When Gervaso boarded the evening boat back to the islands, he wore a contrived smile. He made small talk with other passengers and made sure to offer up some sort of greeting to most of the others, including Nukpana. When he took a seat in the back of the boat however, his smile faded as he was all business. He strategically sat in a prime location. Somewhere he could see Nukpana's every move and where he would be able to exit the ship as soon as it docked at the market place. Then things would get more complicated. It was important that he get back to Fuerza before the alleged assassin. He needed to move as quickly as possible while still keeping an eye on Nukpana's every move.
When they arrived at the market place, the sun was nearly faded and the moonless gloam began to settle in. It was going to be a dark night. Most of the vendors were winding down, packing up their goods and heading to their respective tents. Gervaso was first off the ship and hurried to his waiting row boat. He made sure he caught a glimpse of which direction Nukpana headed. He made his way straight to the docks, most likely to get a boat of his own. Gervaso wondered which way he would choose once he obtained one. There were only a few beaches on the island good for docking a boat and Gervaso could only assume that he wouldn't head for the most obvious, although few actually knew the lay out of Fuerza so it was all a gamble. He would have to hurry back to the village if he wanted to be prepared.
Once back at the village, he quickly informed the two guards at the main entrance of the village of the situation and gave a quick description of the intruder. They were to pass on the details to the others on duty and inform immediately upon any sighting. He then hurried to the back entrance to arm those guards with the same information. On his way he noticed that Gabe was on guard outside of Elena's tent. That's good, he thought. No one took their job more seriously than Gabe, he was the best option to have at that post. Unfortunately, Gervaso didn't have time to stop and let Gabe know about Nukpana. It was more important to inform the perimeter at the moment.
With the front and back entrances covered, that left the West and East side open. The West side was bordered by a large fortress like wall, so Gervaso decided to leave it watch free since it was nearly impossible to climb. He took up his watch on the east side which was the most likely place to sneak in if one had wanted to attempt it.
It wasn't long before Gervaso saw movement in the trees on his side of the village, just as he had suspected. He watched as Nukpana made his way towards the village and Gervaso had to admit, if he didn't know he was coming, he never would have seen him enter and he doubted any of the guards would have either. He was good. Gervaso artfully followed. It wasn't easy for such a large man to sneak about but Gervaso, knowing the village better than anyone, managed to shiftily move about without being seen. He was tentative about simply confronting the man, not wanting to make a move until he knew for certain the agenda was to murder the Queen. He wasn't going to take a man's life based on the word of a stranger. He needed to know for sure that Armando wasn't lying. So far, it seemed as if Armando's tale was plausible.
At last Nukpana reached Elena's tent. He pulled out a short sword. Gervaso watched as Nukpana weighed his options. It was clear that he had taken note of Gabe's position at the front of the tent. He looked around once more before sneaking to the rear. He slowly and without a sound, stabbed the tent with the tip of the sword and began to slice an opening. That was all the proof Gervaso needed. He stood to make his move against Nukpana when an approaching sound startled them both. Nukpana retreated behind a barrel between Elena's tent and a neighboring one. Gervaso crouched back down in his hiding place as well, not wanting the two Fuerza warriors passing by to give him away. He didn't want to give Nukpana any opportunity to get away. Gervaso had a death plan of his own for the unwelcome man. The two warriors didn't just pass by however. They remained boasting and laughing just outside of a tent that gave them a clear view of where Nukpana had been just a second ago. Gervaso watched his target rise and head towards the front of the tent. His aim now on the guard at the entrance. Gervaso also rose, quietly drew his own sword and followed, becoming astonishingly silent on his feet. Nukpana paused as he neared the edge of the tent. He readied his sword. He took a muted step forward but before he could round the corner for his attack, Gervaso, with a raised weapon, revealed himself, taking the assassin completely by surprise. With a single swipe, Nukpana's head was cleanly severed off.
Gabe startled and instinctively drew his new (recently entrusted with) sword as he turned to find Gervaso with a pleased look on his face as he stood next to the headless body. Gabe's jaw dropped as his widened eyes glanced off to the side where the rolling head had found it's resting place.
"That could have been you" Gervaso calmly and smugly told Gabe. "You're welcome"
Gabe's eyes, still in shock, darted from the head, to Gervaso, to the body, to Elena's tent and finally back to Gervaso as he tried to quickly piece together what had just happened. "He was coming for Elena?" Gabe finally asked, sheathing his sword.
Gervaso met Gabe's eyes and firmly nodded. A small crowd began to gather, including King Galtero. Elena exited her tent upon hearing the growing commotion. She remained close to Gabe, not yet understanding what was happening. Gervaso confidently stepped forward to address the Fuerza people with an empowering speech. He proudly raised his bloodied sword, taking full credit for the gruesome kill that was now on display for the community.
"This man came to us from Avalor to steal the life of our Queen!" He stated in a cry that called for vengeance. "I say we show them what happens to strangers when they come to Fuerza!" He turned to a couple of warriors closest to him. "burn the body" he commanded. Then turned to another, "take the head. Send it back to Avalor and gift it to the Queen"
The crowd cheered and rallied around Gervaso. Galtero said nothing. Instead he stood off to the side and watched his people cling to the natural leadership of his brother. When the orders were carried out and the crowd finally dispersed, he slowly made his way towards Gervaso, Gabe and Elena. He brushed past the latter pair as if they weren't even present and stood directly in front of Gervaso.
"You are my guard." he said in his usual calm yet authoritative tone. "Next time, you let her guard handle this type of disturbance. And if they keep coming, we let them have the bitch. It doesn't matter much to me whether she lives. I'm growing a bit tired of her anyways. I have little tolerance left for strangers in my village. Are these orders clear to you brother?"
"Yes, your Majesty" Gervaso replied obediently.
When Galtero had gone, Elena gave a quick nod and half smile in thanks to Gervaso and then briefly met and matched Gabe's saddened eyes before silently returning to her quarters.
"How did you know he was coming?" Gabe finally asked when he and Gervaso were alone.
"The chief of the castle tipped me off when I was in the city today. He's our guy." Gervaso answered without any doubt regarding Armando's loyalty. "I return to Avalor in three weeks"
"My parents?" Gabe asked with despair.
"They're alive" Gervaso said with a slight smile as he had actually begun to like the young Avaloran guard. "But there will be no contact with them" he added seriously. Gabe understood and let out a heavy and satisfied sigh of relief at the news.
Gervaso then quickly turned to leave. He could never linger in conversation for too long. It was too risky and they were getting so close now.