CHAPTER 4:

REMNANTS OF YESTERDAY

"'Fair winds' my ass!" Kashell whined as he looked out the window of a second floor room in the Kingfisher Inn. Heavy rain was pelting at the aged, glass pane. Much of the water leaked through and the pane itself shook with every bead of rain it took.

The young man rolled his viridian eyes and sighed as he stared back at his comrades. There were six of them in total; seven including the currently absent Lawfer.

Grey, who generally kept to himself, sat hunched against the far corner of the room in his leather tunic and leggings. If not for his ardent loyalty to Lemia, Kashell would have thought he was a perfect invalid. But now, the man sat silent in his chair, polishing his steel helmet while long silky locks of raven-black hair rained down from his scalp.

Then there was Lemia a quiet, compassionate woman with emerald green hair and kind, blue eyes. She sat closer to Grey in her pale robes. But, respecting his privacy, her attention was instead, focused on the book in her lap.

Across the room, Badrach lounged on one of the three beds, sprawled out in his navy blue leather vest, beige tunic and leggings. The man didn't bother kicking off his mud-covered boots, instead soiling the clean sheets. He was a man Kashell didn't quite completely hate but he was getting closer every day.

Llewelyn sat on the other bed, wiping his bow with a soft cloth. The kid was young but Kashell had to admit, Llewelyn was the best archer he'd ever seen.

Aelia occupied the third bed, still donning her emerald green armor while she idly twirled a finger through her crimson bangs.

And finally, there was Celia, dressed in a beige tunic and leather leggings, unbraiding her mahogany locks while she traded words with the red haired woman.

"Looks like we're rained in for the night." Kashell huffed. "And where the hell is our contact? I'm beginning to think we've been cursed with an ill omen. So much for getting out of here by morning!"

"Yadda yadda, who gives a rat's ass?" Badrach grunted from his bed. He rolled over to face the blue haired man. "I was getting tired of all that walkin anyway. If you ask me, that storm's a blessin. Maybe now we can get some sleep!"

"Maybe 'you' can get some sleep, Badrach." Aelia scoffed. "But with your snoring, I can't say the same for the rest of us."

"Hey!" the older man leaned up on his bed and ruffled his gloved fingers through a short mane of thick auburn hair. "I can't help it if the rest of you pansies can't withstand the sleeping habits of a real man!"

Llewelyn rolled his eyes from where he sat. "Here we go again." he muttered, shuffling his bow into the leather-bound case in his lap.

"Ha! That's a joke right?" Aelia returned. "Badrach, you are many things, but 'a man' is not one of them!"

"Oh really!? You want proof?!?"

"Oh Lord." Lemia grimaced, already knowing what was to come.

Sure enough, Badrach pushed off the bed onto his feet then released his belt bucks, letting his leggings drop. "Have a good long look baby!" He roared in pride.

Everyone in the room immediately groaned, turning their faces away. Grey remained silent, seemingly oblivious as he continued polishing his steel helmet, not bothering to even look their way.

"For heaven's sake Badrach!" Kashell yelled. "Are you trying to make us blind?"

"And I didn't think you could sink any lower!" Celia added in disgust.

Lemia didn't reply, instead closing her eyes and rubbing her fingers against her temples, feeling a migraine approaching.

"That is so totally sick." Llewelyn hissed. "I'm going to sleep. I don't think I want to see anymore!"

But Aelia barked out a harsh laugh. "See? What the hell can 'YOU' see Llewelyn? I sure as hell can't see a damn thing! What is that supposed to be Badrach? A worm?"

Badrach blushed a harsh red. "What the hell you talkin about? This here's the real deal!"

But Aelia only laughed harder. "Maybe if you were comparing yourself to some kind of deformed rat or chimp, I would agree with you."

Kashell burst out into laughter. "Yeah, she's right, man. There's not really much to see!"

"I wouldn't be so arrogant about something that size." Celia agreed, covering her mouth over a fit of giggles.

Even Lemia couldn't hide a thin smile that threatened to release her own fit of laughter.

Badrach, didn't laugh; instead he pulled his leggings back up to his waist, his face beat red. "The hell with you all, anyway! Ain't none of you got a wit of sense!"

