Moon to My Earth Part 1

Cormac

Meanwhile, deep within the bandit hideout, the three outlaws burst through the entrance, with Kate in tow. Their arrival doesn't go unnoticed. A goblin bandit barks an announcement, attracting the leader Cormac's attention.

(GB1)Hey Cormac, Gordo is back![sniff] And I smell a human with them!

Cormac stands near the bandit. His ears, usually drooped, perk up a bit at the news. He swivels around to see Gordo with the other two bandits riding towards them. A smile spreads across Cormac's face as he watches the group approach. Gordo stops his horse near Cormac and dismounts. As he gets closer, Cormac sees Kate on the horse. She scowls as she stares onward.

(C)Gordo, I'm so glad you're back. Is that her?

(G)It sure is, she gave us some trouble and almost got away. But almost wasn't enough.

(C)Glad to hear that.

(G)Hey you, get down from the horse!

(K)Kind of hard with these restraints. I'd fall on my ass if I got off now since I can't hold on to anything.

(G)You've been a pain in my ass, I said get off of the horse!

(C)It's okay, Gordo, she's right, go ahead and uncuff her. Don't worry, she can't go anywhere.

Gordo hesitates, but then complies. He pulls a small key from his pocket and reaches up to unlock the restraints on Kate's wrists. He unties the rope around her, allowing her to dismount from the horse. The moment Kate touches the ground, Gordo grabs her arm and roughly drags her towards Cormac. They stop abruptly in front of him. With a twist, Gordo snatches the hood of Kate's cloak and pulls it off, revealing her face. Cormac gazes down at her, a smile playing on his lips.

(C)I've been waiting to meet you. Kate, is it? My name is Cormac. I'm sure Merig has mentioned me.

(K)Yeah, he told me what a piece of shit you are.

Gordo gets all riled up after hearing Kate's words, shooting her an angry look as he aggressively grabs hold of her hair and confronts her up close. Kate winces in pain, letting out a cry while attempting to break free from Gordo's firm hold on her hand, but she can't quite manage to do so.

(G)Hey! Watch what you say, you filthy human!

(C)It's okay, Gordo, she's free to have her own opinion, let her go.

Gordo's eyes dart towards Cormac, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. He loosens his grip on Kate, shoving her forward with enough force to send her stumbling. She collides with Cormac, who reacts instinctively. With a gentle hand, he steadies her before she can hit the ground. Kate straightens herself, her scowl deepening as she throws a glare up at Cormac before finding her voice.

(K)What exactly are you going to do with me? If it's Merig you're after, you better leave him alone. I'll endure any pain you inflict on me.

(C)How noble of you, but rest assured that no one here is going to hurt you. That's not the reason I had you brought here. I had you brought here to lure Merig and Larry here to the camp. They are my old friends and I have unfinished business with them. This was the only way to get them to come here.