{"id":2693,"date":"2020-06-19T09:52:12","date_gmt":"2020-06-19T14:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2693"},"modified":"2022-09-25T08:51:30","modified_gmt":"2022-09-25T13:51:30","slug":"luck-lucky-part-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2693","title":{"rendered":"Luck Lucky – Part 14"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Part 14: A Lucky Kidnapping Part 2<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gwen looked around the city, one she never considered she would be back in.\u00a0 Following Valerie, who was the lead of the group and towards the inn.\u00a0 She noticed the vibe of the town felt was different than when she had last been there.\u00a0 People had the same look that the town she and Zoe had visited shortly after leaving Setta.\u00a0 Gwen smirked slightly at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething funny?\u201d Valerie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, just thinking to myself,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 Now was not the time to be speaking about Zoe\u2019s mother.\u00a0 The woman had to be around somewhere.<\/p>\n

Valerie looked at her for a second before dismounting at the stable.\u00a0 Paying for the horses they moved on to the inn and walked in.\u00a0 Gwen had never been in this one before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many rooms?\u201d the innkeeper asked.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t have many.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree, I sent someone ahead to reserve rooms for me, Mistress Valerie,\u201d she said, waiting patiently for the innkeeper to look through his paperwork.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, it\u2019s right here, three rooms, got them all ready for you,\u201d he said, becoming very helpful.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anything that I can do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the moment, long ride from Setta,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSetta?\u00a0 Shadowlands, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, came in for the royal wedding, after all, it\u2019s not every day one gets to see this,\u201d Valerie said taking the keys from the man, and giving one to Gwen and the other to Betsy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, though,\u201d he paused looking at them, Gwen kept her hood up hoping to mask her features enough before he continued, \u201cthings have gotten weird around here.\u00a0 Best to watch yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWeird?\u00a0 How?\u201d Valerie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, one second you\u2019ll have great luck, like you gained a couple of extra creds, the next, you trip and break your leg,\u201d he said to them.\u00a0 Gwen nodded a bit, understanding what was going on.\u00a0 Zoe and her mother were having opposite and equal effects on the town.\u00a0 So her mother was here, and it seemed by the mood, had managed to talk to Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be careful, I don\u2019t expect to do much except enjoy the ceremony,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, that much will be good for us,\u201d he said, about to say more but stopped.\u00a0 Valerie picked up on it though.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like times have been tough, I know it has been out in Setta,\u201d Valerie said, and it appeared her sympathy worked on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the king, but be quiet about it, people are unhappy.\u00a0 In fact many wish his brother was still alive, or his daughter, we might be able to overthrow him and put someone who really understands us in charge,\u201d he said looking around as if someone might come out of the shadows to take him away.\u00a0 \u201cAnyone who even voiced dissent is rounded up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen recognized the terror from her uncle\u2019s campaign and wondered how long it had been going on.\u00a0 She had never seen it, despite her own outspoken actions, but she always worked for the best of the Realm.\u00a0 Now she wondered what their plans were.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll be careful\u201d Valerie said, leading her group towards the stairs and their rooms.<\/p>\n

Gwen found her room, opening the door and saw it was very much like many other rooms.\u00a0 The typical bed, table and chairs and water basin completed the lay out.\u00a0 However it felt slightly empty to her without Zoe.\u00a0 That would change, she was determined to make that become reality.<\/p>\n

A knock on the door revealed Valerie, who walked in and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecent events have been, interesting,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say that,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst it was you then your partner Zoe, and then my father, that was a shock, especially to learn that I was a half-sister to Leo,\u201d Valerie said, shaking the thought from her mind.\u00a0 \u201cAnd then to learn he\u2019s dead, and finally about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, been quite lively since I rescued Zoe,\u201d Gwen said, thinking back and how her life before seemed like a distant memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is special, I can see how so many want her,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, both the rebellion and the Realm wanted her, along with Stephos,\u201d Gwen said, recalling the amount placed on her capture.\u00a0 It seemed impossible for someone to be worth so much, but at the same time, Gwen would pay that amount to have Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you are the lucky one when it comes to her,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess so, I was her first,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you waited till she was eighteen,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that so important?\u201d Gwen asked, not understanding that part.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is when their powers mature, before that they are still developing, and any interruption can disrupt the process.\u00a0 That\u2019s why so many latgics never reach full potential,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I guess, there is a different set of rules for each group of magic users,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but only with the latgics are the rules even more important for full potential,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was also told that they can control their powers a bit,\u201d Gwen said, seeing a bit of shock on Valerie\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cIt appears emotion can affect their ability.\u00a0 It\u2019s what we see here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did expect to see luck running well for everyone,\u201d Valerie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be, but her mother is here, and she has bad luck,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cShe mentioned that if Zoe concentrates on me, the luck will not be as effective.\u00a0 And I know Zoe\u2019s luck is more powerful than her mothers, we already encountered that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, interesting,\u201d Valerie said, thinking about that for a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019ll have to make sure my girls are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they already are, which is why the magic is so strong for you.\u00a0 I think Lori liked you even before you had sex with her,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