The vagrant man threw himself back down onto his bed while the others continued to laugh at his expense.

Just then, footfalls sounded just beyond the door. The laughter immediately died and all eyes turned sharply on the door. Kashell narrowed his eyes and raised a thin finger to his lips. He then slowly approached the door, sliding one hand to his waist where his fingers met the hilt of his sword.

Three knocks rapped against the door. Kashell fastened his palm fully over the hilt and rapped his knuckles back against the door twice.

Five knocks followed after that and the blue haired man sighed in relief. The others seemed to visibly calm also as Kashell pulled at the knob, opening the door.

A cloaked figure immediately walked through, pulling his hood back as Kashell closed the door.

"Any Luck?" Kashell asked the man as he shook off his soaking gray cloak and folded it in his arms. The man was dressed in a crisp, silver uniform with gold lining along the breast and sleeves.

"No." Lawfer shook his head, releasing a small shower of rain water. "Our contact still hasn't arrived yet."

"That doesn't sound good." Llewelyn leaned up to a sitting position on his bed.

"Perhaps he's been discovered?" Lemia added, closing her book and folding her hands in concern.

"Oh shit." Badrach groaned. "Well that totally screws up the whole fuckin plan, now don't it? How long we got till he squeals?"

Kashell shot the man a dangerous glare. "Shut the hell up, Badrach! He's not like that. And there's no way he'd get caught!"

Badrach smirked. "You gonna keep tellin yourself that when they lock us up in iron?"

"That wouldn't be the first time for you, would it Badrach?" Aelia shot in.

"Hey b$^#, you can kiss my as-"

"ENOUGH!" Lawfer roared in a controlled shout. His eyes quickly jumped to the door before looking back at everyone in the room.

"Whether he's been discovered or not, there's absolutely nothing we can do about it. For now, all we can do is wait. Here's what I know. The storm is getting pretty bad but it's not uncommon in this area. But that's the least of our worries. Apparently Villnore's had this place tapped for over two years now so they've got the streets well patrolled but their security is, by no means, meticulous. The bad news is, without our contact, we dare not make a move, at least not yet. Which means we'll be staying here for at least another day."

Immediately there were a collection of groans, mainly from Kashell and Badrach but everyone wore disgruntled expressions. Lawfer frowned.

"BUT, the good news is, that gives us time to restock our supplies and get our hands on some local attire."

"You planning on playin village boy, Silver?" Aelia asked, ruffling her fingers through her hair.

Lawfer silently bristled at the nickname but shook his head. "Hardly. Even in a backwater town like this, our current attire draws too much attention." The man looked pointedly at Celia. "Earlier today. That woman saw your blade."

"What?" Celia was immediately on the defensive. "How can you know that? I covered my blade as fast as I could. There's no way she could have-"

"She saw, Celia. Trust me."

The young woman darkened her expression and folded her arms. "Whatever."

"Anyway," Lawfer sighed. "She was just a villager as far as I can tell. But we don't know who's who in this village. There are too many risks to just blindly walk around and hope no one takes another look our way."

"So you want us to mix with the crowd." Llewelyn replied. "But for how long?"

"The kid's right." Kashell nodded. "If trouble starts, there's not a lot of good, cloth and rags can do us against a rain of arrows or steel."

"Once we get outside the village, we'll reassess our cover. But for now, I want everyone to lay down their arms."

"Are you out of your FUCKING mind Silver!?" Aelia rose to her feet, her face almost as red as her hair.

Lawfer closed his eyes and continued slowly. "We don't want to take any chances! Even though this village is isolated, we're still surrounded by Villnore soldiers at every bend. And we don't know how many more towns are occupied between here and Borlean. All it takes is one false step and everything we're trying to accomplish will come crashing down on us."

"I don't like this." Celia countered. "Every step we take has so many avenues for failure. Are you sure we can even make it through this town in one piece?"

"Steel yourself."

All eyes turned to Grey. The man had previously been quiet, but now he was looking directly at Celia. "What is victory, without sacrifice? Our enemy would never guess us foolish enough to sneak in right under their nose and that arrogance is our advantage."

