Chapter two has been slightly altered thanks to some constructive critism I recieved from a few reviewers (keep them coming!). If you read the old version, you won't have to reread it again since a large portion of it is still there. Although, keep in mind that if Sakura and Syaoran seem to act a bit too friendly too fast, there will be a reason for it later on.
The Prince and the Thief
Chapter 3: The Attack
It was silent. Not a whisper passed through the thick trees. It seemed like even the animals decided to keep quiet. There were no birds singing, no crickets chirping or any large game rustling in the bushes. It was deadly, eerily silent.
Sakura mused at the prospect. They had been walking for two hours and her accompaniment had not uttered a single word. Sakura knew she should take the initiative to start a conversation, but truth be told, Syaoran slightly intimidated her. It was like what she told him earlier; he looked powerful and the powerful scared people like her. She had used up all her courage confronting him and pleading her case. He would have to make the first move now.
The only good thing was that she had plenty of time to take in fully his outer appearance. She would sneak a peak now and then and decide that he was handsome. His messy brown hair wasn't fashionable, but becoming nonetheless. The clothes he wore were simple, but accentuated his lean body. The sword strapped on his back radiated his strength. But what was the most captivating were his eyes. They were like eyes of a wolf; assessing, fierce and intense.
They walked for another half an hour before he spoke (to Sakura's great relief). "We should be at the next town soon."
Sakura grasped at the chance. "We're heading to Lavender, right?"
He nodded. "It's fairly close to the border so when we reach there, there's no turning back." He turned his gaze towards her, emphasizing his meaning. Sakura nodded her head in understanding. "When we reach the town," he continued, "you'll need to pretend to be my sister. We'll get a room in an Inn and rest for the night."
"Okay." Sakura stared ahead at the horizon, spotting the town that was quickly coming to view with both fear and excitement. After that one stop, they'll soon be at Draken, the country which was rumoured to have Satan himself as ruler and his advocates at his commandment. The country which ruthlessly burned countless villages for pure sport. The country in which they were at war with.
Syaoran cast her a sidewise glance, reading the expression on her face. "I don't suppose you know how to defend yourself."
"Nothing but what my brother taught me incase a man harasses me," Sakura replied, remembering back to that one lesson.
"And what was that?"
"To scream a lot and aim a kick towards the-"
"Okay, I get the picture," Syaoran interrupted, suppressing the urge the run his hand through his hair. "If by any chance Draken men attach us, don't scream. Showing fear is probably the worst thing you can do against a powerful enemy. Second, there'll be wearing armour, so kicking…that place would be pointless." He scanned her up and down. "I'll get you some kind of dagger and if we have time, I'll try to teach you some basic defensive moves."
Sakura looked at the ground. "I know I'm a burden to you, so you don't have to be so nice to me. I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble."
Syaoran tsked and stepped in front of her path, forcing her to look up at him. His face was unsmiling and unmoving, but the tone of his voice was kind and soothing. "You're under my protection now. There's no point in feeling guilty. Just keep yourself out of trouble and that's enough." Sakura nodded, grateful tears shining in her eyes. "Now, let's quit the chatting and hurry to Lavender. Nightfall is almost here."
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They arrived at dusk with the sun slowly setting behind them. As they walked down the busy streets, no one cast them more than a glance, which Syaoran was eternally thankful for. They found a small Inn that looked pretty respectable. Syaoran walked up the front desk and laid two gold coins on the counter (Sakura had previously told him what amount was suitable). "My sister and I would like a room to stay for the night."
The Innkeeper, an old man with a kind smile, assessed the two kids, his eyes crinkling in understanding. He took the money off the counter. "Please, follow me." He led them up the stairs and down the hall to the last door. He opened the door to a spacious room with a bed, desk and basin. "If you need another bed I could-"
"There's no need to go through the trouble," Syaoran cut in. "Another blanket would be sufficient."
"That will be brought up shortly. My wife also extends the offer of dinner to our guests."
Syaoran thought of his empty stomach and knew Sakura would be just as hungry. They had nothing to eat since the spring rolls at lunch. "We accept the offer."
The old man nodded. "The basin in filled with clean water, so feel free to wash up and come down any time." With that, he left.
Syaoran entered the room, Sakura scurrying behind him. He dropped his bag and sword onto the bed and stretched out his aching muscles. He looked at Sakura, who simply stood in the middle of the room, unmoving. He gestured towards the basin. "Why don't you wash up and I'll head down first?" He didn't wait for a reply before he was out the door.
