of bread. �Bet you haven�t had a meal like this in ages. Fit for kings I tell ya.� The farmer�s wife stated. �I can�t even remember the last time I have seen a feast like this m�lady. It looks absolutely delicious.� Sado replied choosing dishonest politeness over the truth. The farmer�s wife smiled and filled his bowl full and gave him an entire half portion of the bread. Sado waited until the other two had their food then wasted no time indulging himself with the meal. Compared to the eating habits of his employers he still looked well mannered as he stuffed the food down. Washing it down periodically with a large mug of mead Sado felt his hunger quickly diminish and before he knew it he was leaning back in the chair unable to move. The farmer leaned back in a similar fashion and the two of them let the food settle while the farmer�s wife cleared up the table. �Looks like you enjoyed that.� The farmer�s wife said with a smile. �Very filling,� Sado replied, �much better than the cooking Elect�um�you get at any old tavern.� The farmer�s wife smiled at the comment and went back to cleaning up the kitchen and Sado quietly rose from the chair. �Well I thank you for the meal, but I think I am going to retire for the evening.� Sado stated lazily moving to the door. �Night bright-eyes, see ya in the morn, wheat�s callin our name.� The farmer exclaimed as Sado stepped outside. �Bright-eyes�� Sado grumbled narrowing his eyes. It was already dark and Sado quietly made his way back to the guest shack. Tired from the days work he didn�t even bother with the blanket and just fell right asleep. A few hours past midnight Sado reluctantly sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes. His arms had already started getting a little sore but he ignored it as he splashed water over his face again. Calmly walking back outside into the night Sado slipped through the darkness over to where he had left his saddle and quietly lifted it off the bench. Hefting it over to the place his horse was being kept he made his way to it and placed the saddle onto the horse. Calmly fastening the straps onto the saddle and securing it he untied his horse and led it to the well again. Taking the time to fill his water skin he glanced around at the houses where people were sleeping and shook his head at their innocent trust. He remained quiet and moved calmly about the small little square walking his horse towards the field that he had worked on. Searching through the darkness for a particular bundle he had tethered together for this event he continued to walk the horse behind him. When he had found the bundle he placed it under his arm and reached into his saddlebag. Pulling out his travel apparel and a small flint he closed the bag back up and climbed onto the horse. Quietly he took the flint and nonchalantly set the end of the bundle on fire. Holding out the torch he took up the reins of his horse and slowly walked it along the edge of the field letting the flames catch along the way back towards the houses. Then coming to the edge of the field he led the horse over to the first house and raised the torch to its thatch roof and set light to it as well. Slowly guiding his horse around the square he did the same with each house until the entire gathering was beginning to light up the night sky with a reddish hue. Tossing the torch at last on top of the guest shack he guided his horse over to the well and reached into his shirt and removed the Uprising crest that he had hidden before. Reaching down he set the medallion on the edge of the well so there would be no question who burned the village and the leaned back up. The flames around him were growing quickly and he kicked the stallion into motion and quickly exited the square for a safer distance from the town. Stopping shortly afterwards Sado turned the stallion around and halted to look back at the village. It was now at full blaze and the flickering flames danced across Sado�s eyes as he quietly watched it burn. When he had seen enough he reached up and pulled the sash back over his face so that only his eyes remained, and the reflection from the fire of the doomed village. Turning his horse away Sado once again kicked it into motion and set out into the night to continue on with his travels. Three weeks of travel behind him the toils of the trip had already begun to take its toll. It had taken more than the anticipated time to reach the next remnant of civilization and Sado was beginning to grow weary of the endeavor. By now someone was sure to have discovered the burned village he had left behind and he had chosen a western path of travel to remain on the outskirts of any lands patrolled by Beth�s denizens or rival clan territory. Slowly the endless grasslands around him were transforming into rolling hills with sparse vegetation scattered about. On the distant horizon stood a mountain chain that from his viewpoint had a purple tint capped with white crests, the sight of which would soon be the resting point of a sun already low in the sky. His horse continued to march