Yesteryear Rabbits

[The March Hare]

I promised the first installment... so here it is! Enjoy or else... :D

===============
YESTERYEAR RABBITS
===============

The night rain beat down on the roof of the “Rabbit Den”, an out of the way tavern located in Greenbrier Forest. Inside a few weary travelers rested from their long days journey. At the bar stood a rabbit in his mid forties, but still tall and muscular. He had whitish gray hair and dark blue eyes. His name was Erick, and he had run the Den since his twenties. Once you had lived in the area for a few months, chances are you might start hearing rumors about Erick. Local propaganda said that Erick had been a merc in King Fairear’s army until age twenty-four and had deserted after accidentally betraying Fairear’s kingdom. No one had ever been able to prove this, but many rabbits claimed it was true.

A rabbit on horseback rode through the pouring rain as fast as he could. The information he carried was critical, and he had to reach his destination before it was too late. A chill ran up and down his spine that didn’t come from the cold night. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up and sensed that something was wrong. His horse trembled underneath him as they continued to rush through the downpour. Rounding a bend, the horse pawed for a grip on the muddy roads. Clutching the rains tightly the rider held on for his life until the horse regained its footing.
“Almost there,” the thought rider to himself, “Only ten more minutes and I’ll have reached the den.”
As the horse and rider rounded another bend in the roads, a shadowy form leaped onto the path twenty feet in front of him. The rider reigned in his horse and stopped.
“Hullo, there!” shouted the rider, “You’re blocking the path!”
The figure made no reply, but drew something from under his coat. A flash of lightning illuminated the sky and the rider’s heart leapt into his throat. The other rabbit had drawn a sword from under his dark cloak.
Before the rider could react, his attacker rushed at the horse without losing his footing in the muddy ground. He ate up the distance with incredible speed. With a leap the cloaked rabbit leapt over the horses head and made a vicious cut with his sword. The rider, however, was gone. Looking around to see where he went, the attacker was greeted will a blow to the face from the rider’s steel-toed boot. The kick would have rendered a normal rabbit unconscious, and when the attacker simply flipped backwards the rider knew this was no ordinary road thief. Stopping in the middle of the road the black figure threw back his head and gave a wild cry. Leaping over the horse he cut at the rider once more. Panicking, the horse bolted down the road and disappeared in the blinding rain. In a desperate attempt to escape his enemy’s blade, the rider tucked and rolled to the right on the muddy ground. He heard a swishing sound as the blade went over his head. Standing up and covered in mud the rider had a chance to draw his scimitar. It was hand crafted by the Toorwind Mountain Rabbits and was the finest of its type. The sward was laced with engravings and intricate designs, but its real purpose was clear: it was not for art. It was for killing.
Seeing the sword in his opponent’s hand, the attacker seemed to falter for a moment. This gave the rider an opening he desperately needed. Stepping forward he swung his scimitar at lightning speed, but the attacker parried like an expert. Again and again the rider tried to get past the attackers sword, but the other rabbit parried almost effortlessly. Glancing at his enemies face the rider noticed for the first time that the attackers eyes glowed a dull red. What was more, they had no pupils in them. That could only mean one thing. His opponent was a genetically engineered warrior, something that was forbidden in Fairear’s Kingdom. And that could only mean one thing… he had to get his message through, and fast! Attacking with new energy he furiously came at the warrior and began to push him backwards. Though he was finally making headway, he could feel his strength begin to sap from him. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a deep rut just behind and to the left of his opponent. With a few more blows he drove the dark warrior into the rut. When the warrior stumbled the rider made the final blow. But instead of crumpling to the ground the warrior vanished in a flash of red light. Stepping back in surprise the rider almost fell. Looking at the ground where the warrior used to stand the rabbit saw only a steaming patch of mud. He stared for a few seconds, and then bounded after his horse.