Sakura stood motionlessly for a few moments after he left, gazing at the single bed, wondering what he planned on doing. She shook her head to get the train of thought out of her mind. She slept in a bed with others before. 'It isn't anything personal,' she thought, trying to convince herself of that.
She scrubbed her face with the water and a cloth that was provided. After rebraiding her hair, she figured she looked as best as she could under the circumstance and headed down the stairs. She heard lively chatter and some laughter. She headed towards the voices and saw Syaoran sitting at the table with an expression of dread on his face.
She paused a moment, just to study the scene. Syaoran was sitting on a side of a small, square table with the Innkeeper's wife on his right side. The wife, a hearty woman, was scooping large helpings of food onto Syaoran's plate, while talking animatedly to her husband across the table. She inched closer to hear what they were saying.
"Children don't come to our house nearly enough. Remember when our dear Maurine was young? Remember how she used to bring her beau here and he would sit at this exact spot?" She heaved a sigh. "How I miss those days." She idly scooped another spoonful and dumped it on Syaoran's growing mountain of mashed potatoes. At that moment she spotted Sakura at the door. "Ah! That must be the little miss now!" She ushered Sakura to the table and nearly pushed her down onto the chair, while looking her up and down. "She's a pretty thing, but all skin and bones." Plop, went a spoonful of mashed potatoes onto her plate.
The meal was actually quite enjoyful. The Innkeeper's wife kept the table entertained with her constant chatter, reminiscing on when her daughter was young. Both Sakura and Syaoran's plate were never empty and they went upstairs with their stomachs stuffed and their ears ringing.
"Ah, I'm so stuffed," Sakura sighed happily as she plopped down on the bed. "She's a really good cook."
Syaoran nodded his agreement as he took their belongings off the bed and placed them at a corner. He then took the thick blanket placed on the table and laid it on the ground beside the bed. "I'll sleep on the floor tonight."
Sakura stared at him wide-eyed. "No, you shouldn't! I'll sleep on the floor!" She got off the bed and walked towards the lain blanket.
Syaoran didn't budge. "You're the girl; you should sleep on the bed."
"You paid for the room. You should sleep on it."
"I'll be just as comfortable on the floor."
"So would I."
They glared at each other, both refusing to budge. Syaoran was about to say something, but was interrupted by an urgent knock on the door. He gave a curious glance to Sakura before heading towards it and opening it.
The Innkeeper stumbled inside with a small package in his hand. "Quickly, gather your things! The village is under attack!"
It took a few moments for that the register into Sakura's head before she dashed to the window. When she looked outside, she saw dark figures caring torches and others running about screaming. "They're burning the houses!" While she and Syaoran were arguing, they didn't hear all the ruckus.
She turned to see Syaoran was already strapping his sword upon his back. He shouldered his bag and Sakura did the same. The old Innkeeper pushed the small package into Syaoran's hands. "It's some food for your journey." Syaoran accepted it and nodded his thanks.
They ran downstairs with the Innkeeper's wife waiting for them. She grasped Sakura's hands and whispered, "I wish you a safe journey."
Sakura fought back the tears and gave the kind lady a quick hug. "Thank you for your hospitality."
When they stepped out, it was like stepping into hell. People were running everywhere yelling in panic. Houses were ablaze with fire. Soldiers were slaughtering whatever poor citizen crossed their path. Sakura looked upon it all with horror, soaking in the blood lying splattered on the ground.
She felt Syaoran taking her hand and giving it a slight squeeze before dragging her towards the right. "We have to run as fast as we can towards the forest. We can at least try to take shelter there."
Sakura ran with all her might, trying to block out what she had just saw from her mind. She was greatly relieved when they entered the dark shadows of the trees after what seemed like an eternity of running. They still kept the fast pace for a few minutes before Syaoran pushed her off the road and crouched behind the bushes. He placed a finger to his lips signaling Sakura to be silent.
She tried to keep her breathing deep and even, but felt dread build up as she heard footsteps coming dangerously close to where they were hiding. She twisted around and peaked through the leaves. She could make out three pairs of feet cladded in dark armour. A snap behind her caused her to swirl around and almost cry out in despair. Five Draken soldiers stood behind them, looking upon her with sneers on their faces and swords in their hands.
To Be Continued...
I wasn't planning on ending the chapter here, but I thought it was a nice place for a cliffhanger (aren't I nice?). Please review and if you have critisms, please let them be constructive. Chapter 4 should be out before the Summer is over!
Thank you SS43v3r, bennie babbie, LoneWolfRider, Myst, Elven Sword, princess cythera and AnonymousT for your wonderful reviews!