steadfast over several ridgelines before Sado was confronted with a small wooden tower perched on a following hillside. Sado pulled the reigns of the horse slightly to the left and brought the steed to a halt on the hill and narrowed his eyes as he looked upon the small outpost. He quietly observed movement from the roost at the top of the wooden tower and assumed word was being spread that a visitor had arrived. Reaching up Sado adjusted the disguising sash over his head and face to ensure only his eyes could be seen and directed the horse to continue its trek towards the next hill. Slowly he followed the path leading up the hill and kept watch ahead for the certain arrival of someone to come forward with a warning or message. Like clockwork when he had almost reached the top two figures stood in the middle of the path to impede him traveling any farther and Sado came to a halt in front of them. Carrying longbows and bearing no distinguishing marks Sado assumed they were scouts from some local baron or duke charged with providing information back to their lord should it arise. The two archers carefully split up and each slowly began to walk towards his left and right side. Sado calmly held both arms out to show his weapon was stowed and in no way a threat to them as they neared. When they had reached close enough one immediately took hold of the halter of Sado�s horse and the other began issuing what was probably the standard procedure these two took with newcomers to the area. �What is your business here traveler?� the spokesman for the archers asked calmly. �Traveling west in search of a missing friend of mine.� Sado quietly answered. The archer returned with a look that showed he was not entirely convinced of the given reason and signaled the second man holding his horse to inspect the articles on the horse�s saddle. �Well there is a tax for traveling through this area.� The spokesman stated after giving the signal. Slowly the second man reached to open the saddlebag and quickly Sado turned, grabbed hold of the man�s hand, and gave it a slight twist. �What is in that bag is not of your concern ranger�� Sado stated coldly then let the hand go. Instantly the spokesman took a step back and drew an arrow from the quiver on his back taking aim at the trespasser in front of him. The second man after his hand was released grimaced and backed away while Sado turned to face the one about to shoot him. �If there is a tax upon this road I am certain it does not fill your purses. If I am to pay, it will be to the landholder and no other.� Sado stated calmly. The archer stood with his bow drawn and carefully studied trespasser�s eyes through the sash, prepared to loose the arrow at a slight movement. Not given the opportunity after a few minutes of tension he slowly lowered the bow and let it rest at his side. �Our lord is not prepared to accept visitors. Do not be surprised if he doesn�t agree to seeing you.� The spokesman retorted. Quietly Sado gathered the reigns of his horse when the two archers began walking in front of him and motioned the horse forward to follow. As they reached the top of the hill the wooden tower came into better view and two more rangers could be seen milling around at the base of the tower. Several miles past the tower the land leveled out slightly and a stone mansion could be barely seen. Sado brought his horse to a halt near the bottom of the tower as he waited for his escorts to gather their own horses. One of them placed his longbow on his back and set to climbing the tower and the other hopped onto to a horse tied to a nearby tree. The archer kicked his horse into motion and Sado did the same following the man in the direction of the mansion. It turned to dusk before they arrived at a complex surrounded by an extensive stone wall about six feet high and a large iron gate guarded by armor clad swordsmen. The ranger exchanged a hushed discussion with one of the soldiers and gave Sado one last look before riding off back in the direction of the tower. �Leave the horse with us, we�ll take it to the stable.� one of the soldiers ordered. Calmly leaning forward Sado got off the horse and led it over to one of the soldiers. Stepping forward he followed another soldier through the iron gate in the wall and the soldier leading his horse behind them moved off to the right. Once inside the wall a large vineyard and several stone buildings could be seen to the right. With the growing dark a soft yellow light could be seen from the buildings and the light reflected slightly off the grapes still clinging to the vines. To the right was a building that was probably used to house the men guarding the place and several other swordsmen were seated just outside its entrance playing a game of dice. Ahead was the large mansion that towered over the complex and the many windows of the building were also giving off a soft yellow glow amidst the evening setting. As the soldier quietly led Sado towards the mansion several women who were working on a garden nearby stopped to look at them. The soldier paid little attention to them as he led Sado up to the large wooden door of the mansion and gave the door a couple firm raps. Sado quietly continued to look around at his surroundings from behind the sash as they waited for an answer and the soldier fiddled with the sword at his side. Shortly afterwards the large wooden door came to life and a short well-dressed man appeared from behind it. �This man has come to pay the road tax, he refuses to give the payment to anyone but his lordship.