Broken Hearts, Broken Blades

Chapter 4: Strike

Simon:

Within twenty four hours, I had recovered. I wasn't stiff, and all the pain was gone. I sat on a small ledge, twirling the knife in my hand. Deeper in the tunnels, there was a small pond that ran from the lake outside. Some of the others used it as a fishing hole, or a quiet place. I used it as a way to center myself. To get away from the bad thoughts.

There was one guard standing by the shore, sharpening his sword. Another stood by the exit, slumped against the wall, his eyes closed. For once, everything felt normal, felt simple. I shut my eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath.

A splash shattered the silence, and I opened my eyes. The guard by the water was gone. I shrugged and leaned back a little. He likely just threw his stone in the water and left.

My eyes shut again, and I heard a faint shuffle. I opened one eye and looked around--I was alone again. I tucked the knife into my pocket. The second I let go, I heard the shuffle again. A hand pushed over my mouth and forced my head back. I could feel something sharp and cold press against my neck.

"W-wait, wait!" His fingers parted, and I strained to get a look at the person. "I'm not a threat. I can help you. Just tell me what you need. I'll help you find it."

The blade pulled back, and I moved my head a little. Whoever it was, they were strong--almost as strong as that saber-hound. His hand pulled away, and I turned around. He was dressed head to toe in black, metallic armor. There was a winged shape painted across his chestplate, and a similar one across the faceplate of the mask.

"What're you here for? Because if you're looking for the Gem, it's gone--it's ashes. Treasure?" He straightened up, standing at an imposing height--taller than anyone I'd met so far. I raised my hands in surrender. "I can help you, but you need me alive." He reached behind his back and unsheathed a large battle ax. I felt my heart jump. "Are you here for the Boss?" He hefted it and gave a short nod. "Okay. I can clear out some of the guards, but you need to let me go first."

He lifted the blade and pointed it at my neck. I raised my hands again. "I swear. After what he's sent us into, I want him dead too." His head cocked to one side, then lowered his weapon. "Please. Just wait."

I hurried past him, half-expecting the ax to get buried in my spine. I ran through the tunnels and skidded to a stop in front of one of the small living quarters. Melda, Darei and Kester were sitting on their beds, laughing and talking. I leaned in, and they all looked up. "What is it, creature? You look like you saw another saber-hound."

I shook my head. "You guys gotta get out of here, right now." Their smiles dropped. "Listen, I can't tell you why, but right now, you have to go. Grab your things and run. Please. You're good people, and I don't want you to get caught up in what's about to happen." They looked at me as though I was crazy. "Now! I'm serious!"

They stood up and started grabbing their stuff, occasionally looking up at me. The moment they were done, I stood up and back through the tunnels. I might not have been one of them, but if I was that serious, they knew better than to question it. I made it back to the pond and looked around. The Knight's ax extended, pressing against my neck. "Easy! I just had to get some friends of mine to leave. C'mon. I know where he is."

He followed me down the hall, towards the Boss' quarters. I stopped partway, then turned and looked up at him. "Listen, a lot of these people, they're not always nice, but they don't deserve to die. Please, just kill the Boss only."

His eyes weren't visible through his helmet, but I could feel him glaring at me. But he nodded and kept walking with me. I poked my head around the corner, and didn't see anyone. I looked back, and the moment I did, he marched out past me. We passed through a small common area, and into the area by the Tomb's entrance.