20 Visitors to the Gathering

Only a few hours past Atila's capture, the elders of her gathering were visited by strange outsiders not from any nearby village. They came in the late afternoon shadows with an aura that sent any peeking faces back inside. The elders showed no surprise at their arrival, as if they were waiting for them. More money was exchanged than words and as quickly as they came, they left.

If any villagers on the fringe of the gathering watched, they might have noticed the pathway they took at the split of the main road. It was the direction of Atila's house, or otherwise her dead father. Not many people traveled her way. If anyone did notice, they said nothing. Their walk said enough. It was not a friendly visit.

They silently fanned out around her house as they closed in. She would normally be home by dusk. They waited until the stars came out, but no sign of her. Until morning their watch was kept and blades ready. She had disappeared uncharacteristically of the habits the elders had stated prior. At first morning light they scouted the area for footprints.

Eventually they came upon the spot where Atila had been kidnapped. The ground told the tale of the fight and clues as to how she was taken. They were too late. If Atila would have seen them it would be no savior to her. The symbols on their leather armory were the same as her father's killers. Nothing could erase that from her memory. They were not here on good business but to eliminate the only known witness to their deeds.