The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Heaven's Light

Allies

Brown stallions with their frantic mounts leapt valiantly over livestock fences that separated the cut through to the woods at the far end. Clopin made it so that the rest of his men fled within those trees before him.

"Keep fast, keep fast!" Clopin boldly yelled as he kicked his horse into a faster run up to his fleeing men. "Pierre, show em' our best!" he winked at the gypsy nearest to him.

Nodding at his leader's suggestion, the man untied a small barrel of looted cannon powder from his saddle and threw it at a boulder. The barrel keg broke into splinters and black powder spread all over the grass. When that first one burst, other horseman did the same act as they spread about beside each other, dropping dangerous, flammable cannon powder all into the grass almost in a straight line along the foot of the forest.

Meanwhile, up in the canopy of the tall trees along the foot, there was a woodland man. He was recognized by a few others hiding along with him. His hair was nearly fiery ginger and his eyes were deep brown. Sharply, he observed the invading gypsy folk as he had his bow ready.

This man was named Evrard DuBois; the King of the Burrowers and protector. Each night, he would go out to the foot with his chosen five to keep watch for the invaders of France. But this time, they had the luck of meeting an ally. The gypsies.

As soon as he was sure his riders got it safely to the forest, Clopin yanked on his ride's reins and looked over his shoulder to see his enemy's distance. Quickly, he lit the head of arrow on one of their torches and shot at the line of powder. It struck and quickly the line of spilt powder lit up in flames.

Just beyond the hills they had crossed, Dracon Salazar himself appeared, but when he and his band saw the flames, he had to stop. It actually took him by surprise, even so that it startled his horse. The animal reared back defensively, but Dracon held on firm. His own men had to change course instantly to avoid slipping into the fire. The teens up in the trees cheered in victory, but remained hidden.

As he tamed his horse, Dracon kept his eyes on the fire, plotting. He knew who the culprit of this was. "Dubois." he hissed, heartlessly before turning his steed to ride away. He had to return later.

For now, they were safe. Evrard watched them ride off into the distance as his orphans cheered. Once, again, they had conquered over those brigands. These defenses had become more of a daily trial, since Paris' downfall.

Among the gypsies getting off of their mounts, Evrard cautiously leapt down from the tree.

"Merci..." Clopin lamely put his hat back on, yet unknowing that he and his riders were being eavesdropped on.

Evrard trailed his gaze to the ground, pondering on how to assist.

"Well, it's – it is good to hope." said one gypsy on the matter. "We're free of them for the time being."

"So it seems..." Clopin then sighed.

Evrard still hid, narrowing his eyes at them as he thought. Easing his grip on his bow, he then chose to assist them. They were against the pirates as much as he was. Clicking his tongue, he motioned his five helpers to gather close.

"...who are you?" was the question asked, taking the newcomers by surprise as the fire kept burning.

"Ah?" Clopin got his dagger ready. "Who art thou first, stranger...?" he challenged.

Evrard sighed and showed his face to them, but he had his arrow set still. A man in his 32nd year came out into the torch light, followed by a group of young people. Three lads and two lasses. The man struck Clopin by surprise when he seemed so very familiar for a moment. Red hair was an odd thing to see. The hunchback he encountered a few times with a warm disposition, yet very unlikely to be with; Quasimodo. He was the only one with hair just like that. Now, it was uncertain if this stranger was trustworthy.