Reflections of Fate, SII.05.VATIK

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This was the mission...

The best strategy had been laid out, as the targets lived on a mountain side.  Two bandits, had taken residence in a cave with a steep slope.  There seemed only to be one entrance.  It was militarily sound, apart from what if they were approached from above the mountain.  Vatik, would easily be able to perch herself above the entrance to their cave, able to see them walking on a narrow path with her dimly growing green eyes.

"mmm..  mmph!"

There was a third person, female, and bound.  The two bandits were shirtless, one of them carrying a woman covered in brown robe, the other holding a sack over their shoulders.  Both of them armed with a few knives, a longblade and one of them with a crossbow strapped to his back.

"Heh heh ha, betcha wished you'd a listened to your husband 'fore we killed em"

"ruuunn", whined the second, whilst she struggled, followed by a hoarse laugh.

The bounty was specifically for an Amulet Brooch, of the Hoseland noblehouse.  The brooch was an identifying mark for messengers.  It could easily be used for subterfuge.  The Hoseland noble family requested it be returned...  If the bandits are killed in the process, a second bounty is applied for making the Nobles of Hoseland...  Seem that much more noble.

The bandits approached the entrance to their cave

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Vatik had been watching for a long time, finding the bandits in question and tracking them back to their cave.  And then she waited more, her eyes following as they left.  While her prey had been gone she had positioned herself carefully above the cave entrance, readying her crossbow and spare arrow for when they returned.

When the two lowlifes came into sight Vatik had not been counting on them to be carrying a woman.  She knew of a seal but it was of no consequence.  She aimed at the taller of the two men and fired, her steel arrow cutting through his neck.

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A spray of blood filled the air, as the man released a "grulg!" noise.  Falling to the floor like a sack as his neck was pierced through.  The other man, holding the woman over his shoulder stood dumbfounded.  Didn't come to his senses just yet, he gave an odd look on his face, then quickly coming to his senses he would begin to draw steel.

The sack(held by the taller man), fell to the floor and several goods fell out of it.  It seemed as if they were spoils of few precious metals and other assortments came as they opened.  It seemed as if Vatik's position was still unknown

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Quickly sliding the next arrow into the cross bow and setting it Vatik took aim once more.  The bandit was confused and preparing himself, but had not seen her yet.  She set her sights on his head and launched the arrow.

The faint sound of rushing air could be heard as the arrow ripped through the sky at its target.

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And like that it was over before it started.  Two bolts from somewhere placed well, two lives over.  The second bolt, pierced through the targets head and cracked his skull, the bolt didn't stay and spun off into the forest clattering on the ground, leaving a hole the size of finger in his head as he fell to his knees.  The woman remained on the ground, sobbing to herself.  She did seem aware of what was happening, but everything must have been moving so quickly for her.

The mountain side and the surrounding sparse woods seemed quiet, save for the sound of birds in the sky.  A cool wind passed by.

The cave, if Vatik decided to explore it, would be extremely dark before opening up into a small torch lit cove.  Three trunks laid out against some straw cots.

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Vatik smiled with satisfaction at the quick displacement of the two men.  She harnessed her crossbow on her back and began to work her way down the hillside.  As she descended she made a list of what needed to be taken care of next in the immediate moments from most important to least.  In minutes she was on the path standing above the crying hostage and two dead bodies.

First she retrieved the arrow that had not been lost to the forest.  Vatik grabbed the end of of the steel bolt and placed her booted foot on the bandits skull, pulling hard to dislodge it.  After wiping it clean and replacing it in her quiver she turned to the woman.  She needed details on who she was and what had happened, the hostage could give them.

Bending down Vatik pulled the woman into a sitting position and shushed her as she untied the gag.  "Your captors are dead, I am not here to kill you.  Calm yourself."

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The woman, gave a calmer her face as she stared into the eyes of Vatik.  She seemed to have been a beautiful woman, with pale lips behind the tears and fear that she was shedding.  Upon looking into Vatik's green glowing eyes she seemed to calm considerably.  There was a rumor, that Androids cannot lie.  It was completely untrue, but it was common that they rarely lied for the reasons that Humans did, the reputation left a strong stereotype in the favor of Androids.

"...thank you" she croaked.  She sat and she seemed to bring her tears down.  Although she gasped from her sobs sporadically.  Mouse brown hair slid along the side of her tear stained cheeks, "My family is avenged.." she spoke, moreso as if she were speaking to herself.

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Vatik worked to untie the woman and helped her to her feet before grabbing the bag that had fallen to the ground.  It had some weight to it but not enough to be a hindrance.  She tossed the bag over her shoulder to support part of the weight as she began her questioning.  "What is your name woman?"