The Venators

Chapter 1-Robin

Robin slid through the brush, silent and deadly. Behind him he heard a twig snap and a muttered oath. Hiding a grin, Robin turned around to see Amicus looking decidedly unhappy. Amicus was a big man with sandy hair and pale blue eyes. He was useful in a fight, but had no skill in the art of sneaking around. Sneaking around was all that the Exsequors did, for the moment. No doubt Amicus would be much helpful later on.

At the moment Robin and his crew were living in a city they had built among the trees. Forests were still abundant under the reign of the Venators, and not closely guarded. Scraping out a life in the woods was difficult for one person, let alone a couple hundred. Still, Robin had lived here his whole life. At first with his family when his father was a woodsman, then on his own when they were killed. 

"I don't know how you do it, Robin, and I don't want to know. If  I have to fight someone I prefer to walk right up to them and do it," Amicus grumbled, rubbing his foot. Robin's smile widened at this as he looked at his red faced best friend.

"That's because when people see you they decide not to fight, Amicus. But that doesn't help in recon," Robin replied cheerfully, but firmly. Amicus gave Robin a mutinous look, but kept his mouth shut. Robin had a bit of a temper and if pushed too far would snap. Robin glanced up, aware of a slight rustle in the brush a moment before a girl appeared in the leaves.

"Lenis. Any news?" Robin said in way of greeting. Yellow hair tied up with a string and clear hazel eyes made for an attractive face, but one that was well worn and hard. Her skin was the color of caramel and had many scars that peeked from her tunic and breeches. Lenis's  expression was one of apprehension as she fidgeted before Robin's gaze. It was clear she did not want to tell him the news she had learned. 

"Lenis," Robin warned, his voice hardening slightly. The petite girl nodded stiffly, staying near Amicus.

"I can't be sure of this, Robin. I could've been mistaken. After all, I wasn't able to stay the whole time. One of the guards saw my hair and-" 

"Lenis! Tell me what you saw!" Robin cut off the girl's ramblings. Lenis gulped audibly, then appeared to stiffen her resolve. She stood straight and resolute, prepared for the worst.

"The Venators, Robin, they seem to be preparing for battle. In great numbers."

Robin stared blankly at the slightly trembling girl for a moment. He couldn't have heard that right. It was impossible. The Venators were highly reclusive, only joining together monthly for meetings. He had been watching them for ten years now and he knew all their ways. He knew the Venators better then he knew most of the people in the city. Preparing for battle? Coming together in one place? This was entirely unlike them. 

But..... Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing. For ten years he had been watching, but he had yet to find Her. The one who left him alive in the midst of his families blood stained, broken bodies. To cry for hours before wandering off into the dark, scared and alone. He needed to find Her. He had to avenge his family, or he would never feel peace again. Perhaps at this great gathering She would be there and he would finally have a target.

"Take me to the place."

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Ta-dah! Chapter one! If it is not already obvious by the forest/name, I've decided to make this a spin off of Robin Hood! Only, you know, with the Venators instead of the Sheriff as the main enemy.