The square-jawed warrior looked as Sabit. “I am Heguir’s bodyguard, not a seller of skins like him. If I left my post for your silver, I would be no better than he is. You look as though you’ve known the crucible of battle. You know the loyalty of which I speak.”
Sabit nodded. “I do know the value of loyalty. I do not know what he has done to win yours, but he is not worth it, I assure you.”
With the speed of a mongoose, Sabit punched the man in the throat. He staggered back, groping for the short bronze sword at his waist. He’d barely pulled the blade from his belt when Sabit landed a kick to his arm that sent the sword flying.
The guard launched himself at Sabit, tackling her to the ground. Dust filled the air as they grappled. The guard’s arms–thick and strong. Sabit’s body–long and quick.
As the dust settled, the merchant emerged from the tent. “What’s all this?” he bellowed.
Sabit held the guard’s neck in the crook of her elbow. Her other arm pressed the back of his neck, slowing the blood coursing along his throat. The guard’s eyes fluttered shut. Releasing the hold, Sabit eased his limp form to the ground.
Looking at the merchant, she said, “It looks as though you need another bodyguard. It is fortunate for you that my services are available.”
— — —
Photo by Luděk Maděryč from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/metal-chain-in-grayscale-and-closeup-photo-86733/
Wayfarings of Sabit: Chains is copyright (c) 2018 by Michael S. Miller. All rights reserved. New chapters post every Thursday (and the occasional Monday). You can support this and other stories on Patreon: https://patreon.com/michaelsmiller Find more sword and sorcery fiction at http://ipressgames.com/fiction/.