Chapter 2
Anastasia froze as she heard the mocking tone call out for her by title. She could feel the blood drain from her face, she was white as a sheet. She looked to Finn but his eyes were fixed on Liza waiting for something. Liza without Anastasia knowing had left the table and went to the window. Liza turned back saying nothing, but Finn still seemed to understand. Finn looked toward Brox and Sam. He jerked his head to the side and the two shot out of their seats and headed for the back door. Sam tried to pull his cloak with him, but Finn had it tightly in his hand. Sam looked back with a pleading look on his face. Then let go as Finn did not seem to care.
With Sam’s cloak firmly in his possession he threw it around Anastasia pulling the hood up over her head, covering her hair. Anastasia looked at Finn unsure of what to say.
“Sarah, only one family I know of has hair like that. Next time, put more mud in it. Now stay close to me and Liza.” Finn stood up and joined Liza at the window.
The sight in the large square was horrific. A Large post was raised into the air. On it was Charlotte, her hands nailed together into the wood above her head. Her body was badly beaten with several wounds that must have been from blades all over her body.
“No Sarah, it is best you don’t look.” Finn spun Anastasia around as he and Liza watched the scene unfold outside.
The courtyard was filled with thirty or more men. It was hard to tell for sure because how dark the night was due to the new moon. Only those that stood near touches could be seen enough to be counted. A man stood next to Charlotte and began speaking.
“Princess, we know you are in this town. There is nowhere else you could have gone. Come out now and we will spare this woman any more suffering. If you do not, her death will be as painful as I can make it.”
“You are wasting your time. I sent her the other direction. Coming to the town was the obvious choice.” Charlotte said, trying to laugh but only being able to cough as she spat up blood.
The man next to her punched her in the face. “Silence woman. As if I would believe anything you say.”
“Last warning princess come out now or I start in on her. I will give you three minutes to think about all the ways I am going to hurt her.”
Liza turned away from the scene outside “Captain.”
“I know.”
“May I.”
“As if I could stop you.”
Liza headed for the kitchen where the guild master was standing. The guild master moved out of Liza way as the two shared a knowing look as Liza passed.
“Ok Sarah we have a plan, but it is kind of a dumb one. I had intended to have you stay close but that is no longer going to be a good idea. So, I am going to leave you with the guild master and come collect you after, ok.”
“But Sir Finn, we cannot leave Charlotte out there alone. I have to go out there.”
“That is an even dumber plan than the one Liza just came up with.”
“Please I left her in the woods to die and cannot do it a second time.”
“That is the only reason you are alive now. She is still out there standing up for you. She knows they have not found you yet. She is still winning, even in the dire state she is in. Do not sully that by giving in.”
Anastasia could not stop the tears from flowing “Please I must do something.”
“You are going to do something. You are going to live just like she wanted you too.”
Finn made his way behind the counter where the Guild master was.
“Granny, watch after her for me. Just for a little while.”
“Cut that granny shit out already boy, or I will slap you around again.”
Maybe I like it when you are rough with me.” Finn quipped with a smirk
The guild master slapped Finn on the back of the head before he leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He then headed to the front door of the Guild Hall.
“Sir Finn, what are you doing?” Anastasia cried out, unable to understand why he was going outside alone.
“Don’t worry Sarah, I got this.”
Finn gave her a wink before he headed out the double doors and started walking toward the square.
Anastasia almost went after him, but the gentle touch of the guild master stopped her.
“Sweetheart, it would be best if you stay here with me. Come sit in the back room and we can get you some boots to wear.”
The guild master led Anastasia to a room in the back. It seemed like it may be her office. It was fairly small with a desk in the center covered in various papers. There were two chairs to one side of the room. The guild master led her over to sit in one. She then started rummaging around a cabinet next to her desk muttering to herself.
“I know I had…could I have taken it. Ahh there it is… now she will need…yes that will do”
After a few minutes the guild master came back over to Anastasia and handed her several items. The first was a coat that was made of a heavy fabric. The other items were a belt and a pair of boots. The last item was a short sword.
“Sweetheart please put these on. You will need to be ready to move once Finn and the others come to fetch you.”
Anastasia absently raised her hands and took the items from the guild master. She brought them to her lap but did not move to put them on. The fear of the situation had settled heavily down on Anastasia. So many things have been thrown at her one after another.
“Why is this happening? I don’t know what to do.”
“I would start with the coat first.”
“huh...”
“The coat sweetheart you should put it on. The trip will be rough enough, no need to make it harder by going in just those rags.”
Anastasia looked at her lap and for the first time noticed the items sitting there. She placed them on the chair next to her and stood up. She removed her cloak so it would be easier to put on the coat. After putting on the belt to keep the overcoat tight to her waist she sat down and started putting the boots on. The pain was intense as her feet were raw from the countless cuts she had. Running barefoot in the woods had done a lot of damage to her feet.
“Oh, sweetheart, I really am getting old. I didn't even notice the injuries to your feet. Let me help you.”
