Chapter 30 Alone
Snowdrift’s thundering hooves and the whistle of the wind drowned out any other sounds. Jackson’s helmet kept the cold gust from hitting my face, though I still had to squint my eyes. By the time I’m back, I’m sure I’ll smell like metal too.
Fields surrounded us on both sides. Their golden grass rippled in the wind like waves across the sea. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing nothing but the road and more fields.
We’re far away from the knighthood now. We’re alone. No backup. No Jackson.
With a shaky breath, I steeled my resolve and murmured, “Alright, Snowdrift. We got this.”
My galloping white horse grunted his response.
I glanced around, talking to myself, “Where is this village supposed to be? Do I go off-road? …Oh!” I perked up when I saw objects in the distance.
Barns!
My hope dwindled as we rode closer. The grass was healthy, perfect for feeding farm animals; the dirt was still muddy from many hooves.
Yet, the farm was empty, as if recently abandoned.
More farms came into view, all in the same condition. Not an animal in sight, let alone a person.
This must be what Erik was talking about… even I can tell this is a red flag.
My attention perked when I caught sight of a wide, rocky crevice carved through the land. A dried riverbed. A big one at that. The cracked earth was enough to tell that it had been waterless for a very long time.
How could a river so large dry up? Odd…
I took a deep breath, hands tightening around Snowdrift’s reins. If there’s farmland, then the village isn’t much farther. Anxiety churned my stomach. Every sense screamed at me that this was a bad idea. To turn back.
I will not. I’m a knight too.
The roofs of buildings rose over the horizon, and I quickly yanked on Snowdrift’s reins. The village. I glanced around, spotting a cluster of trees—the beginning of a forest that grew bigger up a steep hill, and beyond that, I spotted a dam.
They’ll spot me too if I ride from the field. Hopefully, the forest will provide enough cover.
I led Snowdrift into the forest, getting deep enough where the foliage and shadow could hide his white fur.
“Alright, boy,” I murmured, sliding off the saddle. “I need you to be very quiet and very still. Think you can do that?” Snowdrift flicked his ear, and I pressed my forehead against his.
My hand gripped my rope dart as I approached the village, sticking to the cover of trees and bushes. It was quieter than I had thought it’d be.
Maybe there’s not as many as Captain thought?
I squinted closer through the helmet’s visor, but saw no activity either. Nothing.
I’m too far away. It can’t be helped… I’ll just have to get closer.
I left the cover of thick foliage, heading to the village. I stuck to the shadows of what few trees remained, inching closer on silent feet. Jackson’s helmet grew hot as my heavy breaths suffocated me, and I struggled to steady my breathing.
Keep it together, Liliana.
The scouting part was a little exciting, but the thought of being captured by the bandits filled me with dread.
What would they do to me?
Would I be murdered again?
Or worse…?
I shook the thought from my head, swallowing my fear and reminding myself of the last words I said to Jackson. The village was still silent. The most I could hear was the squeak of a wooden sign swinging in the wind. Other than that, no voices. No footsteps. Only the wind howling between buildings.
Damn it. I’ll need to get closer. I’m not disobeying the captain’s orders, right?
With agile steps, I hurried into a dark alley, staying low with cautious footsteps. Stealthy as a cat, I walked with swift, silent strides—putting my experience from playing in the royal garden to use.
Peeking through the windows of shops and houses, I still saw nobody. It should be no surprise, considering the entire village evacuated, but there had to have been many bandits to have been able to pull that off. Dozens. Their numbers could match the knighthood. I should have at least seen one by now, but even streets that should’ve been bustling with people were empty. As abandoned as the farmlands.
Something isn’t right.
I glanced around, noticing a window halfway open in a tavern. My gaze observed the inside, making sure it was empty too, before using a barrel and climbing through the window. I flinched when my metal boots clacked against the wooden floor.
Crap. Hope nobody heard that…
I walked around investigating the tavern. The stench of alcohol was strong enough to make me nauseous. I peeked into one of the mugs. It was empty, but still wet. Recently finished. I glanced around, noticing most mugs were in the same state, some knocked over. Chairs were the same. Tables were shoved to the side, leaving lines across the floor.
They left in a hurry. Oh, don’t tell me…
I stepped outside, using the front door. A clear view out of the shadows, confirming my suspicion.
The bandits have abandoned the village.
But why? They drove out all the villagers! What was the point? For fun?? …Oh.
My hand slapped my metal forehead.
It’s because Erik got away. They knew he’d inform the knighthood. Shit… Who knows how far they ran!
I coughed, gagging as the wind blasted me with a putrid stench. A stench far worse than alcohol.
What is that horrid smell?! …I think I smell ashes too.
My guard remained up as I walked along the sidewalk instead of slinking in the alley, following the scent. The temptation to take off Jackson’s helmet and hold my nose overwhelmed me. I could barely breathe from the putrid scent. Before I could, I froze in my tracks when I found where the smell was coming from.
My trembling legs almost buckled, my back hitting a wall. Hot air filled Jackson’s helmet again, fear gripping my pounding heart.
In the center of the village were two men tied together, back to back. Stripped of armor, shirts, and pants, they lay there with their flesh burnt raw, melted from their bones. Their faces were gone, empty sockets missing their eyes, and jawbones exposed. The two knights who didn’t escape.
I pray they were already dead before meeting such a horrible fate, but my gut told me they weren’t so lucky. Gods…
Stop shaking! Straighten up!
I commanded my folding body, barely able to do so, and walked closer to the bodies. I knew the thought was naive, but what if one were miraculously alive? I couldn’t leave them. Then, my eyes teared up when I reached them. Long dead. Agonizing deaths.
How cruel…
My attention snapped to the forest. Uphill, toward the dam, I spotted a string of smoke. A campfire. My jaw dropped.
Could that be them??
Suddenly, the sound of voices and footsteps approached. Masculine voices. My heart leapt to my throat, and I rushed for cover, hiding behind barrels in an alley.
The bandits are back.