Tori Transmigrated

Love Interest End Story: Tom - Part II

He would be lying to himself if he werent the least bit insulted by what the soldiers escorting the prisoner transport wagon were whispering amongst themselves. They thought he was crazy.

They just didnt understand. They didnt know what he did.

Mr. Fields, Hart, here is your dinner. Please use this clean water and soap to wash up. Narrow bowls just wide enough to fit through the bars were slid through.

This was how they got their meals. As the soldier said before they left, the door really hadnt opened in the three days theyd been on the road. The food was served in narrow wooden bowls and long dishes with spoons. They werent given different food from the soldiers, which was probably a matter of practicality rather than kindness.

In order to empty the waste bucket, there was a small panel that could be opened in the corner just big enough for the bucket to slide through. At night, they were given blankets. Only at night and only blankets. Toms things were packed away under the carriage.

He had hoped that because he was just coming along, they would give him more than just a blanket, which he could then give to Alessa, but either they didnt care or knew his plan. As a result, the two huddled together in the corner with the blankets wrapped around themselves.

When they stopped for meals and to spend the night. Even if they were near a village, they would stop outside of it in order to avoid too much attention from villagers. The soldiers camped around them and the back of the wagon which they could see past always faced either a forest or farmland.

Tom didnt know if this was on purpose or not. Were they trying to ensure that Alessa couldnt find her way back if she managed to escape? And what about him? If he were to be dumped at the border of Sur, how would he get back?

We havent left the main road, Mr. Fields. The soldier in charge was called Commander Bettencourt. A serious looking man whose lips always seemed to be in a frown. You need only follow it to the next town and take a hired carriage or wagon back.

Tom had to control his expression as they finished eating their meal. He looked down at his bread and frowned.

Did they really believe he was going to go back obediently?

Tom. Alessas voice whispered beside him. Dont linger when you leave. I know youll stand there for as long as you can, but I dont want you out on the road at night. Get to a village before sundown.

He looked at her and gave her a wry smile. You want me to go, too? Did she think he was the type?

Alessa drew her lips in and her hand grabbed his. She lowered her eyes. I dont want you in any trouble because of me. They arent patrol guards, Tom. Theyre soldiers. They wont turn a blind eye if you try to follow.

Tom put his hand over hers. I didnt want you to get in trouble when we were young, but did that stop you? Alessa looked up at him.

That was different.

I was going to die, Tom reminded her, choking up a bit. If I didnt get medicine, the fever wouldve continued to soar until my insides were damaged and failed. You heard what the doctor said.

He watched her swallow hard and turned her head away. I didnt do anything wrong. There was medicine at home and you wouldve gotten it eventually. I just made sure it got to you in time.

During the famine years, people were desperate for food and began foraging. The problem was they were a village of farmers and craftsmen. The skill of foraging had dwindled and only a few people knew what to look for and, most importantly, knew how to distinguish edible from poisonous.

Those who knew did their best to gather what they could and even took people from different families into the surrounding forests to try to teach them. Even people from the barons household, and an eight-year-old Alessa, had joined in an effort to feed the residents of the barony, but it was a skill that needed time to learn and when there were starving children and elders at home, time was not a commodity they could afford.

This led to an expected crisis of in groups of people picking what they werent supposed to and ingesting it before they had time to be checked because they were starving.

Tom was just a child then. His parents told him to wait until the foraged items were checked by one of the old village women to make sure that everything was edible, but he couldnt wait. His eldest sibling had a baby and in order to ensure that the mother could feed the baby, everyone in the family cut back on food so the nursing other could eat more, including Tom.

He had been starving and there were wild berries in the basket.

The effect was not immediate. His stomach hadnt hurt so he thought everything was fine, but sometime at night, his body began to heat up, growing steadily hotter and hotter.

It was then that his family realized that he had eaten something from the basket before it had been cleared. A quarter of the basket had been thrown away because the food was inedible and could lead to a host of problems, going from diarrhea to death.

His family called for the village doctor, but they werent sure what he ate would cause it. They then called the old lady who checked the basket and as soon as she had seen him, she knew the problem.

Flush berries, before they are ripe, resemble raspberries. They were sour to the taste, but more importantly, they caused a high fever that had already resulted in the death of the village carpenters grandfather and a nursing mother at the other end of the village.

Toms family hadnt been the only one to make this mistake and at that time, many people were experiencing the same thing as him and it was considered a crisis that swept through the barony in addition to the famine.

At the time, Baron Hart had started reaching out to the march for assistance, though it was mostly food. The supplies were arriving and the manor staff were working to sort through the food and distribute it. The medicine had been placed to the side and forgotten until news of widespread illness due to ingesting toxic fruit was made known.

Villagers had rushed to the manor to beg for medicine and the Baron had tried his best to distribute it on a level of urgency. Alessa knew that Tom was feverish, as shed come to visit, as she did almost every day to play with him .

She promised shed get medicine for Tom and ran home. She returned a few hours later with a sack shed filled with random medicine. She was eight. She couldnt distinguish medicine; all she knew was that one of those could save him.

The village doctor was busy at the manor, assisting the Baron with medicine dispensing. The Fields had been ecstatic and worried; Alessa had told them that she got the medicine and that her father approved of it, but if he did, why would he send random medicine and not give instruction?

They had assumed that Alessa just took what she thought would help and ran. Because if it were for him, the family wasnt mad, but it also left them unsure of what to use and worried that if they went back to the manor, they could get in trouble.

Alessa had run back, asked which medicine herself, and then ran back to his house. He remembered her clearly despite being dizzy; skinny and flushed, sweat coming down her face and her dress dirty and wrinkled, as shed likely cut through a farm and field to get to their home faster. Out of breath, she panted what the fever reducing medicine looked like.

