Dragon Blade [Book 2]

Chapter 8

A/N: Please note that this was barely edited. When I posted, it was my birthday and wanted to post before I had left to celebrate. 

Chapter 8

The sun had fallen past the horizon, its rays barely shining across the sky by the time they headed out the door. It would be dark soon, a perfect time for them to move about undetected. She stepped out of the home and was swiftly met with a light breath of wind. A chill crept up her spine as she tugged her sleeves down and wrapped her arms around her body for warmth.

Turning back, she saw Thrall battling the cold, trying his hardest to brave the harsh conditions. His blanket was no match for the temperature outside, his hands shivering as he pretended to be all right. She knew better. How long would he go on like that if she hadn't noticed? Long enough to freeze.

She reached out towards him, palms up. "I need the blanket." He was confused, but returned the cloth willingly. "Go back inside, I'll be right back."

"But-"

Leiv understood his worry, but needed him to stay put while she gathered clothes for him. "You cannot bear the winter cold with those rags. I need to find you something warmer, and something that will help you blend in more easily." He didn't move. "I promise, I will be right back."

He didn't like the plan, and would have rather went with her, but he simply nodded and retreated back into the house, an uneasy look crossing his face. As bad as she felt leaving him in such a vulnerable state, it was more important for her to find suitable clothing.

Behind the house, both soldiers were still fast asleep; neither of them having moved an inch. She had used enough sleeping powder on both the soldiers and Talen to knock out an army. Though the young soldier's clothes would be a loose fit on Thrall, it would have to do. Thrall wasn't the greatest receiver of gifts, but she hoped this time, it would go much smoother. After taking the soldier's uniform, she wrapped the blanket around the young man, then moved him closer to Bramor so their combined body heat would keep them warm. She began walking away, but turned back and grabbed one last thing before returning.

"Thrall," Leiv called as she entered the home.

He came out from behind one of the remaining wooden pillars and approached her, slowly. "You came back." Surprise stained his voice. It had only been a few minutes, but it seemed he genuinely didn't expect her to return.

"I gave you my word." She walked to him. "Here," she said, handing him the soldier's clothes, "change into those, they'll keep you warm."

He eyed the bundle, picking them up one garment at a time and inspected them. Thrall rubbed his hands all over the material, letting it run over his skin. The look on his face said more than words ever could. Had he ever had any other material besides the torn rags he had on?

She walked back outside to give him privacy. The sun had disappeared, and only a faint strip of light remained. Darkness would soon blanket the compound, and they would use that time to sneak into the ward. It was certainly a large structure, looking to be up to two stories. Nothing about this would be simple. With guards and soldiers littering the entire area, it would not only be dangerous, but stupid to enter that place with just two people, once of which had never been trained in combat.

There was no other choice.

Looking back inside the dark house, she wondered if she should go in and help Thrall with his clothes. She wasn't even sure if he knew how to lace the top vest on his own. Before she could take a step, Thrall emerged, fully dressed. His top vest was tied perfectly, and somehow, he managed to secure his trousers regardless of how large they were.