When we last tuned in, Robin sits and awaits his doom in the clutches of General Galfor.
Six: A Debt Repaid
The dank dungeon made it almost impossible to breathe as Robin sat on the floor, watching the sky from his barred window. The pitch black of night steadily went to a deep, navy blue, and then to violet. He sighed as dawn approached.
He looked over at Galfor, who had not moved a muscle. His one good eye was starring at Robin, unmoving.
Robin got up to stretch his legs one last time and walked over to the door.
"General," he said, "can I at least say goodbye to her?" What did he have to loose?
He scowled.
"You are a bold one," he grumbled, "but no. You are in no position to ask anything of me."
"Of course…" he muttered.
"What was that?"
"You've probably played it by the book your whole life. You couldn't possibly understand." He wasn't afraid of angering him; he was going to die, anyway.
But instead of being insulted or flustered, Galfor merely blinked. He suddenly had some kind of a look about him. Robin couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it seemed like it was… understanding… either that or regret. He couldn't decide which.
Robin looked out at the window as the purple faded to pink. Sunrise.
He closed his eyes and drank the last breaths of air he was ever going to get.
He heard a door slam, and then the rushing of feet.
"Galfor!" he heard a young, male voice say. The boy seemed to be rushed. Robin opened his eyes to get a view of the scene.
The boy ran up to the giant.
"Xio kasaka roar! Ishmina Koriand'r nopana!"
Galfor's eyes went wide.
"Isnaka rum aka?"
"Gordanians!" Robin under stood that much.
The General paused for a bit and then said: "Is nyka ni kistho! Tethina Tameranians Koriand'r sall."
The boy nodded and rushed off as Galfor collapsed in a chair.
"What's going on?" said Robin anxiously.
He hesitated and then told Robin the disturbing news.
"Koriand'r is gone. She has been kidnapped by Gordanians."
Robin felt his heart stop.
"Wh-what?"
"She was not in her room, and Gordanian blood was shed in her attempts to escape him. I searched the grounds for them… I thought they had all gone… but… if only I had not locked that door!" His face tightened as an idea popped into Robin's head.
"Galfor," said Robin quickly, "remember when you said that you were in my debt?"
He looked at him.
"What of it?"
"Let me find Koriand'r."
"No."
"Please! Look, what ever happens to her is my fault! I'm responsible! Please let me help!"
Galfor leaned in close; just inches away from Robin's face.
"You will not come within one hundred feet of her!" he growled.
"Would you rather she be dead?" he snapped. "I know what I did was wrong, and I know you hate me, but please… let me help…"
Galfor stood up straight and looked away. He heaved a huge sigh.
"If I let you do this, and you bring her back, you shall be annulled from all crimes. But… you will have to leave the planet… permanently."
"Fine, deal. Now get me out of here!"
He took huge ring of keys and unlocked the door. It swung open and Robin rushed out. He grabbed his axe and was about to leave when Galfor stopped him.
"Human," he said. Robin turned and looked at him. It looked like he was trying to tell him something. Then, at the last minute, he decided against it and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he said: "Bring her back."
"I will."
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Robin rushed down the hall way wondering where to begin his search. He guessed he should start with Gordania. Perhaps someone on the planet would lend him a ship…?
He rammed into something and fell back words. He shut his eyes and tried to stop the ringing in his ears. When they were toned down he opened his eyes to see Princess Raven rubbing her head.
"Your Highness," he said with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." He helped her up.
"It's ok," she said. Her voice was low and gravely; not at all like her mother's.
"Well," he said, rushed, "nice bumping into you." He began to continue his path.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"I have some business to take care of."
"Like finding Koriand'r?"
He stopped and turned to her.
"What?"
"I'm psychic. Do you even know where to begin looking?"
"Uh… no, not really…"
They began to walk down the hall way.
"I want to come with you."
"What? Why?"
"Because I can help."
"Um… no offense, but – you're a princess."
"So? You saw what I can do last night."
Robin remembered the two Gordanians that tried to attack the Azerathians.
"Besides," she continued, "I think I know who's doing this."
"What do you mean? We all know who's doing this: it's Trogar."
"No. I mean I know who's feeding the Gordanians information."
"Who?"
"Well, it's just a hunch. But if I'm right, you're going to need me."
"Does your mother know?"
"No. And it's best if she doesn't until I'm one hundred percent sure."
"Why?"
"Because if I tell her, then she'll tell the Azerathian monks, who in turn will tell the people, causing chaos. And chaos is one thing we don't need."
"Alright, what do you think we should do?"
"I have a ship outside. Let's go to Azerath, pick up a few things, and then we'll find out where Koriand'r is."
He nodded in agreement, and they left the hallway.
Who was Raven talking about? Did Galfor know more then he was telling? And why am I still wondering what a gunther knife is? Tune in next chappie to find out!
T.