Toms brother had found it and Tom was delirious by the time he took it. He remembered a bitter tasting liquid put into his mouth. He wasnt sure what happened next, but he had fallen asleep.

When he had woken up, the fever had gone down and he was almost back to normal.

Alessa had saved him then, but he wasnt the only one she saved. Alessa had brought them food from the manor. It wasnt a lot, but it helped alleviate some of the pressure. The family, and the rest of the barony, remained in a dire situation when the rains returned, but at least his family had made it through the famine without a death.

There were few families in the village who could claim such a thing.

Now, Tom could eat the food on the wooden bowls with no problem. It was better than the scraps they could gather back then.

Youre my friend. I wanted to save you, Alessa said as she dipped her bread into the stew. How could I not?

What about when you found me in the forest? Tom asked. At ten, he wanted to follow his father and older siblings into the forest to hunt, but got separated and lost. His parents had told him that if that were to happen for him to stay in one pace and they would find him.

However, at nightfall, he heard howling in the distance. Afraid that it was wolves, he had moved from place to place, unable to sleep until dawn.

Alessa had found him. Shed heard he was missing and went to join the search party despite her fathers orders. She hadnt gotten any sleep that night and had disguised herself as a village girl to help. Later, her father was angry at her for disobeying him and was punished to stay at home for a month.

Tom had still come to play with her when he wasnt helping at home. After all, she was the one who found him.

It was a coordinated search. I just happened to be the one who found you, Alessa told him with a smile and a sheepish flush.

Tom chuckled and gave her the rest of his food. I know you just want whats best for me, but Im not going to abandon a friend.

Dont say that. This isnt abandoning. Youre seeing me as far as I can go, she said. She accepted his leftovers and gave him a warm smile. That is more than enough.

Itll never be enough for your life saving grace, he said, meeting her eyes. Alessa, I-

Promise me youll leave. She cut him off and met his eyes with some desperation. Promise me that you will not cross into Sur. They will kill you if you cross over into Sur...I dont want to see that, please, Tom.

Alessa-

Ive already lost so much. I cant watch you be lost, too.

He took a deep breath with every fiber of his being wanting to refuse her, but the look of desperation on her face stopped his words before he could speak. He lowered his head, bit his lips and was quiet for a moment.

Finally, he gave her a small nod. Then I will stay at the border until your wagon disappears from sight.

And youll stay?

Tom hesitated. He lifted his head and forced a smile. Ill stay. Her body relaxed and she let out a relieved breath.

Good...good.... Her eyes crinkled up as she smiled. I want you to live a good and happy life, Tom.

He lifted his hand and touched the top of her head as warm eyes looked at her filled with affection. Dont worry. I will.

Women were screaming and Tom narrowed his eyes. He hated that sharp, piercing sound that cut through his head. It wasnt as if they were going to kill anyone. As long as the money was given up, theyd leave without doing much harm, but there was always someone screaming.

If they werent robbing people in the dead of night, in the forests just within the Alvere border, the screaming wouldve alan entire village.

The road was filled with pilgrims going to Temple Mountain in the daytime, but at night, there were far fewer. Maybe a few wagons or carriages of people who didnt make it to a village on time to settle down for the night and were forced to either keep going or spend the night on the side of the road.

There were many places along the side to set up camp for the night, but in recent months, the number of people doing so was less and less.

Tom was sure that he and his small gang of bandits were the reason.

Weve taken all their money, sir!

All right, lets go back! Tom gave a nod, took one of the sacks of loot from the third in command, and blew a whistle. It was a signal to the other six that the raid was over and they were to flee back into the forests.

Months of going up and down this stretch of road and the surrounding forest nearly every night had given him a great understanding of the terrain. He knew where to go, where to hide, and how to lose those who dared chase. Even with a half-filled sack slung over his shoulder, he could maneuver around with ease.

Still, he and the accomplice he was with didnt take the direct route back to the hideout, which wasnt some cave or abandoned shack in the woods like hed imagine such bandit dents to be in his naive youth.

Their hideout was an old inn down the road, just before the forest grew too dense. Most pilgrims wouldve passed on their way passing through to get into the forest. It had a small shop and some tables and chairs outside for pilgrims to stop and rest, buy some snacks, and refill their water, before continuing on. They had a small handful of rooms for pilgrims to use, but most of the rooms belonged to gang members.

Tom slipped through the tree line that almost went right up to the back of the two-story thatched roof inn. The cellar doors were left slightly ajar and he and the man with him slipped through unseen. There were no light crystals, as it would attract attention, but after slipping down three times, Tom had gotten used to where the steps were and climbed down with ease.

The two men went to hide in a corner of what appeared to be an old cellar with barrels and wooden crates to wait for their four teammates in silence.

Another two men slipped through the door and waited on the opposite side. Tom made sure to count. It was too dark for his eyes to adjust well, but it was enough to make out the shadowed outlines of the other men crouched in the room. There were two more that were still outside.

Tom waited patiently, though there had been twice in his short career as a bandit where someone didnt come back. Since the first time it happened, Tom would silently pray that everyone would return. Even if they were injured, the brothers of the group would take care of them. As long as they were alive and came back, he felt it was a successful raid.

Minutes passed and Toms chest began to tighten. Usually, they all arrived around the same time. When a pair was late, it was likely because there was some trouble. That couldve ranged from anything to having to hide somewhere to wait for pursuers to leave to being injured. Tom hoped it was only the former.

