{"id":2665,"date":"2019-06-01T07:23:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-01T12:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2665"},"modified":"2019-06-29T09:57:40","modified_gmt":"2019-06-29T14:57:40","slug":"lucky-luck-part-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2665","title":{"rendered":"Lucky Luck – Part 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 10: A Lucky Town II<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gwen and Zeltran had disabled several traps already, working out a large enough path for the escape, in case the kids tried to move in a different direction by accident.\u00a0 Several traps were well hidden, but were easily spotted from above.\u00a0 Louis never considered someone in the trees to approach the camp.<\/p>\n

They went through the path several times, and counted the guards, when they walked though, and how often.\u00a0 One flaw to Louis\u2019 defenses, the guards never checked to see if the traps were still working, only if someone had been caught in them. They were finally satisfied with the work and settled in on waiting for nightfall.<\/p>\n

Now however, it meant she had to spend time with Zeltran.\u00a0\u00a0 He had worked quietly and efficiently with her, and looking over at him, he merely looked on comfortably watching the camp and its activity.\u00a0 She was ready to go, and he looked so relaxed.\u00a0 She looked over watching as the guard switched.\u00a0 Louis paced around the camp several times, with couriers racing to and from the camp.\u00a0 He had to be working on getting a new backer for his slaves.<\/p>\n

Three new riders came into the camp, and Gwen froze a bit, recognizing them, hoping this did not complicate things.\u00a0 With the arrival of Leo, it appeared Louis had a new backer.\u00a0 The man worked quickly in Gwen\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I never said what my fee was,\u201d Zeltran said in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what is your fee?\u2019 Gwen asked, hoping it was not something outrageous.<\/p>\n

\u201cListening to me for a couple of minutes,\u201d he said.\u00a0 It sounded like an easy request, but one that had a lot of unwanted problems.\u00a0 An uneasy feeling of why he might want to talk to her settled in her gut.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess, don\u2019t expect the answer you want though,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough, after all, you\u2019re a bounty hunter now,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, does everyone know?\u201d Gwen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, only those who pay attention, a strong woman bounty hunter suddenly pop up,\u201d Zeltran said.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t take us long to put two and two together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen fell silent as darkness fell.\u00a0 \u201cShould probably get moving,\u201d Gwen said, looking up at the moon, then over at him.\u00a0 He nodded in agreement, dropping down to the ground.\u00a0 She watched as he snuck over to the guard, quietly taking him out as Gwen kept an eye on the others.\u00a0 Dropping down she moved over to the spot where she would wait for the children.<\/p>\n

She watched as Zeltran made his way quietly towards the children\u2019s cages, amazed at how quiet he was.\u00a0 A few children were still awake, and watched him approach with fear in their eyes, and moved back with his approach.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked around the camp for anyone who might be looking in their direction.\u00a0 Most everyone appeared asleep, or by the fires not paying attention to what was going on.\u00a0 Zeltran had picked the lock and motioned the children forward, who were waking up others.\u00a0 He said something to them, motioning for them to keep quiet.\u00a0 Whatever he said, it seemed to work, as he pointed over to where Gwen waited.<\/p>\n

The first children raced across, the older ones helping out the younger ones as they quietly made their way over.\u00a0 Gwen considered herself lucky that the first cage was emptied so smoothly and they were already on the second cage.<\/p>\n

Any kid that tried to say something the others shushed them, knowing what was at stake.\u00a0 The older ones understood what was going on, and worked with them to keep the younger ones quiet.\u00a0 Zeltran made his way back with the last of the kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like we have two different villages here, Louis is getting greedy,\u201d Zeltran said, both knowing that was when you made mistakes and were caught.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeal with that once we get back,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here before they notice the empty cages, they might not have tight security, but I don\u2019t feel like pushing my luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zeltran agreed, and they moved out back to the village.\u00a0 He took the lead, while she took the rear, allowing their abilities to work best.\u00a0 He could deal with any unexpected guards, and if they went to attack, she could fight to her full ability allowing the kids to escape.\u00a0 The further they got from the camp the noisier the kids got, excited about their escape.<\/p>\n

