(A/N: So yeah, after a few eons, I've managed to update this story again. Please leave a review to let me know whether if I should continue this story or not and to let me know if there's a portion of the story that needs improvement and such. About this chapter, there will be some sort of brutal content on some parts. Hey, as I said, I don't rate this T for nothing. Anyways this chapter is a lot longer than the previous ones, read on…)
Chapter Seven: Can I Come?
Calibre11 POV:
I woke up before first light. The evening chill made it quite difficult to get out of my warm bed but I still managed to do so miraculously. After a quick visit to the washroom, I hurriedly put my armour on minus the helm, slipped my longsword on my belt, and picked up my bag. I had already packed everything I needed for the trip last night. As quietly as I could manage, I crept through the Lieutenant's Hall, down the stairs to the scullery and out on the back door. The whole place was deserted. Everybody's probably either away or still sleeping.
Miza was already waiting for me under an oak tree. She already had her rune trimmed-armour on, minus the helm, along with her pack. We chose to leave at the back since it was her turn for guard duty on that certain place at this time of the night. The timing was perfect. There was also plenty of cover, from stacks of crates and barrels to a couple of tall trees, which would make it hard for anyone to see us, hard but not impossible.
"You got everything?" She asked. Her breath was visible on the dimly lit surroundings.
"Yep, C'mon, let's get out of here before-" I was about to say but I was cut off.
"May I ask where you two are off to at this time of the night?" A firm woman's voice spoke from behind one of the crates. The two of us spun sharply to the voice's direction, wide-eyed with alarm. A figure was lounging on top of a crate covered in shadows.
"Umm, we we're just uh…" I began nervously; this wasn't part of the plan!
"Taking a romantic stroll or something, yes?" She said in a liquid-like tone while emerging from the shadows. She was angel rose1, lieutenant of the mage squad and Captain stetson john's right hand woman and also the eldest lieutenant in our division. Her piercing emerald green eyes seem to bore through ours and we can't help but avert her steely gaze. She was beautiful though, in her late twenties, with a fully-grown woman's body complete with slender curves, caramel skin and long wavy crimson hair fixed on a ruby tiara. Her green robes fluttered slightly on the evening breeze. Yes, she is beautiful but those thoughts aren't running in my head right now. She was holding a fire staff on her right hand and some smooth penny-sized stones with distinct markings on them, undoubtedly runes, on her left, ready to cast a spell. We were both aware of what she is capable of. Her fire strike is one of the things any melee warrior wouldn't want to taste.
"I don't think that's the case, judging from your packs and your armour." She continued, gesturing on our bags.
"Of course not… we were um…uh.." I stuttered, still unable to make up anything.
"I'm waiting...lieutenant" She said, twiddling her thumb on the shaft of her staff. I swallowed.
"We were meeting a friend." Miza butted in. I really have to thank her for that one.
"A friend?" She replied with a brow raised.
"Yes! We are." Now it's my turn. "She was the one I rescued on our last quest. We were just visiting her and see if she is doing fine."
"Is that so?" angel continued, not sounding convinced at all, which is bad. "Why so early?"
Miza sighed, I could tell that she's getting irritated. Well why not? This woman was acting like a mother! She fits the role well though. "We wanted to get this done early so we'll be back in time for the morning activities."
"That's it?" We both nodded. She then did something unexpected. She smiled, not a happy smile but more of that of sympathy. "Are you sure you're not trying to get them back?"
"Who? What do you mean?" I asked, though I already have an idea of what she meant.
"Do you think I'm some kind of idiot?" angel replied. "You two are definitely going on a search and rescue attempt for the two lost squads. There's no use hiding it when its plain obvious since the four of you are quite the closest of friends and I can sense desperation on both of you."
Now Miza and I both sighed in defeat. Better admit it, she already knows.
"Okay, you knew but please don't stop us. We have to do this! The captain couldn't make up his mind so we need to do something before it's too late." I said in an almost pleading tone. She was right. We are really desperate right now. Even if she refuses, we won't have a choice but to go through her. We can fight her head on since we have a slight chance of winning but all that racket would wake everyone up.