"Well spoken." Lemia smiled. The dark haired man almost smiled back at her praise.

"Indeed it was." Lawfer agreed, grasping the momentum. "I know you're all tired. I know our situation is bleak. Let it be known, I do not wish to place a demand beyond what you already bear. But this road is one I must travel. I hold no bond of trust over any of you. If it is your desire, you may leave. But know that you are valuable to me; each and every one of you. We are a team and we've weathered the storm thus far."

The young man clutched his fingers into a tight fist. "We have tasted victory on the battle field and we have felt the bitter sting of defeat. We've lost loved ones." He seemed to shudder before quickly regained his composure. "But we are still here!" He hissed. "We are still alive! And we have a chance! A very real, true, resonating chance! To stop all this! To end this downward spiral we find ourselves falling into!"

"The dragon orb." Kashell mused, rubbing his chin.

Lawfer nodded his head sharply. "It's been two long years since Villnore razzed the halls of Artolia. Two years since our calls to those whom we thought were our allies fell on deaf ears. Two long, hard years since those so called allies joined our enemies to ruin us!"

Everyone sat still, listening to the blond as he walked around the room, and continued.

"Our kingdom is gone. Our army is gone. Our king is gone! But here we stand! Grey! You Llewelyne and Lemia were honored citizens of Crell Monferaigne, and yet you stand with us! Badrach, you were once a mercenary of Gerubellum and yet you stand with us! Aelia, you were a hired assassin of Lassen and yet you stand with us! Here we stand! Diverse yet united in our common cause! We are proof that change is possible! We are proof that hope is still alive! And only together, with your help, can we make a difference! I ask you now, will you stand with me?"

The room was silent as everyone absorbed the words of their leader. It was Kashell who stepped forward first, slamming a tight fist over his chest. "You have my blade Lawfer. You know I've got your back."

"Me too!" Celia rose, her hands clenched tightly.

Lawfer nodded thankfully, a kind smile reflected at his friends.

"Your goals are lofty." Grey observed. "But they are honorable ones. Ones that could quite possibly change the balance of this world. If I cast my life to any cause, it is yours."

"And you do not walk it alone." Lemia added. "What spells I have, I will use for the better good."

Aelia rubbed her nose with a large grin. "Like hell I'd miss out on another adventure of yours, Silver! I'm in!"

"I'm tired of living in fear of invasion." Llewelyn replied firmly. "Whatever it takes to bring peace; I'll do it."

Badrach burped, and the room fell silent. The vagrant man looked unabashed as all eyes were on him. "What? Yer all a sissy bunch of lily-livered ninnies anyway. But hell, there's gotta be money somewhere down the road and when it comes, I'll be right there to claim it!"

Lawfer smiled genuinely at each and every one of them. "Thank you, my friends. The path ahead will not be easy, but together, I believe it is an attainable goal."

"So what's the plan?" Kashell asked, folding his arms and leaning against the wall.

Lawfer walked directly to the table, unfurling a map from a brown leather satchel. "We'll only have a small window of time once things settle and we figure out what's happened to our contact so we'll have to move fast. First we focus on our provisions and cover. Celia, can I entrust you with getting our supply rations in order?"

The young woman nodded. "Count on me!"

"Lemia, I cannot think of anyone better equipped to find suitable clothing that would help us blend in with the crowd."

"It would be my pleasure." The emerald haired woman replied.

"That leaves Grey and Badrach to scout the town and find us some form of transportation out of the village; horses if at all possible. When we're out of here, I want us out at a fast clip. Aelia, I need you and Llewelyn to run reconnaissance and let us know if you think any troops or soldiers are onto us. Kashell and I will try to gather additional information and try to figure out what happened to our contact."

Everyone nodded to the plan and the blond set the aged map against the table, unfurling it for all to see. Slowly he began detailing the surrounding terrain and the routes they would take. Kashell pondered silently at the man before him; their leader. It wasn't so long ago Lawfer was just a boy. Not so long ago that they were all children- he, Lawfer and Celia. But life had changed them and Lawfer was no longer the naïve boy who strove to win a smile and his father's good pleasure. Instead the man was colder now, direct and focused in a frightening way. He missed the boy that was his childhood friend, but times had changed and as they all prepared to weather the storm he knew without a doubt, there was no better man he'd have to lead him through it.

