The group had successfully used magic to bring themselves food right after their daring escape, before their magic could be traced, but had not dared since, seeing as using it now would leave a trail of traceable magic, leading their captors directly to them.
“Never mind that it seems near impossible to collect any magic to use, anyway,” said Maura.
“It’s got to be Juliska,” said Billie. “She must be using the same weapon the Striper’s used against your group, Maura, when they drained your magic and left you...” she stopped. Maura patted her shoulder.
“It was not a pleasant experience,” she said. “I don’t know what this weapon is, I don’t know how they got it, made it or found it, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I have no doubt she’s somehow using it now. We don’t have long before we won’t be able to make any magic at all.”
Noah stood at the cave’s entrance gazing through to the tops of the trees. No sun. No sky. Just a dark cloud made even darker by ominous winged shadows flying overhead.
“We run for it and they’ll catch us in no time,” he warned.
“Staying here is not an option either,” said Billie. “I guess we knew it was only a matter of time,” she added hopelessly. Maura grasped her hand. Although a strong grip, it didn’t give much comfort.
“What is that?” asked Noah’s wife. “Did you hear that?”
They went silent, listening intently for any sounds.
A crunch. A rustle. Another crunch. Footsteps, very close by.
Billie and Noah motioned for everyone to back into the cave, out of sight. They remained towards the front, scouring every inch of space they could see, for what approached. They heard footsteps but could not see anything moving. The crunching of the dead leaves grew louder.
Billie gasped.
Noah stepped in front protectively.
A figure was materializing in front of them. At first, it was just a shadow, blending in with the trees and darkness of the forest, but now, it took shape. The shape of a woman.
“Striper,” said Billie, aghast.
“Please,” said the woman, “do not be afraid. I haven’t come to hurt you.”
“Where are the rest?” demanded Noah, looking around for any sign of others. They were nearly impossible to see without knowing they were there.
“I am alone,” the woman insisted. “Listen, it is quiet. No one else is here.” She raised her arms as if to surrender. “Please, I have come to help you. There are others, and they are not far behind me. We must hurry!”
“Why should we believe you?” asked Billie. “Why would you want to help us? Why are you even here?”
The Striper woman looked around anxiously before answering.
“We were brought here by the order of Jurekai Fazendiin to assist Juliska Blackwell in rounding up all of her prisoners.”
They had feared something like this would happen, that Juliska had more up her sleeves than they knew. But Stripers, and the help of the Grosvenor, this was unfathomable.
“So I ask again,” started Noah, “why would we trust that you want to help us?”
“I realize my people’s reputation precedes me, but please, we are not all treasure grubbing fiends. I do not have the desire to see your people wiped out!” she spoke in a loud whisper. “It’s all out of control. Gone too far!”
Billie and Noah looked at each other and then back into the cave at the anxious faces waiting for them to decide their fate.
“How do we know this isn’t a trap?” asked Billie.
“Look! I don’t know what to tell you to make you believe me, other than you have to trust me. It’s the only way you’re going to get off this island alive. Juliska and KarNavan are rounding up everyone else on the island as we speak, and I have no idea what their intentions are!” She shook her head looking torn.
“Juliska is like a wild woman who’s just gotten free from a long prison sentence. You need to seek out help! I can get you out of here, but you must come now! The window is closing fast!”
“Who are you?” asked Noah.
“My name is Ardon. In the manner of complete honesty, I am KarNavan’s second in command.”
Noah and Billie inhaled, again doubting this woman.
“Please,” she begged. “I can get you off the island. It’s your only chance.”
Noah and Billie exchanged glances.
Billie turned to Maura and the others.
“We stay, we die,” she told them, feeling confident in her choice of words. “We run, we have a chance.”
The others showed their agreement, although weakly.
She turned back to Ardon. “Okay.”
Ardon sighed, relieved. “Come. Follow. We have little time!”
