Hounds and Lightning

Chapter Twenty-Two

Matty took the stairs two at a time, ignoring everyone in the tavern, he headed outside, pausing only long enough to make sure Becca was still chasing him. Bastian bolted ahead of them, four legs were always faster than two.

They had only gone past two buildings when two sharply whistled notes rent the air. Matty snapped his head in the direction of the sound to see Flaska with a bow and arrow aimed at him.

He had a shield snapped up before he could blink, but when she loosed the arrow he realized she wasn't aiming for him.
Leaping back, he tackled Becca to the ground. The arrow glanced off his shield and bounced on the hard earth.

Matty immediately checked Becca for injuries, yelling obscenities at Flaska.

"I'm not hurt!" Becca assured him quickly. "I'm not hurt."

"FLASKA!" Joshua roared from the doorway of the inn.

"Yes?" She asked lowering her bow.

"What in the nine hells was that?!" He demanded stomping towards her, he looked as angry as Matty felt.

"He moves faster when the girl is in danger." Flaska said smiling brightly.

"Flaska!" Sarah scolded running out behind Joshua.

"What? Did you see how fast he was? It was wonderful." Flaska seemed very proud of herself.

Joshua snatched the bow out of her hands, throwing it on the ground.

"Hey! That's mine!" She complained as Joshua picked her up and flung her over his shoulder.

Sarah ran over to check Becca, her eyes changing colors rapidly. Matty dropped his shield to let her in.

"I'm fine." Becca told her, getting to her feet. She watched the interaction between Joshua and Flaska with amusement.

"I didn't hurt her." Flaska argued. "It was just a practice arrow."

"No more talking." Joshua said, giving Flaska's behind a sharp slap.

"Am I in trouble?" Flaska pouted.

"I- gods..." Joshua palmed his face, shaking his head. "So much trouble. I don't even know where to begin." He looked back at Sarah.

"I'll be there in a moment." She said shaking her head incredulously. Joshua carried Flaska off. "I'll take care of this Becca. Flaska, sometimes doesn't think things through. Sorry."

Becca shrugged. "I'm not hurt." She said for the fourth time, as if that somehow excused Flaska.

"This time!" Matty said jumping up from the ground. "It's one thing for her to try and kill me all the time, but this is ridiculous."

"I don't know, Matty." Becca said, eyes twinkling mischievously "You were really fast. Maybe she's on to something."

"That's not funny." Matty pointed his finger at her. "You're not funny." He pointed in the direction Joshua had carried Flaska "She's not funny. This isn't a joke!"

Becca looked at Sarah and they both burst into giggles.

Matty buried his face in both of his hands, shaking his head.

"Kaztik, have mercy." He prayed to the trickster God. "Save me from these females."

Becca and Sarah laughed even harder.

"What's so funny?" Silverwolf asked joining them from somewhere, obviously missing the spectacle.

Becca and Sarah were now laughing so hard, that tears were starting to leak from the corners of their eyes.