Unscored Heart for Shiryauki

[ You arrive in what is the courtyard for a castle. Both are quite large and very warm and welcoming. There is a some activity, maids and guards coming in and out of the castle and courtyard, heading in a variety of directions, but they seem to ignore you. A surprising number of trees are in the courtyard, overhanging over pathways and rather tall. Birds can be seen in the tree branches, roosting and flying amongst them.

There are three pathways, one that leads towards a gate, one that leads towards a back corner of the courtyard, and one that leads inside the castle.

However, before you can take a step, a knife comes flying from nowhere, embedding itself in the ground between your feet. It’s hilt is orange and there is a strange charm hanging from it. ]