The Mark of Thorn: Book of Scars

Chapter Six

Beneath the shadows of the moss-laden trees, a short distance from the southern settlement of Port Nigel, the three convicts moved along their path to freedom beyond the woods. Thankfully, the land was not more swamp-like than it was, but the ground was soft and easily persuaded to be slick by just a little rain. The air was cool after the downpour; otherwise, it would have been hot and unpleasant for them in their coats. The blind man, the demi-human, and the strong man moved onward with measured steps. So far, their escape had not been thwarted by man or monster, and it was only a prayer that it would remain that way.

"Hendrik, if you need to light a torch for your feeble human eyes to see in the dark, do feel free," Diego purred in the spirit of mischief.

"Your head would make a good lantern hull. And your tail a good wick," the other man growled, clearly meaning his taunt in the utmost seriousness, and furthermore, hoping to make good on it.

Gabriel could hear the direction that the voices came from, noting that Hendrik was traveling beside them, but several paces to their left. It amused the scarred man that Hendrik did not wish to be associated with them even though they were all on the run as fugitives through a dark, monster-infested woods where no one was around to observe their social placement.

"Now, now," Diego went on, refusing to be shut up by this hostility. "We have to be friendly together, no? You may even come to realize that it is foolish to dislike such a debonair associate!"

To this, Hendrik made no reply, and Gabriel assumed that Diego had gotten what he'd wanted, which was to have the last word. Gabriel knew what Diego was playing at. The demi-human considered himself immune at this moment to whatever trouble might be headed his way, and so he was amusing himself by toying with the larger, potentially dangerous man. But, thinking on it, what more could one expect from a cat that had a mouse?

The blind man wasn't sure why the demi-human had still not insisted to know why Hendrik had been following him. There was certainly plenty of time to ask now. After they'd gotten a bit further into the trees, they had stopped their running pace to preserve energy, and Gabriel had continued to trail behind the sound of Diego's boots over the wet leaves. Gabriel had nearly brought up the matter of the stalking once again—just as he'd done within the jail—but the scarred youth had decided then that it was truly none of his business.

Shortly, as he paid attention to the uneven footsteps before him, Gabriel considered what he knew about those with him. He could not discern anything of their physical appearances beyond knowing that Hendrik was very tall and broad, and that the feline demi-human, Diego, was decidedly short. As far as what else he could tell...

Hendrik was not very well-educated as far as proper language and etiquette, but he seemed clever in his own right. There was a certain good sense about him, though also something very sinister and perhaps even sadistic. He was arrogant and seemingly a bit hot-tempered—especially when it came to Diego, though he hardly seemed to know the feline personally. The man was stronger than nearly anyone that Gabriel had ever crossed, save perhaps a demi-human ox. Hendrik seemed, also, to hate demi-humans with a deep passion, which was only the simplest reason that he might dislike Diego.

Diego the demi-human was a thief, admittedly, which was a point against him. Apparently though, he had a moral center and judged carefully by his conscience before he crossed lines. Whether or not he had been formally educated, Gabriel did not know, but somehow the feline had obtained a general knowledge of things. He was careful to present himself in the most appealing way, and it seemed to work, for it wasn't difficult to like him. He was vain, perhaps, and cared very much for personal gain, but he was a friendly sort. He seemed to value life highly, which was something that Gabriel had to respect about him. He hardly knew Diego at all, but Gabriel had to admit he trusted him—for now.