Chapter5
1209 Words
Chapter 5
“So…that went well”. Sam said, putting down his loot on the bed. They decided to stay at an inn to pass the night.
“So, what next?”. He asked, looking at Arthur. “Nothing”. Arthur said shortly as he continued staring outside the window.
The night was beautiful as light from stalls and houses illuminated the kingdom. The streets still filled with people as they went about their business.
Sam looked worriedly at Arthur. He understood that his friend had always seemed a bit odd and has always kept to himself since they met.
But lately, he always seemed lost in his thoughts. Just standing there, dreaming away.
He can never forget the day they met. Having escaped the raid on his village, he journeyed alone for days, barefooted and starving.
And then from afar, he saw a rider’s silhouette. He waved repeatedly, trying to get his attention before falling to the ground helplessly.
When he came to, he found himself leaning against a tree. Looking around, his eyes fell on a pair of cold blue ones.
There he was, clad in an onyx armour, with an unusually big sword casually leaning against a tree.
He didn't say a word as the stranger broke bread with him, He followed him ever since.
Shaking his head, he looked at his friend who's still facing the window.
“I'll…go get some items at the market…I need a new sword”. He joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Alright Sam”. Arthur replied shortly. Sighing heavily, Sam walked out of the room.
_ _ _ _
Night time at the market was as busy as ever as merchants from all over could be seen trading.
Walking towards a swordsmith’s stall, Sam picked up a pocket knife. “You like that one, yes?”. A voice came from behind the table.
Sam looked up at the man with a bald head. He had a huge scar across his face, with a huge beard reaching his round belly.
“No thank you, I'm in need of a sword”. Sam replied, putting down the knife. “Well yer in luck young lad”. The man's deep voice boomed out as he reached out to the shelf behind him.
“Please, come in…the swords are inside”. He said, making way for Sam.
Walking inside the stall, Sam's eyes widened by the sight. Swords of all kinds hung from all corners of the room.
“Pick yer choice lad”. The man said, slowly stroking his beard. Sam walked around, his eyes wandering as he took in the view.
His eyes fell on a Falchion. A sword with curved blades. Shaking his head, he turned around to see a longsword.
A sword with cruciform hilt with a grip for primarily two-handed use. “None of these suits me”. He mumbled to himself.
“what about this?”. The bald man asked, holding a sword in hand. An Alexandria, used by knights. Taking the sword from his hand, Sam swung it around with ease.
“This will do”. He said, more to himself. “Wonderful, that'd be Ten Gold Nobles”. The man said grinning as he rubbed his chubby hands together.
“Ten?...for Alexandria?”. Sam asked, raising a brow. “I'm being generous tonight lad”. The man said, still grinning.
“Fine”. Sam surrendered, taking out a pouch from his bag. Suddenly, they both heard a scream from outside.
Immediately, they turned around heading out of the stall to investigate.
“Think she'd fetch a good price?”. Sam heard a deep voice chuckling maliciously.
_ _ _ _
“Your highness…please…slow down”. Kaelith called out, cutting through the crowd of people.
“Come on…you're too slow”. Elara giggled as she moved from stall to stall.
Having stayed at the palace for so long, she felt her spine tingle at the sight of the common folks.
From the smell of roasted meats on skewers, to that of fried dough cakes and cheese.
Amidst the vibrant stalls, merchants hawk their wares: fresh produce, rare spices, and exotic textiles.
The air is thick with the smells of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and the acrid tang of blacksmiths' forges.
“Isn't this wonderful Kaelith?”. She asked twirling around, excitement visible on her face.
Kaelith couldn't help but smile softly at how she behaved. Looking at her, he thoughts drifted as he payed attention to her smile.
Her beautiful silver hair danced freely in the wind as she twirled. His gaze wandered to her long lashes which brushed against her skin as she blinked.
They ventured deeper into the market, passing stalls and merchants. Without a care in the world, Elara played with the children, giving them sweets.
With Kaelith behind her at all times, a small smile on his face as he watched her.
“Hey…who's that lady?”. A voice interrupted his thoughts. “she looks familiar…”. Said another one as they gasped.
“Your highness…we have to go”. Kaelith said walking towards Elara who was staring at some jewelry. “What?... what's wrong?”. She said before looking around.
By now they've gathered enough attention to fill a banquet. “Oh no”. She thought to herself as she adjusted her shaul over head.
Looking around quickly, Kaelith's eyes scanned the market, noticing the ever growing crowd.
“oh my…she's indeed beautiful?”. A woman asked as all attention turned to Elara. She felt cold as her heart raced.
“Don't be shy, love…come over here”. A man said licking his lips as he and his friends stared at her hungrily.
“Step back!”. Kaelith's voice boomed as he unsheathed his sword, pointing the tip at the men.
“Hold on there good lad, we just want to talk”. One of the men said jokingly as they surrounded them, drawing their daggers too.
Screams erupted from different part of the market as women and children ran in all directions. Some going as far as shutting their stalls.
“Think she'd fetch a good price?”. One asked the rest, chuckling maliciously as they circled the duo.
Taking his stance, Kaelith was just about to strike when he felt a soft hand on his. Looking down, he saw Elara, shaking her head at him slowly.
“s**t”. Kaelith cursed inwardly as his eyes darted between the men. This was a very bad situation.
They've wandered into The Shadowed Alley. A secluded corner of the market, hidden from direct sunlight and prying eyes.
“Your highness, take my hand”. Kaelith said, stretching out his palm. Elara took his hand, her face pale as she realized the danger they're in.
Taking slow steps back, they were backed against a brick wall.
The men grinned sinfully as they crept in slowly. “
Hey lads…seem busy tonight?”. Sam's voice echoed as he walked out of the swordsmith's stall with a sword in hand.
- Writer
