Demon(#Wattys2017 Entry)

Chapter 40:Search

As soon as Giles informed his general of Reba's abduction, a search party was assembled. The lack of details on how it had taken place was concerning, but there was no time to interrogate further. As well as the usual commanders, Narra had joined them as well, carrying a short spear. She was trying to help discover who the kidnappers could have been, listing off those who would have grievances.

"A few lords in Vrai, the Sawalnians, a few bandit bands we chased off recently, any survivors from those villages a few years back, a few Deena commanders were probably demoted after the war might have a grudge, and there's-"

Guiltare eventually resorted to wearing her mask to hide her grimace, as recounting the deeds of the company, few of them honorable, was almost intolerable.

Giles simply shook his head at each option. Perhaps he was still in shock from the whole situation, or perhaps surmised that none of these choices would be likely to target Reba directly.

Or, perhaps he had some inkling as to who the culprit was. But, in any case, he did not share any such information, only kept ahead of the rest and followed what few traces they had left.

Narra eventually realized Giles was ignoring her and sighed,trailing back. Guiltare looked at her."You alright?"

She nodded."I get his attitude, I really do, but...I've never seen him like this before, so....serious and focused...He's like a whole different person."

Guiltare nodded."Well...no one he's loved has ever been in such serious danger before."She pointed out.

True, there were the normal dangers of war. Being cornered by an enemy commander, a wizard setting up traps or launching spells, a soldier getting in a lucky strike with his blade. But, in such situations, they had weapons to defend themselves and eliminate the threat, while Reba was outnumbered and unarmed.

Narra sighed."I suppose you're right...but, nice to see he's still a little the same." She smiled,laughing a bit."So focused on the hunt, he even forgot to bring his scythe!"She said, pointing.

Guiltare had not noticed it before, but she was right. Giles carried no weapon in his hands, only kept them balled in fists at his side. This was an urgent situation, of course, but even so, it wasn't like Giles to be completely unprepared in such situations...

Giles frowned as they stepped out of the woods. Before them was a large, rocky area of Vrai, with no life save scurrying lizards and a few patches of stubborn grass. And, more importantly, no loose soil, no underfoot branches, nothing with which to track the kidnappers.

He swore loudly, kicking a patch of pebbles in frustration."Gah! Dammit all to Hell and back and back again!"

Guiltare walked forward."Giles. Calm down, we can still search."

He laughed."Oh yes, a few miles of rock! It'll be easy searchin' all this, eh!?"

Narra frowned."Giles, this isn't helping anything. This is-"

Giles laughed."Oh, not helpin' nothin'!? Kinda like you, rattlin' off names of everyone under the sun, eh!? How did that help except ta annoy me!?"

She flinched."I...I'm sorry, I was just trying to help, but-"

Giles laughed."Oh, sure, real helpful. And now, they're in this little wasteland and Reba'll probably be killed before we find her! If  we find her! Ain't that just per-" He was silenced by a swift punch across the face that sent him tumbling.

Morz shook his hand slightly, as the punch had left his hand stinging slightly. He gnored the shocked expressions around him and the gasp from Narra, looking down at Giles' limp form."Hmph. He always did  have a thick skull."
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