"All we want is to find out what happened to them." Miza joined in. "We've been worried sick and we don't care if we get in trouble or not. We're ready to face anything when we get back."
She seemed to contemplate on this for a moment. Her expression was serious as if she's taking into account every detail which is the right thing to do. If the captain finds out that she is involved with this, she could get herself in quite a pile of trouble as well.
After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, she finally made up her mind. "You better hurry then." She said with a hint of regret on her voice. "The sun would be up soon."
"Really!" The two of us almost shouted in unison.
"Hush! I'm only letting you go but only on a scouting mission, nothing else! I see that they mean a lot to both of you and even if I regret it, I'm letting you guys go. The captain seems to be really preoccupied about something right now and I don't think he'll be working on your problem any sooner." Her voice was low and her eyes were cautious. "If you find out where they are, report back to me at once. Ooh! I'm so dead when the captain finds out. Go on before I changed my mind!"
"Thanks a lot lieutenant, we owe you a lot!" Miza almost shouted gratefully as she tackled angel with a hug. The mage lieutenant was surprised at first, but she soon returned the gesture. I on the other hand just smiled and waited, I have to admit that I was a little tempted to hug her too but that would be really awkward and I probably might end up having a fire blast spell for breakfast.
"You two remind me of the captain and I when we were your age, we always sneak out a lot!" She smiled one of her sad smiles as if she remembered something but then waved at us dismissively. "Well off you go! Remember, only a scouting mission. Now go and good luck!"
We nodded and waved her goodbye for the last time before heading off into the shades of the tall trees, even more determined than ever.
***Meanwhile, at the Zamorakian Temple…
Narrator POV:
It took a few hours before they were both dragged to the dungeon which turned out to be directly above their cell. It was the room Vzuy was able to take a look at with the mirror. The first time they were to be dragged out, another monk burst in and warned his fellow monks about a ranger team spotted somewhere in the edge of the wilderness. The monks locked the two up again and didn't return for a few hours.
But now, Vzuy and Ash were now able to take a full glimpse on what had become of their squad mates as they were being stripped of their armour. The effect of the spell hasn't worn off yet since the head monk cast another weaken spell on them as they were going in. Strapped on the tables were Vzuy's second in command and a squadmate, Chromex09 and lordvaldi while chained to the walls were Bunnyali, hannelori and Left13 who belonged to Ash's squad. They were also stripped from their armour and their clothes were torn into rugs. There were multiple cuts and bruises on their bodies, some where only mere scratches but they were also huge gaping ones with tiny streams of blood still trickling on them. Their expressions were dazed from too much pain but they are somehow still alive. For how long? They weren't sure. Blood was splattered on the floor along with a bunch of torture equipment littered here and there. There were whips, a cat-o-nine-tails, razors, saws, hooks, needles, knives, a bowl of salt, candles, torches, pliers, just about everything a sick mind can think of.
Vzuy let out a groan and collapsed on the floor after a large burly man tugged violently at his chestplate, removed it, and gave him a solid punch on the gut. There were four men in the room, two for each of them. They were laughing and talking to each other as if torturing people was a natural thing to do. Ash was pinned to the ground being pummelled by a man who kept on repeatedly punching Ash's face while the other man was kicking him on the chest and stomach. Vzuy wanted so much to help him but there's nothing he could do even to help himself.
"Alright, up ya go!" The burly man lifted Vzuy up over his head and tossed him on a wooden table which cracked in half as he landed hard. His vision swirled and his back screamed in pain while he watched the men laugh maniacally. "We are so going to enjoy this. Bring up the chains!"
Vzuy caught a glance of Ash's second in command, BunnyAli. Her face was covered with dirt, grime and blood but it was clear that her expression was a pleading one as she watched those men pound on her lieutenant mercilessly. Vzuy felt his rage building up inside. He was slammed on the stone wall and took some more blows but he didn't seem to feel any of it. All he felt was hatred, white hot hatred to all these men. How happy would he be to kill them all! And that was the though that played on his mind as he was bound on chains and his shirt ripped apart; he simply imagined the whole thing being done the other way around. He barely even felt the sharp, stinging sensation that the first strike of the whip left on his bare chest and the hundreds that's soon to follow.