The “Rabbit Den” was now empty and the time was almost twelve ‘o clock midnight. As Erick went to lock the door, he heard a horse thunder up to the door. He heard a rider leap of the horse and the door flew open. A rabbit covered in mud and breathing heavily lurched into the room to collapse on a chair. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a roll of parchment and handed it to the barkeeper. Erick took it without a word and raised an eyebrow when he noticed that the paper was perfectly dry. As he read the message his brow began to furrow, and then he turned a walked up a flight of stairs behind the counter.
Finally catching his breath, the rider, whose name was Corey, looked around the tavern. This was it, he thought. Definitely the right place, but not like he had imagined. “How can he be the rabbit I was to deliver the message to?” he thought to himself. He could hear the older rabbit coming down the stairs again and he stood up. The rabbit began to speak, “I can assure you that…” but he stopped mid sentence. The tavern’s owner was no longer clad in his civilian clothing, but the garb of a Yester Age Warrior; brown leather pants, scrap mail over a silk shirt, a green and brown hunter’s shirt over the armor, a black headband that signified a mercenary, and the most amazing of all: a dae-ko strapped to his back, a weapon that no longer existed except for in history books. With powerful strides the rabbit seemingly from the past strode past Corey towards the door.
“Let’s go,” Erick said in a gruff, low voice. Coming to his senses, Corey saluted briskly and hurried after him.

Outside, Erick mounted his war stallion and Corey mounted his trained Carrier horse. The two galloped into the black and stormy night, leaving the “Rabbits Den” behind them in the gloom.


===
TBC
===

Sorry for any spelling errors and such. So, what do you think?

-The March Hare

[Ducky]

Very nice!!

You write well.

[The March Hare]

Thank you! More should be posted soon (I hope).

-The March Hare

[Kaz]

Well written indeed.

[defalcon]

Kewl! Interesting story! Wants more!

[The March Hare]

Have no fear... I'm writing more!

-The March Hare

[The March Hare]

I promised more... here it is.

=======
days later
=======

A rabbit stood on a hill in the Moorwind mountains. He surveyed the surrounding countryside carefully, his dark green eyes scanning the nearby forest, not missing a single tree. After watching for almost ten minutes the rabbit turned and began to walk down the other side of the hill. Tilting his head to one side, he stopped and slowly looked up at the light blue sky. Something was up there, he could have sworn it. Squinting in the bright sunlight he noticed a shape about five miles away that was rapidly coming closer. Without a moments hesistation he ran as fast as he could down the hill. As he reached the bottom a concealed gully was noticeable. At break neck speed the rabbit leaped into the narrow gulch and swung nimbly from a protruding branch and into into a tunnel entrance. Rushing through the tunnel he took turn after turn, knowing exactly where he was going.
At last he came to where he was headed, a large underground hall, filled with rabbits like himself. Leaping onto one of the six large wooden tables that filled the huge cavern, he shouted at the top of his lungs.

"They're coming back!"

That simple statement caused the entire hall to explode in a mass of confusion. Younger rabbits rushed about extinguishing candles that lined the wall, and mothers herded young children into other chambers. In less then a minute the cave was empty except for a small group of fiveteen young men. Their leader spoke.

"Remember what to do. Don't forget."

With amazing ease the rabbits moved through the darkness as if the room was fully lighted, for they had been given the gift of night-vision at birth. Splitting into groups of three the rabbits dibanded and dissapeared in the darkness without making any noise.

[How many were there?] As to not make any noise, the leader of the guard, Stephen, communicated with the Moorden guard hand signals instead of speaking.

[Three wind beasts carrying warriors] replied Tyler, the rabbit who had been watching on the hill.

[Why do they keep attacking us?] asked the other rabbit named Kevin.

[They want control of the mountains, and they view us as a threat]

[But they don't attack the Skysong clan, do they?]

[No, they always try to destroy one clan at a time. Thirty years ago the Elder Clan, the ancient race of rabbits, was over run by the Taw as well, but not without fighting bravely. As a last resort the Elder's detonated Moorwind Keep, taking the Taw warriors with them to the grave. Last month was the first sign of the Taw returning. I guess we were next on their hit list]

A very faint noise was heard somewhere in the underground maze, but the trained ears of the rabbit guard could pick it up.

[How did they find the entrance?]

[They're more clever than we think, Kevin. Talk's over now. Let's fight]

The small group of rabbits drew their weapons as one in the darkness, then concealed themselves in the darker shadows. If a person could have seen their weapons they would have seen intricate engravings on the swords that showed the skill of the Moorwind craftsmen.

