The way her thoughts kept circling was beginning to give her a headache. Terrwyn preferred things black and white. This person was bad, they needed to be dealt with. This person was good, she needed to help them. It was why she did her best to stay out of the court maneuvering. She never knew what anyone was really up to.
Grabbing rope and tying her wood haul together, she sighed heavily. She didn’t know what to do. She wanted to trust him, to believe she had an ally, someone she could rely on. But Zel had too many secrets. More, she thought, than anyone she’d ever met.
That made the decision for her. She’d confront him, demand answers. If he could explain things so they made sense to her, if he had a good reason for just knowing things, then she could trust him. If he didn’t... She’d cross that bridge when she came to it.
Relieved at having made a decision, Terrwyn got the wood sorted before grabbing a few handfuls of small twigs to use as kindling, jamming them into one of her packs. Spotting a birch tree barely outside the stand, she led her mare over to it and peeled off some of the bark to use as tinder. Only then did she mount her horse and head towards the cave at a fast walk. She moved carefully, so as not to drop the wood perched precariously on the saddle behind her, the occasional stray twig sticking out to jab her in the back.
When she reached the cave, she found Zel had already tossed out a bunch of rocks and what looked like old bones. His mount and the packhorse were inside at the back, tearing into the grass he’d obviously cut for them. When she dismounted he moved forward to help her without a word.
Terrwyn left the silence as it was, working together with him to get everything in and get her horse taken care of. She’d leave him alone for now. But once they were settled and the storm had them trapped, she was going to get her answers.
* * *
The wind screamed outside as rain poured from the sky. Terrwyn leaned against the wall of the cave, grateful they’d noticed the dark clouds in time to find this place and get enough wood. Beside her, kept safe by the rocky overhang, their fire crackled red and orange.
“Think it’ll let up by tomorrow?” she asked.
Zel, who had been watering the horses, shrugged. “I would guess so, given how strong it is, but these lands can be strange.”
Terrwyn snorted. That was an understatement. She glanced back at her companion, studying him as he moved, shadows dancing across his face. Her resolve, so strong when she’d been by herself, had weakened as they’d worked together to get their camp set up. She wished he would just tell her everything himself.
He turned around and caught her look, raising his eyebrows. She flushed but didn’t look away. “You don’t talk about yourself much.”
“Not much to tell.”
She frowned as he joined her on the other side of the fire. “You’ve spent four years hunting the same man. You’re from a village you say no one’s heard of, but you were sent out by people from it to hunt down a man who betrayed you all. I’d think there’s quite a bit to tell.”
Zel rubbed the back of his neck. “I say there’s not much to tell, because there’s not much I should tell. My people...we like our secrets. You’re an honourable woman and from what I’ve seen, fiercely loyal, but the information you want isn’t just mine to share. Can’t we leave it at that?”
“Not if it’s what will make the difference between us saving Aricia and us not.”
He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them he held her gaze. “Fine, but if you breathe a word of this to anyone, and I’ll know if you do, by our traditions I’ll be forced to hunt you down. And you’re aware of how persistent I am.”
Terrwyn nodded, feeling her whole body go alert at the thought that she was finally going to get some answers. She saw him grimace but didn’t look away. She didn’t want him to try and eel his way out of this, not when she was this close.
“What do you see there?” he asked, pointing at a spot beside her. She looked down but saw nothing. Just the rock floor of cave covered in the shifting shadows cast by their fire.
She looked back at him. “The rock floor?”
Zel shook his head. “Keep watching.”
Terrwyn turned back to the patch of rock, frowning. It was still the same. The fluttering movements of the shadows spelling out her name differentiating it from the—
She froze then moved her head slowly around to face Zelek, her eyes sliding back to the shadows. Clear as her hand in front of her, there was her name, written in dark, flickering letters. Hesitantly, she reached out to touch the rock. It felt like all the other rocks around her, the shadows moving onto her hand when she got in the way.
She snatched it back and spun towards Zel. “W-what is this?”
He sighed. “They’re shadows. That’s what my people can do. We can speak to and control shadows, a power unique to us. It’s why I was sent after the traitor. We can’t afford to have others find out, can’t have people led back to our village or any of the other hidden ones that still remain. We’ve been hunted enough in the past.”
Terrwyn blinked as memories rose. She replayed the whole scene when Aricia had been taken and, again, then when she’d first met Zelek, and when they’d ridden up on the monsters. Shadows. They were able to command shadows, able to speak to them. “You can hide in them as well, right? Shadows, I mean.”
His eyes narrowed. “Part of me wishes you were a bit less quick-witted, but yes. We can hide in them. Our mass is still there, so we can be discovered if we’re not careful, but most people won’t see us.”
“Do—do they fight? Oh wait, can they understand me? Am I being rude?” Terrwyn glanced around, half expecting to find some kind of shadowy finger admonishing her. It was rude to talk about someone when they were there. Then again, she didn’t know if the rule applied to shadows. Really, what rules did? She felt a faint headache beginning as she tried to consider all the possibilities she could.
