The Night Watchmen

Chapter 1, Part 2

The fall was further than anticipated, but the landing was safe and oddly cushioning. Devon and Grace had already mounted their horses, and Alistair helped Alec reach for his own. They sped off, racing hard; arrows flying toward them from all directions. Devon's horse was jerking violently; it seemed possessed.

'Stop it, stop, you lunatic-' But no sooner had he said this Devon was thrown off his horse and onto the ground with a thud; Neiron rolling beside him, still unconscious.

I'll get Neiron, Alec heard Alistair in his mind. He heard a squeak of surprise from Grace, who had come to a halt but then continued to race away from the castle- Alistair had spoken to her, too. Alec reached for Devon- his shoulder was dislocated. He groaned in pain as Alec pulled him up onto his horse, and together along with Alistair and Neiron, rode onward into the night.

They had successfully rode out of range from the castle, and had come across the forest of Stahl, where they would be hidden from even the most prying of eyes. The light of the moon hardly shone through the treetops, just enough to guide their way. The forest path was bumpy and overrun with branches and mud; the party dismounted their horses and began making progress on foot.

Grace walked swiftly and smoothly over the debris; pausing only to maybe guide her horse if it was struggling. Grace liked horses- they could keep up with her.

"Good evening; Lady." Alistair's voice came from her left side. She turned and gave a brief smile in his direction.

"Good evening; Alistair. Is Neiron still unconscious?"

"He woke earlier; but I gave him one of the sleeping remedies. He was confused, so he sort of just took it without argument." He paused for a moment, and then said; "Can I ask you something?" in a quiet voice.

Grace was taken aback by the sudden change of conversation, but nonetheless told him to continue.

"Where did Devon get that scar, the one on his face?"