37 _ Approaching the Wuhan Pass .

Hikaru led on as they made their way through the undergrowth. This land was known of among all the Kingdoms as the tenement of the Notorious, ill-famed , Bandit King, named Zhuo Fan. It was a minor route leading to others Lands both known and unknown but passing through it was a great risk. One could be fortunate to pass through , losing his goods but escaping with his life but most lost their goods and their lives if they were inauspicious enough to cross path with the dreaded Zhuo Fan , The much feared Bandit King .

No one had ever acknowledged seeing him. Only few unlucky people had and they never lived to narrate their woes. What preceded him was his wicked, cruel and heartless acts to his fellow men. He led a number of raids , killing people in the most horrific of manners , looting, stealing , plundering , ravishing with his band of merry thieves. Like your Typical Robin Hood , but only that he stole from both the poor and the rich to enrich himself.

Although The Wuhan Pass was risky , it was the quickest alternative than going through the Faizi Boundary. A number of guards were posted around there so it would be harder to get through without an unwanted attractions.But the Wuhan Pass was adequately sheltered with trees and brushes for cover so the possibility of success of passage was higher.

They stuck to the shadows, careful , not wanting to run into any of them. They had had enough troubles already and Kaya was still recovering from the bite of the Krait. The quicker they got out of the Wuhan Pass, all that remained would be the Shunde Rivers and they would finally reach the Kindjuki Peaks.

Just before reaching the Crossing into the bandit territory, Hikaru halted and lifted himself in his saddle. His keen gaze stared behind him. "Lots of Dust." He thought to himself.

"Somebody is coming." Lucian completed his thought. "Someone is coming. Let us get out of sight. We do not need any unnecessary trouble..."He looked down at Kaya , her body now regaining back its normal temperature. "I do not know if we we could make our way out of it again. It was mere luck the first time ."

"Hmmn Luck..." Hikaru muttered to himself as his mind went back to the night he challenged Dai Xiu and vulperised him to mere ash. Those markings. Those dark eyes.

He guided them a good distance from the road and dismounted their horses. Kaya was surprised but pleased when he assisted her down. She watched him lead her down as Lucian extended his left hand and pulled her up beside her. Their gazes met for a moment as he steadied her but they were pressed for time and he pulled away to converse with Hikaru.

"It could be merchants...or worse case scenario, band of outlaws." His friend deduced.

"Do you think they saw us?"

"It is impossible." He said in an afterthought. "We were moving too slowly to create signs at that distance."

They watched the dust and movement get closer and closer . Men with extra horses ride steadily in their directions.Lucian kept Kaya close , and his arm went over her back in a protective cover. "Do not move." He whispered.

Kaya obeyed his gentle order. On his back , he pressed her head to his chest and Kaya allowed the stimulating contact. Lucian remained motionless and so did Kaya . She felt the strength of his embrace and arms, feeling the warmth of his comforting body. She was safe in his arms as she relaxed against him. He was a wild and splendid dream she ached to make real but for her dark secrets.

Back at the Royal Palace , one could never find a brave , loyal , independent lady like her. Women usually wanted to get married into royalty to improve their status, to have riches and they could betray anyone to get what they wanted, gaining from others weak points.

Kaya Takashi was not that way. She never shamed a man for revealing a moment of weakness , like back in the outskirts of the Fuyo Empire. Pride was important to Lucian but he knew little about love and honor. He had lived a dull life , everything being done for him , merely existing for twenty one years.

Lucian's attention was arrested when He heard the neighing of horses and rose up his head. The men had halted their horses, for the reason that his steed had freed itself from where he had tied it up and now stood across the road . blocking the way. He must have tied the knot loosely while he hurried to attend to Kaya.Up close one could see their rough attire , their large pouches filled with numerous ornate items and quickly tell they were bandits.

The tall , elegant man riding in front got off of his horse and calmed Lucian's steed into silence. "Someone is here. Search Every where." He commanded.

"We have to go." Lucian said as he placed his hand underneath Kaya's body , supporting her weight. "Before they find us."

"It is already too late." Hikaru sighed as he took out his sword in superfluous timing as the thieves had already surrounded them. "Great! Another interference."

There were seized and disposed of their weapons. No words were exchanged as they were taken captive and headed forth into the great unknown, their destiny bleak and uncertain.

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"Who sent you?! Tell me or I shall flay you alive." One of the outlaws barked at Hikaru. Lucian had an engorged eye from trying to resist which also earned him a few blows here and there while Kaya was tied up in a corner still weak. They were now in the residence of the legendary Zhuo Fan and his crew. Their own personalised palace , with a dungeon in which presently , the three were kept. He had them separated and made his men start on Hikaru first , expecting he would be easier to break.

"And why should I ?" Hikaru derided. "Even if we do you are just going to kill us aren't you?"

"You have a smart mouth on you." The man said huffily as he opened of Hikaru's prison and tossed him out of it. "Zhuo Fan said I should not kill you but nothing about hurting you."

"Do your worst , you uncultured brute but I will tell you nothing."

The man nodded towards another. Soon Hikaru was lifted and placed into a casket like torture device , in which the lid had sharp spikes attached to it at various points. He was placed into the hollow and the lid was set over him but not covered.

"One last chance ." The other man said to him, almost regretfully. "Give it up."

"Never."

The lid was closed upon him and he grit his teeth as he felt the piercings of the needle , tear into his skin , as blood poured down from his wounds and into the floor.

"Where are you from and who sent you?!"

"Hikaru tell them nothing." Lucian shouted out to his friend as he groaned when the bandits pressed the lid harder and a yell escaped his throat. Kaya could not bare to look and hoped to see his suffering end when she heard a pair of steps down the hall.

Lucian gaze darkened as he caught a full glimpse of the man approaching...