Bent But Not Broken

Chapter 4

Looking down at the slumped unconscious form on the ground I knew I couldn't cower away if I did it wasn't just my life at risk but his also. Pulling my blades from their sheathes I flipping them in my hands slowly as if I was playing with them. Turning around I faced my father three soldiers by his side all of them armed and ready. My stomach sank to my feet how in hell am I supposed to not only get passed the guards but my father too? In all the years I had been training there were only two people I had never been able to best in a fight. My father and Gareth and no matter how hard I would try I couldn't beat them.

"I won't let you hurt her not again" the voice soft delicate voice of my sister Braighlee shocked me from my thoughts. She stood behind my father her blonde hair loose around her shoulders partially hidden under the hood of the cloak. She had a sword in her hands pointed directly at our father's back.

"I won't let you hurt her" she repeated "Stand aside and let them pass or I'll run you through." She stood there tall and strong as she pressed the tip of the blade against his back making him wince.

"And if I do step aside what makes you think that you'll get very far my men will get you before you even reach the walls so my dear daughter I suggest you rethink your decision and where you're allegiance lies" he murmured his shock leaving his face replaced with frightening calm as he stood still trying not to draw attention to the fact that he was reaching for his sword at his side.

I crouched down ready to attack "Don't even think about it" I growled at him bearing my fangs.

"That's none of your concern but I will say this I've stood by a long enough letting you hurt her time and time again it ends now we are leaving and you will let them pass." Her voice was calm and commanding as she spoke not seeming to be bothered that our father had tried to draw his weapon.

"Let them pass" the command came after a moment his anger returning as he realized that not only was there no way he would walk away alive if he didn't but he no longer had any control over either of us.

I had the elf propped up against me half carrying half dragging as I followed behind Braighlee trying to keep up. As we drew close to the exit the sound of feet pursuing us closer than I felt comfortable with. Turning the corner I slow down and the figure appeared in the doorway. "Hurry now your escort cannot wait much longer you have to go" James's gruff old voice made me grin as I picked up the pace following not only Braighlee now but James as well.

We didn't walk far James had three horses tied to a bush close to the wall and if he hadn't led me straight to them I would have never known they were there. So focused on getting myself and the still unconscious elf on the course I didn't hear footsteps approaching until it was too late.

"Anethra." I froze my eyes wide as I looked at Braighlee why the heck was Gareth here? Turning on the horse my heart stopped Gareth stood there a sword to James's throat. Even in the dark, it was easy for me to see James's face but unlike me, he didn't look afraid.

"I told you I would help you I told you I would do what I could I'm sorry but this is where we part ways to know that I Will Always Love You" James spoke softly no hint of fear or regret in his voice. He didn't wait for me to reply instead he flinging his head back crushing James's nose and forcing Gareth to release him.

"GO!" James turned yelling at us and as the horse started to move Gareth stabbed him in the back shoving the blade through his chest. As we turned the corner James fell to his knees his leg no longer able to hold his weight.