Bant sighed as he loosened his sword in its sheath beneath his cloak. It had been two years since the battle of Malf Hills. And he was still doing mop up work for king Daniel. But, as a respected member of the Hidden Swords, he was obligated to honour the king’s commands. Even if he thought someone else could do the job just as well.
In front of him there was a rustle in the bushes and a man in a green cloak with the cowl pulled up over his head appeared. In his hand was a longbow and over his shoulder was a quiver.
“Any word, Coll?” Bant asked the man. The man had no given name and called himself Coll.
“it’s them alright,” said Coll as he lowered his cowl. “Fifteen men, they just raided a farm. Killed everyone and took what they wanted. They’re skinning and butchering the animals now.”
“A perfect time to strike,” said Bant as he looked back at his battle horse and Coll’s smaller horse.
“Five hours till morning,” said Coll as he looked at the moonless night sky.
“This is the last of them,” said Bant as he started down the hill into the woods. “Two years of hunting down the traitor Jint’s officers. The lords who rebelled with him.”
“We’ve accounted for quite a few of them,” said Coll nonchalantly as he selected an arrow from his quiver and laid it on his bowstring. “It’s been interesting.”
“If we hadn’t brought word to king Daniel in time for him to ready the loyal lords and their men we’d probably be wanted men now,” said Bant.
“Just luck and good timing,” said Coll. “And you get accepted into the Hidden Swords.”
“And yet you remain by my side,” said Bant.
“I owe you my life,” said Coll. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Hush now, we’re getting close to their sentries.”
Coll seemed to fade into the forest. He had uncanny skills at sneaking that allowed him to move almost unseen. Bant was nowhere near as stealthy so he hung back while Coll took care of the sentry.
“All clear,” came the whisper and Bant continued onwards. He could see their fires now and smell meat cooking. Ahead of him he saw a whisper of movement. Then nothing. But he knew that Coll would hang back and shoot anyone who tried to stab him in the back. Coll could shoot faster and more accurate than seemed possible. As for Fol, the traitor they’d been sent to deal with, he was, as far as Bant was concerned, already dead.
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