The group rallied in a line, Billie near the front, Noah bringing up the rear, again assisting Kalila Jackal, as she was still having trouble with her ankle. It was healing, but she had barely eaten in the many days they had been in hiding. The loss of her sister was taking its toll.
Maria stayed close, encouraging the elderly woman. She had spent the most of her time trying to comfort her and was responsible for the little bit of food Kalila had eaten.
“Where are you taking us?” asked Billie. “Another hideout?”
“No. They’ll just find you. I’m getting you off the island, today.”
“How? With all the protections...”
“The same way my people came here. I’m KarNavan’s second, I know how to break the security and get you out.” She kept a quick pace; staying in a form they could see and follow, rather than blending into the background.
The group followed uncertainly, hoping that each step was not bringing them closer to doom. Before long, they came to the shoreline. It appeared empty, but going out into the open didn’t seem like a good idea, especially when the Scratchers could appear in the sky overhead at any time.
“There’s a boat anchored just a few feet into the water,” explained Ardon. “It’s one of ours. It’s stocked with provisions to get you through another week, at least.”
“I don’t see a boat,” said Billie suspiciously.
“It’s hidden. I can show you how to get on. Once you get away, is there someone you can go to? Someone who can bring help?” Ardon asked them.
Noah and Billie looked at each other again. Something just didn’t feel right, but perhaps they were overly paranoid.
“I don’t know,” said Billie. “But if we can get away, we will find help, somewhere.”
Ardon nodded and motioned for them to follow to the very edge of the tree line.
“I don’t need to tell you that this will be the dangerous part,” she said, glancing upward. All gazes followed, for the moment seeing no signs of wings in the inky sky.
Noah let go of Kalila for a moment, needing to rest his arms before the dash to the boat. Maria assisted her to a nearby fallen log, where she plunked down.
“You’re such a kind girl,” she told Maria. “Don’t ever lose that, child. It’s a quality not enough people hold dear anymore.”
“You are being too kind yourself,” Maria replied, with a smile.
“Be a dear, would you, and help an old lady,” she said to Maria with a playful wink.
“Anything. What do you need?”
“A stiff drink,” she replied naughtily.
“I don’t think I have any of that,” chuckled Maria in reply.
“I do,” whispered Kalila. “I just can’t reach it.” She pointed to her boot.
Maria just shook her head in amusement, grateful for the moment of release. It took her mind off what they were about to do. She reached down into Kalila’s boot and took out a wooden flask, opened it and handed it to the elderly woman.
“Liquid courage!” she said smacking her lips, her eyes gleaming for the first time in days. “Need a swig?”
Maria could not hold back a laugh.
“No. You enjoy. I’ll be right back,” she said, joining the others.
T
hey were trying to decide whether to just run for it, or wait for dark, which was still hours away.
“It’s already quite dark,” Noah’s wife was saying. “I don’t think we can chance waiting. “ Her husband agreed. So did Billie. And so did Ardon.
“I don’t think we can count on having any magic,” warned Noah. “This is going to be a run for our lives situation.”
“Do we have any other choice?” said Maura. “It’s like Billie said, we’re dead if we just stay. We have to try.”
“Let’s not wait, then,” said Billie, gathering her courage.
“Right,” said Ardon, taking another glance upward. “Everyone get ready.”
Noah and Maria turned to grab Kalila.
“Wh-where did she go?” asked Maria. “She was right there.”
Everyone turned and turned, looking, but saw no sign of the woman.
“I just took my eyes off her for a minute,” whimpered Maria. “I should have stayed with her. She’s been so sad.”
Billie patted her on the back.
Ardon stiffened, a tightness etching her face.
“What?” asked Noah.
“They’re coming. I can feel the presence of my people. They’re coming.”
“What about Kalila?” asked Maria. “We can’t leave her!”
“Honey, I don’t think we have a choice,” said Billie. It hurt to say each word, but they knew she was right. They left now, or they didn’t leave.
