Times Treasures

chapter three

" Ah shit." I said as the man stood from his knelling position.

His face and hair were wet as if he had been trying to use the pond water to wash some of the dirt off.... it didn't help much. But still under it all I could see that he was a very attractive man with black hair and bright green eyes. I'm sure if he shaved he would have the perfect superman chin. Even though I took those attributes in, what I was really paying attention to was his size. He was a good foot taller then me and had muscles that could break my neck in an instant. If I hadn't been training for this all my life that is. As it stands now my 5"3' works well for me by making others underestimate my abilities.

As he stood there watching as if to decide on what to do he took a quick side glance toward his horse. Probably where his weapon if he had one was. Apparently decided the horse was to far he took half a step forward and pulled a knife out from his waste while leaning into a fighting stance.

so much for low profile. alright here we go.

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After riding for the past few days looking over the lands I had inherited from the king I was exhausted and fed up. There were several signs of bandits using the land at their pleasure. As I came for a break next to a pond the wind began to pick up out of nowhere and there was loud clashes of thunder.

"I can see right through her!" Someone shouted from behind me. I spun around wondering how someone could have got so close to me with out me seeing or hearing them. But I didn't see anyone. Then there was one more clash of thunder off to my right. As I turned in that direction I saw a dark figure standing there in a full black cape and hood. Not a single amount of skin was showing. I noticed this person was small in size. but was obviously stealthy since he was able to sneak up on me. He must be a very well trained bandit. Never the less if he made one move I wouldn't hesitate to attack. Glancing over at my sward tide to my horses saddle I new I wouldn't be able to reach it right away. I would just have to make due with my dagger. For now.

"If you've come looking for trouble you've found it today my friend" I said as I pulled my dagger out to show I meant business.

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He didn't seem scared? He must not have seen me come thru. Thank the gods! OK here it goes.

Taking a step forward I slowly raised my hands and pulled my hood down.

"Hello." I said, taking a small step forward. "Umm. I'm sorry for sneaking up on you. I've been traveling an became a little lost. Could you tell me where the closest town is?"

He crouched a little lower while raising a eyebrow. "You expect me to believe that?"

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She was beautifully distracting. brilliant green an eyes one would beg to be lost in. Her skin was tanned from the sun. With just a hint of freckles on her nose an cheeks. And even thou her hair was tied in a not at the top of her head it still trailed down to a few inches below her shoulder. Yes beautifully distracting.

"Where's the rest of your group."

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"What?" Cate asked, cocking her head to the side. "I don't have a group. Its just me."

He gave a harsh laugh. " Your first mistake was thinking I was dumb enough to believe you and your second mistake was lieing to me."

"Lieing? Im not lieing. I really am lost sir. So if you could please point me in the right direction I'll be on my way."

"Your telling me that your in the middle of the woods, which is known for bandits and highway men, with no horse or supplies. What'd you do, walk here?"

He said with a snicker as if he had said something funny.

"As a matter of fact I did have a horse but he was stolen this morning." I said with as much ease as if it were the truth.

"Really? And what did this thief look like?"

"I don't know. I was robbed before dawn. when I was sleeping."

The man looked like he was thinking about my story. "Fine the closest village is half a days walk east of here. I'm heading in that direction now. you can ride with me and when we arrive I can check out your story an see if anyone has been thru trying to sell anything. But I doubt it."

"Umm...OK thanks."

He replaced his dagger while walking slowly in my direction. And when he was about 3 feet away from me he swept into a shallow bow.

"I am Nicholas Devereux of Wexford. And you are?"