Kapitel 11: New Information
We trekked through the forest until we came upon the camp site of these would think bandits. It seemed quiet at this base of theirs. Small groups of mercenaries walked down the dirt path between the houses, chatting quietly while the scanned the perimeter. They seemed nervous and on edge as they glanced between each other, holding their swords down at their sides, almost like they where expecting an attack. With having scanned the surrounding area, they walked onto the porch of an old, battered home and shut the door. Something didn't feel right. The air seemed tense and on edge. Even my skin prickled as I scanned the small, abandoned village.
Dreadfort was a very historical battle sight between my father's Kingdom, and the Kingdom that laid just North of us. This village use to be called Winterfreed. It was always known for its wide vast area of trees and best place for fishing spots. When our first nasty drought hit, it caused an uproar. Kingdoms that had once been allies, turned on each other for supplies. Unfortunately for us, we were one of the Kingdoms with the last supply of running fresh water. So Winterfreed became Dreadfort because of all the lives that where taken here out of jealousy and greed. Being the kind man, my father was, he left the territory open to anyone who wanted to pass through. It was never his intention to horde water, but he was also just looking out for his people as well. As the years went by, this place was rendered unhabitable do to the damaged houses and large animals that overtook it.
So why where these in disguise bandits here? What could they possibly gain from a war-torn village? The houses all sat dark and gloomy. Windows from over time had been shattered, the paint had peeled and revealed an ugly gray rotted wood underneath. They even creaked and groaned as a small wind tore through, the house shuttering in the process. It almost seemed like they where alive, constantly revisiting the day when they lost all the people that inhabited it. But the one house that did catch my eye, was the one that was very well lit. It was in the center of the village. A big two-story house with every top window blocked and holed up with wooden planks. It wasn't even good planks because the rotted wood gave way lit room upstairs.
I pointed silently to the house and held a finger to my lips. With a flick of my wrists, I motioned for the two scouts that had managed to track them down, to go forward. If we could get close with out alerting them, then we could gather intel without having to tie them up, and then we can go home. I was already starting to miss my bed and I really didn't want to stay outdoors any longer. Call me pampered I know, but when you don't prepare in any way to stay out overnight, the weather, and the lack of a cot can really make your life a living hell. The quickly we resolve this, the better off we are. Thankfully, night had fallen, so blending in with the surroundings wouldn't be too difficult.
"Are you sure about this your Majesty? It's not to late to think of another plan." The General said placing a gentle hand on my arm. He leaned against the tree, trying to hide his discomfort and worry in the process. He kept his face as neutral as he possibly could, gray eyes scanning my face, looking for any signs that I may change my mind. I knew the General was worried about me, but I wanted to make sure that I was getting the correct information. If I went back empty handed, I wouldn't forgive myself. I also had to prove to so many people, I was a fit for my position. I couldn't give them any room to bully me.
"General, I have already told you this about a thousand times. I am firm on my decision, and I don't plan on changing them. Nathanial and Jeremiah have been trained well in the arts of sneaking, so I am in safe hands. I firsthand have witnessed their swordsmanship and have no worries that they can handle themselves if things go sideways. Sit tight and wait for my signal to swarm." His lips pursed together, trying to fight the urge to argue. I could understand his hesitation. After all, before I became a Knight, he was my assigned protector. He watched me grow up, he raised me in my father's place when he was to busy or was just overly fixated Illia. He was like a father to me more than my own, and I would always thank him for that. I gave him a clap on the shoulder as I crouched next to Nathanial and Jeremiah, signaling I was ready to leave.
With a reassuring smile to the General, I fell in behind the other two scouts who were closely tucking themselves against the tree line. The two scouts I believed had to be siblings. They were identical in every way but there choice of hair styles. Two sets of Deep gray eyes, slanted like cats. They held themselves with such confidence that even I was feeding off them. Back's straight, knees tucked underneath them as they scanned the area, looking for any signs of threats. They reminded me so much of elves from my fairytale books, that I almost believed they were elves. Square jaws taught and firm as they clenched their teeth. High cheek bones completed the face. They were quite handsome. With there smooth pale skin, they had to just have their coming-of-age ceremonies recently. Oh, to be that age again. But I didn't have a chance to reminisce as they started to move.
Each step grass crunched under our feet, giving away the dry dirt that sat underneath our bodies. The twins kept low to the ground as they slunk across the flat surface of the earth and headed towards the dark shadows of the buildings before us. I could feel my heart race rapidly as we passed through the small clearing that separated the forest edge, and abandoned village. Adrenaline was starting to take over my body now, knowing that there was danger that lurked ahead. Any moment we could be caught and jumped. A snap of a twig, a sudden bump against a building, any sound could alert them, and then we would never get the answers we where looking for. I did everything in my physical power to copy the twins as we weaved through buildings, slowly getting closer to our destination.
Nathanial, the scout with the long blonde ponytail, held up his fist and casually leaned himself against the outskirts of the house. It groaned loudly as the wind whipped through, setting my heart galloping faster than a herd of horses. I swallowed nervously as I tried to douse my fear and focus on Nathanial's raised hand. He seemed focused as he stared down the pathway before us. His eyes where narrowed into the slightest of slits. What had him so concerned. Jeremiah, the short hair blonde kept his hair spiked, crept around his brother, and leaned against the other building. With them crouched next to each other, knees touching, I realized how narrow the space actually was. I had a small fear of tight places, but this was no time to panic. I had to keep myself focused on why we where here.
