Fanning Flames (Part One)
As they lay there in silence, a new sound was heard, footsteps. That of several men. Zaknir hear it first, sitting up he growled awakening Laurel from her sleeplike state. "Wha-? What's goi-" Laurel began only to be silenced by Lalo's thought sharing abilities.
Quiet! he cried.
What is it?
Listen and you'll find out! So Laurel listened, being half-elf she heard them approaching.
Humans, Zaknir growled.
Don't be a sour puss, they may have just seen the fire and come to investigate.
And what if that's not their reason?
Then we'll find out the reason, she replied. She removed her sword just to be safe. On the nights when Zaknir transformed, he had taken some time to teach her how to fight. It was useful most of the time, but Laurel didn't like the thought of running someone through with it. Zaknir thought her to be weak, yet internally, he also knew that the weakness was also her greatest attribute, and hopefully would be her legacy.
Well... We'll soon find out if Zaknir's training has had any effect, Laurel commented softly to herself.
Remember to let it be an extension of your arm! Don't forget that! Zaknir's words echoed through her mind.
She nodded. Zaknir stood beside her facing the direction of the oncoming troop.
The firelight soon reflected off the faces of five soldiers, armored and ready.
"Halt!" a soldier called out. The silence the night was broken by the sound of hundreds of fluttering birds as they all flew, startled by the noise.
Laurel sighed in anger, she had enjoyed having the birds around. Every once in a while a nightengale would call, and get a response from yet another. The beautiful calls had brought peace to her soul, but now these men thought they could just waltz in here and reck her evening. It was irritating. "Good evening," said Laurel, her voice calm as ever. "Can I help you gentlemen?"
"Good evening, and yes you may. I need you to empty your packs," the main soldier explained.
"Why?" Laurel asked, she had no intention of showing these men her clothing and personal items. It was none of their buisness what was in her baggage. Subconsciously, her hand tensed on her sword.
"Now now," the soldier cooed, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword. Two more soldiers did the same, the remaining two, tensed, but did not reach for their weapons. "Were only looking for a stolen item."
"I have nothing that has been stolen," Laurel declared. Zaknir growled beside her moving a paw slightly, Laurel knew she had to defuse this situation before Lalo had the chance to explode into action.
"Well I'm sorry Miss, but we've been ordered by Galbatorix, the King himself to search these roads for travelers, and search their belongings for the stolen item."
"Maybe if you tell me what you gentlemen are missing, I might be able to tell you whether I have it or not."
Zaknir moved forward again and automatically, Laurel threw down her hand to prevent him going any farther. It wasn't meant as a threat but it was taken as one by the soldier on her right who swung his shield, which Laurel somehow expected, getting out of the way in time to prevent herself damage.
Zaknir was set off, pouncing on the man with the sheild immediatly. Two soldiers went after him, leaving Laurel to fend off the remaining two. They were well trained, and Laurel had a hard time fighting them back, but using her elven abilities managed to wound one. Diving out of the way of a blade swipe, she was caught by another soldier. Dragged to her feet by her hair, she let out a cry of pain. Zaknir turned to try and help her but his way was blocked by two soldiers. "Idiotic halfbreed," the main soldier said walking up to Laurel. He struck her across the face, the other man dropped her and unable to break her fall she hit a stone on the ground. Though accoustomed to beatings, Laurel was still shocked by the brutality she face. She hadn't expected cold steel against her cheek, nor the stone on the ground. She thought for a moment that she would black out, but one of the men dragged her to her feet again. Tying her up, they tortured her. Zaknir, stuck behind two soldiers who jabbed at him occasionally, growled threateningly everytime she cried out in pain. She was too near unconsciousness to reply to any of his calls.
Slowly along the horizon a promise rose; the white, ghastly crescent called out for destruction. Zaknir prepared to transform, fire reflecting in his golden orbs.