Another slight noise, louder than before, could be heard in the tunnel that the three rabbits were in. Shortly afterwards, four shapes came into view groping their way through the darkness.

"This is ridiculous," whispered one of the Taw rabbits. "Turn on your lantern. It's not like these Moorden hill-folk can see better than we can in the dark."

One of the other Taw warriors pulled a lantern from his knapsack and flicked a switch on the side.

[That's a gem powered light!] signed Kevin frantically.

If Stephen could have signed back in a grim way, he would have.

[This is worse than I thought. We're leaving for Skybridge after this]

[WHAT?!]

The green flourescent glow of the Taw lantern illuminated the cavern, almost revealing the Moorden Clan gaurd.

[Shadowshift] signalled Stephen. Though it would take up some of their energy, the experienced veteran knew that even with their skill, the lantern would reveal them and the advantage would be lost quickly. The three Moorden rabbits vanished, and only one with a gift of night-vision would be able to tell they were there.

"Okay, that's good enough," said one of the Taw warriors. "Let's get going and finish this raid."

The band of Taw invaders walked past the shifting Moorden guard. After the Taw were a safe distance away, the rabbits shifted out of the shadows and returned to normal.

[Let's follow] signed Stephen who began to walk after the Taw.

Oblivious to the fact that they were being followed the Taw continued through the maze of tunnels.

"This place is deserted as the outland deserts," grumbled a younger Taw warrior. "Where's all the pillaging that jerk of a ruler Andria talked about?" Realizing what he had said, the warrior stuttered with fear, "L-look, I didn't m-mean that, you understand, r-right?"

"Oh, I understand all right," replied the leader, stopping.

"G-good," replied the young warrior in apparent relief.

In a flash the poor rabbit was against the wall with a sword to his throat.

"Don't you EVER talk about her like that again," snarled the Taw leader, "You're not even worthy to speak her name. Now shut up and get going!" After slapping the shaking rabbit in the face the leader turned to the other warriors.

"I'm going to contact the two other groups by the thought-link, but you scout ahead. I'll catch up shortly. Make sure this traitor here doesn't step out of line again, you hear?"

The three rabbits walked on ahead with the lantern, leaving their leader behind, never guessing he was in danger. Stopping about fifteen feet behind the Taw raider, the Moorden rabbits began frantically signing to one another.

[What's a thought-link?]

[I dunno, maybe it's some kind of gem-tech]

[We're going to find out soon enough. Attack him] signed Stephen with a deadly calm.

The Taw warrior never knew what happened. One minute he was communicating to his other troops, the next he was lying on the ground with a broken neck, oblivious to the thoughts being received in his head.

Hurrying ahead, the Moorden warriors quickly caught up with the other three Taw warriors just as they entered the main hall.

"By my hair!" gasped one of the Taw. "This place is huge."

"Yeah," echoed another one of the raiders in disbelief, "Wait 'til she finds out!"

"Don't worry," said a voice behind them, "You won't have to tell her."

The Taw spun in surprise, swords at the ready.

"Who said that? Show yourselves!"

I'll give them credit for being calm, but that's it, thought Stephen as he sheathed his sword and stepped forward where the group of Taw could see him. Kevin and Tyler followed his example.

"See, no weapons," said Stephen, "Don't tell me you're scared of an old rabbit like me."

Without hesistation the three Taw warriors charged the unarmed rabbits, but were shocked when they dissapeared.

"Over here!" called Tyler from in the cavern. "Come fight us if you dare!"

Spinning on their heels the Taw advanced more cautiously this time, fanning out so that the Moorden rabbits couldn't get behind them again. When they were less then ten feet away, the Taw raiders stopped and drew what looked like a slingshot from their belts. With a flick of the wrist, three small fire-stones flew at the Moorden guard. Two of them ducked, but Stephen blocked the burning stone with his wristbands.

"No one has ever done that before!" said the youngest Taw warrior, still not recovered from the slap his commander had given him. He began to shake again.

"Will you just shut up and fight, momma's boy?!" one of the Taw almost screamed at him. This only made the younger rabbit shake harder.

