"You're the enemy," Harper shot back, obvious rage in his eyes. Here was someone on whom the propoganda had obviously had an affect. Emilio wondered how that was possible, as a scout surely he saw first hand just how much the enemy weren't any different to them, how could he keep up such a fervent hatred? Obviously James felt the same way, if the subtle roll of his eyes was anything to go by.
"Not from where I'm standing," the captain told him, motioning his men forward "Search them."
A few minutes later the enemy soldiers were holding a small assortment of weapons - none of them from Emilio - though he noticed that James' dagger was conspicuously absent, not that it was doing him any good as they were quickly tied up. Somebody must have already spotted them and had a chance to run back and get the rope, because they were surprisingly prepared. This wasn't a patrol that had stumbled across them, this was a team sent specifically for their capture.
Their captors lead them into the enemy camp, straight for the tent Emilio had flagged up as the command base - not that it was really the time to take any enjoyment out of being right. The commanding officer was waiting for them, making it even more obvious that somebody had been sent for them.
"Gregory James," the officer spoke as soon as their group was deposited in his presence, distracting Emilio from taking in his surroundings.
"Alfie," James responded, causing the officer to wince. Obviously James just wasn't the talkative type, but he certainly knew just what to say to make his point.
"Commander MacKay to you, James." he barked out, regaining his composure, "Grass not so much greener on the other side, hmm?"
"Just as green on both sides, no difference who I work for," James shrugged, causing Harper's eyes to widen in betrayal. He was clearly taking it hard to find out that his partner had been one of the enemy, so hearing him outright admit that the two sides were essentially the same was more than he could really take. He jerked against the bonds towards James, but the soldier restraining him held fast. The only effect it had was to draw the commanding officer's attention to his other captives. He ran an assessing gaze over the two of them and Emilio felt like he knew eveything he needed to know in one look.
"Take these two to the traders in the morning. Leave James." Harper began to struggle against his bonds again at this command, the soldiers took two steps forward to restrain him, deciding to take care of both of them in the easiest way possible. Emilio had just enough time to see one of the soldiers strike Harper on the back of the head before he received the same treatment and everything went black.
---end of prologue.---
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