Entering the village only a few people were awake, which quickly changed as shouts indicated reunions occurring.\u00a0 Children ran to their homes waking up their parents.\u00a0 All over the same was happening as parents came out of their house, profusely thanking her and Zeltran. They both felt uncomfortable with the praise, even as Zoe found her, wrapping an arm around her waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did good,\u201d Zoe said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess I did,\u201d Gwen said, looking at the town.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, we\u2019re not done, that camp is still there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will probably attack, Louis can be hot tempered,\u201d Zeltran said, even as a distant rumble of thunder rolled through the town causing them all to look up.\u00a0 In the distance she spotted a flash of lightning.\u00a0 \u201cWell, maybe not, Louis is nothing but predictable with weather.\u00a0 He\u2019ll wait for the storm to finish, doesn\u2019t like to work out in the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn which we can rest a bit,\u201d Gwen said, knowing they had been up for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

Gwen headed towards the inn, thinking about some things. Inside she found a few men, and a few of the kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom another town,\u201d the innkeeper said.\u00a0 \u201cHouse them here for the night and tomorrow work on getting them back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a few people stand guard, don\u2019t think Louis will do anything until after the storm, but just to make sure, don\u2019t want to be caught completely napping.\u00a0 They\u2019ll probably attack after the rain sometime,\u201d Gwen told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink we can handle that, we\u2019ve been keeping an eye out for a while now, sure several of us have no problem with this,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen blushed at the compliment, but headed off with a supportive Zoe beside her.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen relaxed in the bath, Zoe sitting between her legs.\u00a0 The smaller woman had taken the opportunity to inspect every inch of her looking for any sign of injuries.\u00a0 Gwen allowed it, knowing it meant she cared, before they settled down.\u00a0 Gwen might have protested a bit, but silently loved it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it things went well,\u201d Zoe stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, the whole way was quite smooth.\u00a0 The people at the camp acted way too relaxed for what they were doing,\u201d Gwen said, pausing to think about it.\u00a0 \u201cIt might have something to do with that latgic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think?\u201d Zoe said, pausing to look up as the rain started to come down, quite heavily.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that will help their crops this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like they are getting some luck,\u201d Gwen said, encircling Zoe with her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess so,\u201d Zoe replied, leaning back into the embrace.\u00a0 Gwen placed a kiss on the crown of the blonde hair, feeling Zoe\u2019s hands move up and down her thighs.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling frisky?\u201d Gwen asked, into the closest ear, feeling a slight shiver go through the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have been ignoring me,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIgnoring you, never, when,\u201d Gwen replied<\/p>\n

\u201cAll day today, and most of the night,\u201d Zoe replied, shifting slightly so she could look back at Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, guess I\u2019ll have to rectify that,\u201d Gwen said, slipping a hand down between Zoe\u2019s thighs, rubbing a thumb through the folds.\u00a0 She felt the legs widen to allow more access.\u00a0 Gwen suddenly stopped, standing up.\u00a0 \u201cWell, time to get out,\u201d she said, watching green eyes narrow at the turn of events.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, there is still paybacks for Setta,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll look adorable then as well,\u201d Gwen said, seeing a look of shock appear on Zoe\u2019s face at the compliment.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, it\u2019ll be more comfortable in bed than here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen did not had to say it twice as Zoe stood and dried off before they made their way back to the room.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen stretched slightly, looking over at Zeltran, who leaned back upon a post.\u00a0 The rain had stopped a short time ago, and they had worked a bit to get some defenses up in the village.\u00a0 Aside from a few people, the town appeared much more alive from when she had walked in a few days ago.\u00a0 Merchants were selling wares, people looked happy, and yet knew the ordeal was not over.<\/p>\n

A few merchant guards had joined them upon learning what might happen.\u00a0 They had six people with fighting power to defend the town, and a mage, who worked to build some defenses with his earth magic.<\/p>\n

