Chapter 9. Shadows of Woolwich
Hunter led the way towards the aged tavern. Three shadowy figures cloaked in Templar attire followed in his wake, their silent steps blending with the mist that swirled around them. Each movement was deliberate, every footfall echoing a silent threat as they navigated the murky streets of Woolwich under the veil of dusk. He was seeking a lead, any hint of information, after unearthing some intriguing clues by the riverbank that suggested his elusive target might still be alive. But, alas, the trail had grown cold.
At least for the moment.
Hunter knew well that a tavern was a fertile ground for gathering information; people loved to gossip. Whoever had the folly to aid the young crow might have been spotted or might have shared tales of their week's excitement with friends. Hunter doubted this sleepy suburb had anything else remotely thrilling to discuss in their day-to-day existence.
Hunter's entrance into the lively tavern was like a shadow creeping over a sunlit meadow. The lanterns cast a warm glow, painting the room in flickering light and the air buzzed with animated conversations. Without hesitation, he strode towards Walter, his presence commanding attention.
"I seek the landlady," Hunter's voice cut through the chatter, firm and unwavering.
Walter, ever vigilant, assessed Hunter and his armed entourage. "She's indisposed tonight, sir. But I can assist you," he offered calmly, polishing a mug with a weathered cloth.
A flicker of impatience crossed Hunter's face. "It is imperative that I speak with her directly. I will find my own way if needed," his words carried a veiled threat, sending a chill through the room.
Sensing the danger in Hunter's demeanour and his company, Walter knew this was no ordinary visitor. The prospect of him ascending the stairs alone was unsettling. "Just a moment, sir. I'll fetch her," Walter replied hastily, striding down the corridor towards the staircase, concern knotting in his gut for his dear friend awaiting above.
Walter's knuckles rapped against the door, the sound reverberating through Lilly's living quarters. Upon her permission, he entered to witness Lilly's focused attention on Jacob's injured shoulder. With practiced precision, she delicately stitched his flesh back together, each movement purposeful and steady. "There's a rather unsavoury character downstairs looking for you, Lilly," Walter announced, his tone dripping with contempt as he shot a glance at Jacob, his distaste thinly veiled.
A flicker of concern sparked in Lilly's eyes. "What does he want?" she inquired, a hint of worry colouring her voice.
"He wishes to ask you some questions," Walter responded matter-of-factly.
Taking a deep breath, Lilly felt the gravity of the situation settling upon her. "I'll return shortly, Jacob," she reassured him with a gentle yet resolute tone. "Please be careful not to strain your stitches again. I'll handle him."
As she prepared to depart, Jacob's hand reached out and clasped hers tightly, his expression filled with apprehension. Locking eyes with her, he cautioned in a hushed voice, "Stay cautious; these people are dangerous." In an attempt to mask her own unease, Lilly mustered a reassuring smile. "I understand; just rest easy. I'll get rid of him," she pledged softly before descending the stairs.
Walter's presence lingered, his gaze piercing Jacob with a chilling intensity. His words carried a weighty threat veiled in quiet menace, "If anything happens to her for sheltering your sorry arse, then those people will be the least of your problems," The protective instinct towards Lilly was evident in his tone as he continued, "She's like family to me. If she suffers because of you, I'll make you wish you had died on that bank." With a determined stride, Walter followed Lilly, his footsteps echoing determination.
Jacob threw his shirt back on in contemplative silence. A subtle smile played on his lips as he refrained from his usual witty retorts, understanding all too well the fierce instinct to protect loved ones. He respected Walter for that. Moving purposefully across the room, Jacob positioned himself near the door, sharpening his focus. He honed in on the sounds below him, filtering out distractions to catch every word of the impending conversation downstairs. The Templars had something to say, and he intended to hear every word.
Lilly's gaze immediately found Hunter, a looming figure behind the bar, exuding an aura of darkness and authority. His towering presence seemed as though sculpted from stone, sending shivers down her spine. His cold, grey eyes bore into her with unwavering intensity, causing goose bumps to rise on her skin. With a determined effort to steady herself, she spoke up, "Excuse me, sir? You wished to speak with me?"
