The Forty Knives of Fifty Theives

Chapter 8

Sorry for not updating lately I've been busy but enjoy this next chapter :)

Marty was dying. He could tell that there would be no way out of this desert even if that man who had promised help returned. Soldiers, Marty snorted. They had to be the most unreliable people in this nation. Marty fingered the handle of the accursed knife. His brother was a soldier, he had promised to never leave Marty on his own but then he was recruited and Marty never saw his since.

The camel stopped and Marty looked at the sand dunes he was surrounded by. It was familiar this desert, a big box that had you going in circles losing your mind. Marty got off his camel and shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand. The distance was so blurry and Marty was sweating from the heat. The sun was setting soon and he had best set up camp before night fall. He decided to ride a little longer then make camp. But Marty was unaware that he was going in a circle once more. His memory was damaged and he forgot to stop riding when night came. The cool air did nothing for the weary camel who had received no water for hours. Starving and dreary the animal fell bringing Marty down with him. The camel died and Marty sent up a prayer with his face upturned to the stars. With death so certain now since Marty had no camel he gathered his things and heaved it onto his back walking for once in the right direction. This time Marty didn’t turn and make a circle. This time he was finally headed to freedom but there was no certainty that he was ever going to make it out of the canyon

Josh

How had I not seen the man on the edges of the camp making his rounds? I looked at the arrow impaled in the sand just a foot from Megan’s horse. The poor animal was spooked and Megan was failing to keep it calm. I grabbed the reins of her horse and lead it out of the way of an arrow whizzing through the air. The arrow missed Megan by inches and burrowed into the sand near the rear foot of the horse. I slapped the horses flank and it finally galloped out of range of any more arrows. I followed it and had to catch the reins before it carried Megan off into the desert.

“I am not good with horses,” she groaned.

“Didn’t you say you lived on a farm?” I questioned looking warily back at the camp as I lead both our horses further away.

“Yeah and we herd sheep not horses!” she exclaimed.

I was glad she had the mind to keep her voice low while still making her point. But it didn’t matter we’d already been caught and they were probably sending out riders to demolish us right now.

As if reading my mind three riders emerged from behind tent. They speeded in our direction one carrying a torch. Had we not reacted so quickly they may have thought we were just travelers. There may still be a chance to conjure up the peace charade but it’d be a long shot. I just hoped we could get far enough away that they wouldn’t care who we were.

I kicked the side of my horse forcing it to go faster. I doubted I could throw my knife as well as Megan and it wouldn’t be that much good in hand to hand combat but my hand stayed on the hilt just in case. Megan was racing on my left side. It was hard to read her expression when her face was shadowed by the night. I looked back and groaned. More riders were coming. There was nothing but sand ahead of us and fierce enemy riders behind us. It seemed hopeless to run.

“Megan we’re turning around,” I commanded.

“We’re what?” she exclaimed.

I didn’t answer and thankfully I didn’t have to. Megan halted her horse and I was amazed by her control. I made my horse curve around and soon Megan and I were racing to meet our doom. I could make out a few of the soldier’s faces. Some were surprised others had a dark twisted excitement in their eyes.  I watched Megan wondering what she might do. Would she flip again? Would she use her sword? What else might my new recruit have instore? As we closed the gap I could feel anticipation rise in my stomach. Then three arrows flew in our direction. I ducked one and another barely grazed my ear. The third arrow headed straight for Megan when I looked to her horse the saddle was empty.