She looked up seeing the innkeeper bringing them something to drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you, you and your friend have changed everything here,\u201d he said, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are your supplies?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cManaged to stock up a bit from a merchant who came in last night, was trading food,\u201d he replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the markets have filled up a bit,\u201d Zoe said, they watched as another group of people walked into town, heading towards the inn.\u00a0 It appeared they had been caught in the storm and the innkeeper walked over to talk to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you think Louis will attack?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Zeltran replied casually.\u00a0 \u201cHe won\u2019t back down, not his style.\u00a0 If it\u2019s all possible, he\u2019s worth more alive than dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo promises,\u201d Gwen replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Zeltran stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you still think he\u2019ll attack,\u201d the village elder said, walking up to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Zeltran said.\u00a0 \u201cHe knows you can\u2019t fight him.\u00a0 He still sees money to be made here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he have a certain way to attack cities?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, he doesn\u2019t have a predictable plan with this, usually he\u2019s fast and quick.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t do this often, so it will be different for him,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve read up on him,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Realm has a high reward for him,\u201d Zeltran said.\u00a0 \u201cMight be able to retire, been thinking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

That caught Gwen off guard.\u00a0 She never expected to hear that from him.\u00a0 He thought about retiring?\u00a0 What would he do after that?\u00a0 She started to say something when a commotions occurred as shouts of alarm were sounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that answers the question of how long we need to wait,\u201d Gwen said, turning towards Zoe.\u00a0 Head inside, and stay in the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMeanie,\u201d Zoe replied back to her, and though she stuck out her tongue, but made her way inside quickly along with the elder.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a direct frontal assault,\u201d Gwen said, heading towards the commotion along with Zeltran and the others who rushed from the merchant area.\u00a0 She spotted the mage running back.\u00a0 His magic was more for support he had told them, so he headed to the back to cover them.<\/p>\n

Gwen rushed forward through the merchants who ran past them even as she spotted the first of Louis\u2019 raiders.<\/p>\n

\u201cKill them all,\u201d she heard a voice say, looking around and finding the first attacker.\u00a0 She powered through his defenses before heading to the next one.\u00a0 He had some fighting power, but she quickly dispatched him, not wanting to take any chances.<\/p>\n

She took a look around spotting a few of the merchant guards, one slipped, but Gwen quickly tossed a star before the attacker could take advantage of the situation.\u00a0 He gathered himself back up and continued on.\u00a0 Gwen turned and faced off against two, one with fighting power the other normal.<\/p>\n

She felt the slight rumble of the earth, as she spotted a fireball impact a wall of dirt as the mages battled.\u00a0 She did not worry too much with them yet, all their mage had to do, was delay them enough.\u00a0 She went on the attack, striking down the one with fighting magic first, then the other one.<\/p>\n

Now looking around, she spotted one of the mages, and tossed a star, watching as it hit, bringing him down.\u00a0 She turned to see a few of the attackers look at her, before running away.\u00a0 A smart move she thought before turning to see Louis charging her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not be stopped by someone like you,\u201d he said, swinging forward in his attack, which she blocked.\u00a0 Zeltrans\u2019 words rang through her mind, he wanted him alive.\u00a0 She backed off slightly to observe her opponent.\u00a0 He held the sword with confidence, and probably had some training, even as he attacked using all his strength.\u00a0 She used her speed to avoid the strike, looking for the opportunity to disable him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not, you\u2019re outclassed,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly, you and this rabble are only lucky,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but sometimes that\u2019s all you need,\u201d Gwen replied, seeing his look of disbelief.<\/p>\n

He attacked again, using wide sweeping strikes designed to put as much power as possible into the attack.\u00a0 It would work against someone with the same power level, but she was quicker, allowing herself to move out of the path of the attack.\u00a0 Off balance he moved forward under the weight of his attack, allowing Gwen to deliver a solid blow to his head.\u00a0 He crumpled to the ground unconscious.<\/p>\n