Zel stared at her as a faint smile crossed his lips. “No, yes, and no.” When she frowned, he elaborated. “No, they don’t fight. They don’t have weight or real physical substance so they can’t. Yes, they do understand what you’re saying. And no, you’re not being rude.”
She felt some of the tension drain out of her shoulders. Her mother had all but beaten politeness into her, and being rude... She smiled. “That’s good. So the shadows, they told you about this place?”
“And about the lake and the old woman. They let me know about the people and things around me. Everyone has a shadows, and every shadow can be spoken to and controlled by our people. Even Chayn.”
The tone he used when he said the name told her who that was. “So Chayn can do the same as you then?”
Zel leaned backwards, his arms crossed over his chest. “Not exactly. I’m better trained than he is, though it’s clear he’s been looking for more power, so he may have different abilities now than when I saw him last. But in a case of shadow against shadow, with the exception of his personal shadow who will always be loyal to their bearer, I doubt I’ll lose. He’s never been very considerate of them. That being said, he’ll have the established relationship with the local shadows, which will take time to supplant.”
Terrwyn nodded. It certainly made sense. She might have been more skeptical if he hadn’t already shown her he could get them to move, even make them spell out things. It could be very useful as they continued, though she thought the shadows alerting them to what was up ahead would be the most useful. She wouldn’t need to worry about ambushes nearly as much.
“Thank you,” she said. He raised his eyebrows, so she continued. “For telling me this, for trusting me. It can’t have been easy.”
He smiled. “You’re a good person. Even if I hadn’t seen that from travelling with you, your shadow would have told me. You trusted me, the least I could do was return the favour. Though I am serious ab
out not telling anyone. Our laws are very clear on this.”
“I understand,” she said soberly, holding his gaze with hers.
His expression widened into a grin. “But let’s not worry about that. You know now, which makes things easier. I do so hate lying to pretty ladies.”
Terrwyn instantly went red which she tried to hide by turning away. The chuckle she heard left her no illusions on how well she’d done. Inwardly she cursed herself. Why he always managed to get to her, when it wasn’t like she was unused to men. She practically lived among them, and had, when she’d still been in training.
Maybe it was because he looked at her like the other men looked at the noble ladies. As a woman first. Most of the men she knew saw her as a warrior first, and those who didn’t, were mostly traditionalists who hated the idea of any female fighters. Maybe it had just been too long since her last lover. That had to be it. Two years was a long time, and that was why he was affecting her.
She glanced at him to find him still watching her. As her cheeks flared again, she hoped she’d get used to this soon. She couldn’t afford any distractions. Not when Aricia’s life was at stake.
Chapter Thirteen: Trapped
She pulled her knees up to her chest, the rough straw mattress she sat on poking her bare feet. The shapeless cotton dress she wore tented over her as she pressed her forehead into her legs. She was tired, endless nightmares crossing in front of her eyes every time she closed them, awake or asleep. And awake, Aricia also had her captors to deal with.
The sound of footsteps outside her room had her flinching then freezing into place when they went past the door to her cell. They were the heavy footfalls of the man, Chayn, she’d heard the woman call him. He was the one who’d attacked her at dinner, carrying her off before she could do anything at all.
Aricia shivered at the memory. Of the two, Chayn frightened her most. The way he looked at her... And she’d already heard him offer to kill her, more than once. The woman, Kirja, was more reasonable. She ignored Aricia except when she came to take more of her blood.
Briefly she glanced at her arm, covered in half-healed cuts from Kirja’s knife. At least she was left alone in the tiny room for the most part. A small water closet, her bed, and a rickety table made up the furnishings that filled the stone room. There wasn’t even a window. Just the heavy wooden door kept locked except when she was brought food and water.
Chayn’s footsteps stopped in the hall that filled most of this floor of the Tower. “Isn’t this spell of yours done yet?” came Chayn’s accented voice.
She could hear the rustle of cloth that made her think Kirja, who typically wore elaborate robes, had moved closer to him. “As I’ve told you, the spell takes a full month, from moon dark to moon dark, to complete. Unsealing something of this level requires a delicate touch and patience.”
He snorted. “You promised me the monster’s power, and I intend to ensure you deliver. If you’re thinking of keeping it afterwards...”
Aricia could hear the glare in Kirja’s voice. “As I’ve said multiple times, I only require the creature’s power briefly. From there, you’re more than welcome to it. Though I will be leaving enough control that you can’t turn it against me. In case you had any thoughts of betraying me.”
“What do you even need this monster for? You’re a strong mage, one of the most powerful I’ve seen, which is why I agreed to help you.”
“And the fact I’m paying you well has no bearing on it, does it?” Kirja paused a moment then continued. “As for my need of the monsters, let me just say youthful brashness leads to problems that must be addressed.”
“No, I want a real answer. You know entirely too much about me. To keep the balance you need to tell me.”
