Amazon's Power (ON HOLD)

Chapter 9

A cloaked man leaned against a tree, his dark forest green cloak camouflaging him from prying eyes. The man's sharp, almost hawk-like, facial features were shadowed by the cowl of his cloak. Although his posture appeared relaxed, his eyes under the large hood roved relentlessly, searching and observing his surroundings, the clearing and the road that led to the clearing.  So when another man, slight and wearing an expensive scarlet velvet tunic, riding a horse appeared on the path, he only straightened slightly as his hand went to his belt. The other man jumped off his horse swearing. "Where is that bastard? I was told the location and time. Why isn't he here?"

The man in the cloak chuckled and moved into the path. Gravel crunched underneath his boots as he walked toward the other man who had gone pale white at his approach. "The so-called bastard you seek is here," he said calmly, drawing a thin knife as he went, the tan golden skin crisscrossed by thin white scars, "And he doesn't appreciate the lateness or the foul mouth." Twirling the knife, the man eyed the man, similar to how a wolf would eye its prey, "Where is my payment?"

"Half before completion," the slight man said, trembling as he threw a bag full of coins to the cloaked man, "And the other half when I receive the information for my master."

"Hmmm... And the password is?"

"The snake strikes when few expect it to do so."

"Very good. I have delivered the message and continue to keep the group in surveillance. Your spy has managed to split the leaders away from the group. They are much more intelligent and skilled than you think. There has been no reply to the message. Contact me at the Hare Inn in Darkira, ask for John Doe in room 3 and the message will be sent to me that you request your next update. I have ways of informing you of where and when we shall meet. Payment?" the cloaked man uttered with no inflection. There was no change in tone or pitch as he delivered the report, almost as if he were reciting a list of items and not information that men would kill for.

"The other half of your payment." The man threw another bag of coins. "My master thanks you for the service and should be in touch soon," he stammered before mounting his horse and galloping away.

"I'm sure he doesn't," the cloaked man muttered. "Not at the price I'm charging him." The green cloak shimmered before the man disappeared into the forest holding the bags. Soon after, a hawk's shrill cry rang out over the forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They headed out at dawn. Zeke led the way followed by everyone else. No one saw them off, the rest of the camp had disappeared into the surrounding forest in the middle of the night. Jay and Marci slipped into the forest to scout the surroundings, making no sounds. Zeke still wondered how they had managed to pull everything off so quietly. He had slept through the night and not the slightest sound had woken him from his slumber. Glancing back, he saw that while he, Samuel and Micah had large packs, all the Amazons carried small green bags slung over their shoulders. Everyone wore their weapons so they could be drawn at moments notice.

"Good morning," Diana said. Zeke snapped his head around in shock. This was the second time that she had snuck up on him without his noticing. "Are you ready to go face your Commander?" Zeke snorted and adjusted his straps.