Knockout

---- The Bramble Wood, Very Near Jocelynn's Inn, Early Morning, 1 DSTR ----

The taste and the feeling of the warm blood pouring down his throat made Gareth completely lose focus from his surroundings. It was as if nothing around him mattered anymore. It was the best feeling in the world.

Suddenly this blissful moment was abruptly ended and the reality of what was happening around him started to return. Having heard something coming up from behind, Gareth let go of the drained soldier and turned to see what it was. He had barely turned before he was struck by the flat side of sword. The shock and the force of the swing almost knocked him out and he fell to his knees as his legs collapsed beneath him.

He looked up to get a sight of his attacker. It was a green-haired young man, his eyes full of anger as he looked at him, a look that brought back frightening memories. The soldiers gaze reminded of many of the slavers he had been owned by and was always followed by whatever punishment they thought suiting. This reminder made all the thought of blood and hunting disappear in a split-second and replaced it all with pure horror.

He had no wish to fight this man, but simply to get as faraway from him as possible. Unfortunately, Gareth had now hesitated a moment too long and before he could manage to get back up on his feet he was struck by the man’s second attack. Bolts of lightning, emitted from the mans hands, coursed through his entire body. The pain was so intense, and it was impossible to escape. With a painful groan Gareth collapsed on the ground, his body twisting uncontrollably. Before long the pain became too much, and his sight started to fade.

When he woke up again the pain had ceased, and the green-haired man seemed to have left. Slowly he stood up and took a look at his surroundings. It was all a lit blurry at first, but soon became clear and his memory of the events returned. His first thought was that he had to get away from here as soon as possible, but then he thought of Ceriden. He couldn’t leave him just like that.

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He caught sight of him and slowly approached him, keeping his head down in shame. There was no doubt that Ceriden would be mad at him this time. It didn’t even matter if these soldiers had been friends or foes, in either case he hadn’t been able to handle the situation correctly, had lost control and endangered the both of them.

When he was just a few meters away from Ceriden he suddenly caught sight of what, or rather who, Ceriden was looking at. It was the green-haired man again. Supressing his desire to flee Gareth held his ground, ready to try and help out Ceriden should it be needed, not wanting to let him down once more.