Alleyway Ambush

Daniel and Abigail were greeted by a flood of people fleeing upon leaving the church. The road in front of them was the main road leading from the city center to the mine. The refugees, unfamiliar with the district, crowded onto it. The sound of striking metal rang from the direction of the mine. A column of smoke had already risen up.

"Come," Ashton urgently beckoned. The Gilens' five guards were clustered around the entrance. Though their swords were still sheathed, their hands were resting on the hilts, ready to draw at a moment's notice. "Liam knows these streets well. He'll lead us through."

"We aren't heading home just yet," Daniel spoke up. "Viscount Somi wants to meet at one of his hostels at the district's docks.

"As you wish, my Lord," replied a young, redheaded man. Daniel studied Liam for a second before gesturing for him to lead the way.

The five guards closed around the Gilens. Liam led the group into the nearest alley to escape the masses. The only parts of the mining district officially constructed were the main street and several roads branching from it. Buildings were erected wherever there was room. New streets formed as local traffic forced its way through. The lack of planning resulted in a labyrinth. Paths were claustrophobic and split into forks every ten meters. Deadends filled with rubbish or beggars were common. For a novice, it was a time-consuming, if not dangerous, to navigate these streets. But for the experienced, these roads were a quick and clandestine way to travel.

Liam skillfully led the group through the chaotic district. He hardly hesitated at turns. The group encountered no one else, other than a few stray beggars hiding from the panic.

As they neared one of the larger streets, Liam quietly signaled the group to stop. There were sounds of fighting ahead. Wooden furniture broke was heavy bodies moved around in the building next to them. The group could hear sadistic jeers.

"The city's Rats," he stated with disgust. "Thieves and extortionists taking advance of the riot to fill their pockets."

Liam glanced around and signaled for the group to follow. Backtracking a bit, he found another route as a detour. The group continued at a quick pace. Soon, signs of the river appeared around them. The river breeze took away the smell of smoke and replaced it with the scent of fish and rotting wood. Mildew remained on the sides of buildings even in the cold winter.

However, the group did not relax their guard. The sounds of the riot were still around them. Daniel saw glimpses of the local patrol teams moving in the direction of the fighting, but for all he knew, it could have just been for show. Especially in the poorer districts, the patrol teams were as useful as a horseless carriage.

As they rounded another turn, they could see the waterfront at the end of the alleyway.

"We're almost there," Liam turn to speak to the rest. "With a left at the waterfront, we should see the viscount's hostel just a- Oomph!"

He was interrupted as a man in tattered clothes tackled him from an adjacent alley. The remaining guards and Daniel immediately drew their swords. Ashton stepped forward and kicked the man off of Liam. The attacker rolled on the ground but quickly got to his feet. Only then did Daniel noticed a dagger in his hand.

"The Rats are getting bolder," Liam said through clenched teeth as Ashton dragged him to his feet. Liam shakily drew his sword.

"Are you hurt?" Daniel asked.

"I appreciate the concern, my Lord," Liam replied. "But luckily, the blade didn't penetrate. I will have quite the bruise for the next few weeks, however."

As they spoke, Ashton stepped forward with his blade extended. "You are impeding the path of Viscount Daniel Gilen. Put down your weapon and your judgment will be lenient."

The Rat responded with a wide, toothy grin. "So you are a nobleman. I almost didn't believe it when I heard a viscount would be here in the mining district. But here you are."

"What do you want?" Daniel demanded. He stepped forward next to Ashton, making sure Abigail was behind him. "Don't tell me you thought you could rob a noble by yourself."

"Wrong on two counts, m'lord," the Rat corrected. He held up his dagger. "I'm not here to rob you. And I'm not by myself."

At his words, more Rats entered the alleyway. Their uniforms of tattered, dirty winter clothes blocked the path to the waterfront. Their worn daggers contrasted the group's polished swords.

"More behind us, Captain!" one of Daniel's guards shouted. The group found themselves between around twenty Rats.

"I don't suppose you want to try and reason with them," Ashton asked.

"Get us out of here, Ashton," Daniel sternly replied.

Ashton nodded and barked out orders. "Lawrence. Kraft. Hold the rear. Liam, protect the Lady. Horace, watch our flanks at intersections. Apologies, my Lord, but I'll have to ask for your help here in front."

"How nostalgic," Daniel quipped.

Ashton's lips curled in a slight smile. "Advance!"