It was market day and the sky was growing cloudy promising snow to join that that had already fallen. Voices raised in bartering and arguing filled the air.
Yana and Vlad made their way slowly through the crowd upon their horses. Yana scanned the shop windows searching not for purchases but for signs of Black Ajah massive spy web. Eventually they stopped outside a clean looking tavern named 'The Hangman's Noose' to rest the horses and themselves. Even though it was near to lunch it was surprisingly empty. When asked the landlady told them they were hanging a murderer. Vlad shook his head.
"Bar brawl?" he asked.
The women nodded. "Was in here. Sweet guy, didn't seem like he could kill someone even if he did have some fancy knife tricks. Argument over a card game but it sounds like self defence to me."
"Poor sod. When is it?"
"In about half an hour."
Yana half listened to the conversation but soon excused herself for her mind was wandering off. The bar maid thought she was being snooty but she settled down to flirting with Vlad. Before Yana realised it, it was coming up to noon.
"Roll your tongue in Vlad, we're going," Yana whispered as she walked past. Vlad tore himself away and followed her out much to the annoyance of the serving girl.
A large crowd had gathered in the freezing air and biting wind in front of the gallows. They all jeered as the accused was marched onto the platform.
"Blood thirsty," Vlad muttered as he scrambled onto his horse. After a third attempt he finally managed it but looked far from comfortable.
The hangman's voice drifted over as Yana pulled up her hood and slipped on her gloves.
"Matrim Cauthon," Yana's head snapped up. That name, she knew that name. Her dark eyes focused on the young man standing with his hands bound. He was taller than her, but then again who wasn't. He stood at ease but she could see his brown eyes darting around looking for an escape. His eyes twinkled with mischief that she recognised but could not place.
She set off at a run, pushing and shoving through the crowd ignoring the abuse yelled after her. Vlad stared after her before slipping gracelessly from his seat.
XXXXXX
The hangman slipped the noose round Mat's neck, making him instantly want to itch. Inside dice inside his head was spinning unsure where to land. His messenger must have been stopped by his 'victim's' high-powered friends. He was desperate as he looked for a way out.
Angry shouts came from the crowd attracting his attention. Someone was forcing their way through, someone he couldn't quiet see. Suddenly the figure burst out from the bodies and threw back the hood that masked their face. The dice in his head stopped.
"Nynaeve?" he croaked as the trap door opened.
XXXXXX
The boy disappeared down the trap. A second later Fire exploded on the rope, burning the thick cord. The boy collapsed on the floor after a brief second in limbo.
Yana wasted no time to see if he was all right. Instead she threw the executioner and the two guards away at the same time shouting for Vlad.
The crowd scattered screaming about the Dark One's work.
Vlad's face appeared leading the horses. Yana swung herself into the saddle as people ran in terror. For now the prisoner was forgotten. She extended her hand to the boy. Instead of hurrying he stared up at her like a country Bumpkin. Finally he gripped it and mounted expertly behind her. She dug her heels into Cor's flanks sending him jolting forward and the fox escaped his death. Again.
well wot do ya'll think. I got all me reviews (shouts yay and hugs everyone).
Jyssii- your gonna have to wait a little longer for the whole memory thing. (I'm thinking of a trilogy)
Rayefire- hopefully lots will happen- unless I run out of ideas
Can't be bothered to sign in- sign in
Neela- darkness taking over. That's all I'm sayin
Aria- sly not shy. I dnt care if you can't spell. I love you.
Gywlym- everyone else is off eating party rings and waiting for their cues.