***A few hours later, in the hills of Southern Falador...
Calibre11 POV:
"Why couldn't we just sneak past them!" Miza complained, half-panting as she sat on a large grey rock. We have been walking and running for hours and now, the sun is already high up in the sky.
"I'm telling you, it's too risky! Once we get caught, there's no second chance. " I told her for about a millionth time. We couldn't get to the Wilderness via the north path from Falador since it's been guarded by three squads from our clan and about five squads from the Iron Raven clan. There had been reports of small skirmishes from the smaller clans and they were there to keep order. It's good news for the city but bad news for us. It means that we have to take the route on the outskirts of Varrock to get into the Wilderness. It was a long way, but we are safer from being caught.
By this time, the captain might be already aware of what the two of us are up to and he's going to send tracker squads after us, mainly consisting of our very own ranger squads or he might even ask the help of those Ravens. Members of that clan were known to be consisting mostly of rangers and they're warrior squads are way different compared to ours. They use crossbows and daggers, often seen with dark or camouflaged outfits, and are also rumoured to be the masters of stealth and speed. In short, their clan rules the night. Just thinking about it made my hair stand on end. If they were ever on to us, we need to reach our destination before nightfall.
"So much for our plan. I can't believe we have to go through Draynor Village and then to Varrock just to get to the Wilderness when it would just take about a thirty minute walk if we took the north path but I guess you're right." She sighed as she caught her breath. I on the other hand, felt great. It's not everyday she agrees with me on something. "This is a safer way and we could really visit that girl. Besides, I hate those Raven guys. They've tried recruiting me every time any of them sees me."
I chuckled. "You are pretty popular, after you knocked out their "pretty boy" captain!"
"I know, he was one of the worst. I got him really good." We both smiled as we remembered it. A drunken Raven captain tried to flirt with her and ended up spending three weeks in the infirmary for suffering severe internal bleeding, several broken bones and a massive concussion. It was one of the few embarrassing moments of their clan. After a few minutes, we were ready to go again and we started off to Draynor.
"You said you left her at Morgan's house?" Miza asked while we were walking on a dirt path. An arrow sign pointing to the direction ahead of us read : DRAYNOR VILLAGE.
"Yes I did, he's a good man and he might have information on the temple we're looking for."
"Well, let's get going then."
***One hour later, at the market district of Draynor Village…
The market place was bustling again. Streams of people were moving from shop to shop browsing at the various items the traders have in their carts and stands. We passed by a toy shop who sells toy horses, spinning plates, etc. There was a souvenir shop who sells firecrackers, cakes, bubble blowers and a bunch of other stuff. A liquor stand offered us some wine and free beer samples but we passed on the offer. We finally made our way through the crowd after a few minutes and we found ourselves back at Morgan's house.
I knocked on the door and we were greeted by his wife. She seemed overjoyed upon seeing us again and willingly let us in. We followed her to the dining room and I saw Morgan getting ready for lunch. Morgan greeted us both with a warm hug and invited us to join them in the meal. That's when one of the doors beside the kitchen opened; probably a bedroom and a teenage girl about my age came out.
"Um, Morgan do you happen to shops any shops that sell bows around here?" She stopped abruptly when she noticed us. She was pretty. With long free flowing golden hair that matches her almond-shaped amber eyes. Her skin was smooth and lightly tanned. She had a slim but athletic looking body and one might get a quick impression that she was quick and agile. I also noticed that she had fully-recovered from her injuries and looked a little too healthy in fact. She was staring at Miza and I curiously.
"Ahhh, perfect timing! This is the person I was telling you about, the one who saved you and brought you here." Morgan told her while gesturing at me, breaking the awkward silence. She looked at me again but this time she smiled warmly and I felt melting a little. She looked really nice when she smiles. Whoa. Where'd that come from?
