After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] (34 page)

This time he charged full force at Shyanne and swung his sword in an upward motion. Joseph spun around to help her, but she did not need it. She stepped to one side, her sword out of its sheath in one fluid motion. The move was so sudden and so unexpected that the young man did not have time to react. He barreled past her. The exposed blade sliced into his side. She had purposefully held the weapon low to avoid hitting any vital organs.

His forward momentum carried him past her. He landed on the ground, a look of shock planted on his face. Shyanne gripped her blade with both hands. She held it ready in case the wounded man decided he hadn't had enough, or one of his fellow hagglers tried something.

Joseph moved to her side, casually holding his pack over his shoulder. “I told you to reconsider messing with us. Now look at what happened."

"What's this ‘us’ thing you're talking about. What ‘us'? I did all the work. All you did was stand there,” Shyanne retorted. She put her sword away and faced him, her hands resting in her hips in indignation.

The other two watched the strangers banter back and forth, mouths hanging open. Their leader lay on the ground, hugging his side, groaning with pain. A small puddle of blood spread beneath him, but it wasn't enough to cause great concern. They moved quickly to his side and helped him to his feet. The wounded man groaned even louder. He leaned heavily on their shoulders as they walked away from the still arguing couple. Every few steps one glanced back to make sure their exit went unnoticed.

"I was going to help you, but you ended all the fun before I could even draw my sword,” Joseph snapped.

"That's because you were too..."

Shyanne stopped and looked around. The three hooligans were gone. The rest of the crowd watched them with keen interest. Their faces told her that the first fight had been a complete washout, but that maybe this one would pan out better.

She broke into gut-splitting laughter. Joseph looked around, then joined her. After wiping the tears from their eyes and putting away their swords, they started down the road toward the inn, an arm around each other as they walked.

"Did you see their faces? They were priceless,” Shyanne managed to get out between giggles.

"Honey, that's why I love you, you always see the humor in everything. It keeps life fresh. I know we haven't known each other long, but it feels like many years of wonderful bliss."

"You sweet talking devil, you.” She reached up and kissed him before turning her attention back to the task at hand. “I wonder where that inn is. I'm starved and tired and I want to catch up on some sleep before Drayco gets here."

As if appearing magically just by discussing it, the inn stood in front of them. The old man had been correct in his description. It was the only business on the street that looked like someone cared. Joseph and Shyanne made their way up the step and into the main lobby. The check in counter across the room was vacant. A door to the left had wonderful smells wafting from it. They moved closer to check out what lay beyond.

"This must be the restaurant Crusty talked about. I hope the food is as good as it smells,” Joseph said with a note of hopefulness in his voice.

"Just like a man, always thinking with his stomach."

They looked in the doorway. Tables were throughout the room, and booths lined the outer edges. The pair made their way to one of them. After they plopped onto the benches, weary from the long travel and morning events, an older woman with gray speckled hair walked up to the table. She informed them of what was available from the kitchen. The days of hand held menus, with a large selection to choose from, were long gone, thanks to the virus.

When they placed their orders and the woman was gone, Joseph leaned against the back wall. He stretched his legs out under the table and extended his arms to either side, resting them on the ledge behind him. A huge yawn followed the stretch.

"Boy, am I beat. I hope the food gets here soon. I don't know how much longer I can stay awake."

"I know what you mean. I'm so tired I'm almost tempted to get the room now instead of eating.” Shyanne leaned back, assuming the same relaxed position as Joseph.

"No way, woman. My stomach would never forgive me if I did that to it. It's been begging for some real food for awhile now.” He paused as an aggrieved look flashed across his face. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and gazed at the back wall, but didn't really seem to see it.

Shyanne leaned forward and cupped his hands with hers. “I wish I could have met her. She must have been some kind of woman, your mom."

