Chapter 12

Abel slipped through the crowd of people that had gathered in the center of the small village. He wore a bulky jacket to hide his armor, the hood pulled up to conceal his face. Sliding by people and nudging them to the left and right, he made his way to the very front of the crowd. From where he stood he could see Kelgar standing with a group of guards, and the two's eyes met for a moment. Kelgar made the faintest movement with his head, and Abel returned the nod. All they had left to do was wait.

Suddenly, the murmuring crowd grew silent. A nervous bead of sweat dripped down Abel's face, but he wiped it away and focused his attention on the scene. As the guards stepped aside to reveal Cain, Abel let out a quiet gasp. Cain, what have they done to you? The redhead was very pale; fresh scars and bruises littered his body. A deep cut on his shoulder shone ugly and red, having gone untreated. Dark bags were underneath his tired and accepting eyes. Abel clenched his fists, but steadied his breathing to avoid making a scene and betraying his position.


From the stage, the executioner placed a hand on Cain's back and shoved him forward towards the rope in the center of the platform. He raised the noose and slipped it over Cain's neck, tightening it so there was no room to slip out.

King Jiol stood off to the side of the stage, his arms crossed over his chest as he scowled. His eyes scanned the crowd, and he felt anger wash over him. It seemed the plan of executing the prisoner in public had failed in bringing out the prince. Still, at least they would be able to deal a blow, however small, to their forces. Grunting in annoyance, Jiol stepped forward and made an announcement. It was short and simple; the red-haired man was to be hanged for treason and conspiring against the King. It wasn't entirely a lie, but none of the villagers were aware of the real truth.

Finishing his short speech, Jiol moved out of the way. At least he could watch with pleasure as one of the traitors got what he deserved. Raising his hand, he gave the signal to go ahead.

Nodding, the executioner stepped forward. He reached his hand forward, and yanked the lever that pulled the ground out from Cain's feet.


Hovering in the trees like a sparrow, Jeorge clutched his bow in his hands. His heart pounded, but he kept his hands steady as he quietly pulled an arrow from the quiver strapped onto his back. Hooking it to the bow, he stared at unfolding scene as he waited for his opportunity. Wrapping his fingers around the end of the arrow, he pulled back as far as he could, aiming carefully. When the chance came, he took it in stride and let the arrow loose, grinning as it sailed through the air towards its mark.


At the exact second that the executioner pulled the lever, an arrow whizzed through the air. The rope locking Cain to the stage was sliced clean through, and the redhead fell through the opening and connected with the ground with a loud thud. Less than a second later another arrow appeared and buried itself in the executioner's chest; he fell over dead without making a sound. Screams sounded through the crowd as the people stampeded to escape, fearing for their lives.

Kelgar took this opportunity to give a harsh shove to the guard that stood next to him, pushing him into the row of other men who all knocked into each other and stumbled, crashing to the ground in a mess. King Jiol, watching the mess, let out a loud snarl of rage. He cowardly turned his back and ran from the unfolding battle, quickly returning to the safety of his towers.

Abel threw off his jacket and raced forward, slipping a knife out of his pocket and releasing Cain of his bindings around his neck and wrists. "Are you okay?" Kneeling, Abel man grabbed the other man's shoulders and helped him sit up.

Cain didn't respond right away; he was confused, and in shock. Immediately recognizing the voice that spoke to him, he raised his dark gaze and locked eyes with Abel. His breath caught in his throat, and time seemed to stop.

Reaching up with his now-freed hands, he threw him arms around Abel and pulled him close into a tight hug. "I thought you were dead," he whispered, burying his face into Abel's shoulder.

Although surprised at Cain's sudden movement, Abel leaned into the hug and wrapped his arms around the redhead's torso, being careful not to disturb the lacerations that littered his bare back. "I'm right here," he spoke softly and soothingly, his chin resting on Cain's uninjured shoulder. Cain's grip tightened, as if he were afraid that Abel would slip away through his fingers once more if he let go.

Abel was yanked out of the euphoria of the reunion by a tap on his shoulder, and he looked up to see Kelgar standing there with a worried expression. The crowd had thinned, but people were still running and shouting loudly. "I hate to interrupt," Kelgar yelled over the noise. "But we need to go. Can he walk?"

Reluctantly separating himself from the redhead, Abel stood. Grabbing Cain's hand he helped him to his feet; he was a bit wobbly at first but soon regaining his balance. Placing a hand on his good shoulder, the green-haired cavalier grinned. "Ready to get some revenge?"

A smile slowly spread on Cain's face, and his heart pounded loudly at the thought of fighting next to Abel like they always did; it was a feeling he never though he'd get again.

"Let's do it."


Watching the chaos from the safety of the towers, Gharnef removed his hood and turned to snarl at the King that had retreated earlier. "You said the brat of a prince would show," he practically hissed, his eyes dark with anger.

Jiol stumbled over his words, trying to come up with an excuse. "Well, I t-thought he, because, uh—"

"Useless," Gharnef mumbled. With a wave of his hand he sent Jiol flying through the open door, just in time for another face to appear.

"I have returned." The monotone voice of a woman sounded through the room. She stared at the wizard with blank eyes, her mouth held in a thin line. "The Alteans have been located."

A disturbing smile wormed its way onto Gharnef's wrinkled and leathery face. Picking up a wooden staff from the table in the middle of the room, he placed it in her hands. "You know what to do, now."

Nodding, the purple-haired woman turned on her heels and left. Clutching the staff in both hands, her glassy eyes stared blankly ahead as she took long strides to where her prey awaited.