Riding through the forest, Bart kept casting glances to his friend. The way Riyan had reacted by the river troubled him greatly. Such a reaction had been completely out of character.
Riyan caught him glancing his way. “What?” he asked.
“Just worried about you,” Bart said.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” he assured him. Sighing, he shook his head. “Frankly, I don’t know what set me off back there. But whatever it was, I’m over it.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
Riyan nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.” Emotions had begun to creep back in since leaving the river. Anticipation at seeing his mother again, gladness that Chad would be welcomed home, and most of all a cool anger toward Rupert for everything that has happened and is happening to Freya. This time however, the anger was only part and parcel of his emotions, not the overriding factor like back by the river. Putting aside darker thoughts, he tried to recall the good times of his youth. It wasn’t easy, but they came.
“They have men watching our house,” Eryl suddenly announced.
“We sort of figured they would,” replied Riyan. Glancing to Bart, he saw him nod.
“How are we going to get inside?” asked Chad.
“We’ll figure that out when we get there,” replied Bart.
In the quiet of the forest, four figures passed through the woods. Up ahead, the lights coming from the Kelon home could be seen through the trees. Bart, Riyan, Chad, and Eryl stealthily crept forward.
Bart was in the lead and his eyes scanned the darkness all around to find those watching the home. By the time they were close to where the forest gave way to the Kelon property, he still hadn’t found any indication of where men might be positioned to keep an eye on the house.
Then the back door to the Kelon home opened and Chad saw someone emerge with a bucket in hand. It was his father.
“Father,” Chad breathed. A hand appeared on his shoulder and Riyan said, “Be patient.”
“It’s hard,” replied Chad.
“I know,” agreed his friend. For Riyan’s mother too was waiting within.
Chad nodded as he watched his father cross the yard to the well. There he set his bucket down and began drawing up the one from within the well. As he was pulling the well bucket out, he glanced around at the trees surrounding his home then returned his attention to what he was doing. Once he had his bucket filled with water, he left the well bucket sitting on the side of the well and turned back toward the house. Crossing the distance to the back door, he again scanned the trees surrounding his home before passing back through the doorway.
“Eryl,” Bart said, once the door had closed behind Chad’s father. He motioned for the boy to come next to him. “Just like we discussed. Cross the yard as if you haven’t a care in the world and go inside. If any of the soldiers should make an appearance, run for all you’re worth.”
“Got it,” he replied.
Before he left, Chad said, “Tell mother and father…” then had to stop as emotions overcame him and he couldn’t continue.
His brother turned to him. “I know.”
“Be careful, and be quick,” Bart said as the lad moved out. Stepping from the trees, Eryl walked at a normal gait toward the back door.
Riyan and Chad watched him as he crossed the distance to the door. Bart on the other hand, was watching the darkness in the trees surrounding the home. Eryl had no sooner crossed a third of the distance when two shadows, one to the right and one far to the left moved. Bart could see the men remaining at the edge of the trees as they watched the boy. He pointed them out to Riyan and Chad. Neither of the watchers made a move to intercept him and was soon through the door and inside.
Now, if Eryl conveyed the message correctly to those within, Bart should have at least five minutes to take the watchers out. With a ‘wait here’ to the other two, he moved off toward the watcher to the right.
Waiting for Bart to take out the watchers was one of the hardest things Riyan had ever done. He desperately wanted to enter that house and make sure his mother was safe, despite Eryl’s assurances she was well. But like Bart always said, ‘First things first’.
Movement at the house caught his eye and he saw a curtain being pulled back and his mother’s face appeared in the window. Worry marred her face. Obviously, Eryl had been effective in conveying the need for them to remain inside. A moment later, his mother’s face disappeared as the curtain was put back in place. Someone inside recognized the need for keeping curiosity in check until it was time.
