"Heart of the Crown" Chapter 8

[seymoure]

Chapter 8

The Darkened Path

“Beware,” whispered Slip. “With the wharf in sight, we become a greater target again.”

Hawk sighed at the obviousness of the statement but did not disagree.

Without another word, a bolt of blue flame erupted from a building to their right and bounced off the shield around the brothers and their charge. Cela’s gaze snapped to the source of the blast.

Before she could move a muscle, a small piece of wood flew from Slip’s fist and bounced off something. The dowel bounced off the paving, and the small man retrieved it. At the same time a slight glow lit the rooftop and then went out.

“One more down,” Slip chortled.

A flash of lightning intercepted three arrows that would have finished the tiny adventurer and burnt them to ash.

Slip turned and bowed to Cela, who did not deign to notice him.

Hawk had caught a large man who was positioned to jump from a balcony down onto them. He fell in a different direction, and Hawk’s rapier was withdrawn from his chest.

Once again there was the sound of retreating feet.

The party took a few more steps and then stopped, listening.

Hawk counted the number of those breathing. There were too many. He brought his finger to his lips, and it had the required effect. For a second, those in the group, those looking at him, held their breaths.

He and Slip heard the same thing at the same second. Their eyes met and a plan was obvious.

Slip ran towards the corner of the building, growling loudly. A dagger was in a hand, but not before its bearer was struck by the side of a blade. The would-be attacker fell to the ground as Hawk stood over him.

“Next time,” Slip said, “you’re the target!”

Hawk smirked and sheathed his sword.

“There,” Cela said, and then pointed at the dock before them.

A ship held together by ropes and a strong imagination rose and fell on the waves.

On the bow was the name “The Poison Slug.”

“Well,” Slip said, “I am filled with hope.”

Sarcasm fit the small man.

© 2008 C. Wayne Owens
Chapter 9 is here.