Percifal poked the fire with a stick, causing some of the burning wood to collapse, sending glowing, orange sparks into the air.
“Why?” he asked, finally sparing me a glance.
“What do you mean, why? Why wouldn’t I? You should want to save him too. He’s your friend.”
“He is, but he made his choice when he decided to stay and do nothing to stop King Zaeden.” The bitterness in his words was obvious.
I scoffed, shaking my head in disapproval. “You’re being an ass. It isn’t his fault he was put under some strange, dark spell.”
“He could’ve acted quicker.” He steadied himself. “Why do you care so much anyways? You never really liked him.”
I glared at him from across the fire and mumbled, “That’s what you think.”
“Pardon me?”
“Nothing,” I replied quickly. “I’m going to sleep.”
“Alright. Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight.”
I went to the blanketed area I’d claimed for myself and lay down. I tossed and turned in my hard bed as my thoughts taunted me. What if I can’t save Thaimis? What if I have to kill him? I grumbled lowly, turning over yet again. I wouldn’t let it come to that. Percifal was wrong. Thaimis didn’t have a choice in this. If he’d have stayed in Aquila with Thaimis, he would be under King Zaeden’s spell now too. He had no right to judge him.
Eventually, the voice inside my head left me alone long enough that I was able to fall asleep.
Chapter 26
We rode late into the night looking for a place to set up camp. The world was shrouded in darkness beneath the black, moonless sky. The plains with red cliffs in the distance had turned into hills and valleys covered in wild bushes. It wasn’t as pretty, but at least it wasn’t so dry and dusty. We led our horses through the tall grass into a group of thick bushes at the bottom of a valley.
I let out a small yelp as I tripped over something.
Whatever it was, it moved.
A low moan had us pausing in our tracks.
I scanned the area before us and could just make out the silhouettes of bodies sleeping in amongst the tall bushes. There were enough bodies to make an army. Oh, shit!
“We’ve caught up to them.” I whispered to the other two.
“This is good. This means we can beat them to Terra and warn them about King Zaeden,” Phyra exclaimed with a loud whisper.
“I’m going to find Thaimis first.” I started walking again.
“No, you’re not,” Percifal said as loudly as he could without risk of waking the sleeping soldiers.
I ignored him.
“Chel… Chelela.” His voice held warning.
“Who goes there?” A new voice asked.
I froze.
“Hey, you. I asked you a question.” The soldier who was on watch headed toward us.
“Goddess dammit. You two get out of here. I’ll catch up,” I told them with more confidence than I felt.
“But Chel…” Phyra argued, her gaze flitting to the soldier.
“Go!”
“You’ll ruin everything, Chel.” Percifal’s voice was strained.
“I have to do this.”
“Come on, Percifal. I would’ve done the same for you.” Phyra pulled on his arm.
I swore I saw realization and shock on Percifal’s face at her words.
The soldier was growing dangerously close. I was beginning to worry my brother would be recognized.
Percifal glanced at the soldier and finally relented, swinging up onto his horse’s back.
Phyra did the same, and they took off into the inky blackness of the night.
“Hey! Guards!” the soldier bellowed, but it was too late. A few stirred, but Percifal and Phyra were gone.
Another soldier approached us, rubbing his eyes. “Everything alright here?”
I turned toward the soldiers and held my hands up. “I’m just a lady. I mean no harm.”
The first soldier, who wore a black surcoat over chainmail, squinted, trying to make out my face in the dark. I took note of the silver V embroidered on the chest of the surcoat. “What are you doing out here? I saw two others with you.”
“Yes, they—uh—they were my escorts.” I quickly came up with the explanation.
“Why did they run away?” the newcomer crossed his arms.
“Your comrade scared them off.” I crossed my own arms in an act of annoyance.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Wait, I recognize you.”
Uh oh.
“Aren’t you Madam Lacrima’s daughter?”
I let out a loud sigh. My shoulders sagged. “Yes. I’m here to see King Zaeden.” I was no enemy. I’d be safe as a citizen of Aquila—I hoped.
At least Percifal and Phyra hadn’t been recognized. If he’d seen Percifal, I’d surely have been deemed a traitor too. I thanked Celestia it hadn’t come to that.
“King Zaeden’s asleep,” the first soldier said. “You may see him in the morning. He won’t be happy about your presence. This is no place for a lady of your stature.”
“I know, but it’s important. Thank you.” I tilted my chin down and closed my eyes as I said my thanks. I’d play up the part of a ‘lady’ if it meant I weren’t seen as a threat.
These soldiers didn’t seem to be under a spell. Perhaps they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t though… or perhaps some actually thought King Zaeden’s plan was a good one without being compelled.
Other soldiers had woken and came to see what was going on. The soldier who’d joined us told them to go back to sleep, as he was doing so too. The situation was under control.
“Find a place to sleep,” said the soldier who was on watch. “I’ll put your horse with the rest.” His eyes flashed bright cerulean as he took the reins from me. He was under a spell.
I hastily took my blanket out of my saddlebag, and he led my horse away.
