When Things Are Set Right

The Silver Shadow

Aeryn didn't have time to grab her bow. The men rushed upon them, swords drawn. She pulled her father's shortsword and swung wildly, deflecting a swipe from the nearest attacker with dumb luck.

She screamed, and Grim surged into action with a roar, to take on his own assailant.

Driven back, she slashed wide and clipped the man in the arm. He yelled and redoubled his attack.

She was no good with a sword. She needed her bow.

She dodged a stab and brought her blade down upon his shoulder, into his neck. Horrorstruck, she pulled her blade free with a wet scrape against bone, and he collapsed. His cohort nearly lost his footing as he stumbled over him. From a few feet away, Grim took the opportunity to run him through.

On the other side of the table, Milo's eyes darted around the room, and Aeryn became suddenly aware that he was the only Cord still standing. Grim had dispatched his attackers more quickly than she had the one. Milo drew a longsword, and stepped around the table to swing at Aeryn, who was closest. She flew out of the way and screamed again.

A chair flew across the room, breaking against Milo's body. Milo shielded himself as Grim rushed at him. One swipe and his bald head rolled across the ground, while his body fell at Grim's feet. Blood splattered Aeryn's clothes and arms, and pooled on the cellar floor.

Before Aeryn had time to react, Grim grabbed her by the elbow. "C'mon!"

The door was open. He took the stairs two at a time. Aeryn flew after him like a shot into the back alley.

Side by side, they dashed along the narrow path behind Lowhoods and cut between a pair of buildings, their packs clunking violently as they ran.

Shouts emitted from behind, igniting the fire in Aeryn's legs. The commotion had drawn the attention of those in the upper level of the gambling house. The smack of many feet behind them grew louder.

Aeryn chanced a backward glance. Four men with drawn swords flew around the corner in pursuit.

"They're behind us!" she cried. She led the way down another alley, and then another, Grim at her heels.

The yells and pounding of feet drew nearer. She pumped her arms and legs, pushing herself to go faster. In this dense, unfamiliar city, she had no idea where she was going. As they raced down another lane, she scanned for any way of escape, any place to turn, or hide.

"Aeryn!"

Grim took a sharp right and she ran after him. He made a quick left into an alcove where he stopped, dropped his pack, and unhooked his axe.

"We're going to have to fight," he said. "Get ready."

Aeryn dropped her bag beside his and readied her bow. She aimed for the corner, and took a steadying breath, prepared to skewer the first Cord who took the turn.

The gallop of feet crescendoed. The first man flew around the corner and Aeryn sent an arrow into his chest. He hit the ground, and the man directly after stumbled over him. He tumbled onto the cobbled street with a crack.

The other two Cord's darted around the corner, avoiding the collision.

Axe in hand, Grim tensed, ready to charge, when a mechanical shuttering sound drew their attention. One of the Cords staggered and fell, pierced in the heart by a crossbow bolt.

A few paces up the lane, Wolfe lowered his crossbow to reload the second bolt he held in his teeth. His scarred face was serious with deadly focus.

Grim burst forth and cut down the last Cord still upright. At this, the one who tripped over his comrade scrambled to his feet and attempted to flee. He made it only a few feet before Grim stopped him for good.