Randall and Lasinius had no idea that the Delphines had been reunited. They had travelled all through the night without stop. They had seen nothing of Raptu and at this stage of their journey, started to realise that they may not do so. They were half way up the hill toward Randall’s cave. Still no sign!
Randall entered the cave that was his home. He looked around him, as he collected his possessions that were scattered around him. The cave had two areas. There was the one that he used to use to sleep in. The other was where he would sit to watch over the Village. There were much smaller caverns behind, but just ones he used for storage as he was too large to reach inside them to get any further. He looked around for those things he would want to take with him.
They only travel in dark as fear of been seen. Now they would nap a while before returning to the Pangolls on the same route in hope that they would find Raptu. Randall gave a deep sigh as there was still no sign of his friend. His reminders of the home he had had for many moons. Then as the sun rose, himself and Larimar were bedded down to be refreshed for the journey back.
Randall couldn’t settle. His thoughts of Raptu now as his eyes shut for sleep were unsettling. He remembered of the night where he saved Raptu and his sister Mini from the town that flamed, and knew that the exact same must have happened in the Townlanders nights before. There must so many lonely souls out there. He knew that children and parents were at a loss without their loved ones.
Snap!
Randall heard the breaking of a trees twig outside the cave as though in his sleep. Then he heard whispering and muttering outside the cave, but tired after his journey he was slowly drifting off into a dream...
For Larimar this was different he was always on guard. It was his nature. One eye and ear always open. He slowly reached for his sword. Not wanting to make a sound. With the other hand he reached for his dagger as Randall was slowly led to his path of dreams. Larimar tapped him gently on the head with his dagger. They had to be careful as it could very easily be someone they could befriend.
Randall stirred but to no wake. Larimar then tapped harder on his head. Randall blinked and then as he realised Larimar’s urgency also reached for his sword and dagger slowly. They rose slowly from their sleep and prepared themselves. Now onto their feet they slowly made their way toward the cave entrance. They heard the voices of men. They had yet to be aware of who these people were, so they were to remain vigilant. As they peered round the corner of the cave, they realized these were not of the good. They lunged out toward the entrance as they saw four or five men swords raised coming at them in the haze of the morning light.
Then the next minute all that had to be remembered was the clashing of sword as the two friends defended for their belief in peace. Randall and Larimar fighting back to back to protect one another. The swords clashed around them as they threw all their aggression behind every throw toward their enemy. These people didn’t want peace. They were here to rid everyone of this world who did not meet to their ruling.
Randall threw his sword wide overhead, and as he did struck with his dagger. As he did he heard a moan of this man turned to yet another, as they kept coming toward him.
Larimar was at a flatter part of the cave entrance. The men found it easier to get to him, and as he lunged toward him he felt the pain and burning on his left side. He went to strike toward the dark shadow of a man. The burning filling his side, where under his arm had taken a deep slash, of which he tried to ignore. He threw with his dagger hand and felt the thud of someone hit the floor beneath hits feet. He knew Randall was still behind him. He could feel his presence near. But the light and energy was growing dim in his eyes. The sun started to peer through the trees toward the cave. Larimar saw the hate upon this Townlanders face and as he felt the weakness of his hurt. His eyes closed as he shouted Randall’s name out loud. He fell to his knees as Randall turned around and slashed out at the other that was facing Larimar. The one that was facing him only moments earlier, he pierced with his dagger and he also fell.
He then fiercely looked upon the one that had downed Larimar in rage within himself that he thought he had forgotten. His beloved friend that had only wanted peace had taken a fall. Larimar was the stronger of the two. As Randall was realising this, his faith started to plummet only to be taken over by anger he lunged out with his sword. And then………….
Silence!