Slumbering Knight, Cloaked Dagger [Mission]

Mission Details:

Monsoon sat in a simple metal chair, in front of a make shift desk. A repurposed and upside-down cafeteria tray rest on the Uchiha's lap, on top, was a black folder with numerous documents. The genin, draped in a black-uchia kimono over his usual attire, thumbed through the pages, his gaze intent as he scanned over the information. The only sound besides the occasional flipping of paper, was the shallow, labored breaths of a person lying in a bed nearby. The individual, a queengaurd and Monsoon's current charge, was hidden by a fabric curtain. The setting sun-light spilled through the window behind the curtain, illumination the haggard silhouette of the infirm man behind it. His strong brown, pronounced nose, large chin and impressive size belied a grizzled warrior. Monsoon's eye caught a name on one of the documents, signed with the seal of the Hogokage: the mission briefing.

'The Wall' huh?

Reading the document, Monsoon gained an idea of his charge. Known as "The Wall", Bernahl, a veteran in the Queensgaurd, is an accomplished warrior. He's clanless and without chakra. He served as a footman in the Haven militia during the Hoshimura Rebellion and was old enough at the time to take part in the final battle, earning two distinct honors for both bravery and prowess, though no more details are given. Afterwards, he was promoted to general. His first action was to "pacify" the borderlands of Haven. During this campaign, he again earned honors for uncovering multiple cells in connection to the rebellion. Though, there is passing mention of desertions and dissent among his men. Still, his pacification campaign can be described by a quote attributed to the veteran, "Our job is protect the people of haven. Its walls cannot do what we can. We are Haven's Walls, where we stride, Haven's might lies!" His dedication to Haven's protection earned him his spot in the Queens guard, and he's served as both a mentor and battle master in the guard. The men under his command only speak highly of him and his "Total Defense" tactics.

Monsoon looked upon the silhouette of Bernahl, at effort it took for him to breath. A sudden cough wracked the veteran, Monsoon spoke but did not get up.

"My Lord, is there anything you need?"

Monsoon's voice, ringing in the silent hospital room, caught Bernahl off guard, his cough turned into a hacking fit.

"Don't-them-take-me"

"My lord, please, do not struggle. Rest. When tomorrow comes, you will arise refereshed and well. The doctors here at Hoshizura Medical are well equipped."

As his fit subsided, Bernahl turned to his side. Monsoon continued reading the briefing, to see how "The Wall" came to be at this crumbling estate. Intelligence shows that Bernahl had been making a tour of the villages in border towns of Haven Country. This would be a yearly tour for the new initiates, a sort of training pilgrimage. During a festival, he himself was ambushed by bandits. He fought them down to a man, but sustained a singular wound. At first, it appeared benign, but soon, Bernahl became weak, feverish and hysteric. After being transported to Hoshizura, doctors examined both the bandit's weapons and the veteran's wounds, and found that Bernahl "The Wall" had been poisoned. Exact details are unknown and doctors assure that Bernahl will recover. However, upon Bernahl's orders, a shinobi need stand guard while the antidote is synthesized and administered. This request comes at urgings from Bernahl himself.

Monsoon looked up at the silhouette of Bernahl. By his breathing, he seemed asleep.

What could have a man like you frightened so...

The Uchiha continued reading the mission dossier, which contained both a floor map of the hospital and descriptions of the staff the would be working this night.

[628]