Promises

Targon

I was angry with Derrick but I knew he was under tension just like I was. I had no option, he had given the order and I had to obey, he was my superior.

I understood why he did not want to send the physician back without me. Men whom we had sent initially were all waylaid and killed. But that doesn't make his decision good either.

The physician was stricken with age. Taking him through the rigour of travelling down to the Hollow Woods was unwise. He would slow down our pace and his presence at the scene might also complicate things.

We had been on the move for about half a day and the old man was weary already. Since we didn't prepare to travel far, we didn't bring a horse. We also decided against it to avoid attention.

"Sir, you should wait here. Some of my men will stay with you. We will be back before this time tomorrow… I promise…"

"Thank you, thank you," the old man said profusely and heaved a sigh.

I ordered some of my men to hide him in and protect him while I sprang i