"Hi, I'm KathelynHood but you can just call me Kate." She was still smiling when she held out her hand for me to shake. "You must be Calibre11, I was looking forward to meeting you and thanking you in person. You don't know how grateful I am; who knows what would've happened if you hadn't found me!"
"Your welcome. It's all part of my job I guess. It's nice to meet you too." I said a little shyly, shaking her hand while trying to fight back the melting feeling. "This is Miza, my corporal and second in command." Miza stood up and they shook hands as well.
"So you're both on the same clan?" she asked.
"Pretty much," Miza replied. "but we've know each other since we're kids though."
"Awwww…ain't that sweet!" Kate cooed.
"Not when you've put up with him for ten years." Miza rolled her eyes and made Kate giggle and Miza started talking about some stuff when I was a kid, which is kind of embarrassing, and they were soon laughing together like old friends.
"Well those two are getting along quite well." Morgan came up beside me. His wife was setting up the table.
"Yep, I can see that." I said, nodding.
"So are you planning on staying for the night? We have a spare room upstairs with two beds." Morgan offered. Good old Morgan, always so hospitable.
"No thanks, we're about to leave in a few minutes, maybe some other time?"
"How so? You just got here. The trip might have been very exhausting." He said with concern.
"I'm sorry Morgan but we really have to go. I need your help on another thing though, we need to reach the Wild-" I stopped myself before I spilled everything.
Morgan suddenly looked alarmed. "You're going to the Wilderness!" He said in somehow in a middle of a shout and whisper. "What for?"
"Is something wrong?" Maris asked, looking at us curiously with a couple of plates on her hand.
"Oh, it's nothing dear!" Morgan faked a smile. "We're just talking about that vampire."
"Can we talk about this somewhere private?" I said in a hushed tone when I saw her wife looking at us with that same curious expression. Miza was eyeing me knowingly but acted natural and began talking with Kate again. I followed Morgan to his study and sat down on the two wooden chairs.
"So tell me, why are you going to the wilderness?" He asked me with great interest.
"We need to find a temple." I began.
"A temple? My words there's quite a handful of temples around here. Take Lumbridge for example." He suddenly caught himself, and then asked. "What kind of temple, exactly?"
I looked cautiously around to see if anyone is eavesdropping on us and then I whispered. "A Zamorakian one."
Morgan turned pale. "By the name of Saradomin, what has gotten into your head! Is your life really dull that you find extraordinary ways to kill yourself! Do you have any idea what those cultists are like?"
"I don't really know! It's just, our friends were exploring some kind of Zamorakian temple by the Wilderness and they haven't been back in two weeks. We have to find out what happened to them and we came over here to see if she's okay and to find out if there's anything you might know about this temples."
Morgan seemed to be deep in thought. After a few seconds, he finally spoke up. "On the day before I left my homeland as a missionary, our head master gave me an old map that contains the locations of quite a few Zamorakian temples laid across Gielinor so I wouldn't stumble upon any of them unknowingly. But by that time, the map was so old it was woefully inaccurate! Can you believe that there's a Zamorakian temple right below the Lumbridge Graveyard? Anyways, I kept it away just in case I need to do some researching. If luck is on your side, you might be able to find the exact location of the temple you're looking for."
I felt a surge of hope fill my chest. "Where's the map then? Will you mind if we borrow it just this once?"
Morgan didn't even give a second thought. "Sure, why not? It's the least I could do. All we have left to do is to find the map. If I remember it correctly it's-"
Suddenly, a knock was heard on the door of his study, it was Maris. "Dearest, lunch is ready, hurry it's getting cold and the young ladies are waiting!"
"We'll be right there!" Morgan called back. He was about to stand up but I pulled him back. "One more thing, what we're doing is illegal. We probably have some squads from our clan zooming in on our tail right now. Please understand, we're only doing this for my friends."
