He assessed her arm where blood spotted through a crude bandage, annoyed she’d been hurt. He bit back questioning her about it, not wanting to let on he’d witnessed the whole incident. “Fair enough. Where are you going?”
She rolled her eyes. “Noneya.”
“Nun-ya?”
“Yeah. None-ya-business. And thank you for the water.”
Sandread chuckled, pleased to see her spirit return. “Might I point out it is growing late, and the sun will be setting soon. You should probably make camp and build a fire to keep the predators away.”
She smiled up at him sweetly. “So if I light something up, you’ll leave?”
“Depends where you aim the flame, milady. Perhaps I can be of service for the night.”
“Pardon me?” She wrinkled her nose as if his suggestion were rancid meat.
His cock stirred at the assumed implication, but he quickly scolded his ardor. He’d vowed upon meeting the maiden that she’d come to him willing, and tonight was no different. “Although I’d be lying to deny my want of you, when I have confessed to such thoughts so openly. I merely meant I am willing to be your humble servant and ensure you a safe campsite.”
She crossed her arms. “No thanks, buddy. I can manage on my own.” She didn’t even bother to spare a backward glance before stomping off toward home.
“Milady,” he called after her, merry laughter carrying in his tone. “At least take your horse!”
Chapter Thirty-four
How the hell was she supposed to make camp? And did she really want to? Who knew what else was out there coming to eat her for dinner. Ramona dropped the basket where she stood, cursing her stubbornness for denying Sandread the satisfaction of accepting her horse. Pride’s a bitch.
She snapped her fingers, triggering a small flame at the tips. First thing first—build a fire. Too bad she never went to Girl Scouts. Maybe then she’d know how to build a decent fire pit. Her stomach growled loudly. She searched the nearby trees and bushes for berries or something. Nada. Goddammit. She had no food, no water, and soon there’d be no light.
The neigh of a horse in the near distance floated on the wind. Sandread lingered near. Double Goddammit. A chill overcame her as the nighttime air gushed its arrival. She had two choices: Keep lighting sticks on fire all night to stay half-ass warm and keep the animals away, or suck it up and call Sandread back to make a campfire, scrounge some food, and get a night’s worth of decent rest.
Triple Goddammit! “Sandread! Wait!”
Heavy footsteps echoed back. She tapped her foot waiting for him to finally announce himself like he was some knight in shining armor. Her impatience grew when he failed to show himself. “You know what? Forget it, you douche. I can do this on my own. I’m not begging for your help—”
An overlarge behemoth of a man emerged from behind a large oak tree; his presence stole her voice midsentence He stood at least an intimidating seven feet tall. Leather covered every inch of his massive frame, complete with a full faced mask. Bone spikes protruded from the material along his arms and calves.
“That’s some impressive armor,” Ramona blurted, followed by a nervous laugh. “Please don’t eat me or anything.”
The gargantuan removed his mask. Reptilian eyes swept over her body. “It appears I have scared your companion off, milady. I am here to offer my services this night, should you accept.”
Ramona swallowed hard. “So you’re not going to eat me then?”
He bowed. “Nay, milady. I am the Shema, protector of all Vespa and the Vespian portal.” He stepped closer; moonlight reflected upon his scaly skin. “If this site is desirable, I will prepare a proper fire for you before I set out to hunt your supper.”
A bright purple aura surrounded the beast, and she instinctively knew it meant loyalty. Fascination superseded fear. Stupefied, Ramona nodded her agreement. “I suppose right here is just as good as anywhere.”
As promised, the Shema built a cozy fire, with the aid of Ramona’s magical spark, and secured a host of forest critters for dinner. “This is amazing!” Ramona exclaimed as she licked the last of the roasted rabbit from her fingertips. “Did you get enough?”
He grunted. “For now. I prefer my meat raw, but I assumed you didn’t want to watch me shred my prey apart. I shall hunt for myself later.”
Ramona scrunched her nose. “Yeah. I suppose not.”
“Finish your canteen of water so I may refill it once more for the night.”