Without hesitation, Hunter smoothly settled onto a barstool, his imposing demeanour undiminished even in a seated position. His voice remained composed and distant as he responded, "Indeed, miss. I've already spoken with your barmaid. You're aware of the fugitive hiding around these parts. Have you come across any new information?"
Struggling to maintain her composure, Lilly met his gaze evenly and replied with practiced calmness, "I regret to inform you that I have not. I've been occupied upstairs due to a persistent headache tonight and haven't had many interactions with the patrons." Hunter's stare bore down on her like a weighty judgment, causing discomfort to crawl under her skin. After an unsettling pause, he spoke softly, "I understand. May I display these posters here; they might prove beneficial." Though his words were polite, the steely determination in his eyes revealed an unyielding resolve.
"Please feel free," Lilly consented with a hint of trepidation in her voice. "If you would excuse me for a moment—this headache is unbearable." As she gently massaged her temples in distress, Hunter offered a nod of understanding. "Certainly, miss. My apologies for disturbing your peace."
With fluid precision, Hunter moved to the left wall and began pinning up wanted posters featuring Jacob's likeness, each one promising a substantial reward for his capture. Just as Lilly made to depart, Hunter's voice sliced through the heavy atmosphere once more. "Before you go, miss," his tone turned steely, "I must impress upon you one final matter. The man we seek couldn't have fled far in the state I left him in. Should anyone be found aiding his escape, they shall face dire consequences. If perchance you discover someone harbouring this fugitive knowingly, it would be wise—for their sake and yours—to notify us promptly.
Lilly's heart raced like a startled stallion, her fear of Hunter overhearing its thunderous beat almost palpable. Despite the turmoil within her, she mustered a façade of calm and murmured softly, "Certainly, sir... goodnight." With those words, she pivoted gracefully, the persistent drumming of her heart reverberating in her ears as she left the bar.
Hunter's gaze fixated on her with a predatory intensity, akin to a wolf honing in on its quarry. He shifted his attention to the Templar at his side, a silent inquiry hanging in the air. "So, you're suggesting that this establishment decided to run discounted ale and close early all in one night?" The Templar affirmed with a knowing nod, adding, "I frequent this place often, and such discounts are unheard of. It would have cost them dearly on a bustling evening like that."
Pursing his lips in contemplation, Hunter muttered under his breath, "But what purpose could she have had..." His eyes narrowed as he delved deeper into his calculations, consumed by the puzzle before him.
Lilly closed the door softly, the tension of the recent confrontation easing as she pressed her back against it. She let out a quiet sigh, murmuring to herself, "That was quite unpleasant." Beside her, Jacob stood pensively until his eyes widened in alarm. Silently, he dashed ahead, deftly donning his gauntlet as he discreetly nudged the blood stained bandages beneath the bed with his foot. In one seamless motion, he raised his arm towards the ceiling. Meanwhile, Walter's voice boomed, "Now, wait just a damned minute!" The sound of his protest echoed from below just as Lilly sensed a sudden pressure against the door behind her. Before she could react, it swung open forcefully. In strode Hunter, his imposing figure dominating the small living space. Lilly's heart raced as she took slow steps backward, her emerald eyes widening in fear. She clutched a delicate golden ring on a silver chain around her neck, a tiny talisman of hope against the looming threat. Hunter's intense gaze swept the room like a predator seeking its prey, fixating on the inconspicuous box of medical supplies and the unravelled bandage within. With calculated menace, he advanced towards them, his presence casting a chilling shadow over the room.
Behind him, Walter hurried in, his usually composed demeanour flustered by the tension in the air. Up above, unseen by those below, Jacob bit back curses of frustration at the precarious situation unfolding. The crowded space below teemed with too many bodies for any swift action without risking Lilly or Walter's safety. Hunter closed the distance to the bandages, his grip tightening as he studied them with a silent intensity that sent shivers down Lilly's spine. "What have we here" Hunter growled as his cold eyes fixed on Lilly
the hint of a sinister smile curling at the corners of his lips. "Care to explain these?"
