by Diane Rapp
Krystal’s eyes flashed. “She’s just a little girl!”
“Felesia melted into the forest.” He fidgeted with his hunting knife. “She’s good in the woods. I’ve seen that child walk through autumn leaves without making them rustle, and she trusts animals more than people. She can talk to her animals like you talk to the wolves.”
Krystal frowned. “You think she’ll be safe in the forest alone?”
“She’s not alone. That panther would eat anyone who tried to hurt her. Belva complained that Felesia sneaked into the woods for days at a time. She knows how to survive.”
“I wish I’d kept them all together.”
“Three girls living together would soon be prisoners in Jarrack’s dungeon. Desert riders kidnap any comely lass. Alex says the castle is filled with Jarrack’s offspring and miserable mothers.”
“I know. He’s breeding sons to use as Transfer bodies.” Krystal took heart that two of her daughters thrived. “Why don’t the Lords put a stop to it?”
Trenton said, “Any Lord who dares to speak out finds his own household under attack. Many noble wives and daughters are now in Jarrack’s harem.”
“I’d bet Jarrack uses mind control to make them pliant.” She clenched her fists. “Can Alex get some of the women out?”
Trenton nodded, “He took a group to the caves at the spaceport and they convalesce behind a force field.”
“I wish I could bring them here.”
Trenton’s expression looked severe. “If you brought them inside the Fire Mountain, it would give Jarrack an excuse to attack.”
“I wish I could help.”
“You can. I have someone outside who needs your help,” Trenton said.
“Oh?” Krystal felt manipulated.
“Lord Hembly’s situation is serious.”
“Hembly! How dare he ask for help after he conspired against Donovan?”
Trenton shrugged. “Hear the man out.”
Krystal fumed. “I’ll listen for the sheer pleasure of refusing him.” She sat on the divan, looking like a cat ready to devour her prey as Lord Hembly entered.
Krystal felt shaken by the appearance of Donovan’s old nemesis. His shoulders sagged, his eyes lacked luster, and his arrogant stride was a shuffling limp. Hembly cast a furtive glance at Trenton.
“Lord Hembly recently suffered losses at Jarrack’s hand,” Trenton said.
Hembly exerted an effort to appear normal, straightening his shoulders and lifting his chin. “My Lady, I seek protection for my daughter. Jarrack summoned her to appear at court, but I can’t let her fall into his hands.” Hembly’s thin legs shook as Trenton guided him to a chair.
“What can I do?” Krystal felt moved by the man’s pain.
“I beg you to accept Angela into the temple as an acolyte.” The effort to maintain dignity taxed Hembly’s energy. Krystal melted as the once proud man demeaned himself for the sake of his child.
“The girl is in the hallway,” Trenton said.
Krystal thought of Felesia living alone in the woods and nodded. “Bring her inside.”
Trenton opened the door. Hembly’s eyes brightened as the delicate redhead entered. How had Lord Hembly kept this girl away from Jarrack for so long?
Krystal greeted the trembling young woman with a soothing voice. “Do you wish to serve the temple, Angela?”
The girl’s sad doe-eyes tore at Krystal’s heart. “My lady, I want to study more than anything. Everyone says you offer knowledge at the temple and I hope to join your students.”
Lord Hembly flushed with pride. “She’s my only treasure.”
“Does her mother agree?”
Hembly’s voice quavered. “Her mother died at Jarrack’s hand a few months ago. When I rushed to her defense I was rewarded with torture.” He tried to lift a deformed hand. “Please protect her.”
Krystal cleared her throat. “I gladly accept Angela among the acolytes.”
“What can I do to repay your kindness?” Tears streamed down Hembly’s cheeks.
Krystal’s voice softened. “Take time to recover and prepare an excuse for your daughter’s absence. When the time comes, provide trained troops to help free Donovan.”
“A plague is ready to strike my household…tomorrow. Jarrack fears illness above all else.” Lord Hembly bowed with an elegant gesture. “My Lady, I gladly pledge an alliance with you.”
“Your alliance comes late…but you know firsthand the evil we fight. I accept your pledge.”
