Chapter 70 - The hooded man

Shortly after.

_ Kona: " Arrgh, where could she have gone? She knows we’re not supposed to wander off! "

_ Hazel: " Don't worry, I’m sure she isn’t far. "

_ Kona: " I just hope she isn’t in danger. "

Hardly had his sentence ended when the thick foliage parted under the weight of bodies, revealing a furtive presence lurking in wait.

_ Kona: “ Ah, there you are! Stop moving around all the time, we have to g… ”

_ Kaya: “ Shhh. ” she said, her index finger pressed against her lips.

With a wave of her hand, she beckoned Hazel and her twin to crouch down as well.

_ Hazel: " What is it? “

_ Kaya: " We're not alone. “

_ Kona: " Are you sure? I don't see anyo… "

Eyebrows are raised. Three individuals in atypical attire emerge from the shadows. The first one wears a knight's armor. The second wears a military outfit camouflaged with foliage. Finally, the third one has no equipment, except for a metal weapon with perforations for his fingers.

_ Individual 1: " When I find that damn merchant, I’m gonna skin him alive! "

_ Individual 2: " A longsword snapping after just a few hits... that’s a first. "

_ Individual 1: " I should have kept the broken shard to stab him with, what an idiot I am! "

_ Individual 2: " I still have a few coins left, we’ll buy a new sword, so just relax. "

These words awaken anxieties among the young children, as they exchange mutual glances.

_ Kona: " They’re not wearing armbands; I don’t trust them. "

_ Kaya: " Even if they were, I’d feel the same way. "

_ Hazel: " There’s nothing to be gained from them. Let’s go. "

Hardly had the orphans emerged from the bushes when Kaya, the most outlying member of the group, caught a glimpse of a hooded black silhouette abruptly dropping from a tree toward them. The hooded figure slams straight into the armored individual. This sudden intrusion shocks both his colleagues and the orphans. Despite the armor protecting his body, the lack of a helmet doesn't stop him from hitting the ground violently with his head.

_ Individual 2: " Who are you?! "

In the heat of the action, the hooded figure rises with spectacular stealth, then swings a massive hook aimed straight at his new opponent's face. A narrow escape seems certain, but the hooded man, with a sharp reflex, sweeps his assailant's supporting foot and delivers a knee strike to the abdomen.

He then rains down blow after blow upon his victim's body, granting no respite. But his fury is cut short by the brutal intervention of the last ally, whose metallic weapon strikes with implacable force in a lightning-fast motion. The latter blocks his attempt directly with his hands. The impact causes him a progressive pain, making him grimace. He then takes a few steps back to reposition himself and assess the damage to his palms. The skin, lacerated and reddened, lets beads of blood seep out.

_ The hooded man: “ Brass knuckles? ”

This short distraction gives the attacker the chance to strike again; the hooded man barely manages to deflect the blow, weakened by his injuries.

Under the distressed eyes of the orphans, who had witnessed such incredible violence, the hooded man deftly dodged a few attacks. But, flanked by the man in armor, he was suddenly immobilized in a brutal chokehold. His slightly taller stature makes his attempt easier. By applying pressure and tilting the head, he gradually reveals the hooded figure's face.

_ Kona: " But it’s… "

_ Kaya: " Edna?? "