Chapter IX: The Black Assassin
The rain fell heavily as Tiber, Gideon, and Leopold traveled. Their supplies were running low and the group knew that if they did not find another town soon it could be disastrous for them. Tiber‘s leg was much better. He was so energetic that most of the time he was ahead of the group. The rain ended and the three took a rest.
"Tiber, how far is the next town?" said Gideon. " We need supplies."
"According to the map, the next town is twenty miles away. We‘ll have to travel through the wood to get there."
"And after the wood?" said Leopold.
"We keep traveling south."
The three entered the forest and found it enchanting. It looked different from the trees that they had seen. Each tree was a redwood and was perfectly positioned in alignment. Another thing that caught Gideon‘s eye was that each tree had an inscription on it. The first one he saw ran like this:
IN MEMORY OF FRANS OF BALDOS FOR HIS BRAVERY AGAINST THE TWIN EVILS.
Another one ran as thus,
IN MEMORY OF ZENNER WHO DIED NOBLELY IN WAR.
"I don‘t believe we are in a forest." said the mole.
"Then where are we?"
"A graveyard," said Gideon looking around. " I heard of these resting places. The deceased is buried under the tree, and the family or friend provides the prose on the tree."
The group continued to look at a few more inscriptions; many of them were poetic, but most of them just had the name of the dead. As they continued to walk, Tiber caught a glimpse of something out of his eye.
"I think someone else is here." replied Tiber.
"It‘s probably a visitor."
Gideon could not have been more wrong than he had now. Hidden behind a tree, lurked the assassin. He had quickly made his way from Shavron and stumbled into the gravesite. He took out a telescope and zoomed in on his target. He climbed a tree and quietly armed his bow with an arrow. The coyote slowly made his weapon ready to kill.
"Payday is here." said Barrachus quietly.
The arrow flew, but the aim was off. Instead of striking the rabbit dead, the arrow struck the tree Gideon was standing by. The hare fell back.
"You two, hide now!"
All three scurried out of sight. Barrachus tried two more times to kill Gideon, but failed. He returned to the ground and announced his presence.
"Come on out, Gideon, you have a date with a certain fox in Shavron. She wants you dead… don‘t worry I‘ll make it nice and quick," he said pulling his dagger.
"Why don‘t you come and find me," he said behind a tree.
"I have no time for childish games. Come out and spare me the effort of dragging you out."
It was silent.
"Fine, have it your way."
The assassin made his way around five trees and found no trace of Gideon. He made his way over to another tree where Leopold was hiding. The mole could hear the coyote getting closer. The assassin was next to the tree and he turned to look around. Suddenly, the coyote got a sharp blow to his nose. Barrachus grabbed is nose and stumbled backwards. Leopold attacked with full force, but the coyote had the advantage and quickly disarmed the mole. He picked Leopold up under his arm and held the dagger to his throat.
"Unhand me you miscreant!" said the mole.
"I would be wise to cooperate. I want Gideon. Be quiet and no harm will come to you," he now turned his attention to Gideon. "All right, rabbit, come out or I‘ll cut the mole‘s throat."
Gideon emerged.
"I‘m here," said Gideon. "Let him go."
"You are not in the position to bargain. You‘re head is worth a lot of money to me. Put your sword down and come closer."
Gideon complied, but unawares to Barrachus was Tiber sneaking up behind him. Before the coyote knew it, Tiber had gotten his arms around him. They struggled for a few seconds giving Gideon time to get his sword. Barrachus threw Tiber to the ground and went after his main objective, this time leaving nothing to chance. The coyote went for another arrow but before he could shoot, Gideon rammed the flat end of his sword into the coyote‘s gut and pinned him against a tree. Barrachus swiped at Gideon with is dagger. The blow landed on the rabbit‘s left ear; Gideon dropped his sword stumbling away. Tiber and Leopold attacked Barrachus as a team. They held him in place and Gideon; with a right jab, sent the coyote to the ground. Tiber grabbed the sword and placed it under the coyote‘s throat. Gideon came over, holding his ear, and demanded to know who he was.
"You should know," said the coyote. " We met the first time at the inn.
Gideon did not say a word. He remembered the terrible event that befell him that night.
"You broke my nose. Do you remember that? I'm going to enjoy cutting your head off."
"How dare you!" said Tiber angrily, " I have the mind to take this sword and—"
"Tiber, no. I have a better idea. We‘ll take him with us until we reach Shavron." said Gideon.
"Are you sure that is a wise decision?" inquired Leopold.
"If we send him on his way he‘ll either try to kill us again or tell Jezerah where I am. I want to keep a low profile until the right moment. Tiber, keep that sword tight against his throat."
Gideon went over and got some rope. He tied the coyote‘s hands and helped him to his feet. Tiber kept close watch over Barrachus as they continued southward. They came upon steep paths and shallow rivers. Eventually night came and all rested from a hard day‘s march. Barrachus eyed Tiber, who was watching the coyote like a hawk.
"Do you mind, that look of yours gives me the creeps."
"Quiet, you, before I take this blade to you." said Tiber.
Barrachus ignored the rabbit‘s threat and turned his attention to Gideon. Both he and Leopold were fixing some stew over a small fire.
"You know, Gideon, the moment I get free you‘re dead." said Barrachus. "Iya wants a heavy price for you? I might be willing to spare you if you offer me a larger amount."
Gideon ignored him.
"Hey, I talking to you!"
Gideon came over and relieved Tiber from his watch. He sat by the coyote with a blank stare.
"Now you‘re looking at me like an idiot."
"I was just wondering what drives a creature to kill for money." Barrachus was put off by the question.
"Release my hands and I‘ll show you," the coyote said twisting the rope.
"What do you have against me?"
"Nothing really…until you bashed my nose in. Besides, I need money"
"How about I make you a deal, if you‘re a creature of your word?"
"I am." said the coyote. "Assassin or not I do go against my vows."
"Well I am glad I‘m in good company," said Gideon. "Anyway, I will to fight you hare to coyote. No weapons; just pure skill. If you win, you can kill me and take me back to Jezerah, but if I win you are under my service until I see fit to let you go."
Leopold and Tiber jumped in.
"Are you insane? A rabbit can‘t fight a coyote with skill. You don‘t make deals with murders."
"Don‘t worry, Leopold, I know what I‘m doing. So how about it, the odds are in your favor."
Barrachus smiled deviously at Gideon.
"All right, I vow that if you happen to win I, Barrachus, will be your servant until you see fit. If I win I expect you to honor you side of the deal."
"I will," said Gideon. "Now, let us begin."
What was taking place was a common occurrence among these creatures. Even the most shady of creatures knew of the “Challenger’s Vow”. It‘s a basic concept that goes like this: If you lost the bet you were bond until the challenger freed you from your obligation. Children played it for fun and games, but it was taken seriously when adults did it. Barrachus hands were free and he met Gideon a few paces away from the camp fire. Tiber and Leopold sat down as the audience. Gideon stood with is arms crossed looking at his opponent.
"I‘m going to enjoy beating the life out of you."
"Well, I‘m looking forward to it." said Gideon with