Nearby, a rustle of branches announced Bart’s return from taking care of the man to their right. Passing through, he was soon lost again in the trees as he moved to take out the other. Bart wasn’t sure if there were only the two watchers in the woods. After taking out the first one, he had scanned the trees for others, but hadn’t detected any.
His ability for passing unheard through the forest had grown ever since they first left Quillim in search of the key. Now, he was able to move almost as silent in the outdoors as he could down an alley or across a rooftop. Utilizing this skill to the utmost, he worked his way closer and was soon able to discern the dark shadow of the watcher. The man had his attention fixed on the Kelon home.
Slowing even further, Bart crept closer. In his right hand was clutched a single dart, doctored with one of his lesser poisons. It wouldn’t kill the man, but it would render him useless for the better part of a day.
Bart unwittingly let his concentration shift from moving silently to watching the watcher, which resulted in a twig snapping beneath his foot. The man’s head immediately turned in his direction. Bart froze.
He could feel the eyes of the man pass over him as he searched for the source of the sound. After a few moments of searching, his attention gravitated back to the Kelon home. Bart gave it another few seconds before moving closer. He had to get a clearer shot as the branches of several trees were currently obstructing the dart’s path. Step by step, he worked his way around to a better position. Then, when he reached a point where he had a clear shot, he took it.
A moment later, the dart struck the man, eliciting a startled cry.
Bart rushed forward and reached the man’s side quickly. Already, the poison had begun to take affect and the man’s legs gave way. Crashing to the forest floor, he laid there unmoving.
The forest remained quiet. Scanning the trees further on around the Kelon home, he didn’t find any movement indicating other watchers. Perhaps two were all there had been. After retrieving his dart and redoctoring it with poison, he slowly emerged from the forest and came to a stop two feet from the trees. Still no movement. Nodding to himself, he began crossing quickly toward where Riyan and Chad waited. Before he could reach them, they saw his approach and came out from the trees.
“I think there were only two,” Bart said. “But keep your eyes open just in case.”
Riyan nodded. Then he and Chad rushed to the door, beyond which their families awaited. Chad beat him to it and was the first to enter. Flinging the door open wide, the first person he saw was Eryl with a big smile on his face. The wound on his head had been bandaged.
“Chad!” his mother cried out as tears began to fall. Rushing to her boy, she clasped him in a hug so tightly, she threatened to break his back. His father and brother were there a moment later.
Riyan was clasped in his mother’s embrace, her tears of gladness wetting the collar of his shirt. “I’m alright mother,” he assured her. Coming up behind his mother was the trader, Raestin.
“She always knew you’d come back,” he said. To Paul, Raestin nodded toward the door and said, “See what’s going on.”
“Yes sir,” replied Paul. Taking his guards with him, they headed for the door.
“Bart’s out there,” Riyan told them before they left. “He and four others.”
“I’ll go with them,” Eryl said. “Make sure no one kills the wrong person.” Leaving his family, he rushed out the door.
“Where have you been?” asked his mother when the embrace finally came to an end.
“Yes,” Chad’s father said. “We’ve been hearing all kinds of rumors about you and the King’s Horde.” Looking from Chad, to Riyan, then back to Chad, he asked, “Is it true?”
Chad looked to his friend and grinned. “Riyan?” he said, nodding to Riyan’s pack.
With everyone looking on, Riyan placed his pack on the table and removed the circular key. “Yes,” he said as he pulled it out. “We believe so.” Holding it up for all to see, he basked in the glow of their awe.
“Where is it?” Raestin asked.
Riyan turned to him and replied, “I’m sure you’ll understand if we’d like to keep that particular secret, secret?”
Raestin nodded. “I can,” he replied.
“Suffice it to say, it’s not close,” Riyan told them.
His mother, still hovering next to him like a protective hen, said, “All manner of people have come looking for it, and you.”
“I know,” he said, then looked to the key. “I’m sorry for all the troubles that have come to Quillim because of this.” Returning it to his pack, he slung the pack once again across his back.
