by R. G. Porter
"Isn't that place haunted milord?” Alayia watched as one of the men moved back toward the house, his eyes wide with fear.
"You aren't afraid of the haunted forest are you Gilroy?” There was a challenge in Elroy's words, Alayia hadn't missed it. She looked back to the man who didn't appear to be much older than her brother had been. He'd signed on for more than he bargained and now was having second thoughts. She prayed he wouldn't try to stand up to Elroy. He wouldn't win.
"No... no sir!” She could see his hesitation mount. “It's just that I've heard an awful lot of stories about that place milord. Most who go in never come out and those that do are insane.” Alayia had heard the same stories but she'd always dismissed them. True, that part of the woodlands were haunted, but she'd dealt with much worse up till this point.
"What are you trying to suggest then?” Alayia wanted to step in but knew better. Her hands worked quickly to dress the wounds on Talon's chest and back as she watched the boy consider Elroy's question.
"Well... milord... maybe we should just let it go. I mean..."His foot began to tap nervously as he chose his words with care. “Leave her here with the cripple and we go. You've amassed so much already and there are many women who would gladly go with you.” Alayia cringed at the man's words. Wrong answer. The air around them thickened with each breath. Alayia could feel the tension flow from Elroy.
"I see. After all I've gone through you want me to give up what I have chased?” Alayia wanted to scream at the man to run; she knew Elroy was up to something, she just wasn't sure what.
"It's just that... you've lost so many men in the hunt. Why waste more just to go through the haunted forest?” His question was innocent enough but Alayia knew Elroy didn't care.
"If you are afraid to follow than consider your services over."
"But..."Alayia's heart broke at the confused look on the man's face.
"Leave now. I am no longer in need of your services.” It was a clear dismissal and one neither of them missed.
"Fine milord, I'll return to my home then.” The young man swiveled on his heel to head for his horse, his head bowed down as if in thought.
Out of the corner of her eye Alayia caught sight of Elroy's body move, the glint of metal as his hand unsheathed the sword at his side. “I didn't say you could go home. No man leaves my service alive.” Alayia couldn't believe what she was seeing. Elroy's blade moved from his side and up into the man's back, plunging deep through to come out the other side. He'd killed the young man in cold blood, his blade still drenched in the crimson color as he yanked it from the man's back. Horror coursed through her as she watched the man stumble a couple feet and fall to his knees his head turned to her in disbelief. Gilroy clasped his hands to his chest in an attempt to stop the flow of blood but it continued. Alayia watched as his face drained of life, going from a deep tan to pale ash.
"Why?” It was all she could ask.
"As I've said in the past, none leave my employment alive.” He held no remorse for his actions. He was as bad as the demon she'd encountered only in human form. She had to make sure this worked.
"He was just a boy. You could have just let him go.” She wanted to argue with him, to rip the life from his body.
"Fiery. Good. You will need that energy with me.” Repulsed by his words, Alayia turned back to Talon, his color improving. “You've done enough with your friend, now we are leaving.” Before she could protest she felt Elroy's arms around her waist, yanking her to her feet. All of her felt numb, her whole world forever changed by one single man.
"You will never have me. You might try and take my body but my spirit, my love, every part that is me will never be yours.” She spoke with a calm she'd not felt till now. Her gaze locked with Elroy's, a battle she refused to back down from. Her words must have hit a cord as he looked away, a grunt stuck in his throat.
"We will see about that Alayia. We will see."
Elroy's arms wrapped around her waist as he pulled her toward the horses, his pace increased with each step. She could hear the men drag Talon along behind, their movements slower than before. They'd not expected one of their fellow men to be killed so ruthlessly so they were keeping their distance. Good. Alayia turned her head to catch the men load Talon into the cart. He landed with a thud, though it was gentler than before. She was about to open her mouth when Elroy reached down and grabbed her once more, hoisting her into the horse with him.
"I can ride in the cart. That way I can keep an eye on Talon.” She didn't want to be anywhere near Elroy, his simple touch sending her stomach into dry heaves.
"No. I will not let you out of my sight again.” Damn, she wanted to pummel him.
"Where am I going to go? You have a whole arsenal here.” She puffed her bangs in frustration. “It's not like I can just up and vanish.” How she wished she could do that very thing.
"You are capable of more than you let on. Now shut up for now.” He raised his hand in signal, his motions pointing in the direction of the forbidden forest. “Let's ride men. I want to be deep inside the forest before nightfall.” Already the sun had begun to descend, its red rays burning the countryside in its wake. If she hadn't be stuck beside a madman she would have enjoyed the early evening sky, for now she had too much planning to do.
Alayia closed her eyes and prayed her words would reach Gabriel, that even in dragon form he would understand. Gabriel I'm sorry but we've been caught by Elroy. He's wounded Talon but he will live. He killed my family Gabriel, my whole family. Come to the forbidden forest, near the middle. There will be a circle of dead oaks that have scorch marks on their trunks. That is where I will lead him. It is there that all this will end one way or another. Alayia could feel the stirring of the beast as it heard her voice and recognized his mate. She hoped the message wouldn't be lost before Gabriel changed back into his human form. They were about to enter the forbidden woods and once inside she knew she wouldn't be able to reach out to him. If he didn't make it all would be lost to break the curse. A web of uncertainty wove around her heart as they broke through the barrier that separated the open fields and the darkened woodlands, a sigh escaping Alayia's lips as she knew one way or another that this would end.
