by Jay Lynn
Reaching a break in the trees, Cassidy flew south. The neighboring town she sought was only twenty miles away on the other side of a mountain. Skimming the clouds, she pursued a lower jet stream in order to shadow the road from the sky. The terrain made traveling with heavy carts a long and slow process. It took three days to reach the border crossing over into Zerrok. By air, it was merely hours.
Every time the dragon spotted a group of carts, she swooped lower, studying the contents to the surprise of the driver and passengers alike. As the main road neared the border it split off. Cassidy hovered in the air. Which way would they go: south to the closest trading posts or east to Zerrok’s wealthiest cities?
She chose the eastern route. Larger cities meant greater profit for the slave traders. Surely human greed would have them sell their prisoners in the deeper parts of Zerrok or even the capital itself.
Several miles down the road, the smell of sweat and horses penetrated the air. Four barred carts clattered along surrounded by a dozen men on horseback. Cassidy could hear chains rattling and people moaning within. This had to be it.
Releasing a blaze, the dragon shot a fireball by the front riders. They reared up—displacing the men, while close by, a wagon took off in a frenzy towards the woods. The soldiers driving the carts screamed commands and snapped their whips as they fought to regain control.
Cassidy made another pass, shooting flames along the outside of the caravan. Two riders were killed as the green dragon looped back. Sweeping in low, she knocked the second wagon onto its side.
The front soldiers regrouped, swinging at the fearsome creature as the men she displaced shot at her with their comrade’s bows.
Inhaling, Cassidy launched a stream of boiling fire.
Screaming, the men were incinerated as the rear half of the caravan sought to escape. Using her tail as a whip, Cassidy smashed the back wheels of the closest cart. Leaping into the air she clutched the final cage with her talons and tore the roof clean off.
Surrendering to the inevitable, the last soldiers fled.
Peering inside, Cassidy searched for Alec. She recognized none of the frightened people cowering beneath her gleaming scales. Snorting, the dragon moved from one wagon to another. Fairing no better, she clawed at the ground. Head jerking back—she remembered the first cart which had driven off into the forest. Taking to the skies the mighty creature flew off. Sharp yellow eyes scanning the ground through the canopy, she was upon the speeding vehicle in no time.
Eyes bulging from his head, the soldier hollered for the steeds to go faster. Turning around he looked for the dragon, but the air above him was empty. Twisting back, his hands flew up to shield his face as a clawed hand swatted him from the cart. Slashed to ribbons, the corpse sailed into the foliage without so much as a glance from Cassidy.
Gripping the cage she gently pried open the roof with her teeth.
“Alec, I’m glad you’re—”
Her words were cut short as she gazed at the slaves curled up in terror just like the others. Alec wasn’t among them. Staring at them for a long moment, Cassidy inched back. Shaking her mighty head she released a pained roar. Stretching out long wings, she rose up into the clouds and headed towards the border with a heavy heart.
It was too dangerous for her to roam aimlessly. Not only did humans hunt dragons here, but there was the Iron Scales Clan to consider. Banished to the Sea of Ash, the rebel dragons used the southern kingdom as their hunting ground. If they were to discover who it was Cassidy sought, then Alec would be in even greater danger than he already was. Whether she liked it or not, it seemed Alec’s rescue would be up the humans.
The wooden cart rocked back and forth as it rolled over the marred surface of the ancient road. Alec watched the passing scenery cautiously from within the confines of their cramped cage. Ten of them were seated shoulder-to-shoulder. Positioned on the center right, Alec was always kept from both the cage’s door and the space closest to the horses. Their escorts must have been forewarned about the sorcerer.
The light pressure of Isabelle’s head rested against his arm. Glancing at the golden strands he grimaced. Her tense form told him she wasn’t asleep. None of them seemed able to do more than doze during the long irksome journey. Sighing, she shifted slightly, confirming his suspicions.
