HUNTED

Part I

Braxton River slowly opened the door to the little town's tavern. The scene of pleasant revelry greeted him. Cheery tavern music played as men and women were gathered around tables to eat, drink, and playing games of chance. The smell of ale and smoked meat hung heavy in the air. If only he had come to Misty Grove to enjoy its festivities.

He paused before entering and looked further up the mountain. There, his real destination sat like an ominous, hungry gargoyle that looked down on the town's inhabitants waiting to find its next victim. Castle Baste, home to whatever it was that was terrorizing these poor people.

"Saaaaay," a heavy-set woman said as she approached in her barmaid uniform, "aren't you a handsome one? So rugged-looking. I'm Mariann. Will you be needing a room, then? Our roasted boar is the finest you'll find in this land. That's what everyone tells me, you know? They all come for some of Mariann's meat."

Braxton managed a smile but shuffled past the little woman without replying.

"I could put you up in the room across from mine," she called after him. "I might get scared in the night though – just so you know. Discounts for strapping men that don't mind protecting ladies!"

Several of the male patrons stared at Braxton as he did his best to move through the crowded tavern. Several of the serving wenches gave him big smiles as they brushed past.

He finally managed to slide into a dark corner booth. He unsheathed his weapon and laid it on the table in front of him. A crystal sword that caused frost to form on whatever it touched.

"Ooooh," a shapely barmaid purred as she approached. "I like your sword. Looks fancy and all glowy. What'll it be tonight?"

"Meat, potatoes, and ale," Braxton replied without looking up.

The barmaid leaned in a little closer to maybe try and tempt him a little. She looked into his eyes to see they were a pale green.

"Just a standard order?" she continued to purr. "I'd have thought a mysterious stranger like you would want something a little more–"

"Meat... potatoes... and a flagon of ale," he repeated firmly.

She shrugged and straightened up. She adjusted her top a little before turning to leave.

Braxton caught her by the wrist.

"Wait, do you know of anyone else with a shiny sword? Is there anyone else here that has a magic weapon?"

The barmaid looked down at his hand wrapped around her little wrist, then back to him and shook her head.

He looked away and released his grip.

"The ale first, if you don't mind," he said.

The evening wore on and patrons came and went. Braxton studied each person as they entered. None appeared to have what was needed for the task ahead.

"So, how about that room for the night, handsome?" the heavy-set woman from earlier asked with a big smile.

Braxton slid a coin toward her and nodded.

Mariann picked up the coin and examined it. She bit the side and looked for a fresh indentation. Satisfied, she dropped it down the front of her blouse.

"Rooms are upstairs. Breakfast is at 7AM sharp. You'll need to be on your way by 8."

She turned, then paused and turned back with a little grin.

"...that is, unless you'd like that discount. I'm at the end of the hall on the left. No need to knock."

She gave him a knowing smile and walked back toward the kitchen.

Braxton looked out the tiny window beside his booth. Castle Baste glared down at him. He wondered if he would actually be able to sleep tonight.

The crickets were in full symphony when the tavern finally started to clear out. Braxton slid from his shadowy corner and ascended a small flight of stairs to find a room for the night.

Most of them were empty as he passed them. He wasn't sure which end of the hall Mariann was talking about, but he made a mental note to choose a room in the middle.

A brunette woman suddenly stepped out of one of the rooms as he passed and nearly bumped into him. She was slender and beautiful, but looked strong like a warrior. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment.

"Beg your pardon, good sir," she said softly and brushed past him.

He turned and watched her descend the stairs. He didn't remember seeing her during the night's revelry, but there had been a lot of people coming and going.

The room across the hall from hers appeared to be unoccupied. He looked to the staircase once more, then entered and closed the door.

* * * * *

Braxton's eyes opened before the sun was set to rise. Something was moving in the hallway outside the door. Had his lovely neighbour returned?

He looked at his crystal sword lying on the table. Its soft glow was enough for him to see the outline of his room.

The hallway footfalls faded into the distance.

Braxton turned over and closed his eyes. They opened again when the footfalls returned, however, moving faster this time. They started, then stopped. Then started and stopped again. Then again. And then again.

Braxton narrowed his eyes a little and stood wearing nothing but his long nightshirt. He quietly picked-up his ice blade and pressed his ear to the door to listen.

Nothing.

As quietly as he could manage, he opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. His neighbour's door was open. Had she not returned?

Something reddish-orange flashed for a brief moment in her room.

Braxton gripped his sword tight and held his breath. He listened for another moment, then slowly entered the brunette's open door.

"Hello?" he whispered into the dark. "Fair lady?"

A reddish-orange blade suddenly appeared at his throat. Braxton could feel heat emanating from the weapon as it hovered just underneath his chin.

"You were not invited here," his neighbour said in a low voice as she stepped from the darkness.

"I heard footsteps," he said slowly. "Your door was open. I meant no disrespect."

"As did I," she replied, never taking her eyes away from his. "Shall we investigate the 'night walker' together in our night things? Or shall I let my enchanted blade do its work and simply remove your head?"

Braxton slowly raised his sword and pressed it against her blade. A soft hiss sounded as he moved it away from his neck.

"Braxton River," he said and extended his hand. "I prefer my head where it is, if the lady agrees."

"Pleasure," the brunette responded, but didn't offer any further information. Her grip was firm. Braxton raised his left eyebrow.

The brunette stepped past him with her sword raised. She pointed for him to go the opposite direction down the hall.

He stared at her for a moment as she began to check the other empty rooms. He shrugged, then did as he was instructed.

Soft snoring could be heard from one of the rooms at the end of the hall. Surely this was where the heavy-set tavern keeper slept. Braxton would not be paying her a visit.

The brunette waved her hand to get his attention. She pointed down the stairs. Braxton nodded and indicated that he would follow her down.

Now back on the main floor, she held a finger to her full lips and pointed to the kitchen. Braxton heard it as well. Something was loudly chewing.

The pair slowly approached, glowing weapons at the ready.