Malachi found himself sneaking around buildings, his never leaving his target. He had ignored orders to return to Var'aak, instead had stayed. He had managed to keep his distance, she walked down the winding streets accompanied by an older woman. Malachi's curiosity was getting the better of him, and he followed her.
From where he was standing in the shadows he noticed a familiar face. The soldier wore a cloak to hide his weapons and armour, but Malachi could tell who it was. His blood went cold at the sight, his message had reached the king and he had sent his soldiers.
Malachi was now torn, lost in thought. Malachi's attention snapped back, he looked up and down the street. His target was nowhere in sight.
The soldier shed his cloak and began attacking the villagers joined in by several more soldiers. The street soon became a battle ground.
People fled, the few that did not, were killed.
Malachi watched as the villagers tried to fight back, but were outmatched. The soldiers were merciless.
Malachi was about to draw his sword, when someone grabbed his arm. A young woman with red curls, he recognized her as his targets friend.
She pulled him out of the street and into a building.
Malachi struggled to free himself, but her grip was strong.
"Do you know how to use that thing?" she pointed to his sword.
Malachi nodded.
"Good. you'll need it if you want to get out alive."
She released him and ran into the next room.
Malachi followed her, unsure of what to expect.
They were in a small house, a fire was burning in the fireplace.
She was putting on a leather chest plate and a sword belt.
"Who are you?" He questioned.
"No time." She turned drawing her sword.
They heard the soldiers break down the door and enter the building.
Malachi drew his own sword and prepared to fight.
"What's your name?" He asked, hoping he could find his target, he was sure that she had something to do with the rebellion.
"Galena." She ran towards the door, her blade gleaming in the firelight.
Malachi followed, ready to fight.
The soldiers were surprised to see two armed fighters, but they did not hesitate.
They attacked.
Galena was quick and agile, while Malachi was skilled and strong.
they pushed through the rubble making their way out of the building.
The soldiers followed, they were relentless.
Malachi was not sure if he could win, they just needed to make it out of the village.
"Run!" Galena shouted.
Malachi obeyed, and ran. Galena followed. They reached the edge of the village, but the soldiers were still behind them.
"Keep going." Galena urged.
They ran into the woods. Malachi was grateful for the cover of the trees. The soldiers could not track them, but he was sure that they would send scouts out.
"We have to keep moving." Galena said.
They continued through the woods, the sounds of pursuit behind them.
Malachi could not help but think of the young woman, Galena's friend. He knew He should not be running from the soldiers, he should be fighting alongside them. But he had made a decision. It was not until dawn that they stopped running. Malachi was exhausted, and his legs ached.
"We need to find a place to rest." He panted between breaths.
Galena agreed, they needed to be careful, but they also needed to rest.
They walked through the woods until they found a clearing. Galena sat down on a log and Malachi leaned against a tree.
"You knew they were going to attack? How?" He asked, breaking the silence.
"We were warned. But not soon enough." Galena's voice was soft, she looked away.
"Who warned you?" He was curious, she knew something.
"No one knows, they call him the shadow." Galena's eyes were sad, her expression haunted.
"The shadow? Why are the soldiers hunting him?" Malachi knew the answer, but he wanted to hear her side.
"He is trying to stop the king. He believes the king is wrong." Galena was hesitant, her words were guarded.
"And your friend the on with the long black hair, is she a part of this too?" Malachi had hoped she had made it out alive.
"Morwen," Galena shook her head "No she is not involved, I wanted to keep her safe and kept her out of it."
Malachi nodded, worried.
"Why are you helping me?" He asked, it did not make sense.
Galena stood, "We should get going."
He fallowed her lead, they walked in silence.
As they walked, Malachi could not help but think about the events that had unfolded. The soldiers were ruthless, they had no mercy. And he was helping the rebel. No, he was a spy uncovering the rebels, corrected himself.
As they continued through the woods, the trees started to thin out.
They were almost out of the woods, and could see a farm house ahead.
"We should be safe here. The soldiers will not come this far." Galena was confident.
A group of people gathered in the yard, they watched as Galena and Malachi approached.
"This is the man I told you about." Galena's voice was strong.
Malachi could see the fear in their eyes.
"What is your name?" An elderly man asked.
"Malachi."
"We have heard of you, you are a captain in the king's army." The old man was suspicious.
"I was, but I no longer serve the king." Malachi lied, he knew it was the best option for survival.
The old man nodded, "Very well, welcome to the rebellion."
Malachi was shocked, but he did not show it.
He had expected to be thrown out, not welcomed in."There is a barn, you can sleep there." The old man gestured towards a small building.
Malachi was glad to rest, the events of the night were finally catching up with him.
He slept for a few hours, but awoke to the sounds of voices.
He crept towards the door of the barn and listened.
"You have to stop this madness." A voice said.
Malachi held his breath, he knew who was speaking.
"That is a lie. This is the only way to save our people." Galena's voice was firm. "It is not wrong to fight for freedom. We will not bow down to a tyrant."
Malachi felt a wave of guilt, he was working for the king. He had fought against these people.
But he knew he was doing the right thing, he had to get close to them, learn their secrets. He could not let his emotions get in the way. The voices grew quiet, and he heard the sound of footsteps. He returned to his bed, and tried to sleep. He woke in the morning, the light streaming through the cracks in the walls.
He made his way outside, the others were busy preparing for the day.Galena approached him, "We leave at midday."
"Where are we going?" Malachi was curious.
"We are meeting with the shadow, he is our leader." Galena's voice was soft.Malachi nodded, his mind racing.
He could not help but wonder if he was making the right decision.
As the midday sun beat down, a chill wind swept across the barren lands.Galena lead the way, Malachi followed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
He was not sure what to expect, but he was determined to find out the truth.
They arrived at the meeting point, a small clearing in the woods.A figure stepped out from the shadows.
Malachi could not help but feel a shiver run down his spine.
"It is good to see you Galena."