by T Nisbet
We were moved to another tent quite a bit less opulent than the chieftain’s, but pretty big as tents go, and filled with huge comfortable pillows. Several barrel chested men stood guard before the tent flap, huge scimitars crossed before their chests.
Ivy had crashed hard the moment we entered the room. Carla sat beside her running her fingers through Ivy’s curly blondish brown hair. Toby, Gill and I stood in the middle of the room.
“I’ve never seen or even heard of anyone so powerful in the healing arts. She is a prize beyond imagining to these plains barbarians and their country healers. They may not let her go,” Gill said.
“Let em try!” Toby said lifting his hammer from his belt.
“Easy there my gigantic friend, we are not to that point yet,” Gill laughed, reaching up and patting Toby’s shoulder affectionately.
“Then where are we?” I asked. “We should have a plan of some kind.”
Gill nodded.
“There aren’t many options, to be honest, Jake. Escape will be nearly impossible without our horses. I tried to watch where the plainsmen took them, but I didn’t have much success, just a general direction. If we can somehow get them, we have a chance. If it comes to a fight, well… the timing will be crucial.”
“The fire!” Toby said.
“Exactly.” Gill agreed. “The confusion of the approaching fire could give us an opening. We’ll have to be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes.”
“I could challenge Durmack to a duel. Provide a distraction so you guys can get away,” I said
“Good one, Jake,” Toby said shaking his head. “This whole ball of wax is on you dude. What good will it do for us to get away without you? Besides, I’m not sure I can run very fast with this arrow in my thigh.”
I shrugged.
“Every moment we stay here, the farther away McNally gets with Brianna. We’ve got to do something quickly. I don’t trust him.”
“We know where he’s taking Brianna. We’ll get her back, Jake,” Gill said. “If we get out of this, and get our horses back, we can reach Memron’s estate before them easily, even stopping in Brighton.”
“If they made it out of that fire that is,” Toby said.