by Silver, Ruth
“That’s the easiest part to deal with right now, trust me. Besides, you and Willow are nothing alike.” Bray grabbed the pestle and slammed it across the bone on the table. The bone shattered into a dozen pieces. Repeatedly, he beat the pestle on the table, letting out his frustration.
“I know you’re upset,” Willow said, “but don’t let her get to you. Keep a level head; you’ll need it when we try to escape.”
“Escape? I’m just trying not to become her next victim. Maybe if we do what she says, she’ll let us go.” Bray paused, silence encompassing them. “She killed him, didn’t she?” He dropped the pestle to the table. “What happened to this place?”
“Eilith has the uncanny ability to kill anything in sight. She sucks the life out of the living, human or otherwise. There are no plants or animals within miles of her castle, unless you count her pet dragons.”
“Dragons?” Bray raised an eyebrow. “That is almost cool. If it wasn’t for the fact I’m trapped in a demon’s castle.”
“Demon sorceress,” Willow corrected him. “I’m not sure where the dragons originated. Before the Scourge I’d never seen one.”
“We're going to die here, aren't we?” Bray asked.
“We might.” Willow made no effort to soften the blow. “I'm trying to devise a plan, but it's going to take time. You don't think I'm going along with this for nothing, do you?” That was not how she operated. She gestured for him to come closer and as he did, she balled her fist and punched him in the shoulder.
He doubled over in pain, one hand holding the injured area. “What the hell was that for?” he asked.
“I thought you would have had defense training.” Willow reached out to touch the injury, but Bray backed up, forcing himself against the wall. He held his head back up, gritting his teeth.
“Why would you think that? Stay away from me,” he said, raising up his good arm to protect himself.
Willow rolled her eyes. “I'm not going to hurt you. We have a lot of practice to get through if there's any shot of you escaping with me. I guess I was wrong about your training.” She reached for his shoulder, lightly touching it. “You'll be fine. It’s not broken or dislocated. This evening, assuming we're not separated for sleeping, I'll teach you how to defend yourself.”
Bray didn't move any closer to Willow. He gave the faintest nod. “What’s the actual plan?”
“We fight our way out of this place. Just keep yourself alive.”
Hudson stood behind Lil, his arms at either side of her. They held the sword together in both hands. “Like this,” he said, demonstrating how to spin the weapon and stab the enemy. His left hand came to rest on her hip, forcing her to take a step back and to maneuver her feet. “If you stand in the same place all the time, Eilith will kill you.”
It was growing darker by the minute. Lil had missed the sunset. An odd green and blue sparkle had twinkled across the sky as the red sun had faded down into the horizon. The training arena's lights flickered on, brightening as the hour grew later.
“How much more training do we have tonight?” Lil asked, feeling Hudson's breath against her ear. She didn't mind the sensation. He was good looking and had a great physique, though she wasn't used to being this close to any boy—not even Bray. He had never kissed her, and hugs were for rare occasions when something terrible transpired. He was a shoulder to cry on, but she'd never been overly affectionate with anyone. Hudson had stirred something within her. She couldn't quite grasp or explain the feeling. Lil's cheeks reddened, but she hoped it had more to do with the training exercises than his proximity. Though Hudson had rubbed her the wrong way when they’d met, he was growing on her.
“Until dinner is served.” Hudson breathed against her neck again. “It'd be nice if Rawlie started it, since he's not doing anything else.” He shot Rawlie a sharp look.
“I'm busy.” Rawlie held up his hands in defense. “Just because it may not look like I'm busy to you doesn't mean I'm not learning something.” He'd been sitting there since training had begun.
Arianna brought Jamie into the training arena while Rawlie watched in amusement. “You could offer a hand,” Arianna shouted at Rawlie.
“Has training worked up an appetite?” Rawlie smiled. “Good, then you'll be hungry enough to cook for me.”
Hudson's breath lingered against Lil's ear a little longer than necessary. “I think now's a good time for a break,” he said, helping her put the sword down, though he doubted she needed the assistance. She swung it with ease and though she'd been practicing with the sword for hours, she showed no signs of exhaustion.
“I've got it,” Lil said, taking the sword back to where she'd seen it retrieved from earlier.
Hudson waited while she returned the sword. He stood outside the small weapons closet, making sure she didn't touch anything else. “You're a quick study. I've never seen anyone take to the sword like you did today.”
“Thanks.” Lil smiled. “Turn around, would you?” The last thing she needed was to disrobe in front of a stranger.
He obliged. “It's amazing. You and Willow are the exact same size.” Hudson stood guard outside the small cubicle while she removed the suit and slipped back into her clothes.
“Well, we're kind of the same person,” she said. “Aren’t we?” She closed the cabinet and touched his shoulder to pass by him when she finished.
“I suppose so, but in all honesty, you two look nothing alike.”
“I don't normally look like this.” Lil gestured to her hair. “Back home my hair isn't highlighted and my nails . . . ” She held her painted fingers up to his eyes. “They're plain. Not that I can't paint them, but not in this detail.”
“Even so,” Hudson said, “you look different from Willow.” He followed her toward the center of the training arena where Arianna and Jamie were battling it out in hand-to-hand combat. “Personalities and what not,” he said. Lil raised an eye, waiting for Hudson to continue what he was saying. He didn't. “I should go. I have some things to do before we set off tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she said, watching as he disappeared through the exit to the corridor. Lil heard a soft snicker, and her gaze moved upwards as she caught sight of Rawlie above her on the rafters. He had a full view of the training facility. “Coming down?” she asked, staring up at him. Though she wasn't thrilled with Rawlie for bringing her here, she was beginning to understand his reasoning. She'd need more than just her bare hands to fight Eilith. The sword, the training, and the eternal suit would come in handy.
Rawlie grunted in protest before slinging himself down from the ceiling and onto the floor without so much as a flinch. “I'm not making dinner,” he said. “Don't think she won just because she got me to come down,” he told everyone.
Lil watched Arianna and Jamie practice. She peered toward the hallway where Hudson went. “Where's he going, anyway?” She was trying to make sense of the sanctuary and its corridors. Lil learned she could only access the back part of the building, and Hudson was going toward the door that she had no chance of opening. He must be related to Rawlie. She remembered it had something to do with blood and a chip in his palm.
“Who, Hudson?” Rawlie asked. “Don't know. Not sure I care. You did well today. Impressive. I thought it'd take you longer to learn how to handle the sword.”
“Guess I'm full of surprises.” Lil grinned.
“That you are. I think Hudson likes you.” Rawlie kept his tone indifferent.
“He's nice,” she said and followed Rawlie out into the hallway. “Which way?” She still wasn't familiar with the corridors.
“Left, to the kitchen.” He led Lil down the hall until they reached the second door on the right. Inside was the kitchen.
“You're not expecting me to cook for everyone, right?” She'd seen the exchange earlier and was not about to fall into their trap.
Rawlie laughed. “No. If your cooking is anything like Willow's, we'll keep you far from any appliances. You can watch, since you're the g
uest. Besides, Hudson should be back soon.”
“Who is Hudson to you, exactly?” Lil asked, perching herself on a stool. “You both can access the other part of the sanctuary; so are you related? You mentioned an aunt. Would that make him your cousin?” She had been paying attention, as much as one could when things made little to no sense.
Rawlie began pulling out the ingredients from the fridge. With a slow drawl he said, “Yes, he's my cousin.”
“He doesn't have your accent,” Lil said.
“Smart one, aren't you?” Rawlie rolled his eyes with a faint smile. “I grew up down under and came to visit my aunt and cousin eight years ago. It happened to be the same time Eilith opened Pandora's box and gained power. There were no returning flights and no airports after she destroyed everything.”
“Do you think your family is still alive back home?” Lil was surprised there was an Australia in this parallel world. Orenda didn’t seem nearly as different geographically as she first thought.
