A Wild World- A Witcher FanFic

Chapter 9

A.N.-- well thank you all so much for getting this far.  Much love! ~Cheers

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The cobblestone of the main road was still slick and gleamed in the moonlight. 

The alley was already full of screams. Cass tried to run faster but her ankle wouldn't have it.  She was scared.  Who were those men.  Where would they both go.  Not the inn, and the capital was a far ride.  Slipping on a wet stone she fell headlong into the mud and grime.  Without hesitation  Eskel wrapped one arm around her waist, and half dragged her to the stables.

Screams from the inn now woke other houses nearby.  Villagers began flooding the streets.  Bursts of flame tore through the roof of the inn and over towards the tight-packed houses.  A warning bell clanged out above the noise.

Diving inside the smoky stables Eskel ran for the horses.  With expert hands he threw saddles on scorpion and the mare.  The loud clamor and smoke woke the stable boy.  Shaking the youth jumped up from the hayloft rather disheveled.  A reddish tint to this cheeks.  Clearly embarrassed.  Another head joined his-- the bar maid that had led us to our room.

"What's going on sir?"  The youth quickly straightened himself and jumped down.  The maid, now beet red, yanked on her dress and apron so quickly she forgot half the ties.  "I smell smoke."

"That's because the inn and half the town is ablaze!" Eskel growled.

"Gods! The horses," the youth yelled. "They're all still in their stables."

Leaping to arms the youth held an aura of command.  Cass quickly jumped in to help, as much as her ankle would allow anyways.

Not wasting a moment they ran for the stable doors and slammed them all open.  Together the stable boy and Cass released the horses from their stalls.  Shrieking the panicked horses were ushered out into the streets.  Their owners not caring where they ran to.  The young maid now aware of the situation bolted out into the street.  Her terror melding in with the others.  

Flames and sparks could now be seen flying through the air.  It was hot.  Cass felt sweat run down her back.  Eskel looked just as worn.  The stables soon began to darken with smoke.  An indication that the tall man's promise of destruction was indeed unfolding.

Suddenly, a sharp pounding was heard coming from the back of the stables.

"What was that?"  Cass cried trying to hold onto her nervous mare.

"That's the backdoor: it connects to the inn."  The youth turned and ran for the door.  "Someone must be trying to get out."  As he reached for the latch the wooden frame exploded.  

The door ripped from its hinges and slammed the youth against the wall.  His head making a sickening snap.  A menacing man in black armor stood blocking the doorway.  His wickedly sharp sword poised at the ready.

"Cass get back!"  Eskel jumped forward with his steel sword.

Cass' head was spinning.  The smoke stung her eyes and nose.  And with the inn door open the smoke was pouring out.  Black billows.

Eskel's steel flashed and the clang of steel-on-steel rang out.  Using all her might Cass pushed her panic deep inside.  She needed to help the stable hand.  Eskel could take care of himself... but why was she so worried.  Against better judgement Cass pushed the door away from the youth and dragged the stable boy's limp body away.

As she reached the exit she desperately called out for help.  The smoke catching in her throat.  A burly watchman threw down his halberd and took the youth into his arms.