Chapter 38: Chris: The Assassin Hero Part 7

Several days later as I dedicate myself to intense training.

I barely sleep or eat within the castle walls, instead opting to train outdoors from dawn till dusk.

My focus is twofold:

1. Honing my combat skills - dagger techniques, sword fighting, and archery.

2. Improving my situational awareness - learning to read battlefields, anticipate attacks, and make swift decisions.

Instructor Viktor notices my relentless drive and offers guidance on strategy and tactical thinking.

Mark has fully recovered and is now walking around the castle grounds, his arm healed.

He seems friendly towards me, even thanking me for checking in on him during his recovery.

No hint of suspicion or awareness crosses his face - he has no idea why I was so invested in his survival.

Only my own guilt and Ryan's occasional knowing glances remind me of that fateful day...

My daily routine remains unchanged:

Train intensely outdoors from dawn till late afternoon,

Return to the castle before sundown to visit Mark's room...

But every day ends the same – I stand before his door, hesitant to knock.

I turn away, leaving Mark to his privacy, wondering if I'll ever muster the courage to talk to him.

As I walk down the dimly lit hallway, my mind still on Mark's door I just left behind...

A maid rushes past me, barely clothed in torn underwear, her face streaked with tears.

My confusion deepens as I realize:

She came from the direction of Mark's room.

My heart skips a beat – what could have happened in there?!

Another night passes, and deja vu strikes:

I'm walking down the same dimly lit hallway, lost in thought about Mark...

When another maid rushes past me, barely clothed and sobbing uncontrollably.

She came from the direction of Mark's room again.

My alarm grows – what's happening to these maids, and what's going on with Mark?

Determined to uncover the truth, I head to Mark's room the next day.

As I approach his door, a third maid emerges from the corridor leading to his room...

This one sees me and rushes towards me, still barely dressed and crying:

"Please... sir, you have to help! He's... he's doing something terrible!"

My instincts scream that Mark is involved, but my mind rebels against the idea.

The maid's pleas for help hang in the air as:

Kai and Ryan suddenly appear beside me, concern etched on their faces.

"We need to report this to the castle authorities immediately," Kai says firmly.

Ryan nods in agreement. "Yes, let them handle the investigation."

But instead of heading to report the incident, they exchange a brief glance...

Then Ryan says, "We'll actually go check on Mark's room first, make sure everyone's safe."

Kai nods, and they both head towards Mark's room, leaving me with the distraught maid.

The maid clutches my arm, still crying. "Thank you, sir... please make sure he's stopped."

I watch Kai and Ryan disappear into Mark's room, feeling a sense of unease...

I escort the maid to the castle authorities, her tears and sobbing accompanying us through the corridors.

We reach the office of Lord Thomas, the castle's steward, and I explain the situation:

"Multiple maids have fled Mark's room in distress over the past two nights. Kai and Ryan are investigating currently."

Lord Thomas's expression turns grave, he summons the castle guards:

"Seal off Mark's room and await my further instructions. Send someone to discreetly observe Kai and Ryan's actions."

As the guards hurry off, Lord Thomas turns to me:

"Do you think Mark is capable of such behavior?"

My mind races with guilt and doubt about my past

Lord Thomas and I exchange worried glances, waiting for updates on the situation.

Suddenly, the door bursts open – Ryan and Kai rush in with another distraught maid clinging to Ryan's arm.

"She was trapped in Mark's room," Kai explains gravely. "Mark... he's lost all reason."

The maid sobs uncontrollably, pointing at the corridor behind them:

"He was hitting himself, talking to himself... then he attacked me! His eyes were black as coal."

My initial shock and concern for the maid's words slowly give way to skepticism.

Something about this scenario doesn't add up – Mark saving Nao at great personal cost still echoes in my mind.

"Wait," I say slowly, "could this be related to his trauma from the battle injury? The pain, the shock..."

Lord Thomas's expression turns thoughtful, but Ryan and Kai exchange incredulous glances.

"You think a few weeks of healing would trigger such madness?" Kai asks skeptically.

I stand firm, "I'm not sure but, I've seen soldiers develop madness or erratic behavior months after brutal battles.

Trauma can linger unseen, then trigger psychotic episodes."

Lord Thomas nods thoughtfully, "That's a valid point. I've read about such cases in medieval psychology texts."

Ryan and Kai still look unconvinced, but Ryan says, "Fine, let's assume trauma is the cause...

What do we do with him now? He's a danger to himself and others."

I consider this carefully, thinking back to Mark's selfless act and my guilt over not protecting him...

"We need to restrain him gently, then summon the castle's healer and a priest skilled in calming troubled minds."

The grand throne room fills with tension as Lord Thomas reports the incident to the King.

Ryan and Kai stand beside him, their expressions grave.

The King's face darkens with concern, then shock turns to outrage:

"How could this happen within my castle walls?"

Guards and maids who witnessed the chaos chime in, their voices filled with fear:

"He's possessed by darkness!"

"He must be executed for the safety of us all!"

The room erupts into a chorus of agreement, with many calling for Mark's immediate death.

I stand frozen, horrified by the suggestion – my mind racing with memories of Mark's selfless act.

Only a few people seem subdued, not joining the outcry:

Nao looks pale and worried, glancing at me as if seeking reassurance.

Akira's eyes narrow slightly, her expression thoughtful rather than outraged.

Everyone else appears convinced of Mark's guilt and deserving of death.

The King raises his hands, silencing the room:

"I will consider your words... but first, I want to hear from one more person."

He turns to me:

"Chris, you've spent time with Mark during his recovery. What say you about his fate?"

My heart sinks – do I reveal my doubts or risk being ostracized like Mark?

I reluctantly agree with the crowd, fearing backlash if I defend him:

"Y-yes, Your Majesty... perhaps Mark is too dangerous to remain here."

The King nods solemnly, then surprises everyone with his next words:

"Actually, I deem it wise to spare his life... as a gesture of gratitude to the Heroes Company who protect our realm."

The room erupts into murmurs of surprise and cautious approval.

The King continues:

"Mark shall be escorted to Brindlemark Village, where he can receive... secluded care and reflection."

Ryan and Kai exchange subtle nods with each other and Lord Thomas, almost imperceptibly.

Nao and Akira look puzzled by this unexpected turn of events, while I feel a mix of relief and lingering doubt.

The King's expression turns solemn:

"I have decided that tomorrow, we will reconvene to judge Mark's fate formally."

The room falls silent, awaiting tomorrow's verdict.

The next day arrives, and the trial unfolds:

Mark stands before the King, his eyes filled with worry.

The verdict is given:

"Mark, your actions were deemed unstable and dangerous. As a mercy, you will be spared execution."

The King pauses, then continues:

"You will be escorted to Brindlemark Village, where you can receive secluded care and reflection."

Captain Valtor steps forward:

"I'll escort the prisoner outside to the awaiting carriage, Your Majesty."

His expression is stern and official, but I notice a faint hint of smugness behind his eyes.

Ryan and Kai exchange a subtle glance with each other, seeming to trust the Captain to handle this task.

Mark looks pale and worried, glancing at us heroes as if hoping for some reassurance.

Nao stands beside me, her eyes fixed on Captain Valtor with a hint of unease – though I'm not sure why.