by Jeff Gunzel
She gazed at him for a time, white-hot anger gleaming in her eyes. “I know who you are,” she said at length.
“Of course you do. I’m the man who is going to ‘earn’ my wealth by selling the Lady Anna Drine to the highest bidder. As far as you’re concerned, I am your owner. That’s all you need to know.”
A bit of anger drained away from her icy stare. In fact, a mild amusement seemed to dance in her eyes. “I saw the way you moved. I watched you slaughter trained killers as if they’d never held a sword in their lives.” The amusement filling her eyes was no longer mild. She smiled wide, openly mocking him. “You’re the Shadow.”
Chapter 2
Anna watched his face carefully, looking for some sort of clue as to what he might be thinking. A stone held more expression. But there it was, a slight hint of frustration that betrayed his thoughts. “I knew it,” she said triumphantly. “My captor is none other than the infamous Shadow. The legendary killer who has never once crossed blades with an equal. The heartless assassin who—”
“Enough!” he said, rushing up to her. In a flash his face was a mere inch away from hers. No one else could have moved like that. If there was any lingering doubt as to this man’s identity, it was now long gone. Startled, she turned her face away. Taunting this dangerous man suddenly seemed like a foolhardy endeavor.
With calloused fingers he touched her cheek softly. Not daring to look at him, she could feel his warm breath pulsing against her neck. “The Shadow is nothing more than a lingering memory from my past. He no longer exists,” he hissed softly. “Do you understand? That name means nothing to me now. Now get ready, we’re leaving.” She swallowed, then nodded.
The fire was nothing more than a few glowing embers now. With a few stomps, Azek made short work of them. Within minutes, they were marching down the trail once again. Still itchy from the ropes, Anna brushed and scratched at her wrists and ankles constantly. She was thankful her captor allowed her to walk with no bindings, but she understood the decision had little to do with kindness. Anna was no threat. Even with an hour’s head start, he would easily recapture her before nightfall. He was too fast for her, and his tracking skills were second to none.
The problem would be trying to explain why she was bound if they saw anyone on the road. They needed to keep up the appearance of a normal couple, attending to normal business.
“You must move faster,” said Azek, setting a hard, swift pace that was zapping the energy from her legs.
“You’ll forgive me if I don’t overextend myself attempting to match your pace,” she said, in between heavy breaths. “I understand that someone of your...limited mental capacity...might not comprehend that I’m not overly anxious to die. I thought I might try to enjoy my final day.” Part of her believed she was about to receive the beating of a lifetime for her sharp tongue. It didn’t matter. She didn’t care anymore. At least that’s what she told herself. Nonetheless, she flinched when he turned to face her. Drawing in on herself, she closed her eyes and tensed.
Not feeling the expected explosion of pain, she dared to open one eye. He didn’t look like he was about to thrash her, or even all that mad for that matter. In fact, there was a deep sadness in those dark eyes. “You’re not going to die,” he said, looking down at her feet. “I know you don’t believe me, but this is just business. Nothing more. I would never purposely put you in harm’s way.”
She raised a doubtful eyebrow, not sure what to make of his reassuring words. A bluff to keep her calm and manageable, most likely. “You’re correct. I don’t believe you.”
“Look,” he said, hands open in a passive fashion, “this is all much simpler that it looks. You are worth very little as a brothel whore, and even less as a slave to work the fields. You’re worth more to your wealthy family than to anyone else. The moment you are back in daddy’s arms, money will exchange hands, and that will be the end of it. And until that takes place, you will not be harmed.”
“You look me in the eye and make empty promises about things you couldn’t possibly know,” she said. “How can you be so sure? You’ve done nothing to gain my trust! And what makes your hollow promises even more ridiculous is that you’re not risking anything. If you’re wrong, so what? If I die, or get beaten and raped before the exchange takes place, you still get paid! What do you care what happens to me?” Anna buried her face in her hands and began to sob. “I watched them die before my own eyes. I’m the only survivor, yet this is my fate?” Her sobbing intensified. “I watched them die!” she repeated, screaming.
