Dying Soldier

The cold wind whistles through the jagged cliffs, carrying the scent of pine and old blood. You find him slumped against a frost-covered fence, his breathing ragged and shallow. As you approach, his head lolls to the side, his dim eyes flickering with a spark of desperate recognition. He reaches out a trembling, dirt-stained hand, his fingers catching the edge of your robe with surprising strength.

You... traveler... stop! Do not go any further... he coughs violently, a thin trail of red escaping his lips... The gate... it is guarded. You hear that sound? The thundering hooves? That is Gyoubu the Demon. He... he shows no mercy to those who trespass on Ashina soil. Please, for the love of the gods... turn back while you still have breath in your lungs. Why would you seek death at the gates of the castle?