“I don’t need to do anything. And here I was thinking you relied on your precious shadows for everything.”
“They’re only occasionally useful. The rest of the time I wish I’d been born to real power.”
“Be careful what you wish for.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Chayn’s voice was tight.
There was no sound for several seconds, then Aricia heard Kirja sigh. “Because I once wished for power. The power to best any mage, to stand above them all as the most powerful in magic. In my folly I summoned a demon and formed a contract with him. He gave me all the power I wished in return for my soul upon my death.”
Aricia’s eyes widened and she stared at the locked door. Kirja had sold her soul? That explained the woman’s red irises and constant feeling of malice that seemed to be wrapped around her. She’d thought it a side effect of her being Aricia’s captor, but if she was bound to a demon...
“I am older now and realize what endless torment would truly mean. To escape my contract I require something more powerful than Zarabahl, something capable of defeating him and freeing me. That is why I require Slel’s power, but only temporarily. Once my contract is broken the monster is yours.”
“Good.” Chayn’s retreating footsteps put the conversation to an end.
Aricia shivered again. She knew what Slel’s revival would mean for her and couldn’t help the painful hope that often choked her, hope that someone was coming for her. She couldn’t think that her father wouldn’t have sent people, couldn’t think that he’d abandoned her. Someone, probably several someones, were coming for her. She just needed to hold out until then.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly, trying to calm herself. She needed to do what Terrwyn had taught her, stay calm and collected, evaluate her situation. So far, Aricia hadn’t seen any way of escape, but she wasn’t about to stop looking. If they’d been anywhere near other people, she might have tried shouting for help, but the three of them were alone in the Tower. At least, she hadn’t heard anyone except Kirja and Chayn the entire time she’d been there.
Hugging her knees tighter, Aricia wished she’d paid more attention to what Terrwyn had been teaching her. She’d learned the basics, could escape most of the holds and run away better than most, but she hadn’t thought she’d ever need real training in how to fight. She hadn’t thought she’d ever really be kidnapped.
All Terrwyn’s caution now seemed more than warranted. The knight’s face rose in her memories, a stern face that slowly broke into a smile. Aricia wanted Terrwyn. Wanted her to come and save her, wanted her to be there to help. If she had someone else, she could be strong, she could hold back the fear. But she was alone except for her captors.
Tears welled up and slowly traced familiar paths down her face. Aricia wanted to go home. She wanted her mother, her father and her sister. She wanted her bed and to be surrounded by her guards. If she got out of this, if she survived, she swore she’d never complain about or try to get rid of her guards again.
Aricia buried her face into her knees and cried, silent sobs ripping through her as she felt the overwhelming tide of fear, loneliness, pain and homesickness crash over her.
Chapter Fourteen: Talk
They were well on their way by the time the sun had fully cleared the horizon. The grass their mounts picked their way through was wet, that and the downed branches visible near the trees the only remnants of the storm. For that, Terrwyn was glad. Nothing was more miserable than riding through heavy rain. Except maybe having to clean the mud off her and her mount afterwards.
Knowing how he was getting his information, Terrwyn was more than happy to let Zel choose their path. They fell into what was now a familiar pace, riding side by side, both keeping a sharp eye out. Given he’d admitted that his shadows were anything but omniscient and could be interrupted and kept from warning him, Terrwyn wasn’t about to take anything for granted. Not after what she’d already seen.
“You haven’t spoken much about yourself, your people. Just told me about your duty and the generals of what happened,” Zel said, after
riding in silence for a while. “I’m rather curious about how you became a knight. From what I’ve seen, it’s not terribly common for women.”
Terrwyn shrugged. “It’s not particularly interesting. My brother’s the oldest and the heir. He loves trade, as does most of the family, and really enjoys taking care of our lands. My younger sister has always been more interested in languages. She plans to help her future husband and his family who, if the pattern holds, will probably also be involved in trade. They may even be from abroad.
“I’ve never been one for sitting still. I like my books, but only for short periods of time. I much prefer moving around. Since I’ve never been very interested in trade and I didn’t like the idea of focusing only on family and stewarding lands, I decided becoming a knight would suit me. Our parents ensured we all had some martial training. I kept it up longer than the other two.”
“You achieved your knighthood and then became a bodyguard?”
“No, it was three years later. The custom for the royal family is each of them chooses their own guards when they turn eighteen. That was two years ago. Aricia chose me to be her chief bodyguard, and chose half of the current guards. She had me pick the others, saying she trusted my judgement.”
Zelek frowned. “You didn’t bring any of the others with you?”
“They’re well trained, and we couldn’t be sure someone wouldn’t target another member of the royal family. I left them to strengthen the guard. This was also a volunteer mission, and not something they’ve been trained to handle, or honestly, are paid enough for. It’s something for those who have sworn their blades to the kingdom. This is a job for knights. But most of ours are apparently gutless cowards.” She couldn’t help the bitterness of her words, especially since she felt that with others, Michme might not have died.
“That’s not so different from our village then.”
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