With a nod, Leif exited, not even with so much as a goodbye. He had to get back home, and during that journey he intended to figure out a plan to explain this all to his wife. She still had no idea Attie was still alive....
But he wouldn't make it out of the city. The men had been waiting patiently, like shadows. He hadn't even been looking for the tell tale signs he might have been followed. But those that had done this knew they had not fully succeeded- for both Leif Arrant was alive, and so was the Duke of Allar. And if they had survived that entire catastrophe...
Who's to say their little mage hadn't, too? Rumors implied the flood had been something else, but they knew better. So when Leif Arrant was spotted approaching the castle, they watched him closely. And the second he was alone (for he was a fool,a nd seemed to always be alone...) It was the they decided to strike.
It couldn't have been more perfect. Lord Arrant was dressed more commonly, and sticking to the alley ways and the less populated roads. Which was exactly where they had been perched. So when the men struck out-
It was a complete surprise.
The mace came down hard, knocking him clean off the horse and he was eating cobblestone as his horse freaked out as a series of men came out from the shadows. He barely had a chance to recover when he heard the sounds of swords being drawn. And that's when a fist full of his hair was grabbed, and the man was yanked off the floor. But where as the men believed the'yd have time to draw back their swords and incapacitate the man, Leif flung himself bodily at the attackers and knocked one to the ground, while the others fought to get a hold of him, but what tey werne't prepared for was when his horse was helping in the fight, for when Leif gave a whistle, the horse reared up and kicked one f the men over, and he was down for the fight, leaving at least two still on their feet while the first was still picking himself up from the ground.
Now able to access the situation, Leif swore between his teeth and spat out blood and reached for his own blade.
"Come on, just try to come at me."
~~~~
Calent had just about seen all there was to be seen in the paper work, but found himself sitting there by candle light, lamenting over what had come to pass. ANd like the dancing flame that could not sit still, neither could his restless mind.