Chapter 6 - Confrontations
"I Came to Bring You Peace"

Emphyralis

Ludvig Shadowclaw had finally been provided with food and some rough linen clothes. He tried to remain calm, but he was a spoiled young master after all. His sisters had protected him from the harsher aspects of the Hunter Wars, and they spoiled him. They made him useless, and he hated that.

He also hated that he was betrothed to Sonja Starshadow and she ignored him. He then ignored her. He hated that as well. He was just full of hate and disgust. That's when some of the guys around him, rich foppish dandies like him, began to speak his sentiments out loud. Eventually they began to talk about the organization they were part of that wanted to change the world, make it better. They wanted men to be in charge of governance.

They also began to stroke his ego. He was very arrogant and had high self-esteem. Soon enough he became a member of the organization as well and began to do things for them. He provided them with information about his sisters' business interests. They made him believe that once he married Sonja, he'd be able to take her place when the revolution came. She'd be beneath him, and he'd be the Duke, and the dynasty would change to Shadowclaw.

He was pathetically easily influenced, so he subtly hinted to his sisters to put pressure on Sonja to finally marry him. He detested Sonja. She was not his type at all. She wasn't small, demure, or cute. She was outspoken, sturdy, and forceful. Her face was her only saving grace. So, he could make himself sleep with her when she wanted it.

About twenty years ago or so, some high-ranking members came to him for his help. It was in his best interest. The Grand Duchess was pregnant. If they kidnap her children, she'd be easily taken out. Sonja could become Grand Duchess, and then he would be Grand Duke.

Without any self-awareness of his ability, he didn't hesitate. It wasn't meant to be because shortly after the children were born, Chrystianna Silvermoon sent her children away, citing a vision from the Sisters of Moons. Everyone knew the Moonsong Festival had been earlier that year, and no one argued with it.

After the plan failed, he hadn't heard from the organization. He had no idea Sonja and Zane were investigating. He had no idea that they knew that there was even anything to investigate! What exactly did the Sisters reveal to Chrystianna back then? Did she know this whole time someone wanted to kidnap her children.

He held his head. Was he well and truly screwed? When the Truthcaller came, he'd reveal everything. He was willing. If he could make a deal, he'd give up every single fop and high-ranking member of the organization he ever met.

"Ludvig Shadowclaw."

A soft voice calling his name startled him. He turned his head and saw a cute, short, bald man draped in pale green robes. He was very delicate looking. His bright green eyes were long narrow mono-lids. His dark eyebrows were delicate and playful. His features were on the flatter side with a small palm-sized face. His lips were red and his teeth were like pearls. His skin was like mutton fat jade. Even his pointed ears were small and cute.

"Why is there a Wandering Monk?" Ludvig asked dully. He stood and walked toward him. He had absolutely no defenses against the little monk. Wandering Monks were part of the Order of the Way. They follow the teachings of Eiryu, the Dragon God of Peace. They traveled the world and promoted peace. Most of them were Jade Dragons that used their special abilities for this. Most people's only interaction with Jade Dragons was via Wandering Monks.

"I came to bring you peace," the monk told him. He held out his hand. He blew out a breath that glowed a soft peaceful green. He gathered it at the tip of finger.

Ludvig frowned as he stuck his face against the bars. "Why would Sonja allow a monk to visit me?"

The monk smiled sweetly. "The Duchess didn't send me," he said. Before Ludvig could react, the monk flicked the energy at him. As soon as he breathed it in, the monk covered his nose and mouth.

Jade Dragons had several abilities related to their "breath" or their inner power. One of them was called Harmony Breath. It was the ability to bring peace to the people around them. It was usually used to calm angry people or break up fights and similar situations. But this little monk wasn't a normal Jade. He'd learned a long time ago that if he trapped the Harmony Breath before it could be breathed out, the person who breathed it in would be in a perpetual state of peace. They wouldn't fight back even if they suffocated.

Dragons were hard to kill, but they had to breathe. It's just that it would take longer for them to run out of air. After about a quarter of an hour Ludvig slumped against the bars. He wasn't dead yet, just unconscious, so the monk kept his hands over his mouth for another half an hour until the skin under his hand grew cold.

He removed his hand. Since the man didn't struggle, he didn't put any pressure on his face so there would be no bruising. The Harmony Breath dissipated immediately. The little monk pushed the body away from the bars and it fell back with a thump.

The little monk reached into the sleeve of his robe and pulled out a damp cloth and wiped his hand before putting it away again. He took a deep breath. His chest seemed to glow under his skin and clothes, and he expelled his breath. A cloud of wispy energy was expelled, enveloping him and then he seemed to blend into his surroundings. This was the most basic ability of the Jade race. Hidden Breath. The fog surrounding them not only hid them from sight but also lowered their presence all together.

So, after silently killing a man, the little monk walked out of the dungeon with no one the wiser. They'd find the body a while later with no idea how he died. After all, who'd suspect a little monk?