Birdsong - Chapter 6

Matt was ignoring Velcan. He had been awakened for the last four nights because there apparently was some sort of danger Velcan had noticed. This "sixth sense" had done nothing but disturb a good night's sleep.

The rode had gotten more trafficked when they'd passed the border into the territory of the Eastern Shore. This had made Velcan even more irritating with all of his looking anxious and jumps at sudden sounds. They still had two days of walking until they reached East Shore Castle. I am so going to dump him here! How Matt was going to do it was another question.He follows me around like a over faithful dog. Matt stopped and Velcan walked right into him ("Ough"). Him? When did I start to call it that? It's not a person. He sighed. I want to be left alone!

Matt continued walking. Noon came and went but he didn't stop. A few clouds had gathered and far to the north the sky was grey. When evening came a wind had started to blow bringing down the grey from the north.

"We're getting rain tonight.." he mumbled.

There was no response from Velcan. As expected.

"What do you think? Should we pay for beds tonight? There should be an inn about ten minutes from here."

Silence.

"Velcan?" Matt turned. No one was behind him. "Velcan?" He raised his voice a little. Some old men looked at him as they passed him. Damn it! Why must this happen right now? That idiot doesn't know a thing about anything. Matt stood still thinking about his options. When the first raindrops started to fall he made a decision. Ten minutes later he paid a smiling man for food and a bed.

The next morning Matt woke up feeling great. A good nights sleep, a roof over his head and tonight he would arrive at the castle. Even the meeting tomorrow with Lord Matthew couldn't bring him down. As he went down for breakfast he realized that his irritating companion hadn't come back. Just as well. Now there is no one here to delay me. He sat down at the bar and ordered.

It was still early and the room was almost empty. One drunk slept under a bench at the far end and by the door sat a man dressed in black. From the kitchen came the smell of breakfast and the sound of laughter. Soon Matt was served. As the innkeeper poured him something to drink he leaned in.

"See that man over there? By the door? He asked about you. Gave quite a description of your looks."

Matt stopped eating and looked at the innkeeper. "What did he want with me?"

"No idea. I said I didn't know who he was looking for. I didn't like his tone. But then he just went and sat down by the door. He's been sitting there all night."

"Hmpff...Thanks."

Matt glanced at the man by the door. His blond hair was cut short. All of his clothes were black and he wore some sort of black leather armor. All of his clothes were made so he could move easily and fast. His long sword was laid on top of the table and from his belt hung at least three daggers. He also wore a cape. Probably more for look of it than the practical use.The man seemed to be deep within his own thoughts. Nothing to panic about.

The food in front of him was almost untouched when he thanked the innkeeper and started to walk towards the door fifteen minutes later. Matt walked right by the man in black, ready for anything. He reached the door and walked out into the fresh air and sunlight. The tension left his body and he laughed out loud. As soon as his meeting with Lord Matthew was over he could go back to his normal life. Even if the Lord had an assignment for him it would be better. Then he would be doing a job. Not running to see someone he didn't want to see.

He heard the door open behind him. "I've been looking for you."

Matt turned around. The man from inside stood there looking at him. He was tall.

"What do you want with me?"

"Oh, nothing personal." The man walked towards him. He was almost one head taller than Matt. "Let's just say that there are people who doesn't like you wandering around."

Something in his tone sounded like he was amused. When he was at an arms length away Matt put his hand on of his daggers. The man just smiled at him.

"It's no use."

Matt drew the dagger and at the same time the man's hand shoot out and hit him hard in the face. Surprised and disorientated Matt slashed out with the knife. His hand got grabbed and turned painfully at the same time as he was hit again. Matt kicked in the direction where he thought the man was but felt only air. His arm still twisted and his balance off the man pushed him to the ground.

"I honestly thought you were more of a fighter." The disappointment in the mans voice was obvious.

Matt felt himself being dragged. Probably away from the street. Then he was hit in the head again. And again. And again. He fell to the ground. A kick to the stomach and then nothing. He heard the man draw a dagger.

"This was too easy. You wouldn't believe me if I told you what they paid me to do this. They said 'Find him and tell him what he did wrong. Then kill him.' The master thief Matthew Monasson. Named after your mother - Mona. What a joke. No wonder you use the name Matt.

"However, this is why you are about to die. The location of the pentagram box is to be kept secret and Mr Lord Matthew shouldn't ask you to find it. The North can't risk that."

The knife pressed against hit throat.

"Goodnight."