"Alright boys! Trap is ready and they are on the way! Let's get paid!"
His husky voice excited the small group. A round of cheers scared off the messenger bird, the little creature flapping away into the sun.
"Get in position. They're strong. And keep up the bandit act. No one can know who we are, or who we are affiliated with. For the church and Alvol!"
The men cheered, then seemed to vanish into the brush. The only two in the clearing were the leader, as well as a young woman. She was muzzled, as well as collared. Damaged fox ears sat atop her head, the scarring unable to keep her deep red fur from sprouting.
"You. Make sure the little one is dead when the trap goes off. We can't let her live."
With a small nod, the beastkin vanished into the brush.
"Hehe. This is why you never make enemies with the church."
After a few minutes, he raised his hand to his mouth. A shrill whistle went off, his eyes on the approaching carriage.
"Show time."
-
"Do you think Rey is alright, Mama? She looked sad when we let her leave to find her father."
Nilly could only pat Aveline on her head.
"She is a survivor. Once she finds that inner strength, she will overcome all obstacles. Just like a certain silly girl beside me."
Aveline beamed, though she inwardly continued to worry for her newest friend. Giving a small sigh, Aveline began to watch the countryside as it flashed by her window. Her eyes narrowed a little as she scanned the strange shapes in the shadows. As they became clearer, Aveline spun around.
"Ma-"
-
"Haha! We got em boys! Get them away from the carriage. Go, do as I said."
The leader shoved the enslaved beastkin. She quickly dove out of sight as two shadows began to bust their way out of the burning carriage. Around the flames, a few soldiers were attempting to help. These soldiers were quickly snuffed out from behind, laughter left in the marauders wakes.
-
"Aveline! You need to wake up! Guh..."
Niall held himself up over the unconscious Aveline. Her body had a soft blue aura surrounding her, her injuries slowly sealing themselves.
"Aveline, please. I can't keep this up for long!"
Niall could feel his body slowly falling apart, the stone golem he had created vanishing into dust.
"N-Niall? What, where?"
Niall began to push upwards, relief on his face. Aveline infused more magic, reinforcing the golem.
"The carriage was attacked. You need to get to safety. Nilly and Kyra, I think they're fine. The guys that attacked might be near-"
The golem suddenly faded, leaving Aveline with a sudden and overwhelming sense of nausea.
--
"Be careful! You healed yourself with Water Aura. It drained your magic. You need to get safe!"
--
Aveline attempted to continue listening, until her eyes finally saw between the puffs of smoke. Green aura began to engulf her body as a powerful ball of wind formed behind her.
--
"Aveline DON'T!"
--
-
"Sir! The scouts have confirmed. The carriage is that of Lady Nilly and Lady Aveline!"
Thorin sat in a daze at what he had heard. Moments earlier, he had seen smoke in the distance. After sending scouts, his men had followed at a more leisurely pace. Until now.
"Men! Break rank! Forward!"
With his word, fifteen horses spurred into action. Thorin at the front, his massive horse made incredibly short work of the ride. As he neared the ruined carriage, smolders still lighting small portions, the cold piercing grip of fear began to hold his body in place.
"Halt."
His voice was quiet. Swinging his foot over his horse, Thorin dropped to the ground. He walked slowly, his eyes searching for any signs of movement. Ash fell around him, the coldness surprising him.
"Wait, cold? This isn't ash! Nilly!"
His voice rang out. His men began to come forward, each holding the hilt of their blades.
"Duke Synclair! Hurry, over here! Please stop her!"
A familiar voice rang out from beyond the carriage. Thorin swiftly leapt into action, barreling his way around the carriage. As he got closer, he could see a pair of figures near the edge of the cliff. One was being held back as she struggled to launch herself down the cliffside, into the sprawling forest below.
"Th-there you are! Please stop her! Lady Nilly... dammit. Please stop my lady!"
Thorin stepped up beside Nilly, pulling her into his arms. He trembled a little, a smile breaking onto his face.
"I thought the worst! I'm so glad-"
Nilly whipped around, he fist connecting with his jaw. Thorin fell back, his eyes shocked.
"Lady Nilly! It ain't his fault! He doesn't know!"
Thorin could finally see the heartbreak in their eyes and the tears streaming down their faces. Suddenly more alert, he burst to his feet. Looking around, his eyes fell onto the edge of the cliff.
"Where is Aveline?"
Nilly could only look away, her eyes falling on the same place Thorin was looking.
"Duke Synclair, Lady Aveline..."
Nilly got to her feet, her forehead slamming into Thorin's chest.
"Our daughter saved my life. She took down the leader of these brigands, though she went over the edge with him."
Her voice was cold, only trembling when she finally finished speaking. She continued to sob as Thorin wrapped his arms around her, his own eyes seeming to lose their light.