Returning his gaze to the countryside, Alec leaned the back of his head on the bars. With each passing day, their situation appeared bleaker. The traders who purchased them were well organized. They left early each morning from designated Zerrokian occupied outposts. Once locked within the cart, the door wasn’t opened again until reaching the following campsite.
Try as he might, Alec couldn’t find a way to escape without exposing his true abilities. The outposts were heavily guarded, as were the caravan of wagons traveling south. None of the other prisoners had anything to pick the lock with, even should he find the opportunity to use it.
Why did I make that promise to Malcolm?
Even if he hadn’t, Alec knew he would still be using the same caution. Having magic didn’t make one invincible. His eyes darted towards his partner. Alec also wasn’t the only one an entire army would be focused upon. He exhaled with a huff.
Since entering Zerrok, they’d passed a few large towns and a small city. The other wagons split off here and there. Yet, they stayed on course, heading south without hesitation. As the outline of a large bleak city appeared, Alec’s heart sank.
So this was our destination all along.
No sign as of yet marked their location, but Alec didn’t need one. Having traveled here three years prior with his master, he knew precisely where they were. It was Terra, a southern city with one of the largest gladiator stadiums in the Kingdom.
Alec’s eyes narrowed darkly. Clenching his hands he bit back a curse. Unless fate decided to change its mind and show him favor, there was no escaping this fortress of a city. Alec had tried.
As the horses pulling the carts trotted through the bustling streets, Alec glumly noted the area appeared no different than he remembered. Drab stands lined the busy walkways. When soldiers rode by, the citizens flinched and shrank back into the shadows. Entering the main square, Alec spotted a large wooden stage. A crowd was gathered around as tools, livestock and slaves were paraded one after another across the scarred boards. Around the perimeter, individual sales were taking place in front of wagons and makeshift stalls. Larger crowds and fewer soldiers might offer him the opportunity he was looking for. Stretching his shoulders, Alec tried to work some of the stiffness out of his muscles.
I just need a diversion.
The soldier driving their wagon maneuvered it into one of the few open spaces in the back row. Their journey finally completed, the prisoners were ushered out of the cage. Forced onto their knees, they were each chained to a short pole behind their backs which was permanently cemented into the ground.
Discretely glancing to each side, Alec searched for Isabelle.
She was two people to his left. Sitting on her heels the sorceress hung her head as so many of the others did. Body slumped, she didn’t bother to peer at those milling about.
Don’t give up, the warrior mentally willed her.
Keeping his chin lowered, Alec constantly scanned the steady stream of people. Talking amongst themselves or lounging by the wagon, the soldiers were paying little attention to their slaves. If he set fire to a few of the empty carts it should be enough for Isabelle and him to disappear into the crowd. Clutching the chain binding him to the pole, Alec was just about to melt it when a foreboding chill ran down his spine. He stiffened. Tilting his head slightly, he gazed farther down the row. Eyes widening, he muttered a curse. His luck was taking a dramatic turn for the worse.
Meandering past the stalls was none other than Markus Duncan, Alec’s former master.
Alec didn’t bother hoping the vile man wouldn’t see him. He knew the instant Markus’s cold eyes were upon him.
The man suddenly stopped. His gaze narrowed br
iefly with a frown before his brows shot up to his hairline. Just as quickly he scowled, clenching his hands into fists. Pushing his way through the crowd, Markus headed straight for Alec.
A shadow passed over the warrior as Markus leered at him. Lifting his chin, Alec defiantly met the man’s blazing irises.
Lip curling back in a snarl, Markus grabbed hold of the open collar of Alec’s dirty shirt and jerked it over to reveal the distinct crescent-shaped scar which wrapped over his left collarbone. A satisfied gleam lit his face.
“How the tables have turned,” Markus drawled. “I’ve been looking forward to when our paths crossed again.”
Alec didn’t so much as blink. “Is that so? The way I’ve heard it Markus, you’re telling everyone I died from my injuries. What’s the matter, too embarrassed to let people know I won my freedom because you lost a bet?”
The slave owner’s hand connected with Alec’s cheek with such force that even Isabelle flinched.
