Chapter LXVI

They were sitting in the bushes and watching all those men running around the house looking for their footprints. They found them soon enough and all the men were on their way to hunt them down, even the horses were left with only one guard.

"Don't look." Joel warned the little duke who obediently closed his eyes.

Joel slowly moved along the forest line, he was watching his steps as he was anxious about making unnecessary noise. When he was close enough he simply threw his knife that landed directly in the man's back. That was not very honorable but Joel didn't care. He quickly got out of the bushes and pulled out the knife from the man's back. The guy was bleeding and trying to get back at Joel who swiftly slit his throat.

One less. Joel pulled the dead body into the forest and called the duke. Nataniel quickly ran towards Joel.

"Get onto the horse, we are going back home." Joel lifted the duke and then got on the horse as well. It was quite awkward as his dress was his way. All the other horses were let loose.

Joel was riding the horse fast, securing the duke with one hand. It was hard to ride like that but the little child was tired and Joel was afraid he might fall. The night slowly turned into dawn and Joel could see how the daylight was painting the trees with a grayish color. Joel was glad that the distance between the hunters and him was getting bigger.

"We will take a short break." Joel stopped and got off the horse. The child was exhausted but yet he didn't complain.

Joel and the little duke sat down, Nat leaned against Joel's arm.

"I saw it." The boy said in a hushed tone.

Joel froze for a moment.

"What did you see?"

"You killing that bad man."

Joel was silent for a moment.

"Were you scared?"

"Yes and … no. I'm glad you didn't leave me just like the rest." His voice broke down.

Joel hugged the little child and was patting his back.

"It's fine Nat, soon we'll be back home. You will see your dad and everything will be alright. You just need to hold on for a bit." They were sitting like that for a moment. The sky has changed with the first rays of light illuminating the tops of the trees. With the day breakthrough a new courage filled Joel, he knew they had to go now or they might face troubles. He lifted Nat and was about to get back on the horse when he heard the drumming of hooves. Joel looked back, his heart was racing. They managed to catch up on them so quickly? Fuck. Their horse was tired and Joel looked up at the little duke.

"Hide in the forest, don't make a sound, do not try to come and help me no matter what.You need to head along the road. Your house shouldn't be far away now. Don't be afraid and keep going. I'll try to slow them down." Nataniel for a moment was reluctant to let go of his hand.

"You need to hurry up, they are coming." Nat nodded and Joel slapped the horse. The little duke was gone in the woods and Joel was standing alone in the middle of the road. He had his knife in his hand and was looking at the shiny blade thinking about his survival chances.

The commander was in the front row along with about ten other men. They slowed down seeing a lone figure on the road. The commander with a smirk came closer.

"So nanny, you are pretty skillful for a young woman. A cold assassin, that's unexpected. I must admit I have never seen a woman like you, yet it is all in vain again. I'm almost sorry for killing a young girl like you." His grin became even brighter. That grin made Joel pissed.

"I never said I was a woman." Joel smiled watching the commander's surprised expression.

"Both you and your men are idiots for not checking with whom you are dealing with." Joel smiled, faking self composure.

After a moment of silence the commander retorted.

"True, a mistake I won't repeat ever again." He got off the horse.

"So, young man." He underlined the last words. "Where's the duke?"

"Don't know. I lost him."

Joel could hear that man gritting his teeth.

"Sir, there are some fresh horse traces." One of the men interrupted them,

"Six of you follow them, I will settle the matter here."

Joel was watching them leave with a hope they would find the loose horse as late as possible.

"So you like to dress up like a woman? My men and I will treat you like one." The commander hissed with rage.

"You can give it a try but don't get too addicted to the idea. None of you is my type." Joel focused on the commander and tightened the grip on his knife.

The commander slowly pulled out his sword and Joel knew in direct combat he had little chance as he only had a knife. He could only win while using tricks but that will not do this time. That was bad. The commander swung his sword and Joel dodged it, there was no chance for him to attack with the knife. Joel was quick but the commander was skillful and after a moment Joel realized he was playing with him.

"What is it? Tired already?" The commander smirked.

Joel attacked and while he managed to avoid a hit he threw his knife. It was risky but the knife hit the commander's arm.

"You little …' He didn't finish the sentence when an arrow went through his chest. Joel turned around, out of the forest came a large group of armed men among them Joel knew only one person.

"So we meet again."

Joel felt how his blood was drained from his face.