The village on the border

[Silvine Knightwood]

Bluedoom and Annete finally came out of the forest, and walked for a few miles. They were finally in Etruria.

They reached a small village called Dyne. The peopled here seemed to be friendly, Silvine asked a few for some details about the village, and one of the villagers kindly allowed him to rest his wyvern in one of their stables.

He sensed something wrong in the villagers though. They all looked depressed, like something was wrong in that place. He decided to bring Annete along to one of the pubs, he could learn something about this place.

"Come on Annete, let us find out a bit about this place." he told Annete.


-------------------


After about half an hour, both reached a small pub. They took a table cloaser to two older men who were talking about some problem with the Etrurian military.

Silvine called to the waiter. "I'd like two whisky for us, please."

"I shall fulfill that order."the waiter replied


Silvine heard one of the two say, " I've heard rumors that there's this guy behind the scenes called the prophet. He's the one who calls the shots. I bet he's the one who asked some of the military to exercise in our peaceful village."

[Annette]

Annete liked this village, a man gave her flowers just after they arrived. It seemed they used to give flowers to strangers to show their hospitality. After that long march from Pherae, she felt a tired, there was nothing she could do about it. Annete was physically weak.

But while they were walking inside the village, she sure felt that most of the villagers had angry eyes, some also looked sad and dispirited. And when Slivine took her to a pub, she gladly accepted and followed him, she might find a reason for this weird feeling.

"Yes, lets go. I want to know why they look like that." She nodded and followed him.

Then they found a pub which looked good and clean enough. Annete pulled the chair and sat, it felt good to sit after that long walking. She wondered when Silvine ordered whisky for them, the dancer didn't really like whiskey, honestly her alcohol resistance was low.

Annete noticed that Silvine was listening to the conversation between two men. And of course she also overheard it. "SIlvine, I have heard the rumors about this prophet for few times. I never heard any good words about him though, I wonder what he has in his mind to do those bad deeds."

Then the dancer stood up and walked towards the two men, standing next to their table. "Excuse me, sir. I accidentally overhead your conversation. May I ask about what happened in this village?"

[Silvine Knightwood]

"You sure look beautiful, young lass. By your question, I assume you're not from around here?said the older man.

"Why yes, sir. I'm Annete, a travelling dancer, and this is my escort, Silvine." she said, pointing out to Silvine.

"Nice to meet you both." Silvine replied.

Ah, you two are polite. Nowadays, the youth aren't really polite." he cleared his throat, and continued,"You see, recently a large part of the military has been ordered to conduct exercises in our village. These men have no respect for s, they do as they please. The women ae treated badly, if you know what I mean, and the children are beaten up for playing near their camp."

"And that's not all" the other on began,Recently our people have been facing lots of dangerous wolves in woods to the west of here. They sometimes enter our village and kill our cattle. There have been a few cases when a few men have been killed....tahter savagely. Huge bite marks all over their body."

Silvine saw Annete clasp her mouth. She move a few steps back, almost tripping.

He asked the younger man,"Why didn't you try and ask the military to help?"

"Easy there lass. Oh, and you think we didn't try? Those soldiers don't listen to us, they only listen to that prophet's word, I bet. If only we had some brave person go and drive away those foul creatures."

[Annette]

"Silvine..." She whispered. This news hit her, how could the military who had duty to protect people behave like that? And why did they follow the command although it was clear that they were doing wrong. Her hand pulled his sleeve. "I hope you wouldn't think you can take the wolves alone. You are strong indeed but I don't want you to act rashly."

Annete's family was a proud mercenary family. Although they were mercenaries, her father and brother made an unspoken rule about what could be done and what not. She knew she was naive but the soldier should protect people, not just following the order blindly.

"Sir, could you tell me where tell me where their camp. I will try to convince them to help the us." Her eyes showed a determination to help.

"I already told you that wouldn't work, but if you insist...Just wait here, they usually come to drink in this place."