“I had nothing to do with that!” Azek shouted back. “You saw what those savages did to the others. Those bloodthirsty animals enjoyed killing your friends. That raid was planned! Yes, they spared your life, but it wasn’t for your benefit. They were going to do the exact same thing I’m doing now. I saved you. The only difference now is that I will benefit from that fact.”
She stared at him blankly, eyes red and swollen. “You saved me?” she repeated in a soft whisper. “Better I died yesterday.”
The distant sound of a wagon approaching caught Azek’s attention. He silently cursed to himself. Even out on this dark, lonely road, the odds of running into random travelers or a band of merchants was still quite high. He had meant to go over a plan for her to follow, just in case they ran into anyone. Caught up in their argument, it had slipped his mind completely. Now it was too late.
A worn, old wagon pulled up beside them, lead by two sets of large work horses snorting aggressively. A plump man with a round face and flabby cheeks gazed down from his high perch. He wore a practiced smile that split his face. Large and fake, it looked nearly as ridiculous as his purple, wide-brimmed hat. An oversized white feather protruding from the top completed the outlandish look. All merchants seemed to think that exaggerated smile would somehow increase the chance of a sale.
“Well met,” said the plump man in a high-pitched voice. He stretched down and offered his hand. Azek reluctantly took it, then regretted it immediately. It was like holding a damp ball of soft cotton. The man was sweating for no reason, and had clearly never worked a day in his life. Azek resisted the urge to wipe his hand across his cloak. “My name is Tanith Frendle, but my friends call me Tan,” he said.
“Good day to you...Tanith,” Azek muttered, trying to get through this exchange without drawing any suspicion. “Now if you’ll excuse us, my wife and I are in a hurry.” Anna flashed him an incredulous look, but said nothing.
“Ah, yes, aren’t we all,” chuckled Tanith, purposely ignoring the hint. “But surely the two of you are weary from travel, and would like to rest a bit. And while you’re resting here with me, the two of you might as well have a look at my goods. Yes?” There came a stirring from the back of the wagon. The dark green tarp seemed to peel itself back, revealing three rather large men. Each wearing black fur vests and armed with long swords, the three burly men looked as if they could be brothers. The only real difference being one was partially shaven, while the other two sported thick greasy black beards.
“Don’t be startled by the help here. You two didn’t think I would be traveling alone in these parts, now did you?” said Tanith. His dark eyes bounced back and forth between Anna and Azek. For the first time, his wide smile looked quite genuine. “Now then, down to business,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “I have an assortment of weapons, tools, and even a batch of finckle roses that grow only in the north. Very rare indeed. Every girl loves roses.” He glanced at Anna and winked. “Now, I also have an assortment of—”
“Do you know who I am?” said Anna, back straightening, drawing herself up to her full height. Alarmed, Azek slowly moved his hands towards the inside of his cloak. Unconsciously, he began fingering the pommels of his two blades strapped to either side of his belt. This was exactly what he feared she might attempt. His eyes shifted from side to side, trying not to move his head in the process. He would need to mentally map out an escape route if things got ugly.
The
three brutes marched up to the front of the wagon, each fingering their own weapons. It was unclear whether or not they thought something was wrong, or if they were simply the type that didn’t trust anyone. Either way, this extra attention wasn’t good.
“No dear, I don’t know who you are,” said Tanith, running two stubby fingers down his double chin. “Perhaps you might enlighten us?”
“My name is Anna,” she said, glancing briefly toward Azek. He tensed, ready to dash at a moment’s notice. “Anna Doctrin. Daughter of Angilo Doctrin, who runs the merchants’ guild in the town of Breechwood. As you know, that’s only a short ways up the road.” She pointed back the direction they came from. “Surely you’ve heard the name?” Azek was still tense, but now he was confused as well. She was lying for some reason. A fake name as well as a fake status.