[Ignore the young one] signed Stephen at his warriors.

This time only two fire-stones flew at the rabbits. One grazed Tyler on the shoulder, who winced in pain but kept going.

Deciding to forget bravado and to just try and save their necks, the two Taw warriors began backing up and kept slinging fire-stones at the seemingly invincilbe Moorden rabbits. The other Taw had collapsed and was shaking with fear under one of the large tables.

After they had run out of energy for their fire-slings, the Taw drew swords and charged again. This time the Moorden warriors met them head on, swords once again drawn. With a battle cry Stephen entered the fight and fought for all he was worth: his home and his family.

The Moorden warriors made quick work of the Taw raiders and soon the only one left alive was the younger rabbit under the table.

"Tie him up," Stephen told Kevin. "We'll question him when we get to Skybridge."

"We're really going there?" asked Tyler while he nursed his wounds.

"You can bet your hide on it," replied Stephen. "Now, let's get this mess cleared up. I'm going to check on our other groups."

========
hours later
========

Groups of rabbits stood in the warm noon-day sun, ready to leave as soon as they were told. The Taw raid had been stopped and one of the wind beasts destroyed, but two of the Moorden rabbits had been seriously injured in the fight. One was not expected to live through next week.

At the sound of the trumpet the groups of rabbits started off, many crying at the thought at the thought of never seeing the Moorwind Den again.

===
TBC
===

[The March Hare]

Hate that message length thing...

=========
meanwhile...
=========

Two horses thundered up to the city gates and came to a stop.

"Who goes there?" cried the sentry.

"Friends of the king," shouted back one of the riders in a rough voice.

"Prove it."

The bigger rider growled. "Perhaps you should look at our dress before being so hasty."

Seeing what the older rider was wearing, the sentry started. "You may pass, good sir!"

The large wooden gates slowly rose until high enough for the rabbits to pass under, then slammed shut after the riders went though.

"So," said Corey, "How do you know how to get to the palace? You've never been here before in your life!"

"Never assume anything," retorted Erick, "You'd be surprised at how much I know about the land of Greenbrier. Let's stop here for a quick lunch." He reigned in his horse in front of a tavern larger than the "Rabbit Den".

At least I have a better name, thought Erick with a snort, the "Drunken Lizard", indeed!

As Corey and Erick entered the tavern, heads turned and the conversation quickly died down. Not many people are used to seeing an old rabbit mercenary in Yester Age garb walk into a tavern. Rabbits stared as the pair walked to the bar and sat down. The nearby rabbits scurried away from the bar to the safety of a crowded table.

"W-well, how can I help you, s-sir?" stammered the bartender.

"Carrot ale and split pea soup for both of us." replied Erick.

The bartender quickly brought the ales, then hurried off to get the soup. As he was bringing the soup, Erick winked at Corey, then slammed his mug down on the counter. Everyone in the tavern jumped and the bartender dropped the pot he was carrying. Split pea went everywhere, mainly on the bartender himself. Erick began to laugh, and soon the whole tavern was laughing with him. The usual noise returned to the "Drunken Lizard," and soon everyone wanted to buy Erick and Corey a drink. Corey gave his to the bartender for his trouble, but Erick, in usual mercenary fashion, downed his second ale with ease. After a hearty lunch, Erick and Corey left, leaving the tavern with something to talk about.

===
TBC
===

The suspense builds! (I need Sound Effects Man...)

-The March Hare

[Ducky]

Coool :)

[The March Hare]

Thank yew very much! :)

-The March Hare

[Kaz]

On with the story!

[JJ BBoy KS]

Wow, you're a good writer! I love the story!

<FONT SIZE="5">Continue!</FONT>

[The March Hare]

I'm writing the next addition as I speak... write... whatever...

-The March Hare

[The March Hare]

Here's a bit to whet yer appetite...


The streets in the market place were crowded and Erick and Corey blended in with the bustling crowd. Being the capital of Greenbrier and the home of King Fairear it was understandibly large. And observant eye would catch glimpses of strange rabbits from foriegn lands, and if you were in the right place at the right time, a wizard might appear in the corner of your eye for just a second. At relative peace for more than thirty years, most rabbits were not familiar with war in Greenbrier. Only those who lived in the Fringe could relate with tales of war told in the many taverns that lined the streets. Yes, Haer Citadel was a busy place.