Valerie said nothing, but Gwen knew the woman agreed with her.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what is next on your plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo meet up with my informant,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen sat in the lounge of the inn, sipping a drink waiting for anything.\u00a0 She spotted a few people walking back to the inn before a small man entered.\u00a0 Gwen watched as he made his way right for her, not even looking around, like he expected her where she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about being late,\u201d he said, sitting down.\u00a0 It caught Gwen off guard slightly before she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just sitting here,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s busy outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, too much,\u201d the man replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how are things going Tim?\u201d she asked, watching him for a second.\u00a0 He quickly looked around seeing who was around, the ones occupying the closest table were Valerie and her two slaves.\u00a0 \u201cFriends of mine,\u201d Gwen said as he looked at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrustworthy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore so than Marcy,\u201d Gwen answered, watching his eyes go wide at that before relaxing slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re really her, huh, thought you\u2019d be, I don\u2019t know, more polite, royal-like\u201d Tim finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo years of being hunted and hiding do that to you, now, shall we discuss business?\u201d Gwen asked, looking around herself for anyone.\u00a0 She spotted a few people she recognized when she met Brice the first time.\u00a0 So the hunter\u2019s Guild had their own people here as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, the target is located in the red bedroom chamber,\u201d he said, surprising Gwen a bit.\u00a0 She had expected Zoe to be locked up somewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s under a guard, four of them, of the Royal Guard.\u00a0 They remained behind, won\u2019t move until the king and the prince do,\u201d Tim said to her.<\/p>\n

Gwen nodded, knowing that the Royal Guard held the most elite troops, a unit she would have joined if she had remained, and probably would have eventually taken control of.\u00a0 Perhaps her cousin feared that happening.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Gwen said, realizing the red room was an area that was most easily defended and best to keep someone locked up.\u00a0 High up in the palace it had only one main entrance, and a slave\u2019s entrance.\u00a0 She had an idea of how to get in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a rumor by the servants that there are two people in there,\u201d Tim said.<\/p>\n

Gwen understood, so Zoe\u2019s mother had managed to contact her.\u00a0 It might make things easy.\u00a0 With her bad luck, and Zoe\u2019s good luck, she might be able to pull this off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here is some more information, and good luck,\u201d he said to her, handing her a piece of paper.\u00a0 Gwen took it and watched as he left the room.\u00a0 She then walked back up to her room to go over the information she had received.\u00a0 It was a layout of the floor, and where the guards were position along with times they went on their rounds.\u00a0 The one thing Derek always was, was predictable with such things.<\/p>\n

She took a moment to sharpen her blades and arrange her throwing stars.\u00a0 Tonight would put her skills to the test.\u00a0 Two years of being a bounty hunter all came down to this moment.\u00a0 She hoped she had learned enough to rescue Zoe.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen crept along the outer palace walls, looking for the hidden passage she knew was there.\u00a0 Finding it she made her way through it hoping that at the end of the passage, no one was watching.<\/p>\n

