A Dangerous Game

The Black Road

Henry and I gallop through the open plains, red paints over the land as the sun sets. I look back to find my kingdom fading into the red and orange sky. I hope that we can reach War's Kingdom before my father finds out.

"So do you know how to get to the Calcein Peaks?" Henry yells from his horse.

"We head North, we'll know it when we see it." I yell back 

"That's what you have to go on?" 

"For now." I say

~Time Skip (1 Hour)~

The sky is black with nothing but the moonlight to guide our path. Our horses have slowed, but they continue on. 

"We should stop." I say

Henry slows his horse, I do the same. We hop off, the gravel crunches beneath us.

"So?" Henry says

"What?" I ask

"You don't know what the hell you are doing, do you?"

"What!" I snap

"What, did you one night decide that you wanted to overthrow the King?" He asks

"Yes, as a matter of fact I did."

He runs his hands through his thick blonde hair,

"You've got to be kidding me."

"If you don't like it, you're free to leave." 

I gesture toward his horse.

"You wouldn't last two days without me." He laughs

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask

"These lands, these woods. They're crawling with thieves and bandits. Ready to slit your throat or kidnap ya."

"I'm not afraid." 

"Oh honey, you will be." He says

Suddenly a twig snaps in the distance and I jump about a foot. Henry looks around and goes over to his pack on his horse. He pulls out two daggers and two belts to hold them.

"Here." He hands one to me

I look at him and take it. I strap the belt around my waist and put the dagger in it.

"Evie." Henry says

"What?"

"You might want that."

"Wha-"

I'm cut off by the sound of men howling as they jump out of the trees. Their torches flair as they surround us. I hold my dagger up as they smirk and grin at us. Their teeth, rotten and decayed, send chills up and down my spine. Their clothes ripped and old, and they carry swords and knives. 

"Get back!" Henry yells

A man steps out of the circle they've made. He wears brown pants that have a rip in the knee, a red blouse and a brown vest with the buttons missing. He has long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. He has a scar on his chin and a defined jawline. 

"And what are folk like ye, doing down a path like this?" The man asks

"And what path might that be?" Henry asks

"What path they ask?" The man opens his arms and gestures to his gang.

He turns back to us and laughs,

"This be the Black Road."

A lump appears in my throat. The Black Road is known for the thieves that live along it. No one dares go down it. You're likely to be robbed then killed.

"Please sir, we are lost. We did not know." I say

Then man smirks and slowly walks up to me. He circles around me, scanning me. I can feel his sharp green eyes looking at me. I feel as if there looking through me. I feel my body tensing up, my heart beats faster as my breathing quickens.

"Where are ya headed lass?" He asks

I swallow and let out a shaky breath,

"That's really non of your business is it." I say

He leans in close to me, his mouth barely touching my ear.

"Oh I think it is." He whispers 

"Leave her alone." Henry says

The man steps away from me then walks a half circle to face me.

"Is this man bothering you?" He asks

I look down,

Suddenly he grabs my wrist and pulls me close to him. I stifle a scream and he pulls my hair.

"I asked you a question."

I glance over to Henry, two men now hold him. He struggles at the sight of me.

I shake my head,

"Good." The man smirks

I stare at the man, his eyes burn with aggression. I take a breath and spit right into his face. He releases me, wipes it off, then slaps me. I fall to the ground, with my cheek burning.

"You little bitch!" He snaps

"You got what you deserved." I snap

He kneels down and pulls out a knife, I see Henry struggle out of the corner of my eye.

He puts it to my cheek,

"You know, I could kill you right now."

I swallow and clench my fists.

"I'm not afraid." I say

I wince as he slices my cheek.

"You will be." He says and stands up

"Loot their bags, anything valuable we take." 

"And them?" A man asks

"Take em." The man says as he disappears into the crowd of men herding toward our horses.

Two mean come over to me and grab me.

"No, let me go!" I yell

They bind my hands and push me away from the crowd. I catch sight of  them grabbing Henry but that's the last thing I see before a blindfold goes over my eyes.

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Hey guys, sorry I haven't updated this in a while but hope it's good. It's a little short but oh well ;)

Feel free to comment your thoughts and opinions. Votes are appreciated

XOXO ~Cassie Kay