"You're a lot like her ... stubborn, pigheaded, thoughtful, kind. I guess that's why I'm drawn to you like I am. Yet, you're also your own unique person, and I love that part, as well.” He raised his eyes to hers. “Shyanne, my love, when this is over, I want to be with you forever, to have you as my wife.” He bent over and planted a long and enduring kiss on her lips, which she returned passionately. They broke apart, blushing, when the older woman returned with their food and beverages.

Silence, except for the occasional groan of pleasure due to the wonderful flavors of the food, filled the booth during the meal. Other people came in for a morning meal. None paid any attention to the two sitting off to the side.

When the food was devoured and the hot cider all but gone, they both leaned back. Joseph rubbed his stomach. “Boy, that was a great meal. I am definitely ready for that bed now.” His eyes were heavy with sleep. He yawned again.

"I can't remember the last time I had something so fabulous,” Shyanne murmured. A yawn followed her statement, as well.

The old woman returned to pick up the dirty dishes and the payment. Joseph handed her an extra gold coin as a tip for her services.

"Thank you, fine sir. Come again, come again,” she said as the coin disappeared into a pocket. She smiled and left to attend to the other patrons in the room.

Joseph stood. He helped Shyanne to her feet, then moved to the door that lead into the main lobby. The packs they carried felt like stones filled them instead of clothing and trail items. Both had the same thought; the sooner we put these heavy things down the better. The fatigue, which engulfed their bodies and minds, caused them to move slowly.

As they entered the lobby, a thin, proper-looking man stood behind the counter. His clothes were fancy, reminding Shyanne of an old-time bank teller from the western movies she had seen as a child. His just beyond shoulder length brown hair was slicked back into a neat ponytail.

The man glanced up from his stack of papers when they approached. “Can I be of service?"

"We need a room,” Joseph replied. “We may need it for more than a day. Will that be a problem?"

"No, sir, no problem at all. Have you traveled far?"

"Not far, only from the next town over."

The two had agreed earlier to give false information if questioned. They wanted to play it safe.

"That would be Radnor. It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't care to live there. Rough people, you know. My name is Louis. I'll be the one showing you to your room, or will it be rooms?"

"Just one room. We're married.” Joseph hugged Shyanne close during the conversation. She smiled at Louis and nodded her head in agreement.

Louis smiled back. He opened the registry book located next to the stack of papers. Shyanne leaned over and looked with him. She wanted to see if the names of her brother or Ruben were listed. They weren't. To her, that could be either a good thing, or a bad thing. She hoped it was the foremost. If they had chosen the wrong path and the mercenaries went another way, who knows what shape Drayco would be in, or how long it would take to find him.

"Excuse me, but has a man named Ruben been here recently?” Shyanne asked.

Louis looked up from the book. “I haven't seen Ruben in a few weeks. Why do you ask?"

"We're friends of his. We haven't seen him in awhile either and knew he stayed here sometimes. Just wanted to give our greetings."

"Ah, well, when I see him again, who should I say was asking?"

"Kitchens. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchens,” Joseph answered.

"Very good. When Mr. Ruben returns, I will pass the message along."

Louis looked at the ledger again as if he was looking for a room. In actuality, it had already been chosen. He ran his finger down the page and stopped at a number. “Ah, here's a good one. Room 130. That room is available and quiet. I assume you'll want to rest without being disturbed?” He tilted his head up and lifted an eyebrow in inquiry.

"Definitely,” Joseph sighed.

Shyanne looked at him wearily. “Yes, please, we definitely need to rest."

"I'll just get the key then.” Louis reached under the counter. He pushed a button located near the side wall before grabbing the room key. With a wave of his hand, he indicated for the tired couple to accompany him. They shifted the weight of their packs and followed.

They passed other rooms as they made their way down the seemingly endless hallway. No sounds came from any of them.

"What about these other rooms? Is anyone else staying in them?” Joseph asked.

"I'm afraid not, sir. They are shut down for renovation. We're putting down new floor coverings to keep the cold out during wintertime. Only a couple of rooms near the entrance are in use. You came at an awkward but convenient time. We're not that busy yet."

"At least you have something available for us. We appreciate that,” Shyanne said.