Their gang had a system to try to minimize injury and that was to assess the pilgrims passing the inn. The team of six would hide in the woods and wait for a particular party to reach them along one of the areas where many pilgrims would stop. Through a comcry, if it were confirmed that these pilgrims were carrying a good amount of alms or were just under guarded, theyd be raided late into the night, once theyd settled in.

The money acquired would be split. A portion would be given to the Boss, who ran the inn front, which they used as a hide out. Money was needed to keep it appearing like a legitimate business. The majority of the money was split amongst the gang, of which there were a dozen people.

They werent bad people.

Others may have believed that these people were terrible monsters robbing pilgrims at night, and if Tom didnt know any better, hed think so as well, but these men and a few women were simply in desperate situations. They had left their homes ranging from one reason or another, and those reasons were usually tragic.

A couple were practically enslaved to the favored sibling and were starving. When creditors came around, the parents wanted to force the couple to work off the brothers debt. They refused and ran away.

One man lost everything in a fire. Another had his farm swindled from him by a local tyrant. Someone was kicked out of their family for insulting an in-law. Another was on the run after witnessing something he shouldnt and to that day, wouldnt speak of it.

It wasnt uncommon for gang members to be in hiding and desperate for a way to live. The Boss gave them an opportunity by hiring them to run the inn and then setting up raids along the pilgrimage road.

It sounded terrible, but they had rules.

First, no killing. If you killed someone, you were kicked out.

Second, to minimize harm. They only wanted coins, not blood.

Third, if ever the situation grew too dangerous, they were to retreat. It didnt matter if nothing was taken, their safety needed to come first. After all, there were only six people doing raids every once in a while just to reduce the chances of being caught.

And lastly, the only place they could discuss their job was in the cellar and at night. Once they left the cellar, they were just workers at the inn. This was for everyones safety. Those who didnt go on active raids helped out at the inn, truly acting as inn workers.

Recently, theyd taken in a young man who was begging on the side of the road. The kid had lost part of his leg when creditors came for his parents and he foolishly tried to stop them. He watched his parents beaten to death and he was now alone. Afraid that the creditors would still come after him, he ran away.

But what could a disabled boy do?

He couldnt do manual labor with just one leg. He hopped around on makeshift wooden crutches. In addition, his eyesight wasnt very good. However, the Boss took pity on him and brought him in. The kid, Benny, wasnt allowed to go on raids due to his disability, but he was good at increasing the appearance of a benevolent, innocent inn.

People talked around the kid and theyd been able to isolate and raid pilgrims with much more money on them.

Tom pushed them to be greedier. After all, the more they stole, the more it would trigger the authorities. More soldiers and duchy knights would be sent to look for them. After a few years, when Tom had amassed enough crimes, hed allow himself to be caught and confess to plaguing the pilgrimage trail.

He planned to fabricate some stories to bolster his reputation, as well, as he didnt have the actual nerve to do anything more than rob people.

He knew he needed to do something to warrant a strict sentence, one that would be hard labor for close to the rest of his life, not just two or three years. However, he was a farm boy and didnt know how to use a weapon outside of a farm tool. In addition, one of his thumbs couldnt grasp with full strength.

Hed wandered the border of the Alvere Duchy for a week trying to find a way to Sur after he was left behind by the prisoner transport wagon.

Dont try to sneak in through the forests or mountains, Commander Bettencourt had told him with an unimpressed look when the wagons metal door was opened. The soldiers had circled the entrance, so even if Tom wanted to grab Alessas hand and flee, they wouldnt even get a step.

Tom had stepped down and once he was on the ground, his bundle was shoved into his arms.

Say your good-byes, one of the female soldiers had told them after the door was closed and locked.

Tom had turned around and saw Alessa was kneeling on the wagon floor, leaning into the bars with her arms out to reach for him. Their eyes met and his chest felt like it was both being squeezed and sliced open at the same time. He had choked back a cry as he dropped his bundle and ran to hug her through the bars. Alessa had let out a cry. If she couldve, she wouldve pressed her face against him, but the bars were too close together.

He wouldnt have let go if the soldiers didnt order them to part. Two soldiers had moved between them and the wagon began to move forward. The two soldiers had stayed behind, making sure Tom didnt cross into Sur.

Most people wouldve thought it was excessive for a pair of soldiers to stay with him one full day and even walk him back to the nearest village, but he supposed it showed that they knew he was capable of anything.

When Tom had awoken the next morning, the two soldiers were gone.

He had immediately tried to cross the border through the forests, despite being told not to try. He soon figured out why. There were patrols. At first, Tom had tried to walk past them, thinking he was dressed like a peasant and they wouldnt think anything of it.

It turns out, his description and location had been shared and the patrols were specifically looking out for him. He'd been kicked back to the Alvere Duchy and given a warning.

After some time, he tried the pilgrimage route, which was considered an older and more difficult road. He thought hed made it part way across the mountain to Sur when he was spotted and once more, kicked back to the Alvere Duchy.

That was how the Boss found him. Taking pity on Tom, he offered him a job and told him that it was dangerous at night, so to stay in the inn.

Tom had wanted to try to sneak in at night and borrowed different clothes. Hed stumbled upon the cellar and the bandits.

Thats when he realized hed found the perfect opportunity.

Now, he went on all the raids, though his start had been rocky and hed had to be pulled into hiding or even picked up and carried away to avoid being caught three or four times. Hed been so nervous his first few raids, even if his job were just to collect money pouches in a sack. He didnt do any of the threatening parts.

In the last month, hed received a promotion of sorts after one of the bandits disappeared. The Boss asked around and found that hed been caught the night he didnt return to the cellar. Somehow, hed been injured and that not only slowed him down, but made him easier to track. They could do nothing once someone was caught.