“It was a black day I joined that snake, a day I’ll regret for the rest of my life.” He turned to his daughter. “Trust her, Angela. I won’t dare write for fear of discovery, but you know I love you more than life itself.”
“I’ll be safe here, and I look forward to a day when I can come home again.” She smiled sweetly.
After Lord Hembly shuffled out of the room, Angela lifted her chin and smiled. “He’s not a bad man, milady. He thought he did right, fighting against change. It’s difficult for him to realize he forged the sword that struck down his own family.”
“You have keen insight, Angela. I’m sure you’ll be an asset among my students.” Krystal called an assistant to take the girl to her quarters and turned to Trenton. “The Lords are learning a hard lesson and some might help us destroy Jarrack’s evil. If Hembly is willing to fight, surely open-minded people will be persuaded.”
“You’re an eternal optimist.”
“What else do I have left?” He flinched at her bitter tone. “We’ve made progress in five years but we must work harder to be ready to free Donovan.”
“Slave driver,” Trenton grumbled.
She grinned. “You’d better believe it.”
6 ~ TESSA ~ SIX YEARS LATER
Tessa hummed as she braided colorful long-stemmed blossoms into a dainty crown. As her mother stroked her auburn hair, Tessa smelled the scent of jasmine lingering on her mother’s elegant fingers and gazed adoringly into blue-gray eyes filled with love. She offered her mother the garland and enjoyed a warm kiss in return.
In the peaceful garden the melodic warbling of a songbird blended with the gleeful sound of her sisters’ voices. Tessa watched two girls scamper through the lush green ferns, trying to entice her into joining their new game of hide and seek. Tilting her head back she closed her eyes as sunlight warmed her face. She never wanted to leave the happiness of this garden.
*****
The dream shattered. Blinking from the bright morning light that streamed through the window, Tessa rubbed sleep from her eyes. The dream garden faded as she remembered that Uncle Trenton was missing. She wrenched her body from the warm comfort of the feather bed. I must help Maggie in the kitchen.
She choked back a sob as grief filled her chest. How can we live without Trenton? Already she missed his boisterous laugh and endless tales of strange creatures from mysterious planets. In her heart she knew he exaggerated the character he portrayed in his stories, but Trenton was clever, strong, and brave.
Tessa swiped at tears spilling from her sea-green eyes and sucked deep breaths to gain control over raw emotions. Gazing into the cracked dresser mirror, she splashed icy water from the bowl over splotchy cheeks. The redness faded until she felt capable of feigning a cheerful smile for Aunt Maggie.
Everything looked normal in the cozy kitchen filled with clutter. Sprigs of herbs grew haphazardly across the window sill, checkered red and white towels hung askew over wooden pegs, and flame-scorched pots dangled from hooks above the stove. A spoon clattered against a crockery bowl and the smell of fresh rolls made the morning seem normal—almost.
Maggie skirted the vacant chair at the head of the table where Uncle Trenton usually sat. The kitchen felt empty without his laughter as he tried to sneak a hot roll or a friendly squeeze from his small wife.
Tessa stifled a sob, angry at her lack of control.
Maggie stopped working and gazed at Tessa. Tearstains marked her round cheeks and pain filled her puffy eyes. She sai
d, “Let’s talk.”
She wiped her face with a dishrag and plopped onto a chair. “We’ve got to seek shelter with friends…no, don’t object…you know as well as I do, we’re not safe here without him.” Maggie surveyed her kitchen. “This has been my home for so many years, but those cutthroats who killed him won’t stop until they find us.”
Life changed the night Sparks arrived with an empty blood-soaked saddle. They searched the woods, desperate to find Trenton injured but alive. All they found were bloody footprints that marked a violent struggle and raced back into the safety of their mountain home. They waited a week. After all, Trenton was clever, so he’d escape if he lived. Tessa saw hope dwindle and finally vanish from Maggie’s eyes. Neither of them could say the words aloud.
Trenton must be dead.
Maggie pounded the table. “Those wicked men know he stored a cache of precious furs, guarded by a defenseless family. They’ll find us before long.”
Tessa caressed her aunt’s hand. “Trenton doesn’t expect us to stay here alone in the face of danger. We should leave.”
