Ties of Blood

by D. W. Jackson

  When Darryl and Ballard finally caught up with her they didn’t say anything. She looked around to their faces and saw that each of them were battling with their own thoughts. Thanks to the insights from their previous conversation she knew a little more of what was going through Darryl’s mind. As for Ballard it could be any number of things. Though he was protective of her he was probably trying to decide whether he would accompany her back home if the time came or to follow Darryl and try to rescue Thad. Eloen laughed to herself that would be just like him.

  As much as she wanted to continue as the sun dropped below the horizon she knew that even if she could sleep in the saddle the horses needed to rest. The area around them had grown rockier and small mountains lined the area making them go through a series of passes and limiting where they could rest. The moon was almost full in the night sky before they finally found a place to rest. It wasn’t very large and there was no fresh grass for the horses so she was forced to use her limited stores from her pack.

  As she laid down her pack and arranged a place to sleep she thought about talking to Darryl more about the blood ties but she knew in truth she had no energy left to stay awake. Promising herself that she would find the time to talk to him on the ride in the morning Eloen laid down and quickly feel asleep sure that someone would wake her when it was her turn for the watch.

  Her dreams didn’t comfort her as she found herself watching Thad as he lay strapped to a table. She tried to run to him but her legs wouldn’t move. When she tried to call his name her mouth opened but no sound came out. Eloen watched as a tall man with a bald head held a serpent shaped dagger. The noise that ripped out of Thad’s voice as his heart was cut from his chest tore through her like a whip striping flesh with each strike. Thad pleaded for her help but there was nothing she could do but watch in horror as he was killed in front of her over and over.

  CHAPTER IX

  The days passed by with idle chatter. She tried to bring up any topic but Thad. Her dreams continued each night making her fear to sleep. Ballard had expressed concern over her ragged appearance but she couldn’t bring herself to tell him what had really been troubling her. He was the closest thing to a brother she had and she knew that he would only worry needlessly if he knew what plagued her dreams. As much of a mountain of a man he still had a soft heart.

  It was only a few more days until they reached Treforge and they still hadn’t seen a hint of Thad. With each passing day Eloen's hopes died a little. If they got Thad into the fort before they could rescue him then it was almost hopeless. She had almost promised Ballard that if that was the case she would go home without challenge but every time she thought of abandoning Thad to the Ablaian torturers her blood ran cold and the images that plagued her dreams came to the forefront of her mind. More than once she had to hold back from crying when her mind wondered.

  The day was almost halfway over as the sun was nearly past the apex in its trip across the sky. Though Abla was a barren country that was surrounded by mountains it made for a lovely sunset. It was one of the few things Eloen had to look forward to. Farms were spread far apart and took what little fertile ground that was available. Most the houses they passed had small farms next to their house though from the pile of stones that covered the ground around the small patches of land it had been a great deal of work to make the ground suitable to work. It made wonder why anyone would want to live in such a place.

  “Look” Darryl shouted as they crested a small hill. Down below was a small town if it could have been called a town at all. Six or seven stone buildings were grouped close together one was taller than the other giving Eloen hope that they could find a place to sleep besides the hard ground. They were also running low on horse fodder and vegetables. They still had plenty of meat though most of it was goat. The thought of having to eat the stringy goat meat again made Eloen's stomach turn. What she wouldn’t give for a piece of beef or smoked pork.

  If they were where they thought they were it made no sense for there to be a town. They had went five days without seeing anything that resembled a town. They couldn’t even see light in the distance but she knew that with the landscape it was hard to see more than a mile in the distance.

  The sun still a promised a few hours of sunlight making Eloen desire to continue on but she knew that pushing too hard wouldn’t gain them anything. As she hoped the large building was an inn. There was also a small store next to the inn as well as a butcher. Eloen guessed that they must do a fair amount of trade as the buildings were well made and to Eloen's relief the kids looked as if they were well taken care of. She knew that seeing a few people well off wouldn’t erase the abject poverty she had witnessed elsewhere but it left her hope.

  The inside of the inn opened into a great common room with long wooden tables instead of small ones for individual parties. The room was filled by numerous customers which astounded Eloen. A young man around the age of Eloen manned the front desk and gave her a cheerful smile as they approached. “What can I do for you today?”

  “We need two rooms one with two beds one with a single. We would also like to have baths drawn for the rooms if that would be possible.” Ballard said curtly.

  “It will take a little to have the baths drawn. While you wait I would suggest you sit and have something to eat. Miss Thera makes some of the best stew you can find.”

  After Ballard paid the man the three made their way to an open spot on one of the large tables. After she was seated Darryl leaned over her and Ballard's shoulder. “Have them bring me something to eat. I’m going to run over to the store before it closes and secure our supplies.” Seeing nothing wrong with letting him go Eloen simply nodded her head.