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER: 15
* * * *
Gabriel felt his body twist and turn as it contorted and changed from the dragon back into his human form. Anger pulsed through him as he roared out into the night. She was gone. Elroy had gotten to her while he was away and taken her deep into the forbidden forest. He'd remembered the sorrow in Alayia's voice as she'd reached out to him while the dragon soared. The impact of her thoughts had sent him spiraling to Earth. Thankfully he'd been able to regroup his whereabouts before impacting the ground.
"Damn.” He wanted to find Elroy and ring his neck. He'd taken so much from Alayia and now he still had her. Gabriel knew he shouldn't have left her side.
"Now don't be thinking that son.” A woman's voice broke through his chaotic thoughts. His head turned in the direction of the sound to find an old woman surrounded by the creatures of the forest.
"Who are you?” There was a familiarity about the woman he couldn't place.
"Let's just say I'm a friend. Now we must hurry if you want to catch up with Elroy before it's too late.” She knew about Elroy. Hope blossomed in his heart.
"Where should I go?” He wanted to rush. Whatever Elroy had planned wasn't good, there was no doubt in his mind. “I need to get to her."
"Wait Gabriel, not so fast. Before you can go after them you need to understand the rest of what ties you to the past.” Her words stopped Gabriel in his tracks. She knew something. “You look surprised Gabriel."
"How do you know?” He didn't know what else to ask her. He'd heard of her presence in the forest from tales long ago but what knowledge could she have of what he'd been exposed to?” Please, tell me what I need to do."
Her hand drifted above her as her fingers began to move in an intricate
pattern. “You've been shown the past and the horrible things done to the peaceful people of that town. They've allowed you to view the evil that ended their lives and tore from them the heart of their beings."
Gabriel's head bowed as the images flooded his mind. “Yes, I've seen what happened to them. It's worse than I could have thought and no one should have to go through what they did, but I still don't understand what that has to do with me.” He'd turned over in his mind countless reasons why he'd been shown their fate but none provided him a reason to why he was linked save the dragon.
"Gabriel, what they didn't show you is that not all died that day. There had been some who'd not been able to make it back to the village. Those who remained to see the destruction of their village disappeared into the mist, taking with them their bloodline."
"But..."His mind spun with the knowledge that some had survived. In all his years he'd never heard of their kind. Had they hid in secrecy for all these years?"
The woman's laughter drew his gaze. “No Gabriel. They made their way to a secluded village deep in the heart of the forest. There they found refuge with the people there and never once allowed the truth of their past or what they were to be known. Eventually they made their lives among the villagers of their new home and lived and loved."
Her explanation rushed through him. “They intermingled with the new people? How can they do that if they are of a different race?"
Her head shook, the tree limbs mimicking her movements. “No Gabriel. True they could change to the dragon, but they were still human. By mixing with the villagers it did nothing more than dilute the bloodline, but it didn't eliminate it from this world. There are many descendents of the dragon line, but most do not know this. You did not know this."
The last of her words tore through his mind. “What? Are you saying they mixed with my village? How is that possible? I was cursed to become the dragon. I don't have it in my blood.” He wanted to deny it but deep inside he wasn't sure anymore.
"How can you be positive? The world is not as you've believed. Magick exists and so do dragons. The day of their return is upon us, you have but to believe and accept what is part of you. Innok did no more than release what was already inside you, he just doesn't realize it. He knows you've accepted the dragon but doesn't understand why.” Could it be true? Gabriel searched her face to find any signs of deceit but only found sincerity resonating from her eyes. She was telling him the truth. He could feel it in his soul.
"How do I stop this? How do I end Elroy and defeat Innok?"
The trees around him shook in the fury of the wind. “You will know the answer when the time is right. For now, go into the dark forest. Do not be afraid Gabriel; your path was set long ago."
"The Dark Forest? The stories I've heard aren't good for that place. I've heard its thick with evil and no one that has entered has ever been seen again."
"That is not true. Most that go through there emerge on the other side. They live their lives out in a new town with different people.” Her words brought new meaning to his world. “Now there is danger and evil that lurks in the shadows of those woodlands but none that you have to fear."
"Do you know where they travel to?"
"That I do. Your woman is a smart one.” His woman. Never did two words sound so sweet. “They are headed toward the thickest part of the woods. Follow the path and don't veer. It will lead you to where you need to go. Be warned though, you cannot confront them till early morning light."
"But I'll change."
"Trust me Gabriel.” Gabriel turned back toward the woman and found nothing but the animals remained. He couldn't help but smile.
"She is as mysterious as the woods.” The animals moved near him, nudging him forward. Not one to back down, Gabriel focused his gaze on the path in front of him, his body moving into the dark forest as the trees behind him closed out the exit. “Here we go.” As he began his journey into the interior he swore he heard the old woman's laugh echo on the breeze. He prayed she followed him in some way. He continued on, the branches of the trees stretched out to keep him from moving forward. It was as if the forest didn't want him to make it there in time, to keep him from his destiny. A surge of adrenaline pushed through his veins at the thought of Elroy's hands on Alayia's fair skin.
