My heart hammered against my ribs as I took a deep breath. Have courage, Carys. I dismounted my horse and stood next to the large beast, pulling free the saddlebags that held the coin from the back of my saddle.
Rhian’s eyes were wide in fear as they met mine with a pleading look, too frightened to try to speak or move. We’re here, Rhian..it will be alright, I promise. The shorter of the two kidnappers tightened his hand around her upper arm, pulling her up to stand straight, forcing a little whimper from the teen. The taller one ignored her completely, standing tall and motionless as I took a few cautious steps toward them.
He could have been a stone statue as he seemed not to breathe, his unblinking stare following every movement I made. In contrast, the shorter one shifted his weight constantly as we approached, his gaze sweeping over me in leering appraisal. I could feel his smirk even though I couldn’t see it, his eyes glinting with a calculating stare. A chill ran up the length of my spine with that look and I returned his perusal with an icy glare.
He snorted and turned his head, saying something to the taller one in a language I didn’t understand. The taller one’s head turned sharply, his low voice responding coldly in the same tongue. Whatever he said caused the shorter man to stiffen, glaring at the one who seemed to be the leader between them. The shorter one growled lowly before turning to stare angrily at us, causing Rhian to start sniffling, her pitiful whimpering only serving to annoy the one holding her arm further.
I tried to work some moisture back into my very dry mouth as I finally found words. “I have the four hundred gold as ordered, so I would like my sister back, please.” I said, a steeled edge finding its way into my tone though I tried desperately to keep my voice even. I barely masked my dread as their weapons caught the golden light of the setting sun, their ornately wrought sheaths etched with dark images and crafted of a similar dark metal as their armor. These men aren’t simple brigands from the Badlands...What have we gotten ourselves into?
My fingers clutched the saddlebags tightly, cautiously moving forward to set them on a tree stump in the space between the two sides. The taller one didn’t move a muscle, nor did the shorter one, the pair only staring at me as I spoke.
The taller one finally stepped forward and gestured towards Rhian as though showing me that she was unharmed. Did he not speak the common tongue? His reassuring motion seemed strange after their threats to do exactly the opposite, though I couldn’t deny they had held up their end of the bargain...at least, so far. He flicked his wrist, gesturing the other to release their hostage. The shorter man glowered, but obeyed, giving Rhian a calloused shove towards us,
Rhian stumbled on the uneven ground with the unexpected push, toppling into the dirt at the bottom of the steps. I moved faster than I knew I could, scooping her up into my arms while ignoring the grime, holding her tightly. She began to sob, her arms tightening around my waist as I returned my attention to her abductors.
My gaze remained fixed on the taller one, whose eyes stayed intently on mine and for a moment, we were locked together in a dark battle of wills. It was the voice of the shorter one that broke through the silent transfixion, angry as he grunted his displeasure in the other language. A wave of anger rolled out from the taller one as he barked back his answer, the shorter one snorting and swaggering towards me, giving me another look-over before he picked up the saddlebags and stalked off to the east.
The taller one still stood there watching me, the rigidity of his posture lessening slightly once the other had left. At last, he turned to follow his comrade at a brisk pace, disappearing into the woods with an oddly silent step. The faint braying of horses echoed through the trees and I sighed with profound relief as we had come out of this mess unscathed.
I slowly made my way back to Ffion, drawing the weeping Rhian along with me as she clung to me for dear life. “It’s alright, Rhi. You are safe now.” I murmured, helping her up onto the steed before climbing up into the saddle.
Ffion hardly needed any urging to turn and head back to the road and the others, the men regrouping as we arrived back where they had left the horses. The reunion was short, but filled with tears and relief as Father pulled her from my horse and into his secure hold, Iolyn wrapping his arms around both as he joined the embrace.
Brynmor’s relief at seeing Rhian in one piece swiftly turned to one of vengeance, and he hissed at Madox as he took the reins of his horse. “We aren’t going to just let them leave, are we?” Madox shot Brynmor an incredulous look, finally giving him a reluctant nod.
I interrupted before Madox could defend his choice, shaking my head at the other guard’s line of thinking. “Let them go. They have their money and we have Rhian. You saw them...They are no mere brigands. If we go after them, they will kill us and they won’t even break a sweat. We can try to track them down later if need be, but right now we need to get Rhi home.”
Madox nodded his agreement, not so foolish as to pick a fight with Rhian’s abductors and he looked relieved when I expressed similar sentiments. Brynmor sighed and gave a long look in the direction the men had gone, having no choice but to relent, though he resented it. “They should be brought to justice…” He murmured, climbing up into his saddle and turning to face our sister.
I gave Brynmor a resigned look before muttering softly, “Except there is no justice in these lands.” I went over to Rhian, who was up with Father on his horse. Iolyn had wrapped his own coat around her shoulders to stave off her shivering, the tearful youth still sniffling and hiccuping as she slowly started to calm.
I squeezed her knee in my relief, smiling compassionately up to her. “Take a deep breath, Rhian. We are going back to Soruk, and we will get you into a hot bath and get you something to eat and drink, alright?” She nodded down to me with a sniffle, tears anew slipping down her cheeks. I glanced up to Father as he wrapped his free arm around her, holding her tightly while taking the reins in his free hand.
