Pentoria

12. Keep the Gates Open!

Chapter 12

Keep the Gates Open!

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The gang galloped through the forest racing towards Lurd’s base. On their horses, they passed trees, plants, and big rocks dodging and jumping through the thick woods. They stuck to the plan, taking the route Prentice showed them.

Brace who was really good with horses was dashing quickly pass the others. Stade wasn't sure if he was having some fun or he was just used to his speed. Accidentally, or what it seemed like an accident, Brace's horse abruptly bump into Gadge's who was carrying countless of weird objects. Gadge's horse backed up in fright and dropped a bag it was carrying and all its contents spilled on the forest ground.

Brace burst out laughing as if he planned on the prank. Harrock saw what had happened and also started laughing. Aera gave them both a death glare and, of course, immediately they both shut up at once and hurriedly help Gadge pick up the stuff that fell.

"Sorry for laughing," Harrock apologized as he hopped down his horse to join Brace who was already helping Gadge.

"We can't waste time," Kuzix said riding back to where they were. "We are almost there. I think it's best to go on without our horses from here. Brace, Harrock, help Gadge carry these things. We'd need them later."

After the long jug, they finally stopped when they reached the end of the forest.

The last time Stade had been to the Clan of Trade was when Prentice was taken from him. Though the place looked completely different from the last time he’d been there he dared not think of it at the moment. Stade didn’t want to be distracted.

The squad was now facing the walls of Lurd’s base, opposite from the clan’s front gate. They waited there noiselessly hidden by the plants as two guards marched by the wall on their usual patrol. The only thing they could hear was the thumping of the guard’s footsteps and a soft buzzing noise.

"This beetle is making more noise than us.” Prentice whispered.

“Yeah,” Stade replied, “beetles fly that way.” He paused then thought for a moment, “A beetle…hmm. Good idea.”

Stade then caught the beetle and put it in a small pouch he was carrying.

“You’re funny, giving credit for your own ideas like that.” Prentice stated, “Now you have a bug in your pocket. Good job.”

Stade was about to say something to his sister when Kuzix gave them a signal.

“Ok.” Kuzix said when the guards passed. “Let’s go.”

The gang then went out to the open and headed towards the wall.

“There,” Prentice pointed, “that’s the window.”

The group gathered below it and examined the opening. The window was over 20 feet high and was only a simple wall-pane, nothing more than 2 feet long and 1 foot wide.

Korbe grunted, “I notified you before that it would simply be absurd to mount all the way up to that casement.” He said looking at them in disappointment.

Stade pulled out an arrow that he had attached to a rope and then placed it on his bow. He aimed it towards the window. The arrow flew, broke the glass, and to Stade’s satisfaction hooked itself to the frame and left the rope hanging for them to climb.

“Well said, Korbe.” Brace said then gave him a pat on the back.

Korbe groaned.

Stade smiled. “You’re welcome.”