Luck remained with her as the hallway was empty, but she heard footsteps approaching.\u00a0 Quickly looking around she spotted a ledge up high and jumped up, hoping her dark clothing would mask her in the shadows of the ceiling.\u00a0 She watched as two servants walked by.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like this,\u201d one said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe really nice,\u201d the other one said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but if the prince finds out we did this for her,\u201d the first one said, stopping.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said to keep her happy,\u201d the second said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I don\u2019t think he meant this,\u201d the first one said, as the second one continued on.\u00a0 Gwen followed quietly just out of sight as they walked down the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wanted dessert,\u201d the second one said.\u00a0 Gwen watched as they picked up a dish and started back.\u00a0 A sudden thought came to her.\u00a0 She moved out in front of the two servants, who stopped in shock, and luckily did not scream.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-Who are y-you?\u201d the taller one asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s not important, but someone who is important to me is being held hostage in the castle,\u201d Gwen replied, watching as one appeared to put everything together.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re her,\u201d she said, and Gwen recognized her as the second voice, and the shorter servant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should we help you?\u201d the taller one said.\u00a0 \u201cIf I do, I\u2019m dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarder to do if you\u2019re awake,\u201d Gwen said, quickly knocking out the woman before turning to the shorter one, who now stood terrified.\u00a0 Quickly looking into the nearby cabinet for the clothing she knew was there, she dressed as a servant and turned to the other servant who still looked on stunned.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-what are you planning?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo take her dessert,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 Holding up the tray, which hid her weapons.\u00a0 \u201cLead on to the entrance, shall we.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I could tell,\u201d the girl said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could, but I think you want to help Zoe out a bit more,\u201d Gwen said, seeing the girls eyes go wide at Zoe\u2019s name and knew she had gotten that right.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, if I do this right, you might get out of here as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched the girl think about that for a second before nodding she would help.\u00a0 They made their way towards the entrance, and Gwen saw one guard waiting for them.\u00a0 She looked them over with a barest glance, though his gaze went to the girl a bit too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother one?\u201d the guard said, looking at the girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-Yes, she asked for some more dessert,\u201d the girl said, Gwen kept quiet and tried to maintain her deception.\u00a0 Heading back out she could use her strength again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess,\u201d he said, slipping his hand into the girl\u2019s top for several seconds.\u00a0 Gwen forced herself to not react as the girl was molested in front of her.<\/p>\n

He finally tired and let them through, with a pat to the girls behind.\u00a0 The girl was no more than twelve, but that did not seem to matter.\u00a0 Gwen knew if she had been commander no guard would do that to any of her servants.<\/p>\n

They made their way up the narrow stairway before reaching the door.\u00a0 The girl rearranged her clothing before moving into the room allowing Gwen to follow.\u00a0 The room remained as Gwen had remembered, a large bed, fireplace, large table and chairs.\u00a0 A sofa in front of the fire, which had two figures on it.<\/p>\n

Gwen recognized Zoe right away, who had yet to look up, however her mother saw her.\u00a0 Gwen made her way over, watching Fran poked Zoe, who finally spotted her.\u00a0 The reaction was exactly what Gwen hoped for, the girl jumped up and into her arms, crushing her in a hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re here, oh gods you\u2019re here,\u201d she said, over and over again.\u00a0 \u201cI hoped you\u2019d come, and put my trust that you would, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen merely rubbed Zoe\u2019s back quietly in comfort.\u00a0 One part of her plan had been finished, now all she had to do, was get out of the palace.\u00a0 Finally Zoe moved back, enough so she could give Gwen a kiss, which she returned.\u00a0 A soft clearing of a throat caused them to break apart, and she looked over to see Fran who stood there waiting patiently, while the servant appeared to blush.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you two have been separated for a while, but we should get out of here,\u201d Fran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s right, we can head out the same way I got in, I hope,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of us?\u201d Zoe said, now looking around at the other two.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made a promise to her,\u201d Gwen said, looking over at the servant.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee, I told you Dawn, she makes things happen,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should get going, do the guards look in at all?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot very often,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we have some time, let\u2019s get going,\u201d Gwen said, leading them to the stairs.\u00a0 Heading down they approached the entrance where she knew the guard would be waiting.\u00a0 She also sensed Dawn\u2019s uneasiness.\u00a0 \u201cWe need you to go out first, and check the hallway.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl looked terrified at the thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to know if anyone else it out there but the guard, he I can take care of easily,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cOnce out, lift your hand to indicate how many.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, o-okay, I guess,\u201d Dawn said quietly.<\/p>\n

She watched as Dawn stepped outside taking a moment to look around, then raised her hand indicating one.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you\u2019re back, how about we have some fun now,\u201d the guard said, moving over to grope Dawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot today,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 In a flash she struck him across the temple knowing he was caught off guard and no chance to raise his fighting power.\u00a0 He slumped to the ground taking Dawn with him trapping her.\u00a0 Gwen moved the guard off her who seemed to shrink back towards Zoe and Fran.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t people notice?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but we should be long gone by then,\u201d Gwen said, knowing the dangerous part of the entire operation was ahead of her.<\/p>\n

