Caravan to Kittikin by Brian S Pratt

Author:Brian S Pratt [Pratt, Brian S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Willie headed to the stable, two went to the curtain wall and Mackum took the last three with him to check the Keep.

Reneeke watched Willie approach. He silently motioned for Jaikus to move further back within the stable as he did the same. The third stall on the left was empty and they ducked within it.

“We need to take him out fast and quick,” Reneeke said as he drew his sword.

Jaikus nodded in the shadows. “Can’t let him raise the alarm.” His sword glinted in his hand.

“Right.”

Just then, the front door to the stable creaked as Willie pushed it open. The long sword in his hand glinted with light from the fire. He stood framed in the doorway as the door swung fully open. Moments passed as he searched the interior darkness before stepping within.

Horses snorted and one whinnied as he passed along the stalls. At each, he would peer over the side to the stall’s interior before proceeding to the next.

One by one he checked each stall in turn as he drew ever closer to the one in which they hid.

“Ready?” Reneeke silently mouthed.

With a grim set to his jaw, Jaikus nodded.

“This is stupid,” Willie muttered to himself. “Why would anyone be hiding in a stable?”

He finished checking the four stalls between where they hid and door. Then he headed to the one across from theirs.

Reneeke pushed the stall door open carefully and silently. Jaikus followed him out and then as Willie searched the other stall, they crept up behind him.

When Willie turned around, he found Reneeke’s blade at his throat and Jaikus’ pressed against his abdomen.

“One word and you’re dead,” Jaikus whispered.

“Understand?” Reneeke added.

Willie raised his hands and nodded.

“Get his sword, Jaik.”

Jaikus pulled Willie’s sword from his scabbard then tossed it into a pile of hay behind him.

“Keep an eye on him,” Reneeke said as he went to the back for a length of rope.

He tied Willie’s hands behind him. Then taking an old horse-cloth, he stuffed it into his mouth. He secured the gag in place with a section of rope. Two more sections of rope bound his ankles and knees together. Once he was trussed up and not likely to go anywhere, they tossed him in the empty stall and then gathered their four horses. The reins of their spares they secured to the backs of their saddles.

Reneeke mounted. “Have that scroll ready.”

Jaikus showed that it was in his hand. “Way ahead of you.”

“We got two at the gate then we’re out.”

“Wish Charka and Lady Kate were here right now.”

“I’ll do you one better,” Reneeke said. “I’d even be happy if Seward was here.”

Chuckling, Jaikus said, “Me too. Bad disposition and all.”

“Or we could use Chork to bore them to death.”

“That would be priceless.” Jaikus secured his spare horse to the back of his saddle then mounted.

Reneeke nudged his horse into motion and brought it to the front of the stable. There he looked out from the shadows to find the only men in the courtyard were the two at the gate.

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