Okay, I think the ending is starting to come into sight. I know I don't explain everything here. But hopefully you get the idea.
Chapter Six: An "Invitation"
"Why did you let me capture you?" Seamus pulled up a chair and sat across from Halt.
Halt was tied to a chair, in a small hut. One window in front of Halt, to his left let in the morning's light. Under the window stood a small square table.
"I asked you a question." Seamus reminded.
Halt growled. "Don't ask stupid questions."
Seamus raised one brow. "You're more of a coward than I thought." Seamus stood, and crossed his arms, he had a good thirty centimeters on Halt.
Seamus turned and stared out the window. "You haven't given the boy one hint? Oh, what's his name, you never did tell me what you and Alina decided on."
Halt would've burst out of his seat if his bonds hadn't restrained him. "Don't speak her name!"
Seamus got in Halt's face. "I'll do whatever I please." Seamus straightened. "He was the short one at your camp, right? The knight wasn't him I know, and the other was too tall and didn't look like you."
Halt bit back a growl. "I tried to come here alone. Leave them be, they know nothing anways."
Seamus started for the door. "Leave them be? You never were any fun. Ferris was a good sport, even as king he listened to me. You-" Seamus scoffed "You and your ideas about right and wrong were sure to send Hibernia down the drain. A king has to be ruthless." Seamus stepped out the door and was gone.
Halt pulled his wrists free. Seamus had tied them loose on purpose, which worried Halt. Seamus wanted Halt to come after him. Seamus had a plan.
~A~A~A~
Frantic had quit accurately describing Will a long time ago. "There has to be something!" Will snapped at Gilan.
Gilan held his hands up. "I'm trying. Whoever has Halt is good. As good as a ranger."
Will plopped down beside Tug. "What in the world was Halt doing?"
"Protecting you." A deep Hibernian voice answered.
Gilan and Will swung around. A tall muscled man with dirty blond hair stood in the path. He had an assortment of knives on his leather chest armor, and a claymore on his back.
And behind him Horace lay bound and gagged.
Gilan drew his sword. "Where's Halt?" He demanded.
"He's coming. I tied him up, but he'll be free in no time. Seamus O'Dell, at your service." He drew his sword and pointed it at Gilan.
His eyes flicked to Will. "You're the boy. Oblige me, what's your name?"
Gilan glared at Seamus. "Get Horace. I'll take him." Gilan raised his sword. Gilan darted forward, and the fight began.
Will skirted around them and drew his saxe. "Just a minute."
The assassin's words rang in Will's mind.
You're the boy. What the hell did that mean? Will sliced the ropes, and Horace pulled the gag off.
"I never heard him!" Horace stood, and drew his sword.
Gilan and Seamus' swords flashed at blinding speed. Horace drew his sword and rushed over to help Gilan.
"Seamus!"
Will spun around. "Halt!" Will rushed over to him.
Gilan, and Horace stood ready if Seamus made a move.
Seamus faced Halt. "I don't know why you're all so hostile. Alina wouldn't approve."
Halt growled.
Who the heck is Alina, Will wondered.
"I'm merely extending an invitation." Seamus tossed a map at Halt, who caught it. "My lair is marked on it. Me and my team, against yours. For once I shall prove myself better than you, in front of them." Seamus gestured to Gilan, Horace and Will. "The best part, they get to go free in the end. Or at least most of them." His gaze landed on Will.
Halt stepped in front of Will. "Don't touch him."
Seamus laughed. "Tonight, Halt. Be there."
At least over a dozen men stepped out, crossbows trained on them.
Seamus started off. He paused, and turned back to Halt. "Oh, and please tell them the whole story." His eyes landed on Will. "Especially your son. He deserves it."
Then Seamus strode away, and when he was a safe distance away, his men left.
Halt growled and started after them.
Will's mind spun. He grabbed Halt and pulled him back, and stared him in the eyes. "What is going on?!" Will demanded. "Tell us now!"