I exhaled and found a tree to sit under. What have I gotten myself in to? I didn’t want to see King Zaeden, I didn’t want to travel with an army of his soldiers—and I really didn’t know how I’d find Percifal and Phyra again.
I couldn’t imagine how disappointed they were in me. Phyra seemed like she might have understood a little, but Percifal was undoubtedly disappointed.
Thankfully, I still seemed to have the favour of the king. As far as King Zaeden and the rest of his army knew, I hadn’t seen my brother since he’d run away. Surely I could slip away easily when everyone was asleep—once I found Thaimis and got him to agree to leave.
It was to our benefit that Phyra and Percifal would beat King Zaeden to Terra. It gave us a greater chance of defeating him. They didn’t need me with them to warn the kingdom of earth’s rulers.
With everyone still asleep and the soldiers who’d found me now out of sight, I went in search of Thaimis. I crept slowly between bodies, careful not to step on anyone.
Soldier after sleeping soldier, I was disappointed each time I peered at a face that didn’t belong to Thaimis.
Men and women snored, groaned and stretched as I crept in between them.
I spotted a large tent erected between two trees… King Zaeden’s temporary bedchamber.
I sucked on my bottom lip. Thaimis was probably sleeping somewhere nearby.
I didn’t think I’d be able to get close enough to the tent, made of some kind of animal skin, without being noticed.
I stopped, my mouth pinched to the side, and glared at the tent. This was impossible. I hadn’t thought this through. The others couldn’t have gotten far. I could still catch up to them.
I nodded to myself and spun on my heel to go and find my horse when I felt the cold metal of a blade press against my throat.
I went still, and my lips parted.
“Don’t move.”
I did as bade, but said slowly… cautiously, “I’m no threat. The soldier on watch has taken my horse and told me to find a place to sleep.”
“Is that so?” the low vo
ice behind me asked, barely above a whisper.
“I wouldn’t lie to a soldier from my own kingdom.”
There was a pause before the knife came away from my throat and I was spun around by the shoulders.
The face that stared back at me… my heart to stopped.
“Chelela?”
“Thaimis.” His named escaped my lips on a breath.
He looked the same as the last time I saw him, only a few seasons older. His sharp, angular jaw sported a few days’ worth of scruff. His dark brown hair was the same short length he’d always kept it. His body was more hardened with muscle than before. His eyes though… his eyes were different. Cerulean swirled throughout their normal sea blue colour. Was my Thaimis even in there anymore? He had to be. He’d recognized me.
His dark brows slammed down. “You should not have come.”
“You’re not yourself. You need my help,” I said with desperation.
He grabbed my wrist—hard. “You’re risking the kingdom. King Zaeden will deal with you in the morning.”
“Wait. Please. Can we just talk?” I pleaded. My voice cracked on the last word as he dragged me away from the tent.
I heard other soldiers grind out protests at being awoken by our commotion.
Thaimis didn’t answer. Instead, he found a piece of rope and tied me to a tree. I guess that’s my answer, I thought bitterly.
“This is wrong!” I shouted at him, not caring who I woke.
He disappeared, and I was left alone with my thoughts once again. It gave me time to come up with a plan.
Chapter 27
When the sound of footsteps clomping through the grass woke me at dawn, I tilted my face up to find King Zaeden staring down his nose at me with a pleased smile. His heavily jeweled hands were placed on his hips. He’d lost weight since my wedding. I barely recognized the man I’d once thought of as family. His face was gaunt and his eyes were hard. “What a surprise it is to see you here,” he mused.
I squinted up at him. My ribs were burning where the ropes were tied, and I imagined I had an imprint of bark on my skin where my back was pressed against the tree. “Pardon me, Your Majesty. I’d bow, but I’m a little tied up at the moment.”
“Ha!” he laughed. “You always did have a good sense of humour, Chelela.”
I forced a grin.
“Untie her. She’s a friend of the crown,” he commanded the soldier who stood close by.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The man hurried to untie my bonds.
I got up, with difficulty, when he was finished and rubbed the places where the rope had chaffed my skin. I gave King Zaeden a deep curtsy.
“It has been brought to our attention that you wish to have a word with us,” he said, referring to himself in third person as usual.
“Indeed,” I pointedly looked at the man who’d untied me. “May we speak in private?”
“Of course. Come inside the tent.” He led the way.
The inside of the tent was quite luxurious. Blue velvet lined the inner walls. On the far side a straw filled mattress laid, covered in black wool blankets and cushions. A small wood table and a couple of chairs sat near the entrance.
Of course, the king must be able to live in comfort, even when traveling. The fact irritated me. He should be sleeping outside like the rest of his army. That was the problem with royalty; they lived above the rest of the world.
“You disappeared after Lanbert was murdered. We must admit, that does look suspicious,” King Zaeden said as he took a seat and beckoned for me to do the same.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. How could he even think such a thing? I shouldn’t have been surprised.
“Don’t worry, we are not judging you. Tell us why you are here.” He made a steeple with his long, pale fingers. Right to the point.
I sat back in my chair and crossed my legs. “The reason for my disappearance was because Lanbert sold me to Gwon. I know nothing of his murder. I’m grateful I was able to escape the island.” So far, that was the truth. I decided to leave out the fact Percifal and Phyra had helped me escape.