To help my increasing anxiety, I crept forward and close to the boys, hoping that I would get an answer as to why we stopped our descent into the village. Jeremiah glanced over once, nodding his head with apprehension before pointing down the dirt path road. I followed his fingers past the houses on both sides and to the village center. At the center was a well, most likely dried up from the years of neglect it had received. Vines crawled its way up the cracked stone surface and up the wooden poles that supported the lever that dropped the bucket down to the water below. Sitting on the damaged well, was a slumped form. The hands causally clapped together quietly. Not one sound escaping from the palms touching together. The feet kicked slowly, the heels thudding against the side as it kept itself entertained.
The sight was almost eerie to watch. Like a man who was possessed by a corrupted ghost. With a black hood over its head, you couldn't make out a face. His clothes looked proper and expensive. Like something a noble or a royal would wear. It was confirmed that these men where not normal bandits after all. No way a bandit would ever work with a High Classman. What where these men planning? Why was a High Classman working with dangerous men and attacking my Kingdom? If this was truly a Higher Classman, than they knew about the Banquet and my sisters search for a suitor. Even though the attacks started way before the arrival of the nobles and other royals, they got worse and more aggressive after they started showing up. I wondered if this was apart of their plan after all.
The door to the house that sat before us, slammed open. I fairly old gruff looking man came out, slowly descending the staircase. He had to be in his sixties at most. He had old wispy gray hair that framed his face and down his shoulders. A black eye patch with three scars covered his right eyes. His lips where set in a permanent grimace, almost like he was ready to snarl. He wore black leather clothing, a sword belted two his side. For an old man, he still seamed fairly fit with his taught arms and slender body. Accompanying him, where to black cloaked men. Each poised tight to his side as they walked towards the other cloaked figure that sat on the well. The air seemed tense as the leader of this group, walked aggressively towards the man, still kicking his feet. He seemed unbothered by the hostility that was sent directly in his direction.
Glaring, the man came to a stop. His jaw was clenching tightly, almost grinding together. The air had grown still, waiting for the eye patch man to address the man on the well. The feet slowly stopped kicking, waiting expectantly for the eye patch guy to address him.
"What does she require of us now? Is she not happy with the progress we are making?" The eye patch guy finally spoke, breaking the ice that was forming in the air. It was old and raspy sounding. Like nails on a chalk board. I heard a deep and dark chuckle emanate from the well guy. His shoulders shook as his laughter filled the air. I felt eerie and creepie vibes pouring from his being as he slowly quieted, arms now crossing over his chest.
"Oh Emmanuel, you know my lady is hard to please. She will keep pushing and pushing until he finally gets what she wants. With your progress lately, you have kept disappointing her. I merely only come to deliver a warning." The voice was chipper, almost like he was enthusiastic he was failing. Who was this she that they kept mentioning? Was it their leader?
"We have merchants fleeing from their marketplace faster than livestock running from a pack of wolves. What more does she want?" Emmanuel sputtered angrily. Even from this far, you could see the spittle leave his lips as he tried to rein in his anger. The man on the well rose to his feet, getting in Emmanuel's face in the process. Emmanuel didn't flinch as the well man brought his hand to his face, almost like he was caressing it. I couldn't help cringe at the interaction, and looking at the grimace on both Jeremiah, and Nathanial's face, I wasn't the only one.
"You know that my lady does not care for your progress with the merchants. Her goal isn't to deprive the Kingdom or it's riches. Her only goal is that girl. The longer she is alive, the more of a problem she will become." Emmanuel sighed angrily and swatted the well man's hand away from his face. The well man chuckled low, dangerously low as he stepped away from him. His feet falling slowly and gracefully as he circled the cracked well, tracing his hands along the rim.
"Tell your lady that we will have it done. She isn't so easy to get to as you think. I have lost countless men, and I need to replenish my forces. Give us time." Emmanuel watched the well man carefully, never once did he blink. It was like watching a hawk hunt it's prey. The well man stopped walking when he was halfway around the well. His fingers drummed slow and quietly on the surface. He was contemplating his answer carefully, considering each and every word he spoke.
"You have less than two weeks before the banquet. My lady wants her dead before then. If you can't manage to kill her before then, I will personally see it that you are…. punished." The excitement returned in the man's voice. He wasn't hiding the pleasure behind the thought of his chance of failure. I felt my skin crawl, like a sinister being was watching over me. With careful searching, I figured out why. The cloaked man was looking this way. There was no way he would have found us, we where practically hidden. A dark, maniacal laugh escaped the man's throat. Almost clutching at his chest like a crazed man. He cast a finger in our direction and dread over came me. He had definitely spotted us.
"Looks like you have your chance, Emmanuel. Get rid of them before they make it back to the castle." He commanded before turning on his heel and stalking away from the well. Emmanuel cast his head in our direction, and I swallowed nervously. How on earth did he sense that we were here?
"Damn pests! Get them!" Emmanuel said turning on his heel. His deadly gaze was set upon our small group as he stormed towards us. With a graceful swing, he pulled his sword out from his worn leather sheath and came barreling for us. An angry war cry escaping his lips as his men followed suit. My eyes went wide as I watched them. I had no doubt that they would have more men joining the fray soon. I had no plans on dying though. I had to get this information back to my father, and fast. I feared that Illia's life may be in trouble.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein