Meath's smile faded - he had not thought about that. He had only thought of escaping. He was, however, glad to see the rope would hold her too. He knew she was right - if he left her like this, she would surely get caught and killed. But if he released her, or left means for her to free herself, she would follow him.
Meath threw the large dried leaves Kara had used for a roof off the hollow stump. Kara sat in the middle staring at him with tears streaming down her cheeks, but with a hint of relief at seeing that he was still there.
"I am not a monster. I am not going to leave you to die. But I cannot let you go, now can I? So that leaves one option - you are coming with me until I can figure out what to do to be free of you," Meath said firmly. "Now get up - we are leaving."
"Meath, please, you do not know what you are doing. We have to go to Salvas," Kara pleaded.
"I am going home - either you come with me or you stay here and accept whatever fate becomes you," Meath explained, picking up her pack and beginning to walk west. Kara cursed as she managed to get to her feet.
They traveled in silence for a long time and Meath had to chuckle at the role reversal as she walked in front of him. On several occasions, Meath had to stop and help her over fallen trees or other obstacles, but still, nothing was said between the two.
"Is it a lot different point of view being the captive and not the captor?" Meath said smugly.
"I know very well what being held captive is like!" Kara snapped at him in a tone that Meath would never have thought possible from her.
"Well, believe me - I would rather not have you captive right now. I would much rather never have met you. All that has happened since you abducted me is your doing. So I think you are pointing the blame at the wrong person," Meath hissed right back.
Kara pondered telling him everything she knew of why he had to go to Salvas, but she knew he would not believe her now. He was doing what anyone in his situation would - he was trying to get back to his life that she had taken him from. No, he was better than most, Kara reasoned. She was sure anyone else would have left her to die, or even worse, killed her themselves to get away. She slowly worked her wrists in the hemp rope, trying to loosen the knot, but Meath had done a great job securing it tightly, not giving her much room to work with.
They hiked through the jungle until dusk and made camp under the thick canopy of large branches that were bent downward almost to the ground, making a good, dry place to sleep.
*****
"Finally, we made it," Dahak moaned as they rode around the last bend of the road leading them toward Caligo city, which was right on Sheeva Lake and their last stop before their search for Meath really began. The city lights emanated a soft welcoming glow in the darkening sky as they rode closer.
It was the fourth day they had been traveling; they had passed through several small towns and heard nothing but rumors of the barbarian activity heading toward Dragon's Cove. More than a few people were fleeing to walled cities or further north or south in hope of avoiding the inevitable encounter. Many of those people had fled to Caligo City because it was the closest walled city and was well defended.
They rode up to the guards at the gate and were halted. "What business do you have in Caligo City this late night?" a big burly, unshaven guard asked his tone irritable.
"We are looking for a place to rest for the night and fill our bellies." Zehava told him. "We will be on our way again in the morning once we restock a few supplies."
The other balding guard walked through the group, taking a measure of them. He stopped when he arrived at Shania. "Lift your hood girl."
"What is the meaning of this?" Zehava muttered out.
"Shut your mouth." The balding guard snapped back to him then turned back to Shania. "Lift it!" Very hesitantly, she pulled her hood back, revealing her half-breed heritage. "Keeper's balls!" the guard barked, taking a step back and drawing his sword aggressively.
"What is this, then?" The first guard barked, drawing his own sword and looking at Zehava suspiciously.
"Calm your blades boys." Zehava motioned for the guards to lower their weapons. "She is a slave and will cause no harm." Zehava explained, not needing any serious attention attracted to them. As far as the country knew, the Princess was still missing and the reward was only growing.
"We do not allow any kind of savage within our walls - half-breed slave or not! Have you not heard of all the attacks of late? If she comes in here and is noticed, there will be uproar!" the first guard said.
"I can assure you fine gentlemen, she will not be noticed." Zehava leaned down from his horse, drawing both guards closer. "My partner has very exotic tastes in the flesh he enjoys, between his legs and the sadistic practices he partakes well enjoying those tastes." All three of them looked over to Dahak who gave his best effort to grin wickedly.
"I still do not think it wise to let you in," the balding guard commented, though a spark of interest gleamed in his eyes.
"We have had a hard long day," Dahak cut in. "What will it take to change your mind?"
"Two silvers for both of us," the balding guard answered quickly.
"What?" Zehava stammered out. "That is outrageous!"
"We could leave you out here for the night," the balding guard replied smugly.
"Or arrest you for keeping company with savages," the other guard added.
"Boys, boys, there is no need for things to get heated," Nicolette cooed. "I will pay and we can be done with this nonsense." She flicked both guards their silver.
Both guards cracked huge grins at the silver in their hands. "All right, you can enter, but you had better keep a low profile."
"We always do." Dahak smiled eerily as they rode passed the guards and into the Caligo City.
"I am sorry for that, Shania." Zehava said once they were far enough away.
Shania pulled her hood back up and tightly around her face. "I am getting used to being the savage slave," she said, almost laughing.
"We will get supplies in the morning, then leave to find where Meath's trail ended by the river. I hope we can pick it up again," Zehava said, while riding off the main road in search for a quieter part of the city to find an inn.
