Knil ducked behind one of the trees along the edge of the forest. The square was relatively duller than before, but there was a small cluster of light, in the center, where they had re lit some of the lanterns. He took a slow breath to try and steady his still frantic heartbeat, then took off at a dead run, across the open area.
Knil rounded the closest house. He peered around towards the center to see a large group of the Gerudo gathered around the edge of the fountain. Samira was perched in the center of the group, seemingly discussing some kind of battle strategy. They didn't seem to be paying much attention to anything around them. He scanned around and soon found Luith laying submerged up to his neck in the fountain. Granted, he was a little bit away from where the Gerudo were seated, but the placement of him in the water was going to cause problems.
Still grasping his sword, Knil crept around the next house, to try and get in closer to Luith. He crouched in hiding, taking in the situation.
The pool was about six yards across, with a stone spout poking up in the middle. From this angle, he saw that one of the Gerudo was sitting against the side of the fountain, next to where Luith was held. She seemed to be zoning out, but Knil had learned not to rely on appearance. If he could make his way in to take her out, without being seen, the spout in the middle could hide him enough to where he could get to Luith. On top of which, the sound of the water splashing could potentially hide any attempt to draw Luith from the fountain. Seemed logical enough, but execution was a completely different matter. If only he had Link's bow, or something he could hit her from a distance.
"What are you doing here?" Knil jumped, looking around frantically for the source of the voice.
"W-who?" He whispered timidly, when he didn't see anyone. "Who's there?"
"Eyes forward, young warrior."
"Wha?" Knil turned his head to look forward, back at the fountain. It took him a bit to see Luith's head was turned towards him. Knil's mind reeled, looking over to the Gerudo standing (or rather sitting) guard. She still hadn't seemed to notice anything. How could she not hear him?
"Do not worry about her." Knil glanced back to Luith. "You are the only one I'm allowing to hear me."
Ugh, telepathy. But how did he know he was there?
"I can sense your presence."
"(And read my mind, I suppose.)"
"Not entirely, but for all intensive purposes, let's say yes."
Knil rolled his eyes. He really hated magic, and especially hated some stranger delving into his mind.
"Link believed you ran away. Why is it you have returned?"
"(I don't need to explain myself to you.)" Knil nearly growled.
Luith's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Has something happened to Link?"
Knil paused, wondering exactly what to tell him. "(He's been injured. I was hoping to get that stone to help him.)"
"Do you know where it is?"
"(I do. Your kid's with it?)"
Luith's demeanor seemed to change. He looked as if he was trying to push himself up. "Cole? Is he alright?"
Knil rolled his eyes, letting out a small growl. He really didn't see why that was important. "(Can you move?)"
"What?"
"(I have a plan to get rid of these women, but I'm going to need your help.)"
Luith glanced up at the guard sitting near him. She didn't even seem to be aware of Knil's presence or that he was conversing with her prisoner. His head slowly tilted back towards Knil lifting up his hands to show the heavy shackles around his wrists, just long enough for him to see, then plopped back into the water. He checked quickly to make sure his guard hadn't heard, and turned back to Knil. "I have some strength. Almost the ability to move, but I don't think I can support it."
Knil bit his lip in contemplation, scanning the circumstances in his head. "(Are the shackles attached to anything?)"
Luith shook his head, slowly. "They're just heavy."
Knil glanced over at the other group of Gerudo. They seemed to be far too engrossed with their battle plans to notice anything out of the ordinary. He slowly took in the area, scanning every nook and cranny for some way around. There didn't seem to be any way for him to not be seen.
"I should be able to take this one out." Luith cut off his concentration.
"(Can you do it without being heard?)"
"I think so. Can you get to me without being seen?"
"(Most likely.)"
"There's a key, for these shackles, on her belt. See if you can get the key and drag me from the square, then I should be able to fend for myself to get to wherever the stone is."
"(Fend for yourself?)" Knil's brows furrowed in confusion. "(You just said you had next to no strength. How can you fend for yourself?)"
"Just get me away from the square, and I will show you."
"(Fine. Just let me get into position and take her out.)" Knil didn't bother to wait for a response and swept back around the houses to try and get a more defensive position. He managed to get around to one of the houses, wedging into a blind spot, provided by the spout in the center of the fountain. "(Now.)"
It took a moment for him to actually strike, and Knil started to wonder if he had even heard him. Luith hadn't even moved when the Gerudo guard let out a low grunt and fell over.
After a brief moment of, 'what the fuck,' Knil slid out from behind the building and made his way towards the side of the fountain, snatching the key from the guard's belt. "What did you do to her?" He whispered, trying to slip into the water as quietly as possible.
"Just a minor spell. Something that should prove useful."
Knil dragged one of Luith's arms around his shoulder, keeping an eye on the crowd of women on the other side. They were so crammed in together, that even the ones facing him were blocked by the others. On the other hand, if they decided to look up, then he'd be screwed.
Knil managed to drag him out of the water, and on behind the nearest house, where he settled Luith against the back of the house. "I don't think I can carry you all the way to the stone."
"Just hold onto me, and I can get there on my own."
Knil brow furrowed in confusion. "How the hell does that work?"
