Halt and Gilan had traced the trail to the east side of Araluen. The Genovesans were good at covering their trail but not good enough to hide it from Rangers.
Gilan looked at Halt. "Where do you think they're taking him?"
Halt sighed. "I don't know. They could be planning to take him across the sea."
Gilan frowned. "We'll find him, Halt."
The rest of the ride was in silence as they tracked the trail. It led them all to the way to a town on the east coast.
Gilan looked around. "Do you think they're staying in one of the inns or that they found a ship to board?"
Halt thought for a moment then answered, "It was probably daytime by the time they got here, so they would of been able to board a ship. Let's ask around to see if anyone knows anything. We'll meet back here in an hour."
They split up and went to different inns, trying to find any information. An hour later, they met back up.
"Did you find out anything?" Halt asked, "The only thing I found out was that they took a merchant's ship."
Gilan nodded. "I found out that they're headed to Toscana."
Halt frowned. "Why would they be headed there?"
Gilan shrugged. "The earliest ship headed there leaves in the early morning. We might as well find an inn, and get a room till then."
They directed their horses to the nearest inn, and stayed the night. The next morning, they boarded a small ship called The Phoenix.
Halt was near the railing of the ship because of his seasickness. Gilan left him alone during the first two days. Once he got over it, Gilan joined him. "Can you think of anyone who would of paid the Genovesans to take him?"
Halt shook his head. "It could be anyone."
Gilan looked over the sea. "We'll split up and ask around for information once we reach port?"
Halt nodded. "We'll reach port in three days."
The Genovesans and Will had reached Toscana a day before Halt and Gilan would. They mounted their horses, and rode out of town. Will looked around, examining the countryside. Two of the men started talking. Will noticed and started listening in.
"We'll reach the hideout soon."
"What are we going to do with the boy?"
"We were paid to hold him prisoner until he sends word for him."
"Alright."
Will frowned, wondering who had wanted him taken. Could it be an old enemy of Dad's? He didn't know. Maybe he could find out later on. They reached the hideout a few hours later, and Will was led to a thick door with an opening. It had bars in it. One of the men leading untied his wrists and threw him in. The door was shut and locked behind him.
Will rolled over and sat up, rubbing his wrists.
"You must be the boy they were talking about."
Will jumped a little in shock and turned to see a girl about his age with tan skin, dark brown hair with some blonde highlights, and blue eyes.
"Going to stop gawking anytime soon?" She said.
Will shut his mouth, and turned a little red out of embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I- Uh...My name's Will."
The girl smiled. "My name's Becca."
Will relaxed. "That's a nice name."
The girl looked up at the window, letting light in. "Thanks."
Will didn't say anything. She was a pretty girl. He wanted to say something, but he was nervous. Why was he nervous?
He thought of something. "Why are you here?"
Becca sighed. "I'd rather not talk about it."
Will looked at his hands. "It's okay."
They sat in silence until an opening at the bottom of the door was opened. A plate of food was slid in, and the opening was closed. Will looked at the food then at Becca. "Do you want to pick first?"
Becca shook her head. "Go ahead. I don't care."
Will stared at her at for a minute then took half of the food. He started eating a piece of bread.
Becca took the other half, and started eating an apple.
Will looked around the cell while eating. There was only one window with bars in it, and there was the door. Besides that, there was nothing else, but he knew Dad would find a way to save him. Will glanced over at Becca. Maybe he could save Becca, too.
Halt and Gilan reached port and split up again, going to different inns. They came back at a specified meeting place an hour later.
Gilan sighed. "I couldn't find out anything, Halt."
"I couldn't find out anything either. Maybe we can find out something tomorrow."
A man passing by heard them and stopped. "Are you looking for someone?"
Both of them looked at him. Halt answered, "We're looking for a group of men who had a boy with them. The men had purple clothes and hats on."
The man thought for a moment then recognition came over his face. "I remember. I was just coming back from hunting when I saw a group like that. They were headed that way."
The man pointed.
Halt directed Abelard to the direction he pointed. "Thanks."
The man nodded. "No problem." He stared walking.
Gilan and Halt took off.