by J E Reed
“With how I feel, not a chance.”
“You said it levels out upstream?”
He nodded. “I’m sure Nsane knows we’re all right. He’ll lead the others in that general direction.”
She sighed. “Scorpios is probably freaking out.”
“He doesn’t trust easy, does he?”
“He’s just cautious.”
“And rightfully so.”
She looked up again and then to the small path that followed the river. “How long will it take?”
“About a day and a half before I can get us to the top. We’ll have plenty in the way of food and water.”
“How did you get to me so fast? Last I looked you were with Nsane.”
“The fire caught my attention. At first, I thought it was the kid, but he was on the other side. When I saw you alone, I thought you might need some help.”
She looked at her hands. “Thank you, Reece, really.”
He smirked. “Don’t get all mushy on me now, you’d have done the same if our roles were switched. Honestly, I’m surprised your group is so small.”
“I’ve just been trying to get to the front as fast as possible. I haven’t really stuck around to make friends.”
He seemed to understand. “I’m curious. Now that I’ve seen your magic, I can’t help but wonder why you didn’t use it when the pack attacked you guys. I saw the kid using his.”
She started to respond before pausing. “How long were you watching us?”
He rubbed the back of his head. “We saw you set up camp and kept our distance. I figured you all to be magic users since you were traveling so small, but when they attacked, it was only the kid who displayed any ability. At that point, I figured we’d help.” He met her gaze. “We have to take care of our own too.”
“I understand, I wouldn’t do anything to endanger Scorpios or the others.”
“Somehow I doubt that. I’m willing to bet you’d run to someone’s aid, damn the consequences.” She was about to protest before remembering the slaves and how Elliott had scolded her. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
She laughed. “Yeah, yeah.”
“So, tell me.” He pressed. “Why didn’t you use it?”
“They were too close.”
“Ah, yes, I noticed Scorpios playing protector. I’m guessing they don’t throw you up front to fight then.”
At that she laughed. “You think Scorpios would do that?”
“No, I suppose not.”
“They try to protect me even though we’ve only been together a few weeks. We were lucky you came along. If you hadn’t, I would have been forced to try and Maltack would have attempted to shield the others.”
“Are you kidding? He can do that too?”
She nodded. “He can do just about anything. I fought Scorpios, Blue and him all at once, though I didn’t know Mal was there. He prevented my fire from burning them.”
Reece waved his hands through the air. “Hold up, you fought Scorpios? How did that happen?”
“They mistook me for someone else. It was dark.”
“Who won?” He asked, a playful glint in his eye.
“Three on one, who do you think? Scorpios kicked my ass.” Both laughed, stood and started walking. Her arm throbbed, and Reece still looked worn, but color had returned to his face.
Kiuno watched the crystal surface, only broken by the occasional insect. Plant life grew in abundance despite the rocky soil, and small animals scurried between the rocks as they neared. A hidden oasis.
“We don’t have to worry about anything coming out of that water, do we?” After seeing the worms and canines, she wondered if danger could lurk around every corner.
“We’ve never had any trouble.”
“Good,” she sighed with some relief. “How long have you been traveling with a group that big?”
“Most are still originals from the first realm, never could quite shake them.”
“And Nsane?”
“We didn’t meet until the fourth. Naturally, he was looking for his wife, just as you are for Elite.” He laughed to himself. “Woman almost killed him when we found her.”
She was horrified. “Why?”
Reece turned away a little. “Well, we don’t always play by the rules so to speak.” He glanced at her before continuing. “When we came across them they had the option to join us or give up their belongings.”
“Reece!” she exclaimed.
He held up his hands. “We aren’t exactly living in the greatest of circumstances. Sometimes things have to be done, however, the leader of that group wasn’t happy about the idea.”
“It was her.”
He nodded. “We tried to stay concealed and she was ready to slit his throat when he recognized her voice. You should have seen her face.”
“I can only imagine.” Her mind wandered to Elite. How would they finally meet? Hopefully something a little less violent. She couldn’t imagine almost slitting her husband’s throat, but she never imagined having to fight Scorpios either.
“Elite will turn up if he’s at the front. If he’s not with this first group, I’ll send some riders to the other three. I can’t imagine he’d stay with the crazy one.”
They filled the day with small talk about their home lives. Reece worked with computers and ran his own business, but without much knowledge on how such things worked, he did a lot more explaining than should have been necessary. She laughed when he vowed to never lay his hands on another game. That wouldn’t last long.
When dusk settled, Reece used his abilities to form a net and sunk it in the water to catch their dinner. She would have loved to watch him do more, but the toll it took for that simple task made him break out in a cold sweat. It was only sheer will that had him walking. Though he was exhausted, he bloomed a few flowers for her entertainment.
The nervousness about meeting them seemed incredibly childish now. Just like the others, he appeared to be the same person she remembered. Maybe she’d picked good friends after all.
