by RJ Metcalf
Raine sucked in a breath. Today. That was sooner, much sooner, than she’d dared to hope for. Was she ready?
It didn’t take more than a second for her wrath to return, bubbling under the surface.
Her voice hardened. “Thank you, sir.”
The pit boss left and Andre tugged the curtain shut. He kept his back to her for a long moment before turning to face her, concern radiating in his eyes. “Revenge, hollow victory. Not help.”
Raine ignored him, staring down at her callused, dried-out hands. He meant well. But he’d never had something precious stolen from him before. Never had his body been used against his will.
She would make Simon feel the same pain she felt.
And then she would make sure he wasn’t a threat to anyone else, ever again.
Chapter Forty-Two
Ben
A feeling akin to awe swirled through Ben as he gazed upon the Hollows. From the surface, it didn’t look very assuming. Mountains with a few sparse shrubs, a nearby mining town, and an impressively large barracks for all the guards who worked in the underground prison told him they’d landed in the right place. That, and the constant supply of covered mine carts carrying out salt for processing. Knowing that beneath the autumn-chilled dirt was the source of it all, and somewhere in all that dirt was Raine, threatened to drive Ben mad.
How would they find her in there? Had she even arrived? Was she safe? Alive?
“Come on, lover boy.” Geist nudged Ben’s elbow. “Quit staring and start unloading.”
Ben’s gut curled in on itself and he steeled his resolve, turning away from the face of the Hollows to peer into the steamy’s airship hold.
“Right.” First things first. Unload supplies, meet those in power here, do the training, masquerade as a guard, then start searching that mountainside for Raine and hope that they could actually find her
It took all his self-control to focus on his job instead of jumping to volunteer to go into the Hollows with the buggy waiting to be loaded. He was here to teach steam-rifles, and for that, he needed to look and act the part. Even if his skin itched with the need to go.
“I’m going to deliver this straight-away,” announced one of the soldiers he’d met on the ride over––Markus, if he remembered correctly. Ben looked up from the crate of food he’d just moved. Markus stood by the girders of the airship, almost in the shadows. He held a box close to his chest and used it to gesture toward the entrance. “This is medical that I was told is of the utmost importance.”
“Sure.” Ben eyed the nearly full buggy. “But wouldn’t it be easier to just toss it in with these? Save you a trip?”
Markus shook his head, eyes wide. “I’m to deliver this right away.”
Ben moved to the side to let Geist drop the box he was carrying onto the vehicle. The buggy sank down on the tires just a bit further.
Geist rolled his eyes at Markus. “Then do it,” Geist groused as he started to lift his uniform shirt hem to wipe at his sweat, then stopped and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. “Stop yammering and be helpful, one way or another.”
Markus disappeared past the large gate to the interior of the Hollows, and Ben had to push back his surge of irritated jealousy. He wanted to be the one going in right now. He needed to start searching. He kicked a crate and felt a glimmer of satisfaction when the wood splintered under his boot.
“Whales, man. We’re almost done, but it won’t be any easier if you stomp around destroying stuff.” Geist jerked his chin at one of the guards that had earlier introduced himself as Cardiff, the one in charge of the Hollows while General Titus was away. “How about you see if you can go in, start setting up for the demonstration or something?”
Ben pushed his impatience down and nodded curtly.
Cardiff jumped at the chance to show Ben where they’d work in the “upper” pit and tossed some directions at nearby guards to hurry up and help Geist and Timothy finish the job, so they could start all the sooner. Cardiff’s drive to jump right into the lesson suited Ben just fine. He still had to figure out exactly how he’d convince Cardiff to let him stay as a guard once he found Raine, and the more time he had to explore, the better.
Ben took in the naturally vaulted ceiling, the carved-in stadium-like seating around the walls, and the tall fence that curved in toward the arena. He scuffed his boot into the blood-stained sand. “What is this used for? Fights?”
Cardiff nodded. “You got it. It’s a way for the prisoners to blow some steam and for the guards to have entertainment.” He gestured to the huge circular space. “We actually have one scheduled for tonight, so it’d be best if we can have one rotation of men come in for training, then move everything out of the way for the fight.”
