6

A Prisoner

“Don’t worry.” Zierno gestured to the three standing in-front of him, swords drawn. “We have my bodyguards.” He said derisively.

Edward blinked hard giving a pleading look. Opening his mouth to speak he was silenced by the arrival of the most massive man they’d ever seen.

What the Hell is that?

Sputtering Edward finally found his voice. “Z-Zier! Where the Hell did they find a barbarian?”

Zierno gave an irritated gesture. How would I know?

The lumbering man hopped off his horse with surprising agility.

A bad sign. Zierno saw his three comrades eying the giant warily. Their feet moving restlessly.

Sirus strode next to the leader and spoke loud enough for their ears. “Do you want me to kill them all or just the three?”

Standing next to Demitri mounted on his horse, Sirus’ head was level with Demitri’s shoulder.

“The three.”

“No.” Zierno declared pushing through the others to stand in-front. “You don’t need to fight them. You need only go through me to get to the noble.” He gestured up at Edward who shot him an appalled look. Mouth gaping in horror.

It’ll be no great loss to the realm.

“Let’s not make hasty decisions.” Edward urged through gritted teeth.

It wasn’t hasty.

“How noble you are to try and spare their lives by sacrificing yourself.” Demitri gave an admiring nod. “It would be a shame not to allow you to prove your courage.” He gave Sirus a quick look.

The giant pulled a sword in one hand and returned to his horse to collect a wide hammer in the other. Demitri gave a triumphant smile.

A Battling Warhammer. Delightful. Zierno’s muscles tightened. He ignored Edward’s squeak.

Drawing his sword, he heard the whisper of leather against metal as he pulled it from the sheath. A surge of exhilaration filled him as he felt the familiar grip. Lovingly adjusting his fingers until they sat in the grooves Zierno had painstakingly worn into it. Holding it casually at his side he looked reluctant to use it.

Sirus strode toward them and Zierno could hear the three behind him breathing heavily. The huge man gave a roar and began to run at them. Zierno easily stepped aside and hit the man on the back of the neck with the hilt of his sword. Spinning it in his hand as he turned, he faced Sirus again.

Not nearly fast enough.

I train with something much faster.

When the giant once more tried to rush him Zierno struck the arm carrying the hammer with the side of his sword and ducked beneath it, dodging the sword swiping at him in the man’s other hand. The giant came at him several times and each resulted the same. When Zierno could see the larger man tiring he made his move.

Swinging his sword viciously resulted in the giant deflecting it with his own. Forcing Zierno to dodge the hammer once more.

Circling behind Sirus, he stepped on the back of the giant’s knee, forcing Sirus to drop to a kneeling position. When he did, Zierno thumped him solidly with the hilt of his sword from a higher vantage. Watching, uninspired as the man lulled forward and back a moment before collapsing heavily to the forest floor.

Demitri stared slack jawed as his giant collapsed, unconscious. Eyes flying to the slender man spinning his sword. When he stopped, his feet planted, and he met Demitri’s look challengingly.

Big. But dumb and slow. Having spent far too many years relying on size rather than skill.

“You can get off your horse and be imprisoned in the king’s name or you can face me as the leader of your men.” Zierno jutted his chin in challenge.

The men astride next to Demitri stared at their leader in shock.

Demitri refused to look at them. Staring thoughtfully at the ground a moment before finally lifting his gaze. Sliding off his horse, he landed heavily on his feet. Holding his arms out as he lifted his chin to Zierno.

Good decision. Zierno gave a gesture towards Tristan Kurdikus. Get the shackles.

Tristan knew the look. Returning to his saddlebag, he retrieved a set.

Zierno watched as the restraints were applied to Demetri’s wrists before turning to the other mounted men. “The rest of you have this chance. If I catch you thieving again, I won’t be so kind. And believe me, I always recognize a familiar face.” His unwavering stare and the well-used sword carefully sheathed on his hip, inspired them to believe him.

---

Returning to The Netherlands with his captive in tow, Zierno was greeted by King Eben and his party of guards.

Including Captain, Dorin. Zier’s eyes narrowed on him.

Eben’s long blue and red robe flowed around him as he strode into the bailey to meet them. Instantly approaching to wrap an arm around Zierno in a sideways hug. “Zier! I’ve missed you, my brother. You were away long.”

Only a sennight.

“I searched for your pretty mare.”

Eben’s eyes lit. “Having such a mythical creature in my stables would further spread my name. Bring more to our kingdom. I would have her one way or another.”

So you’ve told me on many an occasion.

“With you on the hunt she’ll be mine soon enough.” Eben smiled assuredly. “Any trace so far?”

No. But I’ll keep looking.

“Only thieves.” Zier gestured to the man tied to their horses being drug behind.

Eben chuckled. “My mightiest mercenary can’t return from the woods empty handed! You could’ve returned for a visit sooner, my friend.”

Not if I want to catch the Mare. Her trails are rare and vanish fast.

Zier gave a grudging nod. “I’d have you have the beast.”