Can't Live Without You

Escape Wisely

*Jim pov*

A blade slid across the skin on Dictatious's throat; not deep enough to kill, just enough to threaten. "Don't move. Don't even twitch. I order you to stop the fight, now." Dictatious froze; this was what he hated most about being blind- he couldn't see danger even when it was an inch from his nose. He asked, "Who are you? What is the meaning of this?" The knife bit deeper into his neck, enough that he felt miniscule drops of blood start to form.

"Stop the fight- after that we can explain whatever you like." Dictatious heard the edge in the voice, and thought it best to obey, at least until he could think of a plan. Dictatious had been placed in a balcony seat so that he could hear the fight' he had yearned so hard to hear a death cry from his brother, but so far it hadn't come to pass, although he had heard a rather nice scream a few minutes ago, and had been informed that Blinky was injured.

With a sigh, Dictatious extended a hand, palm out, to signal an end to the fight. Horns blasted over the boos of the crowd, telling Dictatios that his signal had been seen. The various clangs, grunts, and metallic scrapes of combat ceased a second later. Dictatious used further hand signals to tell the guards to bring Blinky back to his quarters and treat the General for any injuries.

Jim, Claire, Aargh, and Toby were all hidden when the guards stepped in. Blinky was dropped on the floor at Dictatious's feet, and as soon as the door closed, his friends surrounded him. Claire asked Blinky, "Are you okay? That general beat you pretty badly, you're bleeding a lot."

Blinky shook off her concern and stood to face his brother, who was still frozen in place. "I'm just a little scratched, I feel fine" Blinky stated, his eyes never leaving Dictatious's face, "Master Jim, if I may borrow a weapon?" Jim wordlessly handed the blue troll his sword. With grim determination, Blinky raised the sword, and brought it down- flat on Dictatious's head. The blind troll slumped to the floor, and Blinky handed the sword back to Jim. "I refuse to do any more killing here. There will be a time and place for it, but not when my opponent is weaponless and weak. Instead, I leave him to the tender mercies of Gunmar. Let's go home."

Blinky's knees buckled, and Aargh carried him as they escaped. Once free into the cool air of the night-shrouded woods Blinky protested that he was not an invalid and could walk; Aargh obligingly set him down, only for his small friend to immediately fall once more. The stress, stimulant, and fear of the last few days was finally setting in, as well as the pain of his injuries.

Blinky was fighting to stay conscious as they neared the caves; he wanted to greet his people properly, but it seemed the odds were not in his favor. The gentle motion of being carried coupled with his exhaustion, and Blinky fell into a deep sleep.