The Sword Maiden

Tenil

There was a good chance that the Ravager's buddies had heard him cry out when he fell. But there was also a good chance they wouldn't go to investigate because Redwar was coming down the road.

It could go either way.

I forced the Ravager up against the tree and hastily tied him up with the rope I'd brought for this purpose. I also stuffed a gag in his mouth. I couldn't look at Redwar while doing this, which irritated me. With a grunt I pulled the last knot tight. He was not getting away to sabotage us.

Evaluating the situation, I sheathed my knife and wrapped a hand around my sword as I knelt down to grab the Ravager's bow and quiver. Redwar was crossing the creek now. He looked relaxed, but I knew better.

I nocked an arrow and crept forward. It wasn't long before I spotted the other Ravagers, crouching behind bushes with hungry looks in their eyes, completely focused on Redwar. I crouched behind another tree.

Two of them whispered to each other, before the leader shushed them, and slowly drew his sword. I analyzed them. One was short and squat, like the bush he was tucked behind. I dubbed him, "Bushy," in my mind.

The next one was athletic looking, with corn cob colored hair, like Corban. I tensed. But no, it was not Corban. So, I named him "Corny."

The last one was the one that set me on edge. He was the leader. And he looked like he took this more seriously than anyone else. I decided to call him, "Meany."

Yes, I do like to name big tough Ravagers childish names. Helps make them less scary. In case you're wondering, if I didn't know him, I'd probably call Redwar "Oldy," because of his gray hair.

Don't tell him I told you that. He'll tan my hide.

Redwar finished crossing the creek. Both the Ravagers and I tensed as we watched him come up the road through the trees.

The lead Ravager raised three fingers. Silently he counted down. Three. Two. One. At his wave they surged silently forward.

Bushy circled around behind Redwar, while Meany and Corny stepped out in front. Ladine, sensing them coming, immediately perked up and looked ready to bolt. Redwar held her back.

Meany and Corny brandished their swords. "Stand down Redwar, and you won't be harmed by our hand," commanded Meany.

Redwar looked behind at Bushy. "You and I both know that's not true, Tenil."

Meany, or rather, Tenil, snarled. "You bet it isn't. We have orders to bring you in alive. Our leaders want you on trial. But they didn't specify if we had to bring you in one piece."

I shivered at the implications and began creeping forward.

Redwar drew his blade. "I thought as much."

"Don't fight it Redwar. If you defeat us and try to flee, we've got archers in the trees. You won't make it a hundred yards," threatened Tenil.

A slightly devilish grin spread over my face. Oh really?

I looked across the road, to see if I could spot Valeria. I didn't see here, but I didn't see any other Ravagers either, so I looked back down at the road.

"Archers? There's more than four of you? That's quite a risk," commented Redwar.

"Worth it for you, Redwar."

"Is it?" I shot back as I stepped out of the trees. I enjoyed the shock that spread over Tenil's face way too much.

Redwar gave me a small smile of approval. I nodded at him, then turned my attention back to Tenil at the sound of his guttural voice.