After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] (29 page)

The rest of the party was asleep except for the one standing guard. Ruben lay next to Drayco, his back facing him. As he watched, the big man rose to his feet and went to the lone individual.

"Get some sleep. I'll take over from here.” Paul murmured his thanks and moved toward the other sleeping forms.

After watching Paul lie down and roll into his blanket, Ruben returned to Drayco. He squatted next to him and whispered, “Let's walk."

He cut the bonds securing Drayco's legs, but left the ones on his wrists intact. Ruben supported him while he walked several yards from the main group before stopping. Drayco was still weak from his experience and nearly went down as his legs gave out. Ruben grabbed him, preventing it from happening. He set the dark man down carefully before sitting across from him.

The wind coming from the open plains had a bite of cool air to it. Fall was just around the corner. The leaves of the surrounding trees would change colors before long, and winter would arrive shortly thereafter, covering everything with a snow-white blanket. Travel would slow down considerably once that happened.

Ruben glanced sideways at Drayco, “What is it about you and the girl that the Boss wants?"

Drayco stared into the night, refusing to talk.

"I wanted to let you know how much I admire your courage and devotion to your friend.” He pointed at the big cat with a long piece of field grass. “Most people, including the ones I travel with, would not have been able to take what I gave you without breaking down. And they would not even consider doing it for a humecat."

Drayco wondered why the one person in this entire post virus world he intensely hated was telling him this.

"I'm talking to you like this because I wanted to let you know it's nothing personal. I've been paid to do a job, and I do it, regardless of who it involves. If the circumstances were different, we could be friends. I just wanted to let you know that."

Drayco could hear the sincerity in Ruben's voice, but knew better than to trust him. The man was a paid killer and he could probably talk an old miser into giving him gold just because he asked for it.

"Well, I just wanted to let you know.” The big man sighed. “What I'm curious about is what the Boss wants from you? Can you tell me that much?"

The dark twin considered not answering; he decided there was no harm in doing so. “I don't know what the Boss wants.” He shrugged his shoulders. The movement brought on a wave of pain, causing him to wince.

Ruben saw the facial expression. “Sorry about that, had to do my job. If I let you get away with whatever you wanted, I'd lose face.” He gave Drayco a half smile. Assuming a thoughtful pose, he continued. “What is it that the Boss wants? Do you have special powers? Are you a demon? What?"

"I don't know.” Drayco's thoughts raced. What was so special about him and his sister? He and Shyanne were nothing. They didn't have money or power, so what was it that made the Boss want them so badly?

"Oh well. Thought I'd ask. Just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. We'll reach Grandfield by noon. Then you'll be in the hands of the Boss.” Ruben shrugged his own shoulders in the same fashion Drayco had and got up.

"Have to take you back and tie you up again. Can't have you running off on me. Big money involved here.” He winked at Drayco, grabbed the back of his shirt, and lifted him off the ground with one arm as if he was a feather.

The shirt pressed hard into the bandaged areas covering his neck and upper chest. Drayco gasped with pain. Ruben's smile broadened. A hint of the evil hidden inside showed itself in the twinkle of his eyes. Ruben held the shirt tight for a little longer than necessary before letting it relax. Drayco's legs felt like rubber. They wanted to buckle out from under him, but he concentrated on keeping upright and they held. The pain subsided as the shirt relaxed. He let out the breath he had been holding.

Ruben thumped him on the back. “Glad we had this chat. I wish it would have been more informative, but ... oh well."

The pat on the back did him in; he fell to his knees. Pain rippled through his body once more. The mercenary leader picked him up by his shirt and dragged him to where he had laid prior to their chat. He threw the dark man to the ground. Drayco landed on his left side, the wind knocked out of him. Ruben bent over to inspect the bandages. After making sure no fresh blood showed, he secured his legs.

"You should have talked to me. I could have helped you. Now you'll have to deal with the Boss, and he's not going to be as nice. I've seen his work. By the time he's done with you, you'll wish you had chatted with me instead."

