NightTime Roads

Thanks for the review Moonstar. ^_^ Yes, Antros' brother is evil... and we find out his name shortly too. But in the meantime, let's introduce another character! Read on!


Chapter 8


Antros lay in the morning sun, rubbing his eyes. He hadn't remembered falling asleep, but he knew as soon as he woke up, that he wasn't alone. Looking up he saw the figure of another person, a guard in gold armor. "Antros..." Seconds later, Antros was forced up by the neck. "You are under arrest."

"I take it your not here to help me..." Antros mused, as he saw the guards behind the first one. "Great, just what I need, the Elite Guards..."

"Enough. Your crimes are more then enough to land you a death sentence. Don't make it hard on yourself by resisting."

Antros said nothing but only placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "You know... I'd ask for your help at this point, if you weren't out to get me." The guard looked puzzled at the statement, and a moment later, fell to the ground. Antros struck the man's exposed neck causing him to fall. "That must have hurt... Excuse me while I borrow this." Antros lifted the guard's sword and faced the other ones. "I'll give it right back."

Facing the guards again, two of them rushed foward, swords draw out and ready to strike. Antro slifted his own, and noticed it was a bit bigger and heavier then most swords he weilded. Blocking the two attacks, Antros pulled away, just as another guard brought his sword down. Antros couldn't parry attacks with this sword, but he needed to defend himself first and foremost. The guards seemed to know this too, for thier attacks became relentless.

"Damn it... if I don't do something soon... they will wear me out fast..." Suddenly Antros was stopped. The guard he had taken the weapon from had awakened and grabbed Antros from behind, holding him firm. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"I've got him! Hurry we must- Arggg!!!" The guard fell to the ground in pain; Antros had kicked his knee hard. Seeing his chance, Antros ran off toward some woods in the distance. He was reculent to enter at first, but anything to put distance between him and the guards was good enough. The guards were in hot persuit of him, unwilling to let him escape so easily.

"Damn it, don't these guys know when to quit!?" Antros turned and readied himself. He couldn't fight them all, but he knew that he had to try. Truth to be told, he didn't want to fight them at all, but with no proof to show he was innocent there was nothing he could do. Run or fight he was trapped. "Alright, time to show you... why I'm the best!" Antros rushed in this time, striking at the nearest guard. The guard quickly dodged the sword, but Antros let go of it, to manuver himself for a kick. The guard was knocked back into another one, just as more caught up to them and began to assualt anew.

Antros retreated toward the trees and suddenly smoke blinded his vision. "Hey! What's- Cough what's going, Cough on!?" Soon the guards were also blinded by the smoke, unable to see Antros or anything else around them. Suddenly Antros felt an arm tug him away.

"Shh... don't speak."

Antros was lead away toward the woods, and into a nearby tree. The smoke cleared soon and the guards found themselves alone. "Where did he go!? Search around! He can't have gone far!" The guards dispersed out, while Antros sighed and looked to his savoir. The person was wearing a special hood and mask, so only green eyes could be seen.

"Thanks alot sir." Antros said breathlessly. The person removed the mask and hood to let shoulder length brown hair fall back. Antros looked surprised to see that the person who helpped him was a woman. "Err... correction. Thanks alot..."

"Evia. That is what I am known as." Antros gazed to her and only noticed that she was wearing a rather small leather armor that showed her stomache and a pair of pants that were cut short, probably for more mobility. Antros barely had time to register her appearence, for Evia had grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in for a rough kiss. He seemed shocked that she would be so bold and demanding, but accepted it nonetheless.

When they finally parted Antros seemed to be at a loss of words. "Wow... ok, that was... unexpected. So, wait, why did you help me?"

"You were in trouble, so naturally I helpped. I am a thief who resides in a village a bit away from here in these woods. Most people who get lost in here are often taken care of in the village. We know the forest better then anyone so we don't bother with roads or signs that most people now constantly depend on." She seemed quite proud of herself for all this.

"Thanks... Well, I definately could use some help, so why not show me this place?" Evia seemed to regard him for a moment before nodding. Turning around she jumpped off to another branch and was soon moving through the trees. Removing his armor, so he held only his lighter clothing underneath, Antros followed. He felt tired as he moved, with Evia seemingly leading him in circles. Soon enough, Evia vanished into thick underbrush and Antros followed to see a small village.

"Welcome to my home, Hoase." Evia walked calmly foward, Antros in her wake. The village seemed quite small, and was seperated in two by a river running through it. The few houses around seemed slightly apart. "It's not much, but we manage."

"Wow... nice place. It's kinda homely really." Antros turned to Evia, who was blushing for some reason. "You said your a thief?"

"Oh yes... well about that. You see it's not really like I want to steal things, but we've sort of had to. You see, these people here are poor, and can't possibly trade with any other town outside of these woods. So, when times are rough, they rely on me to steal some things to make ends meet. So please don't take us the wrong way."

"No problem. But if you could help I would like a change of clothes and something to eat." Antros stomache rumbled as he realized that he had left his provisions with those guards.

Evia giggled a bit before she walked off to what seemed to be her home. "Well, I'm sure we can help you on your way. Why not come inside here and tell me what got you in such trouble." Antros nodded and walked in after her. He smiled at the thought that when this was all over, he'd have new stories to tell Ayisa.