---- 367.


    PERSECUTION NARRATOR Alvaro ran through the forest, weaving in a zigzag, using the tall trees as obstacles.


    He could hear the neighing of horses, the crunch of leaves being crushed beneath their heavy hooves as they pursued hima fox fleeing through the underbrush.


    The river wasnt far; maybe he still had a chance to dive into its depths and swim away, despite the danger.


    He could smell it now, almost see it.


    Thena sharp crack in the air.


    As he emerged into a clearing, the horses gained the upper hand over the two legs of an elemental Aaagerr! he growled as something coiled around his boots and yanked him backward with brutal force.


    His body mmed forward, hitting the ground hard, skidding through dirt and grass.


    He barely managed to shield his face, arms bracing against the rough impact and scraping drag.


    The sheer momentum and strength of the horses pull overpowered himpletely.


    No matter how hard he struggled, no matter how desperately he fought to free himself from the whip binding his boots, the rider held him fast.


    Restrain him! If he resists, give him what he deserves, that damn ---- traitorbut keep him conscious! I need him to talk!" the mans voicemanded.


    Alvaro managed to roll onto his back.


    Erom below, he looked up at the man towering over him atop a dappled horse, staring down as if he were nothing more than an insect.


    Alvaro had no idea who he wasor what connection he had to that woman.


    Like a cornered tiger, he fought back,shing out against the three men sent to subdue him.


    He punchedand was punched back.


    Kicksnded against his ribs, his stomach, knocking the breath out of him.


    There were too many against just one.


    It wasnt long before he was overpoweredpletely.


    Now on his knees, his arms wrenched behind his back, blood dripping from his face, his blurry vision caught the sight of boots stepping into view.


    His swollen eyes could barely focus.


    A rough handlethe butt of a whipdug into his throat, forcing his head up.


    "You''re going to tell me right now what Duke Everhart is nning who you came here with" ---- Then, abruptly"Damn it! Get back there and keep a better watch on the cargo!" The man suddenly realized he had focused too much on this fugitive, letting the others escape.


    You''re an idiot," Alvaro spat, blood sttering onto the mans boots, filled with pure hatred.


    Oh, you think yowre a hero, dont you?" The blond man turned his icy, malicious gaze back on him.


    "You''ll soon learn what happens to fools who throw themselves into the fire." The whip cracked, slicing across Alvaros face.


    He groaned in pain, his teeth gritting, his jaw locked in fury as a bloody welt bloomed across his skin.


    "Take him to the tent and chain him up!" the man ordered.


    Alvaro was dragged away.


    He could only hope that this sacrifice hadnt been for nothing.


    eee "Keep running, damn it!" aldo, I hear horses ahead it looks like they intercepted the barge!" "No, no, shit! Were blocked on both sides! Take another route!" Aldo and Tomas raced ahead, Gordon struggling behind them, panting hard.