Young Writers Society

Cold sweat ran down Richard’s back as he watched the three men approach at a rapid pace each one had no emotion in their cold eyes. Richard’s sword collided with the first man’s, the mettle scraping against one another sending small yellow and orange sparks into the crisp air.

Gritting his teeth Richard tried to hold his ground, but with the two other guys approaching there wasn't must he could do but try and get out of there, he just had to wait for the right moment.

To his left, he saw the third man jump into the air, his swords in position.In one rapid crossing motion, his blades sliced through the air their sharp edges catching the moonbeams coming through one of the windows.

Looking above him Richard saw a poll hanging from the ceiling, it was old and rusted but it would have to do. It wasn't the best idea he had ever had, but it was all he could do right now.Jumping up, Richard grabbed onto the poll feeling it loosen by the extra weight.

Below him, he heard the swords collide with one another, not having enough time to stop the attack their weapons intertangled. Eyes narrowing Richard jumped down landing on one of the men's shoulders pushing them to the floor that was soon followed by the rest. As he ran towards the door he made sure too pickup his swords he had dropped.

He made a beeline for the exit to the prison, maybe if he found a place to hide he could sneak up on them? It wasn’t the best plan, he would much rather stay and fight them head-on, but, he knew that was stupid and would get him killed faster than he would like.

As he ran he put his swords away in their cases, the staircase was slippery under his feet, the dirt and water making it hard to get a firm grip, a loud crash and shouting came from within the prison, Richard could only assume they were chasing after him.

Stealing a quick glancing behind him he saw the slight movement of a shadow along the floor but it soon was out of sight as he turned a corner running down a long hall, making a quick right he charged into the weapon room hastily Richard ran over to the shelf that was covered in the bows and arrows, grabbing one Richard loading an arrow onto the string, pulling it back up to his chin he edged over to the door, he could hear to sound of heavy footsteps on the floor heading in his direction, he didn’t know why he always got himself into these types of situations and why he always faced it head-on, sometimes there was the right time to run…but a part of him wanted to know why these men were after him, and how they found him. Letting out a large sigh Richard walked further up to the door, maybe if he attacked them firsts this time he would get the upper hand, though he highly doubted it.

Suddenly there was a loud crash and the sound of metal scraping against mettle sounded along the hall walls, screams of pain echoed out through the corridors, loud thuds were soon heard silence following after.

Walking out into the hall his bow still loaded Richard looked around, the torches that aligned the hall walls were still lit having a slight flicker and movement to them like there was a wind blowing through a window somewhere. Taking a step back Richard looked down at the blood coated bodies before him. He didn’t understand, what happened? Who did this to them? Was there someone else one there? Walking up to the bodies Richard inspected the cuts that ran over their bodies, they were clean and done with precision, whoever had done this knew where they were doing. Blue eyes narrowing Richard lowered his bow who knows when this stranger would attack again? Suddenly the sound of feet slipping against floor made Richard spin around his bow yet again drawn but he was only met with darkness as something came hurling towards him.

…

A bright light pierced his vision as Richard opened his eyes, what happened? Suddenly a throbbing pain ran over him as his left temple began to scream in pain. Richard tried to reach up to rub it but found his hands bound together behind the back of his chair.

Hissing out in pain Richard tried to get the knot undone, he could feel the rope rub his skin raw. As his fingers moved around the rope pulling and tugging in all directions he began to feel it loosen, a small gin formed on his face as he began undoing the knot.

“Any further and those hands are coming off.” Came a sinister voice, it sounded muffled as if a mask was covering his mouth.

Straining his neck Richard tried to turn around and see who had spoken, but there was only darkness. Looking to his right he could see another man sitting in the chair, his head was down and his eyes were closed, to Richard he looked dead, but the only sign he was alive was the slow rise and fall of his chest.

Richard’s eyes could see the fine outline of a man’s shadow standing a little behind the other man’s chair. He could feel a cold chill run down his back as he watched the shadow move around until it was a few meters from him.

A small cracking sound could be heard as the small flicker of hot, orange flames could be seen rising from one of the torch holders. The yellow light seemed to over the man in a fine golden glow as his figure began to stand out.

With the torchlight provided Richard could still not catch a glimpse of the man’s face as a creamy white mask with small black and red spirals covered his face.

“HEY! Who are you and what do you want with me?” Richard bellowed full of rage, clanging his hands that were still tide.

The man let out a low chuckle but said nothing as he walked over to the other man who was still passed out in his chair. Grabbing him by the hair the masked man looked him over, Richard could tell his face must be in a frown as he saw his blueish green eyes look from him to the other man. Standing up he walked over to Richard.

“There were four men like him there were after you?” He said jabbing a finger at the man behind him. “Do you know why?”

Richard gave him a scornful look, his eyes narrowing, “And why would I tell you that?”

“Hmm…” The man seemed to be debating something. “Well, I didn’t think you had a choice?” Picking up a cased blade from behind him, the man removed it and ran a dark cloth over its fine blade.

Richard kept his mouth sealed shut, why would he tell this man anything, and if he did how much? Should he mention the gem? No, what if he was working for the King’s guard and was sent after me and everyone else he cared about, but then if he was with the King wouldn’t he know about the assassins?

Richard stared up at him defiantly, he had to find a way out of this. Anything could happen at any moment. Looking around he could tell he was still in his parent’s hideout in the canyons stone walls, though the room didn’t seem familiar, it must be a room he hadn’t seen. He could see the masked man was still looking at him the sword still in hand.

