General Zayn was the one to slam the door open. He could hardly believe that they'd made it this far. As he stepped in, his steps were heavy and his spine erect. Erodyne could even tell that Zayn was a proud man. The group followed after him, looking as stoic as they could muster.
The general quickly took a look at his surroundings, noticing multiple things at once. First, the Token guards that stood too close for comfort. Two, the emperor in the very back. Three, the two women in the room -one veiled in lace, and one with golden hair. Four, the distinct man that stood in the midst of them. In his mind, he cursed. He understood why the emperor would be here... but the women?
Of what use was a whore here? None.
"Ah, and here we are," the Tokenmaster said, now stepping forward, "I have been expecting you."
The general looked over at Erodyne, a little surprised at his appearance. As usual, Erodyne wore a serene smile. The minute Zayn looked into the Tokenmaster's eyes, he could tell that insanity had ridden the man. Even still, his enemy was armed. Zayn would have to fight him... and kill him.
"Men..." he called out, smile fading for a moment.
The guards around Erodyne sprang into action, attacking the members of the group with a ferocity that they had not yet faced. Jehrth and Shen both came under pressure almost immediately, and neither of them could get far enough away to use their bows. The skirted out wide, trying to find an opening. As for Dregar, Ra, and the General... they returned the fight with one of their own.
Zayn noticed seconds into the fight that none of the men were trying to bring him down. At least, not directly.
With a glance, the general saw that Erodyne was simply watching things happen from where he stood. He should have been thankful for it, but he wasn't. No. Zayn knew almost immediately that the Tokenmaster had his sights set on him. The way Erodyne's eyes glossed him over, and the general saw bloodlust behind the tranquility.
Ra pulled out his axe and began swinging at the men trying to pull him down. Due to the close proximity of them; however, it was hard to maneuver his blade to hit them. Even still, he managed to knock them away.
Dregar went immediately defensive, using his shield more than his sword. Two of Erodyne's guards were taking on the swordsman. Dregar just hoped that they'd get tired banging on his shield. Then --then he would strike. However, they didn't have time to get tired. Despite the fact that Zayn knew he should keep a close eye on the Tokenmaster, he spun right into the fray, coming to the aid of his fellow man.
The Token fighting the general stood no chance. He swung his sword to hit Zayn, but Zayn raised his shield in time to catch the blow. Afterward, he thrust his own sword forward, catching the soldier in the gut after several swings. The sword came out red, and the Token staggered forward onto his knees. Blood poured from his lips, and he met his end. Zayn kept at it, watching his men and hoping for the best. He knew that the worst of it was yet to come.
In the meantime, the servant woman standing with Erodyne watched the two sides fight. In her heart, she longed to help. But she couldn't. Looking around the room, she saw a lot of things. Emperor Rus wasn't the only prisoner here; that was something that she didn't expect. She also noticed that nothing stood between her and the door she had just arrived from. If she could just get the emperor through that door... they would be free.
All the men that were worth a damn here right now were the ones fighting General Zayn and the rest of the scouts. She could easily pick off any other simple militia that came her way. But how was she going to get him through that door unnoticed?
No one was looking at her right now, sure. It was loud. But what if someone turned and caught her?
"Damn it all," she muttered to herself, knowing that now could be her only chance. Taking a couple of minutes to ready herself, she decided to go for it. Quietly, she slinked back to the door, keeping a keen eye on the room at all times. Thankfully, no one was in her path. With a grimace, she opened it. To her pleasure, the sounds of battle cleared out any noise it might have made.
Now she walked up behind the emperor, bringing her mouth as close to his ear as she could manage.
"Come on. Now," she said through clenched teeth.
Emperor Rus turned to face her.
When he was looking her way, she gestured with her head toward the open door.
"If you want to live... follow me now," she said, words low and enunciated, "Walk through that door."
He just looked confused.
"Don't asked questions. If you want to leave... come with me now," she told him, eyes flicking from his face to the fight proceeding behind them. He nodded and she slowly led him toward the door. Gwen's heart thudded hard against her ribs, but she didn't let it stop her from moving.