Heading to the corridor where the tunnel was, she looked around, spotting no guards and hoped her luck would remain.\u00a0 Taking a moment to open the door she watched as they all moved into the secret tunnel.<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I never knew this was here,\u201d Dawn said, in awe of Gwen knowledge of the castle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, only a few know of it,\u201d Gwen said, knowing that Derek knew about it.\u00a0 It was one of several royal escape routes built into the castle.\u00a0 She took the lead again, making her way out of the castle, and hopefully towards a clean escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t the prince be mad?\u2019 Dawn asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Gwen replied, not really caring about him reaching the end of the tunnel.\u00a0 \u201cWait here for a second.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen moved out, seeing no one and motioned the others out as well.\u00a0 Now all she had to do was head back to the inn, disguise Zoe and head out of the city.\u00a0 Valerie would follow the next day to a per-arranged meeting point if everything went well.\u00a0 Of course there was the back-up plan already in place, much to Celia\u2019s dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look who I caught,\u201d a familiar voice said.\u00a0 Gwen moved to shield Zoe and the others, knowing who was there.\u00a0 She watched seeing Derek step out of the shadows, along with several other guards.<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek,\u201d Gwen said, realizing her plan had hit a major hurdle.\u00a0 She looked around at the other guards, seeing that they were Royal Guards.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve always tried to take what is mine, still jealous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly, you should have died two years ago in that burning building,\u201d Derek spat out.\u00a0 Gwen quickly tried to think of something that might give her an advantage, or at least some time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t Marcy be annoyed you betrayed her for someone else?\u201d Gwen said, hoping Marcy had been right about her and Derek.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she be?\u00a0 I don\u2019t care anything about her, nothing but a peasant, a low powered mage.\u00a0 But her,\u201d he said pointing at Zoe, \u201cshe\u2019s someone special, someone who is mine.\u00a0 Of course she cried out for you, said you\u2019d come.\u00a0 I hoped you would, so I can finally kill you.\u201d\u00a0 He paused in thought as Gwen continued to assess the situation.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I won\u2019t kill you, instead chain you up for daily torture, yes, a way to break her stubborn spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve really become demented, haven\u2019t you,\u201d Gwen stated, anger seeping into her voice at the thought of such torture on Zoe.\u00a0 \u201cSo, who really killed the queen, you or your dad?\u201d\u00a0 The question came out of nowhere, but the timing felt right.\u00a0 He paused hearing the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you really ruined a good thing,\u201d Derek said.\u00a0 \u201cNot quite how it was supposed to go down.\u00a0 You see, you really were to have killed her, but no, it didn\u2019t go that way.\u201d\u00a0 He paused, taking a few breathes to calm down.\u00a0 \u201cNo matter, we\u2019ll take care of the loose pieces here and now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen gripped her sword, having drawn it while Derek was ranting, and held it in a defensive position.\u00a0 Taking a quick look behind her at the Zoe and her mother, who had backed up.\u00a0 Three guards advanced on her as she brought her fighting level up to full power.<\/p>\n

Two of the guards suddenly stopped, and slumped down to the ground, struck down by crossbolts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the?\u201d Derek said, looking around as did the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cNormals can shoot crossbows extremely well, especially if you\u2019re concentrating on one thing,\u201d Gwen said, smiling as a few people stepped out from the shadows.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for being late,\u201d Ottis said, brandishing his sword in an elegant swooping motion.\u00a0 Beside him stood Zeltran and Brice, also ready to do battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hunter\u2019s Guild,\u201d Derek said, angered at what happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never did answer her, who did kill the queen?\u201d Brice said suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s obvious that you know Ruth didn\u2019t do it, and it was part of your plan, what plan was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence hung in the air, and even the Royal Guard paused.\u00a0 Gwen looked at the guards, then at Derek, his eyes wild, darting back and forth between the groups of people.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve ruined everything, just as you always have, damn you,\u201d he yelled.\u00a0 She saw what was going to happen but was out of position to do anything to stop it.\u00a0 The dagger flew from his hand towards Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen saw a body push Zoe down as the knife reached her.\u00a0 Quickly rushing over she looked down seeing blood on both bodies.\u00a0 Unsure of who was hit she quickly moved the top one, who she recognized, Fran.<\/p>\n

