OoO( 4 )OoO
The rain fell heavily as the two walked the trail left behind in the mud. The rain couldn't have made it any more obvious where the cart was leading, with two sunken wheel tracks going down the path as if they were torchlights.
"So, you know where they are?" asked Thunder.
Lyle nodded as the rain ran down his face. "I do. I went on a quest for Maze to find that man, the Archeologist. We found him inside a hidden cave that was sealed by magic..." he said, wiping water out of his eyes.
"You think these guys are strong enough in magic to open it?" asked the large man.
Lyle shook his head. "I doubt it. Me and Maria found a group of stones that acted as a locking system, similar to the lock of a door." he said, getting a strange look from Thunder. "When you insert a key into a lock, you turn it and it has a specific design that fits directly into the contraption, allowing it to be unlocked. Any variation from that size or shape of the key and it won't fit into the design."
"I see, and if the door was sealed by magic, then you are saying that these 'keystones' required a specific spell in order to unlock it." said Thunder, catching on to Lyle's explanation.
The warrior nodded and continued. "And the more complicated locks, those of the higher security areas nowadays, have more than one key, that you have to use in succession. Once you unlock with one key, you have to use the next until finally the door unlocks. This specific lock required three different spells, each given by a clue left on the stones."
"So, if you think this was too difficult for them to maneuver, then how did they get into this cave?" asked Thunder.
"Well, when we left the cave, we never closed the door. And imagine yourself as a kidnapper in this weather, would you be holding onto a squirming possibly rebellious hostage in the rain? Or would you find shelter from the rain and hold bound in a corner with only one entrance leading out?" asked Lyle.
"I see. So, using this you think they are in that cave?" asked Thunder as the rain bounced off his helmet.
Lyle laughed for a moment before continuing. "That, and this trail is leading strait for the cave."
"I guess that would give you a clue. So, what is the plan?" he asked, slightly amused.
"There is only one plan that will work in this situation. They have the gold, and the hostage now, which means that the likelyhood of the boy being alive has dropped considerably." he said as he placed his hand on the new handle, squeezing it and getting a feel for it.
"So, if they are still there then the plan is to take everyone out and ask questions later?" asked the man with a smirk. Lyle nodded. Thunder cracked his knuckles inside the metal gauntlets. "My favorite kind of plan..." he said.
"Wait..." said Lyle as he squinted slightly. "You've gotta be kidding me." said the warrior as he shielded his eyes from the rain.
Thunder slid his visor up so he could see better. "What is it? Do you see something?" asked the man.
Lyle laughed to himself. "I do. Lets go, and be as quiet as you can." he said as he drew his weapon.
OoOoO
The cart sat in the rain, a large cloak draped from the cart to the ground, with three guards packed under it. The rain fell heavy, making the path a mud trap, and making the forest droop as it received its nourishment.
"Hey, get your elbow out of my side!" shouted one of the guards.
"I can't help it! This shelter is tiny!" said another of the men under the cloak.
"'Ow bout I kick you both out of 'ere? It's my cloak!" said the third of the disgruntled men.
"Why'd it have to rain? This cart feels like a horse is sitting on it. There is no way we can pull it during this storm!" growled the first guard.
"Shut yur trap. Try and get some rest while its pourin' out there.
We'll continue again when it lightens up."
"Are you sure they won't send someone after us when they find the cart gone?" asked one of them.
The third guard in the group glared at him. "Would you send anyone out in this weather? And sides, with this kind of rain it will be near impossible to follow us. Our trail has probably been wiped clean." he said sighing. "We better get a good share of this."
Suddenly, all three were alerted to the sound of a branch snapping nearby. The all drew their weapons and stepped out into the rain, looking around for the noise.
"It's good you aren't real guards. Having someone as stupid as you guarding a city would be a shame." said a voice behind them. They all spun around and saw Lyle standing on top of the cart.
The guard with the crossbow raised it and aimed at the warrior, only to be brought down with the heavy thud of Thunder's broad sword. The others turned and looked at the giant man standing behind them. They were now surrounded. One of the guards raised his weapon to attack Thunder when he fell to the ground unconscious, his body convulsing with electricity.
Thunder sheathed his sword at his side as the last guard looked at his fallen comrade. Grabbing the man, he smashed his head against the wooden cart, rendering him sensless before silencing him with an earth shattering punch to the jaw.
Lyle jumped down and looked at the three guards out of commission. "That...was too easy..." he said amused. "If this is any sign of the future I wouldn't be surprised to see the kid dragging the rest of them back and throwing them in the prison." he said, making
Thunder chuckle. "Cummon, lets get this thing down to the cave. We still have work to do." he said.
OoOoO
The man stared out into the rain as his men again complained about their situation. "Damn rain. How are we supposed to make an escape with the cart if the forest floods?" asked one of the men.
"Don't worry about it. We can keep the kid as insurance to make sure we make it out without being attacked." said another.
"Oh, right. And when the mayor finds out that we took his gold an his kid, he surely won't send an army of heroes after us to get them back." said the first, irritated at the stupidity of his partner.
"Oy...shut yer mouth. Least I'm thinkin' of somthin stead of just sittin there like a tick on a balverine!" said the bandit angrily.
"All of you shut your gobs!" shouted the leader as he spun around with his sword ready. "If I hear one more of your yaps open before the cart gets here then I'll personally carve a permanet smile on your face!"
"Boss!" shouted a man from the entrance of the cave.
"What!?" he shouted angrily.
"Uhh...sorry boss. Thought you ought to know the cart is coming down the path." said the bandit, cowering back into his post.
"Oh...well done." he said glaring at the rest of them before turning and going back to the entrance. He spied it as it was being pulled down the path. "That isn't one of our men is it?" he asked, noticing Lyle pulling the cart down the path.
"Fraid I've never seen him before boss." said the watchman as he stared out as well. "He is wearing armor, maybe he's a mercenary that wants to be part of the plan."
The leader looked at the man stupidly before sighing. "I'm working with idiots..." he said. "It's a hero. He is here to either make the exchange or to take us out. So have your weapons ready." he said. Him and his men filed out of the cave and surrounded the cart. Lyle looked at them and smiled.
"Good day gentlemen." said Lyle as he stopped the cart. He crossed his arms and looked at the one which was obviously the leader. "Where is the boy?" he asked.
"You do not command me. I want to see the gold first!" he said pointing at the hero.
Lyle smirked. "Forgive me, but I will be the one giving orders. With or without a weapon, I could kill you all. So lets keep this civil and you show me the boy." he said smiling.
The man growled and drew his sword. "Thats enough from you! That gold is mine, and I'll take it from your corpse if I have to!" he shouted. Turning to his men, he grunted, "Kill him!" The bandits drew their weapons high and charged toward the hero, who bore a very dark smile.
OoOoO
Michael had been beaten slightly and roughly hauled into the cave by the men. His head was still a little cloudy, and he shook his head when the men left the cave. Suddenly, his eyes went wide as he heard loud screams from outside. Bright lights formed from magic were cast over the wall, causing him to jerk at his chains on his wrists and legs.
Suddenly, he looked up and saw a dark figure in the doorway. He yanked his chains faster and harder as the figure approached. It was no use. The gag in his mouth wouldn't let him yell, and the figure stood towering over him. He closed his eyes tightly as the figure descended on him and grabbed him around the throat.