“I don't usually have the opportunity to think such things. I spent the last eight years helping Willow raise Jamie; he was just two when his parents died.”
“They're dead?” She let out a soft breath, shocked by the news. “That's why the photographs in the house are different.” Her heart was heavy just thinking that her parents—Willow’s parents—had passed in this world. Even though Lil's parents were safe and well back home, the thought saddened her. She reached into her pocket, to find her phone. She wasn't getting a signal, not that she expected to find one here.
“What's that?” Rawlie asked, seeing the small device in her palm.
“My phone?” She glanced at him, amused. “I guess it doesn't work in Orenda—you must not have cell towers. Or cell phones, it seems. It's how we communicate with each other back home.”
“I've never seen anything like it. Give it to Hudson—he might be able to do something if your friend Bray has one as well.”
“He does. Everyone back home has one.” Lil's eyes lit up. At least there was a chance she could contact her best friend, even if it was slim. “If he brought it with him, would his phone need to be modified too?”
“Yes, but if he's with Willow, she could handle it,” Rawlie said.
“Good.” Lil let out an anxious breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The kitchen door swung open hard as Hudson stalked into the room. “Hey,” Lil said, her face cheerful and smiling. “I need a favor.”
“Who doesn't?” Hudson asked. “What do you need?”
“Rawlie said you might be able to modify my phone.” Lil slid the phone across the countertop. Hudson stepped closer.
Hudson shot Rawlie a brief glance. “What is this?”
Lil answered, “It's how we communicate with one another, back in my world—you guys really don’t have phones? Bray should have his, too, and I was hoping we could contact him with this, though I don’t have a signal here.”
Hudson picked up the device and flipped it over, examining it. “It's not that simple. Did he tell you it would be?” He pointed at his cousin.
“Don't underestimate yourself.” Rawlie smiled. “I bet you can fix it.”
“Say I can . . . What do I get for my troubles?” Hudson asked. He glanced from Rawlie back to Lil, the question in her hands.
“I don't—I don't know. I don't have anything. I left my school bag back at the Porter's house. I am going to rescue Willow. Isn't that enough?” It was why they'd brought her to Orenda.
“Suppose I'll do it out of the goodness of my heart.” Hudson reached across the table and pocketed the phone. “I'll have it to you by the end of the night.”
Eilith escorted Bray and Willow from the apothecary to their sleeping quarters on the third floor. There were two cots and two cold meals waiting for them. A tiny square window offered a hint of moonlight into their room. Bray hoped the window would offer some form of escape, but it was far too small, and still much too high.
The sleeping arrangements were better than he expected. They both had been provided cots to sleep on, instead of the gray cobblestone floor that needed a good cleaning. The blanket was scratchy, but warm, and the pillows were surprisingly decent—soft, plush, and comfortable.
He sat at the edge of his cot. Hungrily, he ate every bite of his soup and bread. More than anything, he was grateful for the mug of water. Crushing bones had equated to hard labor.
Willow did the same, finishing just as Bray did. Swallowing the last of her water, the mug slipped out of her hands and fell onto the floor. “Bray?”
Bray’s eyelids grew heavy and the room began to spin. “I think we’ve been drugged.” He mumbled feeling his lips tingle. Was Eilith concerned they’d escape? He struggled to focus, collapsing onto the cot. He was out cold.
The Mission
Chapter 5
After dinner, Lil borrowed a change of clothes from Arianna before heading into the bedroom. She hated that she couldn't leave to find Bray tonight, but she was exhausted from spending most of the late afternoon and all of the evening training. Her arms and legs were sore, forcing her to wait one more day. She hoped Bray was still alive and that all of this training would help save him.
Lil undressed. She regarded the pajamas Arianna had lent her, black and blue plaid flannel bottoms and a matching blue short-sleeved shirt. Lil didn't realize how much taller Arianna was until she wore Arianna's clothes. She was swimming in the pants and the drawstring barely helped. The t-shirt wasn't doing her any favors either. It didn't matter. She'd wear the outfit tonight, change tomorrow morning, and be on her way to rescue Bray before breakfast.