The time it took to get to the door felt like forever, but they couldn't make any quick movements, not without alerting everyone. Once Geh'lien passed through the frame, Gwen took a last glance at the battlefield, noting that Zayn, Dregar, and Ra were still holding their ground. And then... she wish she hadn't looked. Next, she watched Erodyne motion toward the guard that was currently holding Jehrth.
Gwen knew what was happening... but not in time to stop it.
It happened in a flash. The Token pulled out a knife and dragged it across the archer's throat. Blood poured immediately from the wound, spilling from his throat in an endless pool. He fell to the floor quietly, his head turning toward her and the emperor. For a moment, a small smile grazed his lips... as if he were looking at something beyond the room. Gwen watched as the light left his eyes.
Jehrth had died.
Tears began spilling from her eyes, but she shut the door behind her as silently as she could.
She'd never had to watch a friend die before.
"Who are you?" the emperor asked as soon as they were out of eyeshot.
"Run and talk. We don't have much time," she said from under her veil, glad it stood in place to hide her tears, "...come."
Immediately, she began jogging through the halls. He caught up to her after a few seconds. Even as he ran, his face was as composed as she'd ever seen it. He turned his head towards her when he was close enough to do so.
"Who are you?"
"Not who you think I am," she told him, "I come from Eldia. My name is Iris. I knew they were coming long before they arrived. That's why I'm here. I mean to get you out of here while Erodyne is distracted. Once we leave this place, we can find a place to hide. As for protection... I've got your back. Just try and stay with me. Eldia needs you."
"Iris..." he said thoughtfully, "how did you know?"
"I just did. I knew some of them, for a time... I am kind of a back-up plan," she answered, trying her best to be vague. Her voice wavered as she spoke. "I have skills. They've served you well. That's all I know to say."
"I... thank you," he cleared his throat as he jogged quickly behind her. "You sound upset."
"One of them died... as we were leaving. He was my friend," she told him, "may he rest with the gods."
"Did you care for him?"
"No more than I just told you," she answered, "The one I care for is still fighting in there to the best of my knowledge. But there is no time to fret over it. We have to get far away from here... who knows when they'll notice our disappearance?"
"And if they do? What then, Iris of Eldia?"
"Then they'll come after us," she answered, getting a little winded. She wished he'd stop asking so many damned questions, at least while they were running.
"And if they catch us?"
She pulled her knives from under her dress.
"Then I'll kill them."
At hearing these words, the emperor halted his run. Iris internally cursed. What now? She kept running for a second, hoping he'd get over his shock and run with her again. But he didn't. She had to double back towards him.
"Please," she begged, "we must make haste. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise."
"You can fight?"
With a sigh, she nodded.
"I can, your Majesty. Now let's get you out of here while we still can."
----
Everyone, including the general, watched in horror as Jehrth fell to the floor, drenched in his own blood. Even still, they kept fighting. They couldn't afford not to. Especially because Shen was down. If they didn't do something real fucking fast, Zayn knew that he would die as well. Before he could do anything else, the Tokenmaster shouted.
"Enough!" Everyone looked toward Erodyne, who now walked toward Zayn.
"Everyone will stand down now... or the other archer goes too!"
Everyone was frozen in place. No one knew what to do in the madness. During that time, Ra and Dregar were then knocked to the ground to join Shen. But Zayn, Zayn was left standing. Alone. Erodyne walked toward him, smiling again. The general was disgusted at the man. How could one act so calm, especially after murdering a man in cold blood? Even Zayn knew that he could never kill a man without giving him a chance to fight. It was only honorable nature.
"General Zayn Rothstead," Erodyne said casually, "I see you got my note. Though I'm quite sure you were headed this way already."
Zayn surveyed him now. The Tokenmaster's face was slanted... and his dark eyes were cruel. He had long black hair, pulled back at the nape of his neck. Erodyne's chest was bare, covered in war paint, and his arms were marked with inky tattoos. The full design wasn't visible, for it disappeared under his gauntlets. As for his legs, they were armored in black plate, covered slightly by the robe that fell at his waist.
In his hands, he held his weapons: whips.
Erodyne began walking towards the general, the metal spikes on his whips audibly dragging against the floor as a sort of threat.
"Is there a reason I'm still standing?" Zayn snapped.
