Attack of the Horse Thieves

---Indigo---

A week later, we had passed five villages and reached a town by the name of Hamberg at nightfall. Passing under the arches of the huge wooden gates, I looked at my surroundings. On the cobblestone streets, merchants were closing for the night and people were heading home. Candle light and lanterns flickered on in the houses, while the aroma of dinner cooking wafted out of chimneys. I slowed, holding Willow's reins. Aaron walked up to me, leading his horse.

"So, where are we going to stay the night?" he asked.

"Let's look for an inn. We should enter in two groups to avoid unwanted attention." I answered.

"Sounds good," said Aaron. "Let's keep going."

We passed a couple taverns and restaurants, but I deemed them too crowded or too suspicious. Even in a town like Hamberg, you can never be too careful. If Lord Victor was able to find us in Northbell, he can certainly find us in Hamberg.

"How about this one?" Rachel asked, pointing at a small inn just up ahead. The sign read, The Rose Crown. I critiqued it for a few moments. There didn't seem to be too many people. By the appearance of it, the inn seemed very trustworthy and reliable.

"Okay." I said. "Now let's split into two groups. Katherine, can you lead one group?"

"Sure," she said, patting her horse on the head. "Who's in my group?"

I shrugged. "Pick your own group, guys."

Ashley walked to stand beside Katherine. "I'll be with Katherine," she said.

"Me too," said Jason, appearing beside Ashley.

"I'll stick with Indigo," Lucian spoke. "You too, Rachel?"

"Of course," she replied.

"That just leaves Aaron. Which group do you want to be in?" I looked at him. My group my group my group, my heart prayed. Be in my group, Aaron.

"Um, I really don't care," Aaron started. "But, uh, I guess I'll stay with you and my buddy Lucian, if you don't mind."

"Wow, I guess I'm not your buddy," Jason said with feigned hurt. Aaron made an exaggerated shrug.

Yes! "Sure," I said, trying to cover up my ecstatic. "Alright. We'll go in first. Katherine, wait about seven minutes, then head in with everyone else. Remember, act like we don't know each other."

"Okay," Katherine said. "What if we need to tell each other something?"

"We could pretend to get acquainted with each other," suggested Rachel. "Or just drop a note."

"We'll figure something out," I said. "Be careful, Katherine."

I walked up the steps of the inn. The smell of ham and spices greeted me as I walked through the door. A bartender looked up from the counter, flashing me a smile. Walking out from behind, he greeted me.

"Hi there. Would you like a meal, or just lodging for the night?" he asked politely. His honey-colored eyes transfixed me. The bartender was young, perhaps a few years older than me, with a mess of chocolate hair and slightly tanned skin. He was tall and skinny, and looked like the type of guy who was shy but had a really fun personality.

"Um," I cleared my throat, wanting to present myself well. "There's four of us. We would like a meal and to stay for the night."

"Of course." He looked past me towards the door. "Did you come on horseback?"

"Yes. Could you take care of our horses for us? Make sure they get fed and cleaned? We've been traveling for a while," I said. He smiled.

"No problem. I'll do that right away. Please, sit wherever you like and take a look at the menu. I'll be right back." He headed for the door, then paused.

"I nearly forgot. My name is Edward. What's yours?"

"I'm Indigo. Nice to meet you, Edward."

"That's a pretty name. I'll get your friends and be right back, Indigo." Flashing me a shy smile, Edward disappeared out the door. I felt a flush on my cheeks. Gosh. Why do they feel so hot?

A few minutes later, Edward reappeared with Aaron, Rachel, and Lucian in tow. "Sit, sit," he ushered. We slipped into wooden sets at the nearest table. "What would you like to eat?"

"What are my options?" Lucian asked. Edward pointed up at the huge sign behind the counter. I saw that it listed the various dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and various beverages.

"Um, I'll take the corn and beef, with clam chowder and garlic bread," said Aaron. Edward scribbled the order down on a notepad.

"Steak and mashed potatoes for me," announced Lucian.

Rachel and I looked at each other. "Two bowls of corn chowder and two plates of your house special," I said.

"Okay. They'll be right up." He disappeared through a door into what I presumed was the kitchen.

There was only a few other people in the inn besides us. There was an old couple sitting two tables away who were in a deep discussion and a man in a trench coat sitting in the corner drinking ale. He looked up as I glanced over. I quickly looked away.