"We will find him - I know we will," Nicolette told him, not a hint of doubt in her words. "I feel it."
They came upon an inn that was fairly secluded from the main part of the city. Zehava tossed the night stable-boy two copper coins, and told him to take good care of their horses and he might see another two. The boy smiled widely and assured him the beasts would be treated like kings.
"It is not the castle, but it is a roof over our heads," Dahak sighed, removing his pack and gear when they had gotten to their room.
"You have been living the high life for too long, Dahak." Zehava laughed, "You have forgotten your roots."
"They can stay forgotten," Dahak joked back.
"It is better than the castle - a lot better," Nicolette chimed in with an ample smile.
"What do you mean?" Zehava asked, truly bewildered by her attitude.
"No rules, no politics, no high stature to uphold. It is freedom."
"I would still rather be at a castle," Dahak mumbled half-jokingly, sitting down to rub his feet.
"Nothing better than this right here, friends and adventure," Shania piped in.
"I agree, we are only missing one thing," Zehava said solemnly.
"What is that?" Dahak asked, missing the tone in his friend's voice.
"Meath…" Nicolette whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"What do you all say about going to the tavern across the street and getting a hot meal and a cold drink?" Zehava asked, wanting to keep morale high.
"I thought you would never ask," Dahak replied, his mood instantly changing at the prospect of food.
"That sounds good - I am starving now that I think about it." Nicolette dropped her gear on the floor by the bed.
The group sat in a corner of the bar where the lights were dim a
nd the crowd thinner. Everyone was too busy drinking away their sorrows and telling their sob stories to notice them.
"What can I get you?" the short, busty barmaid asked.
"Four of whatever you have on special tonight and four mugs of your finest mead," Zehava told her.
She eyed him for a moment. "That will be a full silver for the lot of you."
Before Zehava could pay, Nicolette pulled out her coin pouch and tossed the barmaid a silver coin. The barmaid's eyes widened momentarily at the bulge of the purse before she strolled away to fetch their food.
"A hot meal, I cannot wait! I am wasting away here," Dahak joked, licking his lips in anticipation.
"Did you see her eyes?" Shania asked and everyone turned to regard her.
"Who’s eyes?" Nicolette asked, bewildered.
"That woman's eyes when you pulled out your coin purse," Shania whispered, her hooded gaze never leaving the barmaid who now stood at the bar talking with the owner. "They went wide with greed."
Zehava glanced over to the bar suspiciously. "I doubt anything will come of it, but for now on Nicolette, it might be wise if you keep your coins hidden or let me pay."
Nicolette nodded. "From what I heard back at Dragon's Cove, we are about a day's ride from where they lost Meath's trail."
"Tomorrow we will follow the riverside ‘til we find something that looks promising." Zehava said, moving back against his seat, so the barmaid could give them their food.
"Sorry about the wait," she said, making small talk. "So where you all from? Have not seen your faces around here before."
"We are traveling to the coast to visit family and friends," Zehava lied cautiously.
"Well you are gonna wanna be careful out there, a lot of barbarians about of late causing all sorts of troubles for folks like yourself. Even a lot of folk gone missing." She finished unloading her tray, smiled and left back to the bar.
"You guys have to try this stew," Dahak mumbled between each spoonful of his already half empty bowl.
"Have you even tasted it?" Nicolette joked.
"I do not think he has," Shania added, digging into the warm meal.
"Let us eat and get out of here - I am getting a troubling feeling," Zehava whispered, noticing the bartender was now talking to a table where four large brutes sat downing mug after mug of ale and glancing over at them.
They finished their meal quickly with little conversation, trying hard not to make eye contact with the group at the far table.
"Can I getcha all something else?" the barmaid asked, coming to collect their dishes as they were getting up to leave.
"No thanks, about time we call it a night, a long road ahead of us.’ Zehava told her, pretending to stretch and yawn.
"All right then, you all have a great night and a safe trip - hope to see you again next time you pass through," she said as she left with their dishes.
"I think it best if we do not go straight to the inn," Shania whispered once they were outside the doors.
"Why not?" Nicolette asked, with apparent confusion.
"Shania is right - if those men do mean to cause trouble, it would be best if we lead them away from where we plan to sleep tonight and hope to lose them along the way," Zehava explained looking over his shoulder to the tavern doors almost expecting to see them.
Dahak shifted his sword belt and pulled the blade free a finger's span from the hilt, ensuring its quick release if he needed to draw it. "Just in case," he smiled half-heartedly.
They walked through the quiet city, taking lefts and rights through alleyways and on main roads, blending with the small crowds of refugees who were homeless. Before long they noted they had not seen anyone following them or looking suspicious so they reasoned it was safe to return to their room.
"Hey, there you are," a familiar husky voice said from behind them. They turned to regard them with hands on hilts, but saw that it was the two guards from the gates and a few other guards.
"Good evening gentlemen, what can we do for you?" Zehava asked calmly, hoping to be rid of them quickly.
"What do you think we want?" the shorter guard from the gates said, licking his lips and running his hand through his uncombed hair. "We want a taste of that savage whore." He finished with a smile, showing all his broken and rotten teeth. "Your friend is not the only one with different tastes in flesh."