Ruben stood and looked down at the gasping prisoner, a stern look on his face. A moment later, he threw his hands in the air. “Maybe it was for the better.” He walked away, shaking his head as he went. “Who knows what I would have done with the information anyway."

Drayco lay there, wishing the pain would go away so he could think about what Ruben said, but it continued to make his life a living hell long into the night.

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The sky overhead was overcast as they drew near the town of Grandfield. The clouds were fat and gray, floating slowly to the east. No rain fell yet. Ruben was in the lead, Drayco's animal close behind him.

They did not bother to tie his limbs together. It would have been too conspicuous, and would bring unwanted questions to the group. In his present state, Drayco would not have been able to do much anyway. His right arm was strapped against his body again to prevent the wound to his neck and chest from opening, and all his strength was being used to keep himself upright in the saddle. The cut Ruben had put on his face was scabbed over and itched.

"Finally! We're home!” Sheena waved her arms over her head. A huge grin covered her face.

"I can't wait to get to the bar for a drink,” Paul said. “And the company of a fine woman.” He glanced at Sheena as he spoke. She turned a deep crimson.

Andrew glared at Paul. He stated,” Back off, man, she's mine."

The two men made a move for their weapons simultaneously. Laughter broke out and they released their grip on their swords. Sheena moved her horse next to Andrew. She leaned over to give him a kiss. He turned his head away, then turned back quickly, giving her the kiss she sought before she could become offended. They had apparently played this game before because everyone groaned and rolled their eyes while the two would-be lovers acted out their parts.

Ruben looked back with a half-cocked grin on his face. “You two need to get a room or something. Take out your frustrations on each other in the sack. We're sick of seeing it."

The other mercenaries murmured agreement with his statement. Sheena and Andrew scoffed at everyone. They leaned over and kissed again.

Drayco looked back at a horse behind the main group. It had a blanket draped over its back, covering its precious cargo. The cover shifted occasionally. Unlike Drayco, Drizzle had his extremities tied. Ruben did not want the cat to escape before he could put his plans into action.

The group of mercenaries rode down the dusty road toward town. Bits and pieces of past technology lay about, taken from the nearby ruined city. The hood of a rusted automobile was a roof for a rickety wooden shed. Drayco saw what might have been a sign from a fast food place where chicken was sold used by a merchant to advertise his goods. A couple of cages filled with live chickens sat nearby. Other signs advertised tools, household wares, and mostly ... women.

The buildings had a dull, dingy look to them; most were run down and in need of repairs. Paint was peeling off and bare wood exposed to the elements. Some of the people had haunted looks in their eyes. Others openly glared at everyone that passed.

A few of the women hollered at them. “Hey Ruben, glad to see you back! Randolf, I have something for you. When are you coming to see me? Romero, you owe me money from the last time you were here!"

Ruben knew some of the merchants liked to see this group come into town because they brought lots of gold with them. Other merchants scowled because of the trouble that usually followed when they returned, as well.

This was Grandfield's seedier part of town, his favorite section. It was a haven for murderers, thieves, and bandits, just like him. Unsuspecting people who entered for the first time usually left empty-handed after meeting one of the local bands of rowdies.

On a few occasions, rich people accompanied by mean-looking bodyguards came to hire someone for a job they needed done with stealth and quickness. These people went no farther than the inn, inquiring from the barkeep which person was best for their particular job. Gold was exchanged and information given, and all parties went away happy. Law enforcement was not a part of this post-virus world, but vengeful families could make one's life a living hell until they finally decided which way to kill you.

Grandfield was Ruben's home away from home. He did not reside here full time, but was here often enough to be known by most of the locals. His name was mentioned more often than any other as someone who could get the job done correctly. A few of the mercenaries with him were from around here. Ruben paid them well for their skills and bloodthirsty love of killing.

