But it could still be useful before then. He was very confident with this particular plan. He had seen the power of the pearl before and had used it to great effect. He had seen it make water form in all kinds of shapes. He had used it to pull a submarine up from where it was far down in the water right to the surface with ease. He held it tightly in his hand while Sasha sat on the other end of the boat, looking miserable and annoyed.
“You're telling me that pearl is going to carry us all the way across the ocean.”
“Aye, that's what I'm telling you. Your boss came back to life after being skewered by the spear that stabbed Jesus Christ, but you have trouble believing this? Come on, Sasha. You have seen stranger things than this, aye?”
Sasha folded her arms. “Fair enough.”
Purdue tightened his grip around the pearl and willed the water to carry them forward. On command, the ocean swept the little boat up and launched them forward. There was no need for a propeller or a rudder or a sail. Purdue's thoughts were the only engine that the boat needed, thanks to the power of the pearl.
As they picked up speed, Sasha actually looked surprised and cracked a smile. They cut across the water, covering miles and miles of ocean in minutes. They were going faster than any other boat could. No engine would have been able to keep up with the pearl's power.
“I'll admit, that pearl is handy to have. With that, that spell book you found, and the Scarlet Sword, you may have a chance against Julian. Maybe.”
“Maybe is not good enough. Not when Nina and Charles' lives are on the line. Besides, I don't want to have the Scarlet Sword, not even to use as another weapon against Julian. I want this thing gone as soon as possible.”
“Fine,” Sasha said. “I would keep every weapon you have, but if you're that certain, then just stay on this course. We'll get it back where it belongs soon enough.”
Even with the ocean shuttling the boat across its waters, it was still going to take some time to reach France. Purdue kept half of his attention focused on their movements, still holding the pearl firmly under his fingers. To help pass the time though, he used the other half of his concentration to have a conversation with Sasha. He liked being prepared for what was ahead. She had told him a lot about the traps that would stand in their way, but not much about the location itself.
“Why would the Templar Knights keep the Scarlet Sword in some old castle? And why would they leave it there for anyone to find?”
“The second question has a very easy answer,” Sasha said. “No one wanted to take it with them because then the curse would be upon them. They left it in the only place that would keep the curse neutralized. None of them wanted to die. Simple as that. Maybe they thought the castle was isolated enough that no one would ever stumble on the sword again. Or that the traps they set up would be enough to stop people. Unfortunately they didn't know that a secret society was going to unearth it for their own personal gain. As for the castle...well...what were most castles for? It was a place for members of their holy order to stay and live. The knights trained there, and the Templars, more interested in knowledge, could study there. But, nothing is meant to last. The Templars had many enemies, and that castle could only hold back so many sieges before it fell. They were smart to build it in France rather than in the Holy Land like many of their other forts. The castle would have fallen far sooner then...and who knows where the Scarlet Sword would have ended up.”
“I wouldn't have minded,” Purdue said honestly. “I would be okay never having seen the damn thing to begin with. Would have saved me a whole lot of trouble. Never would have the cursed place on me for one. Never would have had those assassins after me, for two. And lastly, I wouldn't have to worry about all of the things that you say are going to kill us once we get there. No bogs that drown people. No old traps trying to skewer me. I really wouldn't have minded if that sword was anywhere else.”
“I see your point,” Sasha said. “But that Scarlet Sword also helped you survive. It's not all bad.”
“Maybe not,” Purdue said. “With the price you have to pay for it, though, it's just mostly bad. Not really worth it if you ask me. Bringing it back to its resting place will be best for everyone. Definitely best for me.”
Being on the open water again brought back memories of Purdue's more recent travels; his search for Admiral Walton Ogden's hidden pirate treasure as well as when he first discovered the pearl down in the depths of the sea. Those had been much harder voyages, though, as he didn't have the pearl making things easier at the time.
The ocean was usually so unpredictable, and even treacherous, but now he could ensure that it was the smoothest sailing imaginable. All of that uncertainty that came with spending anytime out at sea couldn't effect their boat. They were practically in their own little ocean that wasn't effected by the rest of the world's currents.
Because of the power of the pearl, they never even had to touch the oars that came with the rowboat. It made for a much different journey. Besides going so much faster, this time he wasn't being pursued by bloodthirsty pirates that wanted him dead for taking his rightfully earned cut of the reward. He also wasn't with Aya and her crew this time, and he certainly wasn't with Sam either. He was in the middle of the endless void of water with a woman that he, up until recently, considered an enemy, someone he wouldn't be caught dead associating with.
Purdue hugged the Scarlet Sword tight. He didn't want to take even the smallest chance that it fell into the water. If that happened, he was done for.
They reached the shores of France much more quickly than most sea vessels could complete the voyage. As Purdue's foot splashed down into the shallows, and he dragged the boat over into the rocks and sand, he started to realize that his time being plagued by the curse of the Scarlet Sword might actually be coming to an end. All of this time where he'd been scared to even take a step outdoors or even to put the sword down so he could wash his hands, and now it was finally going to be over.