“I...I believe I do know the name,” Tanith mumbled uncertainly. “We’re heading that way now.”
“Of course you are,” said Anna, snapping her fingers. “It would be several days’ travel before you reach another town worth any mention.” The four men looked at each other, not exactly sure how to respond. “Listen here, Mr. Frendle. I understand you are a man of business. A kind word from me will make your business dealings in Breechwood, well...measurably more profitable.”
Without even questioning her story, the pudgy man began tripping all over himself with praise and thanks, before waving away his hired brutes. With heads slumped and shoulders wilted, they slinked to the back of the wagon, moping as if they’d just been scolded. “That is so very kind of you, my dear. Thank you so much.”
Azek stared in stunned silence. Where was this going? This was her chance for escape. Why wasn’t she taking it?
“Oh, it’s no bother,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Of course, if you could be so kind as to do us one small favor. My husband and I would be ever so appreciative.”
A flash of suspicion crossed Tanith’s face, but he recovered quickly. That oversized smile returned once again. “Certainly my lady. And what might this small favor be?”
She gestured toward Azek. “We have a long way to travel yet, and I’m afraid our provisions are running low. Surely you have some food we can buy?” In a single leap from his perch, he was already heading toward the back of the wagon when she added, “On credit, of course. You’ll receive payment in full from the merchants’ guild when you arrive at Breechwood. Just mention my name.”
He hesitated a moment, then looked back. If his smile looked fake before, he now resembled that of a wooden doll. “Of course,” he said with a slight nod. After rummaging through various trinkets, he returned holding a sack in each hand. “For you, and for you,” he said, handing one to each of them. “Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I must be on my way. After all, time is money.” He climbed back up the front of the wagon. “And it seems I’ve made very little on this deal,” he mumbled, a bit louder than intended. With a snap of the reins the wagon lunged forward, leaving behind a thick cloud of dust.
Once the wagon was out of sight, Azek turned to Anna. “Why did you—”
“What?” she interrupted. “Not attempt to turn you in? Not tell them who I really was?” Azek stared at her blankly. “What good would that have done? I already know who you really are.” She threw her head back and barked out a humorless laugh. “What could those novice mercenaries have done to help me? You would have killed each of them three times before they hit the ground!”
So that was it. The blademaster felt a twinge of guilt spinning in his gut. She was obviously under the impression he would kill anyone, for any reason. That these men would have died if she so much as hinted that she was a prisoner. And why shouldn’t she think that? he thought to himself. After all, she is my prisoner. That, and she’s aware of my reputation, no matter how long ago that was. He wanted to tell her she was wrong. That in fact, he would have fled the scene if she’d told them of her predicament. But he didn’t...he couldn’t... What would be gained by showing such weakness, even if it were the truth?
“You did the right thing,” he said. “Those men needn’t have died because of your bad judgment.” The lie was bitter on his tongue. “Like I said before, after tonight this will all be over with, and you’ll never see me again.”
“After tonight, you will be hunted for the rest of your days,” she growled, then pointed back to the quickly disappearing trail of dust. “Those men were innocent. I’ll not have any of their blood on my hands!” She took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm herself. “Never again,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll not bear witness to another soul dying in my name.”
Little did she know that Azek was silently making similar promises. I’ve no taste for this sort of thing anymore, he admitted to himself. Years of nonstop training. Always striving to be the best. And what did he have to show for it? Even after leaving the “wolves’ lair,” little had changed. All he did now was live the lonely life of a rogue mercenary. A traitor even amongst murderers and thieves. “I will do business with the wolves’ lair one last time, then I swear to leave all this behind once and for all,” he muttered, not even realizing he was speaking out loud.
“Are you coming?” called Anna from at least fifteen feet away. “Nightfall. Remember?” She kept walking, keeping a brisk pace.
