CHAPTER 3: FLICKERING FLAMES, COLD EYES

Your life or the bomb, Captain? " Radolph's blood ran cold as soon as he heard the chilling voice.

Slowly, he raised his hands in surrender, dropping the glowing sphere. All his eyes caught were those green glowing cold eyes.

Before he could react, a sharp blow struck the back of his head, and darkness swallowed him whole.

" There are only six bags of gold little one, " Ryles scoffed, glancing at Raven, who was dragging an unconscious soldier by the leg.

There should be at least forty bags of gold, what dirty tricks was the merchant playing with them ?

" I told you. It was a trap. " Raven's glowing eyes flickered towards him.

The rest of the men exchanged glances. How did he know about it ?

They had doubted him at first, but now.....

" Round up the soldiers and go back into hiding, " Raven instructed. " Nobody touches the gold yet. "

This time around without hesitation, the men obeyed.

Ryles crossed his arms, expression unreadable. " what now ? "

" we wait, " Raven responded, his voice crisp.

A tense silence hung between them.

" Are you sure they're coming ? " Ryles asked, though Raven had already explained.

The younger one simply nodded, his expression unwavering.

Something about the way he held himself... the quiet confidence in his stance....

Ryles exhaled sharply. ' Maybe master was right about him after all. '

*****

Two hours had passed, and the fallen soldiers began regaining consciousness. They had only been knocked out with drug-coated knives, and the effects were already wearing off.

Radolph had regained consciousness a few minutes earlier, and the sight that welcomed him was the remains of burning Carriages.

The fire had died down, but smoke kept wafting up from the ruins into the sky. Two of the Carriages were still intact along with the gold in it, leaving him confused.

' Didnt they take the bait ' he thought to himself. He looked around to see his men struggling to free themselves from the binds around their hands and legs. Only then did he realize that he was also tied down, he cursed bitterly, frustrated.

Neither he nor his men could free themselves from the bind.

Soon, they all heard the sound of Carriages approaching and knew it could only be the merchant.

This time, there were carriage, with lanterns lining the sides to illuminate the path .

The procession halted before the bound soldiers and the soldering wreckage.

Soldiers poured out, followed by the renowned merchant Percival. He gazed down at the tied up men, his face showing little to no sympathy. Then, a grin spread across his lips revealing a single golden front tooth.

" They took the bait " He chuckled in mockery, before his gaze fell on the two carriages untouched. His amusement faded.

One of the soldiers went to inspect the untouched cargo and returned with a puzzled expression.

" The gold is still intact, sire, " the soldier reported

The merchant's smile disappeared. His stomach churning uneasily as he turned to the bound captain.

" Radolph, what happened here ? " His voice carried a sharp edge. He feared Leo's men had uncovered his ploy.

Radolph swallowed, his throat dry.

" Sire, they — " before he could finish, a piercing bird cry echoed through the forest.

But anyone listening knew —it was no bird.

Merchant Percival's face turned ashen.

' That was a signal ' he knew this very well

" Clear the road ! Now ! " He barked, his fear evident as he bolted back into his carriage.

" GET THIS THING MOVING! WHIP THE HORSES ! " he screamed , his voice rising in panic.

But the road was blocked —tangled bodies of bound soldiers, burnt wreckage, and ruined carriages stood in the way.

Soldiers, frantically worked to clear the path, while others formed a defensive wall around the merchant's carriage.

Then without warning, blades flew from the darkness, slicing through the air like silver streaks of death. The sharp steel hit the carriage wheels, splitting them in half, leaving them stranded.

Left with only two choices, to fight or flee. The soldiers hastily dipped the tips of their arrows into the carriage lanterns, settings them alight before shooting into the forest.

Flames erupted, spreading a flickering glow through the trees. Flames licked at the dry leaves, crackling as the fire spread.

For a brief moment, shadows darted between the burning trunks. Then, more blades and needles came soaring towards them.

They weren't fast enough.

One by one, soldiers fell, the drug—laced weapons doing their work. Those who remained conscious watched in horror as their comrades collapse.

Soon, only merchant Percival was left.

with no soldiers to protect him, he scrambled to the farthest corners of his carriage, curling into a ball.

Sweat covered the merchant despite the chilling air, his fat fingers adorned with golden rings now trembling as he curled further into himself.

His breath came in ragged gasps as footsteps approached.

BANG !

The door to the carriage was ripped open.

Ryles stepped in and yanked the merchant out, dragging him onto the ground.

" p—please... please don't kill me! " The merchant stammered, his voice trembling.

" You can take the gold ! "

The Masked figures surrounding him remained silent. Though their faces were hidden, their eyes were visible.

And among them, one pair of eyes stood out —piercing green eyes, colder than the northern winds.

Emerald eyes that burned with quiet intensity, void of pity. cold. calculating. The kind of gaze that promised death.

Percival shuddered.

The green—eyed man raised his bow, an arrow nocked and ready.

" Please... dont.... please... " Percival begged, pressing his sweaty forehead to the dirt....