"Aye, and we brought a few friends along who would not mind a little taste neither," the balding guard said looking back to his three large friends who all wore stupid lustful grins.
"No one is touching her - she is our property and we do not share," Zehava said, putting his hand on the hilt of his sword again.
"Oh, come on now, I got me friends all worked up for some fun. Do not make me disappoint them," the balding guard replied, his voice going hard. "We might even be willing to give you back your coin from earlier."
"Sorry to disappoint, but you will have to look elsewhere, you pigs." Nicolette burst out angrily, surprised by her own reaction.
"Looks like that one's got some spice to her too - maybe we should take her for a while too. What do you say boys?" one of the dirty guards from behind said, looking to his comrades to see their wide grins and nods of agreement.
"I think you are right Clyde - that is a mighty fine idea." Another of the brutes laughed, taking a step forward with his arm stretched out toward Nicolette.
The ring of steel echoed in the night air as Zehava's sword cleared its sheath. A glint of light flashed as he brought the blade down and he severed the man's hand off at the wrist. "You will lose a lot more than that if you do not walk away right now," Zehava explained through gritted teeth while the man howled in pain and backed away, cradling his bloody stump.
"You are going to pay for that, you whoreson!" Clyde hissed, drawing his curved sword - his comrades following suit.
Dahak and Shania both had their blades out and were positioning themselves on either side of Zehava.
"We do not want any trouble!" Nicolette fumbled with the mini crossbow at her side that she had been given by Saktas.
"You should have thought about that before you cut my friend's hand off, wench," the balding man hissed back rocking his blade back and forth.
"You should have just let us enjoy that little exotic cunt there!" Clyde exclaimed angrily, pointing to Shania. "Nice little knives there, girly. I will be sure to use them to mar your pretty little flesh up when you are begging for your life."
Shania stepped forward no fear in her stride or in her dangerous green eyes. "My blades will feast well on your life blood!" Zehava put out his hand, stopping her from going forward further.
Zehava heard the soft click of a small bolt finally being loaded into Nicolette's crossbow. "I will give you one more chance to walk away with your lives."
Clyde laughed callously. "Should be your own hides you are worried about lad."
Zehava smiled vainly. "Let me break it down for you thick-headed mules. My friend here does not miss at this distance and will have one in your heart before you can take a step. Your buddy there is missing his sword hand and looking a little pale and needs to have that dealt with before he bleeds out. So he is already dead in this fight. You have offended my exotic friend here and her skills with those ‘knives' are unmatched by the likes of any of you. You will all die and for nothing but the sake of your foolish pride and the blood in your loins." Zehava looked hard at each man, his demeanor sure of his every word. "Just walk away."
All five brutes stood there pondering his words and slowly one by one they realized the truth in them. "I want you out of the city by the time the sun is out from behind the mountains. If you are still here, I will rally every man in the city to hunt you down," the balding man hissed in bitter defeat, slowly backing away with the others.
"Can we please go back to our room now?" Dahak asked nervously after the men were out of sight.
Dawn came quickly and shortly after, they were out of the Caligo City and on their way down the
bank of the Sheeva River. They followed a poorly traveled path, but soon realized their horses would be no good and would not last on the rocky uncertain trail. They took their things and released the beasts, continuing on foot.
They traveled all morning and into the afternoon without slowing, their adrenaline was high for the prospect of finding Meath's lost trail. Finally, Dahak could take no more and called for a much needed stop for all of them.
"This looks like as good a spot as any." Zehava dropped his pack and stretching his stiff limbs.
Nicolette stumbled over to the river's edge and splashed the cool water across her face - it refreshed her more than she had expected. She was so tired, her feet and legs burned with cramps. She had wanted to stop long before, but her thoughts of finding Meath fueled her to keep going and not to be the weak link.
"Try soaking your feet in the cool water, it will help soothe the soreness," Zehava said, coming up behind her with his empty water skin.
"What?" Nicolette asked, wondering how he could have known about her sore feet.
"I noticed you were stumbling and limping a lot the last while. Soak your feet in the water it will help them," Zehava told her. "Just make sure you dry them off fully before putting them back in your boots."
"I was hoping no one noticed - I do not want to be the weakest link of the group." Nicolette sighed and ducking her head in shame.
"I did not just come down here to get more water - I came down here to soak my feet too," Zehava lied. "That was a hard hike - do not feel ashamed." Zehava encouraged her while taking off his boots and submerging his feet into the river with a groan of satisfaction.
"You read my mind." Dahak wadded down to where they sat and put his feet into the refreshing water.
They ate quickly, and then went back to following the river's edge. Several times they spotted signs indicating barbarian activity but Shania assured them the tracks and campsites were days old and they need not worry.
They traveled almost until dark, but stopped when they got to a large flat opening right by the river. It was smooth and almost perfectly flat with a soft layer of silt atop of it. They made camp and set up a canvass tarp they had gotten from Caligo City to help give them some protection from rain at night while they slept now that they were nearing the rainy season.
The False Prince (Fall Of A King Book 1) Page 42