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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/2146926-The-Flashes-Chapter-15
by Bruce.
Rated: 18+ · Chapter · Action/Adventure · #2146926
The Vialians arrive to trade with the Pirates.
Chapter 15


Morgan and Thomas ran from The Bull Inn through the side streets to the nearest point of the fence." “Let’s see what is happening,” Morgan said and they climbed onto the ledge and looked out across the fields.

         "It doesn't look like they are about to attack," Thomas said. "And there are no horsemen with them."

         “Well, they are passing too far away for our archers,” Morgan said. “What are they up to?”

         "They might be planning to turn and attack the small gate again," Thomas said.

         “Possible, but it looks more like they are heading for the sea.”

         "Why would they do that?"

         “I don't know but my friends are down there at The Flashes. If they are going there, there’s nothing I can do to alert my friends unless there is another way around to cut them off.”

         “There is another way if you go round the left peak,” Thomas said. “But it will add about an hour to the journey."

         "That's no good then is it?"

         "From what I've seen they are well prepared at The Flashes and don't forget they have Elfwine, the finest archer in the land.”

         “Who told you that?” Morgan said.

         “Elfwine did.”

         They both laughed briefly before Morgan continued. “True nevertheless. I just pray they keep safe and I wonder why the Vialians are heading that way at all.”

         “Look at those two lines of men roped together,” Thomas said. “They are slaves and the raiders have carts with them. It looks like they are going to trade with the pirates for something. They must know that the pirate ship is desperately short of crewmen after their failed robbery.”

         “How do they know about that? And how do they know the pirate ship is still there?”

         “People talk, Morgan. Traders going to and fro from here, hunters meeting up, and there is always a fear the Vialians have a spy here and possibly one on the peak looking out to the sea. Yes, they know all right, and I’ll wager they know about the town's gold now as well.”

         Morgan looked along the fence line at the defenders. “Look, look how sparse our men are. And half of them are not even experienced fighters. Shopkeepers and farmers.”

         “Yes, it is a bit of a concern. That nearest archer must be fifty yards away. If he falls it will leave a hundred yards unprotected. We need more good men.”

         Morgan waited until the column of men had gone from sight and then went to see the mayor to report on the passing of the column.

         “Things are not looking good, it's almost as if we are under siege,” Morgan said. “Luckily they didn't attack this time. But if they keep on with the attacks. It will only be a matter of time before they get in. Me and my friend Baldwin are from the port of Advent. It’s only about fifty miles from here and I know there are warriors there who would follow me for the right money.”

         “You would probably be gone for over a week, and I really do need you here at least for a few days more. I have already sent a messenger for help and he has returned with the news that a force of warriors are making their way here to deal with the Vialians.”

         “Well let’s hope they arrive in time,” Morgan said. “Another thing. One of the guards tells me there may be a spy in town. We don’t want to risk another raid through the small gate where there is only one guard at night.”

         “That's a good point, Morgan. I’ll make sure the guard master doubles the guard there,” the mayor said. “Now you and your man go and enjoy the rest of your day off. It is well deserved and might be the last for a while.”

* * * * *


         Baldwin and Erica left the cave on the way to get some berries and herbs from the woods. They walked up the beach and across the marsh. As they turned into the woods Erica took hold of Baldwin’s hand. “Thank you for coming with me to get the berries and stuff,” she said. “Usually Arabella comes with me. I miss her so very much, Baldwin.”

         “I know, we all miss her. Her smile used to really light up the place.”

         “Elfwine has still not come out of his depression. He is not coping well but that is to be expected, they adored each other.”

         “They never had children?” Baldwin said.

         “No,” Erica said. “I don’t know what they were waiting for. Just shows you that you never know what’s waiting around the corner.” She stopped and looked at Baldwin. “I want children. I would hate to die without having children. Do you want children Baldwin?”

         “Yes, I suppose I do. When the time is right."

         “I’m twenty years old. I’m at the right age and I feel the time is right for me now. Let’s do it, Baldwin, let’s make a child.”

         Baldwin gave a laugh. “Are you serious?”

         “Very much.” She undid her gown revealing her naked body underneath. “I know you love me, and I love you.”

         Baldwin stared at the beauty of her nakedness feeling surprised but also excited. She threw her arms around him and they kissed with great passion as they moved down onto the grass. “Do it Baldwin, my love. Give me a child.”

         Just over an hour later they were about to enter the marsh on their way back to the cave with a basket of berries, herbs, and some mushrooms. “What will Dunstan and Matilda say?” Baldwin asked.

         “They will be all right. They always say they want grandchildren. But we won’t say anything about children until we are sure and we may have to do it a few times for it to work.”

         “Oh well,” Baldwin said. “If we must we must.”

         Erica laughed at the huge grin on his face. “Wasn’t it wonderful, better than I ever dreamed? I understand now why people do it even if they don't want to make a child.”

         “Yes, it was good.” Baldwin stopped walking. “I heard something.” He looked down the track towards Mossley. “There’s some people coming.”

         “Probably some of the town’s folk coming to gather some shellfish,” Erica said. “They do sometimes.”

         "They don’t look like town folk and there are a lot of them. They look like raiders. We’d best hurry back and warn the others.” Still holding hands they set off at a fast pace to the cave. Baldwin glanced back a few times but it seemed as if the raiders were not interested in giving chase.

         As they got near to the cave Erica called out, “Elfwine, there’s raiders coming through the marsh,”

         Elfwine ran out and stood looking as the raiders came into sight and began to leave the marsh. “They are Vialians. What the hell are they doing here?”

         “Let’s start bagging up our things for the cavern,” Matilda said.

         “There’s no time, hurry and get through the tunnel. Me and Baldwin will try to hold them off. Osbert, go and secure the back gate.”

         Baldwin secured the main gate and Elfwine ran to get the bows and arrows but was soon back. “We’ll see how good these firing slots are now,” he said.

         “Maybe not,” Baldwin said. “They’re not coming this way. They’re heading for the boats.”

         “I told you we should have hidden them,” Osbert said.

         “No,” Elfwine said. “It’s better they have found them, or they might have found something else to amuse themselves.”

         “There must be about twenty of them. It does look as if they are all going over to the ship.”

         “If you keep an eye on them, Baldwin, me and Osbert can start bagging things up for the cavern. We best be prepared as we don’t really know what they are up to.”

 The Flashes. Chapter 16  (18+)
The Vialians attack the Pirates.
#2253075 by Bruce.


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