Thicker than Water

Chapter Six

As predicted, it took quite awhile to fix the engine that Kant disabled.  Once fixed, they drug out the cargo and set it aflame in a large bonfire.  I didn't even see what was inside.  They locked the captive men in the last car where the cargo had been and sent the train away.  Once the train had vanished from sight we got on the horses and began our journey up the mountain.

It was dark now, just after sunset.  But even the moonlight couldn't reach the path.  The trail up the mountain was narrow and limited us to a single file line.  Sam rode in the front with me behind him and Kant behind me.  Sam held a lantern to light the trail ahead as he lead the way though the woods.  Victor was towards the back with several of Sam's men, seeing as Sam was my brother's lieutenant and took control when he wasn't around.  He instructed me to ride by him for the utmost protection, but it was probably to separate me from Victor. 

I was told to wear a dark cloak with a hood until we reached their hideout.  Selka walked closely behind Sam's horse and we blended in with the darkness perfectly.  Every now and then, I petted her neck to keep myself awake.  I hadn't slept in two days and it was beginning to take a toll.  At one point, I leaned forward to lay on Selka.

Kant, from behind me, said quietly, "If you're tired, you can ride with me."  It was meant to be helpful, but I shook my head and sat up.  "Suit yourself then," he said with a small laugh.  "But you can trust Selka to carry you if you do go to sleep."

At her name, Selka snorted at me and I rubbed my thumb behind her ear.  She tossed her head a few times until I understood.  I leaned down again and rested on her back with my fingers still tangled in her hair.  Her deep breathing and steady heart almost lulled me to sleep.

When we came to a large gate, I sat up again and rubbed my eyes.  Three guards stood in the front and one was in a post.  The one in the post called down to Sam.  "We send you with ten and you return with twelve.  One who won't even show their face.  Sam, who have you brought with you?" 

In front of me, Sam replied, "Guests of Captain Haden Stone.  We have specific orders to bring them to him.  They are not a threat."  Sam turned and gestured me to come forward.  Selka took the order and went to stand next to his horse.  "Take off the hood," Sam told me.  I did as he said and the guard scoffed.  "This is Rogue Sage, his step sister.  The other is her companion Victor Trinity."

The guard leaned out of the post and looked at me.  "She's quite pretty.  Are you sure she's not going to cause trouble?  We do not need any more in this sanctuary."

"I'll guard her myself, alright?  Now let us enter," Sam commanded.  The guard nodded and flicked a switch to let the gates open.  We rode inside and Sam lead us to the stables.  When we arrived, Sam got off his horse muttering about the guards.  He came to me and offered to help me down.  I rejected it kindly and tried to get down.  My foot slipped and I fell into Sam.

"Ouch," I grumbled and got off of him.  He was laughing lightly as I helped him to his feet.  "I'm really sorry.  I slipped."  I rubbed my head from hitting his and took a deep breath.

"You can get on a horse.  You can ride the horse.  But you can't get off," he teased.  I flushed and crossed my arms.  He grabbed my shoulder and shook it lightly.  "It's fine, really.  I'd rather you fall on me than this dirt."

"Get away from her," Victor said behind me.  I turned to see him tense and clenching his fists.  He glared at Sam as he draped an arm over me.  Sam backed up with a smile still on his face.  He took Selka to her stall and left me with Victor.

He turned me to face him and he hugged me, burying my face into his warm chest.  The sudden gesture left me unable to respond properly.  "Are you tired," he asked me quietly.  I gave a nod and he brushed my hair.