An Unstable Relationship

Chapter Seven

Alyss peered through the dark, shadowy branches of the tree above. She could just make out the broken form of a man perched there silently. She drew in a deep breath, waiting in the swelling quiet for what would happen next.

Since they had drawn to a halt, Will had not stopped moving. Slowly, skillfully, he had brought his saxe out of its scabbard and now held his bow in hand as well, nocked and at the ready.

"Will Treaty." A dry voice sounded.

Alyss could hear, even through the huskiness, that it was a young voice.

"Jacob of Trelleth." Will returned with a inclination of his head. "I believe we need to speak with one another."

Fox Sparrow startled beneath Alyss as a mottled figure landed softly before them. She clasped a hand to the mare's quivering neck, not sure if she was assuring Fox or herself. The man straightened, a flurry of leaves floating about his cloaked body. Will raised his bow slightly, ready to let an arrow fly.

Jacob lifted his face, letting more light into his cowl. Alyss strained her eyes to see the rangy man run his tongue over his lips. A low whistle cut into the stillness.

The girl turned her head to see Will. She watched as realization flooded his features. He urged Tug toward the unmoving Jacob.

"Alyss." He called. Obviously expecting something, though she could not tell what. A rustling sound caught her attention.

Fox moved her delicate neck around look to the bushes. Alyss followed her gaze. The intelligent mare nickered, though, not in warning, but in greeting. An obsidian black horse trotted swiftly out of the shrubbery. It was clearly a ranger horse and was on a collision course with Jacob.

Will slid Tug and himself between the other ranger pair, attempting to keep the horse from reaching its master. The pony evaded them with ease and grace, coming smoothly down to a walk in front of the young man. Jacob threw himself atop the dark stallion and grabbed his own saxe.

"Put your weapon down." Will told him, authority in his tone and a threat within his words.

Jacob locked eyes with the commanding ranger and Will was surprised the see the fire that burned in them.

"Make me." He spat tauntingly.

Will offered a mirthless smile.

"Gladly."

An arrow was launched at Jacob with sickening speed. Alyss knew that it would find rest, buried deeply in the youthful ranger's flesh. But, she was wrong. Jacob was too quick. He spun the shadow of a horse in the other direction, lying flat across its neck and shoulders as he did so.

Will's arrow did not entirely miss its target however, the missile caught a scrap of the Trelleth ranger's cloak and pinned it soundly to the tree he had sat in. Alyss rode Fox to it, grabbing the fabric off the oak and slipping it into her own.

Jacob sent his horse careening down the road, leaving his two enemies behind. But, Will was not one to give up easily. With a wild cry, he and Tug gave chase to the escaping rogue, Alyss and Fox on their heels.

They thought at first that they were gaining on their target, but, it seemed that the black horse was turning out to be just as formidable as its owner. It gave them no ground as it continued its headlong dash through the landscape, and finally, Will was forced to pull up.

"There's no way we can catch him." He said, patting an out of breath Tug. "His horse is fresh and he will know the lay of the land better than we could hope to."

Alyss nodded, also rubbing her mare's sweaty neck.
"What should we do then?" She asked.

"There's a village not but three or four miles down this path, we can reach there in a short time. That's where we'll go. Follow me."

The cloaked girl nodded once again and set off after her counterpart.

The journey seemed to take less time now that both riders were becoming tired. The sun began to set, casting a few shadows over the roadway. Before long, silhouettes rose into view, and Alyss could pick out the different buildings of a small town.

"This way." Will murmured to her. He led the way to what appeared to be the village's inn or tavern; a town this small would probably have both of these businesses run out of the same building.

"Tie her here." The ranger said to Alyss, gesturing to Fox and a hitching post. He dismounted and led Tug to the stand.

"No need to tie." Alyss replied. "Ranger horses don't need it."

Will smiled. "Right you are." He told her. "You picked that up quicker than I did when I first got Tug."

Alyss smiled wanly in return and shrugged.

"I just want the quickest way out of here if we need to run."

"Good, we always need to be able to give chase in a split second if need be."

Alyss dismounted beside him, but left the Fox's reins over her head.

"Stay, girl." She muttered the command, and Will did the same.

"Ready?" He inquired of her. Alyss gave a terse indication that she was and they stepped to the door.

The little tavern was nearly devoid of any occupants, and the few people who did fill the musty room were dirty and tired looking. A brief hush fell over those in the pub upon the arrival of the cloaked pair. Will strode purposefully to the bar and leaned across it.

The innkeeper made his way to them, wiping a cup with a rag he held in his grubby hands.

"Rangers, aren't you?" He asked gruffly.

"Witty, aren't you?" Will said sarcastically, as if the mottled cloaks and bow had not given them away. The keeper eyed them suspiciously.

"Rangers are not our friends here." He said boldly.

"My name is Will Treaty." Will said. "Perhaps you've heard of me."

The filthy man's eyes grew wider.

"Is that so?" He asked of them. "Are you here to replace the ranger we got?"

Will laughed a humorless laugh. "Wouldn't that be nice, but no. I'm here to stop the one you've got."

The innkeeper looked the man in front of him over appraisingly.

"You know what, Mr. Treaty? I'm going to break one of my own business rules. I've always said never to give a room away for free, but if you get rid of our ranger, I'll let you have our best room for as long as you like, free of charge."

Will bared his teeth in a grin and grasped the man's arm in a handshake.

"Deal."

~◇~

A / N

Hola Amigos, once again, I am so sorry for how long it took to get this out. This chapter is 1150 words and I worked on it all evening to get it finished, so let me know what u think about it.

Anywhosies, just like Will and the innkeeper, I want to make a little deal. I want 105 views and 30 votes before I publish the next chapter, got it? Shouldn't be too hard.

Also, I'm kinda looking for a new cover for An Unstable Relationship, so if you've got any ideas for that just contact me.

Luv ya lots

- Minx