Richard watched him stand and walk over to the other man that was slowly gaining consciousness his brown eyes looking around the room in confusion. “W…Where am I?” He asked as he blinked against the firelight.

“That doesn’t matter.” The man spat as he pointed his sword at him. “Who do you work for?” His voice was full of venom.

The man didn't say a word only glared up at him. Richard watched as the sword pointed at him became only a few centimeters from his throat.

"I will only ask once more," The man in the white mask snarled the sword edging closer, "Who do you working for?"

“I…I work for the King.” The man stuttered out still confused and dazed, but his eyes pinned on the sword.

Hissing the masked man growled out. “And what are you doing out here in the canyons?”

Clearing his throat he stammered out. “I and a few other men were sent to assassinate a boy the King thinks could be a threat to him.”

“You mean those men?” The other man jabbed a finger at the other three bodies in the corner.

It looks like he doesn’t work for the king after all. Richard frowned, if he didn’t work for the king then why would he tie him up. He hadn’t done anything wrong…had he? He guesses there must be a reason, maybe he thought he worked for the king?

The brown locks of the man next to Richard stuck to his head as beads of sweat ran down his face. “How? We are the best-trained assassins the King has, how…how did you kill them?” His voice became enraged as his hands turned into fists.

“Well…he better think twice about attacking other kingdoms if you are the best he's got.” Even though a mask covered his face, his voice still came out sickly calm. "And what of the boy? Where is he now?"

"I...I don't know." The brown-haired man hisses, rage evident on his voice.

Lowering his sword the tall man turned towards Richard, “And you, what are you doing in the canyons?” His voice remained calm, but Richard saw his grip on his sward tighten.

Letting out a low sigh Richard began to debate if he should tell the truth or make something up? But if he told him a lie there was a very large chance the man could tell.

“I just happened to wander in.” Richard blurted, avoiding eye contact. He could feel the hair along his back stand up on end, one wrong move and he could be like the other men in the corner, and he knew the truth is probably not what he would like to hear, ‘Oh hey I’m also an assassin planning to kill your king, oh and I have this gem that explodes in command, and could do lots of other things too. Would you let me go now?’ Yeah, he did not see that conversation going well…well on his end anyway.

The other man thankfully didn’t think much of it and turned to the man next to Richard. “I’ll think of something to do with you later.” He snarled grabbing the man by the arm and hoisting him up pushing him out the room.

Once the two of them were gone Richard hurriedly looked around for anything that could help him escape. His eyes court the small glint of mettle in the corner the firelight reflected off its surface. He wasn’t sure what weapon it could be, but if he could untie himself from the chair and get to it before the masked man returned there could be a slight chance for him to escape.

Yet again he fiddled with the rope around his hands, the skin on his wrists becoming red from the friction, untying the last knot Richard let at a small ‘yes’ of victory as he moved onto the rope around his ankles. Back when he trained with Ryan he didn’t understand why tying and untying knots was so important but right now he can only be grateful. Once all the knots were undone Richard ran for the weapon in the corner, he let out a breath of relief when he saw it was a sword. Picking it up Richard made his way over to the door, leaning against the wall he peered out searching the halls of any sign the other man could be making his way back. The only sign of movement was the torches fire flickering in a slight breeze.

‘It’s now or never,’ Richard thought slipping out into the hallway, his grip on the swords handle tightening with every second that passed.Darting down the hallway Richard made a quick right done a rather dark and narrow hallway, torched burned but their embers were low and only gave off a low glow. Richard seemed to walk for a few minutes turning left and right when he heard the sound of hurried footsteps behind him, had the other man realized he was missing?

Not wanting to find out Richard picked up his pace into a run darting down the halls at top speed. He gritted his teeth when he almost lost his footing on the stones, scrambling around the corner he managed to catch a glimpse behind him only to see a dark shadow a few meters behind him.

What was he doing? There was no way he was going to get out of here if he had someone following him, they would just keep going even when he gets out the canyon, besides he had a few questions he would like to ask him.

Closing his eyes Richard let out a long sigh what better time than the present. Swinging around Richard swung his sword out, he smiled a little when he heard a tearing found followed by a small hiss of pain. Narrowing his blue eyes Richard looked into the masked face of the man in front of him who was clutching his bleeding arm.

“I knew there was something different about you.” He said in a low voice, standing up trait his head tilted like he was smiling slyly under the mask.

Richard didn’t say a word only glared at him.

Reaching for his swords one in each hand the other man began to approach, his footsteps quiet, like a cat approaching its prey.

Richard knew he wasn’t going to last long against a man who could use two swords, especially when he only had one. Relaxing his body Richard knew his only chance out of this would have to be more nimble than his opponent which looks a lot hard said than done.

A flash of mettle then past Richard’s face colliding with his blade as he lifted it to block the attack. The two exchanged plows like this for a while Richard often having the doge and maneuver and get shots in when he could.

Richard could feel his hopes rising when he managed to get his sword in and cut the other man’s side, this made his flinch away but not much else. Though his hopes were soon crushed when his feet feel out from under him.

The wind was knocked out of Richard as his back hit the floor, sharp pain running up his back and over his body. Glancing up Richard saw the sliver tips of the blades pointed down at him a few centimeters from his face.