“There’s talk that you could be in trouble with Duke Alric because you failed to declare those coins you boys discovered,” said Chad’s mom. Indicating Riyan’s pack wherein the key lay, she added, “And now that?”
“One thing at a time,” Chad assured his mom. “First we have to get to the Horde.”
“And,” Riyan said as he turned to his mom, “rescue Freya.”
“That poor girl,” Kaitlyn said. “Ever since her betrothal she hasn’t known a moment’s peace.”
“We heard that she’s at the Magistrate’s manor,” Riyan said.
“So we believe,” Chad’s father affirmed.
Just then, Bart entered the room. “Riyan, we can’t stay here long,” he said. “One of the soldiers from town appeared.”
“Oh no!” exclaimed Elle, Chad’s mother.
“Don’t worry,” Bart said, “he won’t be raising any alarm.”
“You mean?” asked Chad’s father.
Silently, Bart nodded. Turning back to Riyan he said, “It won’t be long before more begin showing up. I’ll take Chyfe and the twins and watch the lane leading into town.”
“Very well,” replied Riyan. “We’ll meet you there.”
“Okay,” replied Bart. “Don’t take too long.”
“We won’t,” Riyan assured him. As Bart ducked back outside, he turned to his mother. “Mother, you and Chad’s family have to get out of here. Now.” He could see in his mother’s eyes the dread of being parted from him yet again. To Raestin he said, “Can you get her out of here?”
“But what about you?” his mother asked.
“I can’t leave Freya,” he said. “Holding her as he’s done, in my mind he’s lost all claim to her.”
“There are always soldiers at the manor,” cautioned Chad’s father. “You’ll never get in.”
As Riyan was about to reply, Kevik entered through the door with staff in hand. He saw Riyan next to a woman to whom he bore a striking resemblance. “Your mother I presume?” he asked.
Riyan nodded. “Mother, this is Kevik,” he introduced him. “He’s a magic user of great power, and has been an ally through many adventures.”
“A pleasure madam,” Kevik said, giving her a slight bow. “Riyan has spoken often of you.” Then he was introduced to Chad’s family.
Once the introductions were completed, Riyan turned to Chad’s father. “The south ford is passable,” he stated. “We just went through it. Lead them there and wait for us.” To his mother he added, “We’re going to rescue Freya and then will meet you at the river.”
“But Riyan…” she began to object then stopped.
Riyan took his mother by the hand. “I know,” he said. “But this is something I have to do.” Then to Raestin, “Can you and your guards see them safely to the ford?”
Raestin nodded and smiled. “I’d give my life for your mother,” he said with complete conviction. He turned his eyes to Kaitlyn and there was no denying the emotion behind them.
“Alright then,” he said. “We’ll get Freya and meet you there.”
“Kevik…” he started to say then saw that he had the far away look he always gets when speaking through the ring. Motioning for the others to remain quiet, they waited half a minute before he came back to them.
“Bart says another five men are on the way,” he explained. “They’re up the road and look to be headed here. He wants to know if you can get away in time or should they take them out.”
Eryl came in through the door and said, “The horses are saddled.”
Riyan nodded. Then to Kevik, “Tell him we’re leaving now.”
Nodding, the far away look returned as he relayed the message. “He said it’s too late, we’ll never make it,” Kevik explained when he came back to himself. “Bart’s taking care of it.”
“Understood,” replied Riyan. Then to the others in the room, he said, “We have to leave. Make your way to the ford and wait for us.” Turning to Raestin, he added, “If trouble develops, get my mother away.”
“I will,” he agreed. “You just be careful.”
Riyan grinned. “This isn’t by far the worst we’ve seen since first setting off on this journey,” he replied.
His mother wrapped him in another hug. “You’ve grown so much since I last saw you,” she said. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Your father would have been so very proud of you.”
Returning her hug, words escaped him as emotions once again welled up. “Stay with Raestin,” he managed to get out. “He seems a good man.”
