Bab 8: The Honored One's Farewell

The sun had barely risen over Bloodmire's twisted landscape when Atenzi found himself summoned to Báthory's private chambers.

As he made his way through the castle's winding corridors, he couldn't shake a sense of unease that had been growing within him for days.

*Something's not right,* he thought, his enhanced senses picking up the faintest whispers of conversation from behind closed doors. *But what?*

He arrived to find Báthory deep in conversation with Musashi.

The ancient swordsman's face was a mask of stoic resolve, while Báthory's eyes glittered with an emotion Atenzi couldn't quite place.

"Ah, Atenzi," Báthory purred, gesturing for him to enter. "We were just discussing some... changes in our plans."

Musashi turned to face Atenzi, his expression grave. "I will be departing for the Sovereign Lands," he said without preamble. "It seems my skills are needed there."

Atenzi felt as if he'd been struck. "Leaving? But why?