chapter 5
1100 Words
A Rogue’s Gamble
Gleaming off dew-soaked foliage, morning light slowly made its way through the renegade camp. Still aching from the previous night's sparring bout with Kael, Arden stirred. The lingering pain brought back memories of every hit she had suffered and every maneuver she had had to master fast.
A shadow slid over her tent's entrance.
"Get up," said Kael.
Arden rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up.
Arden: "You're not into morning chitchat, are you?"
Kael remained silent. His huge form sliced through the camp like a sword as he turned and left. With a grumble, Arden pulled on her jacket and stepped outside into the refreshing breeze.
Kael stood close to the middle of the camp, where a number of outlaws had congregated. They spoke to one another as Arden drew closer, their eyes suspicious—or contemptuous.
(To the group) "Supply run," said Kael. Perilous ground. Instead of dead weight, we'll need warriors.
His tone was harsh enough to cut through the tension as he let the words settle. Pointing at Arden, a rogue with a scar across his cheek hissed.
Rogue 1: "And you're taking her with you? She is going to murder us.
The rogues laughed, and Arden found their laughing annoying.
"I can handle myself," said Arden coolly.
The outlaw stepped forward, his stance combative.
Rogue 1: "Outsider, prove it."
Kael's words sliced through the tension like a whip before Arden could react.
"That's enough," said Kael.
The outlaw paused, about to protest, but Kael's look cut him off.
Kael: "Don't waste your breath on idiots," she said to Arden. You'll show them whether you choose to live here.
Arden: "All right by me."
Soon later, with the forest thick and alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, the company headed off. Arden, her senses keen, moved close to the rear. Around her, the outlaws moved with well-honed ease, their footfall hardly making a sound against the brush.
Leading the way was Kael, whose towering presence spoke for itself.
Kael: "Keep up," she said, turning to face Arden.
"I wasn't planning on slowing down," said Arden.
The outlaw who had previously questioned her, Scar, snorted.
"Let's see how tough you are when things get messy," said Scar, the first rogue.
Ignoring him, Arden concentrated on the road ahead.
As they continued into renegade territory, the terrain became more difficult. Thorny shrubs tore at their clothing, and roots twisted over the ground like gnarled fingers.
Kael abruptly raised his hand, telling everyone to halt. Every muscle in Arden clenched as he froze.
Figures stepped out of the darkness ahead. The road was blocked by five guys, their guns gleaming in the dim sunshine. The leader moved forward, a wiry guy with a wicked grin and sharp features.
Leader: "All right. It seems that we have unexpected visitors.
Although Kael maintained a casual stance, Arden could feel the anxiety emanating from him.
"We're just passing through," said Kael. There's no reason to worry.
The leader grinned more broadly.
Leader: "Is anything wrong? Yes, I believe you brought a lot.
The guys in his immediate vicinity spread out, their guns ready.
Instinctively, Arden's hand went to her sword.
Kael: "Last opportunity. Get out of here.
The commander gave a hollow, harsh chuckle.
"I don't think so," said the leader.
When he lunged, mayhem broke out.
Shouts and the clang of swords erupted across the woodland. One of the assailants lunged at her, Arden dove, the sword cutting through the air inches from her head. Fueled by excitement, she retaliated with a swift blow to his arm.
She was approached from the side by another rogue. Arden whirled, her sword slamming into his in a flurry of sparks. Her muscles strained as she pulled back, her hold tightening.
With his accurate and lethal blows, Kael swept over the battle like a storm.
Kael: (yelling) "Remain firm!"
Scar battled close by, using vicious but effective maneuvers. He smirked as his gaze shifted to Arden.
Scar: "Outsider, don't slow me down!"
Arden remained silent, concentrating on the assailant in front of her. She dived under a swing and stabbed him in the side. The guy groaned in anguish and slumped.
She started to feel the weird energy from earlier, weak at first but becoming stronger with each step. She accelerated her attacks and sharpened her reflexes.
Kael saw her in the middle of the battle. Even he was taken aback by the fury with which she disarmed an opponent, and his eyes narrowed.
"You fight like a wolf with nothing to lose," said Kael.
When Arden twisted her sword, her assailant's weapon flew.
"Because I don't," said Arden.
With his weapon aiming for a fatal strike, the commander sprang at Kael. Kael dodged, his retaliation quick and vicious. The leader's weapon clattered on the ground as he staggered back.
Kael: "It's finished. Go.
After hesitating, the surviving assailants withdrew into the woods, taking their injured leader with them.
With the exception of Kael's group's labored breathing, the area became quiet. Arden's chest heaved as she leaned against a tree.
Kael walked toward her, his eyes intent.
"You're full of surprises," said Kael.
With her hand still firmly gripping her blade, Arden dabbed at her perspiration.
"I told you, I survived," said Arden.
Kael's mouth quivered, almost smiling.
A howl rang out across the woods in the distance as the gang started to reassemble. It sent a chill down Arden's spine since it was so lengthy and somber.
Scar: "That's no wolf," she said hesitantly.
The gang stiffened as they looked into the darkness.
Kael: "Remain unified. Weapons are prepared.
There was another howl, closer this time. A sinking sensation crept in Arden's chest, and her grip tightened on her sword.
“What is it?” asked Arden.
Kael remained silent, concentrating on the shadows beyond the trees.
Kael: "Trouble" (quietly).
It seemed as if the woodland held its breath. Then a pair of bright eyes emerged between the trees in the distance.
The group stopped. As the eyes grew nearer, their icy, threatening gleam made Arden's pulse accelerate.
Kael: (gently) "Remain near. This will only get worse.
As the apparition appeared, a tall beast with its teeth gleaming in the low light, the tension in the air was evident.
The beast growled low and locked eyes with Arden, making her blood run cold. With every instinct telling her to flee, she gripped her sword tighter.
Running, however, was not an option.
Kael moved ahead in a belligerent manner.
"Be ready," said Kael.
The beast lunged.
- Writer