“He is,” she replied.
Breaking the embrace, she walked out with him through the door. Off to one side, Paul and his guards were already mounted and waiting. The Kelon’s horses were saddled as well.
Bart, Chyfe, and the twins were still out by the main road. Once the five approaching men had been dealt with, they would stay there until Riyan, Chad, and Kevik joined them.
“No Eryl,” Chad said. “You must stay with mother and father.” His younger brother was standing next to him by his horse, pleading to be allowed to come along.
“But I can be of help!” he said.
“I understand how you feel,” replied Chad. He then directed Eryl’s attention over to where their mother was being assisted onto a horse by their father. “She’s afraid. All that we’ve known is gone.” Laying a hand on his brother’s shoulder, he said, “She needs you now more than ever.”
“But…” Eryl looked into his brother’s eyes and saw it was no use.
“Take care of them for me should I not come back,” he said.
“What?” exclaimed Eryl. “Don’t talk that way.”
Chad swung up in the saddle. “I’ll see you at the ford,” he said.
About that time, their father came to them. He stood there a moment looking at his son. In the shadows of the night, it was difficult for Chad to see what he was thinking. Reaching his hand out, his father said, “Good luck Chad.”
Chad took the hand, and it seemed as if every wedge that had unknowingly been between them, disappeared in that moment. “Thank you father,” he replied.
“Come along Eryl,” their father said. “Your brother has work to do.”
As Eryl walked away with their father he said to his brother, “You’ll be back! I know it!”
“Come on,” Riyan said. Already having said all the goodbyes he intended, he turned toward the lane leading from the Kelon home to the main road. Kevik and Chad nudged their horses into motion and followed.
Riyan glanced to his friend and could see a smile on his face. When Chad caught him looking his way, he grinned even more and nodded.
Behind them, Raestin soon had his group mounted. With Chad’s father in the lead, they headed off through the woods toward the south ford.
“I was surprised my father shook my hand,” Chad admitted as they rode down the lane.
“Why is that?” questioned Kevik.
“Well, we didn’t exactly part on the best of terms the last time we saw one another,” he explained.
Riyan saw the puzzled look on Kevik’s face and said, “The grinding stone incident.”
“Oh yes,” replied Kevik. He’d heard that story a dozen times if he’d heard it once.
“It was good to see my mother too,” stated Riyan. “I didn’t much care for the idea of Raestin seeing her at first, but he certainly seems to care for her. Couldn’t ask for more I suppose.”
Conversation ceased when shadows were seen moving up ahead. Coming to a stop, Riyan was about to turn off the lane when Bart said, “It’s us.”
They resumed moving forward and were soon joined by Bart and Chyfe. “Where are the twins?” asked Chad.
Bart pointed further ahead. “They’re taking care of the bodies,” he explained.
“Bodies?” asked Kevik. “You mean you killed those five men?”
“Didn’t have much of a choice,” he replied.
“Bunch of swine anyway,” interjected Chyfe. “Though they wore the uniforms of the Duke, they were filthy and crude. How could the Duke have such men in his service?”
“I don’t know,” replied Riyan. “But if we don’t stop killing his men, he’ll come after us. We can’t afford that.” He could see that neither Chyfe nor Bart felt any remorse about the death of those men.
Bart and Chyfe walked with them back to where the twins were now waiting with the horses. “Everything go alright?” Seth asked once they arrived.
Riyan nodded. “They’ll be waiting for us back at the ford,” he explained.
“Okay then,” replied Seth. Swinging into the saddle, he and his brother waited for Bart and Chyfe to mount. Then, with Riyan and Bart in the lead, they began making their way to the Magistrate’s manor to affect the rescue of Freya.
By working their way along the outskirts of Quillim, they came to within half a mile of the manor house without being seen. Once there, they dismounted and hid their horses in a stand of trees, deep in the shadows. The rest of the way, they would have to make on foot.
