From Tilea with Love

[CzarRedwall]

It was a dark cloudy afternoon. The crows gathered to watch, waiting patiently upon the gallows. Their black beady eyes staring hungrily towards their next meal. Below stood a man bound and chained, awaiting the hangman to pull the lever.

A robed official appears, climbing up the steps to the gallows. With him he held a piece of parchment. As he took his place in front of the podium, he read aloud the condemned charges.

"By order of the royal magistrate, this common criminal has been sentenced to death by hanging. The condemned has shown no sign of remorse nor repentance, therefore shall be left as carrion for the vultures!"

The crowd gathering below let out a cheer, ready for the spectacle to begin. The official turned towards the condemned man.

"Any last words?"

The man didn't seem to understand him, and instead stared blankly. Not a word let his lips. He tried to move his head to look into the crowd, as if he were expecting someone. The official shook his head, gesturing to the hangman to begin.

With a nod the lever was pulled, and down went the body. Unfortunately, the fall had not broken his neck. It seemed to be accustomed to such treatment. Instead, the body dangled in the air, with the man shaking profusely and grasping for air. The crowd jeered on, pleased with his suffering.

Then, suddenly, a shot exploded, with a single bullet piercing the end of the rope just above the man's head. The rope snapped, and the man fell to the ground. In confusion, the crowd panicked and began to disperse, causing an uproar. As the man stood to his feet, he saw his rescuer with a horse standing in front of him.

"Nun aspettà! Fa' ampressa!" Shouted the man beside the horse, gesturing for him to hurry.

"What are you waiting for, Aniello?!"

Aniello sprinted to the horse, just as the guards began their pursuit. Gunpowder exploded behind him as Aniello made his escape, mounting the horse and galloping away from town. It seems it would be awhile until he could return to Reikland, and so he would have to find work elsewhere. There was always Sartosa, but there too he had made enemies. For now, Aniello would have to tread carefully, watching his back for the bounty hunters that were sure to pursue him.

Riding through the blanketed forest, Aniello knew where he would go, but it would take many days. There in Nordland he could find means of employment, his sword to be sold to the highest bidder. It wasn't the safest means of living, but it did have its advantages. Not to mention its fun.

'A Tilea ccu ammore

[Amidala]

Wow really nice!From Tilea cum tanto amore!