The Chronicles of Mythguard - A Newly Revised Version

Chapter 6

The Bear had her in a chokehold against the wall. She struggled yet knew that she'd never escape even if she wanted to. He was stone-faced as torchlight began to fill every crack and crevice of the room. The men whispered amongst themselves as they saw the bodies. The Bear, not releasing his grip, looked around at the bodies. Two men and a monster lay in pools of their own blood. The Bear began to laugh. He released Ariana from the death grip and she collapsed to the floor, wheezing heavily and clutching her throat. He looked down at her.

''I'm impressed. You killed two of my best AND a monster we tracked for months and took near three days and seven dead men to capture. You're better than I expected.''

''What's your point?'' She said weakly. He bent down and barred his teeth like a rabid animal, his smile sinister across his ugly face.

''My point is I need somebody close to the King and Queen. Very close. You catch my drift?''

''You need a spymaster is what you're saying.''

He nodded and went on. ''And here I see such an individual who can do what I need.''

''Don't you mean, 'do what you ask.'?''

''Asking is for women and children.'' The Bear said coldly. His smile was gone now. ''I need a spymaster and if you know what's good for you you'll do this painlessly and without question.''

''What if I te-'' She was slapped hard, drawing blood. He gripped her face in one hand, crushing her cheeks and jaw.

''I said without question, or have you gone daft suddenly?''

Ariana was quiet. Blood dripped down her face. The Bear jerked her head and stood back up, letting her rub her cheeks and wipe away the blood.

''So, without further bullshit, you'll do exactly as I say or you'll be bits by the end of the night. Some of my men were butchers and they've been craving something better than pig meat.''

''I'm listening then.''

''You're to scurry back to the Queen like the rat you are and tell her you've discovered Dominic's hole in the ground. However, you ran into resistance far too difficult for you to handle alone. You're going to convince her to send a force of men to eradicate said hole and then report back to me. Anything you want to ask before I toss you out?''

She wasn't sure if this was a trick or not, but she was missing important information and risked being hit again.

''Yes.''

''Go on.''

''Dominic's hole in the ground.'' She finally said after a long pause, ''Where do I say it is?''

''Good question. Say it's near Ostwynne, a kilometer north-west. That'll spur her into action.''

''And where am I to go to report to you?''

''Another good question. You'll find me up near the Noble Quarter's gatehouse. Is that all?''

Ariana nodded. The Bear tunred to one of his men and nodded. Suddenly her world went black and starry-eyed as she was struck across her head with a brutish club. Roughly they threw a linen sack over her head and dragged her from the cell and slowly she faded from consciousness. Her body going limp and the blood staining the sack.

It was dawn, but sleep had evaded Maisa all night after Ariana had gone missing without a word. No guards had gone with her, no one was told of her whereabouts, and even peasants who thought they'd be rewarded for information gave vague but truthful answers, though some smelt heavily of the drink and so were not given much belief. Tiredness dogged Maisa. Her willpower was all focused in her not falling asleep until Ariana was found safe. Aryn and Caleb flanked her on either side of the throne and nobles slowly shuffled in for the day's events while Luvos and a handful of small search parties scoured the city for Ariana. At every sound Maisa winced like a bad hangover.