In the dark William walked the grassy path at the foot of the hill. His steps were fast, but he tried not to make a sound. He held the dagger borrowed from Master Horsling tightly. His heart was pounding. He remembered the words of the tavern owner who told him to go to the river before it was too late. Did Master Horsling know something was going to happen tonight?
Or maybe the tavern owner with the mysterious background is planning something on the river. Maybe he was trying to trap William there. But if that was the case, why did he even lend him a dagger? And again, how important was William to a Master Horsling?
The faint sound of the rush of the river was heard. William stopped behind a bush and peered out. Two men were standing beside the river. The moonlight hidden behind the clouds made it impossible for him to see their figures. Were they Rogas and Mornitz? If he looked at their stature and clothing, it seemed to be true. What were they doing there?
William hesitated as to whether to go out to say hello, or better see what would happen first. He slipped through the trunks of the big trees, coming closer so he could get a better view. Yes, that's them. On the right, the well-built one with broad shoulders was Rogas. While the one on the left, whose body is taller is Mornitz. The two of them were looking at the river.
William squinted. There were two points of light approaching, coming from two boats, each containing two men.
"They're here," Mornitz's voice rang out.
"Just a moment," Rogas said. William could see the face of his friend who became tense. "Could you explain again your plan, Mornitz? I don't understand why we have to boat across the river at this time of night."
"The person we're after has gone a long way from us," Mornitz's voice sounded harsh. "We have to hurry up and catch him before it's too late. Do you still not understand?"
Before it's too late? William froze. Was this what Master Horsling had meant? The tavern owner wanted William to join Mornitz's company and go with the two boats across the river?
William was getting restless. It was even tenser when he thought of the dagger in his hand. The person who was being chased by Mornitz must be a dangerous person to have to be chased by six soldiers. Seven, if William came along. At first, he felt afraid and tense, then turned into curiosity, and finally enthusiasm. Was this the moment he had been waiting for? The most defining moment in his life?
As Master Horsling said, it might be time for William to do something different if he wanted to know what he really was, and then get to his next path in life. This was the crucial moment. He's an adult now, and his mother is dead. It was time for him to decide and do something for himself.
William nodded, trying to be sure of his decision. He would go out, then go to Mornitz, asking if he could come along. William knew he was about to encounter something dangerous, but he shouldn't have been afraid. He already carried a dagger, and he also felt quite skilled. Perhaps the only thing to think about is the issue of supplies because he didn't bring anything for his trip. But hopefully, they don't go too far and he can get home soon.
But before William could come out from behind the bush, something unexpected happened. Rogas suddenly pulled out his sword, then swiftly pointed it at Mornitz. The black-robed man gasped.
"Hey, you guys!" Rogas shouted to the people on the boat in the middle of the river, "Stop! Don't come over here! Or I'll cut his neck right now!"
William gaped, while the four men in the boat were stunned. The oars were released, and their hands were now down to the sides of their waists, over the hilts of their swords. For a few moments, everyone was silent. Without being rowed the two boats moved slowly along the river, away from Rogas and Mornitz.
Rogas grinned once he was sure he had the upper hand. His sword was pinned to Mornitz's neck. "Well, well, do you think you can fool me that easily?"
"I don't know what you mean," Mornitz replied. The expression on the black-robed man's face didn't change much. The man had been shocked at first, but he was now very calm as if he was still in control of the situation.
"You want to take me across the river? Hah! No, my friend." Roger shook his head. "I know you want to set me up. Take me to a lonely place, then kill me! With the help of your men on that boat! Bastard. I'm not that stupid."
"You're delirious, aren't you? You haven't slept yet, but now you're dreaming," said Mornitz. "I think you are stupid, for threatening people who can give you a lot of money later. That's the first stupidity. Then you think you can win over the five of us? That's the second stupidity. You'll be dead any minute if you keep going. You better lower your sword. Let's talk."
"No more lying!" exclaimed Rogas. "I know that person on the boat! He was the one who tried to kill me in the south! Do you think a thick beard can cover the scars on your face, huh?" he shouts at someone on the boat. "Stupid! I recognize you, bastard!"
Rogas turned his head back to Mornitz. "And you-"
His words stopped. Mornitz had already retreated quickly and away from his sword. Rogas was about to charge forward, but Mornitz was no less agile. His cloak stretched out, the man's hand pulled out the sword from the side of his waist and directly pointed it at Rogas. The tip of his sword clashed with the tip of Rogas' sword. William recognized it, it was a Bortez-made sword he had given the man two days ago.
Mornitz smirked in turn. "Okay, you're not stupid, if that's what you want." The black cloak laughed sinisterly. "You see, you will die if you dare to fight us. Better to just give up."
"You dog! Bastard!" Rogas looked nervous. His eyes were sparkling. "Bastards like you can't be trusted!"
Mornitz shook his head. "Master Bellion chose to see you alive when you were brought to him. He wants him to be the one to chop you up. Of course… in case you die here, he won't mind."
"I will kill you first!"
Rogas drew his sword and swung it with all his might.
Mornitz parried. The clink of metal clashing.
Rogas didn't stop and attacked many times. His moves were fast and powerful, full of emotion, but Mornitz was no easy opponent. Every swing of Rogas' sword he managed to withstand.
Twenty steps from them, behind the bushes William trembled. He panicked, not knowing what to do. Rogas was his friend, and although William didn't yet know what the problem was behind all this, of course, if things got any worse he would have to help his friend.
William gripped his dagger tightly, preparing to come out to attack Mornitz. But at the last moment, he remembered Master Horsling's words.
"Be careful. Don't act rashly. Always look back before move forward."
So William looked back at the path he had walked and was immediately taken aback when he saw the frightened look on someone's face there, behind a tree trunk.
Muriel?!