Hearts Beating Life (part 1) ****"Quick..I see a patrol approaching.." warned the second bandit, with his attention on the road. The bodies were pulled one by one, left lying on the road for the next traveler to claim. They knew somebody would show up soon and take the kidnapped Guards, and there was no reason to worry...but if they still died, well, bad luck.**** Angus McLeod the guard Carine had befriended reluctantly went on patrol that day little did he know what he would come across. He had tried to reason with Captain Prai to let him stay at Carine’s side, but Lani would have none of it Carine was awake and sitting up she had been able to leave her bed (with help) to use the privy she had begged an pleaded to be able to move. “She’s getting better Angus and I need you on patrol.” Was all Captain Prai would say. So off Angus went him and four others to patrol the northern roads of the city. The patrols were beefed with what had happened at the Inn and four soldiers kidnapped. The start of the patrol was slow they had stopped a few citizens outside of town asked some minor questions, and yet it was nothing of concern just farmers or merchants carrying there wares to the city. Carine lay in bed her body was still week and wracked in pain from the injuries of battle she had only started moving because laying there was driving her mad. She would wake from terrible dreams…of the duke hunting her down or the day Rue caught her stealing at the Inn, and Rue’s image would trigger something inside her and she would awake in tears, ”Rue where are you?” is all she would say. Angus and the healer seen this and knew getting her healthy would help her mind set, getting her up and moving to get her thoughts from Rue and on herself to get better... Angus McLeod and four others guards decided to check further up the road before heading back into the barracks it was cold and they could use a warm cup of coffee to warm them up. Suddenly the lead guard raised his hand to halt the group silence quickly came upon them he looked back to the Angus and the others with a confused look as he gave them a signal to move cautiously. They dismounted from their horses and drew weapons as they slowly approached what appeared to be four lumps partially covered in wind swept snow on the side of the road. Giving the signal for three of the guards to take up the watch he and Angus approached slowly at first then quickly when they realized they were bodies…………the sudden realization that it was their fellow guards. Angus knowing a small bit of healing nothing of truly any import quickly checked for life. “They’re alive, but we must get them out of this cold.” He looked around seeing the guards starring wide-eyed shocked that this happened to fellow guards, ”NOW DAMNIT!!” Angus said with authority. Quickly they jumped one by one the placed a guard upon their mounts. Angus looked a Liam, “Go ride ahead and get help from the barracks we’ll start walk the horses that way.” And with a quick nod Liam mounted and kicked his horse into a run heading straight away to the barracks. Angus and the others slowly walking the four horses with he fallen guards back to the barracks for help...
(to be continued)...
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