Lilly could feel the weight of his gaze like an iron chain pulling her deeper into a pit of despair. "They're just medical supplies for the bar," she stammered, her voice trembling as she fought against the rising tide of panic. "Nothing more."
Hunter's lips curled into a mirthless smile that failed to reach his eyes. "You misunderstand me, miss. It's not the bandages that pique my interest—it's the man who might have used them." He took another step closer, his imposing presence practically swallowing the space around them. "Tell me where he is, and perhaps I can offer you some semblance of mercy." With a swift gesture, the Templars by his side swiftly initiated an intense search of her chambers.
Lilly's heart raced at his words as she tried to stall for time. "I really don't know what you're talking about."
Jacob's pulse quickened as he stealthily unsheathed his hidden blade, poised for the perfect instant to act. Anxious thoughts swirled in his mind, not for himself but for the two souls who had selflessly come to his rescue.
Walter stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "You've no right to barge in here and accuse us without proof," he shot back, trying to guard Lilly with his bulk. Hunter's expression hardened at Walter's defiance, and he stepped closer, maintaining eye contact with Lilly almost as if he could peer directly into her mind. Walter thrust a sleeve, showing a large cut and breaking Hunters line of sight from his friend "She helped me clean this up earlier!" he growled "So take your accusations elsewhere"
Hunter's cold gaze flickered momentarily to Walter's injury, but then returned to Lilly, his eyes narrowing into slits of calculated menace. "You're treading dangerous waters, old man," he warned, his voice a low whisper laced with venom. "This isn't just about accusations; it's about lives. Yours included."
In that fleeting moment, Lilly caught the glint of Jacob's blade from the shadows above, the silent promise of action echoing in the air. She had to think quickly; events were about to spiral out of control.
"Please, let's not escalate this further," Lilly implored, summoning every ounce of courage within her. "We have no allegiance to this man you seek... nor do we wish you harm." Her voice trembled yet held an underlying strength as she bravely met Hunter's unyielding stare. "Gang members hold no place in my heart. They snatched away my husband two years past, leaving wounds that time cannot heal." Hunter scrutinized her eyes, recognizing the raw anguish that echoed in her words.
The tension in the room thickened as Hunter, with a predatory grace, stepped back, signalling to his Templars to exit. "I see. Consider yourself fortunate... for the moment," his voice rumbled ominously. His piercing gaze swept over the shadowy corners of the ceiling, causing Jacob to instinctively duck behind a robust beam to evade his scrutiny. In a heartbeat, he vanished without a trace, leaving an eerie silence in his wake.
Lilliana's graceful form quivered as she melted into Walter's protective hug, her gentle green eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank the heavens that I nicked my arm on that fencing yesterday," he whispered, his gaze sharp and unwavering on Jacob. Descending cautiously with his uninjured arm, Jacob swiftly crossed the room to the window, monitoring Hunter and his entourage departing. Suddenly, Walter's voice thundered through the space, "It's time for you to depart!" he snarled at the Assassin. Jacob shot back an irritated glance, "I'm of a similar mind," he grumbled, preparing to gather his belongings when Lilly observed him falter slightly, a bloom of crimson staining his shirt's shoulder. With a deep exhale, she traversed the room and laid a tender hand on his arm, "You've reopened your stitches. Come, let me mend them." "Lilly!" Walter implored, "Enough! It's too perilous for him to remain." Lilly fixed Walter with a stern gaze. "I haven't gone through all this trouble just to send him back out onto the streets so he can collapse. He stays!" Jacob moved to support Walter's stance, but Lilly silenced them both decisively. "No more arguments from either of you!" she declared firmly. "My decision is final. No one is sacrificing their life tonight, especially not under my care!"