Soon, the lights of the manor house began appearing through the trees. Bart had the others stay back while he went forward alone to reconnoiter.
The last time he was here, he and Chad were planting incriminating evidence to make Rupert’s life hell. However, now thinking on the problems that followed, perhaps it hadn’t been the best laid plan. Grinning to himself, he couldn’t help but think that it had been fun.
At the edge of the trees on the border of the Magistrate’s manor, he came to a stop. From there, he observed the front and side of the house. Two soldiers were walking the grounds. After watching them for a minute, Bart determined they were making circuits around the manor, each being on the opposite side from the other. Other than the two soldiers, there didn’t appear to be any other sentries.
The house was illuminated brilliantly. Most of the windows on the ground floor were exuding light, as were three on the second floor. One of the windows having light at the back of the house was where he figured Freya to be.
Moving along the fringe of the treeline, he worked his way down until he was across from the second story window at the back of the house. No trellis rose along the side of the house as had been the case near Rupert’s room. Bart figured he could make the climb up to the window, but Freya would never be able to leave the manor that way. There was nothing for it, if they wanted to bring Freya out they would have to enter the manor. Which would mean getting past the two guards patrolling the grounds.
Bart remained hidden in the trees across from the window while he contemplated what they should do. Then suddenly, a silhouette appeared from within the room. It was definitely feminine in nature. Don’t worry Freya, he said to himself. We’ll get you out of there. As a plan formed, he began making his way back to where the others waited.
“She’s in there,” he told Riyan after rejoining them.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
Bart nodded. “There’s a woman in the room the soldiers said she would be in,” he explained. “I think I’ve got a way for us to get in.” Glancing to Kevik, he grinned and said, “Are you up for a little magic?”
“I should be back in Wardean with a comely wench instead of in this godforsaken, backwater village,” Armsman Shlem grumbled to himself. “Why Captain Glaver had to bring us here, at this time of year…?” Shlem liked the comforts of life, that’s why he had originally volunteered for Captain Glaver’s company. The rumor was that his men were given bonuses from time to time and rarely saw combat, which suited him just fine.
Turning the corner yet again, he began making his way toward the back of the manor. Laughter coming from within only worsened his mood. He was thinking rather dark thoughts of those within the house when he reached the back of the house and saw Armsman Cail halfway to the edge of the woods.
“Hey!” Shlem cried. He saw Cail pause and wave him over. Anything to alleviate the boredom of walking post, he quickly rushed to his side. “What is it?” he asked upon reaching Cail.
Cail turned back toward the woods and pointed. “A wisp,” he said.
“A what?” Shlem asked. Turning to look where Cail was pointing, he saw a glowing light moving about erratically.
“It’s a wisp,” repeated Cail. “They’re known to inhabit woods and mountains.”
Shlem was intrigued by this new development. “Is it possible to catch one?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” admitted Cail. “I’ve never seen one before.”
“Then how do you know it is a wisp?” Shlem asked.
“I’ve heard of them,” he replied. “I’m going to try and catch it.” Cail looked to Shlem to see if he’d object. Being on guard duty and all, they really shouldn’t leave their posts.
Boredom won out and Shlem nodded. “I’ll come with you,” he said. “Let’s make it fast.”
Cail nodded and they both began moving toward the ‘wisp’ in the woods.
“Kind of a quiet creature isn’t it?” asked Shlem.
“So I’ve heard,” he replied.
The ‘wisp’ seemed to be moving deeper into the woods as they reached the treeline. “Get it!” cried Shlem. “It’s getting away.” Rushing forward, he and Cail quickly moved through the trees in pursuit. Then, the ‘wisp’ disappeared.
“What…” began Cail when men jumped them from the shadows. He saw Shlem struck in the head and go down. Turning to flee, he felt a blunt object strike the back of his head and the lights went out.
“Tie them up,” said Bart. “They should be out for awhile.”