The guild master knelt in front of Anastasia and pulled her left foot onto her knee.
Blessed mother who watches us all. Please fill this soul with your power to help those who cannot stand. Healing
A soft green light envelopes Anastasia’s left foot and the pain starts to fade away. Before the light fades the guild master’s hand moves over to Anastasia’s other foot to finish the job.
“There that should be better. Best I could tell you are not injured anywhere else, correct?”
“Nothing but minor scrapes.” Anastasia’s eyes wide.
Magic is not exactly rare in this world, but it is still uncommon. It is known that some adventures had the ability to perform magic spells. However, healing magic is the rarest of all. The time and effort it takes to even be able to cast with the incantation is no easy feat.
Most able to cast magic are of noble birth. This is half the reason they are considered nobles having that kind of power at one’s fingertips can influence a lot. Because of this, those that can cast magic are highly prized assets of any kingdom.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Forgive me but It is very rare for a commoner to be able to cast healing magic. If you would have made it known to the kingdom you would have been brought into the mages circle.”
“Why would I willing offer myself to the nobles like that.” The guild master almost looked upset at Anastasia’s suggestion.
“I am sorry. I am not sure I understand.” Anastasia looked back at the guild master with confusion and concern.
“Ahh, I see…Well that is a matter for another time. For now, let’s get these boots on. It sounds like things have started up outside. You need to be ready to go.”
Anastasia could hear the clamor outside as men were screaming and the clash of metal could be heard.
******
A few minutes earlier Finn exited the guild hall via the front double doors.
Finn strode to the square where the barbaric sight of a woman nailed to a post greeted him. His head is not moving but his eyes dart around trying to take in as much as possible. The men are all dressed as your average bandit. They all have random amounts of armor, and each is carrying different weapons ranging from swords and axes to some with improvised arms. Finn laughs to himself at the effort they have gone through to hide who they really are.
Finn takes special notice of the man that stood in the middle of the square. He had medium blonde hair that had a slight wave to it. Based on how nice his hair still looked it was obvious that this man, while being in charge, had not been directly leading those searching for the princess. This man was not trying as hard to hide his identity which caused another chuckle from Finn. His clothes were very clean and on the expensive side, his boots barely had any mud on them. He had a shining breast plate on and a sword that almost looked like it should be decorative on his hip. Finn spoke first.
“My good man, what is the meaning of this? We are trying to have a merry evening of drinking and you spoil it with this show.”
“Filthy commoners leave from my sight unless you are here to tell me where Princess Anastasia is.”
“I am sorry my lord. You must have confused this town with the capital. The capital is about 70-mile due west. So, if you don’t mind, I will take the young lady and you can be on your way.” Finn steps forward.
“Freeze scum. Do you take me for a fool? I know this shit hole is not the capital.” The nobleman’s face twisted in anger at the insult to his intelligence.
“I do not think you are a fool my lord. I merely wanted to make sure you understood we do not keep princesses in shit holes like this. I am sure a man of your vast intelligence would be aware of that. So again, I will take this poor woman and let you be on your way.” Finn takes another step forward.
“Move again and I will kill her.” The nobleman draws his sword and points it at Charlotte.
“Come now my lord. I already said you are not a fool. Only an absolute fool would kill his only hostage.”
Finn bowed his head but kept his eyes locked with the nobleman. The nobleman pulled his sword away from Charlotte and took several steps toward Finn and leveled his sword at him.
“Then I should just kill you to be rid of your ramblings.”
“Oh dear, that would be dreadful. I would much prefer you do not kill me.” Finn’s mocking tone only enraged the noble more.
“Fucking commoner scum. You will die here!”
As the nobleman stepped forward a sword burst through his chest. It bent the armor breastplate he wore as if it was tin.
“Please do not speak to the captain in such a disrespectful manner.” Liza’s body slowly shimmered into existence behind the nobleman.
“Cutting it close there Liza.”
“You are the one that got him out of position with your taunting. Is it so hard to just distract them? You always have to tease them, and it always makes trouble for me.”
“How else am I going to get wrinkles on that perfect face of yours?”
“Hmm…” Liza raised her head and she withdrew her sword from the noble and he collapsed to the ground.
“Come on, you know you find me charming.”
“Hardly.”
Liza slung her sword to one side clearing most of the blood off. Shen then sheathed her sword and moved over to Charlotte. Liza ripped the nail out of the post with her bare hand and caught the falling woman in her arms easing her to the ground.
“P…Please leave me… save the princess.”
“Charlotte, I would never abandon you.” Liza's voice was soft and caring as her hands started glowing a faint green. The worst of Charlotte's wounds started to mend themselves as Liza ran her hand over Charlotte’s body. She finally stopped over her face trying to lessen the swelling from the beatings she had taken. This way it would be easier for her to talk.
“Charlotte, I cannot heal you completely now. We just don’t have the time. I tried to prioritize the worst of it. Can you stand at least.”