Ramona unscrewed the top of the canteen and guzzled the last bit before passing the empty container to him. So far, so good. She relaxed with every moment spent with the odd creature. “Thanks. Again. How is it you can get to the stream and back in minutes?”
“I am born of majik. I am not contained to the laws of the mortal realm, at least not in the forest.” He crossed his arms and reclined against a tree trunk, his gaze wandering up toward the stars.
So much for gossiping the night away. “Guess I’ll be turning in for the night…er, do you even have a name? Or is it just The Shema?”
He chuckled, exposing razor sharp teeth. “You humans and your names. You may call me whatever you like, milady.”
Using her knapsack as a pillow, Ramona laid beside the fire. “Okay. Bob it is then. I shall see you in the morning.” She closed her eyes, ignoring the sound of crunching leaves as Bob settled in. For whatever reason, for the first time since her arrival into the doomed future, she felt completely at ease and unafraid, despite the monstrous looking Shema in her company. She popped an eye open, smiling when Bob’s clean white aura illuminated the darkness. Perhaps she had found a new friend?
Labelle’s high pitched squeals of displeasure echoed off the dilapidated throne room’s stone walls. “How is it you let her escape? She was unescorted and helpless!” Labelle flung the train of her sweeping cloak behind her.
Sandread bowed to conceal the contempt, and forthcoming lie, in his eyes. “Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty. I had planned to take the maiden by surprise as she slept, knowing any attempt while she remained suspect would most likely result in my own fiery death.”
Labelle conceded with a disgusted sigh. “I suppose you have more worth alive. For now.” She raised her hand as if to dismiss him, but quickly dropped it back to her side. “Wait. Are you telling me the bitch has come into her full power? How do you know she possesses the ability to incinerate you?”
“My rendezvous with the inside contact proved successful. She told me of the maiden’s newfound power, as well as instability. Your sister has also taken up permanent residence inside of Dilseacht.”
Labelle’s eyes glazed over at the mention of Cynthe. “I have yet to discover who let that bird out of its cage. I don’t suppose you know anything about her escape?”
Sandread detected a hint of accusation in her tone and lied once more. “Nay, My Queen. Rest assured, should I find the culprit who removed the collar, I shall deal them a merciless death.”
“I’m certain you will, Commander. But in the meantime, you need to concern yourself with bringing me the maiden. Surely my bravest warrior and elite commander can find a way to steal her away from one little Shema?”
Little wasn’t a word ever used to describe the beast. Sandread stood firm against her scrutinizing stare. She no doubt suspected his involvement in releasing Cynthe. Why else would she send him on a suicide mission against the Shema? He maintained a resolute mien of confidence and ignorance to her hidden implications. “Aye, My Queen. I shall not return without the Lady Ramona.”
Ramona woke with the rising sun. Pale smoke escaped the dying embers of the exhausted campfire. The Shema. Her reptilian protector was nowhere to be found. She groaned as she pushed herself up from the hard ground. After a quick trip to the bushes, she gathered up her basket, now full of nuts and berries and a freshly filled canteen. She smiled. “Thanks, Bob.” Somehow she knew he’d hear her.
Confident Dilseacht was only a couple hours walk away, she set out with
a hop in her step, determined to be home for lunch. One foot, two foot, three foot…autumn leaves crunched beneath her boots as the sun continued to climb in the sky. Its rays brought a comforting warmth. It didn’t take her long to find a worn path through the dense foliage. The main road couldn’t be far now. Thirsty, Ramona plopped down beneath the shadiest tree she could find. She gulped from her canteen, the cool liquid bringing instant relief to her parched throat. Vibrations in the ground tickled her rear. She strained her neck to the left, and then the right, in attempt to hear the cause. The vibrations grew stronger. Hooves pounded heavy in the near distance.
Horses approached, fast and furious by the sound of it. Jalomar had come for her! She jumped to her feet, waving her arms. “Over here! I’m over here!”
Four riders emerged from the forest onto the path. Ramona’s blood froze when she spotted their black and red attire.
Labelle’s men.
She easily identified Sandread’s lithe and agile frame at the head of the group. Ramona held her hand up and summoned a warning fireball.