As the twins bound the soldiers, Bart gazed back to the manor. Kevik came to stand beside him. “A wisp,” he said with a grin. He had seen a real wisp once during a trip with his late master, and it hadn’t looked anything like his bobbing light.
“It worked didn’t it,” replied Bart.
“That it did,” Kevik agreed.
The rear of the house was darker than the front. Only one window on the ground floor held light, the others were dark. Still no other soldiers had yet made an appearance.
Coming up behind Bart, Seth said, “It’s done.”
Bart nodded. Taking one more look about the area he found it remained clear. “Let’s go,” he said. Moving out with the others following close behind, he crossed the open space to the back door. Once there, he again paused to make sure their presence remained undetected, then placed his hand on the door handle. Before opening it, he laid his ear against the wood of the door to listen. Not hearing anything, he cracked the door open.
Light immediately poured out, revealing them to anyone who might be looking. On the other side of the door was the kitchen. A servant was stacking bread and meats together on a tray. At the moment, he was unaware of being watched.
Bart drew his knife then pushed the door open a little further to make sure he was the only one in the room. As the door opened, the hinges creaked which drew the man’s attention toward the door. Before he had time to realize what was happening, Bart bolted through the door.
Nothing more than a gasp escaped the man before Bart had hold of him, the point of his knife held menacingly close to his throat. “Quiet,” Bart cautioned him. When the man nodded, Bart moved the knife a little bit away from his throat. “Riyan,” he said and indicated the door leading further into the house.
Riyan crossed the room and was at the door in a flash. Pushing it open a crack, he peered through. “It’s clear,” he said as he kept watch through the door.
“Okay,” Bart said, returning his attention to the servant. “How many are in the house?”
“There’s…” he began when from the door Riyan said, “Someone’s coming.”
“Shhh!” Bart said to the servant.
Riyan took another look through the crack then let the door close. Turning back to Chad, he said, “It’s Girg.” Girg was one of Rupert’s three cronies, and had caused Riyan and Chad no small amount of misery over the years. If he was here, then Rupert had to be too.
“Good,” Chad said as he came to stand before the door. “I’ve been waiting for this.”
Riyan stepped back just as the door opened and Girg stepped through. His eyes widened in shock when he saw who it was standing before him.
“Hi Girg,” Chad said then struck him as hard as he could in the stomach. As Girg doubled over, Chad brought his knee up hard and crushed his nose. Blood sprayed as his head was propelled back upward again. Grabbing hold of Girg’s shirt, Chad yanked him forcefully into the kitchen.
Blood gushed from Girg’s nose as the force of being yanked by Chad threw him hard into the table. Stumbling off balance, the table’s edge caught him in the sternum. For a brief moment, his upper torso laid across the table before it was dragged off when his lower body sank to the floor. Coming to rest, Girg didn’t move.
Soth went and knelt beside him. “Hit him kind of hard didn’t you?” he asked. Checking him, he turned to Chad and said, “He’s alive.”
“Too bad,” Chad said. Years of torment and harassment by Girg and the other two cronies of Rupert didn’t leave him with any room for remorse.
Riyan checked the other side of the door again and announced the coast was clear.
“Good,” Bart said, returning his attention to the servant. “Now, you were saying?” But the servant’s eyes were rolled up in the back of his head. He had passed out. “Great,” Bart said as he let the man drop to the floor.
“The stairs leading up aren’t too far away,” Riyan said. “We should find Freya and get out of here fast.” Glancing to the bloody mess that was the table and Girg, he knew that if someone should come in here, things would become complicated.
“Alright,” said Bart. “We’ll keep an eye on down here. You and Chad go get her.” When a surprise look came to Riyan at Bart not coming, he said, “She’s your lady faire.”
Riyan nodded. “We’ll be but a minute,” he said.
“Don’t take any longer than that,” advised Chyfe.
“It’s the room on the left at the end of the hall,” Bart told Riyan.