Luith smiled in an answer that seemed warm, and a bit condescending. "You will find out soon enough."
"I don't like for people to talk around me. Either you tell me straight up, or we're not going anywhere."
Luith let out a small laugh. "Is now really the time to argue such frivolities?"
Knil glanced around towards the group of Gerudo. They appeared to have realized their guard was out, and were starting to scan the area. His eyes narrowed uncertain. "They're starting to get suspicious. If you're going to make some kind of effort better-" A hand landed on Knil's shoulder, inciting a sharp pain to shoot down towards his legs, and back up to his head. The pain seemed to pull out the last bit of strength from his muscles, even pulling out breath. He gasped from shock, the only good thing from this being that he had no breath to scream and draw attention to himself.
Soon, Knil's body completely gave out, and another hand came around to catch him, guiding him to lay on his back. Unable to move, Knil stared up at Luith's towering form, a wave of rage filling him. He cursed him silently, only because he couldn't accomplish any other way. Knil greatly hoped he was showing some sort of hatred towards this man, but maybe he'd have to settle for shooting him his vibes.
Luith knelt next to Knil, pulling his head up. There was a growing commotion in the square, soon followed by calls to search the area. "Listen carefully." He began in a shallow whisper.
"(No! Nonono fuck you!)"
"You're strength will return momentarily, but I wouldn't count on it happening before you are found."
"(Fuck you. Go die!)"
"However, this is beneficial."
"(Burn in hell.)"
"The Gerudo will not continue to fight without their leader. Use the illusion of your paralysis to surprise them and take out Samira the first chance you get."
"(Die!)"
The commotion grew louder, and Luith's head snapped up. He turned his attention back to Knil, and patted him on the shoulder. "Good luck, my friend." With that he rounded the corner and disappeared.
"F-ffffffffffuck YOU!" Knil didn't really care that the Gerudo heard him, he was able to release his rage.
Soon, he was seized, and pulled back towards the fountain area. The commotion around him was overshadowed by his rage, when he cursed Luith's name, as they pulled his sword from his shoulder.
They soon realized Knil was dead weight, and pushed him onto his knees.
See, this is why he never trusted anyone. Link trusted this guy, and now he's laying out there dying. Given that, Knil didn't have that much strength to begin with, and that conniving son of a bitch took the last of his energy just to help himself. He should have just left that bastard there. Better yet, he should have shoved his ass face into the water and drown him. Yea, then he wouldn't have to worry about whether or not he was going to stab him in the back. He might as well kill him anyway. Then go back for that annoying brat of his. Of course, he'd have to. Can't leave the poor thing alone to mourn for his father. Then, just for good measure, he might as well burn this whole damn town to the ground. Make them all pay for what Link was going through, for them. They had no right dragging Link into their problems. They had no right dragging him into their problems. They were all selfish, and needed to die. Yup, that was the plan. As soon as these evil women were all dead he'd – oof.
"Are you listening to me?" Samira leaned into his face. Oh yea, apparently she kicked him. Mark another notch on her list. "I was inquiring as to why you came back here."
Knil was finally able to externalize a glare.
"I was under the impression that you were a kind of lone wolf. Why are you bothering to come here to protect these people?"
Knil's rage flared up again, so much so, that he was actually able to stand up tall on his knees, and take in a deep breath. "I don't give a damn what happens to these people." He growled, using every ounce of air he had acquired.
Samira's expression turned more quizzical. "You don't?"
"No." This growl came out deeper, almost as if he were about to bite someone. "I would sooner see them all burn."
To both his and Samira's surprise, some of the Gerudo backed up from the crimson flare in his eyes.
Samira, however, was not fazed. She settled down on his eyes level, smiling at him. "You seem angry."
Knil's lips curled into a vicious grin. "Oh no, I'm not angry. I'm just a little bit absolutely livid." His voice slinked into deep growl, glare increasing when Samira laughed. "Now, who is it you are angry with?"
"That back stabbing giant, who else?"
"The giant, hmm?" She settled down, onto her feet, leaning in closer to his face. "You mean the one that you have helped escape?"
"The same." Knil growled deeper, his rage pressing in on himself for throwing out his own rules and trusting that son of a bitch.
Samira raised the edge of her blade up to his throat. "In that case, perhaps you should give me a very good reason as to why I should not kill you."
It didn't take Knil any time at all to scrounge up a reason. "I can lead you to the stone."
Samira's curiosity was peaked, but she still didn't remove her blade. "The Gerudo Diamond? You know where it is hidden?"
"I've seen it myself."
"And you will take me to it, just like that?"
Knil shrugged. "What reason could I possibly have for it?"
Samira considered the options for a bit. "What do you desire in return?"
"Just my life... and the destruction of this Goddess forsaken town. Y'know, if it's not too much trouble."
Samira smiled. "Sounds reasonable. Release him." She ordered, sheathing her sword, a broad grin on her face. "I believe we can strike some kind of deal."
##
AN: HA! I knew there was a reason I didn't like Luith. and please PLEASE tell me someone got the dbza reference. It was kinda stupid, but i couldn't resist stickin it in there. It fit, and just made me happy I could reference it