He led the group to the stables. A stableman came out to greet them. The clothes on his back were old and worn. He had short, brown hair peppered with gray that seemed to have a mind of its own, going whatever direction it wanted regardless of what he did to it. His skin was wrinkled and looked as tough as leather due to too much exposure to the hot, glaring sun. He squinted when he looked up, even though the sun was not shining in his eyes. Drayco knew right away that the man was unable to see much.

"Who's there, and what can I do for you?” he asked while reaching out ahead of him with his hand. He held a long stick in the other.

"Old man, I have returned from a long journey and want the usual locations for my horses,” a deep, raspy voice replied.

"Ruben! You crazy hoot, I'd know that voice anywhere, no matter how much you try to disguise it."

"I should have known better than to try to pull one over on you, Crusty."

The old man grinned and Drayco could see why he had been given the name. His teeth, what was left of them, were black and crusty, as was his skin with several layers of dirt.

The party got off their horses; Drayco was left on his. Ruben indicated for Paul to lead the injured man to the stalls reserved for them. “I have an errand to see to. I'll be back in about ten minutes. Take care of him until I return."

As they passed the old man, Drayco had to hold his breath to keep from gagging. The stench reminded him of meat that had been left to spoil in the trashcans during the hot summer months when he forgot to take it down for pickup a long time ago. He exhaled only after they had entered the dark, hay-smelling building.

"Pretty rank, isn't he? For as long as I've been riding with Ruben, he's always stunk like that.” Paul put two fingers to his nose and squeezed it shut. He released it with a grin. “But he sure can take care of the horses."

Drayco agreed on the stench part, but kept his mouth shut. He did not feel like talking at the moment. His wounds ached and he was exhausted from the abuse he had received from these people.

"You sure are a quiet one, aren't you, mystery man? Don't see what all the fuss is about. Oh well, a job is a job.” He shrugged his shoulders and led the animal into the back of a stall, then exited. He made no attempt to help the injured man down.

Drayco clenched his teeth and moved to get off the horse. A wave of pain and nausea shot through him. He felt the color drain from his face even more than it already had and sweat broke out on his forehead. With his right arm incapacitated, it was a difficult maneuver, but he finally made it down. He held on to the saddle horn until he knew he was not going to collapse. The pain slowly reduced. Ruben strolled up behind him and slapped him on the back, close to the right shoulder, causing the pain to intensify once more. Drayco shot the big man a look filled with intense hatred.

"How are you doing now that you're on solid ground? Oh, did that hurt? My goodness, I forgot about that nasty cut, didn't I?” He gripped Drayco's right shoulder and squeezed. “I just wanted to remind you not to try anything while we're at the Inn. I'm expecting company and I don't want you to spoil the night.” He gave Drayco a smile and relaxed his grip. The smile contained nothing akin to warmth in it. The big man squeezed the shoulder several more times, causing Drayco to take it a sharp breath. “Let's get ready, shall we?” He steered the prisoner toward the exit.

The rest of the group was already waiting outside after making sure their horses were taken care of. They were discussing what they planned to do next.

"I'm going to get me a drink of cold ale and a soft bed to sleep in,” Paul said.

Andrew had his arm over Sheena's shoulder. “I plan on doing the same thing, but I don't know how much sleep I'll get.” He winked at her. She elbowed him in the ribs.

"Shut up, you maniac!"

"You'll just have to make me, sweetie.” He grabbed her and held her against him, kissing her neck in several places.

"Will you two cut it out?” Ruben said as he exited the stables with Drayco beside him. His face was serious. It broke into a huge grin after the others quieted down, their smiles gone. “Like I said before ... take it to a room, we're sick of seeing it.” The mercenaries burst out laughing, causing the tension in the air to dissolve.

"Let's divvy up the pay for this fine job.” He pulled a large bag out from under his shirt and untied the drawstrings. The sound of many coins clinking together rang out as he walked to a small barrel located next to the building, his arm over Drayco's shoulder to keep him close. The contents were poured out and the glint of sunlight reflected off many shiny objects.

"There's enough gold for each one of you to get 20 pieces. I want you to take your share and go enjoy yourselves. When another job comes up, I'll be in contact."