Chapter 16

London seemed to be experiencing a very rainy week. Over the past seven days it had rained continuously, it never stopped neither did it ease. It poured over London leaving large puddles practically everywhere. Thankfully this had meant that the carriages races which took places all over London had temporarily stopped as given the slippery conditions it was likely that someone could potentially be seriously injured if not killed. The races being cancelled meant that the fight clubs' attendance had vastly increased. It was in one of these fight clubs located in the southern area of London that Jacob and Robert found themselves. Robert was in the ring whilst Jacob watched from the side lines. He yelled encouragement to his friend. His long time friend seemed to be making good work of his opponents, Jacob's training had paid off. Over the past few days Jacob had been giving Robert some combat training which, unbeknownst to him, would eventually be used against him. It was another example how the solution that Robert had been administrating to Jacob was having an effect. Jacob had no idea that he was being manipulated against his will. If he did then maybe none of this would be happening. But it was happening and he had no idea.

Robert delivered a hard final punch to his opponent before straight in up as his opponent fell backwards on the the ground, unconscious. Punching the air with his fist, Robert declared his victory to enormous cheers from the crowd. Catching a small money bag which was thrown to him but a man named Robert Topping. Leaving the ring he rejoined Jacob who clapped him on the back.

"You my friend are ready for the big leagues." Jacob said, leading his friend out of the club.

"Yeah soon I may be able to take you on." Robert replied.

"You will certainly give me a run for my money. But listen you are still forgetting to protect your left side. You have to protect both flanks or else someone could easily strike you there and gain an advantage."

The pair had left the fight club and begun walking down a quiet street. The rain was still pouring down but neither one of them seemed partially bothered by it.

"I'll try to remember that. Now why don't we go and spend my winnings on some drinks?"

"Robert, I think that is the best idea you've had all day."

The pair sped up, the headed down the street and then up a main road. After serve all minutes they were both soaked through but once again they did not care. They eventually found a pub which was playing host to a lot of the Rooks. They cheered as Jacob entered, Jacob greeted them enthusiastically before walking to the bar to order drinks. It was not long both Jacob and Robert had been pulled into yet another drinking game with the Rooks. The pub was soon full of the sounds of beer being poured into various glasses and drunken voices. This was certainly looking like a very pleasant evening for all involved. But the night was still young, who knew what it had in store.

Evie pulled her sword out of the fallen Blighter and stumbled back. She looked down at the three men she'd just killed, this was getting ridiculous. Every day this week the Blighters had found and attacked her. Wiping the blade against the shirt of the nearest Blighter and stored her cane sword back inside her jacket. Putting a hand against her nose she felt blood pouring from it. Evie began walking away from the deceased Blighters. She wasn't badly injured but she that it wasn't just her nose that was bleeding. There was a wound above her right eyebrow and a small wound on her left cheek. As far as her injuries went these were the least severe ones she'd received. But the constant and continuous attacks she'd been experiencing where starting to wear her down. She hadn't slept properly in days and all the constant fighting and running meant she was physically and mentally exhausted. Whilst most people in the situation she was might just hide out, she did not. Evie was refusing to hide, she would not run and hide from this. She had other more pressing issues then what was happening to her.

Walking down the rain drenched pavement, she kept her head low. The last thing she wanted to attract the attention of the Blighters… again. If she could have travelled via the rooftops but she was far too tired to even try. She was worried that if she did then it was highly likely that she could fall to her death, which was the very last thing she wanted. She continued to head up the street, the pavement splashed under her feet. Her destination was the nearest pub, that was where she would most likely find her brother. Ever since Robert had arrived back in London and re-entered Jacob's life the pair had been going back to their old ways. Something wasn't right with Jacob, she was sure that Robert had done something to do with it. But as of yet she had no proof of it, she had to somehow find out and fast before anything bad happened. A pub soon came into view, quickening her pace she drew near to the pub. She could not say what she would do if she found her brother in there. But just as she reached the entrance to the pub gun shots rang out behind her. Before she could even turn round someone tackled her to the ground. Evie saw a Blighter on top of her, where he'd come from she did not know. The Blighter leered at her pulling a knife from his jacket. But before the Blighter could make a single move Evie managed to roll over causing the Blighter to lose his balance. Extending her hidden blade she plunged it into the Blighter, who fell lifeless to the floor. As she pushed the deceased Blighter off her a couple of Rooks came running from the pub. One of the pulled Evie to her feet.

"Miss Frye? Are you alright?" The Rook asked.

Evie was about to reply when something or rather someone in the pub. Her brother. Her brother was sat inside the pub drink in hand gazing at the scene which had just taken place. The sight of this pushed Evie over the edge. She took several steps forward, glaring at her brother.

"Really? You just sit there." She snapped, "Did you not just see what happened?"

"No, I did but you seem to have it under control." Jacob replied, taking a sip from his drink.

"What is wrong with you Jacob? These past few weeks you seem to just no care about anything. What is going on?"

There was a scoff and a new voice spoke, "Oh look the fun police has arrived."

Evie turned her gaze towards Robert. The atmosphere in the pub changed at once, it became tense. All eyes were now gazing on either Evie or Robert.

"Excuse me?"

"You always have to ruin things. Ever since we were all teenagers."

"But we're not fifteen anymore. There's no need to punch your way through life anymore. You always were the one pushing for a fight."

"That's rich coming from you." Robert shot back, getting to his feet, "Wasn't it you who got involved a fight with five men that were far more powerful then you? Daddy had to come and save you didn't he?"

Jacob, who had not said a word, saw Evie's hand move. She'd subtly moved it inside her jacket to the where her throwing knives were kept. It was clear to Jacob that Robert was pushing her to the limit. From experience he knew that getting on the wrong side of Evie was not a place to be and Robert was certainly getting himself there. Jacob rose from his seat, in an attempt to calm the situation but found that no words came out. Evie was glaring at Robert, that had hurt. She still had nightmares over that particular night and the last thing she needed was Robert bringing it up. She took a breath to steady herself before addressing her brother.

"Jacob, this is not the type of person you want to be around. He has not changed. Here stands a man who threatened to kill us and I can see that he still means that."

"You are the one that hasn't changed Evie." Robert said, "You still the manipulative bitch you have always been. How dare you try and force your brother to what you want. What gives you the right to control him, you selfish -"

There was a flash of silver and the sound of cracking wood which cut of the end of Robert's sentence. A small silver throwing knife had embedded itself into the wood of the pub wall. The knife was less than a centimetre from Robert's head. Evie was glaring at Robert, her gaze did not leave his face. It was clear from the look on her face that she had intended to throw the knife into the wood. Her aim was impeccable. It was also clear that the knife throw had been a warning. Robert had pushed Evie to far, there was no going back. There was bad blood between them now and Evie had made it clear that it was irreversible. Without another word Evie turned and left the pub, leaving the onlookers rather shocked. The Rooks had never seen Evie as angry as she was now. Jacob moved away from the table he'd been sat at. He was looking between the furious Robert and the door which Evie had just left through. The question now was which one of them would he go to. His friend or his sister?