"But of course. You're the main event, as it were. I thought it fitting," Erodyne shrugged, "Perfectly storybook, even. Theatrics make things interesting. I even brought you an audience," Erodyne motioned back to the blonde woman. "From your very own Eda. She gets to watch you die. And then she dies."
Zayn could have sworn that he heard her breath catch in her throat. He looked past the Tokenmaster to see the fear in her eyes. He wished he didn't have to see it. But, in a sort, seeing her fear fueled his rage. He knew now more than ever that he needed to win against the crazed master of Tokens.
The next thing he saw... was something that wasn't visible. The emperor. Geh'lien Rus was missing, as was the woman that was standing next to him. Zayn figured that the emperor had escaped during their combat --that the woman had tried chasing him down. For a minute, he thanked the gods that she looked to be the only one that followed after him.
"Not if I can help it," Zayn said, not pointing out the missing prisoner. If the emperor had made a run for it, it was probably best that he was given time to get somewhere.
"A challenge? But of course. That's how I intended it to be all along. You will fight me, one on one, and you will fall."
Zayn just glowered at the Tokenmaster, strategizing in his head. How in the hell was he going to do this?
"Sir," one of the Token soldiers interrupted, "I hate to interject... but the emperor is gone."
At this, Erodyne turned.
"So he is. Hmm. Don't worry. I'll go and reclaim him shortly," he replied, seemingly brushing it right off his shoulder. Now, he turned back to Zayn, and a malevolent smile lit up his face.
"And... go," he said, cracking his whips.
Immediately, the general tried to get close. Yet, he couldn't. Erodyne lashed out with one of his whips, catching the general on his side, where his armor was weak. How had he known? The general didn't have time to think about it. The Tokenmaster twirled his other whip, slamming it against Zayn's other side. The small spikes pierced Zayn's chainmail and shirt, and bit at his flesh.
The general grunted and held his shield up, knowing that it might not do any good. He'd never fought against anything like this. He knew though, without doubt, that his best chance was to get close. Getting close, however, would be painful. Still, he advanced. Zayn did his best to block the snapping whips with his shield, but it hardly did any good.
Once Zayn got within arm's reach, he lashed out with his sword. Much to his surprise, Erodyne ducked away from it with the grace of a cat. And then... the Tokenmaster leapt back and swung his whip again. It hit Zayn right in the face, tearing through the skin on his cheek, right where his scar had been.
The general's head snapped back at the impact, and for a second, he caught Ra's eyes. They were filled with a sort of despair he hadn't seen, not in all his days.
Zayn turned his head back to his enemy, blood pouring down his face. He paid it no mind as he got closer. He didn't want his men to give up hope. He couldn't just lead them here to their death. He couldn't lead them to the fall of their country. He'd won many battles before --he'd prove himself again.
Or so he hoped.
He charged forth again, the whip striking at him. This time, it bounced off his armor. Thank the gods for small favors. The general's blade cut through the air... but only the air, for the Tokenmaster dodged it again with a side step. Erodyne then used the pommel of the whip to hit Zayn in the nose. Immediately, the Eldian general felt blood trickle down his face.
The leader of the Tokens then took the moment general Zayn was stunned to step behind him and wrap his arm around his neck in a chokehold. As Zayn struggled to get free of it, he accidentally dropped his shield and was forced to watch as each of his men were dragged back and chained to the wall of the room.
With renewed anger, he sent a leg back into Erodyne's shin.
It made him falter just enough so that Zayn could get free of the hold.
With a quick spin, the general sent his blade flying towards Erodyne's face. The Tokenmaster dodged it again... but he didn't dodge the fist that followed. Without his shield, Zayn had a free hand.
Erodyne snarled at being hit and sent his foot flying into General Zayn's breastplate. It hit with surprising force... enough to knock Zayn away from him. As the general stumbled, Erodyne sent the whip flying again, crashing once more in the weak spots in his armor. This time, the Tokenmaster ripped the whips forward in a way that destroyed the chainmail... and Zayn's skin. Hot fire ripped at Zayn's sides.
The pain was worse than anything he'd ever experienced.
