The Assassin's Court

Chapter 6

Vivian was fast, but the Leader of the Knights was faster.
He had expected her to try and escape but never thought she actually would. His plan was to wrap the blindfold around her eyes and walk on foot the rest of the way in a lazy attempt to disorientate her. It was foolish of him to underestimate her. The Ravens were always known for their strong wits and Vivian held up to the standard. He was a few inches away from her now. Just one....more...step...and—
THUNK.
She fell to the ground.
Her teeth dug into the soil, her face and body covered in dirt. He spewed out an obnoxious laugh.
"Get down, you idiot!" She growled.
Get down? Why would—
SWISH.
An arrow landed in the center of the tree right next to his head. Oh.
He dropped to his knees, crouching close to Vivian. Another arrow flew, except this time it grazed his earlobe and landed a few feet behind him. Blood trickled down the side of his neck. Shit.
He followed Vivian as she rolled over to another tree and faced the back."Give me my dagger," she whispered.
"That won't be necessary." He reached down to his left side pocket and pulled out his own dagger. He lined the trees, looking for the bastard who was stupid enough to try and kill him.
For a good while, no one could be seen in the dark forest. But then---
Then he noticed a slight movement in the tree above them. The branches shook, making leaves fall over their heads. Both of them were trained enough to know to not distract themselves with removing the leaves off their hair. It was meant to be a diversion. A way for the assumed assassin to either make his or her shot and kill them, or escape without dealing with the aftermath. Either way, he wouldn't let him or her succeed.
"Stay here," he ordered.
"Like hell I am!" Vivian jumped back and examined the person in the tree.
He followed her gaze.It was a man. A man covered in weapons of all sorts, and camouflage clothing. He was prepared, he'd give him that.
The Leader of the Knights yanked on Vivian's arm while holding a sharpened dagger in the air. She tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he held firm with little effort.
"Hello, fellow," he said, staring up at the man. He couldn't make out any features, but it was obvious that he was well-built. Muscled. Strong. "Seems like you've been caught. Might as well come down and deal with the consequences like an honorable man."
A deep chuckle. "Your one to talk, Knight," he spat.
He didn't contemplate how this man knew who he was. It was clear enough that he had been following them through the forest, listening and observing. He'd punish himself for not noticing the man later when they reached the Knight hideout.
"Look, I'd be happy to discuss your dislike towards me if you would just jump down. I'd hate to have a neck ache."
"As you wish."
The man landed on the ground with a hard thud. He hadn't even grabbed a single branch for support.
By the Gods, he was huge. Bigger than him. At least now, he'd have a challenging opponent.

**

Vivian recognized the man in the tree as soon as she saw his muscular figure. Unlike any other assassin, she had ever encountered, he was so unbelievably massive.
"Good to see you, Viv," Thane said.
The Leader of the Knights eyes darted between her and the hulking man.
"Cut the bullshit, Thane."
"How do you two know each other?"
She smirked. "Oh, you know."
"We used to fool around," Thane answered.
The Leader of the Knights scoffed. "I hope you didn't come to reclaim her."
A snicker. "Oh--and what if I was? Don't tell me you fancy a Raven."
"Shut up, Thane," Vivian growled.
"But why? Shouldn't I give your little boytoy advice on how to really drive you wild? Remember those times? Remember that night in Alden? The inn was shabby but you still loved---"
"Do not finish that sentence."
"You can't deny the past."
"Oh, but I can sure as hell kill you for it."
Vivian knew that the Leader of the Knights was confused, but didn't particularly care. Thane walked closer, a few inches away from reaching distance. She knew that he would have grabbed her if not for the Leader of the Knights putting a hand in front of Vivian as if she was his possession. Bastard. "Don't even think about it."
"Why so protective, Knight? Is she your prisoner? Or perhaps another one of your playthings?"
A smirk. "Yes."
He hadn't acknowledged a specific option. Vivian hoped it was just to get under Thane's skin.
"Either way," a pause. "You're not leaving with her."
"And why might that be?" A test.
"Ansel will find her and then kill you along with rest of your rutting Knights if you do."
"But how is he going to find out? How will he know that the Leader of the Knights is responsible for his missing heir?"
He exhaled. "Look, you should just let Vivian free now before you make the biggest mistake of your life. You don't know Ansel. You don't know how much he cares for Vivan, nor how much he'd be willing to risk to get her back."
Vivian shifted in his grasp. He tightened his grip. "Be careful, you're starting to act as if you have sympathy for me," he mused.
"Us Ravens, don't wish to start a Court war at this time, but if we have to, we will. And if you kidnap our Secondary Leader, there will most definitely be bloodshed."
A grin. "Resorting to threats, are we? Well, unfortunately for you, I do not make threats, I make promises," a sigh. "And I promise that I will kill you because what other witnesses are there to tell Ansel of this little encounter?"
"You will not touch Thane," she barked.
The Leader of the Knights focused his attention on Vivian. His deep green eyes pierced into hers, sharing something devious. "You do not command me. You are my prisoner; my possession. And if you were smart, you'd keep your mouth shut."
That's when Thane lunged for him.