Turning to see how the others were doing she noticed most were doing well, Zeltran seemed to have a problem, his sword had broken, and they had managed to get a strike on his arm.\u00a0 He faced off against two with fighting power, blocking their attacks but unable to go on the offensive.<\/p>\n

Gwen tossed a star heading in the direction.\u00a0 One of the men slumped to the ground, the other seeing her approach, took off for the forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving problems?\u201d Gwen asked him, looking around as the others finished up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever had a sword break on me in battle,\u201d he said, walking over to pick up a sword impaled in the chest of a dead raider.\u00a0 \u201cHad to toss mine, then used one of theirs.\u00a0 Of course also never had a sword hurt me either when it broke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen looked at the wound, a slice on the shoulder, not serious, but enough to impair the fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Louis?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there,\u201d Gwen replied, pointing to the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed him?\u201d Zeltran asked, looking on at the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, knocked him out,\u201d Gwen replied, as several villagers came over, as well as the merchants to check on their guards.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked around seeing a dozen bodies on the ground, she figured she and Zeltran did most of it.\u00a0 One villager came up and checked out Zeltran\u2019s wound, even as Zoe made her way over to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all right?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just fine,\u201d Gwen said. \u00a0\u201cDoesn\u2019t appear any town folks were killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they managed to make it inside before the fighting began, but we did watch,\u201d Zoe said, indicating she had been watching from the window of the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, is this finally over?\u201d one villager asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems so,\u201d Gwen replied, looking around as a group gathered up Louis under Zeltran\u2019s direction.\u00a0 She wondered how much the reward was for Louis, then decided not to ask.\u00a0 She made her way inside the inn where a group of villagers waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can we thank you?\u201d one asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d Gwen said, she realized upon seeing the kids being reunited with their parents, she would have done it for free.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must,\u201d one said, handing her a bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t take all of this,\u201d Gwen said, looking at them.\u00a0 \u201cYou need it to recover from the raids.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took a bit more haggling, when Zoe stepped in and took over, finally taking a little bit of their gratitude.\u00a0 The fighting had allowed her to flex muscles she had not used in years, as had the fight against Stephos.<\/p>\n

Zeltran walked in looking at her.\u00a0 She knew that he wanted to talk to her, but she really did not feel like talking right now.\u00a0 He sat down across from her, his arm bandaged.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how\u2019s the arm?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll heal right up, healer say it will heal faster if I am careful not to pull the stitches,\u201d he replied back to her, flexing the arm in question.\u00a0 \u201cIf it had been a little bit over, would have severed tendons, and that would have been a disaster, guess I got lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, guess you did,\u201d Gwen said, looking over at Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid anyone figure out what that other latgic did?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, guess we could go check on her,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cForgot about that,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she did not look like a fighter, and seemed to be there against her will,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cShe might have left upon seeing what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked up to see a couple of people walk in, and Gwen recognized two villagers along with the woman she had seen in the camp outside the town.\u00a0 The woman was focused on her, disbelief on her face. Gwen waited as they approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d the woman asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow what?\u201d Gwen replied, unsure about the question.\u00a0 \u201cHow did I win, they fought against someone who was much stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I bring bad luck to everyone around me.\u00a0 How did you counter that?\u00a0 You only, maybe I could see that, but how did you counter the town\u2019s bad luck?\u201d the woman asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the latgic?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they have me camp near the town they want to raid, then after a couple of days they begin their raids after my magic has taken effect,\u201d she said, as things made sense to Gwen, looking over at Zoe, who seemed to understand as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a latgic as well, I bring good luck to those around me,\u201d Zoe said, looking at the woman.\u00a0 They stared at each other for a few seconds, and Gwen looked between the two, and thought she saw a familiarity in their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, the moment you entered the village it countered mine, and your youth means you\u2019re magic is stronger than mine.\u00a0 Thank you,\u201d the woman said.\u00a0 She turned around to leave, but the villagers blocked her way.\u00a0 Gwen saw they wanted to lock her up, or something to make someone suffer for what happened to them.<\/p>\n