� The soldier stated wasting little time. The well dressed man suspiciously looked Sado over before reluctantly opening the door further. Sado then stepped around the guard and through the door while the well-dressed man shut it behind him. �Wait here.� The man ordered curtly. Sado stepped back and leaned against the wall next to the door and crossed his arms as the well-dressed man walked off. Glancing around at the inside of the house Sado immediately noticed the owner had a preference towards pricey collections. The rather large main hall in which he stood was endowed with several sculptures and paintings and even the chandelier above him carried with it the word expensive. Sado quietly shook his head at a thought and continued to wait still unsure why he had even bothered taking this as far as he had. With little effort he probably could have dealt with the two rangers and been well on his way. Perhaps it was his curiosity getting the better of him. Moments later the well-dressed man returned to the hall and approached Sado with a silver tray at his side. �The master will see you now. However I am instructed to inform you that he is not pleased with being troubled with the matter. It would be wise for you to make this a brief transaction and be on your way.� The man stated in the same curt manner. Sado slowly pushed himself off the wall and uncrossed his arms to follow the servant. They passed through several other rooms, each of which seemed to follow a particular color scheme and had equally expensive articles placed about. Shortly afterwards Sado was led into a room with a desk, several bookshelves, and an assortment of weapons displayed on the back wall. Seated in the desk facing them was a red bearded man reading over a few papers through a looking glass, and when they entered the servant offered a short bow to the lord before exiting the room. The lord looked up from what he was reading and quickly glanced Sado over before setting his work to the side. �I don�t know what you hoped to avoid by not paying the toll with my men but you will not gain a bargain by interrupting me.� The lord stated. Sado said nothing as he calmly leaned against the side of the doorway and crossed his arms again studying the room and the man a little longer. Not receiving the response he had hoped Sado could see the irritation upon the lord�s face growing as he shuffled about at his desk. �The price is 400 marks.� The lord barked from behind his desk. Sado shook his head and calmly walked towards the desk reaching into the pouch at his side. The lord kept a careful eye on him as Sado retrieved the marks and began counting them out and placed them on the desk. When Sado had finished placing the marks on the desk he calmly turned away and began to walk back towards the door. �Hey wait just a minute you. You went through all this just to pay the marks and leave?� the man questioned obviously surprised no argument had taken place. Stopping just before the doorway Sado turned his head slightly to the right but not far enough for his eyes to meet the man again. �You expected more from the encounter?� Sado questioned in a quiet calm voice. The lord shifted at his desk again, his uncertainty at what was the exact motives behind this meeting apparent in his actions. �Nobody just stops by to pay up then just walks away, who do you think you are wasting my time like this?� the lord returned letting a little frustration show in his voice. �That is of no concern of yours, I have paid your tax and I will be on my way.� Sado answered in the same calm voice. The lord pounded on his desk outraged and called for the guards. Standing up at his desk the lord quickly moved out from behind it, not waiting for the guards to arrive before getting his answer. �You are going nowhere you insolent dog! Face me when I am talking to you and remove that garb from your face. I demand to know why you have interrupted my busy schedule with your strange actions.� The lord demanded. �I really don�t have the time for this�� Sado responded resuming his walk towards the door. As soon as Sado reached the door one of the armored swordsmen he had seen before appeared and blocked his exit. Weapon already drawn the guard stood ready to attack if Sado moved any further forcing him to stop where he was. The lord had grown infuriated and reached over grabbing Sado by the shoulder to turn him around and pull off the sash. Before the lord could say another word Sado stepped back into him and grabbed hold of the man�s arm. Pulling forward and leaning down Sado lifted the lord in a flip over him and brought the man down hard on the stone floor. Sado kept hold of the lord�s arm as he leaned back up wrenching the arm sharply behind the now seated man, and did so until he could hear an audible snap. The lord let out a painful cry as Sado reached behind him and extracted a small dagger from the folds of his clothing and placed it at the lord�s neck. �Step through that door and your employer will no longer be needing your services.