  It didn’t take long before a busty older woman made her way over to where they sat to take their order. While her clothes were simply they were made to accent her full body figure. “What would you dears like to eat?” her voice was raspy but it didn’t look as if Ballard was focusing too much on her mouth.

  “Ballard I don’t think she can take your order if you don’t stop staring at her chest.” Eloen said forgetting that she was supposed to be playing the meek country girl.

  As soon as she realized her mistake she look at the barmaid who simply gave her a wink and laughed. “Men are all the same dear. I don’t understand why those Farlans need to have a queen. Show a man a little skin and they will do whatever you want and thank you for it.”

  Ballard face turned beet red and his hand went to cover his face. “Bring us three orders of stew and bread please Miss.” his voice was muffled but it was easy to tell that he had been thoroughly embarrassed by the situation.

  As the barmaid walked away she purposely swayed her hips and willing or not Ballard’s eyes were focused on her. It was a rare occasion that Eloen got the better of Ballard’s normally stoic demeanor and she wasn’t about to let a rare chance slip by. “Getting an eye full?” Eloen said throwing her arm around Ballard’s broad shoulders.

  “Nothing wrong with enjoying a nice view.” Though Ballard's voice was calm his face betrayed his true feelings.

  “What did I miss? Looks like Ballard ate a bowl of juri peppers. Almost looks like you could cook off his forehead.” Darryl said behind them making Eloen jump slightly and getting Ballard to moan as he rested his head in his folded arms.

  “Did you get everything we need?” Eloen asked trying furtively to hold back her laughter.

  I gave the shopkeeper a list of what we need. He wasn’t sure if he could get all of it but he’s going to deliver everything he can get to our rooms. I thought about staying around and picking it up myself but my stomach is grumbling louder than you do when you don’t get enough sleep.” Darryl gave a little laugh but stopped when Eloen narrowed her eyes. Backing away he put his hands up in a sign of surrender. “Please forgive me I forgot you have been short on sleep. If I had thought first I would have put on more armor.”

  “Go ahead and push it skinny and you can go to bed with an empty stomach.�
�� Eloen said in mock anger.

  Laughing Darryl took his seat. “Anything but that. Should I beg for your forgiveness oh benevolent captain?”

  Eloen noticed the barmaid returning with their food. She was always amazed at how one person could carry so many plates at once without dropping them. “What do we have here another member to your little group. Looks like a beanpole. Are you sure one bowl is enough for you beanpole? You know ladies like their men to have a little meat on the bone.”

  “Well if you insist I’ll take another bowl. I’m not one to turn down a lady’s advice.” Darryl said flashing a childish grin. As soon the barmaid walked away Darryl turned to Eloen and let out a heavy sigh. “Looks like you’re acting more like yourself. I don’t mean to give you a hard time but it’s not as much fun when you’re not giving us a hard time.”

  Reaching over Eloen popped Darryl in the back of the head. The spoon of food that was halfway to his face hit him in the nose. Stuttering and cursing he gave Eloen a sideways glace, but she was already enjoying her own meal while humming happily.

  As they ate the three talked like it was old times. The tension that had been building drained away, and the stiffness in her shoulders began to fade. Thad was no closer to being rescued but she knew there was little she could do to change that fact. Stressing over it would gain her nothing but wrinkles.

  After soaking the last remnants of her food from her plate with a piece of bread, Eloen sat back in her chair and let out a satisfied groan. The food was still spicier than she liked but it was not nearly as bad as some of the other meals she had eaten since being in Abla. Letting out a light groan Eloen stood and pushed back her chair. “Think it's time for me to retire to my room and wash off the dust. With as much as I got stuck on me it’s going to take a good soaking.”

  “Enjoy yourself Captain. I know you could use the bath for the past few days I couldn’t tell what smelled worse you or your horse.” Darryl said with a slight snicker.

  “You're one to talk whenever I sleep I end up dreaming I am stuck in a room full of used chamber pots.” Eloen said as she walked past the thin man giving him another sharp slap to the back of the head. She was off and up the narrow stairs before she could hear his retort laughing all the way. It had been awhile since she had been able to thoroughly enjoy giving someone a hard time. It felt good to laugh once again.

  The tub had already been placed in her room and filled with steaming water. Sticking a finger in the water she was surprised at how hot it still was. She enjoyed hot baths but this was more like a stew pot ready for the ingredients. Placing her pack on the ground she pulled out her dirty clothes along with a small bar of soap. She knew she could send them out to be cleaned but waiting on the bath to cool seemed like the perfect time to immerse herself in a mundane activity.

  Scooping some of the steaming bath water into a small basin usually used for washing up Eloen began to soak one of her dresses. The hot water stung her hands as she did her best to wash of the dirt from the road. It didn’t take long for the water to reach a temperature that she could stand so she went to work using a small washboard she carried with her. Unlike many of the men in her troop she couldn’t stand to stay dirtier longer than she had too so she had taken to carrying the washboard with her ever since Thad had given her the magical pack.

