The Waters Secret

The Druid Prince - Part 2

"Then I guess I will just have to defeat you first." Hank decided as Korbin swung his blade. Hank dodged countering his attack. Korbin growled dancing with Hank around the table as they sized each other up. Korbin missed his footing over a couple of potted plants, causing his chest to scream in agony when he caught himself, allowing Hank to get a shot at his already bruised ribs. Korbin hissed when he landed on the table knocking his water glass onto the hearth. He pouted at the shattered glass, turning back to the man waiting quietly.

"What are you looking at? I can still kick your ass." Korbin growled picking himself up. Everything was hurting and he was sure that those bruised ribs were now cracked. He needed to pull himself together. For Quinn's sake.

"Look I don't have all day. Just sit there until your shadow comes for you. Pretend your wolf bait." Hank grunted noticing how the young man tensed up when he mentioned his comrade. Hank tilted his head to the side, his bun falling lose in their struggle. His rich brown hair dancing around his shoulders as he considered the younger man.

Something told him that Korbin wouldn't let him take the shadow without a fight. Though he was also getting the feeling that it was more than just because he was his shadow. Korbin didn't seem to care about the other assassins the same way. And from what he remembered; the others didn't care about the younger two either. Just the jobs they could do.

Hank used a feint to deflect the agitated assassin, using his fist to knock him back into the table away from him. Something was wrong. This wasn't the assassin he was expecting. Forget feared assassin. This was a man with the ability of a new recruit struggling through their first day on the guard. Even Raven could take him on in this condition.

Korbin gasped as he rolled over the table, using it to separate them. He was letting his emotions get the best of him. He needed to lock them away and focus on the job. Otherwise, this guy would be after his Quinn. He had sworn to protect him. Or die trying.

Korbin growled stumbling to his feet. Carrying that heavy bag this far had only aggravated his old wounds and though he tried his best to hide it from Quinn, it was getting hard to hide it from anyone else.

Hank spun his sword casually, watching the redhead take his stance as he tried to hide his aching ribs. Hank frowned wondering what they were thinking sending a hurt assassin after him. Surely Adam told them all about him. It was clear; however, Korbin was lacking the bloodlust. It didn't seem like he had any desire to harm Hank or his wife. They were just a job. One Korbin couldn't refuse without consequences.

Though it wasn't the job that fueled Korbin's frustrated grunts as he forced himself to keep up the fight. In fact, Hank was sure Korbin would have fled already to recover if it wasn't for that quiet rage building behind those golden eyes every time Hank mentioned his partner. Something about the bowman kept Korbin on his feet fighting.

Let's see just how much he was hurting, Hank decided. Korbin and Hank danced as they parried each other. The swords clashing abruptly as they spun and fought. Hank tricked the assassin causing Korbin to stumble forward when he failed his footing to quickly shift his weight for the next attack.

Using the opening in his defense, Hank sliced the tunic, adding another red cut to the young man's back. Korbin huffed as his vest fell off when he fell to his knees, hissing as the cut began to sting. He tried to turn around only to have the weight of a boot press him down into the floor.

"I have heard many rumors involving you, Korbin. I heard you were the best sword fighter there was and honestly, I was growing doubtful." Hank grumbled as he moved the red braid out of his way, taking in his bruised and battered skin. Korbin scoffed.