With My Last Breath

Chapter 3: Held Breath

"Steel, enough. Lower your blade brother." The woman on the left of the Scout said firmly. The sword wavered but didn't drop. "Who are you?" Steel asked, his tone grave. The woman said louder. “Enough! The woman's voice cut through the tension. The older man, Steel, sheathed his sword and looked at Arianna with suspicion. The woman stepped forward and helped Arianna to her feet. “I am going to ask you a few questions. You will answer them quickly and honestly or we shall decide whether or not your worth the trouble. Firstly, what is your name? Secondly, why were you even attempting to ambush on the road? Lastly, who do you work for?! Arianna thought quickly. There was no possible way Ari could tell them who she really was. Names could mean capture for her.

The woman nudged her to answer with a sharp poke.

“I’I’m Anna" Ari stammered. " I wasn’t trying to ambush you I promise. I was scared. Holding my knife to protect myself, I thought you lot may have had ill intentions for myself. Ari stopped for a second before blurting; "So far, Ari said defiantly, that’s been proven true! I am no assassin. I recently finished my apprenticeship contract and am headed to the next town to find work if you absolutely must know.” Ari anticipated another slap for her tone but she couldn’t help but to be angry for the mistreatment.

The woman seemed to stop and think for a moment. She held out her hand and helped Ari stand steadily. “I appreciate the honesty love. My name is Myra. These are my friends. She said with a large guesture to the people that surrounded Ari. This is Scout, who you met and who will be APOLOGIZING to you…” she said with a stern stare at; and returning your knife Anna.” Myra continued, “Scout, I know I saw you pocket it. Return it promptly.” Scout glared at Ari before releasing a loud sigh. Ari held her breath and flinched when he stepped closer. “I apologize miss. I merely thought you meant us harm is all. I know that doesn’t excuse my behavior entirely. My deepest apologies.”Scout bowed and then stepped back. He still seemed suspicious of her. Myra rolled her eyes at Scouts half hearted apology before looking to the older man that had held his blade to Ari’s chest. Myra pointed with her hand and said “This is Steel. He doesn’t talk much. Next, is Weaver. The other woman waved shyly at Ari. Don’t underestimate her. She’ll be able to assess and treat any wounds if you’ll allow it. These others, Myra said with a wave, are folks that are just on the journey with us for the next bit. We are escorting them to the next town. I would like to offer this to you as well, as my own personal apology for Scout’s actions. He could have handled that better. Myra said eyeing Scout. If you are an assassin and I am wrong….Ari watched as Scout’s expression changed from suspicious to annoyed, if you slit our throats in our sleep. Myra paused, studying Arianna for a long moment before continuing, I suppose then you would win little wolf. Weaver, C’mon let’s help and get back on the damn road.” Myra gathered the others a few yards away. Scout and Weaver remained. “Let me help you Anna.” Weaver said gently. Scout stood silently, holding a torch, scowling. Arianna nodded. Weaver quickly assessed her, wrapped her wrist and handed Ari a sachet of herbs for her to put on her cheek later. Supposedly for the bruising. Ari just nodded numbly. Her brain in a fog. Scout handed back her knife. She took it and shoved it in her bag quickly. The last thing she needed was Scout thinking she was going to be a problem. She was angry, cold , wet, tired but she thought hard about trekking on alone again. Ari decided, and began to walk with the group, by Weaver’s side. As much as she didn’t want to be anywhere near Scout, Ari couldn’t help but think she was still safer with this odd group, even with Scout, than alone on this dark road at least until the mornings first light.

It took all of Arianna’s self control to not lose her temper with Scout’s actions. Weaver offered her a piece of smoked fish from her food pouch as they walked. Ari accepted it hesitantly. It's the dead of night, as the group moved forward. The rain finally stopped and the clouds broke revealing a sliver of moon that barley cast light through the canopy. Ari looked up for a second, wistful.

For a moment as she gazed upon it, she forgot the physical and emotional pain she was enduring. Forgot the cold. The weight of her sodden clothing she wore. The feeling of the torrential rain she'd endured the all day. Forget the awful sticky mud that covered her whole person surely now. She was imagining being home for a New Moon Festival. Candles lit everywhere. Warm food. Friendly company. Laughing with her mother when the jesters performed. Comforts she may not experience in some time again.

Weaver handed her another piece of fish. Ari accepted it without hestitation this time and muttered a quiet thanks. “What type of work do you do Anna?” Weaver asked her, her tone cheerful almost.

Ari hesitated for a moment before replying “Fine embroidery. I specialize in the kind for fine garment trim. I dabble in other fiber arts as well but, haven’t really mastered them.” It’s not entirely a lie, Ari mused to herself. “I had been doing embroidery for as long as I had the dexterity to hold a needle without sticking myself with it.” Ari winced at the memory of her first project.

Weaver’s face broke into a smile, Ari could barely see in the bobbing torchlight. “ Ah, good skill Anna. I bet you’ll find work soon.” They continued on in comfortable silence. The squelching of mud beneath their boots.