Then Annete could hear the sound of footsteps from the entrance.

[Silvine Knightwood]

He felt Annete tug on his sleeve. He turned to look at her worried look. "Why, I know it may be dangerous. But look, these townspeople need to get rid of these wolves. I don't think those military scoundrels would even think of helping." he told her.



"Sir, could you tell me where tell me where their camp. I will try to convince them to help the us." he heard Annete ask the younger man.


"I already told you that wouldn't work, but if you insist...Just wait here, they usually come to drink in this place." the young man replied.

Bluedoom heard footsteps. He turned around to see about 10-12 soldiers barging in. People got off of their seats and made room for these scoundrels to sit. One of them began to speak, looking most likely their leader,"All of you are to move out of this place immediately! You worthless village scum, you're nothing! These seats are for us higher soldiers, we at least have a purpose to this kingdom!"

Silvine could not tolerate this. These guys did as they pleased, without the consideration for the security of the villagers? These horrible men! yet he remained silent. He did not want to attract unnecessary attention.

He watched the soldiers as they waited for their drinks. They were talking very loudly, oushing away anyone who came near them. They were really rude. They did not have the politeness and loyalty of a knight!

And then while they were drinking, Silvine observed the leader's eyes. They were widening. He screamed at the bartender," You call this a drink? This tastes like mud! You guys are just beggars. Low-class, uncivilised! We might as well take off all your funds and buy new weapons. This calls for punishment!"

He looked at a rzather young female at the corner of the pub, looking as white as one. He called out to her,"Hey gorgeous. You look alright. You and me should hang out for sometime. You could calm me."

The girl started to scream. Hatred was burning in everyone's heart, but they just had no courage to stand up to these men.

But Silvine could not take it anymore. He had to do something, and he would do it.

"STOP IT!" he yelled.

The leader turned around to see Silvine."Stop it? And who are you to tell me that?" he asked sarcastically.

"A mere travller."Silvine replied coolly.

"Hah! Be careful of what you speak boy. You do not adress superior people, especially knights such as myself, in such a way.

"I have never heard of knights who like to trouble young women and spoil the people's happiness." Silvine retorted.

"Ah... I see you have spunk. Courage eh? Well I should teach you a lesson, shouldnt I? Boys, get him! Make sure he gets a sound bashing!"

Silvine just braced himself for the worst. He had no spear, and he was wearing old armor. The knight bashed him with axes, sliced upon his armor with swords, and struck holes in his armor with lances. Soon ilvine gave into the beating,and they kicked him hard. They hung him on to a hook for coats at the entrance, and repeatedly punched him until he was unconcious. Then they threw his body on the streets, where everyone saw poor Silvine utterly battered.

"Hmph, wimp. People like you will never be as great as me!"

He turned to Annete now. "He young lass, you seem to be worried. Did I just mess with your boyfriend? Oh, I'm so sorry. Maybe you can come with me? I can make you feel alright." he asked.

[Annette]

"Is this the world I really wanted to see?" Annete muttered when she saw the soldiers did whatever they wanted to. Taking villagers' seats, calling them beggars, and then they treated that woman without respect. Enough. Annete could feel her tear coming out. But when she was about to step forward and yell, Silvine had already done it before she could even speak a single word.

Silvine looked braved enough to stand against the leader and his underlings. But he didn't have a chance without weapon, to make everything worse, he was outnumbered and the enemies were trained soldiers. She couldn't just watch them beating Silvine like that, Annete tried to struggle as an old man held her arm and told her to not run towards the Squire. She tried to help him but the old man was sure that she would only suffer a bitter fate if she really helped him.

When she was success to break free from the old man, Silvine was already unconscious and thrown away by the corrupt soldiers. This would not stop Annete from running towards him, what really stopped her was when the leader stood in front of her.

"He young lass, you seem to be worried. Did I just mess with your boyfriend? Oh, I'm so sorry. Maybe you can come with me? I can make you feel alright."