There was a soft knock at the door. Lil slipped beneath the covers, uncomfortable in her new attire. “Come in.”
Hudson stepped inside the bedroom. Lil sat up under the blankets as he walked over to her. “I took a look at your . . . ” He forgot the word and glanced up at Lil, hoping for a little help.
“My phone?” She drew closer once she saw it in his palm. Hudson took a seat at the edge of the mattress, handing it back to her.
“Yeah, that's right. Your phone,” he said. “We don't have anything like this here. I'm not familiar with the technology.”
Lil nodded her head weakly. “It's fine.” She shoved the phone to the bedside table. “I guess it was a long shot, hoping it would work here. I'm not even positive Bray has his with him.”
“Don't worry, Lil,” Hudson said resting a hand on her arm. “We'll find your friend. We'll find both of them.”
Lil glanced down at his hand on her arm. A sea of warmth coursed through her body when he touched her, making her want to never pull away. Hudson caught her stare and pulled his hand back.
“Can I ask you something?” Lil's voice sounded unsteady as she spoke. She cleared her throat as her eyes met his. Hudson waited for her to continue. “What's the deal with Rawlie?”
“What do you mean? He's worried about Willow. He knows what Eilith is capable of—we all do.”
Lil grimaced. That wasn't what she'd meant. “Yeah, I know that.” She emitted a soft sigh and ran her hand through her hair. “He's different.”
“How so? Because he's not from your world or because he's Australian?”
She smiled, laughing. “That's not it. There's something about him. He seems . . . ” She couldn't even voice what she was trying to say. It was frustrating.
Hudson grinned, nudging Lil's shoulder. “Are you asking because you like him?”
“God, no!” Lil's eyes widened in horror.
“Oh right, you have a boyfriend. Bray.”
“Bray isn't my boyfriend.” She glanced at Hudson, realizing him sitting on her bed was too intimate for her own liking, and motioned that it was time for him to get off her bed.
Hudson smiled as he climbed backwards off the mattress. “Okay. I'll take that at my cue to go.” He stopped just before he left, turning back to her seriously. “Rawlie is in love with Willow, you know. I always assumed it was because he had protected her a
nd Jamie for so long. When you live with someone for eight years, you tend to develop feelings for them.” He continued backing up as he found the door handle at his back. “I guess the words you can't find to describe him are because he's hurting. The one person Rawlie cares deeply about was taken. He lost everything in the Scourge and right now, it's happening all over again.” He stepped out into the hallway, the door ajar. “Good night, Lil,” he said, closing the door behind him.
“Good night.” She doubted he heard her. She reached above her bed, glad there was a light switch. She flipped it off, masking the room in total darkness. Lil climbed farther beneath the covers. She rested her head back and shut her eyes. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Lil awoke to the sound of a soft rap against the bedroom door. “Come in,” she said, flipping on the light above her bed. Squinting as her eyes adjusted, Jamie walked into her room.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I know you were sleeping.” He paused for a long moment before adding. “I’m nervous about tomorrow.”
“Me too,” Lil patted the empty space on the mattress beside her. “Sit with me.”
Jamie closed the door behind him, before climbing onto her bed. “Do you think Eilith is hurting them?” His brow furrowed in concern.
“I know my friend Bray is strong, and if your sister is anything like I am, she’s not going to give up.”
“She’s a fighter.”
“Then, you have nothing to worry about. Tomorrow we’ll rescue your sister and my friend. We’ll all be able to go home and live happily ever after,” she joked.
Jamie stared at her, confused. “Happily ever what?”
Were there no fairytales in Orenda? “A happy ending to our story, that’s what I’m hoping we’ll have tomorrow night.”
Jamie’s eyes lit up. “Oh! Willow used to read to me when I was little, before bed. Now she shoves the book at me and tells me to read it myself.”