Sandread raised a hand, signaling the others to halt. He continued forward, albeit slower. “Lady Ramona, I beg an audience.”
The fireball in her palm flickered its warning. “I can see and hear you just fine right there.”
Sandread flashed a charming smile. “You know me well enough by now to know I would never harm you.”
“That’s the problem. I do know you. Say what you gotta say. I have things to do.”
He unmounted, but remained beside his horse. “Is running back to Jalomar’s custody one of those things? I thought you longed for freedom.”
“Mind your own business.”
He dared a step closer. She raised her ignited hand a tad higher and narrowed her eyes. “I wouldn’t push me, Sandread.”
“Why the hostility, Ramona? After all, I rescued you last evening, and even offered to provide further aid.”
“I thanked you for the water, and then found sanctuary with Bob…er the Shema. Is that why you tracked me down? To get another thank you? Thanks.”
Sandread paled at the mention of the Shema. “Nay, milady. I was actually bid to seek you out.”
The flames sputtered in her palm, and she was forced to close her fist to extinguish it. She didn’t want Sandread to realize her mastery over the element was limited to a few flashy fireballs lasting only short spans. Or burning the laundry. “So, what do you want?”
He approached with the snuffing of the fire. “I merely desire to talk.”
“About what? And did you have to bring your posse?”
He leaned into her, his voice barley above a whisper. “Your destiny, Ramona. Do as I say, and we shall both survive what’s to come.”
Azer placed a hand on the Shema’s shoulder, subduing the Vespian protector with a gentle surge of energy. “Nay, creature. We cannot interfere. You have done your part by protecting the maiden through the night. Now, it is Fate who will guard her from here.”
The Shema snorted. “I know exactly what Fate has planned for the fair maiden.”
Chapter Thirty-five
Ramona didn’t know what bothered her more—the pounding at the base of her skull or the stench of urine and death. Sandread whispering into her ear was the last thing she remembered. How could she have let her guard down around that asshat again? He apparently liked her best unconscious. “Bastard,” she mumbled into the darkness as she tallied up the times he’d knocked her out. She probably had brain damage by now. Payback’s a bitch.
“Is that anyway to greet your new master?”
Head against the iron bars of her cage, she squinted as she tried to focus on her new setting. “Sandread. I was just thinking about you. Asshat.” She snapped a finger to summon a small fire for light. Nothing. She snapped again. Still nada. “What the hell?” She attempted to rattle the bars, but they remained solid and firmly in place against her assault. Fear knotted in her stomach. “Let me outta here!”
“I will in a moment, my gem. It's time to meet Queen Labelle.”
“Do I look like I want to meet the queen? Open this door before I barbeque the whole fucking place!” She attempted another snap. Panic consumed her.
Sandread slithered from the corner; his figure barely discernable in the dark. “I bet you’re pondering why you cannot summon your element?”
Ramona slipped an arm through the bars and attempted to punch him, but he dodged her fist. “I don’t need an element to kick your ass. Open this door and I’ll show you.”
He tsked his tongue. “Patience. If you will kindly check your ankle, you will find a lovely anklet of sorts. But don’t try to remove it and hurt yourself.”
Ramona promptly felt her ankles, tearing up when cold steel met her palm. Imbued majik pulsated from the slim trinket responsible for impeding her power—dark majik. He was right, she couldn’t undo its power or remove it on her own, not without losing a foot at least.
The clanking of keys perked her ears. She heard the lock on her cell click and the squeal of the rusty hinge open. Sandread's fingers dug into the tender flesh of her upper arm before she could make out the outline of the doorway and run. “Heed my warning, Ramona,” he breathed into her ear.
“Go choke on your warning.” She struggled against his hold, but he was too strong and held the advantage by being familiar with the dungeon. Even if she gained momentary freedom, in what direction should she run? She ceased her fight. “Take me to your leader.”
She simply sighed when he took her arm into his and lead her up the winding staircase, into what she assumed was Castle Dika. He guided her through a maze of corridors before they finally reached a long, dark hallway. Two huge red doors loomed at the end.
