Celia and Deo traveled for a little over an hour from Rafina to Marathonas. It would have been a shorter time however Celia had tried multiple times to coax her horse into a fast enough gallop to get away. Deo seemed to be just a step ahead of her at all times and now guided the mare not giving her the chance to try again. Once in the port city Deo found a tavern and tied up the horses before helping her down and wrapping his arm around her waist. He then lead her inside with a whispered warning. "Don't speak while we are here."
The were greeted by quick glances and mutters but nothing more. No one came to seat them or even ask if they wanted to order. Instead Deo sat her down and eyed the Keep before nodding and turning back to her. "We need to go inland more." This made Celia cock her head. Inland? But the great mountain wasn't far from the waters was it? Or at least from what she heard from traveling merchants it couldn't be. She went to ask about it but remembered what he said before coming in and thought better of it. Instead she just rose a brow and waited to hear if he'd explain. Deo smiled slyly when he looked over her puzzled features. "Worried there's a sex market inland?"
When the girl gasped in worry he laughed and hit his knee. "Don't worry so much. If I was going to sell you into slavery I would have done so back at the shipyard." His eyes became gentle suddenly as he looked her in the eyes. And for a moment she thought that maybe she was indeed safe. But that look vanished when a young man with short cropped tawny hair brought them two cups of water and some seasoned bread. Now Deo looked stone faced and cruel. The man who had brought them the items smiled at them before opening his mouth. "What a lovely couple. But I do say I've never seen your faces before. What brings you to town?"
"Family." Was all Deo said as he lifted his cup to his mouth. The man nodded with the same smile on his face.
"Lovely. And I would assume you two are married, right miss?" Celia was taken back when spoken to. Most would ignore the woman. It's not like they held any social standings. Unless a woman's dowry was up for grabs no man paid them much mind.
"She's mute." Once more Deo's voice cut through the air. It was cold as ice and made a shiver run down her spin. Even when he threatened her he didn't seem this cruel. But somehow this man brought out a demonic side of Deo. "Now if you don't mind. We would like piece."
The man said nothing more before walking away, his palms out faced as he resigned to not getting a conversation out of them.
Orien was well on his way to find his sister by now. He had convinced another fisher to lend him their boat and was now on course for the closest port on the mainland. Once there he could only hope he picked the right port and someone would have seen his sister.
Back with Celia and Deo night was settling in. They had stayed in the port town and now walked towards an inn they had already reserved a room at. However it was far off the beaten track and night was coming faster than it seemed to on the island. Before they reached the inn a figure stepped out from around an old building and cut them off. The young man from before. His smile was the same as earlier however it didn't reach his icy eyes. He stepped closer to them and Deo pushed her behind him. "Did you really think we wouldn't recognise you?" The man chuckled under his breath as he once more took a step closer. Celia felt a chill to the bone and wanted nothing more than to run yet felt like if she took a step she'd be pounced upon like prey.
"I have no idea what you are talking about sir."
"I think you do. You know our lord isn't happy with what you've done. He's asked me to make sure you're punished." With these words a flash of light bounced off and caught Celia's gaze. She hadn't noticed until that point that the man was holding a golden sword. Lord? A golden sword? Punished? Whoever it was Deo upset had a great deal of power. And now she was being drug into it. Her heart pounded against her chest as the man drew closer. His steady pace causing her pulse to become erratic.
Deo, who hadn't moved or changed facial expressions since the man popped out now pushed Celia back even further. He pulled a small Dagger out from somewhere under his tunic and glanced back at her. He didn't have to speak for her to hear his warning. If she didn't remain close to him she would be killed. Though by whom she wasn't sure. In an instant the two men were locked in battle. Deo was the first to strike, getting in close to swipe at the man before jumping back. In the end not even getting close to him. Metal hit metal as he fended off jabs from his opponent. And all the while Celia was trying to stay close yet far at the same time. Any time she backed up too far a sword would thrust towards her and a hand would snap her away at the last second.
Finally Deo pushed her down and threw his body over hers. Nothing he could do would stop the man and there was no way to beat a sword with a dagger barely longer than his hand. And he knew this man wouldn't actually kill him. No but he would kill Celia and that's what he was hoping for. However when Deo covered her with his body the man laughed coldly and she could feel something smack against Deo's body and push him harder into her before she noticed a blade protrude from his chest. It was only inches away from also piercing her and she couldn't help but scream out. The blade twisted and Deo forced her quite by pressing his shoulder against her mouth. Her body went limp as her mind tried to understand what was happening. The blade disappeared and footsteps could be heard walking away.
"Don't forget our lord isn't one with you yet." The man spat before he seemed to just disappear.
Moments dragged on and Celia was sure Deo was dead atop her. She wondered how no one had her heard her and come to see what was happening. Finally she felt the weight on her vanished. She stared up dumbfounded to see Deo sitting up. Blood stained his tunic and was visible running down his arm, but he seemed unphased by it. Celia reached for his other arm but pulled back when he glared at her. "Forget what happened here." His voice was like steel.
"But… I can't…." She whimpered. "You saved me."
"No I saved myself." He growled as he stood and forced her to her feet. "I told you I need you to get where I'm going. Once you've served your purpose I could care less what happens to you." He said nothing else as he lead them to their room and pushed her onto the bed.