The ride back to the outpost afforded me the time to think over what had just occurred, tears of profound relief falling as I realized how badly that could have gone, but didn’t. The ever-present anxiety that had held me for the last two days finally released it’s grip and I slumped over as the exhaustion from the last couple of days finally found me. We had succeeded in getting her back, and nobody had been hurt in the process. While we were poorer for it, we were alright and she was safe, and that was all the truly mattered.
CHAPTER 10
Once I tended Rhian’s minor injuries and she was settled into the steaming tub under Derryth’s vigilant care, I headed outside in desperate need of fresh air. Iolyn, Brynmor, and Madox were hovering around the closed door of the bathing room, troubled and wanting desperately to know who these kidnappers were and what misery they had unleashed on her. I gave them firm instructions not to overload her with a thousand questions, believing it necessary to give her some space to adjust to being home before being interrogated.
Maybe I didn’t want to know how she had been damaged by those men, and that was why my feet carried me outside in search of solitude, my absent-minded steps leading me towards the outer wall and the ragged stairs that led to their walkway above.
Darkness shrouded the Badlands, the silvery light from the moon lighting the streets better than the dim golden glow of the lamps. The cheerful twinkling of the stars did little to dispel the gloom that had taken root in me, and sat on a stone block trying desperately to find some sense of peace. I closed my eyes, trying to block out everything but the sound of the breeze that rustled the tall grasses below.
It wasn’t those sounds that captured my attention, however, but the faint scuff of boots on the steps nearby. I fully expected Brynmor’s lanky frame to come into view along with an irritated scolding about going off alone in this dangerous place, but the figure that arrived at the top of the stairs was Ben. He was the last person I thought to see, and I was suddenly struck dumb.
I eyed him warily, feeling the hot flush rising in my cheeks a
t the unwelcome memory of his hand on the prostitute’s waist, instantly grateful for the darkness that would hide my crimson cheeks. His eyes fell to me where I sat, not appearing all that surprised to see me seated there, and he studied me for a moment before asking, “How does your sister fare?”
I turned a little where I sat, facing him as I stiffened, the idea just now occurring to me that he now stood between me and my only way off the wall. I managed to keep my unease with this predicament from my voice as I replied. “She is quite shaken, but in one piece. She hasn't told us what happened yet, we are giving her some time to adjust.” I added, rising to my feet, but he quickly motioned for me to sit again, coming towards me to find his own seat nearby on a different chunk of wall.
His gaze barely left me as he settled in, a smirk finally forming over his lips. “You are either very brave or very foolish, coming up here alone.” I bristled slightly at his remark, not because I disagreed with his point, but because I knew I had made a poor choice, despite my overwhelming need for solitude for a few minutes. I resented the fact that he had both noticed, and felt the need to point it out to me while wearing that insufferable smirk.
“It's been a very long few days, and I wanted just a moment of solitude. I doubt I will get much in the coming weeks, and there is no need to point out my carelessness.” I said stiffly, shifting where I sat as I fought against the surge of defensiveness that rose all too quickly.
His brow arched as he said smoothly. “Pointing it out wouldn't mean much if I was seeking to harm you. Frighten you, perhaps, but you would still be trapped up here with me and no means of escape.” The glint in his eye was the only indication of his amusement, though he added as an afterthought. “I suppose it's to your good fortune that I am not here to hurt you.”
I scoffed, unable to help it. “That is hardly reassuring. You are a complete stranger, and your word is hardly trustworthy.” Rising to my feet with a flourish worthy of nobility, I fully intended to sweep around him and get back to a place of safety. I was reasonably sure he was just poking a little fun, but I was uneasy and only growing more so. As much as I had wished for solitude, it was not worth the nerves I was experiencing now.
He was on his feet in an instant, moving faster than I would have expected of a man of his size, and blocking my way as he looked me over. My heart lurched and dropped into my stomach, though I glared up at him, hoping he didn't sense my agitation “You didn't seem to have any troubles trusting my word when I gave you that map.” He pointed out with that smooth voice, seeming perfectly calm as he once again overturned my statement.
I stared up to him, vastly annoyed that he wasn’t wrong. My mouth opened, though nothing came out for the first moment. “...Well… that was before I knew you were a scoundrel.” I huffed in my own defense, moving to push past him. I might as well have tried to push through a brick wall as Ben stood his ground and I went nowhere.
His eyes remained intent on mine, narrowing slightly as a wave of some undecipherable emotion rolled outward from him. “So you have decided I am a scoundrel now? Whatever led you to that conclusion, Lady Carys?” he asked coolly, and I thought with some surprise that I might have offended him.
My chin tilted upwards in my defiance, my opinion being the only one that mattered, after all. “You spend your evenings in taverns and your nights in brothels. You wander the lands of the lawless outcasts, and stalk after young women in the dark to frighten them with idle threats. You are most assuredly a scoundrel.” I said with the utmost certainty.
