He turned and faced his men, a maniacal grin stretched over his lips. “She won’t be far now. She has nowhere left to run.” And with that, he dug his heels into the sides of his mount and galloped off into the forest, his soldiers making haste to keep up with their King.
~ ~ ~
Sitnalta was laughing, her arms flung out wide as she spun in dizzy circles. The light was a cool refreshing blue as it shone and danced with her. Sitnalta could hear her mother’s clear voice, full of love and warmth, telling her how proud she was of Sitnalta, and how much she loved her. Sitnalta turned and smiled at her mother, as she danced in her city below the waves. Najort was there too. She was sure of it. Sitnalta could feel his presence just outside of her line of sight. She, Najort, and Queen Learsi made a perfect, happy group. Sitnalta had never been more happy or at peace than she was right there in that spot, in that precise moment. She twirled. She danced. Her mother clapped her hands for joy—smiling, laughing, so full of life. Sitnalta never wanted this moment—this dream—to end. She would give anything to stay precisely there. Forever.
A noise caused Sitnalta to jerk out of her dream and into reality once more. She screwed her eyes shut against the glare of daylight and looked around, dazed. The ominous sound of hoof beats reached her ears. Coupled with the sounds of voices shouting, calling for her, it filled her with dread. She turned and urgently shook Najort, begging him to wake up.
“Najort! Najort! Please wake up!” she called, “Please! Wake up Najort! It’s important!”
Najort opened one eye a fraction and peered at Sitnalta’s frightened face.
“Wazzit? Wasgoinon?” His brain was working as though it had been wrapped in gauze. Everything seemed to be going too slowly for him to process. “Why you wake me?” he managed to get out.
“We have to get out of here!” Sitnalta was frantic. “Now! They’re coming, Najort! We have to move! Can’t you hear them?”
Najort forced both eyes open all the way. He strained his ears to listen. He heard the horses—the men—they were coming for Sitnalta. His brain snapped awake. He pulled himself to his feet. “Come,” he told her. “We have to hide you. Now.” He took off for the cave, Sitnalta following close behind. “We will put you in the secret place—with the coin—they’ll never find you there. I know they won’t.”
He was talking fast. Sitnalta could see he was nervous. The hoof beats were closer—louder—she could feel them, pounding against the ground beneath her feet.
“Where will you hide?” she asked him. She worried for his safety.
“I won’t,” he said firmly, as if that put an end to the conversation.
Sitnalta stopped walking and crossed her arms. She scowled at the back of the troll.
“You will not stay here and take on these soldiers,” she said. “I do not need you to do that for me. I will not hide cowering away, waiting for it all to be over. They will kill you Najort! Don’t you see that? I will not sit by and let that happen!”
Najort sighed and looked at the Princess. “What do you want me to do?”
“Hide with me.”
“I can’t do that, Sitnalta. They will find us for sure. Someone must stay out here, throw them off track.”
Sitnalta scowled at him. It was a stupid plan. She knew that. If he stayed out of the cave, he was as good as dead.
“They are not coming to kill me, Najort. They want me unharmed. I cannot say the same for you. They see a troll as merely something to kill before it kills them. What are you going to do? Calmly talk to them and ask them politely to leave? Please, Najort, don’t do that. Your plan is suicide,” she pleaded, hoping he would see reason.
Najort looked at her with sad eyes. There was only one thing left for him to do. He walked up to her and put his hands on both of her shoulders. He looked deep into her eyes. “I’m sorry,” he told her. Then he grabbed her, threw her over his shoulder, and carried her kicking and screaming into the cave.
~ ~ ~
Supmylo led the way into the clearing with his men close behind. He looked around, taking in every last detail. Someone clearly lived here. A ring of blackened stones indicated a cooking fire in frequent use. The grass, though green, was flattened from being walked on. The cave beckoned to him, clearly a home for someone or something. He dismounted his horse and approached slowly. He waved his hand behind him, indicating that his men stay where they are. Sitnalta was here. He could feel it.
Supmylo was a meter from the cave’s mouth. It yawned open, inviting him in.