“I’ll lead the way,” said Ardon. She stepped out onto the beach. Walking through the sand was slow, their feet sinking in with each step. They were about half way across the beach when they heard it; the snapping of wings, overhead. They froze, looking up. Had it seen them? Its shadow was far over them, amongst the clouds.
Ardon motioned for them to move forward. They didn’t make it two steps when a piercing screech rang out directly over them, sending them all diving into the sand.
If by some chance they had not yet been discovered, they definitely were now! The Scratcher screeched and howled, sounding its alarm, its shadow sinking lower and lower.
Ardon picked herself up. “Get up!” she ordered. “Run! Now!” She started running as fast as one could run through sand.
Billie and Noah helped the others get back up and followed.
“Maria! Come on!” said Billie. But Maria was stiff as stone, her eyes wide and frozen on something else on the beach. They stopped, afraid to turn and look.
“Kalila?” whispered Billie.
The elderly woman had hobbled onto the beach, far away from them. She was dancing, recklessly, making no attempts to stay quiet or hidden. There was something else with her, a ghostly shadow that danced alongside her.
“Is that a ghost? Is that her sister?” asked Maria.
Kalila and the ghost of her sister, Kalida, danced as if hand in hand, in circles, as if nothing perilous was happening around them.
Maria felt someone tug at her arm and once again, they were running toward Ardon and the others, who were nearing the water’s edge.
Behind them, they heard raucous laughter. It was Kalila. But they didn’t turn to look. They reached the others just as Ardon waved her arm and a ship appeared. A plank lay in the water running up the side so they could climb on board. Only one person could board at a time. The process was painstakingly slow. The ship was about half the size of a full ship; a tall mast arched inward, catching the wind, ready for immediate departure.
Billie realized as she waited for the others to board what Kalila was doing. Her loud laughs, her wild dancing... the Scratchers didn’t notice them getting onto the boat.
Directly over Kalila’s dancing frame, a vortex of winged shadows formed, lowering.
“Get on board,” Ardon shouted. Billie realized she was the last person still on the beach. Ardon caught her arm as she jumped onto the plank.
“Juliska spoke of two others that escaped. Two she wants returned. If you can, warn them. They probably have no idea they are being hunted.”
“Who?” asked Billie.
“Their names are Ivan and Meghan. That’s all I caught.”
Billie said nothing, but nodded curtly.
She bounded up the plank and hopped on, surprised when Ardon pulled it down after.
“You’re not coming with us?” she asked.
“The ship has to be cast off from this side. I cannot do it on board unless KarNavan is with me.”
“But you’ll...”
“Just find help,” Ardon spoke calmly.
“Look,” called out Noah.
Out of the tree line, figures were appearing. Stripers, materializing. Storming the beach. Heading directly for them.
Kalila stopped dancing, suddenly turning to the group on the ship. She took a deep bow, putting her hand to her mouth, outstretching it towards them. She looked upward as a Scratcher came diving down.
“I’m coming for ya, Sis,” she shouted madly. The ghost of her sister had disappeared. “Have me a warm brandy waiting!”
Kalila’s body disappeared, engulfed in deadly wings.
Ardon cast off the ship. The last thing the castaways saw on the island was Ardon being grabbed from behind, and dragged away.
The island disappeared.
Instantly, they faced open sea.
The moon was rising and the sun setting.
The ship creaked and moaned, sloshing back and forth with the waves.
Maura comforted an inconsolable Maria.
Billie stepped over and patted her on the back.
“It’s truly a loss. But if you think about it, I can’t imagine her going from this life any other way.”
Maria looked up and wiped her eyes.
“Those two sisters lived a good, long life,” Billie spoke, her throat tight.
“She went out just like she lived,” added Noah. “I sure will miss those crazy sisters. They were one of a kind.”
“We wouldn’t have made it,” said Maria, sniffling. “I think she knew that.”
“I think you’re right,” said Billie. She looked at each of the passengers, covered in sand, feet wet, hair disheveled, tired, and hungry, with no idea where they were headed. “Let’s make sure that no one’s death is in vain.”