� Sado stated coldly to the guard who was beginning to move forward. The lord fought against crying out at the pain from his arm with Sado�s dagger so close to his throat and now being between Sado and his guard was providing a perfect shield. The guard stood in the doorway not sure what to do as two more soldiers joined him in the next room. Sado calmly brought the lord to his feet and led him further away from the door to get his distance from the entrance at the expense of more pain to his hostage. �A wiser man would have perhaps taken his money and been done with it, however you will soon learn what it means to trouble a member of the Uprising for this ignorance.� Sado whispered to the lord as they traveled backwards. One of the guards chose to be brave and stepped through the doorway and as he did so Sado let the edge of the blade bite into the lord�s neck slightly. Baring the lord�s neck so that the guard could see the growing trail of blood upon his master�s skin forced the guard to halt. The lord cried in pain again and screamed for the guards not to come any closer. Sado dragged the lord behind the desk and noticed a double pane window out of the corner of his eye to the right, nestled behind one of the bookshelves. Sado turned back to watch the guards as he continued to drag the lord around the desk and towards the newfound escape. When the two reached the edge of the bookshelf the guard slowly followed keeping the same distance. Stopping at the edge of the bookshelf Sado glanced back at the window for a moment then returned to watch the guard. As the guard took another step forward Sado quickly let go of the lord�s arm and brought his now free arm around the lord�s waist. In the same swift motion Sado removed the dagger from the man�s neck and twisted it back so he could grip the lord�s shoulder by the shirt but still keep the blade. Using his body as leverage Sado hefted the lord off his feet by his shirt and waist then twisted using the momentum to send the man through the window. The wooden pane and glass shattered outward as the man�s body went through it and Sado regained his grip on the dagger before he rushed towards the window himself, the guard not far behind him. Reaching the window Sado leaped through it and turned his body before landing hard on his back in the grass outside, nearly on top of the lord who had gone before him. Swiftly Sado rolled over while giving the dagger a sidearm throw towards the window. The blade caught the guard just above his chest plate as he was reaching the window, which caused him to fall backward out of sight. Sado pushed himself up and reached down grabbing the injured lord beside him proceeding to drag the tattered and now unconscious man into the garden they had ended up at. The sounds of more guards could be heard heading their direction and Sado used his free hand to adjust the sash covering his face which had gotten rearranged with his actions and looked around. There was still enough light outside for there to conveniently not provide any shadows to hide in and with that in mind Sado leaned down and hefted the lord onto his shoulders. The wall on the backside of the mansion was much closer than it was out front and Sado proceeded to carry the lord towards it as quick as possible. When they had reached the wall he awkwardly settled the lord on top of the wall, draping him over the side enough so that he wouldn�t fall when Sado let go. After the man was secured Sado stepped to the side and hefted himself onto the wall and shoved the lord down towards the other side. Within seconds of Sado leaping down himself he could hear the guards entering the garden and he crouched next to the wall remaining silent. �Where the hell did he go?� one of the guardsmen called out. The guards continued to clamber about the garden on the other side of the wall and Sado looked out at the horizon thinking about his next option. Already clear of the immediate danger it would take little time for him to make it out of sight over the next set of hills on foot. It would not do him any service however to continue his journey without the aid of his horse so leaving this place was not yet a valid choice. Sado looked down at the lord thinking the guards searching for him on the other side of the wall were sure to eventually search this spot so time was growing short. Carefully and silently Sado once again hefted the lord onto his shoulders taking caution to do so without alarming his pursuers, and moved away from the wall. Sado carried the lord in a direction that would take him furthest from the complex the quickest and as he moved through the grass Sado came upon a small ravine. He stopped to glance back at the wall before he carefully stepped down into the ditch and lightly set the lord back down as silent as possible. Coming to a crouch himself Sado turned to spy back towards the wall and hid with the lord out of sight. Just as he had done so Sado caught sight of one of the guards pulling himself up onto the wall followed by another. Sado ducked down a little further as he watched the guards scan the area looking for them and he hoped that the diminishing light of the evening was enough to make the guard�s search a little more difficult. �It don�t look like he went over the wall. Maybe he weaseled back into the house.