The wind blew through the gully, drowned out by the sound of dribbling water but felt good on my face nevertheless. I was alone, the forest around me dulled the setting sun leaving a darkening blue sky above me. Wait a little longer and the scene would be perfect for the ambush.
I climbed my way back up the side of the gully to grab my gear, keeping an eye out for the boat my informer told me would be passing through. Retrieving my new bow, I slung my quiver over my shoulder. Drawing an arrow and knocking it as I watched the entrance of the gully.
The sky rapidly lost light, for the first time on this job I felt nervous. Already I'm not much of a shot with a bow, if I can't see them that only adds to my disadvantage. Pulling back the bow, I squinted as I aimed the weapon at a tree out of sight from the gully and released. It flew wide of the tree and deeper into the dark forest.
Letting out a discouraged sigh, I patted the short sword on my belt "All else fails, I'd like to see them match me with a sword."
A light emerged through the tree line, dancing and flickering around the trees. 'They're here.' I realized, tucking behind a tree to survey the target. A medium sized row boat made its way into view. Four men inside the boat. Two of them sat in the middle, rowing the boat an oar in each hand as the other two positioned in the front and back scanned the tree line vigilantly with bows in hand.
Odd, I thought, seems a little light for such precious cargo. Silently I waited as the rowed, listening for any chatter that I could use for an advantage but they moved in silence.
They wore red cloth with silver metal plating armoring them almost completely. This was an elite task force of the queens hand. Information left out when I accepted the bounty. What could they be guarding? I wondered. Now afraid to move as they might spot me with keen eyes.
I may be able to duel the oar men if not for the archers. They would spot me and shoot me down where I stood if I revealed myself.