Annete hated his lewd eyes which stared at her. "Sorry, but I have no time for you." She pushed the leader aside and tried to get to Silvine but a big hand quickly grabbed her wrist and stopped her movement completely. "Uuh." He gripped very tight, Annete felt pain in her hand. "Seems like a brave woman, you're really my type." Annete glared at him with teary eyes which seemed to have no effect for this corrupt soldier. "Stop all of this, please. A soldier has duty to protect, not torture us." Her words only made the pub full with laughter, then the leader looked at her closer, very close. "How naive you are, woman." Then he looked at Silvine as a small grin appeared on his face. "Kill him!"

Annete felt surprised and fear at the same time, he watched her expression with the look of cunning wolf. "Or maybe...We can let him alive if you come with me." It was clear that he gave her no choice, she would not let Silvine die. Her lips trembled, she nodded slowly. "Good. I feel jealous to you, brat." He glanced at Silvine as he and his companion began to leave the pub and forcibly took Annete with them.

[Silvine Knightwood]

Silvine awoke to find himself in somebody's house. he turned riht to see the two men that he saw at the pub. They looked at him with a smile.

".. Wha.. Wh.. What happened?" he asked them.

"Well, you were brave enough to stand up to those soldiers, young lad. But you also need to realize that you need to sometimes be submissive. Those soldiers ganged upon you and bashed you up till you lost conscience." the older one said.

"Damn! Those scoundrel! They are no knights. To attack someone when he does not have a weapon!" Silvine spat.

"You.... are you skilled at fighting?" the old man asked?

"Why yes sir, I am a squire, I have some battle experience, although not much."Silvine replied.

"Ah.... I see. Well, it seems those men have taken a liking to your female friend." the old man said.

"What??? They've got Annete?? We must rescue her immediately!" Silvine said panickingly.

"Young lad, you have courage, I must agree on that. But you must not be so impulsive. If you want to rescue that woman, you will need help." said the younger man.

"And where will I get this 'help'?"Silvine sarcastically retorted.

" Patience, dear Silvine. I,Theodor, and my older brother Maximus, will accompany you. Oh, and there's this Pherae soldier who has also come here for some business. I think we can ask him to help us in this rescue mission." the young man said.

"Theodor, I thank you a lot for your help. And you too Maximus. Well then, let's meet this Pherae soldier. We'll need to do this quickly." Silvine replied.

And the group were off to find the Pherae soldier.

[Annette]

Meanwhile, in the Etruria training camp, people gathered in the commander tent. The high-officers were sitting circling a woman, watching her dancing beautifully like a butterfly. Her hair waved as she moved swiftly and danced to entertain the spectators, but she didn't smile, she couldn't smile. The dancer was taken here by force, and she also had to endure the men's stare. She only hoped that her effort wouldn't end in vain and Silvine would got better while she were dancing here.

The commander, the one who took her and forced her to dance for his officers, were sitting in his seat, enjoying the performance of the blue haired dancer. "Great. I made a correct decision to bring you here. You are a big catch." The officers nodded because they agreed with the commander, they felt a little disappointed though because the weren't allowed to touch this woman. It seemed he would keep her only for himself. Annete was silent, she didn't want to react to his voice.

Then finally the music stopped, Annete had finished dancing. They people inside that tent gave standing ovation, her dancing was a great entertainment for them, if only they could see her sorrow expression. After the commander gave them a sign to leave the tent, there was only two people left inside that tent. The commander approached Annete and touched her chin, raising her face to the same level of him. "Well, you are a perfect woman for me. How about be my woman? You won't need to think about money and fame anymore. You will get all." Annete glared at him now, her eyes met his with anger. "Never. I prefer to choose dead." The grin at the commander's lips widened as he heard those words from those red lips of her. "I see. Then how about the villagers? Lets say...I am bored and then want to have entertainment. Killing might be a best enjoyment, Annete?"