� The guard stated after looking around a bit. �What is he some sort of demon? How can they just vanish like that?� the second guard on the wall searching as well. �They didn�t vanish you moron, stop saying things like that and get back down here and help us search for them.� an unseen guard from behind the wall ordered. Sado remained still until the guards perched on the wall climbed back down on the other side. When the environment had grown quiet again Sado sat up. The man lying on the ground next to him let out a slight moan from his injuries causing Sado to turn his attention to him. He felt no pity for the arrogant fool and if it were not a higher priority to get his horse back he would deliver the man his well-deserved punishment. Standing up Sado decided to take the opposite direction around the wall exploring the possibility of perhaps finding an easier way to the stables than the front gate. Leaving the foolish lord to endure his injuries Sado quietly walked back towards the wall and began to travel along it. After Sado had come around a corner and traveled some ways down the next part of the wall he came once again upon the sound of guards. �What�s going on?� a guard from inside the wall questioned. �That stranger attacked his lordship and took him hostage. We�re looking for them.� another guard answered. �Oh my, was he hurt?� a female voice questioned. �I dunno but that bastard sent him right through a window though.� The first guard answered. Sado could hear the woman gasp as he continued to move further along the wall. With the more time that passed a larger amount of people would find out about the event and the less his chances would be of getting his horse back. Shortly after he had moved a little further down the wall he came to a spot where he could see one of the rooftops of the smaller buildings he had come across earlier from over the wall. Stepping to where the side of the building would provide cover he slowly pulled himself onto the wall and slipped down between the wall and the structure. Placing his back against the side of the building Sado crept to the corner and peered around it to check for guards. It seemed that the confusion about what had just taken place was providing somewhat of a diversion, he could see no other guards milling around in the vineyard ahead. Looking around he noticed that the next building over had a side door that was slightly open and light was shining from within. Taking the opportunity to investigate the possibility the building was the stables Sado stepped out from behind the wall and sprinted over to the next building. Quickly making it to the doorway Sado ducked inside and was met immediately with several surprised outcries. The room he had entered was filled will tables and chairs in which several women were having dinner all of which had not expected the uninvited guest. Immediately Sado placed his finger up against the sash covering his mouth to hush them and said nothing as he moved through the diner�s tables towards the front door. A cross between fear, curiosity, or confusion was the only explanation he could think of for why they actually remained silent while he stepped to the front door and peered around the corner outside. When he was sure the area was clear Sado exited the door and quickly made his way to the next building hoping to find the stables soon, not wanting to chance anymore lucky encounters. Leaning against the wall of the next building Sado moved to its entranceway and glanced inside carefully. Several stalls holding horses and cattle put Sado�s mind at ease while he crept inside and began searching for his horse. Off in a stall to the left he found his steed lazily eating out of a trough in the back of the pen. Fortunately the guards had stowed his transportation with his belongings still on it, probably assuming Sado would not have stayed long enough for them to remove them. He wasted no time opening the stall and leading the horse out convinced the hardest part of his task had been completed. With the majority of the guards inside the mansion or at least in its vicinity no one would be protecting the front gate. As Sado was leading his horse out of the stall heard the sound of armor moving about behind him, and just as he turned to see what was the cause, a large sword edge was making its way towards