Even still, he charged toward his enemy, refusing to be bested. He would never give up hope, especially in front of the soldiers that counted on his success.
"That's the spirit," the Tokenmaster antagonized him, slapping him left and right with the barbed weapon.
With a grunt, Zayn threw himself forward, trying his best to grapple Erodyne. Again, he met nothing but air. He could hardly believe that a person could be so nimble. The only equivalent he'd ever seen was Iris... damn it, how was he going to do this? He hated to look like a fool against the master of the Tokens.
He refused to give up.
Zayn's next sword thrust actually managed to catch Erodyne's side. He watched in satisfaction as his enemy's blood dribbled on the floor. Erodyne quickly flitted back. Battled ensued for minutes that felt like hours, and finally, the Tokenmaster feinted to the side. With another flick of his wrists, he used the whips to rip the general's sword right from his hands and send it flying across the room. It clattered against the floor, its sound penetrating all hope of winning. Even still, the general would not give up. He would just have to fight with his fists, try to make his way back to his weapons, and fucking pray for the best.
It wasn't enough.
Erodyne wrapped his weapon around the Eldian general's ankle, yanking it from underneath him and pulling him down to the ground. Zayn's head bounced off the hard floor as he fell, and for a second, he was completely disoriented. By the time he regained his composure, Erodyne was lifting him off the ground in another choke-hold. This one was tighter. Zayn struggled against it, but there was no leverage this time.
Now he watched his men. One by one, he watched them all give up hope. Even Dregar. It almost made him want to give up too. What else was there to do? All he could sit there and do now was sit there and squirm. He felt weak from blood loss. The gashes on his sides were deeper than he'd thought.
But he wasn't dead yet.
As that though crossed the general's mind, Erodyne flicked out a dagger and held it to Zayn's throat.
There was no hope.
And then... the Tokenmaster spoke. "And... death,"
As promised, two seconds later, death occurred. Deaths, in fact. It wasn't what the general could have ever expected... or even Erodyne. The deaths were not of Eldian soldiers... but of Token soldiers. Like some sort of miracle, several throwing knives whirled through the air -seemingly out of nowhere- and struck their targets right in the throats.
It happened so fast.
At this, everyone turned to look at the source. At the door... stood the emperor. And the whore.
Two of the four Token men left began rushing toward him.
"Didn't I tell you to make sure he had no weapons?!" Erodyne shouted to them.
As soon as the men were close enough to Geh'lien, the prostitute wheeled into action. With a spin, two daggers appeared in her hands and then slammed themselves into the soldiers' guts. With a twist for good measure, she yanked the both of them out. On cue, her enemies fell to the ground... dead.
"You did," she called out, "But you never made sure I didn't have any."
The general would know that voice anywhere.
He stared at the prostitute... noticing now that her arms and legs were muscular, and that her posture was confident. He should have seen it coming sooner.
And then... Iris ripped off her veil, sheathing her daggers and pulling out two more throwing knives. Quickly, she glanced at the two men holding Lillian in place. Erodyne looked more surprised than anyone had ever seen him. Zayn too. Gods, he hated that she was risking her life. But damn, he'd never been happier to see her.
As for Shen, Dregar, and Ra, they hardly knew what to think. To them... she was naught but a random woman that made her presence known at the right time. Erodyne took a step toward her.
As he walked, Iris turned toward the two other Tokens in the room, grasping her knives tightly in hand. Lillian stared at her for a second, and then her eyes widened. It was as if they might pop out of her head. Iris watched as Lillian mouthed her name. The Tokens immediately grabbed her by the throat, holding her out in front of them.
"Just how good do you think your aim is, bitch?" one of them taunted her, choking the Eldian girl.
Iris didn't entertain an answer. She only threw the knives before they could kill Lillian like they'd killed Jehrth. The knives both hit true to target. Lillian flinched as one flew right past her head and slammed into the Token that held her throat. His blood spattered all over her cheek... and he immediately sunk to the floor. After that, she couldn't help but to gape at Iris. She was nothing like Lillian remembered.
Now Iris turned to Erodyne.
"You want theatrics," she snapped at him, yanking out her daggers again. "I'll give you your gods damned theatrics." Blood dripped from the blades.
