Siren

Siren - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

"We can catch her, if we are quick. She has only about 45 minutes riding time ahead of us. And if I may say so, sire. We have the map."

"Yes, yes. I'm not worried about that." He ran his fingers through his hair, staring up at the sky. He was worried about her. What she had said was true. She was not a stupid woman, although she claimed to have no real education. She had saved them more times than he could count now, and was imperative to their mission. Without her, they would not be able to try and tame the savage beast that held the light at the end of their tunnel.

When they had packed up camp, the three mounted their horses and were off. It was not hard to follow her trail, she did little to hide it. Trudging onward, they followed the pattern of hoof marks left by the colt.

"How long is it until we reach Valeur?" inquired Raven.

"Another half day, at least." Offered Octavious, before the prince could speak.

"Stupid chit," he muttered. "Running off without us. That damn woman is nothing but trouble."

Following the trail for at least an hour more, the trio rode in silence.

"I find there is something... inviting about her." Remarked Raven finally. "The way that she looks at you when she speaks, and her voice... it sounds like music." He inhaled the fresh air and held his hands behind his head. "Perhaps when you are cured, young prince, I will take her to be my bride."

Biting his tongue, he ignored the fire burning inside of him. What would she want anyway, with a savage like that? His hands were so large he may bruise her.

He wondered if he himself had left any bruises on her the day he had accosted her at the side of the road. He thought back to the look on her face, and winced. If anything happened to her...

"We would have very interesting children, don't you agree, Octavious?"

"Yes, quite," Octavious said, annoyed. Did his mother not speak of him of the serious effects of the curse?

"You tried to kill her," ground out Mallach, tightening his grip on the reigns of Blackard.

"So did you." Raven parried. "Somehow, though, she has forgiven you. My mother would be most pleased if I took her for my bride. Would you be the best man at our wedding?" he mocked.

Mallach lost any control inside him. Rearing his horse to the side, he charged at Raven, sending him flying off his steed.

Dismounting immediately, giving Raven no time to stand, he straddled him and began to squeeze the air from his throat.

"You bastard, you keep your hands off her! She's mine, do you hear me? MINE!" he shrieked. Octavious did not recognize the voice of his young prince at that moment. Raven managed to push Mallach off him. Standing, he beckoned the prince with his hands.

"You want her so badly? Then come and fight for her."

"She would never want you, you... savage!" At that, Raven drew his sword and Mallach drew his.

Octavious was slow dismounting his horse, and groaned as the pair began slashing blades wildly.

"Bastard!"

"Arse!"

"Damned coward!"

The insults flew back and forth as the battle raged on, until a large metallic clang rang out into the air.

Falling to his knees as a frying pan hit him square upon the helmet, the prince groaned and lost conciousness.

"Ohh, my head."