21 Nights Silence (2/2)

”That's Nina and Nicola.” She said turning to Ava who then frowned and signaled Majteer to jog ahead past them.

Olean and Tristan after a brief exchange of their eyes followed.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed. A hooded figure stood beside a broken hovel silently staring. Tristan couldn't tell who it was in their mask and cloak but someone came running as soon as he saw Tristan's group. Eyeing them critically as Ava entered the square with Olean and Tristan following behind. He must have recognized Tristan as his gaze lingered on him just a little longer. On the three poles Lepin, Nina and Nicola were tied. Tristan knew that most villagers hated both Lepin and Nicola for some reason but seeing this, this was something new. It looked like some form of execution. There had been executions before in the village and it was always carried out by the Elder's guards.

Was it because they were missing?

Tristan thought not really caring much about it. it had been long since he cared about anyone but his own and his master's death. But seeing Nina too was alarming somewhat. what could she have done to deserve this? Nicola and Lepin even looked bruised, the woman more so with purple swollen face and dry blood painting her entire chin. Her clothes were torn and half of her chest was exposed. Embarra.s.sed he looked away and only realized later that Nicola and Lepin hadn't been conscious. Only Nina, untouched of the three watched curiously at them, her eyes innocent to what was happening.

Only a few steps from them and Ava paused and dismounted her giant steed. Being with Majteer Tristan had already forgotten how intimidating the creature really was. Ava took a step toward the hanging trio and froze. She turned and frowned at Tristan before proceeding forward again.

What was that about? He felt his mind utter in silence.

Ava signaled the rest of them to stay behind. She walked tall, no sign of her recent weakness.

”Stop! Who are you?” The masked man warned, s.h.i.+ver in his voice but also steel of hatred. Tristan couldn't tell who it was, he hadn't much talked to anyone to recognize by voice.

Ava took a long while to study him before she replied.

”Ava Anlauf” She said and turned to the ones on the poles and added, ”Of Sharak.”

The man flinched at the name, took half step back then stopped. He glared from behind his mask, not bothering to show his face.

”Why are they tied up?” Ava asked, casual as to show she didn't so much care about their fate.

”V-village business.” The man said curtly, she still s.h.i.+vered a little but hate and anger almost masked it completely.

”So you don't know...” Ava stated in a flat voice and took a step forward toward him. The man visibly bristled and hissed. Ignoring him Ava approached the one tied to the wooden poles. She looked at Nina then Lepin and finally Nicola. Removing the cloak she covered the Exposed woman with it and then proceeded to touch Nicola's feet with her bare hand.

”Wh-what are you doing?” The man tried to stop her in a panicked rush but was held in his place by Olean. In the scuffle his hood came off and Tristan saw the panicked face of Abor's surviving son. Only a few years older than him, Tristan didn't know his name.

Nicola awoke with a gasp and coughs, her bruises visibly lessened and she blinked her shocked and curious eyes at them.

”Wh- you-” she said, eyes wide and looking at Olean, ”You're back.”

Olean didn't answer and looked to Ava who went to Lepin and did the same. The man to awaken cursing and spiting that almost fell on Ava. She slowly turned to the man in Olean's grasp.

”Go! Call who is in charge here.” Ava ordered to the man.

He froze, wanting to protest but quickly wilted under Ava's sharp gaze and ran off.

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