The echoing whirr and crunch of dirt echoing in the narrow hall announced Timothy and Geist’s arrival with the first crate of steam rifles. Ben pointed to where they should place it and gave Cardiff a quick nod. “Bring in the first rotation as soon as you’re ready. We won’t be long.”
Cardiff had the first group of twenty men arriving within minutes of Ben and Geist setting up the targets and opening the crates. Ben demonstrated while Timothy explained the tech, how it worked, how to take care of it. After firing off three perfect shots, Ben handed the rifle over to the first guard for his practice.
Ben crossed his arms to hide his clenched fists while he eyed the carved-out hallway. Where did they keep the prisoners? Were the prisoners working right now? How would he know that he had a chance to see them all?
Time passed with the steady rhythm of bullets thumping into targets, clacks of gears, and the whirl of steam, until Cardiff called time for the day, that they needed to clean up for the night’s pit fight.
He motioned to Ben, Geist, and Timothy. “Let the men stow away the tech for now, and I’ll give you a tour of the place.”
Ben dropped his arms and started walking toward the entrance, sand billowing around his feet. “Sounds good.”
Cardiff led them past a narrow shaft with a cage resting at their height. “The cage is best for only two to three men at a time, so I’ll take you on the scenic route. If we drop our party size at any point, I’ll let you try it out,” he stated as they swept past the reception desk.
“Where are we starting?” Ben asked. He glanced over his shoulder at the last vestiges of light from the main entrance. How long did prisoners go without sunlight before it got to them?
“At the beginning,” Cardiff’s laugh boomed in the hallway. “You’ve got to meet Artemis first. She’s our resident tattoo artist, and the gem we keep hidden here.” Cardiff led them down a spiraling ramp and passed a mess hall before disappearing in a doorway. He poked his head out a moment later and motioned for them to follow him in.
“Artemis,” Cardiff announced, sweeping his hand at a red-headed woman, who would’ve been classified as a punk rocker on Earth. Flaming red hair, covered in tattoos, a nose piercing … even her black leather corset gave off the vibe.
Artemis’s eyes widened as her gaze swept over Ben. Her lips quirked. “Pleased to meet you. What did you say your name was?”
“Ben.” He hitched a thumb behind him. “Geist and Timothy. We’re here to train your guys with the newest tech from Aerugo.”
Geist lifted his chin and crossed his arms. Even with the Aerugan uniform on him, his posture didn’t exactly scream “military.” More along the lines of “troublemaker.”
“Mmhmm. New tech is always welcome here.” Artemis lifted her brows and gave them a dazzling smile. “Well, before you start on that, would any of you like a tattoo as memento of coming here?” She winked at Geist. “Free of charge.”
Geist’s eyes sparkled. “Definitely.”
“I wouldn’t mind something too,” Timothy added. He rolled up his sleeve, displaying his bicep. “I know exactly what I want done.”
Artemis gave Ben a bright smile. “Anything for you?”
“Maybe after we’re done,” Ben interrupted. He shot
Geist a reproving look. “We have business to attend to first.”
Geist sagged for a brief moment before nodding agreeably. “He’s right, unfortunately.”
“Soon as you’re done, come find me.” Artemis leaned a shoulder against the wall of the medical bay. “I’d be most happy to give you whatever ink you want.” She pointed at the tattoo chair and nodded at Timothy. “Would you like something now?”
Timothy slide onto the leather seat and waved at Ben. “Go ahead. I’ll catch up in a bit.”
Ben clenched his teeth and his jaw cracked. He waved a hand at Timothy. “Fine, go for it. You can get a tour later.”
“Come back whenever you’re done,” Artemis said, her voice light-hearted, ignoring the tension in Ben’s tone.
“Thanks.” Ben gave her a quick nod of respect, then followed Cardiff out, weariness already seeping into him. Geist shot him a warning glance, and Ben turned away.
It wouldn’t be good for him to lose his temper right now, but staying calm was slowly eroding away at what sanity he had. He was this close to being able to find her, and yet he felt just as far as before.