“Got it,” he said. Opening the door slightly, he saw that the hallway on the other side was clear. “Let’s go.” Moving through the doorway, he and Chad hurried to the stairwell and quickly ascended to the second floor.
The hallway at the top was clear so they turned to the left and headed for the end. They only made it two steps before the door at the end on the right, opened. The old fear welled up within Riyan when Rupert and his other two cronies left the room and entered the hallway.
As soon as Rupert saw them, he came to a surprised shock. Behind him, a crony said, “Well, if it isn’t sheep dung boy.”
“I thought I smelled something,” the other added. He and the first both started laughing.
Riyan remained still in the hallway as Rupert began moving closer. Beside him, Chad had his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“So Riyan,” Rupert said with a sneer, “you’ve returned? Did you come to pay your respects to my wife?”
“She’s not your wife yet, Rupert,” Riyan said. “And she never will be married to a swine such as you.” His initial fear at seeing Rupert was rapidly disappearing.
“You’re too late,” Rupert said. “We’re already married.” He could see the pain his words inflicted and reveled in it. “In fact, we’ve been consummating our marriage quite regularly. She plays such an active role, who would have thought she would love it so much.” Each word he spoke was a dagger into Riyan’s heart.
“Face it Riyan,” he said. “You lost.”
Riyan starred in stunned disbelief at Rupert. The smug look of self-righteous satisfaction on his face sparked a rage deep within him.
“Don’t believe him,” said Chad. “He’s a liar.”
Rupert’s face turned red with anger at the insult. “Get them boys,” he said to his two cronies.
“With pleasure,” they replied. Stepping past Rupert, they drew their swords and advanced toward Riyan and Chad.
Chad pulled his sword a second after Riyan. Together, they stood shoulder to shoulder to face the oncoming cronies.
“What are you going to do with those?” the one on the right asked. “Sheep dung boy and miller’s brat think they’re fighters.”
Rage, not nearly as blindingly hot as it had been on the riverbank, seethed within Riyan. Calculating coolness took over as he waited for them to draw nearer. Both he and Chad remained silent as the other two approached.
“Once you’re dead Riyan,” Rupert said, “perhaps I’ll share Freya with my boys.”
Riyan ignored the barb and waited for the one on the right to come. The look on the crony’s face said he thought this was going to be easy. But when he struck out and Riyan not only blocked his attack, but struck back, his confidence began to wane.
Next to him, Chad easily blocked the thrust of his opponent. Lashing out with a counter thrust, he scored along the man’s side. Immediately, he launched into an attack, similar in nature to one that Tad had frequently used back at the Guild.
Riyan went on the offensive as well. The rage within him giving him added strength as he thrust, parried, and hacked. It was soon clear the cronies were not going to be able to best them.
Three more passes and Chad’s sword took his opponent through the chest.
“Assassins!” Rupert began yelling as the first crony fell from Chad’s blade. “Help!” As Riyan dispatched the final crony, Rupert turned and fled back down to the door through which he had so recently emerged. Shoving it open, he rushed inside and slammed it shut. The sound of the bar being thrown quickly followed.
Chad reached the door and tried to open it.
“Leave him,” Riyan said as he came to the door on the opposite side of the hall. Rapping hard, he then hollered, “Freya!”
“Riyan?” asked a voice coming from the other side.
“Yes,” he said. “Open the door.”
“It’s locked,” she told him. “Rupert has the key.”
From within his room, Rupert was shouting for help at the top of his lungs.
“Stand back,” Riyan yelled.
Chad immediately realized what he planned and moved into position to help. Then together, they ran for the door and threw their shoulders into it.
Crack!
The doorjamb shattered and the door slammed against the wall on the inside. Riyan stumbled into the room and was soon wrapped in the arms of Freya.
“Oh Riyan,” she sobbed, tears of happiness at seeing him running down her face.
Chad was back in the hallway. “Hurry up man,” he said. “He’ll have every soldier in the area converging on this place in no time.”