XXXX

Platina's heart raced against her chest. She gasped, struggling to control her breath while her eyes shook on the verge of tears. She reached up, clasping her hand over her shivering lips.

"Lucian!?!"

The word came out with a strangled pitch. Why did a name so familiar now sound so foreign? Platina couldn't answer. Instead she took a shivering step forward, reaching out with her other hand.

"Is… is that really you?"

The mangled and chained man stared back at her with shimmering eyes. A sliver of blood trailed past his drooping, auburn locks to run a path down the right side of his face. With a sigh, he dipped his head low, closing those azure orbs against a sea of emotions. His voice fell to a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

"So you're Lucian?" Heather shifted, leaning halfway between the shadows of the cell and the light of the slave pens. She eyed the young man with interest then looked back over at Platina. The young woman was on the verge of collapse.

"Platina! This is the guy from your childhood?"

Platina started and turned her strangled eyes towards Heather but no words came from her trembling lips.

"I'm Lucian…" The man answered with a rasping pitch but his eyes were hard as steel as he stared back at her. "The two of you shouldn't be here. Get out now, before you're caught!"

"None of this makes any sense!" Platina shook her head. "Why are you in chains! What happened!?!"

"Shh! Quiet, or they'll hear you!" Heather looked back up the hall and swung her head towards her friend. "I had no idea the man they drug through town would turn out to be Platina's old flame."

Platina bristled at the comment but Lucian seemed to droop, sinking against the wall. Heather narrowed her eyes at the man and folded her arms. "What did you do to make Villnore so interested in you?"

Lucian shrugged and dipped his head lower. "I have nothing to tell you. I'm just a simple traveler who was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"They don't drag 'simple' travelers through the village gates and lock them in the deepest darkest cell in the slave pens. No, there's nothing 'simple' about you! You did something and we want to know what it was!"

Lucian frowned, matching her glare with his own. "I don't remember passing through the town gates on my way here."

"That's not surprising." Heather smirked. "I 'am' surprised you can remember anything at all after being drug around in a black leather bag though!"

Platina watched with wide eyes as her two friends traded heated words back and forth. There were so many questions yet she didn't know where to begin. Her heart raced against her chest and it was all she could do to clutch her hands together in fear.

Lucian sank against his shackles, releasing a defeated sigh. "It wasn't supposed to be this way." His eyes darkened. "No one was supposed to know…"

"Supposed to know what, Lucian?" Platina's eyes shimmered and her words shook with fear. "What have you done? Please tell us! Why are you in chains?!?" Her eyes dropped and her voice lowered to a shivering whisper. "Why are you back..?"

Lucian turned his face away and clear bruises stood out against his cheek. "You were never supposed to know I was even here." He breathed. "I had hoped…" He shook his head and the chains rattled with the motion. "I just didn't want you to be caught up in this!"

"Caught up in what?" Heather pressed. "You're beating around the bush an awful lot and you still haven't answered the question."

Lucian fastened her with a narrowing glare. "I can't tell you."

"Can't or won't?"

"Does it matter?!?" Lucian glared at them both. "I don't know why you're here but you're playing with fire! And I'm telling you right now, you do not want to be here! You don't want to be mixed up in this! Get out of here while you still have your lives!"

"Lucian!"

Both he and Heather started as Platina clenched her hands into fists. "How… how can you just…!?! You- You disappear for seven years and now, here you are in the slave pens chained like a dog and all you can say to me is 'leave'?" Her eyes flashed with emotion and pain. "Who are you? What have you 'become'? Do I even know you anymore?"

Lucian held her gaze for a moment then closed his blue orbs with a heavy sigh. "Maybe I have… There's no going back for me. They've caught me and now it's only a matter of time before they get what they want… or try to."

Platina shook her head. "Who? Get what who wants? Villnore? What do they want? Talk to us!"

"We're wasting time here!" Heather shifted between her feet, looking out into the halls. The sounds of the other prisoners were beginning to rise again as they stirred against their bars.

"Let us out!"

"When are you going to let us out of here!?"

"Please, let us free!"

