The Time of the Hidden

Chains

I had finished tying together the fifth group of bags, and was now left waiting upon Theo's return. When he did come, I quickly began helping him load up again, but he dropped the bags, and grabbed my shoulder.

"Wait, Sky, we got to go."

"What happened?"

"I saw Flynn running through the hall, he's up to something. Forget the gold, we've got to leave."

Theo went and opened the door, but quickly retreated back into the room.

"Heavy footsteps on the stairs, the guards are coming." The rushed footsteps were moving down the hall towards us. Anxiety that had built up in my stomach was beginning to boil.

"Damn it!" Theo cursed under his breath. "We're going to have to make a run for it." The feet were a few steps from the door. "Move to the edges, ready to ambush." We drew our weapons ready in position. Theo gave me a reassuring nod before the door swung open.

The quick movements, and the clinking of swords were blurred together in my mind, all being dictated by the single and driving thought to get out of there as fast as possible. Theo and I drove through the guards in the hall, making it to the stairs. More guards were coming from our entrance into the mansion. Theo pulled me away towards another exit that was marked on the map. We ran, with guards trailing us, outside. There we were met with more guards. We were too crowded to run, our only option was to fight our way out.

With a hard lunge towards one soldier, I brought him down quick, and swung my blade around just in time to counter an attack at my back. I manage to bring down my second opponent, but was quickly knocked off my feet by a sturdy kick. My sword was knocked out of my hand, and as I reached for it, a foot came down on my wrist. A kick to my head made my mind spin as two guards pulled me to my knees. There was a silver dagger held to my throat dangerously close to creating a tiny red bead at its tip. The man on the other side of the knife was far too well dressed for soldier or servant.

"Drop your weapons, or your partner dies." The man said to Theo. I looked at Theo who held my eyes locked with his, as he dropped his swords and raised his hands in surrender. Guards closed down on him, pinning him down on his knees. "Remove their hoods." Theo's eyes darkened as the guards pulled back the only coverage we had for our animal ears. The man let out a dark chuckle as he trailed the tip his dagger up to my ear. "Well, well, well, this is quite the surprise. I never would have expected two Arikan to come running around my house. Derkon would pay quite the hefty sum for you two. But first, we have other matters to attend to. Take them down stairs, and make sure you chain'em up tight." I was pulled to my feet and led away with a sword at the small of my back.

Moments later, I was strip of my cloak, and any weapon I had on me. They shackled my hands behind my back, and my feet. Forcing me to my knees, they ran a thick chain through a ring on the wall, then through the gaps between my shackles. The guard pulled the chain tight, pulling my arms back uncomfortably. I looked over across the room to Theo who was forced by chains into the same position. His face was grim, and his eyes searching for an answer to escape.

The man with the silver dagger walked into the room, his eyes holding a gleam of something not quite sane. He first turned his attention to Theo, fiddling with the knife, a dangerous joy on his face.

"You two weren't the only ones here tonight, there was a third member, wasn't their? Flynn Arc was here with you tonight, and your going to tell me where he is now."

"We don't know." Theo replied coldly.

"Now, now, are really going to try and protect the boy that ran away, and left you two to fend for yourselves."