Standing she stood between them and the woman.\u00a0 \u201cLet her go,\u201d she said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s the one most responsible for what happened,\u201d one said.\u00a0 \u201cAll our crops, and everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it was Louis, she was only a tool in his scheme,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe helped him take our children!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd her own daughter is a prisoner with Stephos,\u201d Gwen replied back to them.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what it\u2019s like having your child taken away, what would you have done to keep them safe?\u201d Gwen walked right up to one, looking him in the eye until he turned away.\u00a0 She knew from his eyes that he would do anything.<\/p>\n

Several seconds of silence before anyone said anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you keep her here, I won\u2019t be staying here forever, once I leave my magic will no longer protect you from hers,\u201d Zoe said, standing next to Gwen, placing a hand on her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, something must be done,\u201d one of the villagers said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLouis will be executed in public at Steamhead,\u201d Zeltran said.\u00a0 \u201cHe has the ten tortures waiting for him.\u00a0 The Realm has wanted his head for a while now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen shuddered slightly at that.\u00a0 The ten tortures was usually reserved for the worst of the criminals, and took a while for the person to die. His crimes must be long if the Realm decided to do that.\u00a0 Zeltrans words did have the desired effect of calming the crowd.\u00a0 They no longer looked at the woman with hostility.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Stephos is dead,\u201d Zeltran said.\u00a0 \u201cHeard it myself from the person who brought his body in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as the woman heard that.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d she said, \u201cthen perhaps my daughter is finally free.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to go and see,\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bring bad luck to people, my husband died before my daughter was born.\u00a0 My family was killed when I was young by raiders, everyone I ever cared about had met with tragedy.\u00a0 Leaving her was the only thing I could do so she could live a full life, and hopefully have a happy one now,\u201d the woman said, tears in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s through my love that I stay away, no matter how bad I want to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as Zoe gave the woman a hug, saying something in her ear before returning back to Gwen.\u00a0 The woman considered it for a moment, looking at them before saying something.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and your lover are quite special,\u201d she said, turning to leave.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe our paths will converge again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Gwen answered knowing that one never really knew the future.<\/p>\n

Gwen settled back down as the inn seemed to return back to normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you ready to listen?\u201d Zeltran asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot out here,\u201d Gwen said, looking around at the group.\u00a0 The last thing she wanted, was all of them knowing who she was, and for him to blurt it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d he said, \u201cbut it\u2019s not as bad as you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen doubted that, but decided to go ahead and listen in on what he had to say.\u00a0 First though, she had to talk to Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mind if I talk to him alone?\u201d she asked, seeing the concern in Zoe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t trust me?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s complicated, but know how you kept your secret, this is mine, and I\u2019d rather tell you on my own than have it blurted out,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 She watched the mixed emotions cross her face before any reply came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but you will tell me one day, right?\u201d Zoe pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the right time comes, yeah,\u201d Gwen said, unsure she could ever honor that promise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

Gwen stood, motioning for Zeltran to follow her as they walked to her room.\u00a0 He remained quiet until they got to the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to be doing well Ruth,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRuth is dead, I\u2019m Gwen now,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cut your hair, no longer long,\u201d he said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re fighting like I am, it\u2019s easier to maintain,\u201d Gwen said, sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your partner, very interesting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCut to the point,\u201d Gwen growled, getting tired of his digs.\u00a0 And bringing Zoe into it was low to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, it\u2019s actually simple, Marcy\u2019s looking for you,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Gwen felt the shock of the name, one she had buried for a while, and a person she assumed had been killed some time ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarcy\u2019s dead, we both know that, killed by my cousin after she betrayed me,\u201d Gwen said, her voice hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot everything is like it seems, she is alive, she gave me the job herself.\u00a0 Told me to give you this,\u201d he said, reaching into a bag and pulled out a small necklace.<\/p>\n

