The sounds of combat rang clearly over the landscape and they all turned towards the village. They had been waiting for the five soldiers to return and the sudden clamour worried the Captain. "How many of your men are there?" he demanded.
"There were ten of us," replied Thibalt, not mentioning those who had returned to the boats.
The Captain cast a concerned look at his second in command, the long haired man who had tied the boys up. The man returned a similar look and was about to ride down to the town to investigate when four of the soldiers appeared. They rode out of the village, dragging behind them three captives. Thibalt then noticed that Reinar was one of the bound prisoners.
The riders reached the top of the rise and pushed the three captives next to Christill. Reinar gave both brothers a scornful look and then faced the Captain.
"Report!" the Captain yelled at one of the soldiers.
"We found five of them in the town centre. They came at us whilst others ran to the shore. Two were slain and Junheim fell in battle."
The Captain's head lowered and he let out a long sigh. "For fifteen long years I have fought against people like you," he said scowling at Reinar. "And for what? I have seen nought but hapless bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. The Alliance lies in a constant struggle with Dargon, and as our men sacrifice their lives to protect the West, you trespass on our land and commit the most vile of acts," he spat at Reinar. "This scene of devastation is unforgivable. You will all pay for the massacre that you caused here. Miirvk will answer for its crimes!"
Reinar's face betrayed no emotion as he stared back into the Captain's eyes, matching his glare. "We did not do this," he simply stated.
"Silence!" the Captain shouted, striking Reinar with the flat of his sword. "For crimes against Feldom, I arrest you in the name of his highness, King Dieter Castaneda. You are now prisoners of the crown under Feldonian law and shall be justly punished." The Captain turned his horse and signalled for his men to depart. "Let us leave before they have a chance to regroup."
The soldiers spurred their horses and began heading north, dragging the captives behind them.
"What is happening?" Thibalt whispered to Christill as they were forced to march.
The blank look on Christill's face said more than any words could have.
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 25