Will's laughing eyes met Alyss's suddenly and they lingered there for a moment. He grinned at her and she smiled back happily. Then a huge knight rushed out of nowhere and slammed Will to the ground, leaving him winded. Will cleared his head to the sound of a startled gasp from Alyss. Cat-like, he regained his feet just in time to receive another blow, a shocking whack that sent him reeling across the clearing.
"Will!" Alyss's shriek rang in his ear.
He swept blood from his top lip, now gushing from his nose. An involuntary sneeze splattered more blood down the front of his tunic. He was no longer laughing as the big knight advanced on his helpless prey, sword raised. The last thing the young ranger saw before the heavy hilt slammed into the side of his head was another of those large knights jumping Alyss, shoving her to the ground. He sank into darkness.
Cold fingertips gently caressed his stinging forehead. Will felt groggy and dazed as he tried to sit up.
"Will!" Alyss hissed, gently, "How are you feeling? I'm so sorry."
Will grinned wearily at the dirty face before him. Alyss was putting on a brave face, but he could tell she was riddled with anxiety. He looked around at the tiny cell in which they found themselves in. It was dark, with no windows. The only exit was a heavy iron grating through which the faint light of a torch glowed.
"Don't be, Alyss, I should've planned this better. It's my fault. I'm not feeling great to be honest. What the hell happened?"
"We were ambushed. I think the Baron must have known we were here to spy on him. The guards that threw us in here wouldn't speak to me, but I don't know why they would have attacked unless they knew our purpose for being here."
Alyss stared at him, concern glistening in her eyes, for she could tell he was suffering from the many violent hits he had taken. He tried to spring to his feet, almost collapsing, his head swimming. Alyss swung an arm around his waist, trying to support his sagging body and giving him enough stability to stand on his own.
"It's alright, I just stood up too fast."
The two simply stood there basking in the comfort of each other's presence after the three months' long absence. Will looked up at the gorgeous girl standing beside him and reflected on how lucky he was to have such a level-headed companion in this situation. Suddenly, he rose on his tip toes and overwhelmed her in an impassioned kiss. She replied wholeheartedly to his advances and for a moment Will forgot the pain in his forehead.
The small moment of comfort was interrupted when the heavy door that confined the two banged open. Two soldiers entered the cells with two remaining just outside the door.
"Break it up, lovebirds," one of the soldiers jeered at them, which set his companions snickering. One soldier seized Will while the other none-to-gently dragged Alyss from his arms. Will winced as they knocked him about while tying his hands tightly behind him. Neither struggled against the rough treatment of the soldiers. Alyss stood calmly to the side though she was still held fast by the soldier.
"Where are you taking him?" She asked dryly, not expecting an answer, "Couldn't you please leave us alone for a while?"
As predicted, she received no answer. Instead, the soldier threw her roughly to the ground and the two of them quickly exited the cell with Will in tow. He flashed her a quick wink before he was hauled out of sight. Alyss sighed as the gate slammed shut leaving her in lonely, silent darkness.