Mysterious Woman

Early in the morning, they met up with Warren. He would lead them to the Anderson family stead. There James would have the opportunity to meet Liam Anderson, head of the Anderson family and Warrens Grandfather.

Making their way to the mansion, James was met a large building. However compared to the homestead of the Owens, this was considerably smaller. Even the amount of guards and attendants could not compare. If you consider the Owens as a high tiered noble, the Andersons would be a mid tiered noble family.

Making their way towards the study of Liam, James was met with an older man. His beard, which was a few inches long, was covered in a white, snow like color. His stern face, gave the chills to James as his eyes met Liam's. Even though was of an older age, it did not bother him as the atmosphere that he was emitting had a strong pressure on anyone that saw him.

A deep voice could be heard as he started to speak, "Welcome. I have heard much from Warren about you. It is nice to see that Warren was able to make trustworthy friends." Signing them to sit, the continued the conversation.

After a moment, they started to speak about the situation. Apparently the Andersons also suffered from the dishonorable ways of the Herewealth and were not opposed to help James reduce their power a bit. He did not even have to check the validity of the agreement as he blindly trusted James. Compared to Hyde, Liam was more lacks. It was the opposite of the atmosphere that he was emitting.

In the end of the agreement, Liam agreed to give James 50 of his men, fully equipped. As it had been some time that he entered the battle field, he was even willing to partake himself in the upcoming battle.

During their visit, Liam started to tell them about the wars that he had experienced against the other kingdoms. He even had the opportunity to fight in a civil war. It was clear that he loved the battle field and that he would want to return to it when possible. It was such a character that had rather a sword in his hand than a quill.

To celebrate the formation of the coalition army and possibly his return to the fields, he decided to hold a feast in their honor. Not being that fond of people, only the Owens was invited.

That night, the group started their small celebration. There were quite a lot of people that joined in the celebration. James was the center point, as the whole campaign to take revenge on the Herewealth was based solely on him. He was the figure head of the coalition army and would also be the one that would gain the most credit after campaign ended in victory.

Looking around, James saw that there was a good relationship between the two families. Even though there was a power difference between the two houses, the current situation proved otherwise.

As the celebration was heating up, a scream could be heard from the study. Rushing to the study, everyone was met with the lifeless body of Liam. He was lying in a pool of blood. There were a few stab wounds in his stomach.

"Who did this? Guards, spread out and find the culprit." Hyde ordered. With that, all the guards those were present in the household spread out and started to search for the culprit.

Even James decided to join in, as a recent ally of his was now lying on the ground lifeless. The last thing he could at least do was find the culprit of this and bring them to justice. As he was searching, another scream came. James rushed over to the location as he started to hear shouts, "It is a witch! Use the God stones. Kill her!"

Turning around a corner, James saw that a young girl, maybe in her mid teenage years was fending off with some of the guards. Her blond heard was flapping with every move she made. As the fighting was continuing, James decided to also engage. Drawing his sword he lunged towards the back of the woman.

Just before the sword hit her, she disappeared from the location and arrived a few feet away from where he lunged at. Not being able to suppress his surprise, "Who are you? What are you? Why did you do this?"

The young girl looked at him, her blue eyes meeting his eyes. There was no emotion on her face. Her lips moved but there was no voice that came out. With that she disappeared again.

Trying to recall what the woman said, James felt as if she uttered the words "Shadow Killer". Whispering those words, he heard swords fall down. Looking back, the guards had fear on their face. Apparently the name 'Shadow Killer' had a deeper meaning than he had thought.

…