The Kidnapping
Evron was returning to the cabin when
he heard voices. Male voices. Immediately he stopped, put down the branches
and crept closer. The wood was still moist from recent rains, it made being
quiet a little more easy. He made a quick count. There were 5 bandits, not
many, but too many for him alone to take care of. Maybe with Ikron he’d
stand a chance.
As he crept closer Evron noticed the moist wasn’t all that was keeping him
from being noticed. Ikron and Mireille appeared from another path. At first
Evron didn’t comprehend why his brother walked in a trap so noticeable.
But soon he did. As soon as he saw their two heads bowed together and their
hands entwined he knew. Evron clenched his teeth together… he tried
everything to not make a sound, but his mind shouted: "Idiot!"
with all possible loudness within him.
For a moment Evron resented his brother. For so long Evron had been the one
that got all the insults. He was the spitting image of his father in looks.
But apparently Ikron had inherited all his dad’s character traits, down to
the ones that had gotten them in trouble.
The resentment soon faded when he realised the situation though. Ikron hadn’t
left anyone. Not yet anyway, nor would he do it. Evron saw it in his eyes.
"What have we here?" one of the
bandits asked.
For one moment all eyes were focused on the man. A sturdy short brute with a
long black beard, shabby hair and small beady eyes. He was without a doubt
the leader of the gang. He had an air of authority, and though he was the
smallest man in the entire group the others made sure they didn’t stand in
his way. Evron knew this man meant trouble. Most bandit groups were
unorganised, there was always one he could bribe. But these men were afraid.
Evron tried to get Ikron’s attention, but Ikron wasn’t exactly looking
his way.
"I see a royal guard." Another,
rather stupid looking bandit said.
"You know what I see?" the leader
asked.
"What Iker?"
"I see a handsome ransom." The leader said and smiled.
Evron breathed out. If they wanted to get a ransom from Mireille they wouldn’t
hurt her in any way. Evron started to feel a bit better.
"We don’t need the guard. Kill him."
Iker said.
Evron immediately felt worse. These men weren’t pussycats. They would kill
Ikron and probably leave him bleeding enough to attract what few wildlife
dared come close to the road. There was no way Evron would be able to save
him. If only he could get a message through…
"No!"
Evron looked up. Mireille had shouted. What was she doing?
"My my, this little girl has a friend. I wonder
if daddy knows about this." Iker said, "Lets
keep him alive, we might get some money for him too."
Evron breathed out. Trevore would be able to handle this. Maybe if he could
steal a horse or two he’d make it back sooner.
"Boss! Look what I found here!" n°5,
a rather intelligent looking slender fellow yelled.
"What Leon?"
"She’s a priestess!"
"Huh?"
"She’s on her way to the Phoenix Temple. We’ve got ourselves some
mortal sinners."
"Deadly sins eh?" Iker said laughing mean.
"A pair of traitors could fetch us some good
money in the Derpell." Leon said. Then he laughed: "More,
traitors don’t need to be kept in good shape." He said with
his eyes on Mireille’s body.
Evron sighed. Just as things were looking up… Derpell was still far off,
they’d have to cross rivers, valleys and forests just to reach the next
city. But he knew no-one there, no-one who would be discreet about Ikron.
Mireille tightened her hands to fists
when she felt the looks of Leon on her. The filthy little rat wouldn’t
know what he was starting with. Trevore hadn’t raised a daughter. He had
raised a son. Mireille knew how to use swords and knives, and though she
wasn’t as strong as a man she could wield a few direct punches. She took
on a proud pose.
Suddenly Ikron kicked her ankle.
"Don’t do that." He whispered.
"What?" her eyes asked.
"Look proud, look defeated." He
whispered fast and lowered his head.
Ikron knew it was their only shot. Vipers were deadly if you pushed them
hard enough, but people tended to forget it because they were so small.
Ikron wanted the bandits to forget he was a guard. He wanted them to think
Mireille was just a foolish nobility girl. And most of all he wanted them to
not think about why there was a third horse.
As he had expected they were brought inside the house and tied tightly to
each other. They could talk, but not without being heard by another bandit.
Ikron felt Mireille’s hands on his back. She was trying to untie the rope.
All images made by me
Font used is called First Order and can be downloaded
here.