The Knight and the Peasant [FIRST DRAFT]

Chapter 16

Gerard awoke to the sounds of screams.

The Evrúopeans are upon us! Was his first thought.

Quickly, he sprung up from his bed and locked the door to his rooms. He acquitted himself with some light leather and mail armor. He grabbed his belt and sword, strapping it to his waist. He drew his sword from his scabbard, made out of Aes Sídhe steel. The dim moonlight streaming in from his window reflected off the blade, faint and alluring. The sword was a two-handed longsword but was light enough to be wielded with one. Sídhe runes were engraved down the center of the blade, giving it power.

Gerard steadied himself before unlocking and opening the door. Down the hallway to his right, the bodies of two guards lay on the floor, lifeless. How had the Evrúopeans already made it to the keep without anyone noticing? Sword ready, he went a little down the hall to Salvador's rooms. When he arrived, he noticed the doors were open. His eyes slightly widened and his heart began to race.

"Salvador?" he called, his voice but a whisper.

Nothing. The covers to Salvador's bed were all over the place. He was not sleeping.

"Salvador?" he called once more, panic slipping into his voice.

Nothing again. Gerard checked the chamber more extensively. No sign of Salvador. These rooms were similar Gerard's own.

One last time, Gerard called, "Salvador!" His voice was frantic.

"I'm right here, old man!" came the harsh whisper. It came from behind the door to the bathroom.

Inside, Gerard felt his insides relax. His heart began to slow once more. On the outside, however, he adopted a stern posture. "Why didn't you answer the first time?" he asked in a scolding tone.

Salvador shrugged. "I thought you would have the sense to shut up."

"Why?"

"Don't tell me that the dead guards doesn't give you a clue."

Gerard gave Salvador an evil eye before relenting. "Fine. You have your weapons?"

"Well of course I do!"

Gerard nodded. "Where do we head off to?"

Salvador cocked an eyebrow. "Our ships. Where else?"

Gerard sighed. "Right. Where else."

The two of them navigated the hallways of the Hibiscus Keep, slowly and in an attempt not to make any noise. Their blades were held at the ready, Salvador's twin sabres were held lightly in his hands, ready to strike out at a moment's notice. The candlelit halls of the Hibiscus Keep seemed to enhance the somber mood. Gerard's eyes were darting around the halls, scanning for any possible threats.

Clunk, clunk, clunk.

The sound of metal boots rang throughout the halls. It was coming from up the hallway and to the left. At the corner, Gerard and Salvador set their backs flat against the wall, waiting for the guards to pass.

The sound of metal boots grew louder and louder with every second. Finally, a group of guards rounded the corner.

Both Salvador and Gerard moved on instinct; their blades flashed through the air, disarming the guards and sending them to the floor. There were only five guards and all were on the ground in a matter of seconds.

"Peace!" one of the guards cried. "We have naught to do with you."

Gerard noticed the green pieces of cloth tied to the arms of the guards. Not a part of the Hibiscus Guard uniform, however, their uniforms did indeed depict that they were of the Hibiscus Guard.