Would he be able to explore the rest of the prison cells? Would they be able to check out the actual mine, see if she was there? What would be the best method for searching through a place this big?
Cardiff strode through the mess and toward the cage, not looking back to see if Ben and Geist were right behind. Ben hung back just a few steps and lowered his voice. “Any ideas?”
“I’m getting a few.” Geist blew out his breath in an almost whistle. “But if it comes down to a breakout, it’s going to be a bit trickier than normal.” He shook his head. “Getting you out of your airship was tricky enough. Here’s to hoping they manage to pull strings and we just have to linger for a bit.”
“Great.” Ben forced a smile when Cardiff turned expectantly, waiting for them to step into the cage. “Let’s get this started, then.”
Ben swept his gaze over the insanely high ceiling of the mining tunnel, impressed with the way the pillars swept to the top, providing the support needed to prevent the roof from falling in. And all without needing steel beams or additional tools to be moved in. It was just good architectural engineering. And while it was beyond unnerving to be underground, the entire structure amazed him.
Cardiff motioned to a darkened tunnel on their right. “We’ve had to occasionally close off some sections, depending on the stability of the rock or any unexpected surprises we run into. But those moments are thankfully rare.”
Geist made a noise of interest, and shot Ben a look that screamed of boredom the moment Cardiff’s back was turned. Ben gave a small shrug. Getting the tour was boring, but it was Geist who’d insisted that they needed to know everything about this place. Geist pointed to a narrow shaft in the ceiling. “What’s that?”
“An airway,” Cardiff chuckled to himself. “It wouldn’t do if everyone died from being unable to breathe, you know.”
“Of course,” Geist snickered with Cardiff. “Bad for business.”
Ben set his hand against the wall, admiring the smoothness of the hewn wall and the colors of the salt and sedimentary grain. Had Raine passed through this way? Did she work in this section or somewhere else? He dropped his hand from the wall, noting the gritty salt and dirt clinging to his skin. He rubbed his fingers together, trying to get it off before giving up and resting his hand on the leather bag that Prince Weston had replaced his broken glass tank with.
“Sir,” the whistling guard from earlier walked up behind Ben, saluting at Cardiff. “Artemis needs to see you about the shipment that just came in. Health inspection, now that she has the supplies she’s been waiting for.”
Cardiff lifted his eyebrows. “Artemis is doing the health inspections now, is she?” He chuckled to himself. “The general will be sore to have missed this.” He bowed to Ben and Geist. “Apologies, but duty calls. Axil here can finish the tour.”
“I’d wondered what kind of health care they’d have here, but if it’s health care by her hands, then sign me up.” Geist joked.
Ben rolled his eyes, but grinned. Of course Geist would be drawn to a tattoo artist. Well, if Cardiff was going to leave, should they continue to explore the mine itself, or maybe try to get a look at where the prisoners were staying? Ben nodded to the new guard. “What do you guys do around her for entertainment?”
Axil crossed his arms over his beige uniform. “Well, there’s getting new ink, of course. We get books shipped in on occasion, for the few prisoners who actually read. But the majority of the fun comes from the pits and betting on the prisoners.”
Geist’s eyes gleamed at the word “betting,” and he rubbed the back of his knuckles against his chin, contemplatively eyeing Ben. “Anyone worth betting on these days?”
Ben frowned at Geist. Was Geist returning to his betting problem? Geist’s eyebrow twitched and suddenly Ben understood. If Raine was here, and she had a reason, or was forced into it, she’d fight. And she’d win. And she’d likely be an anomaly that men would bet on here.
“Hoo, yes.” Axil gestured and they resumed walking through the dim hall, the sound of crunching salt accompanying them. “There’s a woman that came in within the last month, and she’s been fierce in the pits. Won me a bunch of money, too.”
Ben’s heart jumped to his throat, and Geist shot him a quick look that showed his own excitement.
Geist slipped a hand around his money pouch, jingling the lut inside. “When is she fighting next? I’d love to see her in action.”