“Sitnalta, I know you’re there. Come out and you won’t be harmed in any way. I give you my word on that.” He paused in his advance on the cave’s entrance.
A figure was lurking in the shadows, hiding behind some boulders. Supmylo chuckled to himself. He had found her.
“You there,” he called out. “I see you. Show yourself!”
The figure moved forward into the light. Supmylo grimaced in annoyance upon seeing it. A troll. He looked at the troll, taking in his ugliness, his sad eyes, his unruly hair. He knew this troll meant no one any harm. This troll would never hurt a soul. Supmylo called in the guards.
Sitnalta stood in the cave, annoyed, angry, and desperate. How could Najort just dump her in there like this? She growled in frustration, and pressed up against the boulder blocking the entrance. She pushed hard with her body trying to move it out of her way. It would not budge. She listened at the cracks, trying to hear what was happening. It would not be long before Supmylo reached the glen. She did not have much time. She cursed Najort under her breath. Damn him! Why did he have to be so stubborn? Why couldn’t he listen to her? Her breath caught in her throat. She pressed her ear up to the boulder. She heard voices on the other side, one low and patient, the other, a hard and cold sound that sent chills up her spine. Supmylo was in the cave. Najort was doomed. Sitnalta listened with every fiber of her being, praying harder than she had ever prayed in her life. She prayed her father would leave. Just turn around and leave her and Najort alone. Yet she knew these prayers would remain unheeded and it was only a matter of time before she was found. She turned and saw the coin, perched innocently upon its pillar. The golden light sparkled on its surface—beckoning her—as tantalizing as it had been the first time she’d seen it. She felt it testing her, calling her over. If she took it, wished Supmylo away, it would all be over. Things would be exactly as she wanted. But she would be going against Najort’s wishes. On the other hand, he had put her in here in the first place. He was almost asking her to use the coin. But, it was not hers to use. It belonged to the wizard who had created it. It was here for protection. On the other hand . . .
Sitnalta’s mind danced circles around the argument. It seemed there was only one solution. She went over to the pillar and closed her hand around the coin. It flared hot in her hand and she closed her eyes tight against the unfamiliar sensation. She could feel the power in it. It coursed through her body, tingling all her nerve endings at once. Power rushed into her head, causing her to lose her balance. The room spun, pulling her into a whirlpool. Sitnalta sank to her knees and breathed deep, waiting for it to end. Mere seconds passed before it was over, and Sitnalta knew what she had to do.
In the outer part of the cave, Supmylo was quickly losing his patience. “Troll, I know she is here. Hand over the Princess, and I give you my word, no harm shall befall you.”
Najort kept his features innocent. “I don’t know what you mean. Why would a princess be hiding out in my cave?”
Supmylo gritted his teeth. “You try my patience, troll. Give me the Princess. My men and I have combed this forest from top to bottom. Your cave is the only place she can be. Hand her over. Now.”
Supmylo motioned his guards into position. Najort stood his ground. Supmylo locked eyes with the troll. Neither man wavered in their resolve.
“I would like you and your men to leave my cave. Now.” Najort hoped he looked frightening. He knew the King would never give in, but if his men still feared him, they
may just leave him be.
“You have no power here, troll,” Supmylo sneered at him. “Men, seize this creature.”
Najort braced himself as several hands grabbed him by the arms, ankles, and waist. He did not even try to fight them off as they locked heavy, iron shackles into place. Resigned, he followed his captors, hindered by the chains, into the steaming sunlight of the glen. He had failed. Sitnalta’s only hope now lay in them not finding her hiding place.
Supmylo paced impatiently as his men tore apart Najort’s cave. They had been instructed to not leave a single stone unturned. They were taking this command quite literally. Najort winced as he heard things smash against the walls. He heard fabric being ripped to pieces, as the soldiers turned his home upside down. Najort felt violated. He felt angry. He wanted to grab these men and smash them to bits against the ground. He swallowed hard against the building rage in his chest. He could not lose his temper now. He must stay calm.
Najort looked up as one of the soldiers exited the cave. He had heard him being called Willem before, and recognized him as one of the men who had looked at him in fear.
