The Sword Maiden

A Choice

For awhile I crouched on that rooftop. The sun made it hot and I grew uncomfortable. Still I stayed.

Finally the Courthouse doors opened and the Council walked out. I perked up. I couldn't afford not to pay close attention.

They were still talking in whispers and casting glances of suspicion around. Finally they began to split their ways. The sheriff mounted his horse and reined about, heading to the city guards.

The Mayor and Mr. Brown continued talking as they walked down off the steps and onto the street, leaving the other two Councilmen. I was pretty sure neither of them were spies, a Ravager would never let himself get in such an unfit shape.

If the three that remained did nothing, than the Sheriff was probably the traitor. After all, he could organize the towns defenses poorly to aid in a raid. He could also give their positions to the Ravagers.

The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that the Sheriff was the traitor. I rolled my lips, debating whether to go back to Redwar or wait a little longer.

The other Council member mounted his horse and left. He was a priest of the Life-Giver. I didn't completely rule him out, but being a priest didn't seem like something a Ravager spy would want to be.

The last two Council members, the Judge and the Elected one, were still on the steps The Elected one dealt with miscellaneous matters. I didn't know his name and had frankly forgotten about him.

Suddenly they looked around and leaned in close to one another. Their expressions changed. Instead of being worried they seemed... Excited?

I leaned forward, trying to get a better look.

The Elected one went down off the steps. He went to and from the people. He seemed to be asking them a question. Some shook their heads, but others nodded and pointed down the road.

The way we had gone.

I tensed, gripping the rooftop.

He went back to the Judge, and talked to him, reporting what he'd found. Now their faces had changed again. The excitement remained but with it was worry and a need for haste.

They parted ways, going in different directions. The Elected one headed the way we had gone, but then turned off into an alley. He glanced around a moment, then bolted down the alley with speed that shocked me.

Ravagerian speed.

That did it. I half-stood, ready to find Axe and tell Redwar. But then...

No. Could it really be? Was it?

It was! Derrek's face stood out in the crowd like a stain on white fabric. My heart swelled and I nearly called out to him.

Oblivious to my presence, he was talking with a man with a gray beard who was a blacksmith. They smiled at each other and clasped hands. Then Derrek turned and mounted a dark gray dappled horse. He began to ride opposite of the direction I had come from.

I turned, determined to scramble off the roof and stop him. But as I reached the edge I moaned.

I couldn't go to him. Not now. I had to get back to Redwar. Time was fast draining away.

I swayed. Derrek! You're so close! But could I go to him when people might die because I did?

It would not be right to let this happen to some other woman or family.

But Derrek! Surely I could reach him and we could ride to Redwar together...

No. There wasn't enough time. The Elected one might have already reached wherever he was going right now.

And I knew what Derrek would want me to do.

Choking back a sob I climbed down from the roof. I ran out onto the street and cast one longing glance at Derrek's back. "Derrek!" I couldn't help myself.

But he was too far away and the crowd too loud for him to hear.

"I'm coming for you," I whispered.

It took all my might to turn away from him and run. But I had no choice. And I knew this was what he would want me to do.

My tears clouding my vision I bumped and shoved through the people. I think I got a few names thrown at me but I don't remember. All I could think about was Derrek.

I found Axe and untied him. Anger flooded me, making my hands tremble. If I couldn't be with Derrek because of this, then I would do it for Derrek.

I vaulted onto Axe's back so powerfully I almost flew over to the other side. I righted myself and pulled him around. I clucked to him and squeezed.

The grove of trees came up faster than I wanted it to. I didn't bother to pull Axe to a walk as I steered him into the trees. He halted on his own and I slid off.

Redwar hurried up to me, and, seeing the tears on my cheeks, he grabbed my shoulders. "Ravine! What happened?"

I shook my head. "No time. The Elected one is the traitor. He asked the townspeople where we had gone. He sprinted down an alley with the speed of a Ravager."

I brushed the tears away. "I think the Judge is a traitor too."

Redwar thought for a moment. "They'll try to ambush us on the way back. One of them will probably go to the border and bring back a raiding party while the city is till trying to prepare. It's the perfect time."

"Valeria, Ravine, go to the Sheriff. Tell him to rally his forces and prepare them for a raid. If we can't stop this, they need to be ready."

"Where will you go Redwar?" asked Valeria.

"To find out our options. Whatever you do, do not go home."

I was puzzled with Redwar's cryptic response to Valeria's question but chose to trust him.

As Redwar went to Ladine, Valeria asked me, "What else happened?"

Another flood of emotions hit me and I sank to the ground. "Derrek... I saw Derrek. And I couldn't go after him because I had to come here."

Redwar jumped onto Ladine. "Ravine."

I looked up.

"Once all this is over, we'll find your brother. I promise."