"I understand. Your loyalty to them is certainly admirable. Don't worry, this whole thing never happened. You never visited us."
"Thanks a lot! I guess I owe you this time."
He clapped my back and chuckled. "I guess you do. Wait a minute," his face lit up, "I think know where it is. It's on Kathelyn's room, on a trunk under her bed!"
"Let's go get it then!" We rushed out to the dining room when we heard a knock on the front door and a voice announced. "This is the Lionheart Clan, please open the door."
I cursed silently. Those rangers are pretty darn fast! Miza was already sitted on one of the chairs but she's also aware of what's going on. I looked at Morgan and he nodded.
"Goodness me, more guests?" Maris exclaimed. "I guess I should have cooked more. I don't think this would be enough."
"I don't think that would be necessary ma'am." I said, scratching the back of my head. I then remembered about the map, it was in Kate's room. I grabbed the knob and burst through the room with Miza suddenly calling out behind me. "Uh, Cal? I don't think you should go in there right-"
Too late. I was already inside and I was face to face with Kate who was frozen in motion where she was half-way on taking her blouse off. I don't whose face was redder, mine or hers, good thing though that I didn't see anything that I shouldn't see. But that doesn't mean I'm off the hook.
"I-I-I'm s-sorr-ry?" Were the only words I muttered. Kate suddenly pulled her blouse back down and shrieked. "GET OUT!"
Morgan was busy stalling whoever was out on the front door and they all stopped abruptly after hearing Kate's shriek. I grabbed Kate, cupped her mouth, closed the door and spoke in a hushed tone. "Hey! Hey! I'm sorry! It's just, I-I didn't know okay? I just need to get something on this room. It's very, very important!"
Kate was squirming to get free the whole time and finally stopped a few seconds later. "I'm letting go now, okay?" I asked, she nodded and I let go.
She sat back on her bed, panting a little. "You could've just knocked you know!"
I was about to explain more but I got knocked aside when the door opened behind me. It was Miza's turn to burst in the room. "You two can get a room LATER! Right now we have to go!" She hurriedly pulled me up. We closed the door and listened to the commotion outside. The voices were getting nearer and nearer. I could hear Morgan's faint voice. "It's probably my daughter; I'll go check on her."
"Can we come with you sir?" A voice I didn't recognize merely demanded, more than asked.
"What? Can't we get any privacy around here?"
"Sir, we're only following orders so please step aside and let us search your house. We promise to leave you alone as soon as we're done."
"But this is my house!" Morgan countered, getting worked out. "You are in my house and I get to say if you can enter or not!"
The voices continued to argue but still getting nearer.
"This is bad." Miza sighed and sat beside Kate on the bed. "I guess we have to fight our way through. I hate to do it but it's the only way."
"We can't do that. We might hurt Morgan and his wife." I replied.
"Are you guys fugitives or something?" Kate cut in.
"No. But to our clan, yes." Miza answered.
"Okay, I don't get it." Kate replied, even more confused.
"It's a long story, I'll explain later but we need to find that map and get out of here." I knelt beside the bed and pulled out a large dusty old wooden trunk. I opened it. The flying dust made me want to sneeze; I was looking through a dozen old books and pieces of paper when we heard a knock on Kate's door. Darn it! We need more time! There was a knock on the door again and this time Kate answered, "I'm coming, sheesh!"
I leafed through a bunch of notes and found the old map. I breathe a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Miza was busy tossing our packs outside the window before jumping outside herself. Kate opened the door slightly and acted like she was really irritated. "Who are you guys!"
"We're a ranger squad from the Lionheart Clan. We're looking for two people named Calibre11 and Miza. We have-"
"Do you think they'll be right here while I'm getting dressed up!" She cut him off.
"Uh…but you screamed-"
"There was a mouse in my wardrobe now please leave me alone for a few minutes so I can get dressed, then you look for them in here." And she slammed the door before the person on the other side could say anymore.
"You got it?" She asked me, I held it up. She nodded. "Okay, through the window, go!"