"I will not falter. I will make it to you in time.” A cold resolve moved within his body. With one quick motion he withdrew his sword and began to chop anything that tried to stop his progress. He would make it there in time. There would be no doubt in his mind otherwise.
As he continued through the forest his thoughts turned to Danielle and Alayia. Even though they were the same spirit they had their differences. Still, he'd fallen deeply for both and couldn't imagine his life without Alayia. How could he have been blessed enough to find her a second time?
I will always find you... it may just take some time for me to remember. Her words echoed through his mind. She'd whispered those words just before the dragon had taken her into the air. How could she have known? His thoughts trailed back to that fateful day and the merriment they'd shared. There had been a time she'd seemed far off, her eyes not as vibrant as before. She'd hinted to some unforeseen danger, but had never told him what. Ever since she'd been at the marketplace and found that swatch of fabric. Could she have seen something in it, a premonition of sorts? He wasn't sure and now was not the time to rehash the past. His future lay with Alayia and he needed to make sure to get there in time before he lost her again.
Miles passed him in a blur as the forest released its hold on him. No longer did it keep him from his chosen path. In fact if he wasn't in such a hurry he would have sworn they now made a path just for him. Couldn't be the case, but still. The place was magical and he couldn't discount the old woman out of the picture either. She was powerful in every sense of the word. Her face still haunted his memory; its familiarity still bugged him.
"Who are you old one, I know you from somewhere.” Whether she would hear his question or not matter none to him. He felt better just expressing his words. A warm brush of air moved against his body and he could have sworn he smelled Alayia's fresh scent nearby. He must be close. Increasing his strides, Gabriel forgot about the old woman and concentrated on getting to Alayia before the time passed. He could feel the dragon becoming restless inside, its desire to break free even before he could stop it. Step by step became difficult to do, the air around him thickening in his lungs. What kind of evil could do such a thing?
A muffled cry drew his attention to the North, his body shifting subconsciously into an all out run. The voice he heard had to be Alayia; there was no doubt in his mind. She was close and still alive. Gabriel darted through the trees, his focus on one thing. Alayia. He had to get to her. Another thought drove through his mind. What had happened to Talon? He refused to believe the man had deserted them, it wasn't in his blood. As he rounded the corner he came to the edge of the thickest part of the forest, his gaze searching out for a count of what he would be up against. He easily found Alayia unhurt but surrounded by at least five men.
"You won't win Elroy.” Her voice brushed against his soul. She was defiant as ever. Gabriel couldn't help but smile. He was sure she'd given Elroy a piece of her mind the whole way, never letting up on her verbal assault.
"I've already won. You see I have you, your parent's farm and Gabriel can't do a thing about it.” His words barely registered in Gabriel's mind. What could he mean he had Alayia's farm?
"You are a horrible man. I don't even know if I would call you a man anymore. You don't have one bit of humanity left in your soul.” Alayia was fuming by the sounds of it and that didn't bode well for Elroy.
"What do you think you will do? You're parents can't help you anymore. They are as cold and dead as this forest and you know that. You're friend over there? He is out cold and couldn't do more than flap a branch at me.” Gabriel's eyes drifted in the direction Elroy had pointed. They landed on Talon's half slumped over form, his head bowed as if
asleep. Rage rocked through him as he took in the multitude of welts and bruises that littered their friend's body. Elroy's men had been cruel in their treatment; there was no doubt in his mind.
A whimper drew his head back toward Alayia, her head turned in his direction. “Elroy, I believe you will lose today. There is much I've seen in my life, many things I've learned to trust in. One of those is my instincts and they are telling me you will pay dearly for the evils you've committed.” Alayia's eyes never left his spot. It felt as if she knew he was near. How? He couldn't be sure, but he felt the warmth of her surround him.
Gabriel watched with surprise as Elroy's hand connected with Alayia's alabaster skin, the sound ricocheting through the forest. “Don't test me dear. I've gone through enough trouble to find you.” Fury unlike anything he'd felt before rushed through his blood like lava. Gabriel started forward when his legs buckled and his head began to roar with the rush of blood to his brain.
The change? Now? No, it couldn't happen. Gabriel tried to stand only to find his body flat against the ground, his skin sizzling as it reshaped into the black dragon once more. Questions raced through his mind. Why now? It was too early. Try as he might Gabriel couldn't stop the change, his legs and arms stretching to accommodate his other form. He began to fight when he heard the woman's voice moving through his mind.
Embrace all that you are. You must face him as both. Don't fear that which is so much a part of you Gabriel. The mystery woman's soft words released the tension in his body. Maybe she was right. For once he turned inside and faced the dragon, his spirit meeting its. He'd fought for so long to separate his human face from the dragon that he never realized he was avoiding part of who he was. The woman's words drifted into his mind, the knowledge of his true history. If it would help to save Alayia he would take all that he could, including the one thing that he didn't fully understand.