Greed

Snowflakes slowly drift down from the thick clouds. The gray sky is chilly. The young man drops his heavy satchel on the floor. He removes the brown hood from his head, leaving his dark shoulder long locks waving in the wind. He cracks his strong, slender back tiredly and rubs one of his dark blue eyes. He places his slim body down on a log and takes the last bit of his water supply. "Excuse me kind sir" a soft voice resounds. The young man looks up. He stares hungrily at the young woman approaching him. Her slender body is scantily dressed, unusual for this temperature, he notes. "Are you okay, lady?" he asks concerned. She nods weakly. "May I sit next to you for a moment?" The man nods eagerly and moves up. "I'm so glad to meet you, My Lord.."? "Djino" says the boy. "Isobelle" she greets. "I've been on the run for almost four days already" she blows. Djino hands her his last drops of drinking water. She gratefully accepts. "Who are you fleeing from?" "Enemies of my father, the headmaster. He has jewels and gold as high as the waking mountain." Greedy, Djino licks his lips. "Really now?" Isobelle nods. And my father's enemies want to demand ransom for me. Which, of course, he would pay. Would you? Help me? I promise that when you bring me home safely, my father will reward you generously. Four bags of gold?" Djino nods hurriedly. "I agree," he says. Isobelle smiles. "Thank you, my lord," she says and bows.

"Oh" Isobelle blows and looks at the knight approaching. "Is that one of your enemies?" Djino asks. Isobelle nods. "That's him. He wants to claim seven bags of gold for me." "Seven bags" beeps Djino. Isobelle nods. Djino frowns. "Forgive me lady, but when it comes to gold, I am quite greedy" he mocks and grabs her. "I won't kill her if you share with me" he shouts angrily. Hate smiles. "Really now" he mocks and looks into Isobelle's yellow eyes. "Forgive me lady" Djino repeats and looks again at the woman in his arms. To his surprise, she does not protest. Nor does she show any fear. Frowning, he looks again at Hate who, to his surprise, is abnormally closed. "Are you like that" asks Hate softly and grabs Djino viciously by his throat. Djino coughs and looks at Isobelle who quietly walks past Hate. She kisses his cheek and leaves the duo. "What?" Djino shouted in surprise. "What about my gold?" "Oh, I have something much better for you" laughs Hate and bites the boy's neck open.