“It's not too far of a hike from here,” Sasha said. “A half day's walk maybe. You wouldn't happen to have a pearl that controls dirt that could carry us along to the castle much quicker, or did you just have the one?”
“Just the one.”
“That's a damn shame,” Sasha laughed. “I could have gotten used to be carted around by the elements. It was quite a rush.”
They walked through open fields and then forests for what felt like hours. There wasn't much to see besides green plains, green leaves, and green plants. They had traded the actual sea for a sea of endless green. There was the occasional brown mixed in that added just enough variety to not drive Purdue crazy.
He grew more and more anxious to be rid of the sword he was carrying. He needed it gone, just so he could sleep more soundly than he had in weeks.
As they grew closer and closer to the Templar fortress, Purdue tried to remember all of the details of Sasha's story. There were apparently all kinds of hazards that were in between them and the castle, things that had nearly killed the Black Sun group that had collected the sword. They would need to be very careful about that, but Purdue was glad to be traveling with someone who had seen these obstacles before firsthand and might be able to guide him through it.
“Watch out,” Sasha said, and grabbed hold of Purdue's shoulder, stopping him from taking his next step. He looked down and saw sharp wooden spear protruding from the earth, right beneath his foot. That would have pierced right through his sole if he had gone any further. They had just arrived, and already Sasha was keeping him from falling for any of the traps. “The terrain around here isn't exactly friendly. Don't forget what I told you before.”
Purdue wanted to argue that he hadn't, but instead he settled with a simple thank you. Having any sort of debate with her wouldn't help anyone. They needed to be fully on the same page, working together. Otherwise, one of them would surely end up dead.
“Fancy seeing you here,” a voice said.
Purdue followed the sound and found Vince
nt and Torsten standing beside some nearby trees. Purdue silently swore at himself for ever assuming that they had completely lost those two assassins. It had been too easy to get away from them.
Vincent still had that glimmering katana, and Torsten had already knocked an arrow. Whatever happened, Purdue couldn't let him fire off another one of those homing arrows. They were a pain in the ass to not get killed by, and Clive wasn't around anymore to be an involuntary meat shield for him.
Sasha put a hand on Purdue's shoulder. “Go on ahead. You'll find the castle a short distance away to the east but mind your step. One wrong move, and you'll end up stuck or bleeding out.”
Purdue looked at her like she was nuts. Unlike him, she didn't have a sword that gave her extra strength. She wouldn't stand a chance without something like that, and he couldn't exactly let her borrow his. Vincent and Torsten would make quick work of her.
“I've got this,” Sasha said. “You need to put that sword back where it belongs. I've known these two for a while. We're in for a long overdue reunion. Go. I'll be close behind.”
He wasn't sure he believed her, looking back to the two assassins that watched with mild interest. He knew he could outrun them. He'd done it before. He could get to the fortress and the resting place of the sword before they could...but what was he going to do after? He'd be powerless and no longer have any of the advantages the sword gave him.
“I have another idea. We'll do this together. Split them up.” Purdue said quietly and pointed his sword at Vincent. “You want some revenge for your brother, aye? Well come and take it then. Let's see if you actually know how to use that sword.”
Vincent smiled at the prospect of the challenge and looked to Torsten. “He's mine.”
“Fine,” Torsten sighed. “I'll deal with Sasha.”
Purdue gave a nod to Sasha before turning around toward the east and sprinting away. He could hear branches snap as Vincent chased after him. Purdue was looking mostly at the ground as he ran, avoiding any traps that the knights had set up all those years ago.
Hopefully the castle was close.
Sasha watched Purdue flee and was happy that he had the sword's speed on his side. She looked back at the archer in front of her and suddenly realized just how bad of a situation she was in. She recognized that bow from the deep vault and knew that avoiding its arrows was a monumental task that she probably wasn't ready for.
Torsten gave a curt nod of his head at her. “Sasha.”
“It's been awhile, Torsten. I'm surprised you've shacked up with Vincent to be honest. I always took you for more of a loner. You usually seemed to prefer peace, quiet, and solitude.”
“I do,” Torsten said. “But orders are orders...not that you would understand that anymore.” His thin lips tightened into a half-smile. “Yes, the last time we were in contact with Julian, he told us all about what you've been up to and what you've done. Bad move, Sasha. You're throwing all of it away. Your whole life...for Purdue of all people.”
“I got sick of putting my life on the line for a lunatic,” Sasha said honestly. “If I have to risk my life, I'd rather it be for someone worth it.”
“That's your choice,” Torsen said, jogging a few steps backward, and drawing his bowstring. “We came here with orders to kill Purdue, but you should know that Julian gave orders about you as well.”
“I figured as much,” Sasha said. “Go on then. If you really want to do this, take your best shot.”
His “best shot” with that bow was probably something that she really didn't want to see, but she needed to distract him from sending any arrows at Purdue. With the Scarlet Sword, Purdue might stand a chance against Vincent, but dealing with them both would probably be overwhelming. It was up to her to even the odds, but she was the only one without any kind of special weapon. She would have to use good old fashioned skills to bring Torsten down. No magic blade, no blessings, and no curses. Just her and her own abilities.