Two of the soldiers broke off from their conversation to glare at Markus.
“Hey! Keep your hands off the merchandize. No roughing them up unless you’re buying.”
Isabelle paled as she watched the events unfold. This horrible man was Alec’s master? No wonder the poor guy had issues. She pulled against her chains. How dare he lay a filthy hand on her friend?
Eyes locked on Alec, Markus didn’t bother glancing at the soldier speaking to him. “I’ll take him.”
Their captain’s head snapped up. Markus hadn’t tried to haggle, ask about the slave’s history or even bother finding out the price! A smile found its way to the greedy man’s face. Lifting a hand, he casually pointed towards Isabelle.
“How about his sister? Want her too? I’ll give you a deal on the pair.”
“Sister?” the slave owner echoed oddly.
Slowly, his gaze shifted to peer at Isabelle for the first time. His focus had been so intent upon Alec, Markus hadn’t noticed any of the other slaves for sale. Gradually, his eyes traveled the length of her.
The woman was smudged with dirt from her head to her toes. Her blonde hair was a knotted mess and her clothing bore a few tears. Even so, the filth could not hide her attractive features or becoming curves. Cleaned up, she would be a beauty.
Markus snorted. Siblings? This woman and Alec didn’t look a thing alike. The warrior’s dark hair and eyes were polar opposites of Isabelle’s light green eyes and honey-colored hair. They might not be aware of it, but Alec had no way of knowing who his family was. This girl was not his sister. Markus noted her glaring at him and almost laughed. She did have spirit though.
“Yeah, they were traveling from some tiny village when captured,” one of the men was saying, interrupting Markus’s inner thoughts. “Weren’t easy to get. The soldiers who sold them said they took out at least six skilled men.”
“You don’t say,” he mumbled sardonically.
Considering Alec’s skills as a gladiator, that wasn’t surprising information. Markus wouldn’t admit it, but Alec was the best fighter he had ever owned. It appeared he hadn’t stayed in Malyndor with the dim-witted noble. Got himself a little girlfriend along the way, too.
“Got some nasty powers,” the captain added.
Markus blinked, his brows lowering to a point. “Powers?” he questioned with disgust. “She’s a spellcaster?”
“They both are. The anti-magic cuffs are included in the price.”
“Two sorcerers huh?”
Markus’s nails dug into his palms. It all made so much sense. No wonder Alec was capable of such incredible feats, like defeating Titan. He was using his filthy powers. Not this time. Markus was going to get back every cent he lost from Alec’s ill-fated win.
“So what do you think? Do you want them both?” the soldier asked.
With Markus’s eyes boring into him, Alec knew what the answer would be.
“You have yourself a deal.”
Money was quickly exchanged prior to the pair being unchained. Snapping his fingers, Markus summoned a few of his men who appeared like wraiths. A guard grabbed each arm as both Alec and Isabelle were hauled through the market.
The sorceress’s heart was drumming so loudly she could hear it thumping in her ears. What should I do? What should I do? Isabelle asked herself over and over. What could she do? If there was a way to escape she knew Alec would have done it by now.
Thinking of Alec, Isabelle glanced at his stiff back. He hadn’t said a word since his unpleasant exchange with Markus. She would not call the monster her master. Was he so quiet because he knew what fate awaited them? Isabelle fought a shiver. Nearly tripping, she was roughly hauled to her feet.
“Hey, you don’t have to drag me about,” Isabelle snapped at the men pulling her along. “You’re hurting me. Where are you taking us? What is this place?”
“Quiet!” the one man commanded, giving her a quick jerk as they walked into the ever gloomy shade of a huge arena.
Smirking, Markus peered back at her. “Got quite the mouth on you. Alec was the one I wanted, but I just may find a use for you after all.”
Laughing cruelly, he continued to lead them inside the stadium.
Alec clenched his jaw as he was once more taken through the twists and turns of a colosseum’s underground corridors. Flashes of old memories he believed to be locked away resurfaced.