"So, guys, uh, what do you think?" Rachel attempted to make conversation.

"Do you think our swords are a bit, uh, out of place?" Aaron asked in a hushed whisper.

"Hm. Edward didn't pay much attention to it, so I guess it's okay," I said. They looked at me in confusion.

"Who's Edward?" asked Lucian.

"The guy who just took our orders. He didn't tell you his name?" I asked quizzically.

"No, he didn't." Aaron furrowed his brow.

"Maybe because you're pretty and he likes you," teased Rachel, giggling.

"What? No way!" I protested.

"I think Rachel's got a point, Indigo," said Lucian smugly. "Look, your cheeks are turning red."

"I—" Before I could say something, Edward reappeared with a large tray.

"Here's your food," he said, placing down plates in front of us. "Enjoy. I'll be in the kitchen, if you need anything." He smiled his shy smile again before leaving.

I looked at my plate. There was gravy covered ham, peas and corn, and some bread. Simple, but it looked good. It tasted good too.

The sound of boots reached my ears. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar figure appear at the doorway.

"Is anyone here?" Katherine's voice called out. Edward poked his head out of the kitchen and came out.

"Oh, more customers. Are you staying for the night or just having dinner?" he asked, meeting Katherine's gaze. I saw Katherine study him, just as I had.

"Um, both. I have two more friends outside, and we have horses. Can you see that they're taken care of?" Her eyes never left his face.

"Of course, leave that to me. Have a seat wherever you like. By the way, my name is Edward. What's yours?"

"Oh. My name's, uh, Helen." Katherine hesitated, and I saw her rack her brain for a name. She's smart to not tell him her real name. Why didn't I think of that?

"Nice to meet you, Helen. I'll be right with you." Edward grinned and I saw Katherine's cheeks turn pink faintly. As he walked out the door, Katherine sat at the table next to us, purposely not making eye contact. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her studying the room, taking in the occupants, and observing every little detail.

"So, have you decided what you'll have for dinner?" Edward asked as he led Ashley and Jason in.

"Uh, yeah. I'll take…" Katherine's group told him their orders and Edward left to prepare their food.

In the corner, the man in the trench coat had finished his drink. Standing up, he walked to the counter and placed a large gold coin in the tip jar. Both Katherine's and my eyes followed him as he walked out the door, footsteps clunking in an even pattern.

Just as I was finishing up my chowder, a cry arose outside. "Help! Thieves! They're stealing my horse!" We all stood up abruptly. Horse thieves! If they took our horses we're doomed!

Aaron beat me to the door. Yanking it open he ran out, headed for the origin of the cry. I saw that people were emerging from their houses, holding up torches and lanterns. I saw a dark figure emerge from the stables, holding the reins of a horse and trying to slip away.

"Hey! That's my horse!" Katherine yelled, leaping down the steps. Her sword was out of its sheath and she went right at the thief. The person took one look at her and panicked. He tried to mount Katherine's steed, but with a single command the stallion kicked him aside. Katherine pinned him to the ground and pointed her sword at his throat.

Aaron and Lucian cornered another thief, and Jason and Ashley were double checking the stables. I noticed a dark shadow trying to slip away with Willow in tow. They were headed for the gates.

"You there! Stop!" I ran towards the person, unsheathing my sword. He threw a glance my way and began running. The gates were only a few meters away now.

"Hey! Get back here! Willow, halt!" I shouted. Willow snorted and obeyed, skidding to a stop. The person tugged hard on the reins to no avail. By now, I was only a few feet away. "Give me back my horse!" As I neared him, the person spun around suddenly and thrust his arm out at me. I didn't react fast enough.

I felt the cold blade of a knife pierce my skin, right into my stomach. By the dim moonlight, I saw the blood spurt out, warm against my shirt. My body was numb with pain. I couldn't think straight.

"Bye, bye, Indigo," my attacker said with an evil grin. He shoved the knife again, and I cried out in pain. He let go of the handle and I fell backwards, my back hitting the cobblestone floor hard. He cackled and turned away, ready to mount Willow and escape. With my last ounce of strength, I shakily raised my sword and threw it at him. It didn't stab him through like it would have if I was at full strength, but cut him enough that he toppled forward into the street.

"Indigo!" Aaron's voice shouted, far away. "INDIGO!"

The last thing I was aware of before it was all gone was the cold cobblestones beneath me and the piercing pain in my stomach.