1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Forty-nine

Richie was galloping like no tomorrow, which was exceptionally good in this case. Robin and the others were running on foot, but they weren't too far behind. When Guy and Linda got to the village, they unsaddled and sneaked behind a house. Linda growled.

"I'm going to kill Isabella."

Locksley was in utter mayhem. Guards were everywhere, and the citizens were scattered. Women were crying for their sons or husbands as the guards dragged the men forwards. Toward the gates, the men were tied up and attached to a cart with supplies and crops. Her throat closed up when she saw Timothy also tied up. But what really frightened was the guard poking the end of his spear at everyone, either making the men wince or hiss.

"Timmy! Timmy!"

"Billy," Linda whispered, and Guy looked to where she was looking.

A little boy was struggling against an older man, his god father. Billy managed to squirm out of his hold and run as fast as his little feet could carry him to his older brother. Billy pulled on Tim's chains, the older boy urging Billy go get away. A guard intervened by grabbing Billy by the shoulders and throwing him backwards on the ground. Billy whimpered, holding his elbow and scooting back. The guard sneered and took two steps forward, slowly drawing his weapon.

That was enough to make Linda snap.

Ignoring Guy's calls, Linda abandoned her hiding spot and ran to the guard. She collidied into him, tackling him to the ground. The two had a fist-fight, rolling around on the dirt. Billy scooted back some more.

"Leenda!"

"Billy, look away!" Linda yelled, grunting when she got flipped on her back. She managed to turn her head to the side just as the sword dug into the ground. Linda used her knee to hit the guard in the groin, throwing him off her and then kicking him in the face. Linda stood up fast, stepping back when Guy suddenly rammed into a guard that was coming her way, easily defeating him. He tossed her a sword, she of which caught it with ease. They both stood defensively in front of the little boy. Her eyes widened when she saw Timothy with a knife to his neck, the guard on his knees right behind him.

"Let him go!" Linda demanded, swinging her sword in challenge.

A lightly colored black man who was trotting around on a horse glared at her. He was bald, with hateful brown eyes, a sneer on his face. He was wearing all red and black pants with numerous pockets, a black beaded cloak on his shoulders.

"Drop your weapons," he ordered coolly.

"Vas te faire encule," she retorted.

Guy mentally face palmed. "Who are you?" he soon questioned, returning the glare that the man was giving his fiancé.

The man scoffed. "I am Blamire, Isabella's emissary."

"Another?" Linda said. "Wow, she replaces so quickly. Too bad you won't be able to keep the job for too long."

Tossing the sword back to Guy, she grabbed her bow instead and notched an arrow. Blamire only smirked and raised his hand. The guard poked Timothy, almost drawing blood. He hissed before letting out what seemed like a squeak.

"You can kill me and risk the life of this boy, or you surrender your weapons and turn yourselves in."

"You're bluffing," Guy said, not moving an inch.

Linda shook her head. "He isn't. Men like him will kill whenever they get the chance, and they never bluff about murder." She raised her chin in challenge. "What makes you think I trust you won't kill him or the boy behind me?"

Blamire shrugged. "The fact that you don't trust me, but is smart enough to know that I will kill this teenage boy and his family if you do not comply." His eyes caught on fire. "Put down your weapons."