Dangerous Encounter

The figure that stepped out of the trees was clad in a dappled green cloak, with a hood that kept the man's face in shadow. His left arm was straight out, holding a powerful looking bow, and his right arm was pulled back, keeping a black shafted arrow against the string in a full draw. Rye dropped his hand to his side, although he kept a firm grip on the knife.

"Drop it," the stranger said. His voice was deadly calm and quiet. His eyes were a strange blue green color, and seemed to shift like water if you stared too long.

Rye shook his head and kept the knife.

The man's lips twitched slightly in a smile and he raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you want to refuse?"

Rye lifted his chin, "If you're going to shoot me, then I'm going to go down with a knife in my hand."

Suddenly, the man lowered his bow, "What's your name lad?"

"Rye," he answered. Then he silently cursed himself. He hadn't meant to give out his real name, he hadn't even told the villagers his real name.

"What are you doing in the middle of the woods Rye?" the man asked.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Official business, that's what I'm doing. And you?"

Rye narrowed his eyes, "Running."

The man wasn't amused, "From what? And why?"

"Why do you want to know?" Rye asked, this man was beginning to annoy him.

The stranger didn't answer. Instead, he replaced his arrow back into his sheath- which Rye hadn't noticed until now, and stuck out his hand.

"I'm Liall, a King's Ranger."

Rye shook his hand, "A King's what?"

It was Liall's turn to look annoyed, "Ranger."

Rye raised his eyebrows. He'd never heard of such a thing, and he made sure he was well informed.

"How come I've never heard of Rangers before?"

"Because," Liall replied, his smile was gone, "It's a new organization."

"Who runs it?"

Liall's voice was deadly quiet now, "I do."

Rye decided to back off. He hadn't meant to offend this man, although obviously he had. He'd simply wanted to gather any new information.

"Well," Rye said, clearing his throat, "I should really get going."

By now, the sun had well risen over the horizon and soft morning light was dappling the forest ground.

"And where are you going so early in the morning?" the suspicion was back in the Liall's voice.

Rye decided then and there that he'd had enough of this man. He was older than Rye's own 16 years, but young enough to be Rye's older brother. And like an older brother, he had obviously underestimated the younger boy in front of him, thinking he could just ask whatever he wanted. Rye hated being underestimated; in one smooth movement he pulled back his arm and threw the knife.

The blade thudded into a thick oak a few meters from where Rye was standing. Confusion swept over his face as he realized that not only had he missed, but he now found his arms pulled behind him and and a knife pressed against his throat.

"Never underestimate your opponent," Liall said behind him. Rye would have laughed at how ironic that was if he hadn't been restrained.

After pushing him down on his knees, Liall sheathed his knife and quickly bound Rye's hands, looping the rope around one wrist, then the other, and then both together. After his hands were secure, the Ranger did the same to his ankles.

"Now," he said, standing up, "Maybe we'll get some real information out of you."

The hood of the cloak he was wearing had fallen down, and Rye could see that the man was in his early twenties, like he'd assumed. He had light blonde hair, and despite the grim expression he wore at the moment, he had a friendly looking face. The bow he'd had earlier was slung over his back.

"I'm not going to tell you anything," Rye spat at him.

"Well I can't let a young boy just run around the woods without explaining himself."

Rye's jaw tightened, as did his resolve to not answer any questions. He was barely holding in his anger. Who was this man that he thinks he can just appear out of nowhere, tie him up, and question him?

Liall circled around him once, "Are you mute?"

No answer.

Suddenly the Ranger adopted a wondering expression, "You know, I could use a servant. And personally I prefer mute servants. I don't suppose you're looking for a job?"

"No!" Rye burst out, "I'm not going to be your servant!"

"I could always take you to jail, if you refuse." Liall continued on as if Rye hadn't spoken, "I'm sure they'll have room for a thief."

Rye's eyes widened, "What makes you think I'm a thief."

Liall smirked, "A hunch."

Rye didn't even bother to contradict him. This man seemed very likely to see through a lie, and besides, Rye had hesitated for too long.

Finally, Liall sighed, "I'm getting tired of this. I'm just going to leave you here. I heard there's a wild boar in the area, and you seem like a guy who's willing to take his chances."

The Ranger pulled his hood and turned around, stepping back into the trees. Almost instantly, he disappeared.

Rye squinted, the man had been there just a second ago and now he was gone.

A master of camouflage, he thought. He couldn't help admiring the Ranger's skill.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

"Wait!" he called, "I can help you!"

"How is that?" the voice came from behind him. Rye twisted around, amazed at Liall's ability to move silently.

"You want to capture thieves right?" of course, he didn't know that, but the Ranger seemed like a very righteous person, and wasn't capturing a thief a righteous thing?

Silence followed his answer. Rye took that to mean yes.

"Well, I'm a thief, I know where the thieves gather."

Liall snorted, "Thieves don't all gather in one place."

Rye nodded, although it was awkward in his position, "Yes, thats true, but the most important thieves do. How else would they be so organized?"

This time Liall stepped out of the trees so Rye could see him, "And who would "they" be?"

Rye feigned surprise, "The Jewel Thieves of course."

I feel like the title of this chapter is kinda lame, anyone else? I just couldn't come up with anything better. Anyone, hope you like it and please let me know what you think! I love the name Liall, by the way. Isn't it awesome?