him. Faltering backward Sado let go of his horse and narrowly avoided the attack while stumbling away as another swipe from his assailant began. Losing his footing he found himself landing on the hay and sawdust that littered the dirt floor. Sado quickly rolled to the side after he hit the ground as the sword once again came at him and it made an audible thud when it connected with the ground. Coming to his feet while the guard was busy wrenching his sword free Sado managed to recover from the surprise attack and the two of them squared off. Unarmed and without armor the guard began to smile at his disadvantaged opponent and moved in with another slash. Sado once again back stepped only this time released the hand full of dust he had gathered in his hand into the guard�s face. Blinded the guard reared back and Sado moved in sweeping the guard�s feet out from under him. Following the guard to the ground Sado sunk his fist into the man�s face and grabbed hold of the man�s weapon before any recovery was possible. Calmly Sado stood up and drove the sword through the guard�s neck into the dirt, effectively pinning the man to the ground. When the guard fell still Sado began walking back towards his horse, lightly dusting off the dirt and sawdust that had collected on his clothes. After he had retrieved his horse Sado led it outside the stable and set to closing the large door so that anyone trying to pursue him on horseback would be delayed opening the door. After placing the large wooden beam that secured the stable door down he walked back to his horse and pulled himself up into the saddle. Kicking the horse into motion towards the iron gate it quickly began racing through one of the rows of grapevines the vineyard. The sound of the horse alerted a few searching guards just outside of the vineyard and they quickly called out to others that they had spotted the trespasser. Sado ignored their cries and continued to speed towards the gate hoping that the guards that spotted him were the ones responsible for the gate. As he neared the exit of the complex Sado brought the horse to an abrupt halt causing the animal to rear slightly. When the horse had settled he swiftly got off the horse and pushed the gate open, relieved there were in fact no guards to stop him. Pulling himself back into the saddle the horse Sado directed it out of the gate in a hurry and kicked the gate from his saddle as the guard�s shouts were getting closer than comfort would allow. Heading to the right, not interested in dealing with the tower Sado sped alongside the wall to retrieve the lord he had left lying in the ditch. As Sado rounded the corner he kept along the wall and continued drive the horse at a rushed pace. He rode in the direction of the ravine deciding that after he had retrieved the lord he would continue in that direction to gain as much distance from the complex as he could. When he had reached the spot where the crumpled lord was rested Sado dismounted quickly. Reaching down and lifting the lord up Sado hefted the man onto the horse and climbed on, securing the man where he wouldn�t fall. Sado resumed the flight away from the mansion and sped off in a direction that he assumed was to the west in an effort to get far from sight and away from possible pursuers. Sado rode for a full two hours before slowing the horse down to a trot and glanced back afterwards to ensure he was not followed. He continued to travel with the injured lord well into the night and when fatigue had overcome him Sado finally guided his horse near the outskirts of a small grove and shoved the lord off his horse. The man cried out when he hit the ground, the sudden shock apparently awakening him from his unconsciousness. Sado watched silently as the man slowly collected his wits and looked around him still a bit groggy. The lord�s eyes widened when he realized he was no longer within the safety of his mansion and stared in horror up at Sado. Quietly backing the horse a bit away from the lord, Sado said nothing as he watched the lord roll over. �Please don�t kill me,� the lord begged, �Forget the money I�ll give it back, and more if you want� Sado continued to quietly stare back as he listened to the man bargain, the eerie silence that fell afterward was broken only by the sound of an insect inside the grove. The lord began to wail from his injuries and situation and turned away from the dark pair of eyes staring back at him through the sash. Sado�s horse neighed from the earlier run and let out a snort as it shook its head. After which the lord once again looked up at the horse and rider still getting no response to his words. �Please I beg of you, I�ll give you anything you want. Anything at all, how was I supposed to know you were one of those spooks? Let me live and I�ll do whatever you want.� The lord continued. Sado narrowed his eyes as he answered, �How dare you parade your arrogance only to support it with groveling. I have seen imps with more dignity then you are displaying.