Gwen took the necklace, staring at it in shock.\u00a0 It was the same one that she had given Marcy for her birthday, just before everything seemed to implode around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaid you told her to keep it with her, as part of your love for her,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why is she looking for me?\u201d Gwen asked, clinching the necklace in her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rebellion against the king, it still goes on, he and his son are destroying the Realm,\u201d Zeltran said. \u201cIf something isn\u2019t done the Realm will collapse in less than a year.\u00a0 Even the hunter\u2019s guild can see it coming.\u00a0 Everyone is afraid of what might happened next.\u00a0 You are royal family, you can take the throne.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not some figurehead,\u201d Gwen said, standing.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, they probably haven\u2019t forgotten what I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps, but this is a chance to redeem yourself,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

Gwen turned to look at the town, before looking back at him.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t say I think the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, my mission was to find you, and tell you that she\u2019s looking for you, meet her at Sinthal,\u201d he told her.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019ll have people on the lookout for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say I\u2019m convinced that they won\u2019t shot me on sight,\u201d Gwen replied back to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve delivered my message,\u201d Zeltran said, heading to the door, stopping and looking back at her.\u00a0 \u201cYou might want to disappear, but the latest gossip is Derek is looking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched him leave the room, as she gritted her teeth at the statement.\u00a0 Her cousin would not leave her alone.\u00a0 How many people did he have to kill, what threat did he consider her?\u00a0 He had all the power, he had her parents killed.\u00a0 So much had been done before she finally left.<\/p>\n

The door opened allowing Zoe inside.\u00a0 She looked around quietly before heading over to her.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just brought up some things about the past, that should stay there,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, okay, well if you ever want to talk about it, I\u2019m here,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep that in mind,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cHow about we head to Cornell, I still owe you that shopping trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re sure, then okay,\u201d Zoe said, her spirit perking up a bit.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, I felt sorry for that woman, giving up your child like that.\u00a0 How sad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can see her point, if all you bring is bad luck, would you wish that on your child?\u201d Gwen asked, watching Zoe think about that for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I don\u2019t think she should stay away either.\u00a0 Her daughter probably wants to know who her mother is\u201d Zoe said, obviously thinking of her own parents, who she never met.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill the new information have any bearing on our going to Cornell?\u201d Zoe asked.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe another bounty hunter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think so, they only wanted to relay a message, but that part of my life is over,\u201d Gwen said, seeing Zoe give her a look.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it.\u00a0 I have no desire to get involved with a past lover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Zoe said, perking up at that, as Gwen cursed the slip of the tongue.\u00a0 \u201cWhat she pretty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen suddenly felt trapped at the question.\u00a0 Could she even say anything that would not look bad, or give Zoe a reason to doubt their budding relationship.\u00a0 She also knew Zoe was waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have good taste, I think you\u2019re pretty, and cute,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this ex-lover?\u201d Zoe asked, looking at her with her arms crossed.<\/p>\n

Gwen sighed, seeing no way out of this conversation.\u00a0 \u201cYes, however, I am here with you, not with her, and we had, a huge falling out,\u201d Gwen said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t lie to you Zoe, if I say she was ugly, then you might doubt my ability to see if you\u2019re cute, or you\u2019ll think that I\u2019m lying to you, and I haven\u2019t lied to you,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re secret?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cKept the truth from you, yes, lied, no,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

Zoe looked at her for several seconds before finally relenting.\u00a0 \u201cI still owe you a payback.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you do,\u201d Gwen said, smiling slightly, hoping they were all right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll let you off the hook, for now,\u201d Zoe said, \u201cbesides, we need some supplies for the trip tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh, shopping, that\u2019s a torture in and of itself,\u2019 Gwen replied, seeing the smile on her partner\u2019s face.\u00a0 Glad to see it over a frown.\u00a0 Tomorrow would be another day.<\/p>\n

End part 10, continued in part 11<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck by AJ Marks Part 10: A Lucky Town II Gwen and Zeltran had disabled several traps already, working out a large enough path for the escape, in case the kids tried to move in a different direction by accident.\u00a0 Several traps were well hidden, but were easily spotted from above.\u00a0 Louis never considered […]
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