All they could do was wait a few days to discourage the authorities before they restarted. Tom had learned to shout and sound intimidating. Thankfully, the darkness didnt show the nervousness still on his face after all that time. He waved around a single-handed sword and threatened the person nearest him. Four of them would watch the people and two would go around collecting coins.

Any large, over the top jewelry was rejected in favor of coins and precious metal chains that could be melted down and then split.

This has worked well so far, but it was still a dangerous job.

Tom heard footsteps approaching and two more figures slipped into the cellar, casting shadows in the doorway before the door was shut. Relief filled him. Everyone had made it back. They waited a moment later and Tom felt his way along the wall to get to a cabinet. He opened the door and shed light into the room via a small, dim yellow light crystal hanging inside the cabinet.

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Bring up what you have! Well lock it up and the boss will split it in the morning! Sacks were placed in the cabinet and then Tom closed it and locked it. He then felt his way towards the door that led to the ground floor. It was a small, narrow set of stairs and some of the wider bandits needed to maneuver to the side, but it was inconspicuous.

How was tonight? The Boss was a skinny old man with a bald head, who seemed to have a hunchback. Tom handed him the key.

I think it went well, Boss. Seven coin pouches and some gold bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, he replied.

Good. Thats not bad. Go on and get some rest. The old man gave each of them a supportive pat on the shoulder before sending them to their rooms. For a moment, it was as if they were children following their parents orders and not thieves.

Tom didnt think it was such a bad feeling.

He had his own room. When he entered and the single light crystal illuminated, he locked the door and went straight to check for the bundle under his bed, as was his ritual every night.

He knelt down and reached beneath the bed, dragging out a dirty bundle wrapped in coarse cloth from a grain bag. It was about the same size as when he came, a little larger than his head, but it didnt have the same contents. His regular things were in the wardrobe. What was in his bundle was his loot for the last few months.

He hadnt spent any.

Tom looked down at the stands of gold and silver chains and necklaces, a few stoneless rings, and piles of gold coins hed traded with others for. Robbing people was surprisingly easy. In another year or so, hed start laying down clues to point fingers at the inn. At that point, when he knew the authorities were coming, he could send the others away and distract the authorities.

Fighting with them would also make his sentence longer.

He took a deep breath, looking at the gold and reminding himself of Alessas hair. He hoped she was all right and that the labor wasnt too hard. When he arrived, shed have another person to rely on. He could give her some of his food to keep up her strength. He was used to eating less, anyway.

If she needed anything, he could give her his share. Hed protect her from those who would bully her. Alessa was a soft nobles daughter; the criminals wouldnt treat her well and likely would be jealous. She'd be targeted, like she was at her school in Horizon. Hed do everything and anything, as long as he could help her and be there for her after she was there for him.

His eyes reddened as a guilty pain cut through him.

He hadnt protected her like he shouldve. Hed come all the way to Horizon, but he couldnt protect her like he knew he shouldve. She got involved with the wrong people who took advantage of her. He shouldve paid more attention to her. Her weakness, helping others, was obvious to anyone who knew her and of course, shed be taken advantage of.

She saved him and his family, but he couldnt do anything for her.

Tom shut his eyes.

This time, once he saw her again hed make sure hed protect her.

He opened his eyes. Well be together again.

When he wanted to get a summer job so he could earn his own money to buy a proper gift for his father and Auntie Ilyanas wedding, he didnt think that hed be spending it wiping worn wooden tables outside or washing cups and dishes by a water pump. He thought that maybe he could get a job at Duel, like Ezvan, or maybe doing some sort of teaching at the delta, like Marco and Mateo only with charms.

No...he hadto be attracted by the promise of a lot of money for a months worth of work. Hed immediately thought of the nice things he could give his beloved father and loving aunt, and agreed with Uncle Sebs offer. In addition, not only would he be working for his own benefit, but hed also be doing march work.

Hed dreamed of contributing to the march that loved and cared for him since he was little, but hed always been too young and didnt have training. He could use a sword decently, but his speed was hindered. He wasnt like his sister, flying around, stabbing away like a lunatic as soon as she got her first weapon.

He could only do march work behind a desk. Or so he thought.

He sat on the low stool and scrubbed the plate before putting it in a wash tub to be rinsed off by one of the ladies. He was in worn pants, a patched shirt, and hat with a hole on the side. His one shoe had been dragged around by a horse for a few days to appear aged. What was worse was that he didnt have his leg.

Robi hadnt gone without a prosthetic since he lost his leg. As soon as he could get one, he got one, and it had always been meticulously fitted for him. Now, he had to use a crutch.

Fifi suggested giving him a pegleg, to which Auntie Tori asked if she wanted to make her brother a pirate. Fifi, that brat, had looked excited and asked if it was possible.

Robi swore that he was going to rescind his offer to help pay for her present at their father and aunts wedding.

Benny, are these dishes all done? a womans voice asked behind him.

He turned his head and looked up, giving the woman code named Kathy, a brilliant smile. Yes, Miss Kathy!

The woman sighed and looked at him fondly. What a good boy. She bent down and picked up the heavy tub with ease.

She was thin and appeared emaciated, but she was well trained. After all, how could someone be part of the empires intelligence network and not be able to pick up a mere wash tub of soapy dishes?

The inn wasnt just a cover for a bandit den. In actuality, the bandit den was currently a cover for training intelligence agents. The Boss had worked directly under his father at one point, and it had filled Robi with pride when the man assessed him after a few days by saying are you sure youre not blood related? Your temperament is exactly like your fathers.