"So, you still think that you can get us to the palace?"

Corey interrupted Erick's deep train of thought.

"Huh?"

"I said, you still think you can get us to the palace?"

"This is about the tenth time I've told you: YES!!"

"Sorry," Corey muttered impatiently under his breath. He still didn't know why he had come with this rabbit in the fist place. It had been five days since he had delivered the king's message and he wanted to get back to his job as a Carrier. Why didn't he just leave this relic and get back to work? No, he thought, that old mercenary probably couldn't get to the palace with a map.

"We're here."

This time it was Erick's turn to interrupt Corey's train of thought.

"What? We are? You're joking!! Oh, we are..."

Blushing, Corey cursed himself inwardly for being so stupid. They were there, all right.

Erick leaped from his horse and handed the reigns to a nearby stable boy, then turned back to talk to Corey.

"Aren't you coming in?"

"Nah, I've got a job to do," replied Corey, trying to be nonchalant, "Maybe I'll see you again someday. And don't forget to tell the king about that gen-rabbit I fought."

"Okay," said Erick with a shrug, "Whatever you want."

Corey waved farewell and rode away, soon dissapearing in the throng of riders that swarmed the street. Erick watched for a while, the shrugged again and turned towards the palace.


===
TBC
===

More later today (I hope)...

-The March Hare

[JJ BBoy KS]

That chapter was too short. :D so...CONTINUE AGAIN! :p

[The March Hare]

Yes, sir! It's in the works.

:D

-The March Hare

[Ducky]

Luffly!

:)

[Kaz]

Brilliant =P

[JJ BBoy KS]

You're taking too long! Continue Continue Continue!! :p

[The March Hare]

Here's more like you asked!


Fairear’s palace looked the same as it did twenty years ago, thought Erick. How he longed to serve the kingdom once more, to atone for his past mistakes that he had made when he was part of an elite mercenary group known as the Red Paw. The Paw had declared alliance to the kingdom of Greenbrier at the beginning of the Draymein Wars, and had stayed loyal ever since. In a sense the Paw was part of the kingdom, no longer a true mercenary unit. Erick hadn’t heard from his old companions since he had left the unit in shame after the accident.

Erick slowly ascended the large palace steps and approached the guards. He showed them his notice from the king and they stepped aside to let him pass. Inside, an escort was waiting for him.

"Right this way, sir," the well dressed servant said, beckoning for Erick to follow him. Erick nodded politely and followed. The palace halls were large and richly decorated, and waves of memories came flooding over Erick as he remembered. How he longed to serve the kingdom once more, to pledge himself to Greenbrier, and to protect the innocent lives that may be in danger.

"They are waiting for you in here, sir," said the servant, stopping before a large oaken door. "I was to ask you to enter immediately."

"Of course," said Erick as politely as he could. The servant bowed and left Erick standing alone. Taking a deep breath Erick walked forward and pushed the doors open. Inside the room was a round table surrounded by rabbits wearing black headbands. It was not often that Erick was left speechless, but this was one instance in which he was. Almost the entire Red Paw was present, only five chairs were empty. Seeing the king sitting in one of the chairs, Erick hurried over and descended to a knee.

"O king, please forgive me and I beg of you, let me serve you once more until death or victory!" exclaimed Erick in a husky voice.

"I forgive you, Erick, and I am sure you will serve me to your best ability," the king said graciously.

"Thank you, sire," replied Erick with joy.

Erick stood, bowed once more, then took his place by one of his old friends, Daniel.

"Now that Erick had joined us," began the king, "It's time to get down to business. You are the first rabbits to be told what I am about to tell you. It has come to my attention then the kingdom of Draymein has begun some, shall we say, supsicious activities. I sent out my best scouts and they brought back some disturbing information. It appears as though the practice of genetic experimentation has been brought back into practice by Lord Blackfang. I received several reports that at least a dozen rabbits have been succesfully engineered, but I have yet heard of one in Greenbrier."