"We need to hurry!" Heather pressed. "These slaves are going to bring the guards down on us! We can't stay here any longer!"

But Platina clasped her hands. "I - I can't leave Lucian! Not after I've found him again."

"You're wrong." Lucian sighed and both women turned their eyes on him. His shoulders sank and his voice dripped with defeat. "There's only one option left… kill me."

"What!?!" Platina's eyes widened with alarm. "Lucian are you out of your mind?!?"

"I'm telling you to kill me, Platina!" The young man raised his head, steeling her with his cold blue eyes. "Kill me now! It's too dangerous to keep me alive! If they learn! If they find out what I know, more than just Coriander will suffer! All of Midgard will be in danger!"

"Really?" Heather blinked with interest. "And you found out something this important in only seven years?"

"Enough questions!" Lucian hissed. "Kill me now! Please!"

The cages rattled outside the cell room and Heather bristled. "Platina!" She pressed.

"I'm not leaving him!" Platina stared back with fire in her eyes.

Heather shook her head and sighed. "Fine! I have a better idea. Help me!" She moved forward into the shadows of the cell. Platina blinked as she walked in step behind her friend.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for something! Maybe a narrow piece of metal. Something to fit inside a lock. Hurry! We need to find it fast!"

"What are you two doing!?!" Lucian rasped with anxious eyes. "Forget about that! Kill me now and get out of here!"

"You shut up!" Heather pointed her finger at him then shifted back to scrounging around the floor of the room. "We have to move fast!"

"Wait!" Platina called out. She rose from her crouch and turned towards her friend, holding up a small narrow sliver of stone. "Will this work?"

Heather quickly snatched it from her hands. "Maybe! Only one way to find out!"

"Are the two of you out of your minds?" Lucian shifted as the red haired woman walked over towards his shackles. "It's useless!"

"I told you to shut up!"

Heather narrowed her eyes, fitting the sliver of stone into the pocket of his manacle lock. She twisted while grinding her teeth. "Come on… come on!!"

Platina looked out towards the hall as the other prisoners continued to raise their voices. "Heather… this is getting out of control."

"You THINK!?! Shut up and let me concentrate!" Heather continued to twist the narrow sliver of stone into the lock, pushing it deeper. "Come on!" She hissed.

"You two are making a mistake!" Lucian narrowed his eyes at her. "If you don't get out of here right now, you'll only-"

SMACK

Lucian's head immediately swung left as Heather threw her backhand across his cheek. "I said shut up!" She hissed. She turned her eyes back on the lock, bit her lip and dug deeper with another twist. A silent click resounded and she smiled in victory as the manacle popped open.

Lucian blinked in surprise. His mouth worked in silent motions as Heather dove towards his other side, fiddling with the second lock.

"Heather…" Platina's voice peeled from the door.

"I know!" The redhead hissed. "Give me a few more minutes!"

"I don't think we have a few more minutes."

SNAP!

The second lock popped loose and Lucian fell to the hard, stone floor. His eyes jumped wide and he immediately pushed himself to his knees, rubbing his wrists.

"We're getting you out of here!" Heather smirked and rushed out the room. "So sorry, but you're not dying today!"

"Heather!" Platina gasped. "I think I hear something down the hall!"

"We need to get out of here fast!" Heather hissed.

"Wait!"

Both women turned towards Lucian. He rose to his feet, tearing the last of his tunic from his chest before reaching into the shadows of his cell. When he rose again, he held a steel bar tight in his grasp. "I'll deal with the guards and keep them distracted. You two pick the locks on the prisoner's cells."

"Lucian!"

"I don't like that idea!" Heather glared. "In your condition, do you really think you can take on Villnore soldiers?!?"

"Trust me." Lucian glared then rushed past her and up the room.

"Lucian!" Platina pleaded. "Don't!"

"I said trust me!"

Footsteps sounded from the hall, coming closer.

"What the hell is going on in there?"

"Damn slaves, causing a racket again!"

Lucian looked back. "Unlock those cages! Hurry!"

He ran faster up the room just as two guards turned at the bend.

"What the fuck!?!"

Before they could react, Lucian swung hard, smashing the steel pipe against the first guard's bare scalp. The man immediately buckled and tumbled to the floor.