“Get my money for the girl, then leave all this behind,” he repeated to himself before hurrying to catch up.
They traveled most of the day in silence. More than once Azek considered handing her back his sack of rations. After all, it was her quick thinking that gained them in the first place. But his considerable hunger forced him to justify keeping his share. It helped him rationalize facts that were loose at best. It’s too much for one person anyway. A girl shouldn’t be burdened with two sacks, now would she? He reached inside, retrieving a large handful of nuts.
The journey through the long road remained uneventful. The occasional singing of birds or a small creature rustling through a bush were the only sounds to be heard. The sun was now hung low in the western sky, a large ball of orange threatening to dip below the horizon.
“How much farther?” said Anna abruptly.
“Just around that next turn,” he pointed ahead, mouth full of jerky. “We’ll be able to see it from the top of that hill.”
“So what am I worth?” she blurted out, catching him off guard once more.
“Huh? Wha—”
“What is my value?” she repeated, a slightly different wording. “You know, the arranged price. I’m just curious about your bartering skills. Surely you will be able to retire after this ransom?”
He paused a long time before replying, “That is my hope.”
She stopped dead in her tracks. He could feel her glaring at the back of his head. “There is no arrangement, is there? You’re just playing this by ear as you go!” She scoffed. “The famed Shadow does not even have his contacts ready?”
“I told you not to call me that!” Azek snapped back at her. “You practically fell into my hands. When was I supposed to make any arrangements?” She looked amused, but said nothing. “I know you don’t believe me when I tell you I saved you, but that’s exactly what I did.”
This time she laughed outright. “Are you telling me I should be thankful for this? That being taken prisoner against my will...is somehow a good thing? That being sold to the highest bidder will eventually result in my returning home?”
Before she could even blink, there was a hissing sound, then cold steel pressed against her neck. The movement had been so swift and fluid, her eyes had barely registered it. “No, I’m not saying your predicament is a good one. But I assure you, you are far better off now than when I first found you.” She tried hard not to gaze down at the blade pressed to her throat. “I’ll try to explain this to you one last time. Do you even know who those men were?”
Anna carefully shook her head. “No,” she said in a weak voice. “We never saw them coming. In a heartbeat, they were on us li
ke a storm.”
“That’s how the ‘blood pack’ function,” Azek said, his voice soft yet sharp. “They move silently like the wind, then swarm like bees. Rarely do they leave anyone alive, unless that person has value. And that is the only reason you are still breathing. Eventually they were going to sell you back to dear old daddy, but first...” He lowered his sword point between her breasts, drawing an invisible line down her front. She looked away, grimacing. “But first they would have had a little fun with you. Well, more than a little.”
“Please stop,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Is that what you would have said to them?” He brushed his sword along the inside of her leg, then rose it upward slowly, raising the front of her dress. “Please stop?” She began to cry. He pulled his sword back, sheathing it in one smooth movement. “They would have raped you one hundred times before even considering sending you home! And when they finally grew tired of your body–bored of your screams– and finally did sell you back for some outrageous amount of gold,” he moved his face close, forcing her to look into his eyes, “your own father would not have recognized you anymore. Your soul would be dead.” Her crying turned into wailing sobs. “So I say to you again, you are better off with me. The plan is simple. I get paid, and you go home.” Seeing how upset she had become, he put a hand on her shoulder and added, “You will see your family again, I give you my word.”
Chapter 3
When they reached the top of the next hill, they were able to see the rundown, seedy little town below. It was getting dark now, but the lidded streetlights flickering with burning oil provided just enough light to see what kind of shape this town was in. Old, ratty buildings, many with holes in their roofs, seemed to lean against one another. It looked as though removing one might send them all toppling in a domino effect. The wide, sandy street splitting the middle of the town looked to be barren. Only a few taverns displayed the soft light of lit lanterns, the occasional shadow dancing across the window.
