Tearha: The Number 139

Chapter Sixteen: Bolted Arm

The earth felt wet and warm. His blood formed a small pool on the ground, mixing with the grass to give off a perverted variation of morning's dew. The twin stars had set and only the faint light of early evening illuminated the ground, turning the blood a deep brown. Nadier tried to reach for his dagger but a shot of pain ran through his right shoulder. He touched the point that burned and found the bullet hole in it. It did not feel like the ammunition went through and it was probably still stuck inside his body. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself to stand on his one good arm. His back gave a loud and painful crack, but aside from a wince, the shock of bones setting itself back into position after the fall from his horse was bearable.

Nora rode in behind, getting off her steed once she was close. "It's funny isn't it?"

Gripping his shoulder, he turned to face her. The two dozen snipers from The Long Arm stood in line behind her atop the rolling hill. And he alone stood between the platoon of snipers, the lady assassin, and the town of Ra'Kalen behind.

To her question, he asked, "What is?"

"You." She walked towards him, her feet snaking around the front leg, setting themselves before each other in a perfectly straight, practised line. "You've never gotten yourself involved in large events before. That's why Akaras made Lord before you did. You never had a vision. Yet here you are, frantically searching for answers in what may be the greatest turning point in the history of the country."

"Well, my brother has never died before."

"That is true." She stopped just within kicking distance of him. "I suppose something like that must bring perspective to life."

He warily eyed her deadly boots. When he was sure she had no intention of attacking at the moment, he looked her in the eyes and asked, "Why are you doing this? Why target me?"

"I don't understand what you mean," she replied with a genuine, but playful smile. "If you're asking me why I'm hunting you down, it is simply because of orders. Why you, specifically, however? Well, don't flatter yourself. The Lord Light keeps a close tab on all the Epitaph holders in the world, even me. We are great assets, but most of us are also powerful and unpredictable."

Nadier took the moment of calm to remove his scarf. "You speak as if we are merely pieces on a board." With the cloth, he tied a makeshift bandage around his wound with a grunt.

Nora took a moment of thought to consider his statement before answering, "I suppose we are. But so long as our movements and actions does not obstruct the path Lord Light has deemed, I see no issues in being used." She turned to look back at the snipers, all of whom had their barrels trained on Nadier. She turned back to him and said with a sigh, "Truth be told, I don't wish to kill you. Despite your lack of combat strength, I know how terrifying a trained assassin like yourself can be to enemies. And I do hope that terror of yours could be on our side."

"You want me to join you? I don't even know what you're trying to do," Nadier admitted to his lack of information. "The dark elves want to attack Everwind. You're building a portal to another universe, and you're hunting The Watcher, Demon Eyes, and now me. None of that makes a lick of sense to me."

Like a salesperson, Nora merely grinned and answered, "Join us, and you'll find out."

He could see no down side to the offer. If the dark elves were truly about to start a war with Everwind, allying himself on the side of The Forum would guarantee a chance to settle his vengeance against those who gave the orders that led Akaras to his death. It would also keep Nora and The Long Arm off his tail, and he would be in a better position to negotiate for Adelle's safety. He had no obligation to The Watcher either, and he would gain answers to all the questions he sought. There was only one logical response.