Riyan broke the embrace and gazed into her red, teary eyes. “Are you…?” he started to ask.
She shook her head. “No,” she replied. “I heard what he said and it was all lies. We aren’t married and he’s never touched me.”
Relief washed over him at her words.
“And no matter what,” she said, “I’ll not marry him now.”
“But what about your father?” he asked.
“It wasn’t long after you left that he came to realize Rupert’s true nature,” she explained. “He just couldn’t find a way to break it off. Rupert’s family is too influential. But after this…”
“That’s all well and good,” Chad said from the hallway, “but we’ve got to get out of here!”
Riyan took Freya in his embrace one more time and kissed her. It was all he could do to let her go. Keeping her hand in his, he led her from the room. Before moving down the hallway, he paused at Rupert’s door. “This isn’t over yet!” he yelled. No reply came from within.
“Would you come on!” Chad yelled from the top of the stairs.
“They’re getting away!” Rupert yelled from within the room. “Get them!”
Bart appeared as Riyan reached the stairwell. “What took you so long?” he asked. Then he saw the bodies of the two cronies lying further down the hallway. Glancing to Freya, he smiled. “Nice to see you again,” he said.
“The feeling is more than mutual,” she replied.
“Now hurry,” he said. “Kevik’s holding them off, but Rupert’s cries may bring more.”
Riyan nodded. With Freya’s hand still clutched in his, he followed Bart down the steps. Chad brought up the rear. At the bottom, they found Kevik and Chyfe. Down the hallway to their right were a dozen goo covered soldiers spanning the length of the hallway.
“What is this?” Freya asked when she saw the goo covered men.
“No time to explain,” Riyan told her. Turning into the hallway he followed Bart toward the back door. “Is that her?” he heard Kevik asked Chad. Chad’s response was lost as Riyan and Freya passed through to the outside.
Bart paused just outside the back door for a moment. “The twins went for the horses,” he told Riyan.
Above, Rupert’s cries for help continued.
“I wish someone would shut him up,” Chad said.
Scanning the area, Riyan couldn’t see anyone coming in answer to Rupert’s cries. “Let him scream,” he said. “Doesn’t seem to be doing a whole lot of good.”
Just then, Seth and Soth emerged from the trees with their horses. Bart waved to them and led the others to meet them. Once the two groups were together, those still on foot quickly mounted. Riyan helped Freya swing up behind him. When she wrapped her arms around his chest, it felt good.
Laying her head against his back, she sighed, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Bart scanned the area one last time for hostiles before heading out at a gallop toward the forest. “Riyan,” he said, “you take the lead.”
“Right,” he said.
“Where are we going?” Freya asked.
“To the south ford,” he replied. “My mother and Chad’s family are waiting there for us.”
Looking out from his window, Rupert saw them racing away. “Riyan!” he yelled. “Kidnapper! Someone stop them!!”
“Will you shut up,” a voice behind him commanded.
Turning around, Rupert saw Daniel framed in the doorway. “How did you get in here?” he demanded to know.
Daniel ignored the question. “I’m getting tired of you,” he told the Magistrate’s son.
“Tired of me?” asked Rupert. “Little help you were.” Glaring at the man before him, Rupert took a step toward him. “I thought you and the rest were going to take care of them when they got here.”
Smack!
Daniel’s hand slapped him hard across the face. “You don’t ever question me again!” he stated. “Now that the shepherd’s back, you are no longer of use to me.”
Blood welled from the corner of Rupert’s mouth as he looked at Daniel in a new light. No longer as one who could be counted upon, but rather one of whom he should be wary.
“Sir,” his man Tox said from back in the hallway.
“Are they being followed?” Daniel asked.
“Yes,” replied Tox. “Two men are trailing them. Once they know where they’re headed, one will return to let us know.”
“Excellent,” he said. Yes indeed, he thought to himself, things are coming along nicely.