Part XLVI

"How far?"

"Close, they will be here any minute."

"Call the rest."

"Yes my lord."

"Are we in a state of war?" Joel asked, watching the whole movement.

"No need to worry, sit here, next to me. I'll take care of everything." The lord patted a spot next to him. Joel sat down, his heart was fluttering, that might be his chance. Soon he heard the horses and some voices. Within a moment five men approached them. Joel's eyes went round. It was the duke with his guards. For a brief moment Joel was relieved and more than happy, then he realized his situation. In that very moment lord Morrice embraced Joel and leaned closer.

"I see you have company. " The look The duke gave Joel was freezing.

Fuck it didn't look good, Joel was embraced, sitting on a blanket, having picnic after he run away from the duke. No. No. NOOOOO!!!

"Your grace. " Joel wanted to stand up but a strong grip put him back to his place.

"Yes your grace, please join us. I have decided to enjoy the fine sites of life. This is Joel, we had a very enjoyable time together." The lord smiled and Joel felt like his blood circulation made a crazy twist in his body, first all the blood rushed to his face then he turned totally pale.

"I must admit I haven't known you from that side. Good for you. However, we need to talk. In private."

Joel was unable to produce any sound so he only stood up and left. The duke recognized him and did nothing. "Good for you" What did he expect? He ran away in the middle of the night and then was found in the arms of another man. The duke surly thinks Joel is a lying manwhore. He walked slowly among the trees, all lord's men were with him. The Duke's men were looking at Joel but didn't comment on the fact that two men were having a picnic. Joel found his horse. Before anybody reacted he was riding it. He has never rode so fast in his entire life. He heard some men shouting but he didn't stop. He was on the route but soon turned right into the forest the horse was well trained and Joel managed to get across the wood and a small creek. For a moment he was following the creek. He didn't have much time, they will be in a moment after him. The duke's men had regular horses and lord's men needed some time to get theirs. The wood was thick here and Joel got off the horse and climbed a branchy oak. The horse was running free, fortunately still along the creek. Joel hid himself well and waited.

Soon he could hear the chase as they were tracking his horse in the wood, it will take them some time. Joel was sitting at the top of the tree clinging to the trunk with a black hood on to cover his hair. It was late afternoon and it was getting dark. He needed only one night to disappear.

The lord's men were good at tracking, they were watching the river banks for traces, as they were riding under his tree Joel stopped breathing. They moved along the creek. As soon as they were gone Joel went down. He was walking up the creek in the opposite direction, in fact he was going back to the place they had the picnic.

It was dark when Joel was almost there. The place was empty. Joel made sure there was nobody when he decided to cross the river. Joel took off his clothes and shoes. Made a bundle of them and placed it on his back.

The water was fucking cold but Joel was a good swimmer. He will make it to the other bank. He slowly went in. His heart almost stood still. The current wasn't strong in this place. Joel swam, the current became stronger and Joel wasn't fighting it but allowed himself to swim diagonally, the other bank was pretty close. His lungs almost burst from extortion but he made it. He was on the other side. It was cold. His hands were trembling as he was getting dressed. The clothes became partially wet but Joel felt the rush of adrenaline. He put them on and started running. He wasn't worrying about covering his trace, they won't look here for him.

It was probably the hardest night in Joel's life. He kept walking although he could barely stand. It was at dawn when he fell from exhaustion.

The sun woke him up. Joel sat down and looked around. There was silence. No sound of chase. Joel wasn't sure where he was. The lord's caste was north so he decided to head east. He needs to find a settlement then it will be easier.

It was about noon when he came across a small village. That was bad as in such places people tend to make fuss about every new person they see. Joel was careful, he hid behind an old haggard house. There was an apple tree and Joel picked three apples and started eating them. He was hungry as fuck. The apples were a bit sour, but still, it was food. Joel was watching the almost empty street when he heard hushed steps.

"These apples aren't very good. ours are better." It was a little girl with a ponytail.

Joel almost choked.She surprised him.

"You are right, they are sour." he agreed and smiled.

"Are you the one they are looking for?" She looked at him curiously.

"And who are they looking for?"

"A young blonde man, who looks like a woman dressed in black clothes. There is a high reward. Hundred golden coins. The Lord of the castle will pay it to anyone who will give information about the man."

Joel wanted to say, that's not me, but well…. there was no point. So the lord was quick as usual and he was still on his grounds. He can't show up in any settlement.

Moreover that girl was a problem, she will tell her parents and Joel is done for.

"You are right, you got me. Wait here, I need to let my horse loose or he will be very unhappy. I will be back when the sun sets. Will you wait?"

The girl nodded. Joel left. So much for his advantage.