“She’s scheduled to fight tonight.” Axil grinned. “You’re welcome to come join and watch.”
Hope threatened to stifle Ben, it was so thick. He nodded, jaw clenched. If it was her, then they’d have to figure out a way to somehow keep her safe even when she was fighting. But hopefully they’d be able to get her out legally soon. And he’d be able to really see her again. Hear her snarky come-backs, see her smile, feel the sting of one of her hits while sparring.
The hope soured in Ben’s chest, sinking to his stomach.
But she’d been in the pits. Who knew how long she’d been fighting? Had she been injured at all? Did she want to fight, or had she been forced to? She was the best swords woman he’d ever seen, and yet this place was one that she would be unarmed most the time. Did the guards allow prisoners to fight outside the pits? What if she beat someone who didn’t take kindly to a woman showing them up?
Too much of his life dangled on the single frayed thread of hope.
Geist bumped into Ben as they followed Axil back to the main chamber of the Hollows. “You ready to face your lady love again?”
Ben shoved a hand against Geist’s shoulder, not ready to begin joking around. Not when he didn’t know how she was doing. “She’s been fighting in the pits, Geist. Who knows how she’ll be?”
Geist’s jovial smile disappeared. “If it is Raine, then we’ll keep her safe. And if we need to, we’ll get her out ourselves.”
“Right.” Ben grimaced. A step closer. We’ll find her, Finn.
Axil led them straight to the upper pit, whistling the same jaunty tune as he had earlier. He turned back to grin at them. “There’s a fight already going on, but those fighters aren’t as good as She-Bear.”
Ben felt his eyebrows shoot up. “She-Bear?”
Axil shrugged. “That’s the name that the prisoners gave her after her second fight. She was hated at first, because of her involvement with the barrier, but she’s earned her place here for now.”
So it was her. Ben’s thoughts swam. She was alive. They knew some semblance of the story on how she got here. And she’d survived thus far. Fear for her and pride in her strength warred in Ben’s chest, ice and warmth creating a storm that swirled in his gut.
Axil waved a hand at a table by the cavern gate. “If you want to place any bets, gentlemen.”
Ben gave it a passing glance, but kept walking. He was here for Raine. Not for exploiting her. In any w
ay.
Axil walked into the cavern, pushing through prisoners and guards alike to clear a spot in the front for Ben and Geist. They joined him, and Ben rested his hand on the metal of the giant cage separating the onlookers from the fighters. Two bloodied men were in the ring, one crumpled on the ground, the sand stained red below him, while the victor posed above him, a gory morning star in hand. Lining the edges of the pit were the targets that would be used for tomorrow morning’s steam rifle training.
Geist swore softly next to Ben, and he nodded in mute agreement. Was this what Raine had faced during her time here?
The arena cleared out and the crowd started chanting, She-Bear, She-Bear, She-Bear. The grate opened, and Ben gripped the cage, his breath seizing in his lungs.
Raine.
Gone was her customary tunic and leggings, replaced with the prisoner clothes that did nothing to hide the fact that she was leaner than ever before. Her eyes held a dark hollowness that bottomed out Ben’s stomach. Cuts and scrapes and bruises covered her arms, and she held her sword with a grip that would have gotten him a scolding if he was training with her. Not light but firm, her knuckles were nearly white. She stepped to the center of the pit and turned to face the gate.
Her opponent stepped out, a scrappy man who looked both nervous and defiant. He sneered at Raine, gesturing clumsily with his sword.
Raine’s expression morphed into a dark hatred that made the black of night look bright in comparison. Even from here, he could feel the hatred rolling off her. Ben swallowed hard as Geist muttered an oath next to him. This was a side of her that he’d never seen. Ever.
She charged at the man without any provocation. He valiantly parried. She pressed her attack, her sword cutting into his arm, his leg, his other arm, his side. Not killing strikes, but each one placed to bleed him out.
“What the Void happened to her?” Geist muttered to Ben under the roar of the crowd.
Ben shook his head silently, stomach churning. This wasn’t the Raine he knew. Something had happened. Something bad.