The Web of Iron

Chapter Twenty-three: Rescue

William had been led with his hands bound along another road. He was guarded by four soldiers of the Iron Kingdom. The air was tense, as though awaiting change. He sensed that the liveliness which had seeped into the trees before had been beaten back. Yet it was still there, waiting below the surface. Waiting to explode outward.

His guards dragged him along none too gently. Some of them eyed his weapons and equipment as they were carried. It was the looks that made him suspect they had no intention of letting him live. He did not see much reason why they would know to fear Duke Vanion Gabriel. Though they surely would if they knew how powerful Father was.

But they did not. Which meant William had to free himself. He writhed his hands in their bindings as they made their way along. He could feel them straining.

"We're far enough now, aren't we?" said a soldier.

"No. Not yet. Some of the villagers might find him," said another. "Let's go a little way on."Stay calm. Keep stretching the restraints. They were yielding.

"The armor is nice, isn't it?" asked one.

"I want the sword," said another.

"Both of you shut up," said the leader. "These weapons and armor are going to the Iron Council. They'll decide what to do with it." He paused and looked to a mournful stump. "That's far enough. Force him to a kneel by that stump."

"I was led to believe your orders were to take me captive," said William, stalling as he strained his bindings. It wouldn't do him any good to fight them. But he might escape. He'd lose his armor and sword, but those could be replaced.

"That was only for the benefit of the villagers," said the soldier. "Raka can't have us be seen killing their savior. So we'll cut your head off here and leave your body for the wolves in the woods. No one will be the wiser.

"The Iron Council gave orders that you be killed if found."

"May I ask why?" asked William.

How the hell should I know?" asked the soldier. "Grab him!"

And then the man stiffened. William saw someone standing, hidden by the leader's form, but an elegant blade was visible. Then the leader's head fell from his shoulders, and his body collapsed spewing blood.

"Kill him!" cried one of the soldiers. "I'll guard the prisoner!"

Two of them rushed forward but their blades were parried, and their throats were cut. Blood spewed over the attacker. The one guarding him backed away toward William. As he did, William broke his restraints and wrapped the rope around the man's throat. The man struggled, and then a blade passed through his stomach, and another through his heart.

The swords were an inch from William's own torso. He threw down the body and stepped back. He would need to find a weapon and- Tanith?

Tanith was standing in front of him with a cheerful expression. A huge grin was on her face, and her eyes were bright. She was also drenched in blood and gore from the men she had just butchered. "Hey Will!"