423 Blessings of Air conclusion (1/2)

Shae watched from the far side of the fire, behind the brush. The man was one of the largest men she'd ever seen, his cruel eyes stared directly into the flames, something only an idiot would do.

/Ratpack: Shae: Make contact, we'll distract him if necessary.

/Ratpack: Fajii: Understood.

Fajii moved close enough to nearly touch the woman's blood-matted hair. ”Don't be alarmed; I am a friend,” Rat-Fajii whispered softly. ”If you hear me, move your fingers.”

The captive's fingers bent slightly and then straightened.

/Ratpack: Hyai: This would be where Nix would say something like, 'It's a Rat-Rescue!'.

/Ratpack: Shae: He totally would.

/Ratpack: Fajii: Agreed.

”Don't move, I'm going to have to chew through your bonds.” Fajii's black fur brushed up against the captive's arm, causing the woman to shudder. ”Don't be scared,” Rat-Fajii's voice soothed her.

She gnawed once on the wrist bonds; surprisingly, she nearly severed it with one bite. The Emperor Level Nether rat came with very sharp teeth. She sliced through the knee and ankle restraints within a few seconds.

/Ratpack: Fajii: Now what?

/Ratpack: Shae: Her feet and legs will be numb, we'll give her a few minutes, but she's going to have to run while we distract him.

Fajii moved back up to the woman's head. ”Don't move yet; let the blood flow back into your limbs.

*******************Author Reminder*******

*******************************************

Jala stared into the flames, the light danced on his broad flat features. He sat bare-chested, his scarred torso bronzed from countless hours in the sun. The Red Lion exile waited patiently; maybe tomorrow would be the day. He planned to sneak into camp and slay his father while he slept; however, the Fire Lion Clan leader left camp unexpectedly, spoiling his son's plans. While retracing his steps, Jala had run into the serving girl filling water pots. Seeing the woman who constantly refused his advances caused him to deviate from the plan and take her.

Beating her had felt good. After he killed his father and took over leadership, she would become his woman, until he tired of her.

”F*CKING RATS!” He chased after them, his sword swinging wildly. A sharp bite on the back of his heel caused him to scream in pain as the second group of rats attacked him from the side. Shouting loudly, he hacked through three creatures and limped after the rest when they retreated into the night.

The last group of rats attacked from the rear. Jala's rage got the better of him as he roared and sliced half of his attackers with one swing. It was then that the other two groups rushed him. Although it took a few minutes, he managed to kill all the rats, his chest heaving under the exertion. ”Why would they attack me like...” His voice trailed off as he noticed the missing girl.

Ater Fajii sent in the last of her minions; she scurried toward after the captor who was struggling to run. Rat-Fajii managed to catch her reasonably quickly and assumed control of her escape. ”Follow me; we'll head to the river. Can you swim?”

”Y-Yes,” the fleeing captive whispered.

Fajii entered the river where the ground was hardest. She swam downstream, staying in the middle, her rat body was surprisingly fast in the water.

/Ratpack: Shae: Stay in the water, we'll follow him and make sure he doesn't pick up the trail.

/Ratpack: Fajii: Okay.

/Ratpack: Hyai: I've picked up more rats.

After another hour, the Ratpack reached their destination. It took two more Rat attacks to spook Jala to the point where he didn't dare leave his fire. By that time, they were approaching their deadline.

/Ratpack: Hyai: Well... we didn't scout the camp, but I can't say I'm not happy about it.

/Ratpack: Fajii: Nix will open up the breach before he heads to the Gladis Hub, we only have a few minutes.

/Ratpack: Shae: Not enough to continue, we'll come back another day.

”You may go back to your camp. The man who was holding you captive is no longer chasing you.” Fajii studied the girl while she spoke, she was young, perhaps only 15 or 16.

”I-I don't want to go back. I'm only a slave.”

Shae moved closer, her red rat eyes showing interest. ”This isn't your Clan?”

The girl shook her head slowly. ”I was taken in a raid three years ago. I'm part of the Desert Fox Clan.”

/Ratpack: Fajii: What should we do?

/Ratpack: Hyai: Take her back. She might be a good source of intel.

/Ratpack: Shae: I'm not against it, but only if she's willing.