Bolts and Jolts

It was not until a week later that Lieve left the house again, almost sprinting across the square to the pony. She had been doing needlework all morning and needed a break. As she entered, she saw all manner of people standing around. Today should bring an exciting new tale or song she thought to herself as she first greeted Mr. Butterbur before starting to inspect the barrels, just in case her father asked her. A man in blue armour approached her, asking what she was doing. She explained. He grinned at her and introduced himself as Ruthrey. She smiled politely and introduced herself. He asked her if she would like to take a walk with him. She was a little apprehensive at first, but having been inside all day at home and now, with the Pony being so crowded, she decided to take him up on his offer. They walked a while, he leading her to a pretty garden she had never seen before. As she gazed around, admiring the neatness of the borders, he chatted with her aimiably. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bolt whizzed past their heads. Lieve stood frozen to the spot. 'Get down!' Ruthrey told her urgently. With a look of bewilderment, she did as he said. He himself was already crouched behind one of the flowerbeds, peering out to see who had fired the bolt. A man came up to them slowly, holding another bolt at the ready. Ruthrey jumped out at him and wrestled him to the ground. 'Why are you trying to kill me?' he demanded. 'Sorry yer honour, just need some money!' the man on the ground whimpered. Ruthrey laughed and brought out a small pouch that clinked. 'Here, take this,' he said with a grin, letting the man go. 'There's no need to go around killing people for their money,' he continued and sent the man off. Lieve was speechless. How could he so easily let the man go? He had tried to kill him! And then to give him money? It was incredible. When she tried to say this, Ruthrey just shrugged it off. They started back towards the Pony. Another man seemed to be following them. Ruthrey noticed and turned to the man, narrowing his eyes and shoving Lieve behind himself. This man looked as wicked as any she had ever seen. As Ruthrey engaged the man in battle, he called out to her 'Run! Get out of here! Get to safety!' She ran like the wind, out of there, her feet echoing on the cobblestones, feeling bad about leaving him behind, but half frightened out of her wits. She ran to the Pony, hoping Ruthrey would be alright. He came along soon after and she tried to talk to him, but he was having none of it, rudely telling her to stay out of things. Bewildered, she complied, leaving the Pony and heading home. It was still quite early, which she was glad of, for she did not feel up to facing her fathers wrath after the happenings of today. Her mind was a whirl of images, the garden, Ruthrey, the coin pouch, a crossbow bolt, the two men, so she made excuse at the dinner table and went up to her room.