“I believe so.” Charlotte rose to her feet with Liza help. “Who are you?”
“My name is Liza, but we can talk about me later. For now, we have to save your princess.”
“That is very touching ladies, but these guys are ready to play again.”
The shock had finally worn off the men around the square. They started encircling the trio standing over their dead commander.
“If you two can please go get Sarah I will take care of these guys.”
“I do not think they intend to allow us to do that, Captain.”
“Damn I was kind of hoping these guys were the kind that ran away when their commander dies.”
Just then a loud roar could be heard as a wild beast jumped from the second floor of a nearby building and landed amongst a clump of men. Crushing the man he landed on. It was not a savage beast it was Brox he had brought his great ax down on another man as he landed. Before swinging it around to catch the third standing there in shock.
“This way Liza.” Brox had cleared a path for Liza and Charlotte to escape the circle.
“Well, that works. Good boy.” Finn smiled at Brox as Liza helped Charlotte toward the opening Brox had made. Finn followed behind meeting up with the large man as they passed him.
“All set?”
“Yes, Sam is waiting with our gear at the edge of town.”
“I bet he is having a tantrum.”
A hearty roaring laughter Left Brox. “HAHAHA when is that welp not throwing a tantrum.”
“Well, it looks like we need to wrap it up here. I am sure they have more in the area so we cannot spend too much time dealing with these guys.”
“You got it boss.” Brox raised his ax and barreled through a group of men to his side bringing the ax down splitting one man in half as it passed through him like he was not even there.
Finn finally drew his own long sword from his hip and charged the other direction from Brox striking down each man he passed with one stroke each.
******
Liza and Charlotte made it into the guild. As they entered several adventures helped grab Charlotte and eased her to a nearby chair. One began chanting.
Blessed mother who watches us all. Please fill this soul with your power to help those who cannot stand. Healing
“Thank you for that, Suzie… Granny in the back?”
“Yes, she is in her office with the young girl.” Suzie replied staying focused on her task
Liza made her way to the back office and stood in the doorway.
“Ma’am thank you for taking care of her. I will take over for now.”
“You all sure are making a mess out there.” The guild master stood her arms folded in front of her.
“I must apologize for that. I am sure this will cause you more trouble later”
“Don’t worry about us. We will throw you under the cart as soon as they ask.”
“I would expect nothing else. Thank you again.”
Liza wrapped her hand around Anastasia and started to leave.
“What does that mean? These people helped me. You cannot sell them out!”
The guild master walked over to Anastasia and placed a hand on her cheek.
“Dear it is almost a certainty that the man leading the grotesque show tonight was a noble. I am sure a handful of his men may even be minor nobles.” The warm smile left the guild master's face.
“What would happen to a town like ours if they had a pile of dead nobles in the streets?”
Anastasia was too afraid to answer. She knew full well the nobility would hold the town responsible. The punishment would be harsh.
“So, you already know why we must blame them. Do not pretend to be blind to the cruelty of this world. You must face it.”
“But they will be wanted. Branded as criminals. They will ….”
“Sweetheart, that is why they have you to look out for them. Just trust them for now and when the time comes you can help them. Go, they will see you to safety.”
The guild master and Liza shared a nod before Liza pulled Anastasia along. On the way back to the front hall the waitress, a young girl of maybe twelve, stopped Liza.
“I cannot help much but take this please.” She handed Liza a small bag. “It is not a lot, but it should at least be better than travel rations.”
“Ginny, you are a good girl. Take care of Granny for me.” Liza said, bowing her head and handing the bag over to Anastasia.
“Knock that granny shit off already.” The guild master shouted after Liza.
Liza smiled as she headed for the door. Rex was now blocking their way.
“I am sorry princess. I was not aware of who you were.”
Anastasia was scared. This was that man that had first harassed her when she came into the guild hall.
“Move Rex, we don't have time for you right now.”
“We will delay the next group. We can pretend to search the town for you. It should prevent them from following right away. I think we can buy you until late morning at the most.”
“Thank you, Rex. Now move.”
Liza waits a second for the large man to move out of her way before heading over to Charlotte. The healing was still ongoing, but she was starting to look better.
As the pair entered the main guild hall Anastasia saw Charlotte seated by the door being healed. She took off as fast as she could, intent on throwing herself on Charlotte. The young mage Suzie stood and caught the princess.
“She is not healed yet. You will cause more damage.” Suzie had to struggle to restrain Anastasia.
“Suzie, thank you again, but we need to go.” Liza leaned down and helped Charlotte to her feet.
Charlotte was able to stand almost completely on her own. She was moving her body around trying to get a feeling for where she was still the most injured. Just then a sword was shoved into her field of view.
“Please take this and do a better job keeping her safe.” Rex said to Charlotte.
Anastasia was angry at his words, but Liza and Charlotte did not appear to be, so she bit her lip. The three women exited the guild hall to see Finn sitting on a fence, Brox was walking around checking on the bodies.
“Sarah, good to see you again. Are you ready to depart?”