Page 110 of Lord of Fortune
However, it wasn’t necessary because the sound of the man’s skull striking a rock made Penn cringe. The brigand’s head lolled to the side, and his eyes drooped closed. Penn leaned over and listened for breathing.
He wasn’t dead. Penn expelled a sigh of relief. He’d just as soonnotkill anyone if he could avoid it. He stood and grabbed the rope, then dragged the man to the tree where he tied the villain’s thick wrists together. Lastly, Penn used the rope to secure him to the trunk.
Picking up his bag, he pulled it over his head and settled the pack against his hip. Then he stashed his knife in his coat and started up the path. He was eager to catch up to Amelia, but he needed to be smart and careful. If they saw him coming, they could just take aim.
Instead, he’d creep off the path through the trees and the shrub and look for an opportunity.
Traipsing through an untraveled area took more time, but he reasoned it was worth it. At least he hoped so. When he neared the junction of the two rivers, he slowed and took stock of his surroundings. He climbed up a steep hill to his right and used it as a vantage point to see the path.
One of the henchmen stood sentinel at the junction. He looked out over the rivers and periodically turned in a circle as he surveyed the area.
Penn climbed back down and picked his way to a tree that was closer to the junction. He picked up several rocks and shoved them into his bag before shimmying up the trunk. Crawling carefully out to a branch that gave him a good perspective, he reached for one of the rocks. He wouldn’t have many chances to hit his mark before the man found him. And then he’d have to worry about evading the brigand’s pistol shot.
Twice the size of a duck egg, the rock would do significant damage if Penn was able to hit his mark. He took a deep breath and hefted the weapon before pulling his arm back and letting the object fly.
He didn’t wait to see the result before pulling another, slightly smaller rock, from the pack. The first missile struck its target, but the man didn’t go down. The rock hit him square in the shoulder, prompting him to look around frantically.
Penn clenched his jaw and threw again. This time, it struck the villain in the neck. He lifted his hands, gasping as he staggered backward. He lost his balance and tumbled down the ravine toward the river.
Scurrying back down the tree, Penn ran to the junction and looked down. The henchman lay in a heap at the bottom and appeared to be unconscious. Even if he wasn’t—or if he awoke—he wouldn’t be able to climb back up without assistance. He’d have to follow the river and hope to find another way up to the path.
Turning on his heel, Penn followed the track for a bit before reverting to the brush to avoid being seen. He passed the lower falls of Sgwd Clun Gwyn, and things became difficult as the slope became more vertical. The walk along the beaten path would be strenuous enough. Here, amongst the plants and trees of the forest, it was a bloody challenge.
Then he heard a sound that terrified him to the bone: a single gunshot.
Swearing, he ran to the path and gave up his plan of being quiet. He had to get to Amelia, and he had to do itnow.