Hearing this, Erick and another rabbit named Wilson stood up, the customary gesture that said you wished to speak.

"Yes, Wilson?" said the king.

"Sire, if I may be of any help, I encountered a gen-rabbit on the way here. It attacked me during midnight near the Fringe."

"The carrier who delivered my notice encountered one as well! He barely escaped with his life." Erick burst out before anyone could reply to Wilson's statement.

King Fairear frowned darkly and sat in silence for a moment. Looking at the mercenaries, he finally spoke with a grim air.

"The situation is worse than I thought... very well. Erick, you and Daniel will hunt down as many gen-rabbits as possible, please go directly to the armory and get prepared. I want ten of you to start patrolling the fringe immediately, Markus will commander that. Capture any spies and destroy any gen-rabbits you find. The rest of you will stay here and protect Greenbrier. Red Paw, I wish you luck with your assignments."

=========
meanwhile...
=========

The group of refugees hurried along the trail that snaked around the mountain. Stephen had been leading the group for five days, only a fifth of their journey. Fortunately the weather had been permitting, with it being only slightly cold at worst. Still, by the time they had reached Skybridge, snow might have begun to fall. The journey had been relatively peaceful, but that would soon change without notice.

"Mommy, how long until we get there?" asked a little bunny, looking trustingly at it's mother.

"It will be a little while, dear," said the bunny's mother, "But be a brave little boy for mommy!"

The little rabbit giggled at the thought of helping his grown-up mother. He was silent for a moment, then he looked up at his mom again.

"Are we there yet? I have to go to the baffroom."

"No, we're not there quite yet. Just be patient." she replied with a small little smile.

The little bunny was quiet while he looked at the sky.

"Look, mommy! Lookit all the black birds!" he said excitedly, pointing and the sky and jumping up and down.

"Birds? What are you... oh, no! Mr. Stephen, LOOK!" the mother screamed, picking up her child.

Stephen jerked up his head and felt cold fear shoot through his body. A huge flock of giant crows was flying rapidly towards them, and on the side of a mountain, they had no place to hide.

"Over here!" called one of the young rabbits. "There's a cave behind these bushes!"

The refugees began running into the cave, the warriors coming last of all. They got inside just in time, for seconds later there was a rushing of air as the birds flew past the mountain. After a minute had passed, the rabbits began breathing regularly again.

"We'll stay here for the night," Stephen said to the rabbits, "Who knows when those crows might return! It'll much safer in here until tommorow."

===
TBC
===

Hope you still like it!

-The March Hare

[JJ BBoy KS]

Originally posted by The March Hare
Hope you still like it!


No doubt! Great story! Continue! http://www.pokemasters.net/ubb/NonCGI/smilies/looney.gif

[Flint LP]

I am new and haven't read many forums yet, but this one is really good. Being the precedent I don't think that I could expect anything this good from the other stories.Hope you write more soon:)

[RosetaLopRabbit]

Good story, I havent read many on wartavern yet.

[Another Jazz 2 fan]

This is pretty good. I only hope my story can live up to its greatness ;)

Of course mine is very different and told in a different style. Check it out, if you haven't! :)

AJ2f

[The March Hare]

Thank you for all your support and compliments.

AJ, I will try and check out your story!

More soon (POSSIBLY today).

-The March Hare

[JJ BBoy KS]

Well, appearantly not today. *yawn*

CONTINUE! :D

[The March Hare]

Uh... maybe tommorow? But if I just keep saying tommorow I may never update again, and THEN what would you do? :D

-The March Hare

[Kaz]

Well, I won't but somebody will be evil like me in Kovu's story. I've already used most of my annoying points.

[Ducky]

Cooool and spookay. ^_^



`Ducky

[JJ BBoy KS]

Originally posted by The March Hare
and THEN what would you do?


Go into the corner and cry (j/k) :D

[The March Hare]

Heh heh. Don't worry, I won't make people cry... yet. Here's the next part! I realize that never posting new editions isn't the greatest way to build a fan base, and I'll try to do better in the future!