Robi got that often and both he and his father seemed to puff up with pride whenever it was said.

The inn was infiltrated a year prior, but it seemed there was a larger network along the entire pilgrimage trail network in Soleil. As a result, the Boss stayed to try to get more information. The more he got, the less he needed those annoying bandits. Every time a bandit disappeared, they had been arrested by connected authorities.

The pilgrims they targeted since the Boss took over were also intelligence agents moving from one place to another. Several bandit dens in the area had been cleared out and eventually, the Boss would move elsewhere to start again, but Auntie Tori wanted someone arrested.

The Auntie Tori he knew was calm. She was a planner, thinking ahead and making backup plans in case her initial plans didnt go through. When something happened out of her plans, she relied on instinct and charged ahead, always saying that any action is better than no action.

He wouldve been crushed in that orphanage if she wasnt there that day. He always thought she was extremely rational. So, when he found out that his summer job was to collect evidence to incriminate one man so this one man could be sentenced to hard labor, Robi was surprised.

Hed asked his aunt why. He didnt see a danger in one man who had no resources. His aunt had looked him in the eye and said, never underestimate two things: someones love, whether it is for family, friends, a position, money, or their life, or someones desperation for those.

Tom Fields was desperate to stay with the woman he loved and he would likely commit a crime to do so. There was a good chance of him committing something serious enough to warrant death in an effort to get hard labor for life, and rather than allowing the madman to see what worked himself, Auntie Tori set up the trap to ensure that he committed just enough crime to be sentenced.

After all, they couldnt do anything if they were just suspicious that hed commit a crime. They had to have some evidence, even if it was technically fabricated. It would be a good way for intelligence personnel to practice blending in and gathering information, anyway.

Robi reached for his crutch and pushed himself into a standing position. It had been over a month. His uncle said that the raid would be coming soon to get Tom Fields and drag him away, he just wasnt sure when exactly.

He hobbled along, going around the inn to get to the front, where the tables for pilgrims were set up. Most of the guests had already left, either to camp down the road or just travel until the next village up the mountain. All three spare rooms at the inn were booked.

Robi balanced himself on his good leg and the crutch as he leaned forward to collect the left behind dishes and trash into a tray.

Just as he rounded the table to get to the last one, he heard the familiar sounds of horses in the distance. He didnt lift his head as plenty of people came through the area, including groups on horseback. He was also used to hearing it.

Whats going on? The Boss stepped out and raised his head towards the bend. We usually dont get guests this late.

Robi also stopped. He wanted to say it was about time.

Boss! One of the bandits rushed outside from the inn. I saw from my window! Alvere patrol knights are coming!

Alvere? He thought Guevera knights were supposed to come to make the arrest. These werent the knights he was waiting for.

How many? the Boss asked.

Over a dozen and it looks like a prison wagon isnt far behind! The bandit whod come down was flushed and out of breath. He looked both panicked and frazzled, as if he didnt know what to do.

If Robi didnt know he was an intelligence agent in the middle of their bi-yearly training, he wouldve believed he was really worried.

Why would they bring a prison wagon? the Boss frowned. His brows knitted together as his eyes narrowed. This road is used by pilgrims, and patrols dont come through here.

Are they coming because of the robberies? Robi heard the familiar voice of Tom Fields behind him and almost wanted to roll his eyes. What else would over a dozen patrol riders and a prison wagon be doing? Tom put his hand on the Boss shoulder and squeezed his way past. You go and hide! Ill distract them.

The Boss looked at him, dumbfounded. What do you mean? Im not abandoning-

Lisa, get your baby! If they raid the inn and find stolen goods, theyll arrest you and you may be separated from your baby! Tom instructed the pale woman next to her. The woman gasped and whirled around to go back inside.

Agent Allegra was passing through and wasnt planning to train, but was pregnant, so she had the baby there at the inn. It was safe considering who everyone except Tom was.

Robi awkwardly stood in place as he listened to Tom shouting orders to everyone, telling them to flee into the forest and hide while he did the heroic thing and distracted the patrol.

Benny! That was his alias, his godfathers name. What are you doing? Tom rushed over and held his hands over him, looking him up and down as if realizing hed have the most trouble since he only had one leg.

Its fine, Robi said. I can pretend I dont know anything. With my leg, they won't believe Im a bandit.

Tom studied him once more, then stepped back and reluctantly nodded. Several people flew from the house, fleeing into the surrounding forest like Fifis chickens when the chef walked by. Robi made his way to a bench and took a seat. He brought his thigh up to the bench and made a scene of looking tired.

He shouldve listened to Auntie Ilyana and brought some make up to make himself look weaker. No one is going to believe my sweet, handsome boy is sickly! Look at how healthy and good-looking he is! she had cried out, earning her dull looks from Uncle Seb, Daddy, and Auntie Tori.

Robi only hoped that he could channel Daddys superb acting in the chaos.

Benny, just sit here and pretend you dont understand anything. If they think youre dumb, they will leave you alone, Tom told him with seriousness.

Robi almost balked. He was Robert de Guevera, a charms master and first in his class at the most prestigious school in the empire...and this idiot wanted him to pretend to be dumb? Auntie is right to want to arrest you. He grit his teeth. All right.

He pretended to be distracted with a leaf as the Alvere patrol rounded the corner. By now, everyone except the unwitting guests, shouldve fled into the forest.

The patrol reached them and from the corner of his eye, Robi caught familiar faces. Those werent strangers, those were Guevera knights wearing Alvere uniforms. How did they even get those uniforms....Duke Alvere. Of course, he knew about what was going on, too.

Who is the owner of this building? Sir Lopez remained on his horse and held up a piece of paper. With the permission of Duke Alvere, we will search the inn.

