my notebook story 12

Slowly but surely, they moved closer to where the second ambush was hiding.1

Creeping through the forest at the edge of the path, Misty heard Dai ask through her mind whether they were close enough to the enemy for him to tie Deor up somewhere yet.2

'I believe so,' she replied, hoping the enemy did not have one who could read minds. If they did, it would no longer be safe to communicate in this way and she told Dai so.3

"You're quite right," he said at her ear. "It probably isn't safe anymore."4

Misty jumped when she heard Dai's voice so close beside her. "I thought you were walking on the main path with the horse?"5

"Well I tied her up the moment you said we were close enough and then I came back here to follow you," he shrugged.6

"What for?"7

"It's out of sight of the enemy?" I don't know,"8

She looked at him suspiciously. "Just as long as you don't make any noise. I don't want them to find where I am before I find where they are."9

Dai laughed quietly. "Hey, I snook up on you didn't I?"10

"Um.. Yeah.." she smiled. "I guess I'm just kinda over-cautious at the moment."11

Just as Dai was about to reply that she had no need to be so worried, he heard a noise over to their left that sounded rather like... someone approaching.12

Misty silently drew her knives and stepped out of sight, watching for whoever it was that was coming. Following her lead, Dai also hid, stringing an arrow onto his bow.13

The person who was slowly drawing nearer was actually being very quiet, though that made no difference to Misty. She could still hear him.14

She could tell that it was a he even though he was heavily cloaked. When he had passed in front of her, she soundlessly stood up behind him and placed the crossed edges of her blades on his neck.15

Dai appeared ahead, with his bow pulled back, ready to shoot the minute it looked like Misty had any trouble with the new-comer.16

"Shh.. If you don't make a fuss, I promise I won't harm you." she whispered into the stranger's ear.17

He nodded in agreement, obviously afraid she would kill him anyway.18

The threesome slowly backed further into the woods 'til Misty was sure they were far enough away from their enemy. When they reached a spot that Misty was satisfied with, she cautiously removed her knives from the man's neck and stepped in front of him, drawing the edge of her cloak around her face, showing only her eyes so he would not guess who she was.19

"Who are you and what are you doing travelling in this manner? she asked him, keeping one of her knives pointed at him in warning.20

"I could ask you the same thing," he shot back.21

Misty's eyes showed annoyance. "You shall be informed soon enough, if you tell us your business first,"22

"I am Carron, on my way o seek Amlach in the south," he paused, then added pointedly, "I am traveling off the path so as to avoid any unpleasant encounters."23

Both Misty and Dai started when he mentioned Amlach. It was Dai who asked the question on both their minds.24

"Why were you seeking Amlach? I must tell you, he is not in the south anymore."25

Carron looked confused. "He isn't? I was hoping he cold help me with something. If you know where he is, please tell me,"26

Misty stepped forward, lowering her knife. "He is heading north. What exactly did you need his help with? You can trust us. We are friends of his."27

"I wish to join him and to protect an elf-maiden named Mithfalasiel that might need my help."28

Tilting her head Misty then asked him. "Why do you think she would need your help?"29

Rather embarassed he told her, "Because I set up an ambush for her along this road under the orders of my master, whom I have now left. That is the reason I travel off the path. I am afraid my own men will attack me on account of my desertion."30

"So you're the one who planned that little party," Misty narrowed her eyes angrily. "I feel obliged to inform you, none of those men are alive and the ones up ahead will soon die as well."31

Carron's eyes widened. "You know about the ones ahead too? How? And who are you anyway? You still haven't told me." he crossed his arms over his chest.32

"I am the 'elf-maiden' that 'needs your protection'." Misty said as she let her cloak fall away from her face and she pulled back her hood. "I am the one you tried to kill. Tell me why I shouldn't kill you now?" Raising her weapon again, she stepped closer and looked him straight in the eye. "Tell me why I should trust you."33

"You'll just have to take my word for it," he answered, looking both frightened and bold at the same time.34

Suddenly Misty reached out and took Carron's head in her hands. He started to pull back in surprise, but then he caught sight of Dai raising his bow in warning and decided to stand still. Misty bent his head down to her and touched her forehead to his.35

Dai watched in silence as they stood there completely motionless, keeping his bow trained on Carron.36

After a long while, Misty let Carron step away and said, "I believe you,"37

* * * * *38

Carefully the threesome crept along through the woods, keeping a sharp eye out for their adversaries.39

Dai hung back a bit as Misty and Carron conferred, but he couldn't help wondering what Misty had found in Carron's mind that made her trust him.