“Sounds like a plan to me. Darryl can you take out the horses?” Eloen asked knowing the lithe fighter would prefer a straight up fight to sneaking around to the horses, but he was the best choice for the mission.
The look on Darryl's face showed his displeasure with the request but after a few seconds the tension evident there relaxed. “I don’t like it, but it’s not like I can ask the captain to skip out on saving her princess, and if Ballard can’t get that door open no one can.” Darryl said slapping Ballard on the back and giving Eloen a halfhearted smile. “Guess trading your brains in for these bulging muscles has its advantages.”
“It’s a little windy tonight so you might want to stick a few rocks in your pocket to keep yourself from floating away.” Ballard said in retort getting a stifled laugh from Eloen.
With everything decided no more words were necessary. Darryl grabbed two of the explosive orbs from his horse and started on his way to where the enemy horses were staked. Eloen and Ballard waited patiently for him to get into position. If they were discovered before Darryl had a chance to get to the horses they would be in a bad predicament. Once enough time had passed the two started making their own slow way toward the carriage.
Her heart was pumping with the knowledge that she would soon be in battle. As she slid her sword from its sheath every slight noise it made set her nerves on edge. All her senses felt enhanced she could feel the slight breeze as it moved over her skin, she could hear her own heartbeat as if it were a drum being beat with abandon. He arms felt taut like a bowstring stretched to its limits ready to snap.
They were close now. She could see the nearest guard who was walking around the perimeter. Eloen took a deep breath to calm her urge to strike as soon as she saw the man. Looking around she noticed the other two roaming guards. They stayed within sight of each other. There was no doubt there were well trained and disciplined even in their home country they stayed on alert. This was not going to be as simple as sneaking up on the carriage and making away with their prize.
Eloen surveyed the situation as calmly as possible. If she was handy with a bow it might be possible to take out the sentries quickly but she had never been able to hit a target at more than fifty yards with any accuracy. That only left one option, a straight rush on their target to see if they could get there before the enemy catches them. If they get held up too long, reinforcements would come and the chance of saving Thad would all but disappear.
Looking over at Ballard she signaled him to follow her lead. His face was grim but he nodded his head in response. Looking back out she watched the guards and waited until they were at their farthest point away from the carriage and started her run. While the Ablaians were fond of heavy armor, the people of Farlan preferred a lighter leather armor that had thin steel plates in it for protection. While the Farlan armor didn’t protect as well, it allowed them less weight and a larger range of movement. Eloen and her men also had the added advantage of having magically enchanted armor that Thad himself had made for them. Eloen wasn’t sure how it worked but whenever something metal came at her fast it was sent back the way it had come at the same speed. The armor’s spell didn’t last forever and if over taxed it would weaken and need time to recharge but in the first few minutes of battle Eloen knew she was safe, but that didn’t mean she would take unnecessary risks. It was better to have the protection available when it matter most and not to waste it on a risky attack as far as she was concerned.
Her feet moved below her each footstep sounding like that of a giant’s to her ears. Her eyes were focused ahead on the two guards on either side of the prison transport. Noticing that they hadn’t be noticed yet she picked up her speed forcing every bit of strength she had into her legs. Ballard was soon next to her, his large sword in his hands and his long legs carrying him past her in a heartbeat. It wasn’t a far run but he covered the distance well before her.
The first guard noticed Ballard only when the massive man’s sword was already descending toward him. A brief scream erupted from his mouth but was soon replaced with the sound of gurgling as the man's mouth was filled with his own blood. The second guard had enough time to draw his blade and call for reinforcements before Eloen met his with her blade. She struck fast and hard at the guard knocking his blade aside the brought her blade back into the man’s exposed neck.
Eloen and Ballard searched the guards for a key but none was to be found. Biting back a curse Eloen took up a defensive position waiting on the rest of the enemy soldiers to descend upon them while Ballard used his strength and massive sword to try and cut through the door.
In a matter of moments the first of the roaming sentries made his way to where she stood and began his assault. He was fairly skilled but his armor slowed his movements making it easy for the light warrior to dance away from his blade striking at each opportunity she was given. Though she had scored a half dozen hits none of them had been deep enough to bring the warrior down.
Focused on her opponent she almost missed the sound of a second enemy coming up behind her. At the last moment she dodged to the side barely escaping from having her head permanently removed from her shoulders.
Coming back to her feet Eloen noticed the sight of the rest of the soldiers making their way toward their position. In a matter of moments they would be overrun. Her strength and skill was at its peak as she charged back toward the two soldiers who had turned their attention to Ballard who was almost through the heavy wooden door of the carriage. Eloen was able to get between them driving her sword between the first man’s armor at the knee. The man screamed and fell back pinching the blade of her sword between his armor and yanking the blade from her hand.
Acting quickly, Eloen pulled a small dagger from a hidden sheath under the folds of her dress. The other soldier struck at her hard. She was able to turn away his strike but it still clipped her on the shoulder cutting though her dress before it was repelled by the armor. The man was slightly taken aback by the force that his blade was repelled with and he lost his balance. Eloen took his moment of weakness and jumped on the man’s chest driving her dagger into the man’s exposed skin under his arm. The soldier let out a loud scream as she pulled the blade free. Normally she would silence the solder's screams and free him from the painful death that was now certain but she didn’t have the time.
