Chapter 6: Between the Fog
The sun from before shied away behind a thick layer of fog. The visibility was close to nothing as we made our way toward Riften. Even though it was not raining, the fallen clouds had soaked threw our clothes. Behind me, Carys began to shiver. About an hour ago, she had taken a blanket out of her pack to wrap around herself, but its light material was not resistant to the weather and became as wet as our garments.
I could feel her head leaning against my back, most likely in attempt to steal some warmth.
"We're almost there" I assured her. I could feel her tiredness and discomfort as she fidgeted about.
"What are you saying? We haven't even reached Greenwall, yet," Carys mumbled.
I took a deep sigh. Greenwall was going to be a pain. The little bandit community was rumored to be thriving inside the fort's walls, and becoming a constant problem for travelers trying to use the main road. And going around the fortress was sadly not an option in this fog either. On one side there was a mountain range, on the other side was Autumnshade Clearing, which would be a death trap in this weather.
The best way would be to take out the archers at Greenwall and hopefully slide past their defenses quietly.
"What are you thinking about, Rayner?" Carys whispered.
Our safety. You staying alive. Death. You.
"Nothing" I breathed out. "I was just admiring the fog."
She chuckled slightly, "Very funny."
I could see the shape of the castle now in the distance. It was composed of multiple levels made of stone, and through the middle was the path leading straight to Riften. Those bandits would definitely be out on the towers. I roughly halted Riske, noticing a small cluster of leafy trees and rocks a short distance from the base of the castle.
"Why are we stopping?" Carys jolted up. "Are we near Greenwall?"
"Yes, we reached. Listen. There's a small patch of trees up ahead. With this fog, it should be enough to mask our presence for a while."
"Okay. Then what?" she asked. I jumped off Riske and heavily handed her the reigns.
"Carys, stay with Riske in that clearing," I pointed to the patch of trees. "When I give you the signal, I want you to ride through the walls until you get to safety," I said turning my face to her.
Carys began to look annoyed. "You know I can take care of myself. I don't have to hide behind a bush like that." Her brow was furrowing.
"Didn't you say that you needed protection? From bandits?"
"Yes, but I didn't mean that you fight while I hide like a coward."
I sighed heavily again. "Carys we agreed that you would listen to me without arguing. We shook hands, remember?" She was beginning to show her stubborn nature again that wasn't needed right now. Her headstrong attitude could be used later.
"Fine." She breathed out with irritation. "But don't expect me to run away when you're in danger." And with that she jumped off of Riske and quietly led him to the clearing, until they were smothered by the heavy mist.
As soon as they were secure, I began to make my way up the boulders on the side of the mountain, hoping to get a better view of the bandits situated outside. There were two in total that could be seen. One of them was sitting on a ledge of the tallest tower near a fireplace. An axe was strapped to his thigh and a bow positioned on his back. The other one was walking back and forth on one the bridges overlooking the entrance, with a cup of ale in his hand. He had a glowing mace placed on his hip, which would most likely prove as useless judging by the tipsy stagger in the man's movement. The one on the tower would be the best to take out first.
I took a steel arrow out of the quiver attached to my back and pulled back the string on my bow. My eyes locked on to the bandit on the tower who stopped to warm his hands by the fire, and I released the arrow, and watched it disappear into the fog until a scream was heard.