Edvar's talk and manner was very pleasing and to join them all Rithevan had to do was procure a certain amoung of money from an old Baron's house. This wasn't his first choice of trying to impress them (he would rather have just done acrobatics) but what did he care? This was his innitiation . Edvar kept the money for himself and his relations with Rithevan never improved but spoiled like bruised fruit.
The next big event in his initiation was his required participation in a battle between Edvar's men and a contingent of town guards that were demanding the return of the baron's money. Rithevan secretly hoped that the guards would win and he would surrender. His hope failed. Edvar led an ambush from behind while the guards were busy speaking to one of Edvar's number on the fort walls. Then Rithevan watched as they put them all to the sword.
In a happen-chance to try and redeem himself Rithevan heaved a wounded guard named Riall onto his shoulders and made a run for it. He was caught two leagues down the road. “I could not have tried harder.” He thought. “But they had a horse and nobody was there to help us on the road.” “God why did you let this happen? What have I been doing that lets you forget me in prison?..." "And what about Riall?” He said aloud. His voice cracked mid-sentence and his thoughts turned to sobs as he buried his face in his sleeve.
The room grew colder as Rithevan felt the sun going down. The glowing slivers of light from the tiny cracks were fading. Then they were gone.
He heard the sound of grating on his door and then a thump. This was the sound of someone removing the plank from its hangers across the door, then leaning it on it... The beam was being us to add force to the door closing on him should he try and escape.
The door was only opened a crack. “Are you ready to come out and reiceive your due beating?” |
