15.2 Auspice

Unable to fight back, you stumble as the man pushes you forward into a wooded area. His hand remains pressed over your face, preventing you from making any noise. If you can just get to your gun you might have a chance. Unfortunately, his other arm is wrapped around your upper chest, pinning your arms to your side. Additionally, locks of your messy hair hang before your face, obscuring your vision. When you reach the other side of the clearing, you're roughly pushed forward. Gasping, you wince when your knees connect with the ground.

"Good work." You hear another voice speak, causing you to quickly look up.

A pit forms in your stomach when you take in the sight before you. Several men stand directly in front of you, each looking more menacing than the last. The most imposing figure seems to have been the source of sound as he steps forward to examine you. You recoil in fear when he reaches down to raise your chin. Frowning, you cautiously observe the formidable man. He's quite possibly the largest human you've seen, standing at well over six feet. His wide form is covered by what appears to be animal hides. Through it you can make out patches of his dark, slick skin.

His face is slightly weather worn but unexpectedly chiseled. Dark, almost black eyes stare down at you inquisitively, sending a shiver down your spine. You're surprised by the lack of stubble or beard covering his square jaw. His hair on the other hand has a wild appearance. Dark, thick curls hang around his face with small bits of twigs caught in its tangle. Your mouth feels dry and your throat tight, unable to form any words.

"You're safe now." You're surprised to hear him say, his cadence deep and soothing.

"From what?" You're barely able to hoarsely whisper.

A small smile forms over the man's face before he turns his attention back to the other men. A jolt of concern quickly spreads over you when you hear him tell them it's time to leave.

"Wait!" You speak up, adrenaline suddenly rushing through you. "I can't leave."

The large man frowns lightly before nodding to the man who originally captured you.

"Get up," Your captor instructs, roughly grabbing your arm and pulling you up.

"No!" You insist, twisting around and reaching beneath your shirt. "Let me go."

You swiftly pull your pistol out before pointing it at the offender. His eyes quickly widen as his grip loosens. Taking a step back, you glance over your shoulder at the group behind you. You're several outnumbered, though hopefully you might be the only one with a weapon.

"You didn't search her?" The leader questions irately, before turning his attention back to you. "Go ahead and shoot him."

This wasn't the reaction you had been hoping for. Taking a few steps to the side, you quickly turn and point the barrel towards the large man. He lets out a deep laugh before waving his men down. His dark eyes lock into yours, a hypnotically relaxed look forming over them.

"You're quite fiery." He remarks thoughtfully, casually moving forward. "But I don't think you're as brave as you seem."

Still overcome by the adrenaline, you scoff loudly before swiftly re-aiming the gun. The loud crack of the gun discharging amplifies through the air. Everyone visibly winces at the unexpected sound. Everyone but the leader who smiles broadly after observing the disturbed ground mere inches from him.

"Next one goes between your eyes." You warn, taking another step back.

"You're a good shot." He states, his slightly unnerving smile still spread across his face. "That could be useful."

"I don't think so." You reply curtly while continuing to move back towards the tree line. "I'll be going off on my own."

"Not completely on your own." You're surprised to hear the man comment smugly. "Or are you not planning on reuniting with Boyd."

Your breath catches in your throat at the unexpected sound of your companions name. Frowning, you absentmindedly lower your weapon slightly.

"How do you know that?" You quickly demand as your steps falter.

"It's not safe to stay here much longer." The man responds, turning to glance at the horizon. "If you want to find out more you can join us."

Biting your lip, you also look over your shoulder back at the wooded area. The reasonable thing to do would be returning to the companion you know. However, the fact that he's known to someone so far from your original destination is something you cannot dismiss. You're sure you'll regret the decision but you have to find out what this man knows. Wincing slightly, you take a step forward before speaking.

"I'll join you, for now." You acquiesce reluctantly, keeping your pistol gripped tightly. "However, I am not under your command or captivity."

The man seems to think this over for a moment before nodding silently. You shiver again when his dark eyes rake over your body swiftly before he turns away again. Swallowing nervously, you can only wonder what you have gotten yourself into.