  Once the dress along with a few undergarments were hanging from the small window in the room Eloen emptied the now brown water from the basin and replaced it clean water, and began to scrub most of the dirt off. Normally she would have simply entered the bath but she wanted to enjoy a long soak and this would keep the water from being fouled as quickly.

  Once she was sure most of the dirt was gone shed gingerly entered the large tub. As the hot water washed over her muscles relaxed and she let out a sigh of relief. It was as if new life was being breathed into her. For her it was a moment in heaven after days of torture.

  The sounds of spring birds singing reached her ears. The only thing that could have made the day more perfect was if she had a supply of the scented bath oils that her aunt kept in the large bath at her mansion. Relaxing she barely heard the door to her room open. “What is it now?” she said loud in an irritated voice not wanting to waste the energy to turn around.

  “I just learned a group of soldiers with a covered prison transport wagon left town shortly before we arrived. If we leave now we can reach them before sunrise.” Ballard said his voice more rushed and excited than she had ever remember hearing before.

  Jumping from the bath Eloen began to towel off not even caring that Ballard was no more than a few feet away. Turning around to grab her still wet dress Eloen found the man staring at her his face so red that it looked as if it would burst into flames. “Well if you got enough of an eye full go get our horses ready I'm leaving as soon as I can get down there with or without my escort.” Eloen said her voice wavering between anger and hysteria.

  Without a word Ballard ran from the room making sure to shut the door behind him. Eloen could clearly hear his footsteps as he quickly made his way down the hall. It never really bothered Eloen to have her body seen by the men in her troop. It was not as if she lost anything by them just seeing, and more often than not she could get some entertainment from their reactions. She never really understood why some people got so worked up over seeing a bit of skin.

  Letting her musing fade away Eloen quickly dressed and repacked her travel sack. Even in a hurry she made sure to double check everything, it wouldn’t do to leave something behind in a rush. Once she was sure everything was where it belonged she quickly made her way down to the stables. The loss of a good night’s sleep on an actually bed nagged at her but she was sure she could take it out on Thad's hide once she got him back. The thought of beating around the poor mage while he apologized for causing so much trouble brought a thin smile to her lips.

  Eloen found Ballard and Darryl waiting at the horses. She was amazed they were already saddled. There was also a large pile of goods laid on the ground Eloen looked at them for a bit her mind not able to understand why they weren’t packed yet, then it hit her they expected her to place it in her bag. Slapping herself in the forehead she swung her magical pack off her shoulder and began storing away the items where they belonged. Within moments everything was ready and the three raced out of the small town.

  CHAPTER X

  The night wind blowing from the mountains chilled Eloen to the bone. Her wet dress clung to her forcing her to suppress a shiver as she rode quietly behind Ballard. She wished she would have had the forethought to put on one of her dry dresses, but it seemed blasphemous to put on something dirty after taking a bath.

  It wasn’t long before the sky dimmed as the moon graced the sky and they were forced to slow down their speed or risk losing their way on the path in the waning light. Eloen hated moving slow knowing that Thad could be no more than a few hours away. The Ablaians had to move slower so she was sure that as long as Ballard’s information was correct they would soon catch up to the enemy troop. The only problem they would have once they found them was how they would rescue him against a larger force. Hopefully since they were in their own country the Ablaians would be lax but she doubted it. Abla was known for their well-trained soldiers. Knowing that even if they found Thad it would be hard to get him free didn’t extinguish the hope that had budded in her chest.

  The ride dragged on, each passing second feeling as if it took an eternity. Looking around she saw the same grim features on her friend's faces that her own most likely showed. They were finally close to their goal, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They had nearly given up hope on catching up to Thad and now their goal was so close she could nearly hear his reassuring voice.

  When they finally saw the light from campfires Eloen nearly shouted with joy. There was little cover so they were forced to dismount and tie their horses to one of the few outcroppings of trees in the area and proceed on foot. Unluckily the moon was high in the sky and was showing in i
ts full glory lighting up the area as good as if it was predawn.

  Using large boulders the trio moved from cover to cover. It was slow but they had little choice. When they got close enough to see their prey their fears were realized. There were at least fifty guards and while many of them were bedding down for the night Eloen could see six who kept guard around the camp as well as two others who stood guard around the wagon.

  Even if they could get past the guards the wagon was a problem. It was well built and offered no clue as to what it held inside. “What do you think?” Eloen whispered to the two men standing at her side.

  “We still have the explosive orbs, we could use those to spread the enemy thin then try and get Thad out.” Darryl said as he tugged on the red cloth tied to his arm.

  “No, it would be better to save those for our exit. Our best bet is for two of us to try and get as close as we can, take out the guards and get that door open. While the other swings over to where they have the horses staked and release them. Once that’s done we can use a few of the orbs to cause the horses to run and scatter their troops. Hopefully that will give us what time we need to get out.” Ballard said giving his normal scowl.