The Custodian Chronicles: The Rising (Finished)

Chapter 33: An Unexpected Encounter

The city adjusted easily to being ruled by the rebels. There were a few skirmishes, but they were settled easily enough.

Days went by, and Cedrick was restless. They had set a plan to take the largest and last city to the south of the civilized world. It would take a little over a week for their plan to work. They'd dammed the river to cut off water and crops to weaken the city. As there wasn't much to do while waiting, Cedrick was endlessly antsy.

There were scouts sent out daily to patrol the area around the city. Cedrick volunteered to lead the next one.

"Cedrick, are you crazy?" Elphacena demanded. "It's dangerous."

"Oh please, I'll be fine. Nothing ever happens." Cedrick threw a pack over his shoulder. "I have to get out of here. I can't sit here much longer with nothing to do."

"Alright," Elphacena sighed, "but be careful. It's when you don't expect anything to happen that it happens"

"I will." Cedrick kissed her forehead. "I'll be back before dark." He said as he made his way out the door.

"You better be!" Elphacena yelled after him.

It was good to get out and hike all that way. They made it all the way around the city as the sun was getting ready to set. As they moved to go back to the city, they heard a noise.

"Just an animal." One of the men said.

"You go ahead; I'll check it out." Cedrick ordered them.

"Are you sure, sir?" A man asked.

"Yeah, you go ahead." Cedrick nodded.

Cedrick did not want to go back and have to confine himself to the city yet. He'd take any excuse to prolong his escape. "I'll catch up." The men moved towards the city as Cedrick went back into the tangle of trees.

Cedrick entered the circle, but nothing seemed amiss. He was about to turn, when he heard the noise again. He put a hand to his sword, seeing a shadow where the noise had been. It was at least the size of a man. If it wasn't a person, it would have to be large and dangerous animal.

Cedrick didn't move but watched the spot carefully. At last, the thing stepped into view. It was a man. He was tall and very handsome. His clothes were fine, red and black dominated. He had thin pale face, dark hair, and haunting blue eyes glowing a little in the shadows.

Cedrick didn't let down his guard as he studied this man. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" Cedrick demanded.

"I've been waiting for you." The man smiled. He stepped down from the log he'd been standing on, still appraising Cedrick. His voice was smooth and flowing like a fine nobleman. Yet, it had a seductive deep lull to it. He held himself well. His hands rested in his pockets, an odd thing to see.

Cedrick didn't take his eyes off of him for a second. "Waiting for me?" Cedrick repeated. "Who are you? Why are you waiting for me out here?"

The man huffed. "Well, I thought being alone would make this easier." He stepped forward, flawlessly, smoothly. Cedrick noted he must be in prime shape; a formidable opponent if it came to a fight. He carried himself well, sinuously from one movement to the next, like a dancer, or more accurately, a lifelong fencer. Cedrick kept watching him, ready to draw his sword at any moment.

"Relax." The man smiled. "I won't hurt you." He studied Cedrick for another moment. "Not bad. Not what I expected for a Custod, but..." He shrugged. "I like this better. Not so much brawn to lug around."