5

The Pack

Six other boys were crouched behind that booth. Desperately eating the meat. Much older than Eben, they were dirty and had cuts. Some were large and some looked like they could be brothers. But all of them wore torn clothes and had matted hair.

Looking more like feral dogs than children.

And, in Eben’s mind, likely equally as feral. He gazed at them warily.

They were just the manner of peasants his father had taught him to avoid.

Eben was suddenly very scared they would hurt him. Backing away he turned to go back to the castle, but saw clouds had blocked the moon enough everything was hazy shadows. Eben wasn’t sure he knew how to get back.

Little heart racing, he started to move but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. “Eben?”

He could barely make out Zierno’s face in the dark.

---

“You followed me?” Zierno looked at the little boy blinking up at him. “You’re very brave but you could’ve gotten hurt. I was coming back, you know?”

“No, you weren’t! You broke your word!” The smaller boy accused viciously.

No, I didn’t!

I was going back. But I needed to make sure they had the food…Especially if he betrays me. Zierno eyed the younger boy.

His eyes flashed with anger. “I don’t break my word. I just wasn’t sure you’d,” he poked Eben in the chest. “Keep yours.”

No one punishes princes for breaking their word. Even Zierno knew that.

Eben’s lips stuck out and his brows drew together in irritation.

“Why did you come back here?”

“Because they’re all hungry too. And they couldn’t wait for me to play with you.” Zierno put a hand on the other boy’s shoulder and turned him from the booth. Leading them back toward the castle.

“I don’t like them.” Eben declared.

“Why?” Zierno looked at him.

“They look scary.”

“I’m sure they thought the exact same thing of you! They’re just hungry boys.”

“Why do their mas and pas not feed them?”

“They don’t have mothers or fathers. None of us do.”

“You don’t?” Eben queried.

Zierno shook his head. “No. Been stealing to eat for as long as I remember.”

“For them too?”

“Ever since I found them.”

“You found them all?”

Zierno laughed. “Not at once. Over time.”

“Why don’t they get their own food.”

“They don’t know how.”

“Maybe you should teach them.” Eben suggested.

“Mayhap you’re right.”

---

Twelve Years Later

“Zierno! It’s not out here. I’m telling you! Do you know how many people have actually seen the thing?”

No one will now! Zierno turned his green gaze over his shoulder.

“No, Edward. Tell me.” He invited dryly. “Perhaps speak a little louder this time to make certain the beast is good and gone.”

Edward frowned. Their voices did tend to echo through the trees.

“Have I mentioned I hate this place?” Edward shuddered.

Yes.

“Only a dozen or so times but if I was unsure, your incessant whining has convinced me.”

“You’re in a fine mood.” Edward grunted.

I can’t imagine why!

“For the love of every Holy Saint I could name, would you shut up!”

“As I said...” Edward commented.

A scathing look from Zierno, effectively silenced his yammering. Finally.

A branch snapped off a tree and a horse snorted. Edward straightened. “That her?”

Not with you yapping away like a small, annoying hound.

Zierno shook his head. “No. Dirt, sweat. Likely thieves.”

Most certainly thieves. Likely summoned by the shrill note in your damnable voice.

“Grand.” Edward proclaimed with an exaggerated gesture. “Just what my day was missing!”

Would Eben really mind if I cut his throat? He couldn’t help wondering. Probably, yes.

Zierno’s lip curled as he looked back at the other man. “Never again will I take you on an ‘adventure’ because you are Eben’s friend.” He vowed.

“I’m yours too.” Edward defended.

You used to be. Until I realized what a nuisance you are beyond the castle walls. It’s been an excruciating few days.

Nearly an eternity, really.

“In the castle walls. On occasional days.” Zierno scanned the trees then murmured. “Which today is not one of.”

Another horse huffed and Zierno gestured for the many armed guards to move back. A swing of his hand and they encircled the mounted noble.

Protecting Edward so Eben doesn’t have my head removed.

Hopping down the three Kurdikus brothers, rugged men marked with numerous scars, walked forward to flank Zierno as he slid from his black. A big stallion he called Heretic.

“Your bodyguards?” Edward mocked.

Zierno shot him another dark glower. More like brothers.

Six brawny men on horseback rode through the trees. Upon entering the clearing, they saw Zierno’s bored expression first.

Tall and slender Zierno wore plain black leather pants, black boots, and a sleeveless tunic. Resembling any other commoner, but the silver studded sheaths at his waist and hip looked tempting to the thieves.

However, the three warriors in-front of him didn’t appear particularly accommodating.

The short, stout man with the heavy beard was obviously the leader of the thieves. He watched Zierno assessingly. The others eyed Zierno and Edward’s garb greedily.

But not this one. He’s shrewd.

When he only stared at them, one thief prompted him. “Demitri?”

The leader turned to the rest. “Get Sirus.” Another nodded and rode back into the trees.

Sirus? What’s a ‘Sirus’? Zierno groaned inwardly. Riding back for someone meant they had a camp close.

Edward was perceptive enough to shoot him a worried look.

Don’t start whining again. Zierno willed.