Peterson rubbed his ragged beard and took a sharp breath. He felt a presence. The man turned slowly. "One..two...four...no, at least six." Peterson focused all his magic into the ground. The moist mud drew in the man until his body was completely submerged. The ground became a two-way glass; Peterson could see up, but to a passerby, it was just a puddle of mud. The Siren stepped into Peterson's view. Peterson twisted and stood on a platform created at his will. My magic is almost out...I hope I can end this soon.
"Where are you, runner? Come on out, ya." The man's calm voice echoed and morphed as it traveled to Peterson's ears. Just as he prepared to jump out, five more Siren's emerged from the woods. The first Siren took a step back and lowered his scimitar. He called them out, asking questions without receiving answers. The rain picked up, and Peterson could barely hear the conversation. Peterson stayed hidden.
**********
Kelvin reached the ambush point. Jealousy positioned himself right over Peterson. "He doesn't see," Kelvin's mind raced as Peterson readied himself for an ambush, "I have to - " He stopped short and ducked under a bush as Guile and his followers waltzed out from the woods. "Guile!? What are you doing here?" No answer. "And who are these? I do not remember seeing these masks." Only the sound of rain. "Answer me!" Jealousy's voice reverberated in the rain.
Guile made some subtle hand movements. His men surrounded Jealousy. Each was cackling a hideous and vile laugh. "Did you expect," Guile approached, arms out stretched in mockery, "that I would explain myself to you? Well then, I shall." Guile drew a dagger. Guile and Jealousy stood within inches of each other. "Before I kill you, I'll explain." The grip Jealousy had on his scimitar slacked. "I plan to - " A streak of blood flashed across the dimly lit evening sky. Jealousy fell to his knees, clutching his throat. Guile wiped the soiled blade on Jealousy's coat.
"I plan to speak at your funeral." Jealousy fell to his face in a pool of his own blood. Kelvin's blood boiled at the sight. He had formed a bond with the man Guile had just killed. "Master Guile."
"Leave the fugitive, we have bigger things to do."
"What of the priest, sir? He was not in the body pile."
"Not a priest, a killer. The church assassin can do what he likes. He may come after us. I care not. This was our first move. Initiate step two." The others agreed synchronously. "Sorrow and I will go begin step two. Doom, Pain, Agony. Can you prepare for step three?"
"Aye, sir."
"Do you know where to find him?"
"We will find him sir, you can count on the Trio." The three Blinked away into the darkness. "Come, Sorrow, we have much to do." The others walked to the north. Kelvin waited until they were gone. Then he exploded out from the bush and rushed over to his fallen comrade. "Jealousy! Jealousy!" Kelvin's magic was ineffective on the wounds. The Siren Commander passed away. Kelvin stood and looked around. His spell was still active, and he could still see Peterson.
"I know you can hear me." Peterson looked up from his hiding spot. "Come out. I need to speak with you." Peterson did not move. "Please." Kelvin dropped his weapon. The steel sword did not even touch the ground before Peterson had him in a choke hold. "How do you like that? You fell for my ruse." The illusion Peterson had created vanished into a wisp of purple smoke. "Please...I...mean...it."
"Mean what? That you want to talk? How can I trust a man who wears a mask?" Kelvin tapped his arm and reached for the strap holding the mask in place. Peterson loosed his grip only slightly. Kelvin took in a great breath of air and pulled the strap. The metal face plate fell to the ground and lodge itself into the soft earth. "Can we talk now?" Kelvin still strained to speak, but at least he could breathe now. "What do you want?"
"Revenge." Peterson was quiet for a moment. "So do I." His voice was deep and low, filled with pent up sadness and rage. Kelvin sighed and let his arms fall to his side. The magic finally wore off, and his glowing pale blue eyes returned to their natural brown color. "Fine, get it." Peterson was more than happy to oblige. He sat down after finishing his adversary. "It is almost over Masha, almost over."
"Feel better now?" Peterson's heart nearly leaped out of his chest. Kelvin propped himself up on his hands and knees before staggering to a stand. With a few disturbing movements, the Siren snapped his neck back into place and rotated it. "Quiet the grip you have there. I nearly lost consciousness." Kelvin turned to Peterson. "Well then, even?" Peterson was dumbfounded. "I'll take your silence as a 'yes'. Can we work together?" Kelvin held out his hand. "I guess we have to." Peterson took his hand. "Then come. They have made their first move, now it is our turn to act."
"Well, what next assassin?"
"We go to Sir Norton's army in the east. We will join the Loyalists."
"Sounds good. But..."
"But what?"
"Could we get some food first?"
No comments:
Post a Comment