With that, he left the tent. But, before he got out he looked back at the dancer. "Think about it. And don't worry about tonight, it is gonna be a very long night for us."

Annete fell onto her knees and began crying.

[Silvine Knightwood]

Silvine was injured by his beating earlier, but he surprisingly felt much better than he should have. Had the two men healed him with strong potions? And how was Annete? Had the soldiers tortured?

But then he thought of home, and his heart ached. The seargant probably thought he was dead, Silvine hoped they did not try very heard to search for him. He needed to write that letter to his seargant.....


The two men knocked at the door of an old house nearby. Someone opened the door.....

"Ah, Theodor, Maximus, welcome! Please do come in. Oh? And I can see someone standing behind you two?" the man asked.

" Ah, sorry David, we met up with this traveller in the pub about 10 hours ago. He started quarelling with commander Slick, and well, ended up unconcious. So we nursed him back to health, but his female friend was kidnapped by the soldiers. I thought we might be able to ask you for your assistance in rescuing the girl." Theodor replied.

"Ah I see now what this is all about. Anyways,you three come inside, I'll get some tea ready, please make yourself at home." said David.

And he went of into the kitchen, while Theodor, Maximus and Silvine entered the room, talking for a bit.

"Hm, Silvine, you don't know much about our man David. His mother is an Etrurian while his father is of Pherae descent. He enlisted in the army at the age of 17, and has been serving the Pherae house for at least 25 years. Until he went to Pherae, he used to be in this little village. We were the best of friends, David being the youngest of course. He visits us twice a month, to take care of his old mother and poor sister." Maximus told Silvine.

Silvine thought about him. This David guy didn't sound bad really. And 25 years in the army made it look like this guy was an expereinced knight. Yet, something about him was familiar.....


David returned with three cups of tea, and placed them on the small table in the centre of the room. He then turned to Silviine, and his eyes widened.

"You.....You....You're Alive? Silvine? Really?" David said in disbelief.

"Seargant, is that you?" Silvine replied, equally surprised.

"You two are acquainted?" Maximus asked David.

"Of course we are! I'm his instructor!" David replied with pride.

The brothers gasped. So this boy was a recruit then??

"Anyways, let's start planning on our rescue." David suggested.

---------------
TIMESKIP!

An hour had passed, and the four decided they would move at night. David knew where the military camp was, so they were off to rescue Annete.

[Annette]

Annete walked out of the commander tent, where she was stopped by two guards, they crossed their spears in front of her. She sighed before looking at the guards' eyes. "I won't go anywhere. You know that." They looked to each other for a moment, then one of them pulled his spear followed by the other one. The dancer walked past them and wandered around the camp, not alone though, one of the guards followed her. She saw so many tents and soldiers everywhere in this training camp.

Annete wanted to know why those soldiers behaved like that, she couldn't understand anything. If they really followed the Prophet prophecy and lived for St. Elimine, they should not do what they did to villagers. Even Silvine had to get beaten severely just for telling them what he had in mind. She was a Ilian, so she didn't understand the Elimine teaching, but she knew that the Etruria founder didn't teach her follower doing bad deeds. Something was wrong here, the problem might lie in the commander and his lieutenants because the soldier seemed just following the order given to them...maybe.

Annete looked at the night sky. She wondered about Silvine, after that cruel beating, he might need time to be able to walk again. She didn't expect him to save her, he didn't need to take a risk to sneak to this camp which heavily guarded. Although she was scared for what would happen tonight, she was ready to accept it. Annete had gone through rough treatments when she was still a dancer in Ilia. She was ready whatever happened later.

"Aah, so there you are. I have been looking for you." She felt a hand on her shoulder, she didn't need to turn around to see whose voice talking to her, and she didn't need to answer as well. The commander was irritated for her empty reaction and violently pulled her towards him. "Answer if I talk to you, woman!" Annete tried to step back but couldn't get away from him. "Yes, sir." She said.

"Tsk! Come with me!!!"