Halfway up a hall, Isabelle and Alec were dragged into a room with four cells. The one on the far left stood empty. However, the rest were filled with the bloodthirsty eyes of Markus’s slaves.
Scanning the space, Markus pointed to the empty cell. “Lock them in there for now. I don’t care what you do with them; just make sure you keep them alive. I have plans for this creature now that he’s returned to his master.”
With a booming chuckle, Markus disappeared back up the corridor.
The four guards smiled at each other gleefully. A man continued to hold Isabelle while her other escort joined Alec’s captors.
The warrior felt a sharp kick to the back of his leg.
“Get on your knees worm,” growled one of the guards.
Forced to the ground, two men held Alec’s arms as a third stood in front of him. Cracking his knuckles, he smiled as he pulled back his arm to land a solid punch in the warrior’s gut. The next one connected with Alec’s cheek as the guard merrily continued the beating.
“Leave him alone,” Isabelle commanded, squirming relentlessly.
“Shut up.”
“Ouch!” she cried as her captor pulled at the chains binding her wrists.
He laughed cruelly, eyeing her flushed cheeks and flashing eyes as he turned back to watch Alec’s guards switch places. The next instant the solid toe of a boot connected with the back of his calf.
“I said leave Alec alone!” Isabelle repeated, kicking him again.
“Why you little—” Snarling, he backhanded her, knocking the sorceress off her feet.
Hearing Isabelle’s cry of distress, Alec’s demeanor instantly changed. Stiffening, his aura started surrounding him with a dark tint.
“Don’t touch her,” Alec ordered icily.
The guard attacking him ceased his blows for a moment. He snickered loudly, his arm still raised until Alec lifted his eyes.
The warrior’s murderous gaze was as effective as a spell. No further sounds came from his oppressor. Rooted to the spot, he hardly dared to breathe.
Tugging his hands apart Alec broke the links of the cuffs, throwing the two men holding him onto the dirty stone floor. Alec then purposely rose to his feet. Ignoring the other guards, he sped across the room in a flash. Grasping the man standing over Isabelle by the throat, the warrior proceeded to slam his back into the wall. Face inches away, Alec glared at him with the intensity of a coming storm.
“Listen closely, you filthy piece of slime,” the sorcerer began. “I don’t care what you do to me, but if you ever touch her again, I will tear you apart. Is that clear?”
The man wheezed, unable to sp
eak. Clawing at Alec’s steel-like grip he managed to nod his head. When he was finally released, he gasped for air as he leaned heavily against the wall.
Taking the keys off the man’s belt, Alec unlocked Isabelle’s chains and jerked his head towards the open cell.
Isabelle didn’t need to be told twice. She bolted across the room and slipped inside without a word. Turning back to peer through the bars, Isabelle gaped at her friend. I’ve never seen him like this before. The blood smeared over his face, along with his blazing eyes, made the sorcerer look like a demon. She shuttered and crossed her arms.
Dropping the keys, Alec slowly walked towards the spot where he had been. His steps came to a halt by the fresh drops of blood spilt from his beating. Remaining silent, the warrior lowered himself back onto his knees and placed his arms behind his back.
The guards watched him with wide eyes. Gazing among themselves, they made no move to attack the new slave. Prompted by the others, the youngest man cautiously inched forward. Gripping the broken cuff around Alec’s wrist with trembling fingers, he removed one, then the next, before quickly dashing away.
“In your cell,” their leader barked, pointing to the still open door.
Alec took his time rising to join Isabelle inside of the cage. His wrathful behavior wasn’t merely for the benefit of the guards; it was for the other slaves as well. Isabelle would be a constant target here. Female slaves were not usually kept among the men inside the arena. Alec was partially thankful. This way, he would be by her side to protect her.
The moment the lock turned in the aged steel door, all of the guards hastened from the space.
Several of the gladiators hooted and hollered after them with glee. Although some still leered at Isabelle, none of them directed any remarks her way. They knew they wouldn’t be able to touch the woman as long as her protector was still alive.