Willem gave him a scared, furtive glance before turning his attention to Supmylo. “Sire, we think we found something.”
Supmylo whirled around to face Willem head on. “Yes?”
“Th—there seems to be a room, Sire. It’s been w-w-well hidden. They sent me out to t-tell you. They’re opening it now. I’m g-g-gonna head back in to help ‘em.”
Supmylo gave a gleeful grin. “Go. Do that. I shall be in shortly.” He turned to Najort. “Now, troll, we shall see what you have been hiding.” With that announcement, he turned on his heel and strode into the cave after the petrified Willem.
Najort’s heart sank. They had found the room. They had found Sitnalta. There was nothing left to do. They were both in the hands of the enemy now.
In the cave, Supmylo watched as his men struggled against a giant boulder. They pushed and they pulled, but it would not budge. He was getting angry.
Supmylo shrugged off his cloak and let it slither to the floor. He gave his men a poisonous glare. “Move! All of you! This is absurd. You can’t even push aside a stupid rock. Weaklings! Useless! Stand aside.”
With that, he pushed them all aside and tackled the boulder on his own. He grunted as he started to shake with exertion, yet slowly, the boulder began to yield. Supmylo groaned. The boulder shuddered against his strength. It began to scrape against the floor leaving pale scratches in its wake. Soon there was an opening big enough for Supmylo to enter. And enter he did.
Sitnalta was huddled behind the pillar when she heard the boulder begin to push aside. She was shaking as she heard Supmylo grunting against the stone. It was only a matter of time before he came into the cave. She knew it. She shut her eyes tightly, refusing to cry out in fear. She would not allow him the satisfaction.
She heard his boots clomping against the floor as he invaded her space. She heard him chuckle silently under his breath. He knew she was there. She could feel his presence infect the room. She did not cry out.
“Sitnalta.” His voice grated against her ear, buzzing like an angry swarm.
She chewed on the inside of her cheek to keep from answering him. She fervently hoped he might not see her. Yet she knew it was futile. She could hear him coming closer to where she was. She felt rooted to the spot. She could not move. Supmylo placed his hand on the pillar above her head. Something inside her snapped. She sprang up and looked him in the eye. She saw surprise in those black orbs. She flashed him a grin and ran. She ran past him, past the startled guards, past everyone. She thought she saw a hunched figure encircled by chains, but she shrugged it off. She just ran.
Supmylo was slow to react. She had run out on him. Again! He felt the rage boiling in his chest. He took off after her; his long legs quickly eating up the distance between them. He did not call for assistance. He did not need it. He could handle the little wretch on his own. He tracked her into the trees, over logs, over rocks. He hunted her, not giving up the pursuit.
Sitnalta ran. The hot air burned her lungs inside out. She felt sweat rushing down her back. Her dress clung to her body. She found it difficult to move her legs. Branches whipped her on all sides. She tasted blood where she had bitten through her cheek. Tears stung her eyes and rolled down her face. But she would not stop. She would not let him catch her again. Never again!
She could hear him close by. She could feel him chasing her down—hunting her down. His footsteps beat a tattoo into her ears. But she would not stop. She saw the bridge up ahead. The river. She ran towards rush of the water, the cooler air. It called her. She ran to it, her feet thudding hard against the logs of the bridge. Her foot caught, and she stumbled forwards onto the wood, the air knocked out of her.
Sitnalta picked herself up, her breathing ragged and irregular. Her lungs in flames, she stood on shaky legs and heard a voice that stopped her in her tracks. She shuddered as he pronounced her name.
“Sitnalta.” His voice was hoarse from running. He stood swaying as he glared at her. His gaze held murder. His eyes spoke of death. “Sitnalta, stop where you are. It’s time you came home. With me.” He held out his hand to her as if he expected her to take it.
Sitnalta’s eyes flashed angrily—burning amethysts in the sun. “No,” she rasped. “I am not going anywhere with you.”
Supmylo snarled at her. “Really. Pity that. I hope your friend understands. I mean, having to die alone, while his little playmate goes off gallivanting around the forest. So sad really.”