Then everything went just like what he wanted. Annete had been dragged back into the tent and tied on the bed. The commander was sitting on her side, drinking wine. Annete mustered a courage to open her mouth. "Why? Why are you doing this? Don't you have duty to protect people?" The commander stared at her before bursting into laughter. "Listen! You are trapped in your own mind, your own assumption that all soldiers are same. The reality is not that simple. We are not normal soldiers like those weaklings, we belong to special force commanded by the Prophet himself." He stood up and walked towards the table. The commander poured more wine into his glass and other glass. Now he carried two glasses of wine, one for the dancer. She shook her head, saying that she didn't want to drink. But "no" was not a answer for him, he smirked then made Annete drink the wine. Annete was surprised when the red liquid entered her throat, the warm sensation entered her stomach. While she were still coughing, he continued his story. "We are training here to prepare ourselves for the next battle against the new rebel force who crushed our army in Sacae. We are an elite army who will bring judgement to those rebels, we are higher than you common villagers or weak soldiers." He brought her face as close as possible to his. "Now, you must have understand that we have right to do whatever we please before going into a war."

His last word was too much for her, she couldn't stand it anymore. Annete kicked his face, the commander fell into the ground holding his face. "You...you! You are low!!!" She yelled, tears falling down from her cheeks. The commander wouldn't get defeated just with that weak kick, he stood up and unsheathed his sword. His expression was full with anger.

[Silvine Knightwood]

Silvine arrived at the encampment. It was heavily guarded. This was truely a well trained regiment of soldiers, as he could see the equipment and alertness of the soldiers. Sneaking and rescuing would not be a hard task.

"Theodor, how do you think we should proceed? This is definetly a dangerous attempt." Silvine questioned Theodor.

"Young Squire, patience. We have a plan, no need to worry. Ok brother, take aim now." Theodor told Maximus.

"Take aim? What do you-" Silvine stopped when he saw what Maximus was about to do.

Maximus took aim at an isolated guard at the far right of the area. The guard, slightly tired, decided to sit down for a bit, lowering his guard, and maximus shot an arrow, which pierced the poor soldier's chest, and he collapsed.

Two other guards saw this, but they did not know where the attack came from. They were on alert yet again, but this would not hinder Maximus and Theodor's plans.

Maximus shot another arrow at one guard while Theodor read some incantation. A ball of fire suddenly droppd on to the second guard, knocking both of them out.

About 15 other guards around the camp saw this. They started sprinting towards Silvine's direction.

"Young Squire, run now! Everyone, spread out! Silvine, find Annete and rescue her immediately!" Theodor ordered.

Silvine ran as fast as he could, he wished the others would be ok, but he needed to find Annete as soon as he could. He had got Aragog redy, as soon as he whistled, Aragog would come to his aid, which would help their escape plans.

He turned around and saw 5 soldiers following him, two of them were archers, and they quickly fired at Silvine. One hit his armour just over the shoulder. Silvine sighed with relief.

He had only one option if he was to get rid of these guys. He must face them, only for a few seconds, and run past them. And then....

Silvine continued to run, with a few more arrows fired at him, but then he suddenly stopped and pounced on the one nearest to him, knocking him out. He quickly jabbeed at the legs of the other two melee fighters, who quickly fell to their knees and dropped their weapons. One of the archers retreated while Silvine hit the other archer on his head with the dull side of his spear, knocking him out.

He crept passed a few bushes before he saw a huge tent. "This must be where they've kept Annete!"Silvine thought. A few screams from the tent confirmed his suspicion.

Silvine had to save Annete and there was only one way to do it. He had to face the commander, that was his only chance. So Silvine went near and peaked in to see the man taking his sword and slashing at Annete's hands. She screamed and cried, but it was no use, she was tied up. He then started undressing, undressing Annete as well, but Silvine could not take it anymore, he could not bear watching such beastly acts. Just when he was about to take her dress off, Silvine, seeing this as the best chance to jab at the commander while he was naked, charged and rushed his lance straight through his abdomen.