"SHIT!"

The second guard quickly reached for his blade. But Lucian was fast! He swung his leg out, kicking his heel into the man's crotch. The guard crumbled, and Lucian raised his steel pipe, bashing it down over the man's head with a sickening pop. The second body immediately crashed to the floor.

Lucian swung towards them, his chest rising and falling as he fastened them with wild eyes. "HURRY!"

Platina stared back in shock. She'd never seen anything so violent and savage. The guards were so still. Were they even alive? "Lucian…"

"Platina!" Heather grabbed her arm, yanking her towards one of the cells. "He's got that covered. Help me!"

Platina managed to tear her eyes away as she watched Heather shoving her sliver of stone into one of the cage locks. "What should I do??"

"Find another narrow piece of metal. Anything! Find something and get these doors open!"

"Here!"

Both women looked over at Lucian as he crouched over one of the bodies. He tossed a ring of steel keys towards them. Platina reached out with both hands, fumbling as she caught the ring.

"Unlock those cells!" Lucian hissed. He quickly began to undress one of the guards, pulling off the man's armor.

Platina's heart raced. She was really doing this! She quickly shoved the first key into the lock but it wouldn't turn. She tried the second. Then the third. A sliver of sweat began to peel its way down her scalp and her hands shook with tension.

A snap resounded on the other side of the room followed by the screech of an opening cell door. Three captives rushed out, one of them hugging Heather tightly.

"Oh thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Get off me!" Heather shoved. "Help get the other cells open! Everyone's leaving here tonight!"

The three captives quickly roamed around, searching for something to use to help. Platina pulled the first two keys from the ring and tossed them over. "Use these. They don't work on my cell!"

The captives fanned out, testing the keys on the other cages. Meanwhile Platina finally found the right key and rolled it to the left with a firm snap. The door swung open and a small child rushed out with frightened eyes. Platina leaned down and smiled at her with a confidence she didn't feel. "It's going to be okay. You're safe now."

"Not yet!" Lucian called from up the hall. "More guards are coming!"

The auburn haired man was now dressed in a dark under tunic to match his leggings and was fastening the crimson armored breastplate over his chest. He pulled off the guard's belt next and fastened it over his waist before unsheathing the sword. "I don't know how many are coming this time! Better hurry!"

"Let's go!" Platina urged the small girl. But the girl gripped the cage next to her where an old woman sat against the wall.

"I don't wanna go without my friend."

"Okay." Platina nodded. She fumbled with the next key and quickly tried it. The lock snapped and the older woman slowly shuffled out of the cage. The little girl clung to her immediately.

"Let's move, people!" Heather was swinging her third cage open now and waving her arm in large strokes.

At the front of the room, Lucian gave his blade an experimental twirl, testing its weight. "They're coming!" He hissed.

The loud claps of rushing, armored feet echoed down the halls. Lucian frowned. "Here they come! We need to run! We can't stay here any longer!"

"Wait!" Platina cried. She rushed to the last cell, shoving the key into the lock and twisting fast. The door snapped and opened and two men scrambled out.

"Okay!" She turned. "We're ready!"

Lucian reached down, pulled the second guard's sword from its sheath and tossing it to the nearest captive, a large man with burly muscles. "Here!" He cried. "Follow me! We're getting out of here!"

Lucian rushed down the hall and the captives followed. Heather's eyes rose with excitement and fear and she quickly picked up the steel pipe Lucian had discarded then grabbed Platina's arm. "Just looking, huh?"

The two woman rushed after the crowd of escapees as they all stormed down the thatched hallway in pairs. One guard suddenly appeared at the opening and held his sword out. "HALT!"

Lucian rushed ahead of everyone else. The guard charged forth, raising his sword. Lucian spun under the guard's swing then came up with a rising swipe, slicing through the man's waist. The guard cried out, clutching his side and Lucian drove his elbow into the man's face. He crashed against the wall before falling to the floor.

"Move!" Lucian yelled and they all rushed out the hallway and into the darkness of the second room. A peal of light opened from across the room where more guards shouted.

"RUNAWAYS! SOUND THE ALARM! STOP THEM!"