Maggie squeezed Tessa’s hand. “I’ll pack provisions while you finish breakfast.” The small round woman fell into a familiar routine of organizing and packing, muttering about old friends in town, but Tessa’s stomach churned. She pushed a half-finished bowl of porridge aside. How can we leave our home in the mountains?
Trenton carved a network of tunnels and rooms from the granite heart of the mountain and disguised the exterior to blend with the craggy landscape. Even a keen eye failed to detect the structure. Now the wisdom behind Trenton’s crafty design was painfully clear.
Evil men wished them harm.
People frightened Tessa more than wild animals. She understood the habits of forest creatures, but she’d never understand the cruelty of men like the ones who killed Trenton. Savage men with evil faces and crude language once tried to follow them from the village. Trenton outsmarted them…until now. Tessa imagined those same men, gloating over Trenton’s death.
“Tessa are you listening?”
“Sorry, my thoughts wandered. What’d you say?”
Maggie sighed. “We can’t leave the trap line. Those poor creatures will suffer and starve in the traps.”
Tessa perked up. “I helped maintain the trap line since I was old enough to ride a horse. I’ll dismantle the traps and be back in three days.”
“I don’t like to send you out there. Can you do it alone?”
“Trenton taught me all his tricks. I’ll be safe.”
Maggie’s face clouded. “No. It’s too dangerous.”
“Those ruffians won’t notice a young boy exploring mountain trails. I can do it while you pack. Be ready to leave by the time I get back. Please Aunt Maggie, I must get outside!”
Maggie’s dark eyes softened. “Okay. Take your cloak and furs as spring can turn cold.” Tessa hugged Maggie and ran to her room. She donned a fur-lined cloak, riding boots, and fur cap. Trenton and Maggie gave her the cloak as a special gift last year for her sixteenth birthday. During months of cold evenings, the couple worked late into the night to sew them. She stroked the soft fur without tears, knowing this birthday would be lonely without Trenton.
No more crying! I’ll treasure my memories as a tribute to Trenton.
Maggie briskly packed food into travel sacks with a determined set to her mouth. Tessa kissed her cheek, lifted the pack, and headed out the door.
“Take extra care,” Maggie said.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” Tessa said. She bolted out the door and followed a twisting tunnel inside the mountain. The sound of water dripping and scent of damp granite felt oddly comforting as she marched through the maze Trenton carved using illegal lasers. She knew each turn, dip, or swell in the uneven flooring. This tunnel opened into a small cave where a stream trickled fresh water into a stone trough. The cave smelled of horse manure and fodder. Sparks ignored Tessa as she placidly ate breakfast, her tail flicking at a fly on her round rump.
“Hi Sparks, you look eager to go out.”
The gentle mare nuzzled her anticipating a sugary treat. She patted Sparks’ sturdy neck and hefted the saddle into place. The first time she saddled Sparks without help, Trenton split his sides at the sight of the pint-sized girl sprawled under saddle, legs and arms thrashing.
“Conquer something that weighs less than you!” he joked and lifted the saddle with one hand. “Give yourself some growing time.”
Tessa was full grown now. She stood taller than most girls in the village. With an auburn braid tucked into her cap and dressed in pants and tunic, she passed for a scrawny boy and fooled mountain ruffians. The disguise would serve her well as they traveled.
Tessa peered outside through an upper window before she led Sparks through the hidden cave entrance. A thorny hedge filled with wild berries concealed the door from prying eyes, but Tessa swept the trail and scattered pine straw over hoof prints until they entered the forest. She hid the broom under a bush and climbed into the saddle.
The brisk morning air felt invigorating. As Sparks trotted up the steep mountain trail, Tessa glanced back at her home out of habit. She tried to spot signs of the structure. Chimney smoke filtered through natural crags, creating the illusion of clouds clinging to the cliffs. Windows in deep recesses or concealed behind vines, looked like ordinary chinks in the irregular granite surface.
Tessa didn’t wave, but she could almost hear Maggie say, “Be careful.”
“I will,” she promised and disappeared into a thicket of trees.