Wiping the blade on her dress Eloen quickly replaced it in its hidden sheath as she made her way over to the other downed guard who tried furtively to remove her sword from his knee. Stepping down on the man’s leg she wrenched the blade free as he screamed loud enough to put a banshee to shame. With a quick slice the man’s throat opened up. She saw as his hands went to the new wound but she didn’t have the time to watch his final moments.
Turning around she found Ballard prying the door to the carriage open. As she saw the door swing open she forgot about the enemy and ran toward Ballard. A tall man in his early twenties with short black hair jumped from the open door. His clothes were well made and looked like the finery a lord would wear not a prisoner. Ballard didn’t give the man a chance to speak instead he slammed the hilt of his sword down hard on the back of the man’s head sending him slumping to the ground.
Picking up their guest Ballard and Eloen ran back toward their horses. A few seconds after they began their run they heard the tell-tale sound of the explosive orbs going off. Eloen had the urge to turn around and looked to see the destruction behind her but she fought it off and continued to run.
Long before they reached where they had staked the horses the sound of a horse racing up behind them reached their ears. Eloen let out a stream of muttered curses. Knowing it was impossible to outrun a horse Eloen turned and readied herself for a fight. When she saw the face of the rider she broke out laughing. Set astride a tall brown horse rode Darryl. He pulled up next to her and leaned down. “Since we were picking up a new guest I thought we could use an extra horse. Where’s Thad? And who is our dandy dressed friend?” Darryl said pointing at the unconsciou
s form hanging over Ballard’s shoulder.
“It's who was in the transport. Don’t know who he is but we can find out once were a safe distance away from here.” Eloen said her voice showing her pent up anger and frustration at the situation.
Once they were back to the horses they quickly saddled up and secured their unconscious guest onto the stolen horse. They were limited on where they could go. It wouldn’t take long for the soldiers to regain their mounts as well trained steeds seldom wandered far even if spooked. They needed a place to hide but Eloen didn’t know the layout well enough to know of a place close by. They followed the only real path left open to them, they continued forward keeping close to the edge of the mountain. After an hour of riding they came across a cave.
The mouth of the cave was large enough for the horses to enter one at a time. Not far down it opened up into what must have once been a well-used mine. It was large enough for the horses with ample room left over for the four to sleep.
It had been a tiring night and the sun was fast rising in the sky. With no energy to spare they laid their guest on the ground and set up a small camp. Darryl took the first watch as he still seemed to be brimming with energy.
Closing her eyes Eloen was once again haunted by the visage of Thad wallowing in anguish. Then everything calmed and Thad’s pain filled face smiled. He wouldn’t never have asked her to save him. He would never condemn her for failing. That’s why she cared for him. Tears formed in Eloen's eyes and streaked down her cheeks as she drifted off to sleep.
CHAPTER XI
Eloen nervously sat waiting for Darryl to return while she watched their unconscious guest sleep. They had risked their life to save Thad and instead ended up with an overdressed fop.
When Darryl finally returned he headed straight for the small pot of food Eloen had started making before he had left and grabbed himself a bowl. “No sign of us being followed. One good thing about the ground around here is that it doesn’t leave many tracks and signs of our passing and allows us to hear anyone approaching from a ways away. On the other side when we leave out if anyone is listening they will hear our horses. Sound carries a long ways around here.”
“That’s one thing to be thankful for at least.” Eloen said rubbing her hand over her forehead.
A soft groan sounded from behind them. The three friends turned around to watch the man they had rescued open his eyes and do his best to sit up. His hands and feet were firmly bound making the feat hard to accomplish and Eloen had to admit it was also fairly amusing.
“Where...where am I?” The man said trying to rub the knot on the back of his head.
“Right now you’re in a cave Mr. Peacock.” Eloen said handing the man a bowl of the food. He took it with his bound hands. “Now would you mind telling us who you are and why we found you in what we mistook for a prison transport?”
The man shook his head laughing. “My name is William, son of the king, and prince of Abla.” the man said without fanfare as if it was a fact he wasn’t too happy about.
“That's hard to believe considering where we found you. I can't say I know everything about Abla, but I didn't know they let their royalty travel in such a manner.” Eloen said giving the man a stern look. To her surprise he laughed again.
“That's true. Normally I would travel in a much nicer coach with a window and three times the number of guards. The problem is that right now is that not everything is normal in this country. You were right on your first opinion, I was in fact a prisoner heading for a lifelong stay in a small cell.” He said as he tried to find a way to eat the stew with his hands bound.
“Why would the king put his own son in prison?” Darryl said as he unbound the prince’s hands so that he could eat.