� The lord winced at the pain in his arm as he attempted not to wail again. Quiet once again settled over the two as the lord looked around at his surroundings in the silence and darkness. �What are you going to do?� the lord questioned not looking back up. Sado offered no response as he stopped looking at the lord and gazed out into the night. The insects from within the grove still provided the only sounds as the lord sat certain of his fate being sealed. �Say something damn you!� the lord cried out Sado remained silent and did not even turn to face the lord after his outburst. The man shifted on the ground again trying to find a position that wouldn�t cause him as much pain and sat disheartened in the darkness staring at the ground. Gradually Sado stepped down of his horse and walked towards the grove. �What are doing now?� the lord questioned. Sado did not answer the question as he began collecting pieces of wood for a campfire. The lord fell silent again while Sado worked on getting a large enough wood pile and started the fire at a distance. When the fire was nursed to life enough to sustain itself Sado walked over to his horse and removed some dried meat and his water skin. The lord watched as Sado sat by the fire slowly getting comfortable. �You are a heartless bastard, is their no mercy in you?� the lord spat out. Sado again didn�t respond as he removed his head covering and set it beside him. Using the silk cloth as a place to rest his arm Sado stretched out and began to eat. The lord murmured to himself too far away from the fire to feel any of its warmth and began to shiver with the growing cold of the night. �You could at least say something while you sit over there mocking my situation.� The lord blurted out. Sado glanced over at the lord and carefully set aside his meal before gazing into the fire. �When my time comes I will not spend my last moments dwelling on such insignificant wants. I was giving you time to collect your thoughts before I release your soul from the shell of a man it is trapped in.� Sado responded coldly. �Oh and you are any better eh?� the lord questioned laughing deliriously, �Who is the shell here, the one who wants to live or the one without compassion.� �Compassion is a forgotten word to me, spare me the attempt of you justifying your death at my expense, as it will not save you from being just another failure in the effort.� Sado responded in the same cold voice. �You talk as if a life has no meaning. I pity you for going through yours that way.� The lord declared. Sado said nothing in return as he went back to finishing his dinner, keeping his attention upon the flames. When his meal was done Sado quietly stood up and walked back to his horse to put away the water skin. After it had been placed back into the saddlebag Sado reached into his bed roll and drew out the katana stored within its folds. Carefully removing the blade from the sheath the steel let off a slight reflection from the firelight, the sight of which caused the lord to wail again. Sado said nothing as he turned and began walking towards the man. In a last effort to escape the lord tried to writhe away only to be caught by the back of his shirt. Calmly Sado proceeded to drag the man towards the grove by his shirt all the while the lord begging for his life. As they passed into the tree line the lord began to grasp loose branches with his usable arm in an effort to stop his demise and Sado kept the steady pace of pulling the man deeper into the grove. When they had come to a small clearing Sado cast the lord against one of the trees and stepped away from him. The lord stopped wailing and began to shake from his injuries and the cold and looked back at Sado with a pleading look in his eyes. Sado stood motionless watching the lord for a few moments, the brilliance from the stars above did not provide enough light for the lord too see Sado�s face as the two sat quietly collecting their thoughts. Cold, frightened, and riddled with the pains from his injuries the lord could do nothing when Sado stepped closer and thrust the blade into the man�s mid-section. The lord writhed for a few seconds after the steel entered his body then fell still as Sado withdrew the sword and began walking away. Stepping out of the grove up to his horse, Sado reached into his saddlebag and removed a small wool cloth, wiping the end of the katana off before placing it back in the scabbard and securing it within the bed roll again. Tossing the cloth into the fire Sado walked over and picked up the sash he had set down before. He carefully shook it out and wrapped it around his head again keeping a spot open for just his eyes again. He then walked over to his horse and pulled himself back up into the saddle and took up the reigns. Taking a last glance at the grove he then turned to face the north and gazed out at the horizon. Lightly directing his horse into motion, Sado then continued his venture to wherever it may lead him. Sado Ishikawa �Bringer of Bushido� Evil Overlord of DC Leader of the Evil Uprising

Link to Sado's Page

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