Erodyne pulled out the whips again, steeling himself for another fight.
With all the quickness he could muster, he sent them flying towards Iris... only to find out that she was agile enough to dodge them. She got closer to him, and he saw the ferocity light her eyes like a fire. He took a step back, sending one flying at her feet. She jumped over it quite easily and kept moving.
With a snarl, his attacks quickened. For the most part, Iris was able to dodge them. However, she got hit twice... once on the stomach, and once on her arm. They ripped into her flesh, sending agonizing pain throughout her body. With a snarl, she leapt for him, tackling him to the ground. She was ready to shove a knife into his heart, but she didn't get the chance. Erodyne rolled her over... putting her into the compromising position. She didn't think about what she would do next --she just channeled her adrenaline.
With a foot, she kicked him backwards a few feet. It was enough for her to stand again. Unfortunately, he was able to stand up swiftly as well. Before she knew it, the crack of the whip was heard again and she felt a ring of pain around her stomach. She looked down quickly to see that one of his weapons was wrapped around her torso.
Before he could rip her apart, she rolled out of it.
The next hit was Iris's. She left a decent slash on his lower back. Unfortunately, it was not lethal.
Erodyne sucked in a breath at the cut and spun back around to face her. At the time, she was too close for comfort. Before he was able to step back, he felt a knife graze the skin on his stomach as well. He growled and slammed his forehead into hers, disorienting her long enough for him to stand back.
Swinging his arm again, the spiked weapon lodged itself into her lower back. Without hesitation, he yanked it out... slicing her open.
"Shit," she cursed under her breath, taking it in stride. The adrenaline in her blood helped her to ignore the pain. Leaping toward him again, Iris hit air. Erodyne dodged her fatal blow. He tried to counter hers with his own lethal assault, but like her, his attack missed. As Iris avoided more of his advances, she began to wonder how she would end this. He was agile like her, yes. She considered that he had whips... and she had daggers. Her best chance would be to back him into a corner.
From close range, his weapons would be useless. Hers would not.
After the information was processed, she began maneuvering in a way that would put him in that position. He fought against her with everything he had. He tried to skirt away from her. It didn't work. He was so bold to leap out. She blocked him with a knife's edge to the skin. He shouted out in pain. Shoving her out of the way, he noticed that his chest had been cut open.
"Bitch," he spat quietly at the ground. He wheeled back around, looking up from his feet, this time really ready to end her life. But she wasn't there. He was only confused for a second, because then, he felt her arm firmly wrap around his neck. From the corner of his eye, he saw the sharp point of the dagger in her hand.
"This... is for Eldia," she said, and kicked both his legs out from under him. He tried to free himself, but she just wrestled him into place.
"This... is for my father."
He heard a crunch in his lower back... and then, he could no longer feel his legs. He hardly even had time to panic.
"And this? This is for me."
In one swift motion, she shoved a blade through his back... and straight into his heart. It didn't take but two seconds for him to choke on his own blood and keel over. Breathless, she removed her dagger and stood up... running towards the general, who watched her in immense surprise. She was thankful that he was still alive.
"What are you doing here?" he asked once she was close enough to hear.
"Cleaning up your mess."
Her voice carried over to the three other Eldian soldiers, who were just staring at her in awe. Dregar's instinct kicked in, and he almost told her that she shouldn't speak to the general in such a way. But then? Then he decided she could say whatever the hell she wanted, for all of them owed her their lives.
"Damn, you can fight. Who are you and where in the hell did you learn all that?" Ra called in her direction.
Iris stood from her spot, breaking her gaze from the injured Zayn, and began walking toward the three men. When she got close, she kneeled down to look at all of them directly in the eyes.
"Something I picked up on the road. And you heard my name. I'm Iris. Iris Gwenneth."
It took a few moment for it to register in each of their heads. She watched as Ra squinted at her... and then gawked.
"Shit..." was all the warrior could say, "...you gotta be shittin' me."
"Ingred?" Shen asked, dumbfounded, "You're a girl."
"Afraid so," she said in a low tone so the emperor wouldn't overhear, loosening the chains on his wrists. "Shh."