When they reached their destination, room 130, it seemed odd to Joseph that there was not a window or another patron room nearby. The only rooms located around this one appeared to be a storage room and a cleaning room. He had a bad feeling, but was too tired to think about it.

"Here we are.” Louis halted in front of the door. He started to reach toward the lock with the key and stopped. He turned toward the waiting couple. “I hope these accommodations will be adequate. This is the best room in the inn for what you are wanting."

"I'm sure it will be fine,” Shyanne responded. She felt like she was already asleep, only in an upright position.

"Good. Then let me show you in."

The key went into the lock. With a twist of the wrist, it unlatched. Louis stood back as he pushed the door open wide enough for them to enter.

Shyanne entered first, followed closely by Joseph. The area inside was dark except for the light shining in from the hall. She stopped a couple of feet inside until her eyes adjusted to the darkness. When they did, she drew in a sharp intake of breath. On the bed, in the partial shadows, lay her brother and her companion, Drizzle.

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A gasp escaped Shyanne when she realized who was lying on the bed. Joseph could not see who was there yet.

"Shyanne, what is it?"

"It's Drayco ... and Drizzle!"

"What? They're here? I thought they hadn't arrived yet."

Before either could recover from the shock, the door across the hall opened. Ruben leapt out and hit Joseph hard on the back of his head. The blow caused him to crumple to the floor, stunned. Ruben grabbed Shyanne before she could react. A hand swung up and backhanded her across the face. She spun around, slammed into the wall, and fell to the floor, unconscious.

The big man bent over and picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder with ease. On his way out, he kicked Joseph in his abdomen, knocking the wind out of him, and to make sure the downed man could not follow too quickly. Joseph lay there, curled in a ball, moaning, trying to get his breath back, when Ruben shut the door. The departing laughter echoed long after the man from hell disappeared, taking Shyanne with him.

Drayco squirmed frantically, trying to cut his bonds with the big cat's claws. He was able to do so, but only after receiving several gashes in the process. He sat up quickly and removed the gag. The rope holding his legs followed. In an instant, he swung the door open and darted into the hall. It was empty. Ruben and his sister were nowhere in sight.

"Damn!"

He hurried back to Joseph. “Are you okay?"

"Yeah...” Joseph managed to gasp. “Where's Shyanne?” His breath was finally returning after the brutal kick. He sat up and leaned back against the wall, his knees bent to relieve the tension to his tender abdominal area.

"I don't know. The hall was empty by the time I got to it.” Drayco stood. “Stay here, I'll be right back.” He returned to Drizzle and removed the ropes that bound the cat's mouth and extremities.

"Good to see you again, old friend."

"And you.” He stretched his legs to loosen them from the long period of restraints. “It feels good to finally be free."

"Are you able to move?” Drayco sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing the animal's extremities to better help circulation flow through them again. “Can you help us track Shyanne?"

The cat shrugged the man's hands off. He tried to get up, but his legs gave out. He flopped down on the mattress.

"I'm afraid it will be a minute or two before I can do that,” Drizzle said.

He struggled to stand several more times before he finally succeeded. Drayco watched. He knew better than to help the big cat. Drizzle was just as independent as he was.

"Who did this? I didn't see who it was before I was hit,” Joseph asked as he stood up gingerly. Only one word was uttered. It was said with such hatred that he paused to look at the dark man.

"Ruben."

Drizzle curled his lip at the sound of the name. A low grumbling emitted from his throat. “I'll make him pay for what he has done."

"First,” Drayco reminded the cat, “you and I need to replenish ourselves. Neither of us will be of any use right now in the shape we're in.” When the cat started to say something, Drayco added, “Ruben won't have gone far with Shyanne. With your nose, we will find him quickly."

"What can I do to help?” Joseph asked.

"Find that Louis fellow. He may be able to give us some information that could be useful."

"We wouldn't be lucky enough for him to be at the front desk. That would be too easy.” He made his way to the door. “I'll go see what I can find out. You two stay here and conserve your strength."