Zoe appeared shocked, her eyes wide, and for a second thought Zoe had been hit.\u00a0 Frantically searching for the knife before realizing it was Fran who had been hit.<\/p>\n

\u201cMom?\u201d Zoe said, her voice in a slight panic.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked at the knife wound, knowing it was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet a healer!\u201d she shouted, standing to look around, vaguely aware that Derek had disappeared.\u00a0 A man ran over, between two Royal Guards who now stood looking unsure and silent.<\/p>\n

The healer crouched down beside them and looked at the wound.\u00a0 He reached for the knife, only to have Fran\u2019s hands stop him.\u00a0 Gwen watched as they looked at each other, an understanding passed between them before he looked back at Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said,<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe,\u201d Fran said, her voice weak.\u00a0 Gwen moved slightly so Zoe could kneel beside her mother.\u00a0 \u201cThis is for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe that,\u201d Zoe cried back, tears falling down her cheeks, her hand clasped with her mother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always loved you, my magic hurts people, I\u2019m glad, glad yours helps,\u201d Fran whispered, looking at Zoe, then over at Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Gwen promised.<\/p>\n

The hand slackened, going limp in Zoe\u2019s hand, who broke down crying.\u00a0 Gwen stood, looking at the others.\u00a0 There seemed to be even more people in the area than she had expected and watched as another guard ran up calling out.<\/p>\n

\u201cRenold!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the guards turned towards him, and Gwen realized it was the head of the Royal Guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the prince and king, they\u2019ve left the palace,\u201d the guard said, confusing everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Renold asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s afraid of facing the truth, they both are,\u201d Gwen said, speaking up, glancing back at Zoe then over at the guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that have to do with the Queen\u2019s death,\u201d another person asked, stepping forward.<\/p>\n

Gwen glanced around realizing a crowd had gathered.\u00a0 It appeared several citizens of the town had come out to see what the commotion was from the fight.\u00a0 She even spotted a couple of town guards.\u00a0 She looked at Renold, who had a stunned look of someone caught up in something they had no clue about.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Renold finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you know nothing about the upcoming invasion of the imperial Empire?\u201d Brice said, looking at the group.\u00a0 Renold seemed caught.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like you do,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother war?\u201d someone from the crowd said, which seemed to get unruly at the thought.\u00a0 Renold shifted slightly, uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cKing Rick is weakening our empire with all these wars, he lost the last one,\u201d Zeltran said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like things are changing.\u00a0 There is a new wind a-blowin\u2019, don\u2019t you think so?\u201d Brice said to Renold, patting him on the shoulder and looking at Gwen.<\/p>\n

They watched him undergo an internal conflict.\u00a0 His shoulders slumped briefly before he looked up and straightened himself out, a changed man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, your right, but who can take over, there is no one else from the royal family left,\u201d Renold said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer,\u201d Zeltran said, pointing at Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s Ruth, the king\u2019s niece.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen now shifted uncomfortably at the sudden attention, the mixture of fear and disgust along with curiosity and hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want the position,\u201d Gwen finally said, turning to focus her attention back on Zoe, the only thing that mattered to her.<\/p>\n

Kneeling down she wrapped an arm around Zoe, feeling the girl move into her embrace.\u00a0 Rubbing her back she whispered words of love to her hoping to somehow ease the pain away, knowing how painful it was, especially for Zoe.\u00a0 She wanted a family, a mother and father, and to only have a short amount of time with her, the fates were cruel.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go back to the inn,\u201d Gwen said rising up, despite Zoe\u2019s resistance, she allowed her to be moved away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of it,\u201d Ottis said, giving her a salute.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Gwen said, moving towards the inn, keeping an arm around Zoe.\u00a0 She watched a few people look, but said nothing.\u00a0 She did not wish to get involved in anything.\u00a0 Her main thoughts were to get Zoe back to the inn, and sleep a bit.<\/p>\n

End part 14<\/p>\n

Continued in part 15<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Luck Lucky by AJ Marks Part 14: A Lucky Kidnapping Part 2   Gwen looked around the city, one she never considered she would be back in.\u00a0 Following Valerie, who was the lead of the group and towards the inn.\u00a0 She noticed the vibe of the town felt was different than when she had last […]
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