They set in to inspecting the ship. Below deck was a stock of food and water. In addition, rows of beds were built into the ships hull. Hammocks hung wherever there was free space.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t bring enough people with us to fill them all,” muttered Maura.
Up on deck, Billie and Noah looked out over the vast, empty ocean.
“I still feel like something isn’t right. The timing of our escape. Us getting away a little too easily, and Ardon, right before I boarded, told me that Juliska was looking for Meghan and Ivan,” said Billie, sucking in the cold sea air. “They did escape.”
Noah nodded. “I didn’t want to say anything around the others,” he said. “Kalila did grab their attention away from us, but I agree, it was too easy. The old woman just didn’t want to go on. I could see it in her eyes the moment her sister died.”
“So what do ya think? A trap?” asked Billie.
“Does it matter? If they are following us, they are following us. We cannot stop that. All we can do is try to stay a step ahead.”
“You’re right,” Billie agreed. “Starting with, can I remember how to steer a ship? I worked on my dad’s for a time, but that was a lot of years ago.”
“It’ll come back to you,” said Maura, stepping up onto the deck. “Ardon didn’t lie about the supplies. We’re stocked. She said there was enough for a week, but I’d wager at least two.”
“Coffee?” asked Billie, hopeful.
“Already being brewed,” she replied.
“Things are looking up,” Billie said, trying to sound positive.
“Do we try and find Meghan and Ivan?” asked Noah. “If this is some kind of trap, it seems it may have been set for them, not us.”
“I agree. I d
on’t think we can chance it.”
“Then where do we go?” asked Maura. “The banished? From what you’ve told me, Amelia is off her rocker near as much as Juliska Blackwell.”
They looked at each other and then out across the ocean, just waves as far as the eye could see. No roads. No path before them.
How were they going to save the Svoda?
##
It was late into the night but Colin was wide awake, electrified really, unable to even think about sleep. His Uncle Arnon, along with Kanda Macawi and the Jendayas were only too eager to talk about magic and answer any questions that Colin had, if they knew the answers.
It helped too that they were sitting in a tropical setting, dangling their feet into the water after a sumptuous feast hours before.
They had filled in many blanks for him, about himself and Meghan, all they knew about the banished Svoda, and Amelia Cobb’s plans, as well as Juliska Blackwell, the leader of the Svoda on the island and everything they knew about her.
Arnon had explained that he had never truly agreed with Amelia and her plans to return magic to the world, but they had been friends their entire lives, and he had never believed until these last few years that she was capable of true evil. This was why he never returned to her after Meghan and Colin had left. That plus he was in love with Kanda.
Colin had known Juliska was evil, but until tonight, he had no idea just how evil - he learned that she had created the Scratchers, the flying monsters that hunted their own people. It was a sickening thought.
“The magical community is being ripped apart,” said Kanda. “We must do everything we can to heal it.”
Colin did not know what part he still played in all of this, but he didn’t want to add to the problems. He still needed to know more. More about where he came from. Who his parents were. Why had they not kept him? Did they know what he was, what he would become? To these big questions, no one present had the answers.
“Getting back to magic,” Colin said. “Just how many kinds of magic are there?”
Arnon glanced at Kanda and she motioned for him to go ahead.
“It’s not so much that there’s different kinds of magic, just different ways of accessing and using magic.”
Colin nodded.
“For example,” took over Kanda, “when the Svoda use magic, they learn to search out and collect magical energy from around them; this energy is left behind from living things. It has limitations, though. If you use up the energy around you, you must be able to reach out from yourself far enough, to gather more. Something it takes many years to learn, and many cannot do it. Normal use of magic will not drain the natural energy, as it is constantly replenished. There’s also natural limits inside of each person which presets how much magic they can use or save up, inside themselves.”
Taken (Book Six) (Fated Saga Fantasy Series) Page 11