Torsten released the bowstring, and it snapped forward, launching the arrow in her direction. She knew what to expect with that arrow. She would need to outmaneuver it, but the magic of that bow made that arrow incredibly adaptable. It could track her movements and mimic them with relative ease. She dashed between tree trunks, weaving in and out of them to try and get out of the arrow's trajectory. As expected, the bolt followed her path through the trees, twisting and curving around them just like she was doing. It didn't matter how tightly she took corners, the arrow defied gravity every time.
She avoided it for some time, and part of her hoped the arrow would just run out of steam, but it became clear that the momentum of its release had nothing to do with it. Once it was in the air, it would remain there, like there were invisible rocket boosters on the end of it keeping it airborne.
A risky idea came to her, but she decided it was her best bet. She looped around a tree and then sprinted as fast as she could back toward Torsten. She glanced back to see the arrow following closely behind her...good. She would need it close if this was going to work. She remembered Purdue's story about how he had used Clive to unwittingly intercept the arrow. Maybe she could do something similar with Torsten.
The archer watched her approach and shook his head. “Really!?” He called. “This is your plan!?”
She was running straight at him and hoped that if she played this right, the arrow would hit its own master. She got right in Torsten's face, and he raised his bow to swing it at her. She avoided the swipe and sidestepped him but kept real close to his body, hoping it would be close enough for the arrow to hit—it almost was.
The arrow avoided him, just like she had, but its tip nicked his cheek, tracing a thin shallow cut along the right side of his face. He let out a surprised yelp as she ran past. She darted through the trees again before looping around to try again. As she ran at Torsten again though, he was ready this time, and he was angry.
He knocked another arrow and fired it right at her. With one arrow coming at her from behind and one from the front, she dashed to her left and both arrows veered out of each other’s way to continue on her trail. This was hopeless, she realized, but they were after her because of the bowman’s aim. Maybe getting rid of him would make the arrows lose their eyesight in a way. Or, it wouldn't matter, and they'd follow her forever even if Torsten was dead.
She ran at him again, and Torsten knocked a third arrow, drawing his bow. “Just give it up!”
Sasha refused to give in and let these arrows kill her. The bow he had and the arrows in the air may have been otherworldly and magical, but in the end, it was still a primitive weapon, and it had its limits. There was a reason that the bow was obsolete on the fields of combat. It had long since been overtaken by firearms—and she happened to have her pistol holstered at her side.
Sasha drew her own weapon and aimed it at Torsten as she ran at him. She saw something on his face that hadn't been there before. It almost looked like fear as he realized that his arrows weren't going to get to her in time to stop her from pulling that trigger.
He loosed his third arrow as Sasha squeezed the trigger, and a bullet exploded from the gun's barrel. It whizzed past the arrow he had released and lodged itself into Torsten's head. The archer was thrown backward and crumbled into a lifeless heap.
The arrow he had shot still came at her and placed itself in her left arm. She didn't let it stop her running. She kept going, afraid that the other two arrows were still following her every move. She ran right past Torsten, only catching a glimpse of the frozen expression of shock on his face.
She looked back and didn't see the arrows pursuing her anymore. She ran a few more steps just to be safe before stopping and turning around. She waited for the pair of bolts to appear from around a tree, still intent on impaling her, but nothing came. She walked back toward where she had been when she fired her gun and saw two arrows lying in the ground. They were motionless, lifeless now, and no longer a threat.
Sasha ripped out the arrow that struck her arm, glad
that Torsten's aim hadn't been better. Having a gun pointed at his face as he took his shot probably hadn't helped his accuracy. She glanced down at the man who she once considered a comrade. He should have stayed where he usually was, in the shadows and far away from his targets. Instead, he let Julian Corvus send him to the front lines of this war with Purdue, and he paid the price for it.
Sasha picked up the bow beside him and then looked in the direction that Purdue had run off to. Hopefully he was still alive. There were many things ahead that could kill him, not to mention Vincent Moore, but David Purdue had survived many other dangerous things before; maybe he could do it again.
Purdue went as fast as he could but remained cautious of every single step he took. He heeded Sasha's warnings as best as he could too. He had already seen plenty of traps that would have killed him if he hadn't been keeping such a close eye on his surroundings. Vincent couldn't have been that far behind, but Purdue hoped that he wasn't being as careful and that a trap would just get rid of that assassin for him.
Unfortunately, he probably wouldn't be that lucky.
A gunshot rang out in the distance. It must have been Sasha. He hoped that whatever shot she fired had found its mark because those arrows would certainly find theirs. Part of him felt bad that he had left her to deal with those arrows. He knew how dangerous they were, but Sasha was tough. She wouldn't go down easily.
Purdue broke out of the thick mass of trees around him and found an entirely new obstacle in his path. A dark, smelly bog waited in front of him. Beyond that enormous marsh, there was a broken down castle on the other side—or at least the remnants of what used to be a castle. He remembered the bog from Sasha's story and how she had seen it swallow some of her teammates whole. It must have been very deep and very thick for that to happen.
Order of the Black Sun Box Set 10 Page 31