Despite the heat, Sitnalta felt chills. “Najort,” she croaked. “What have you done with him?”
“Fancy that! The troll has a name! He’s fine—for the moment. But he won’t be for long.” Supmylo smiled cruelly. “Unless you come home with me—now.” He held out his hand once more. Sitnalta looked at it, disgusted. She hesitated a moment before stepping off the bridge and walked over to her father. She took his hand. He held on tight. “Now, Princess,” he said triumphantly. “We must be getting home. We have a wedding to plan.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Aud was sitting in the library reading when Gerald came bursting through the door. His chest was heaving, and he looked as if he had been running a marathon.
“Supmylo has returned. He has Sitnalta, and some troll as a prisoner!” he gasped.
Aud’s hand flew to her breast and for a moment, Gerald feared she might faint. He began to step towards her should she require his help. But she quickly regained her composure, and then looked at him with frightened eyes.
“Where is she?” she asked. “Where have they taken her? Where is my Princess?” She rose from her chair, pale and scared. She grabbed Gerald by the arms and stared him in the face. “Tell me where they put her!” she demanded.
Gerald nodded solemnly. “Come with me,” he said to her, and he led her out of the room.
Sitnalta sat alone in her chamber. On the surface, it looked almost as if she had never left. However, her mirror was gone and her bureau was scratched. One of the corners had broken off. She traced her fingers along the grooves in the wood. Her father must have had a royal fit when he discovered she had gone missing. She went over to her window and leaned out. There would be no escape this time. The trellis had been removed from the castle wall. Even if she tied all her linens together to make a ladder, she would never get to the ground. Supmylo had gone to great pains to ensure she could not run away again. A deep depression settled over her as she realized she was trapped. She reached out and took hold of the window, pulling it closed. She felt like a caged animal. She turned away from the window and began to pace her room. Ten steps left. Turn. Ten steps right. Turn. She quickened her pace. No way out, and now, Najort was sitting in a cell somewhere. It sickened her, knowing that this never would have happened to him had he not met her. She felt guilty, scared, and ashamed. He was locked up, and it was all her fault. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes, then slowly began to fall. H
er best friend was suffering, and she was powerless to stop it.
A soft knocking at her door, followed by an angry buzz of conversation with the guards, startled her. She looked at it nervously. Who could be coming here? The only person she had seen since she had returned to the castle had been Supmylo. Had he returned to gloat? She dismissed the notion. He would never knock first. Not in a million years.
She hastily wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She knew she looked terrible, but she had no mirror to pull herself together. She smoothed her hair as best she could. It would have to do. She faced the door straight-backed and proud. Sitnalta refused to let them see how frightened she was. She heard a key turn in the lock and her eyes opened wide as King Gerald entered the room with Aud following close behind.
Aud tried to control herself as she entered the Princess’s chamber. She was horrified at the sight of her. Sitnalta’s eyes were red-rimmed and swollen. Her face was blotchy from crying. Her long blue hair was tangled and wild. Her dress was torn. She waited until Gerald had closed the door behind them before she allowed herself to speak.
“Sitnalta,” Aud whispered.
That one word was all it took. With a cry, Sitnalta ran towards Aud and threw her arms around the old woman. Her thin body shook as Sitnalta cried on her shoulder. She clung to Aud as if she were a life preserver on the seas. She never wanted to let go. She felt Aud cry as her arms wrapped themselves around her in a crushing hug. The two women held each other like that for the longest time. They had only been separated for a little over a month, but for Aud, it had felt like years. Finally, Sitnalta broke the embrace.
“Aud,” she said. “Aud, I am so sorry—so very sorry . . .”
“Sshhhh . . .” Aud whispered. “Don’t apologize. Please don’t apologize. I understand. I understand. Sitnalta, I missed you so much.” Aud’s voice broke. She bit her lip trying to prevent herself from crying again—there was so much she wanted to ask—so much she wanted to know. She took Sitnalta’s face in her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Where were you, my child? Where have you been?” She looked the Princess up and down. “You are so thin! Didn’t you eat at all while you were away?”
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