What for? Tom said. Theyd just arrived and he already appeared defensive.

We have reason to suspect that you are harboring bandits who have been robbing pilgrims through the Sierra de Santiago pass, Sir Lopez said in a firm voice. Do you work here?

No, no...Im... Robi felt Toms eyes on him and screamed for him not to say anything unnecessary. Im just passing through with my brother. We dont work here. We were just resting.

Sir Lopez, as well as the other familiar knights looked at Robi and Robi almost blushed with humiliation. He knew he had to play a part, but did they have to look at him? They already knew he and Tom werent brothers, and even if they didnt, he and Tom didnt look the least bit like each other. Hes your brother?

Yes, cant you tell? Tom insisted as he sat on the bench next to Robi. Robi continued to play with a leaf. Your search has nothing to do with us. Please proceed.

Sir Lopez gave the others a nod and a dozen of the knights dismounted to begin searching the inn.

Can I ask you some questions, sir? Sir Lopez asked. He got off his horse and slowly walked over.

Tom seemed to maintain his confidence. That is not a problem. Sir Lopez nodded and stood across from them.

How long have you been staying here?

A few nights.

Where are the owners?

I dont know.

You dont know? Then who checked you in?

The old man, but I dont know where he went.

How many other people work here?

A dozen or so?

How many women?

Five.

Children?

Just a baby-

Where is the baby?

They fled-

They fled where?

The forest- Tom sucked in a sharp breath and Robi closed his eyes and almost shook his head. Rapid fire questioning confused Tom and he answered with the truth instead of a lie. Sir Lopez immediately yelled for someone to search the forest.

Panic filled Tons face as Sir Lopez narrowed his eyes. Im going to ask you again. Do you work here?

The flustered man opened and closed his mouth. I...I dont-

Sir! We found numerous gold and silver jewelry stashed away along with coins. Someone shouted from one of the windows.

Sir, the cellar has at least years worth of gold and silver that was melted! Another knight came from the back of the building with an excited look.

Sir Lopez immediately frowned. This was it. This was pretty damning evidence. Before Robi could hear any more discoveries of weapons, including the swords used to threaten pilgrims, the sacks of cloth, and the black clothes they wore when they went on a raid in order to blend into the forest, he felt someone grab his shoulder.

A moment later, he was on his foot, barely able to keep steady as his crutch tumbled to the ground. His eyes widened and immediately narrowed as he felt an arm go across his chest and a cold blade against his throat.

Dont move or Ill kill him! Tom shouted.

His family had prepared Robi for this moment, but now that it was actually happening, he was more displeased than anything else. In his time collecting evidence so he could later testify, he knew that Tom acted like a bandit, but had never even cut or punched anyone. He may have shoved some people, but that was the extent of it.

As a result, Robi didnt expect him to pull a knife on him and threaten his life. Hed have to consider this life experience. His aunt was right: he should be wary of desperate people. If this man wanted to be imprisoned to be with some woman he was in love with, there really was nothing he couldnt do.

Even hold a knife to an acquaintance's neck. Who would be so crazy? A brief flash of Uncle Piers face appeared in his mind and Robi shoved it back, refusing to dwell on it.

Now, hold on a moment! Sir Lopez had shot up and his eyes had a hint of panic as Robi met them. Perhaps Sir Lopez would be calmer if the hostage wasnt the Young Master of the family. Isnt he your brother?

We dont even look alike! What brother? Tom shouted, using his bandit voice. Robi heard his voice drop and whisper against him. Dont worry, Benny, I wont hurt you. Ill get them to leave us alone.

Robi wanted to demand how exactly he planned to do that by holding him hostage.

All right, calm down. Dont do anything hasty! Sir Lopez said. Tell us what you want!

Tom was breathing heavily. Robi wondered if he had any idea what he was doing. It was likely not. He kept his arms down at his sides.

I...I want you to let us go!

Im afraid I cant do that now, young man.

Let us go or Ill slit his throat!

Sir Lopez frowned and seemed to be contemplating what to do next. Robi grit his teeth. He didnt have time for this. Its been over a month and he still needed to buy a wedding gift.

Is this enough to convict him? Robi shouted over Toms arm.

Benny, what are you doing? Tom tensed behind him, but Robi wasnt afraid.

Just tell me if this is enough so we can finish this, Robi said. His fingers twitched at his side and he waved a little piece of paper. He saw Sir Lopezs eyes dart down just enough to know that hed seen it.

Sir Lopez, as well as the other knights, seemed to relax. For holding you hostage? Yes, Young Master.

Robi slapped the piece of paper against Toms thigh and felt Toms entire body go rigid. The breathing behind him grew shallow and he could feel Tom try to move, but his body couldnt.

Wha ooin un? Ennie?

Robi stood in place. He was in an odd position to try to slip out. He cant move. Please bring me my crutch.

Ennie! Tom was unable to move his mouth to speak as two knights came to help Robi out of his grasp. They pried Toms arm open and Robi was given his crutch. In a few steps, he had opened distance between them and was being checked by Sir Sandoval. Tom cried out for him once more with terror in his eyes.

Sir Lopez stepped between them. His eyes looked up and down with disgust. Tie him up and put him in the wagon.

What? The Viscount of Alvere stared at him with disbelief. Do you understand what youre saying? The gray-haired old man wasnt sure what to believe.

"I did plan on killing him so I could ransom his family for money, Tom said, standing up straight in front of the viscount deciding his fate. His face was a bit swollen as he had tried to escape once and was caught and beaten. But the patrol found us before I could take him away.