He snorted and shook his head, stepping aside to let me pass at last. “Ahh, I see. I offend your sense of decency and morality. It seems you have me all figured out then, Lady Carys. Goodnight.” He turned in a fluid motion to walk further down the wall, leaving me indignantly wishing to defend against what sounded like a glaring accusation.
“Insufferable oaf. Good riddance…” I huffed in exasperation, muttering under my breath, whirling around to head with a quickening pace to the inn.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The sun rose high in the sky as my family and I awaited Rhian’s emergence the following morning, the silence lingering as we all anticipated her recounting of the events surrounding her abduction and the exchange when she woke.
Father thumbed absently through the journey’s receipts as he sat in the chair nearest the fire. Iolyn sat at a nearby table with a deck of cards, switching between an absent shuffling of the deck and pretended to play a game, occasionally glancing up at Brynmor. The guard seemed oblivious to Iolyn, casually standing at the fireplace to poke at the embers and feeding logs into it to keep the blaze high while his gaze remained fixed on the stairs as he waited impatiently for Rhian to come down,
At last, Rhian’s footsteps sounded as she shyly descended the stairs in a simple dress with her hair in a simple braid. It was a look rarely seen on the girl who believed that appearances were the only thing that mattered and spent an inordinate amount of time choosing her clothes and styling her hair. The true testament to how out of sorts she feels.
I was at the table next to Iolyn’s, a notebook open in front of me, though my scribbling halted as I saw her come down, smoothing her skirts over her hips nervously. She came to sit at my table, taking the spot across from me, managing a weak smile. Derryth beamed and gave her a toothy grin, stating. “You must be famished, m’Lady, let me order you some breakfast.”
Rhian gave Derryth a tired smile and nodded, murmuring a quiet “Yes, please. Thank you, Derryth.” She swallowed hard and looked at her hands as she folded them on the table, taking a deep breath before addressing me with a wobbly voice. “Thank you for freeing me, Carys.”
I reached across the table to gently squeeze her hands, giving her a reassuring smile. “There is no need to thank me, Rhi. I’m just glad you are home safe and sound.” I wasn’t about to tell her how we were left with hardly a copper and would struggle for months to afford the basic necessities, though she would likely learn of it soon enough when she was unable to shop for anything that wasn’t essential to our existence.
Derryth set a steaming bowl of oatmeal in front of Rhian, who gave the elderly cook a grateful smile, though only picked at the food. She didn’t look up, likely trying to avoid the silent stares of her family as they itched to ask the obvious questions.
“Can you tell us what happened?” I finally asked gently, tilting my head a little as I ducked lower, trying to catch her eyes with my own. “If you need more time, it’s fine, but we are concerned for you and we would like to know what happened.”
Rhian hesitated, stirring her oatmeal as she softly said, “There isn’t very much to tell, really. I was picking flowers on the hill and went up to the top. The sun was very bright, so I could hardly see anything, then suddenly there was a man crouched in the grass.Before I could scream, I was hit on the head from behind and everything went black. I woke up in some tower of some ruins, I don’t know where. There was a different man guarding me, and I realized what had happened and I started to cry and begged for him to let me go. He just laughed and said something in their language and he struck me.”
She lifted her hand to press gently over the dark, tender bruises on her cheek, a guilty look flickering over her features. “I was scared that he would kill me, so I stopped begging and tried to sit quietly. We waited there for a couple of days and then they blindfolded me and took me to the ruins where they gave me back to you.” She lowered her head, hiding her face as best she could behind a spoonful of oatmeal.
We all stared in dumbfounded silence. It was such a simple tale and I almost found it hard to believe. “They didn’t hurt you at all? No interrogation? Did they say anything to you?” I hoped they had erred and given something away to Rhian while she was in their custody, and even more so, I hoped Rhian would reliably recall any such information.
She just shook her head and shrugged. “They always spoke that other language, and they barely even paid any attention to me. The shorter one always guarded me and
looked angry...the taller one was around, but he hardly ever came to the tower. The taller one was in charge and most of what he said to the shorter one made the shorter one annoyed. They didn’t seem to get along well. The taller one was called Barak, I think. I’m not sure if that was a name or title.” She frowned a little, staring into her bowl as she paled a little more, mumbling. “My guard did say one thing I could understand. After he struck me he told me to shut up or Barak be damned, he would take me with him to Azkaelom.”
Azkaelom. My heart dropped into my stomach at the word, having heard the horrifying rumors of the fates of any who entered the Shadowlands even in Perinthas, despite the great distance. That land and its people had an unmatched reputation for cruelty in their service to Xeyruhn, alarms sounding in my head. The garb of the men who had taken her had been in the enemy’s colors, and the language they spoke must have been Azkaelic or U’sharric. But the one thought that quickly superseded all the others: What on earth did Azkaelomin want with Rhian, of all people? She’s hardly a threat to the Dark One or his schemes.
My chest started to tighten as panic gripped me; the realization that we had been face to face with the terrifying forces of evil and come out unscathed was not lost on me. My lack of appetite for breakfast had been a blessing, as I now thought I might lose the contents of my stomach. I clenched my jaw, willing the nausea away as my family conversed around me.
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