The Rusty Sword

On a rainy autumn night, a knight who died under a false accusation opens her eyes again. “Dame Hiderin Viche. Please kill the king.” Hiderin, the resurrected knight, is given only twelve weeks to live—along with a single objective: assassinate the king. …And somehow, raise a child, too. Wandering for a way to complete her mission before time runs out, Hiderin reunites with a holy knight who once despised her. But what happened to the man who used to be so noble and righteous? He’s fallen to rock bottom—a drunken wreck scraping by day to day. “I’m not interested.” “Then what are you interested in?” “You disappearing.” “What a shame. Looks like you won’t get what you want.” Worse still—he’s been missing her. “What good are honor and glory… when she’s not here?” “Dame Viche.” “I told you to call me Hith.” “Am I allowed to?” “Allowed? Just call me Hith. You were doing fine a few hours ago… but after a little drink, you’re a mess. Or was it not ‘a little’?” Sarg hesitates. She’s given him permission to use her nickname, but he isn’t sure he can say it naturally. He’s whispered that name to himself countless times when she wasn’t around—yet in front of her, not even once. Still, he’s always wanted to. So once should be fine. Just once. After a long moment, Sarg finally parts his lips. “…Hiderin.”