A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 9

                   ''Wait.'' Peter pulled Avelina back into the bushes.

Avelina frowned and jerked her arm out of his grip. ''It's safe.''

Peter didn't reply, he only looked back at the cottage tucked into the woods that only a couple nights ago, he'd resided in.

They'd decided earlier that morning to head back down the mountain and gather supplies at Avelina's home. Father Bennet had returned to his church in Davenshire. Even if Peter's uncle knew Father Bennet was a rebel, he wouldn't touch him due to the priest's popularity amongst the people.

''You may have been recognized last night, or Lady Grimald may have told the guards about you,'' Peter whispered and stayed crouched behind the shrubbery. Never taking his eyes off the house. ''If so, they'll be here waiting for you.''

Avelina narrowed her eyes but sank back down behind the bush.

''What about Mother and Isolda?'' She asked quietly. ''We can't just sit here if they are being tortured.''

Peter swallowed but didn't say anything. He'd seen Richard's cruelty and ruthlessness and wasn't sure what he would do to family members of one of the leading rebels.

''I'll go to the side of the house and try to see if I can hear anything,'' Aldwin said, then quietly crept towards the cottage.

They had met Adam on the way back from the cave. His face had scratches all over it, and he'd looked like he'd gotten in a fight with a rosebush. But, otherwise, he was safe and had headed directly to the Lord Richard's castle to see what information he could gather.

Aldwin crept alongside the cottage's plaster walls. Listening, then moving forward. Finally, he nodded and motioned for Peter and Avelina to come out.

Peter cautiously stepped out from the bush, feelings as though at any moment, he could be pounced upon. He glanced back at Avelina who followed at his heels.

They quietly joined Aldwin at the door and knocked against the wooden door.

''Mother?'' Avelina pressed her ear against the door and seemed to be listening.

Peter had drawn his sword as a precaution and was ready to sling it at anyone presenting danger. He wasn't convinced there weren't guards in the house.

Avelina slowly opened the door before Peter could caution against it. The only thing he could do now was to watch her back.

''Mother? Isolda?'' Avelina's boot made little sound against the floor.

Peter glanced around the cottage. A couple of bowls were set at the table, filled with the watery porridge they had eaten several days ago. Another bowl lay on the floor, smashed. Peter's gut turned and his feet started moving to grab Avelina and get out of the house.

''Avelina---''

The guards jumped out from under the table and beds before Peter could even finish his sentence. The one grasped a startled Avelina around the waist, and the other was quick to engage sword-fight with Peter.

Peter had learned expert swordsmanship on the mainland and was quick to disarm the guard, and knocked him in the temple just as Aldwin joined his side. But they both quickly stopped but a scream from Avelina.

Peter froze.

The second guard held Avelina against him, a knife under her chin, and blood dribbling off the end.

''Drop the swords.'' The guard motioned at Peter and Aldwin.

''Don't listen to hi-----'' Avelina started but stopped when the guard pressed the blade farther into her skin.