"GO!" Lucian shouted.

"This way!" Heather waved her arms in the shadows. The escapees turned towards her and she immediately bolted towards the end of the room. The guards rushed after them and Lucian kicked over a barrel then rolled it towards the men in red. The guards immediately fell over the barrel while he spun on his heels and ran after the others.

Platina breathed heavily as she tore her eyes back and forth between Heather and Lucian. Heather barged through the back door and it screamed on its hinges. The rush of air seized them under the hard patter of rainfall. Heather and Platina launched out first followed by everyone else.

Heather threw her arm over her eyes against the rain. A sudden blare of ringing bells sounded in the near distance. "Okay, I'd say they're onto us!"

The rest of the escapees quickly filtered past the door.

"We're not safe here." The man with the sword declared. "This village betrayed us. We can't hide behind it's walls!"

"There's a stable on the other end of the consulate." Another man said. "We can take their horses and ride out of town!"

The old woman gripped the young girl's shoulders. "Where will we go?"

"Anywhere's better than here!" The man with the sword replied.

"You all head for the stables." Lucian glared past the rain as his hair waxed over his eyes. "I'll draw their attention!"

Platina spun towards him. "What about you?" .

"I'll find another way!"

"I'm coming with you!"

"No!" Lucian swiped his hand. "Forget about me, Platina! It's too dangerous!"

Heather pushed past the others and stood before the former prisoner. "We're still going! Whether you like it or not!"

"We don't have time for this!" The man with the sword looked around anxiously. The bell continued to blare and the sounds of running boots echoed closer in the frothing mud.

"Okay!" Lucian shook his head. "You all make way for the stables. Get out of here as fast as you can. We'll draw their attention!"

"God-speed!" The man rushed off towards the right of the consulate with the other escapees. Lucian turned towards the left.

"You two are crazy!" He mumbled and ran through the muddy field. Platina shivered and Heather gripped her steel pipe tightly in her hand. Together, the three of them raced towards the front of the consulate. The rain fell heavy over them but through the haze they could make out the crimson shapes of guards fumbling about, trying to figure out what was going on.

"I have an idea!" Lucian ran ahead of the women. "Stay back for a moment!"

The two women paused in their flight and traded uneasy glances. Lucian yanked his sword from its sheath and waved it over his head, shouting towards the group of guards at the gates.

"Hey!" He yelled. "The prisoners! They're escaping! Hurry! They're still inside! Hurry before they escape!"

The guards didn't question him. They didn't have time for that and Lucian knew it. Instead, they all rushed into the consulate and Lucian turned around towards his comrades.

"Come on! Now's our chance!"

Heather grinned as she and Platina raced after him. "Clever!"

Lucian shook his head and ran faster, rising his feet in the clinging mud. Platina strained as her dress grew heavy with the mud and rain. Nevertheless, she pushed on, hiking her skirt up past her ankles.

Lucian ran towards the doors after the last guard ran through then pushed it shut, throwing a thick wooden beam over the latch.

"HEY!" Muffled voices cried and the door shook. Lucian didn't stay to hear more. He spun towards the gates and waved his arms towards Heather and Platina.

"Help me get these gates open." He threw his arms out, pulling the gates wide. Heather and Platina grasped the other side, pulling from their end.

Crashing hoofs grew from the distance and several large shapes exploded from the haze of rain as the escapees charged through on stolen horses. The lead rider waved his sword towards Lucian as he charged his mount through the gates. Lucian breathed a sigh of relief then waved towards the exit as he and the other two women raced through.

Platina gasped but continued to run. They had done it! This realization came with a sinking feeling as the rain failed to cool the rising heat of tension that grew within her. They'd broken into the consulate! They'd freed the captives! But what would they do now? Was it still possible to go back to her normal life after all this?

She didn't have time to ponder the answer. The rain fell harder and the shouts and cries of pursuing soldiers reverberated in the distance. She ran. That was all they could do. And so the night swallowed them, as they rushed into the void of an uncertain future.

:::::To Be Continued:::::

:::::Author's Note: Thank you for reading! Please review and please stay tuned for Chapter 5: Escape!

Writing Gamer 01/03/08