The Outlaw
Matthew Ryan Fischer
Brother Janus carried a pouch full of religious artifacts. The Outlaw
carried multiple pistols on her person. They met north of the village near the farmlands.
“You’re late. Were you followed?” asked The Outlaw.
Janus explained that escaping the monastery had proved harder than
expected. He brought the artifacts, but had crossed paths with the coachman earlier
in the evening and they two had fought near the mill.
“We have to move. No telling where he is.”
The Outlaw led the way. They headed towards the wealthy manors
just outside the village. They approached a dimly lit home, when Dr. Manning emerged
from the shadows.
“You were to come alone,” he chided.
“Janus is on our side.”
Dr. Manning gave her a key.
“This will open every door in the house.”
“What about the lord and lady?”
“Ill. They won’t bother you.”
“You poison them?”
“What kind of doctor do you think I am?” he asked, wistfully, his
lips pursed tight.
“That’s why I asked.”
He was silent for a moment. Perhaps considering a lie, she wondered.
“Not I, he answered. But I made sure they won’t recover tonight.
You’ll be able to search in peace.”
The Outlaw took the key and nodded. Dr. Manning slipped back into
the shadows and Janus followed the Outlaw towards a back servant entrance.
She unlocked the door and entered. Janus followed, placed his hand
on the wall for balance, then recoiled in surprise.
“What is it?” she asked.
“The walls are wet…”
She touched the wall.
“Water?” asked Janus.
“Blood.”
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