Sotherglen
Immediately following The Boy in the Tavern
Don’t help her.
You don’t want to get into trouble.
It’s none of your business.
Don’t get involved. It was too close a call last time.
Two men wearing the emblem of the Painted Swan have just dragged an older woman out of a house up ahead on the road, on the edge of town. Astarael decided to leave, after the night with Oliver. As much as she enjoyed it, she didn’t wish to become further involved with the soldier. She had spent the day using her winnings from the evening to purchase some much needed supplies, and headed on her way.
The woman is starting to cry now. The Swans throw her to the ground, and are shouting and kicking her. Astarael is still far away enough to not quite make out what they are saying.
You can’t risk it. Just keep your head down.
Tears are welling up in her own eyes now. Astarael feels anger rising in her. She has to pass by them, and is getting closer. The men are asking, “Where is he? Where is he hiding?” The woman says she doesn’t know. She’s crying harder.
It would be so easy. The anger is already there.
You’ve done it before.
The Swans have their back to Astarael. She looks up and down the road. A light breeze swirls some dust. Not another soul in sight. Most of the houses don’t face this way.
Astarael takes a deep breath, and places her hand on her dagger. One of the Swans turns to face her. It’s Oliver.
“Leave her alone.” Astarael says.
“Astarael! I thought you were staying in town? What are you…are you leaving…?”
“Leave her alone.” She says again.
Oliver approaches her. “Astarael, what are you doing? This woman is hiding an enemy. We need to get the information from her. It’s not really your business.”
She looks him dead in the eye. “Do you really think it’s ok, harming a woman like that? I guess I really misjudged you last night. I’m sorry, I can’t let you carry on with this. Leave her alone.”
He’s getting angry now. “It’s my duty, Astarael. What are you going to do about it?
She raises her left hand, and a bolt of electricity shoots out and strikes Oliver in the chest, then draws him closer to her. She raises a fist and punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. He’s stunned by the shock, but not out. She draws her dagger, and dashes at the other Swan, who is still holding the woman by the arms. He lets go of her, and draws a blade of his own. She ducks below his swing, and connects her blade to his arm. He drops his blade in response, grabbing the wound. She’s not sure anyone’s actually hurt him like this before. Astarael looks at the woman and says “Run!” She slowly clambers back, a look of terror on her face. Astarael looks at the other young man, and sucker punches him in the face. He topples to the ground.
She turns back to Oliver, who is standing up. She asks, “How can you be one of them? Terrorizing innocent people. Taking what you want. You seemed better than that.”
He says, “I wanted to travel. I needed the money. They seemed like the means to an end. Besides, we’re doing what’s best for the realm.”
“Do you really believe that? We can still travel together. Come with me. Please.”
“I’m sorry. I just can’t. You…you should run. Hurry. Before I change my mind.”
She looks at him for a moment before grabbing her pack and running off down the road.
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