FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Battling Country

MARDICHI

It was late morning when the leader of the highwaymen, a man called Brotus was giving a careful study to one tree in particular.

Another man approached “What is it?”

“You tell me.” Brotus gestured. In the light of morning it was clear to see the thick rock deeply embedded in the wide oak tree.

“It punched a hole halfway through it!” The man was astounded. “How did it get there?”

“I think someone threw it.” Brotus crossed his arms thoughtfully. “To distract you.”

The man gave Brotus a quizzical look.

“I think that is how he took her.”

“The Raven.” The man supplied.

“Did you find any sign of her?”

“No.”

“I want her back.” He said sideways without looking at the other man.

“I did not think you had her to begin with?”

“Not yet. But I will.” Brotus commented. “Find me a track.”

The man whined as he turned around to go seek a trail.

Mardichi had the girl tied to his horse on the saddle in-front of him.

Norris rode his gelding next to them. Sensing the awkwardness. No one had spoken at all this morning.

“Are you feeling bad?” He finally asked.

“Not in the least.” Mardichi was staring at the back of her slender neck.

The girl stiffened.

“Did she fight you?” Norris asked.

“Only recently.”

Norris frowned. “Am I missing something?”

“Yes.” She murmured. Her voice soft. Her head hung as she studied the horse’s red mane. The same posture she had, for two hours now.

Norris pulled a biscuit from his saddlebag. “Would you like one, Girl?” He offered.

“No, she would not.” Mardichi shook his head.

“Yes, I would.” She looked up and turned so Norris could see the rope tying her wrists to the saddle would not let her reach any further.

He leaned over to slip the biscuit in her hand.

Mardichi croaked with laughter.

Only when she glared at him did Norris realize she could not possibly lean far enough down to get a bite nor could she bring her hands up to her mouth.

Unsure what he should do he looked to Mardichi he was smirking at her plight and seemed disinclined to help her.

“Did she tell you anything?” Norris asked. “About why she is doing this?”

“Nothing just now.”

“Why do you keep saying that?” Norris asked.

Mardichi leaned forward to catch the scent of her neck.

She tossed a withering glower over her shoulder.

It was clear no one intended to answer Norris. “Will someone tell me what is going on.”

Mardichi drew a long breath and relaxed his posture. Finally lifting his gaze to look at the road ahead.

“A long time ago I was walking the roads of Dread country looking for fugitive Dreads.”

“Trying to find bounties. Yes, I know.” Norris supplied.

“I stumbled on a tiny little wraith. A half-starved thing that claimed she had been looking for me.”

The black-haired girl on the front of the horse began shifting uncomfortably until Mardichi whispered something inappropriate in her ear. Which caused her to go remarkably still.