Escape Ch.5

Azriel looked at her amazed. She was braver than most men. She had a courage in her eyes, she was unyeilding. He nodded and stood up, leading her inside. He handed her a sword, taking his from the hilt.

"Show me what you know..."

She smiled and they began with a bow, Azriel the first to attack. She blocked it and went after him, the two clashing. She charged at him, taking him by one arm and twisting him so she was behind him. She had her sword at his neck.

"Good. Now....take this dagger and try that."

He dropped his sword and charged at her, Tirzah kicking him and as he dropped to the ground she got on top of him, the dagger at his neck.  She held him up with one hand. He looked at her and smiled, taking hold of her legs, pushing her onto him and turning over so that she was on her back and he on her. They stared into eachother's eyes, the feeling of being so close was invigorating. She had never been so close to a man before, let alone had one touch her with such delicacy. He caressed her arms, wondering what she must be thinking. He could see a fear mixed with want in her eyes.

"I believe you have won this duel, my lord."

"Yes, I believe I have."

She looked at him, she was feeling strange. Her body was beginning to shiver, she could feel his heart beating strong. She traced his lips with her thumb, his eyes closing and as he moved closer she hit him with the back of her hand, jumping up and running off. He laid on his back, laughing. She was smarter than she looked as well.

They spent the next few days dueling, Azriel decided after the third day she was capable of destroying any man in her path. He got their things ready for the journey up the Nile. Alexandria was a few days away.

Once Tirzah bid their home farewell, they mounted their horse and went on their way. They rode on, Azriel noticing that someone followed them.

"Remember what I told you..."

"Of course..."

She was dressed in men's clothes, she had a dagger in her sleeve. She felt excitment in knowing the danger she was facing. 

As they reached the city of Heliopolis, Azriel was certain someone was following them. They entered the city, Tirzah covering her face, now she looked like a man beside Azriel. She just had to stay quiet and no one would notice, Azriel had given her enough clothes to hide her figure.

"Stay close, keep your eye open for anyone bearing a mark on their face, hand, or neck. If not, they shall always have a sword at their left side, bearing the mark of our guild."

She nodded, her eyes scanning the people. He took her hand, guiding her through the crowds. Azriel planned to lose whoever was following them before they reached the Nile again. As the crowds got smaller, Azriel looked back. He saw him standing at the palm tree.

"Go find a boat headin to Alexandria. Be as careful as possible. I will find you."

She did as she was told, her hand tight on the dagger. She prayed her would find her.

"So Azriel runs off to Egypt. Did you not think we would find you?"

"Foolish Cato...Did you not think I knew one of you would come for me?"

Azriel pulled out his sword, Cato did the same. They began to duel, people running to and fro. Azriel blocked an almost deadly hit to the chest, catching Cato off guard and grabbing him by the neck. He stabbed him once, all the way in, letting Cato fall onto the sand. Azriel took the pendant Cato wore and walked away, ignoring the cries of the people. Azriel ran to the port, trying to find her. He passed boat after boat, until he saw her. She yelled out his name, telling him to hurry. He grabbed hold of the rope, the boat was already in motion. As he climbed up, Tirzah grabbed him, pulling him onto the boat. She held him tight.

"Did he hurt you? Was he the only one?"

"No...He didn't hurt me...."

"Azriel...", she looked up at him,"Answer me."

"No..Cato was not the only one. Now that I know they sent him after me, they must have the Seven on our tail."

"The Seven?"

"Well, now the Six, seeing as I'm gone."

She took his hand and led him below deck. She had her little corner ready for her to sleep in, she made him a place to sleep as well. She sat down and pulled him down next to her.

"Who are the Seven?"

"We are the seven deadliest men of the guild. We are the ones sent out to do the hardest tasks. We are responsible for the murders of Kings, Princes, givernment officials, anyone important or hard to kill off. There is  Julius the Greek, Seth, Ilyas, Khaled, Narayan and Rashne. Then I came, the seventh. Julius is the oldest. I of course am the youngest. They all taught me everything they know."

"Well there are two of us now. We can take them together."

He smiled and nodded.

"You are a brave girl."

"Alongside a dangerous man."

"Are you afraid?"

"No...I think having you makes it all the more exciting."

"This is not a story, my lady. Death is real in our tale."

"Then I will fight to the death."