I gently exited via the window and Kate shut it once we're out. Miza was hiding behind one of the bushes not too far from me. I dove through the bush and landed next to her but I also landed on something unusually soft. I heard a groan and I looked at where I landed. There was an unconscious body of a ranger with a swollen cheek. I looked at Miza as if she was crazy.
"What? He happened to spot me while I was throwing the bags."
"Okay, I have the map, let's get going." I said. We were about to turn around when the window on Kate's bedroom was shattered by a flying chair and out dove Kate with the voices of the rangers shouting behind her. She spotted us and ran towards our direction. I saw one of the rangers by the window aiming his bow on her. I quickly unlatched my shield which was strapped on my back the whole time. I grabbed Kate just as the ranger released his arrow and lifted my shield to cover both of us. There was a clanging sound as the arrow ricocheted off the metal surface of my shield.
Kate picked up the ranger's bow and quiver and we ran towards the willows behind us as fast as we could. If I'm guessing right, Kate is a ranger though I'm not sure yet.
"Way to go knight in shining armour." Miza said between pants as we continued to run. We zipped by large clusters of willows pushing aside the long moist green vines hanging from their branches. We bumped on a bunch of woodcutters but we picked ourselves up and pressed on.
After a few minutes, I was gasping for breath, my whole body felt like it was made of lead and my armour seemed to weigh a ton. Miza wasn't looking very well herself. Kate was also panting but she looked better than the two of us though which is quite obvious since she isn't wearing any armour. We collapsed by a large yew, about twenty to twenty five feet tall. The terrain has changed the short while we ran. The air was warm and humid as if we're in a-.
"Swamp. Lumbridge Swamp." Kate sighed. Did she just read my mind? "I can't believe I'm back here."
"Why did you do it?" Miza asked.
"Do what?"
"That jumping off the window thing." Miza rolled her eyes.
"My cover was blown. They remembered that Morgan didn't have a daughter. He told me to run and so I did."
"Well I guess that's the right thing to do." She shrugged. Kate ran her hand on the bowstring. "So are you a ranger?"
"Yep, been training for months now. I never considered going full time though. Sure, I make more money than just being a shop assistant but I end up getting myself beaten up and almost losing my life."
"That's true with all the combat classes." Miza explained. "It's an occupational hazard. So what are you going to do now? You mind as well get back to your family."
Kate's face dropped. "To tell you the truth, I never had a family. I got some friends though. Say, you still haven't explained to me why you guys are being hunted and stuff!"
"Do we have to?" I said.
Kate slung the bow on her shoulder and folded her arms. "You told me earlier that you'll explain everything. Mind you, I still haven't forgotten that little run in you did back in my room!"
I blushed a little and then sighed. How many times do I have to explain this? We sat down and Miza and I told her everything for a few minutes. We also took that time to get our much needed rest.
"I see." Kate contemplated once we're done. "So that's why they're after you two…"
"I hate to say this, but I guess this is where we go separate ways." Miza said sadly, bringing Kate back from here thoughts.
"Wait a minute! What if-" Kate was about to explain but her eyes went wide, she suddenly raised her bow and yelled. "GET DOWN!"
Miza and I both ducked. Kate released her arrow and zipped straight through one of the thick redberry bushes. There was a groan followed by a soft thud. Two rangers emerged on opposite sides where we were resting.
"Weapons down," One of them said. "Just come with us."
"Don't worry," Kate assured. "I didn't kill him."
"Alright, Miza and Kate, take the guy on the left, I got this one." They both nodded and we charged straight to the rangers.
I drew my longsword. He fired a shot but I guess he was on the verge of panic since he didn't even try to aim and I easily dodged the arrow, missing a couple of inches from my head. I swung my sword and he leapt back not knowing what I was targeting. There was a sharp THWANG sound as my sword caught his bowstring. He yelled in frustration, threw down the now-useless bow and drew his steel dagger. I could see hesitation in his eyes. Most rangers are dead meat when it comes to close-quarters combat. He didn't want to do this and neither do I, but we both don't have any choice. He went for a stab and I easily blocked it with my shield, making his blade bounce back. He clutched his arm and I rammed my shield into his face. He hit a nearby tree and fell down unconscious.