“Go on,” he urged.
I cleared my throat before continuing. “I returned home to find Aquila had already set out for war. I want to avenge my father’s honour by joining your army. Gwon took him away from me, and then I almost died there. I daresay I feel as betrayed as Your Majesty by the other kingdoms’ unwillingness to aid us.” I knew I had to be convincing. If he figured out I was lying… who knew what he’d do with me?
He pursed his lips and made sucking noises whilst tapping his jeweled fingers on the table.
The longer he went without speaking, the more nervous I became.
He rose and poured two goblets of red wine and offered one to me. I was shocked by the fact that he’d actually poured himself and me the wine. Usually, he didn’t lift a finger unless he had to. I supposed it was only due to our privacy. Still, he very easily could have ordered me to pour the drinks.
I considered using the wine to drown him the same way I’d drowned Nibu, but I knew there was no way I’d get away alive if I did. Not with a whole army outside the tent. Letting go of the thought, I inclined my forehead and accepted the glass. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Perhaps it was poisoned…
My body relaxed when he took a long sip of his own wine then licked his lips. “We are glad you share our wish for vengeance. However, you are no soldier. The battlefield is no place for a lady of your status. That being said,” he clapped his hands together. “You are here now, and you may watch from the rear with us, where we’ll be giving the orders.”
“But, Your Majesty, I’m a good fighter. My husband taught me well, before he fell ill,” I lied.
“No. You are the only honourable Lacrima child of our poor deceased friend. We will not lose you.” He adjusted the gold bejeweled crown on top of his head of dark, oiled curls.
I curtsied. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Make yourself useful around camp, and try to stay out of the way. We cannot be held responsible for the soldiers. They’re not themselves, you see.”
I lifted my chin as I dared to ask, “Who are they then?”
He let out a small laugh and downed the rest of his wine. “Don’t worry your pretty head with that. You are excused.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I finished my wine and curtsied again before leaving. I’d almost forgotten how much I hated formalities… especially when it came to licking King Zaeden’s boots.
I found a woman soldier cleaning her armour. She had messy black hair that came to her jaw. She was tall for a woman and built broadly. Her body reminded me more of a man’s than a woman’s. I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side.
I gave her a slight nod. “Do you need any help with that?”
She cast me a stern look while still polishing her vambrace. “Do I look like I need help?”
“No, but I’m supposed to make myself useful. Hey, are you happy to be—you know? Going to war?” I took a chance and asked. Perhaps she wasn’t under King Zaeden’s spell.
“Why wouldn’t I be? King Zaeden is going to bring us glory. We deserve it.”
“But what about the rest of the people of Sarantoa?”
“Screw the rest of Sarantoa.” She spit on the ground by her feet. “They deserted us when we needed them. They’ll get what they deserve.”
So, she wasn’t any different than the other soldiers. I didn’t know why I thought she might be immune to the dark power. What if I’m susceptible too? I worried. I hoped my power would save me from going under a spell.
“Right, just checking,” I answered.
“You could go help clean the horses’ tack, if you need something to do.”
“Okay.”
She was finished with me, so I went and found the soldier who was rubbing down pieces of leather.
“May I?” I asked, picking up a bridle.
He just grunted. I took that as my answer and found a cloth to mimic what he was
doing.
I worked the day away. My hands blistered and my wrists grew sore from all the rubbing. I didn’t complain. I sat quietly, listening to others as I tried to make myself invisible to them. It must have worked because no one paid any attention to me. I learned we would ride on the morrow.
When it was time for supper, I stood in line to receive my ration of dried meat and hard bread. I wondered which villages they’d pillaged to obtain this food and tried not to feel guilty about eating it.
A couple of the men nudged each other and pointed at me while licking their lips. I shot them a dirty look and turned away.
Once I’d gotten my ration, I began to walk away when one of the men bumped into me on purpose.
“It’s been centuries since we’ve had a pretty lady.” He looked me up and down, undressing me with his eyes.
I frowned, “Centuries?”
“Mmhmm,” he answered, reaching out to touch my thigh.
I felt his hand over the fabric of my light blue skirt. I grabbed his wrist, pulled it away from my leg and took a step closer to him. “Touch me again and I’ll kill you.”
His grin showed off his yellow teeth. There was a gap where one tooth was missing. “You could try. That might be fun.”
“Ugh!” I threw his wrist away from me and stalked off, my food clutched in my other hand.
I found a space, close to where the horses were roped off, to sit and eat my supper alone.
I’d always known soldiers could be crude when joking around with one another, but the men in our army had always been honourable when it came to the ladies. I found this new behaviour strange and appalling. I guess I had been warned, but what was I supposed to do? Wait ’til everyone else had been given their rations and risk there being none left? I think not. I could probably kill this whole army and be done with it, I thought, but I knew at least some of these men were actually innocent… and there was the whole King Zaeden and Vesirus thing. I wasn’t sure I could defeat them on my own. I just had to figure out how to break the damned spell.
I felt another presence slide up beside me.
“Go away,” I said without checking to see who it was. I wasn’t in the mood for company.
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 42