Sandread tugged at her arm as he continued their walk down the hall. They came to a brief stop before they reached the door. He leaned into her and whispered, “Remember what I told you, Ramona. If you want to get out of this alive, you’re going to have to trust me.”
Before she could come up with a snarky retort, he pushed the doors open and thrust her forward.
Queen Labelle sat upon a decorated throne of gold at the far end of the room. Contemptuous, gray eyes ogled Ramona as Sandread ushered her down the red carpeted walkway. He pushed Ramona to her knees at the base of the platform.
“Welcome to my humble abode. I have been expecting you for some time,” Labelle said, superiority laced in her tone.
Ramona held her head high. Being held prisoner superseded any pleasantries. “What do you want with me?”
Labelle rose, her overflowing gown making it appear as if she floated down the steps. When Ramona attempted to stand, Sandread applied pressure to her shoulder, holding her in position on her knees. “You will rise when Her Majesty tells you to.”
She swatted at his face. “Don’t talk to me, douchebag.”
Labelle snickered as she circled Ramona; her outlandishly long cloak wrapped around Ramona. “Such fondness for my commander! He really isn’t so bad, you know? You should thank him for keeping watch over you during your stay thus far. Horrible things happen in the dungeon below.”
Sandread gave her shoulder another squeeze, although this time it lacked force. She thought she saw a moment of concern in the depth of his eyes before he hurriedly looked away.
“As I’ve said,” Labelle continued on. “He’s not so bad. He is, after all, the very reason you are still alive. Personally, I wanted to kill you upon arrival, but the commander here convinced me otherwise.” A sneer contorted her lips as she turned to Sandread. “He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Ramona could feel Sandread tense beside her; he removed his hand from her shoulder. She wanted to ask him about the deal, but decided it better to keep her mouth shut until the lunatic queen finished rambling.
Labelle returned to her throne, exaggerating each step with the pride and grace of a feline. She cocked her head, a Cheshire grin making her appear all the crazier. “However, after finally m
eeting you, I’m going to have to pass on Sandread’s offer. It seems his barbarian brother has already done the deed.”
A large whoosh of air came from Sandread. “Nay! Who has spoken such lies?”
Labelle crooned, clearly delighted by her commander’s exasperation. “What’s the matter, Sandread? Has your brother taken yet another prize from you?”
Ramona fidgeted with the anklet barring her power while Sandread and Labelle continued their personal sparring word-match. It was locked solid. She’d need a blacksmith to remove the damn thing. Time for plan two. Jalomar had apparently committed some big no-no. Whatever. She didn’t care to get the specifics, but she’d be stupid not to use it to her advantage. She needed their inevitable fight to escalate until they both forgot about her and she could make a run for it. “Well, Jalomar was chosen by the Vespa for a reason, you know,” she blurted.
Her remark must have connected with Jalomar’s crime, because both Sandread and Labelle fell silent, their attention solely hers.
Sandread’s nostrils flared.
Labelle threw her head back and roared with maniacal laughter. “You have no idea how true your words are, little maiden. Pleasingly so. Your shameless rendezvous with my nephew has actually advanced my cause and will be the reason I win this war!”
Ramona’s brain stuttered on the information; her cheeks grew hot. She can’t know that? And even if she did, how did her sexual relationship with Jalomar win her anything? “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Your denial is moot. I can sense his seed taking root. You're pregnant with his child.”
Ramona shook her head profusely. No fucking way. Dizziness made her legs buckle and she nearly collapsed. Her stomach roiled as she mentally counted the days since her last period. One, two, three, four, almost five…weeks. Out of desperation not to hit the floor face first, she reached for Sandread. He caught her and gently guided her down to her knees. She met his stare head on. Like a movie, her mind conjured images from her coma-induced dreams, of a child on the altar that disappeared when she reached it. The meaning of her part in the prophesy became petrifyingly clear—she was destined to have the child that saves mankind, and Labelle was determined to steal it. Oh. My.God. Everything she’d experienced in her vision rushed her at once.
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