He was arrested too soon. Far too soon. All he had to incriminate him was a few months of being a bandit; a bandit who didnt even physically injure anyone worse than a bruise and psychological damage, and a few gold coins worth of stolen loot. He wasnt even sure his desperate attempt at holding Benny hostage would do much.

However, he thought that by adding more history to his criminal activity, he could ensure a solid, long-term punishment. When he was being told what the system punished for such cases; he hadnt been too far off. He was right in that a few months of just robbing people wouldnt get him much time, but he was surprised that holding Benny hostage was enough to add hard labor. It turns out, Benny wasnt just an orphan. He was some noble familys missing son.

When he was being dragged away, he began to do the mental calculations for how long hed be imprisoned. It wasnt as long as he wanted - he wanted life to be able to care for Alessa, and that was only if they sentenced him to hard labor. There was also a chance he wouldnt be sentenced to hard labor in Sur. He wasnt in a position to bargain for a sentence, either.

All he could do was try to make the situation appear worse than it was.

The judge looked at him with unimpressed eyes. I dont believe you.

What? Why not? Tom frowned as he looked up, his wrists still bound in iron chains.

You didnt know the boy belonged to a noble family. The patrol saw how surprised you looked.

But...I didnt let him leave with the others!

He said that because of his leg, he couldnt have gone far, so he stayed, the judge countered. Based on his testimony and the testimonies of your accomplices, you are not considered to be a violent man. You have not fought anyone, nor severely injured any of the people you were robbing. This is out of character.

Tom frowned. He didnt set it up correctly. No wonder they didnt believe him. Then I-

Mr. Fields, I will now read your charges. Robbery.

Guilty, Tom said at once, making the entire courtroom seem to go quiet as they stared at him as if he had lost his mind. Normal people wouldnt confirm their charges.

The Viscount took a deep breath and continued. Interference with a religious procession.

Guilty. Was that because he had targeted pilgrims?

Possession of stolen goods-

Guilty.

Threatening the lives of minors and adults.

Guilty-

Threatening the life of a noble-

Guilty!

The Viscount shot him a silencing look. He grit his teeth. It seems that you just want to hear your sentence.

Tom could feel his palms growing sweaty. He almost didnt hear twenty-five years of hard labor. Toms eyes widened.

Twenty-five years? he gasped. He swallowed hard. Where? He held his breath.

Sur-

Yes! Tom couldn't help but shout. The pensive look on his face became elated, as if theyd told him he was found innocent and free to go. However, this was what he wanted. It wasnt as long as he thought, but twenty-five years was still good.

The Viscounts narrowed eyes glared. You really are crazy.... He stamped the document in front of him. Take him to holding! Sur will pick him up at the end of the week.

Can it be sooner? Tom asked with a bright face.

The corner of the Viscounts eye twitched. Someone remove him from this chamber. Tom had no problem being escorted out. He almost felt like he was flying. In just a few days, hed be reunited with Alessa. Even if he couldnt see her every day, as long as there was a chance, hed be in contact with her somehow.

In his holding cell, he counted the days until he was picked up. Four.

He got into a familiar wagon. It wasnt the same one, but it was of similar style. A few of the soldiers with him were the same and were looking at him strangely. He didnt let their distaste affect him.

His heart raced when they crossed into Sur, where hed tried to enter so many times months earlier just to be sent back. The environment outside the iron bars grew drier and hotter. It was the late summer and he was sweltering inside the wagon. Hed been given plenty of water, but he still lay across the floor trying not to move in an effort to stay cool.

The trek through the desert took several days and the outside looked dry with little shrubbery. He began to see some mountains in the distance, but that was all.

As the weather began to drop in the afternoon, he saw a group of people in the distance. They seemed to be lined up and were digging. Tom pressed his face against the bars as far as it could go to see what was happening outside. He was sure that line of people were prisoners doing hard labor.

Are we close? he asked the two knights following the wagon.

They didnt answer him, but they didnt need to. He heard voices and the sound of chains and creaking wood. He kept his head against the bars and looked around in awe as the prison wagon went through the gate house of a stone fortress in Surs desert.

Smaller gates were opened on either side and prisoners in their dusty work clothes and shoes were marching out with shackles on their wrists and ankles. The shackles on their ankles were connected to other prisoners by a long chain. The clanking was almost endless.

Tom felt his heart skip a beat. She was there. He knew she was there. He looked from row to row of prisoners looking for blonde. His eyes finally settled on a thin woman with short blonde hair and dust covered pale cheeks. Her head was down as she shuffled along. Even after a few months and in her ragged clothes, he recognized her in an instant.

Tom trembled. Alessa! He shouted her name as loud as he could. Alessa!

Several people, both guards and prisoners, turned towards him as he shouted. He took a deep breath to yell again, but the womans head lifted. Her amber eyes widened and her mouth dropped. Tom didnt hear what she was saying, as the wagon was moving opposite her. She took a step forward, following him with her eyes and almost reaching for him, but was stopped and ordered back in line.

She kept looking back at him with a stunned expression.

Tom slumped forward against the metal bars. He closed his reddening eyes and let out an exhausted laugh. Dont worry..., he wheezed as he slid to his knees. Im here. Ill protect you this time.

Fields has entered the fort and will begin his sentence of twenty-five years. The man with the light brown skin sighed and looked at his goddaughter from his horse. They stood on the hillside, overlooking the fortress nestled in the next mountain. You did too much for such a person.

Its better to guide him through the game than let him rampage through and ruin everything, Tori replied as she sat on Layla. Her godfather, Uncle Rom, shook his head a bit, disapproving with her actions, though she hadnt done anything wrong. Just wasted time. I know you think its a waste of time.