After he was free, she did the same for Ra and Dregar. Ra didn't have words yet. He just stared at her like he'd never stared at anything before. She hoped he was alright. As she loosened Dregar's chains, she found that she was afraid to hear what he would have to say to her. So afraid that her heart picked up the minute he opened his mouth.
"Thank you," he finally said. Iris could tell that he meant it, even if he was confused.
"Very much obliged," she said, "Not let's all get out of here."
He simply smiled.
After releasing all of her friends, Iris stepped toward Lillian.
"Iris? Iris Gwenneth? I thought... I thought you died. Everyone in Eda was saying that you killed yourself..."
Not for lack of trying, Kayde might've added had he been there. Iris only said, "Lucky for you, I didn't."
"Yeah," Lillian whimpered. Any other words died in her throat.
The rogue turned away.
"Iris?" Lillian's voice was quiet behind her.
Iris looked over her shoulder at the shivering girl.
"Thank you."
"Yeah," Iris replied, walking over to the group. They were all trying to help Zayn off his feet. Before she could get there, though, the emperor called out her name. She spun to face him, and bowed her head in respect, wondering what he would have to say to her.
"Yes, Majesty?"
"Come here," he ordered, gesturing with his hand.
As she walked over towards him, she could feel him looking at her. She could sense that he was trying to figure her out. Once she got close enough to him, she stopped... still ducking her head. She hoped that he did not question her, but somehow, she felt that he would. After all, who wouldn't?
"You were a soldier, weren't you?" his question was direct, loud enough for everyone to hear.
She was quiet at this.
"That's how you knew that I was here. It's the only way you could've. You were a soldier." This time, it was a statement.
She was still silent.
"Is this true. Were you an Eldian soldier?" he asked.
Now Iris met his eyes. He already knew her truth, and so she spoke it. "Yes. I was. And in my heart, I still am."
"I see," the emperor said, and then looked at General Zayn, "Did you know of this? Did you know that you had a woman in your ranks?"
"I... not the entire time, your Majesty," he answered with a sigh. Iris's heart pounded. There was no word in the world that could describe what she was feeling right now. She'd beat their enemy. She'd won against the Tokenmaster, but because of her gender, she would now lose her life. It hardly seemed fair.
"I'd rather you take whatever your wrath is out on me," Iris spoke, "He had nothing to do with it."
"Enough," the emperor silenced her, "Him knowing about you is enough. You and the general are to both come with me back to Oraborn."
No one knew what to say. With a sigh, she nodded.
It was then that Lillian spoke out.
"How could you kill her?" she said, "How? She didn't have to come here! But she did. She did it to save all of us. I saw her trying to sneak you out earlier, your Majesty. How could you punish her for being a hero? To more than us... to her father. He could've never done what she did. He wouldn't have lived!"
"Enough, Lillian," Iris cut her off.
The emperor said nothing else, but instead walked from the room. Everyone followed after him silently. Everyone but Iris... and Zayn. Wordlessly, the rogue walked over to Jehrth. With a tear, she shut his eyes.
"Goodbye, my friend," she whispered, placing a hand on his heart, "Rest easy and know that you were avenged."
Afterward, Zayn took a torch from the room and burned Jehrth's body on the stone floor, taking care to make sure nothing else would catch fire. Quietly, he gave a final word for his friend -the soldier's honors. Both Iris and Zayn wished they could've taken his body back. They'd have to settle for ashes.
"Iris?" Zayn said as the body burned.
She looked up from her dead companion to the injured general. He motioned for her to stand up. She did, but said nothing.
"You came back," he said, his voice soft.
"That's right. I did. You weren't leaving me behind. I think you knew that," she answered.
"Why?" he asked, "I told you to leave. I knew it might end this way... now the emperor's going to..."
Zayn didn't have the heart to finish the sentence.
"You shouldn't be there when I'm punished for my crime. In fact, you have a chance to flee right now. You're in a different country. I don't want you punished alongside me. I couldn't bear it... knowing I caused your death," she told him, looking back to Jehrth.
"It'll be fine," he interjected, and then paused, "You never answered my question though. I gave you a way out, a way back to your father and your life, why did you come back here?"
"You once told the scouting group, on our way here, that you'd need every single one of us to win this... I believed that."