I glanced at the two girls. They seem to be having a hard time taking on the other ranger and I can see why. The guy was wearing green dragonhide armour. He's no doubt a lieutenant and the leader of this squad. Miza slashed fiercely with her scimitar but the ranger was too fast and simply jumped back and fired a few more arrows. Kate stayed closely behind Miza, who can't manage to close in much since the ranger kept her busy deflecting his arrows, and sniped at the ranger. I went over to have a better look. This was their fight and I'll only jump in if it's really necessary.
Kate whispered something to Miza and they both nodded. Miza then let out a battle cry and charged at the ranger. Their plan was unclear at first but I soon figured. Kate kneeled down and waited as Miza sprinted over the ranger whose expression looked like he got it all figured out as well. We'll see…
Miza was getting nearer but when she was barely five or six meters away, she tripped. She let out a WHOA! and tumbled on the dirt. The ranger looked down in confusion and that's when Kate took her chance and fired. The arrow nailed him right on the shoulder and the force pushed him to the ground. Before he could get up, Miza rolled beside him and smacked his head with the butt of her scimitar. The ranger's coif cushioned most of the force and the ranger quickly recovered and kicked her away. He was about to stand up but Kate was also on him and with one roundhouse kick, her shin finding contact with his face, the ranger tumbled and fell face first into the dirt. Miza went in for the final blow with her fist on his face and he lay down unconscious. The fight was over.
The two girls were panting and gave each other a clap on the back, with a wild grin on their faces. I went over. "Now that's what I'm talking about! If Vzuy and Ash were to see that-" I stopped. I remembered why we were doing this, and it seems like the two of them did too. We slung our packs and prepared to move at once. Kate took the other ranger's studded leather body and chaps. The coif proved to be too big for her and it reeked as she said.
"So, I guess this is it." I told her as she was adjusting her chaps. She had a disappointed look on her face. So does Miza.
"When this thing works out, we'll come back and probably invite you to join us." I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're quite a fighter. We definitely need someone like you in our clan."
She smiled her warm smile again and I felt the temperature around me rise a little. "What if I come with you guys instead? You sure need an extra hand."
"What? It's too dangerous. Besides, you're friend's are probably worried-"
"Please! Can I come!" She pleaded. "I've never felt anything like this before. My life's always been dull but ever since you saved me, it all changed! I don't know if it was you, or your clan or whatever, something changed me! Please let me come with you! You'll need my help. "
"Cal? I think we should-" Miza was about to say but I cut her off.
"No! I can't risk another person's life. It's bad enough that I let you come."
"That's selfish of you!" Miza argued. "We know how to take care of ourselves! I didn't become your corporal for nothing you know? Vzuy would have agreed if he was here."
"Cal, please?" Kate was looking at me with her sad amber eyes and I was so tempted to finally agree with her but I stopped myself. Why can't they understand that I don't want to lose anymore of my friends? I turned around instead and walked away. I hear them both sigh.
Suddenly, the guy I knocked out earlier sprang up, with dagger in hand, lunged at me. I was caught off guard; there wasn't time to draw my weapon. I saw everything in slow motion, the glinting point of the blade inching nearer and nearer my neck in each second only to be stopped by an arrow suddenly piercing his hand. He cried in agony as the arrow went through his palm and lodged itself on the tree beside him. I then bopped him with my sword in the head, a little harder this time.
I looked at Kate and she was looking at me with an expression that says 'Can I come now?'
I sighed. "Okay, but just for now. If I tell you to leave, you leave, got it?"
"Yes sir!" She gave me a mock salute and she and Miza hugged each other. Her smile was back and it made me smile too but regret still scratched me inside.
(So, that took a while. My update time is slow but it may speed up a little with a couple of reviews or something. Anyways, the next chapter will be titled The Escape. Read on and don't forget to leave a review! Iron Raven out…)