"You?..." were his last words.

"Annete, quickly dress up, we're leaving. NOW!" Silvine replied to the half dressed dancer.

Silvine whistled loudly. He could hear the flapping of wings. Aragog was coming.

[Annette]

"It's hurt..." She muttered, she looked at her own hand which covered by her blood. It was only a small injury, still, it was hurt. Looking down at her, the commander looked satisfied after giving her a payback for kicking his face. The sword was thrown to the side, then he came closer. Annete closed her eyes, she didn't want to see. In the darkness, she could feel that her skin was touched and she was being undressed. But then, she felt something warm. She opened her eyes and found that it was blood, not hers, it was the commander's blood.

Annete was about to scream when she noticed a figure standing behind the dying man. "Si-Silvine..." She gasped. "You...How could you?" But Silvine didn't hear her and whistled to call his wyvern. He even told her to dress up. Didn't he see that she was tied and bleeding? But it might be better if he didn't see anything now. Deciding not to complain, she struggled to free herself. Lucky that she had small hands, she was success releasing herself from the rope. Quickly, she covered herself with some piece of clothes, blushing a little. She glanced to the dead body, even that he might be evil, she still felt pity for him.

Holding her injured hand, she approached him. "You are doing something really dangerous!!! You don't have to risk yourself just for me. You did it once in the forest, and now you did it again." She lowered her head, trembling for the mixed feeling of anger, surprised, and...happy. "But thanks..." She smiled and kissed his cheek to express her gratitude.

Soon, a roar could be heard from the outside. It must be Aragog. But there was a bad new, she also heard the sound of footsteps coming this way.

OoC : Kinda vulgar, but it's OK. And there a reward for saving her.

[Silvine Knightwood]

Silvine turned towards Annete. She was breeding profusely from her wrists. That was not good. Her kiss felt warm, and yet he felt saddened. He held her hand and felt the blood trickle down her arm onto his hand. There was no time though, they needed to escape fast.

Then he heard footsteps. More soldiers? Silvine had to rush out of there now. "Take my hand,NOW!"he ordered Annete. She had no choice if she wanted to live. She did so, and the ran out of the tent ,looking the sky for any sign of Aragog. He heard huge flapping sounds, which was a relief. But then he looked forward to see three soldiers charging at them. They made a triangle, blocking their way, they could only go back inside the tent. Silcine braced himself.

Then the three of them advanced further. Silvine held Annete's hand tightly. All three of them charged.... it was no good. They'd be killed in no time.

Then he saw a burst of fire right in front of his eyes. He looked forward to see Theodor. With a sigh of relief, Silvine grabbed Annete's hand and made a run for Aragog, but one of the soldiers came too close, and jabbed at Annete's already injured right arm, making her scream in agony. She let go of Silvine's hand and fell to the ground, trying to control the bleeding.

Silvine retaliated by jabbing a couple of times at the soldier, who bloacked it well and jabbed back at silvine, causing a dent on the right of his chest in the armour. Silvine heard another blast, and he knew Theodor had made quick work with that soldier. The soldier then hit Silvine with a cross strike, knocking Silvine back, beforebeing hit by another jab, this one just missing his stomach by an inch. He fell off his feet about a metre back.

The soldier charged forward, but this time Silvine was ready. He blocked another jab, and then tried an upward striked on the soldier, knocking him back, before disaming the soldier with a side strike. He then made use of this chance and pierced the soldier, killing him.

He carried Annete and climbed on Aragog's back, also allowing Theodor to come along.

Maximus and Seargant David were at the other side of the camp, by the time Silvine and co reached there, they had made quick work with the soldiers. Picking up these two, the group headed north, far away from the village of Dyne......