============
next morning…
============

The morning light flooded the cave, sending rays of yellow streaming through the rabbits’ eyelids and waking those that were sleeping. Jonas stirred and woke up. He stretched his arms and glared at them with his crystal blue eyes. They still didn’t have any muscle in them! No matter how hard he tried his arms never expanded like all the other teenage rabbits. Sighing, he stood up and began to roll up his heavy blanket that served as a bed. The rabbits around him were also putting away their bedrolls, and the females had already begun to prepare breakfast. Jonas’ stomach rumbled at the thought of food. Ever since the second week of the journey the rations had been getting smaller. Most of the people who sacrificed their meals were the leaders, but a few of the young male rabbits had decided to be “heroic” and eat less.

After a light breakfast the refugees left the cave very warily, watching the sky closely for any signs of birds.

That night the rabbits reached the border of Skybridge. A tall wooden barricade surrounded the country, guarding the land from the night creatures that prowled the forest, and only the sheer number of the refugees had prevented any attack from wild animals.

“Ho!” shouted the guard from on top of the wall. “Who goes?”

“The rabbits of Moorden, sir!” replied Stephen in forced politeness.

“Say, there’s quite a few of you, isn’t there?” asked the guard as he raised the heavy gate.

“How very observant of you,” muttered Stephen under his breath. He was not happy about this whole business, no, not happy at all.

After passing through the gates they continued down Sky Path, the main highway that ran through Skybridge. The road was made of sturdy oak, and every mile a burning torch lit the sky. On the sides of the road was a dark forest, but the comfort of being in friendly territory made the forest less forbidding.

Jonas shook his head to clear the fog from his eyes. He had been walking all day and his little sister had already fallen asleep in his father’s arms. However, Jonas was determined not to fall asleep like a young child, and defiantly dared sleep to try and overtake him. Try as he might, his eyes began to get heavy again, and he forced them open. Looking up at the sky he stared at the two moons and squinted. His father had taught him to tell the time by finding where the moon was. He guessed it was almost midnight, and he turned his eyes back to the road as the group slowly passed another torch. Jonas knew Stephen was determined to reach Windhall, the capital of Skybridge, quickly, and he also knew from overhearing conversations that they would be walking until dawn at least. On and on they continued to walk, Jonas’ eyes drooping more with each step. He remembered hearing rabbits move into the forest before he fell asleep.

=========
meanwhile…
=========

Jax chuckled inwardly to himself. This is going to be just too easy, he thought as he swung from a tree branch to land softly on the ground. Continuing to run through the forest he dodged a fallen trunk, then slowed to a halt. His three companions came silently up behind him, and he heard Drey in his head over the thought-link.

(I see them up ahead)

(Okay, let’s do it) responded Jax with a wicked grin. He loved his job as a Reaper.

The four elite assassins continued towards there prey with ease, making no noise. As they came within twenty feet of their target, Jax heard a soft thud behind him and whirled. Rance was slumped on the ground, dead. Years of training had hardened the assassins and they no longer cringed at the site of death.

(Gaff, find whoever did that and kill him.)

Gaff turned and disappeared into the shadows. Taking one more look at the body of his dead companion, Jax turned back to Drey.

(Ignoring that setback, we’ll continue our…)

Jax cut his thought short. Drey was leaning against a tree, a long knife sticking out of the back of his furry neck. He slowly slid to the forest floor before dying completely. Without thinking twice, Jax slipped into the dark, determined not to fail the mission. Pulling a gem-explosive out of his belt he set the timer for ten seconds and hurled it over the trees. Satisfied with himself, he ran away to the assassin’s wind beast, slightly disappointed at the lack of bloodshed. Just then, something landed in front of him. Before he could pick it up, it exploded. His burning body hurled through the air and collided with a tree that was much more solid than him.

The refugees began yelling with fear when they heard and saw the explosion rip through the forest nearby. Although badly frightened, no one was hurt. During the panic, Tyler and Kevin ran out of the forest and up to Stephen.

“It’s finished,” Tyler said simply. Stephen nodded with approval.

“Good,” he said, “We are safe.” Although he didn’t say it out loud, he added the words “for now” in his head.

===
TBC
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Hope ya'll like it!

-The March Hare

[Ducky]

Wow :)

Impressive.

[Flint LP]

Are u going to write any more? :( Please do.