Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me at all if they sound familiar. They belong to the wonderfully talented Sherwood Smith. If they belonged to me then I would be rich!!!....but since they don't...I'm broke so don't sue me...
Chapter 2
Captured!!!
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The man bowed. "My apologies, your majesty. My name is Harmen and this is my second in command, Carmella. We patrol this area from brigands. Your techniques in staff fighting are exquisite. Where did you learn such quick blows and strikes?"
"All credit must be given to Mistress Thule at the palace. She is both a wonderful teacher and fighter and I would advise against getting on her bad side. She has left enough bruises to last me a lifetime." Connor smiled and eyes showed amusement.
The woman named Carmella gasped, "Mistress Thule? I have heard of her amazing skills. To be trained by her...," Carmella's voice trailed off.
Connor sensed Carmella's feelings and quickly decided to change the subject. "Where did you two learn to fight? Your methods are just as astounding. Well, do you have...?" All of a sudden his newly made friends went pale. "Are you ok?"
Connor slowly turned and noticed that Tip had been growling. Turning around he saw a group of ten men surrounding them. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? A little prince, perhaps?" Connor shot him a glare and brought up his staff to a ready position. "Who sent you?" I always somehow bring trouble don't I? Thought Connor and sighed.
The man didn't answer, but instead came at Connor with a double headed ax. Connor swiftly brought his staff into a defensive position and tripped his opponent with his staff. The ringleader began to laugh hysterically and ordered his men to attack. With one quick move, the men surrounded Connor, Harmen, and Carmella with spears and swords pointed directly at them. The two soldiers and prince immediately got into defensive positions. As the men began to attack, a blur of swords, staffs and axes and shouts fill the air. Connor was drenched in sweat, he had already defeated three men including the ringleader, and Harmen had gotten two but had been stabbed by the fourth bandit in the left leg and had a serious gash on his chest. Carmella, who had seriously wounded two men herself, quickly went to his aid and protected his left side. The battle raged on for what seemed like hours, but when the dust settled, three triumphant soldiers were panting heavily and sweating profusely.
Taking the captured men back to the village, Carmella expressed that she was deeply impressed with Connor's fighting. Along the way, Connor learned that Harmen had been showing the villagers how to make due in a similar attack. But with the master of arms in the infirmary, Connor felt it was his fault for the surprise attack and agreed in helping the nearby village training to defend themselves against future brigand attacks.
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"Why are you so late? I have already begun my meal without you. You will stave today. Learn some manners! Never again will you undermine my authority again. When I give a command, you will do it, do I make myself clear?" Andreus said without looking up.
This type of reaction was nothing new to Vaughn. His father was harsh on him, always finding a fault in him. But his father's opinion did not bother Vaughn in the least. He could have cared less. Sending him away without dinner was somewhat of a norm and Vaughn always stored a thing to two in his room. He actually preferred to dine alone in his room.
As he silently left his father's dining area, he heard people walk into the chamber he just had left. Always…kept in the dark! Rather than dwell on it he sighed and opened his bedroom door and began eating.
Andreus was unhappy about the sudden change in his status. Just months ago he was so close into gaining Vern's kingdom...but that child magician...Wren...had foiled his plans TWICE! But he made plans for her...he would find some way to get his revenge on her...as well as her three other friends. So as his advisers entered his chamber he thrilled to hear that he could track Wren's magic and capture her... a plan that he thought would work quite nicely for that little brat...
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Wren continued walking in the forest, her thoughts still looming about her current situations. All of a sudden the creeping feeling of being watched brought her attention away from her troubles. Though she turned around often, she did not see a single soul. She thought, I hope that all this alone time that I'm having isn't making me paranoid.
A rustle came from a nearby bush startled her. She jumped and weaved her fingers quickly to make an illusion. When she ran to see what it and who it was, she found a boy a little older than 9 looking up at her. "What business so you have following me and watching me?!?" Wren yelled louder than she meant to. The little boy's eyes began to fill with tears and Wren's heart sank.
"I'm sorry; it's just that well... I have been walking less than a day and when you have the feeling that someone or thing is watching you get afraid and jumpy... are you okay?" the young boy nodded. At least I am not going crazy. Thought Wren. "Well, why are you following me anyway?" Wren asked nicely afraid to scare the boy once again.
"Me name is Kyran, but me pals call me Kai for short, I'ma sorry for followin' ya 'round. It's just that I never seen ya 'round and was a wonderin' where ye was a headin'.
Wren looked at the blond haired, blue eyed boy, Goodness, he seems like he needs a meal...Wren thought. "Don't worry about it, but don't scare me next time or else I might send a nastier illusion your way! I think I have a sandwich that we can both share. I was about to set up camp over there by the lake."
Wren set up camp and that night she and Kai had a blast. Wren told him of her incredible story and invited him to Aunt Niss's birthday. Kai accepted happily. Wren also showed Kai simple magical illusions and he taught her how to pick-pockets. The night ended quickly and Wren told her new friend that she was leaving tomorrow morning a bit after sunrise. Kai nodded. He had a plan to wake up before sunrise and give Wren a surprise.
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During the early hours, the rays of the sun brought Wren out her dreams. She awoke earlier than she expected but since she knew nothing of Kai's surprise, began to pack for her journey once more.
Hmmm ...What else do I shall I pack? Thought Wren. Oh yes...water!
As Wren walked to the nearby lake, she suddenly felt a strange vertigo behind her. As she spun around, she dropped her canteen and was surprised to see the twisted smile of...Andreus! Yes, the same snake that had kidnapped her best friend, the stinker that had sent Hawk to bring trouble to Meldrith, the exact rat that had brought war to their majesties! Feeling the anger boil up inside her, she began to weave her fingers…but not quick enough for Andreus...he quickly murmured a few words and weaved his fingers...all Wren could remember was darkness...
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Kai was whistling as he made his way to Wren's camp. In his hands were two shiny apples which he had just stolen from a farmer's early harvest. But when he reached Wren's camp, she was nowhere to be seen.
Tis strange that Wren is gone. We suppose ta being goin' to tha party. Kai thought to himself. Seeing her canteen missing, he quickly made his way to the lake. So much for me surprise.
As he made his way towards the lake, he noticed an empty canteen. Is this me pal Wren's? If this is true, then where is me mate, Wren? I shall wait fo' her. Me thinks Wren will be back. She wouldn't leave without me, right?" Confused, Kai refilled the canteen and returned to his new friend's camp waiting for her return.
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What's going on around here? Vaughn thought. He was woken earlier that morning by busy guards moving and relocating some kind of object. I wonder what's all the racket about? What's father up to now? It's not as if he would inform me. But Vaughn was not interested in his father's affairs. Each usually dealt with the gain of power or the need to seek revenge. But Vaughn was curious. Inquiring about it will infuriate Father…but I should stop him if he is doing harm to people again Vaughn thought.
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A/N – Please read and review!!! Elspethelf and Scythegirl thanks for reviewing!!