With his hands free the prince rubbed his wrists and gave Darryl a sad smile. “My father didn’t have me put in a prison, my uncle did. My father has been sick for quite some time and my uncle has been running the county as the regent. Over the past three years he has siphoned off our limited wealth to strengthen the army for an attack against Farlan. At the same time I have been trying to round up nobles in an attempt to dethrone my uncle. I wish to try and normalize relations with Farlan. We get nothing from continuing to antagonize our neighbor to the north. In the end all it does is cause us further hardship. When the attack failed my uncle claimed that I had sent information to the Queen of Farlan and had me arrested in my father’s name. That is where you found me.”
Eloen shook her head. Instead of saving their friend they had ended up freeing the enemy prince. He didn’t seem like a bad guy though he didn’t fit what she thought a prince would look like. He was dressed for the part and his demeanor was right but when one thought of an Ablaian prince the thought of someone like Ballard came to mind. “That is quite a story, and if it’s true it might come in useful. In the best scenario we might even be able to help each other out.”
William smiled at Eloen. It was a dazzling smile, one she had seen her sister give to men they wished to use many times. “I have been all over Abla, and while you seem to be nice enough people I don’t believe you’re from any part of my country. Before I agree to anything I would like to know who you are and why you are in my land attacking prison transports.”
Eloen let out a long sigh. Nothing was never easy but if he was who he said he was and his attitude toward relations with Farlan were the truth he might be willing to help. “I am Eloen the heir to the duchy of Calisaren of Farlan. We have come here to find a friend who was captured at the battle for Southpass Fort. When we came across your group we thought we had caught up to his captors but it looks as if we were wrong.”
The prince's face never changed as he listened to Eloen's story. He asked a few questions about when Thad was taken, and what route they had taken to follow him. When Eloen was done the prince shook his head. “You took the long way though the mountain pass. The chances are that the prisoner who you are looking for has already reached Treforge.” The prince stopped and rubbed his head slightly and a deep furrow spread across his face. “What I don’t understand is why a Farlan noblewoman would enter into Ablaian territory for a male.
Eloen nearly cursed. She didn’t trust the prince enough to tell him that Thad was a mage. If she did there was little chance of him helping them get him back but neither could she think of a suitable enough lie to tell the man. “I can't tell you why we are after him but I will tell you that the man is very important not only to myself but also to the Queen of Farlan. You wish to help normalize relations with Farlan helping us free our friend would go a long way in that effort.”
“I know when it's useless to ask further questions, and that seems to be the case in this situation. I don’t know how much help I can be but I still have some connections within the country and that includes in Treforge. I have sent some of my men to keep tabs on who has been sent to the prison. I know my uncle would like nothing better than to arrest and detain some of my sympathizers, so I have taken steps to help ensure that doesn’t happen. If you can get me there I will do my best to see if your friend has been brought in. If he has I will put all my efforts into freeing him. As long as I have your word you will help me bring my uncle from power.”
Eloen stood and began pacing in a small circle. “I can’t promise the aid of Farlan but as for myself I will do everything I can to help you.” Eloen watched the man’s face in hopes of a glimpse into what he was thinking, but his face was like a stone.
“What about you two men?” The prince said never taking his eyes off Eloen.
“I will follow the captain in whatever she decides.” Ballard said without so much as a flinch.
“What about the Katanaga? From the look of it I would say he is here on his own business.”
“You have my word that if you help us that I shall give you my Tellaren.” Darryl said as he placed his hand over the red dyed cloth hanging onto his arm.
The prince let out a low whistle. “I was intrigued when I found out a female Farlan
noble was trying to save a male but to hear a Katanaga offer to give me his Tellaren I am truly awed. This must be quite some man you want to save. Well for my part I will do all I can to see your friend safely in your hands again even if it costs me my life. Will that be satisfactory?”
Darryl pulled his boot knife and advance on the prince who didn’t move. Flipping the dagger over he cut the ropes holding the prince’s feet. “Remember all the stories you’ve heard of my people enacting their revenge for a broken pledge and that will pale to what I shall do to you.”
Whatever Darryl meant the prince must have understood because his face visibly paled. After a few moments the prince regained his composure and turned his attention back to Eloen. “What is our next move if you don’t mind me asking?”
Eloen looked at the cave mouth and the sun streaming in. They hadn’t slept more than a few hours but to the trained soldiers that was more than enough. They couldn’t be more than half a day’s ride from Treforge but there was the chance the army would be out looking for them. What William had said bothered her. If Thad had already reached Treforge then he was running out of time and they needed to hurry. “We leave for Treforge. Everyone get ready to leave we can’t waste anymore daylight.”
Without another word Eloen walked over to her horse and began saddling it. The others took her lead with the exception of the prince who looked unsure of what he should be doing. “The brown one there is yours. We borrowed it from the nice men we collected you from.” Eloen said never looking up from her task of cinching down the saddle hoping the prince wasn’t so pampered he didn’t know how to saddle his own horse.
When her horse was ready she turned around to find the prince getting his own steed ready. He was doing a fair job but he was moving far too slow for her liking. “Hurry it up pretty boy, don’t want to wait all day on you to get in the saddle.” The prince said something under his breath making Darryl laugh. She wasn’t sure what he said but she was sure that if she heard it she would be less than pleased. “We're leaving.” Eloen said as she led her horse out of the cave.
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