The spectacular beauty of springtime in the mountains conspired to lighten Tessa’s spirit. Halos of green buds tipped bare tree branches and yellow blossoms flickered like candle flames in patches of melting snow across the meadow. A crimson bird carried a prized twig to a nest and dew sparkled on delicate stocks of spring grass. She closed her eyes and tried to separate smells carried on the breeze, the perfume of wild flowers, the sharp tang of pine needles, and the mossy scent of melting spring snow.
Sparks trudged up the familiar trail. The steady crunch of hooves against dried pine straw lulled Tessa into the dream garden. She chased giggling sisters along a gravel path that meandered through knee-high blossoms. Butterflies and bumble bees hovered over vibrant yellow and red flowers, and she heard her mother hum as her spade scraped the soil.
Sparks jolted to a stop.
Tessa nearly tumbled out of the saddle but grabbed a handful of mane, cursing herself for carelessness. Sparks quivered and her nostrils flared.
“What is it, girl?” Tessa whispered and scrutinized the trail for danger. Nothing seemed wrong. The leather saddle creaked as she leaned forward and patted the mare’s neck. “It’s all right. I don’t see anything.” With a jab of her heel, she urged Sparks to move forward, but the mare whinnied, planted her hooves, and refused to budge.
Tessa’s heart thudded.
The dense woods felt oppressive, terrifying. What could she do? Hours from home with unknown danger lurking ahead, she frantically searched the landscape to gain her bearings. She saw no familiar landmarks, having lost track of her location while she dozed, but abandoning the trail might prove deadly. A wrong turn could plunge them over a precipice or get them stuck in a springtime bog.
She must face the danger head on. Clutching her hunting knife she held her breath and listened. Except for the horse’s snorts and the pounding of her heart, the woods were deadly silent—a sure sign of trouble. What an idiot I am! I missed nature’s warning signs by falling asleep.
Leaves rustled. A dark body moving through the undergrowth drew her attention but disappeared behind a bush. Tessa stiffened and Sparks jerked her head high, her ears pinned back. Trenton trained his horses to stand absolutely still when he braced for an attack, and Sparks became a statue.
A twig snapped.
Look up! Look at the branch. The mental command startled Tessa and she stared at the branch.
A snakelike tail twitched acr
oss the top of the branch, betraying a thick body hunched against the dark wood. Tessa angled her knife blade into the sun and flashed light into the shadows. She saw large almond eyes and the white fangs of a mountain lion.
The branch exploded and a snarling yowl shattered the silence.
Tessa jerked on her reins and Sparks reared, striking at the hated creature with her hooves. Razor-sharp claws slashed at Tessa but missed as she tumbled out of the saddle. Claws scraped across the leather saddle, while Sparks whinnied and her hooves raked the turf. Tessa hit the ground and rolled, amazed that she still clutched the knife. She crouched, ready for another attack. A dark shape blurred in the perimeter of Tessa’s vision—the lion’s mate?
The tawny cat hissed and leaped toward the girl, but a black body hit the predator in midair. Snarling and growling the two animals rolled across the ground and then broke apart. A black wolf and tawny lion faced each other. Teeth bared, the wolf charged the lion. The cat yowled and backed away from the snarling wolf, straight under the mare’s pounding hooves.
Something dripped into Tessa’s eyes, blurring her vision. Hearing angry whinnies and staccato thuds, she wiped blood from her eyes. The treetops spun and turned dark as Tessa collapsed into soft pine needles.
Tessa chased her sisters through the dream garden with long reddish-brown hair flying in the wind. Lauryn grabbed her. The girls tumbled in a giggling jumble of arms and legs.
“You’re it!” Lauryn shouted, “Hide your eyes and count to ten. No peeking!” Lauryn’s blond ponytail bobbed as she ran away.
Tessa counted, “One, two, three...”
Tessa.
“Four, five…”
You must wake up, Tessa. The mental voice echoed inside her aching head.
“Six, Seven…” It felt safe in the garden, and she didn’t want to leave.
Warm grass-scented breath blew into her face, and Tessa woke. She stared into chocolate eyes and long drooping lashes until Sparks shook her head and plodded toward another tempting patch of grass. Tessa rubbed the large lump on her forehead and scrutinized the bloody scene.