They pulled a few dead branches, set a fire and cooked dinner. Afterwards, the two sat in silence listening to the water slosh against the bank. The cool night air brushed against her skin, lulling her to sleep as she gazed at the stars.
“Go ahead and get some rest Ki.”
“You’re the one who should be sleeping.”
“I will, I’ll wake you in a few hours.”
Kiuno took him up on the offer.
Again, and again. It was always the darkness, a deep cavern that never seemed to end. They never saw it and she didn’t understand how they couldn’t feel the crawl beneath their skin. The warning. It was coming, no matter how hard she fought, it always came.
There were more, figures around the others she didn’t recognize, Scorpios and Maltack among them. One image had their arms bound. Another, they were laughing. Glimpses of them played in the shadows, some dancing, some cold, some mocking.
That knife was always there, the cold unforgiving blade she could never warn them about, but this time she didn’t wake when the metal slid across his throat. She was forced to watch as the others fought harder, trying to escape the web they’d been trapped in. Scorpios was thrown in the crimson puddle, the next to be—
Scorpios’s name reverberated off the walls as sweat rolled down her neck. Reece’s pale face was the only thing to remind her that this was reality.
“Kiuno?” He stood a few feet away, his body positioned defensively as flames surrounded the area. She pulled them back, taking several breaths to calm her racing heart.
“Are you hurt?” she asked, still trying to catch her breath.
“No, but are you okay?”
She nodded.
“Does that happen a lot?”
“Sometimes, but I’ve never experienced the fire along with them.”
He sat back down and was silent for a time. “I guess we’ve all been through some pretty rough shit.”
“You could say that.”
“You’re worried,” he stated.
“I know Nsane will keep them safe, but…”
“It’s hard, I get it.”
She nodded. “Get some sleep.”
“Wake me if you get tired, you didn’t rest long.” He curled next to the fire and her eyes were drawn to the flames as she thought about her dreams.
Reece woke well before sunrise and urged them forward. He had more energy today and wanted to cover as much ground as possible.
Dusk settled, her feet ached and stomach growled, but just as she thought they’d be spending another night below the rocky cliffs, her friends came into view.
“Kiuno!” Maltack’s voice rang through the air and he waved his arms frantically.
“Someone’s excited to see you.” Reece smiled, pulling her close. She stiffened. “Just relax.” The vines burst from the ground and wound their way up her legs and both their bodies pressed into one another. Feeling her feet leave the ground had her clutching Reece tight, making him smirk.
Maltack had his arms around her as soon as the vines let her go. He blubbered about how scared he’d been, and she returned his embrace, trying to calm the child. He started on her arm as soon as he saw the makeshift bandage.
When he was finished, she turned to Scorpios who also wrapped her in a tight embrace. He lingered for a moment, and she wondered if he thought she’d really died. Maybe he felt responsible for leaving her behind.
“I’m glad to see you’re all right, mostly.” His gaze dropped to the wound, which was now another scar that marred her skin.
“I’m glad Reece is quick on his feet,” she said.
Scorpios looked her over once more before turning to Reece. “I apologize for doubting you.”
A smile broke across Reece’s face. “You aren’t the only one who used to call her queen.”
They all burst out laughing.
Over the next few days, Maltack fussed over her plans with the leader and Scorpios voiced his opinion on her going alone. After telling them both she’d be fine, Maltack stopped pestering her and Scorpios fell eerily silent.
When the towering stone walls came into view, she ran ahead with Maltack and Liam on her heels. A massive castle stood at its center, with walls that looked as though they could withstand the might of a thousand armies. It was something only a grand king would have occupied if they still lived in those times.
Scorpios’ concern returned to the forefront of her mind. Why did they need something so elaborate? What danger hadn’t they faced?
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Reece stared at the building, far less moved by its presence. “All five leaders have taken refuge in similar structures. It’s like five were planned to come all along.”
“There’s others as big as this one?”
“Yep, but all are separated by a few days ride on horseback.”
“How close are you allowed to get?”
“Not much closer than this, we keep a respectful distance. They’ll come out to meet us once the flag is seen. We’re expected.” He nodded to the full wagons.
“You’ve really never been in?”
“Not that one, but I imagine most operate the same. They have gardens and animals on the outskirts which is part of the reason we stay back.”
Reece turned, but she lingered, trying to imagine the person it took to run something so enormous. The extensive planning, ensuring everyone had a place and that they were all fed. It had to be an amazing team.
Kiuno followed Reece and helped set the fires while they prepared dinner. They ate, sharing their food despite her not doing anything to earn it. She’d have to remember to repay their kindness.
“That was quick.” Nsane stood and they followed suit. It’d only been an hour since he tied the banner between two trees. It didn’t say anything, but she imagined they’d be able to see it clearly.
Four men rode toward them on horses. The rear two pulling a small cart. Were they really trading all they had for something so small? Reece greeted one of the men as if they were old friends. They shook hands and began discussing the terms of items and weapons.
