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I proceeded to remove my arm from his grasp now that we were walking along the road and away from Ollie’s. But my companion would not loosen his hold.
I yanked harder. “Unhand me.”
He hauled me closer to him, a sneer curling his lip upward. “Not likely.”
I furiously pulled at my clothes, at anything to break free from his unyielding grip, but it was no use. He turned and flung me into a dark alleyway. I peered around, searching as quickly as I could for some sort of escape, as the pirate drew closer and closer to me. With nothing except a long-abandoned wagon and a few dirty bales of hay, there was nothing here to help me.Well, I did have my sword. I’d have to proceed carefully.
My heart pounded so loudly that my ears hurt as the monster crept closer. “Now, Silverthorne had always been a worthy opponent. But once he was gone, his name was banned in these circles. So, tell me—what’s a pretty little thing like you doin’ talkin’ about him now?”
I tripped backward and fell flat on my bottom. My hand splashed in a wet puddle next to me, and I shivered. “Go-gone?” I stammered.
The pirate threw his head back and let out a malicious chuckle. “Dead. D-E-A-D.”
“No.” I felt a queasiness like I’d never known course through me, as the lone word tumbled from my lips. I shook my head.
“Common knowledge. Now”—He stepped closer, and there was nowhere for me to run, no means of escape—“my boss’ll want to have a word with you ’bout what your business is with Silverthorne. But that don’t mean I can’t have my fun before I take you there.”
I screamed as blinding heat pulsated through my body, growing stronger as what felt like lightning bolts skated down my arms. I squeezed my eyes shut. Not now, not now. Whatever might happen, I knew I could not control it. I rose to my feet, the man unfazed by my fear, likely assuming it was due to him and not the feeling of strange magic welling inside of me.
“I think that’s enough out of you, Wesley the Weasel.” A male voice echoed in the alleyway. The next thing I saw was a large sword gleaming in the moonlight—it darted out and caught my attacker in the face.
He howled into the night and turned about. “Show yerself.”
Without hesitation, I took the opportunity and scurried away from my captor. I could not make out who the other man was. Someone much worse, I presumed. Perhaps he wanted to take me to his boss himself.
Another slash came out of the darkness, and this time, the wound on my attacker’s leg was too much for him to ignore. “He’ll be lookin’ for you, wench.” He turned and spat at me.
The slimy man bolted back toward the main cobblestone pathway. The magic inside of me hadn’t subsided, and the fear of the new, and clearly better-skilled pirate was roaring through my body. I reached beneath my cloak and unsheathed my sword, holding it at the ready.
“Stay away from me,” I warned through gritted teeth.
The figure emerged from the shadows with his hands up. “Is that really necessary?” His tricorne seemed familiar. I had seen him in the corner of the pub. Most likely taking in every word from the conversation I’d had inside.
“Remain where you are.” I lifted my blade higher, preparing to strike if he stepped closer.
He didn’t listen. I swung with all my might—just as Father had taught me—and sliced my newest assailant across his upper arm.
Only it didn’t just knock him down.
A burst of magic shot from my hand and into the sword, sending the rogue into the air and crashing into the bricked wall of the alley.
I fell to my knees and stared in horrified shock at the pirate’s still form lying before me.
What had I done?