[Annette]

OoC : You are hurting her too much...lol

They was saved by someone. Annete didn't remember him though, he might be Silvine's new friend. Just when she was thinking about the man, her right arm was stabbed again, great pain running on her nerve. She fell to the ground, holding her arm. It was too much, she could die because of the bleeding. Her sight was blur because of the pain, she was dizzy for losing too much blood. She could barely see Silvine fighting the soldier, hoping he would be alright. Why did she care so much about him?

Then, she felt someone carried her, she didn't know who. Her mind was black, she felt weak. She closed her eyes...

When she opened her eyes, she saw Silvine's gentle eyes looking at her. Her wound had been treated and bandaged. Still weak, she looked around. It was obvious that they were flying. She was too weak to feel scared now, having Silvine holding her was enough to calm her tired mind. "Where are we?" With weak voice, like she didn't have any energy left to speak properly, she asked Silvine.

"We are heading to my little cabin near the forest. Coming back to the village is too dangerous for you two now. They must be looking for you." An older man answered her question before Silvine could even say a single word. He touched her bandaged arm, sighing he shook his head. "You lose too much blood, miss. We need to get you there fast so we could treat you better."

"Silvine. Honestly, I hope you can protect this woman better. " Theodore looked at the young Squire. Then he saw something down there. "Ah there it is. Silvine, we should land now. Maybe there will do." He pointed to a open field.

[Silvine Knightwood]

"Ok Aragog, its time to land." Silvine ordered his pet wyvern, and they landed smoothly on to the open area below.

"Well, I've ended up being her escort Theodor, really, I cannot defend against three soldiers, I'm still a squire, you know?" he replied to Theodor's remark.

"Ah, Silvine, I know. Infact, David and Maximus have decided to send me with you as an escort."Theodor replied.

"Well, would it be ok? We're actually just travelling about, and well Annete is in search of something special, so we've been off to the Etrurian capital to check in the library if that potion exists." Silvine replied.

"Hmph, so you forget to send letters to us after you get lost, and decide to run with a dancer? Where is your honour?" David challenged the young squire.

Silvine turned red and blushed. " But Sarg, I was lost!" he answered.

"Will you all just shut up and help me treat the girl? Silvine, set up the tent." He fired at the three.

Silvine was setting up the tent while the other two helped Maximus tend to Annete's wounds. They were rather severe, and she needed lots of rest. At least for two days.

TIMESKIP!

Later, that night....

"Silvine, we need to talk." David said to Silvine.

Silvine followed David to a small river flowing near their small camp.

"Silvine, you're a very talented soldier, you really are. I though I had lost a great soldier the day you got seperated from us." David whispered.

It was silent. These words meant a lot to Silvine.

"But..I understand that you're escorting the girl. The girl.... I think it seems the right thing for a knight to escort a helpless dancer. Theodor also told me of your plans and I.... have a mission for you. Its dangerous, but its important." David told Silvine.


"You see, I've been asked by our king to spy on Etruria. We've heard that Ostia has fallen, and we suspect something going on in Etruria." David said.

"Theodor and Maximus told of this guy called Kraft. He seems to be an evil mastermind!" Silvine replied in shock.

"yes Silvine, I've heard bad rumors about Kraft as well, but we cannot go against someone who sounds like he has a huge influence. Now, I was supposed to spy on Etruria. But... I think I'd attract more attention.. So, Silvine, will you take my place? Will you spy on the Etrurians? Get as much information as you can. You're a talented soldier, I trust in your abilities."

Silvine gulped and answered,"Yes, Sarg, I'll try. I'll try and get you information. I'll send you mails."

"Do not worry Silvine, Theodor's escorting you too now. His skill in magic will be invaluable, believe me." David replied.

TIMESKIP!

2 days have passed...

Silvine, Theodor and Annete make their way to a town nearby, while David and Maximus head east, to a safer village, at least to Silvine. He hoped they would be alright, but now was not the time. He had two responsibilities now: To protect and help Annete in her quest, and to also spy on the Etrurians. Silvine had made a resolve0 he would succeed.