Isnt it? he asked. That man is following her around like a loyal hound and you allow it.

I allow it because Im concerned that if I dont deal with it now, then hell become too desperate. At that point, I dont want others harmed because he wants to become a criminal so badly.

Indeed, Uncle. Setting him up to rob agents, soldiers, and knights disguised as pilgrims puts the least amount of innocent people at risk and at the same time allows us to monitor him.

Commander Romulo de Guevera de Bettencourt shot the Crown Prince a sharp glare. Tori subconsciously leaned forward to try to block his glare. I have told you before, you are not yet married. You need not call me uncle. Piers didnt appear at all bothered Well be married soon.

But not yet.

Just ignore him. He is very willful when he wants to be, Tori told him with pleading eyes. Her godfather sent Piers one last irritated look before he brought his horse closer to Tori. The two leaned forward and exchanged cheek kisses.

Dont get so involved next time. You have better things to do than this. His scolding was gentle, but Tori still nodded obediently.

I wont.

Her godfather rode away and Piers moved his horse closer. He lifted a hand to have the knights with them fall back a few places. Ewan. Silence circle.

Ewan nodded and jumped off his horse. He dug through a pouch where he kept crystals and carefully grounded before writing something on the ground and making a large circle around Tori, Piers, and the horses they were riding. When he was done, he put the crystal back and saluted before withdrawing a few paces.

Normally, once assigned, an imperial knight only answered to their charge and the Emperor, but the Emperor had handed the responsibility of the imperial knights to Piers years earlier. Ewan dutifully did what he was told without hesitation, mainly because he knew Tori wouldnt mind.

Are you satisfied? Piers asked. Tori continued to look out at the fort.

I hope that with this, theyll stay out of trouble from now on.

Piers had a curious look on his face . You believe that they would cause trouble?

Tori pursed her lips. I wondered why Fields was so devoted to Hart that hed want to stay with her after all of this. It had to be more than childhood friendship and love. Uncle and the soldiers did some reconnaissance for me, which answered the question. He feels indebted to her because not only did she save his life, but he believes that the food she gave his family helped them survive.

Piers frowned. The poverty that swept through Chetterswickshire was in part to her familys negligence and bad luck. It is their fault.

Tori nodded. Not only was the problem partially of the Harts making, but that medicine she gave him came from the emergency supplies Anlar sent. Those shouldve been dispensed by need. Because some of the medicine was missing and wasn't distributed because everyone was looking for it, those who needed it immediately didnt get it. By the time the medicine was returned, some people in need were missed. People died, Piers.

He frowned. They had no business with the territory.

Aiden looked into that search for Fields years ago. The village had mobilized at once to find him, but half of them had to follow Hart so she wouldnt get lost or hurt in the forest at night. Her father sent out more people to look for her when he realized she was missing. They had to secure the area to keep away wolves so they wouldnt attack her when she wandered off from the search party. Two men were injured and the person who was able to track Tom and find him was one of the hunters who lived outside the village. Alessa just happened to follow, saw Tom, and shouted for him. Tori shook her head. Hart is selfish in that she is generous to those close to her, but ruins others who she doesnt see.

Such a person is not meant to rule anything.

Tori took a deep breath.

If I became a traitor and enemy of the empire, would you give up everything to stay with me? Tori didnt look at him and continued to watch the fort. She crinkled her eyes. If it were me, I dont know if I could do it.

Why not?

Broken trust.

Piers was quiet for a moment. Do you think I would become an enemy of the empire?

She let out a small scoff and looked over at him with a knowing expression. Of course not. Soleil is very important to you. You already go beyond your comfort zone to do your best for the empire.

But what if I suddenly rebelled?

She rolled her eyes and looked forward once more. If you rebelled, you must have a reason. A very good reason, and there were no other realistic, and efficient, ways left. It would be your last resort and even then, it would be because you wanted what was best for the empire.

You trust me.

Of course, I trust.... Her voice trailed off as she looked back at him. She saw the slight smile on his lips at her instant affirmation. He almost appeared smug. She snorted and looked away. I trust you. If it were anyone else, I may not be able to do it.

The world can say that you are an enemy, but not to me, Piers said, his words soft, but firm. I do not believe what others say.

You trust what you see?

I trust you.

Tori looked at him for a moment longer. If they werent sitting on horses, shed try to hold him. Why do you trust me so much?

I know you. You would not hurt me on purpose. I know what you would do for me.

She raised a brow. It sounds like youre flattering yourself.

It is flattering that you love me.

She narrowed her eyes. Who is teaching you this? Piers brows knit a bit and he frowned.

No one is teaching me.

Since he wouldnt lie to her so easily, she let him go. She looked back ahead of them. Youre not going to ask why I allowed him to end up where he did?

You have a soft heart.

She gave him an incredulous look. Piers, I set him up to commit a crime, had him arrested, beaten, and then sentenced to hard labor. How is that soft?

You let them live.

There are instances where living is worse than death.

Piers was quiet for a while. He looked out towards the fort in the distance. When the living watches their loved ones die...it feels worse.

Were here, Piers, Tori said. Were not dead. Piers nodded. Lets get back. Its been a long few weeks and I dont want to spend my free time like this.

You still have to pay Robi.

I know I have to pay Robi. Tori grasped the reins on Layla and turned the horse away from the vista. Piers followed behind her as they moved out of the silence circle.

Tori, did you want to stop anywhere on the way back? Ewan asked. Hed tried so hard to call her my lady the first few months and finally, Tori just told him to call her by her name as usual.

Lets just go back to Viclya, Tori said. I want to go home.

//End LIES