Reece pulled a few blades from the back, running his hand along the edge and nodded in satisfaction. Likewise, the other man inspected the crates and furs. Kiuno sat on the sidelines while the two did their business. They talked for a while, but once things seemed like they were settled, she made her move.
“Excuse me.” He turned to her with one brow raised. “Would you mind if I accompany you back?”
The man glanced at Reece. “What for?”
“I have a few questions for your leader and might be interested in joining him within the walls. We all know how dangerous it is out here.”
“Aren’t you with this group?”
She looked back at Reece, trying to seem indifferent. “They helped us a few days ago, but I’m a leader of my own.” Like she said before, it was of no concern to them how big her group might be.
An Asian man in his thirties stepped forward. “I’ll take you.”
“Kiuno.” Scorpios rested one hand on her shoulder, a plea in his eyes.
“I’ll be all right.” She smiled at him, but he didn’t return it.
“She’ll be in good care.”
Scorpios met his gaze, dark eyes burrowing into the man’s soul. Whatever he found there, must have been enough to convince him. “If she’s not back by nightfall, I’m coming for you.” The intensity he put off sent a shiver down her spine. He told her she couldn’t take down an army, but could he?
REALM: 5
DAY: 225
Riding with strangers was unnerving, but Kiuno was also excited to see the castle. Eldridge hadn’t been exaggerating about there being plenty of food and shelter.
On the outskirts, peopled tended gardens and animals. Horses were everywhere, most grazing freely on the wild grass. In the distance, magic sparked as soldiers practiced perfecting their skill.
As they rode through the large gate, she realized just how thick the walls were. An arch loomed over the gate with iron bars crossing the inside of the massive wooden door.
The clanking of metal strummed through her ears, breads and the smell of cooked meat wafted through the air and people scrambled from place to place. It was impressive, organized and well-guarded. Everything she had hoped for. Whoever led this place knew exactly what they were doing.
They rode up to another set of steps, passing several buildings that lined the walls and streets. The man helped her dismount from her horse and she smiled at him, trying to seem passive. He returned it, but his expression wasn’t naïve. He knew there was more to her. Perhaps that’s why he agreed to bring her along.
“Iggy, who is this?” They both turned to a rough voice. Finally, she had a name.
“She wants to speak with our leader.”
“We’re taking requests now?”
“I was told to bring anyone who might add to our ranks.”
The short, stout man gave her a scrutinizing gaze. “Where did you find her? Weren’t you assigned to meet with the outsiders?”
“I did, she was with them.”
“And you brought her here? She could be one of them.” His face darkened. Reece never mentioned animosity toward their group. Was he unaware?
“I’m not—”
“I don’t recall speaking to you,” he said. Kiuno bit her tongue, trying not to lash out. His worry was justified, not everyone could be trusted.
Iggy cleared his throat. “She’s here now, we—”
“Bind her.” Kiuno’s heart jumped.
“I don’t think—”
“I don’t care, we don’t know who she is, bind her.” Iggy shifted beside her, hesitating before taking a rope from his saddle bag.
“I hope you can forgive this.” She considered refusing, but his hesitation led her to cooperate. It wasn’t like a rope could hold her back anyway.
Iggy…where did she know that name?
With bound wrists,
they started toward the stairs, but the man wasn’t satisfied. He decided his escort was needed to ensure she remained a prisoner. Kiuno sighed, but again, tried to reason with herself. Everyone was wary, they had a right to be.
Kiuno tried to focus on what their leader might be like. Iggy was kind, compassionate, capable of fair negotiations. The other one was hard, stern, even a little rude. With such opposite demeanors, he could be either. Hopefully more of the former, she didn’t feel like dealing with an arrogant ass.
The inside opened into a massive hall, tables set in long rows with benches neatly tucked underneath. They led her down a side hall and up a twisted staircase. Should the need to run arise, she’d have to remember this particular route. Nothing covered the walls. Just plain gray brick. It was a clever way to keep the enemy running in circles.
They passed a few people, and she paused to look at them, but the gruff man shoved her forward. Kiuno took a breath, trying to fight her rising temper. Was that really necessary?
Two more turns and another set of steps later he shoved her again, causing her shin to collide with the hard stone. She cursed and turned on him. “Do not touch me again.”
It was the only warning he’d get.
“Or you’ll do what?”
I’ll burn a hole through your chest, you arrogant prick.
Heat moved through her, making its way to her fingertips. Kiuno tried to remember the feeling of Scorpios’s energy, how it radiated in soothing waves.
She’d love to knock that smirk off his face.
Iggy placed himself between the two thereafter, casting his companion a degrading look before giving Kiuno an apologetic smile. Something about him made her relax.
Displeased with the interruption, the short one shoved past, pushing the doors open to a smaller hall.
This room differed from the rest. To their right sat a pair of closed wooden doors, plain and new. Cushioned seats lined the walls to the left with a flower vase set on a small round table. Colored tapestries hung around the walls and for a moment Kiuno thought she had everything wrong. Didn’t Reece mention the leader was male? This place definitely had a woman’s touch.