by Jen Wylie
The Elves could share their memories. This likely put her in such trouble in the first place. Prince had kissed her…in front of the Elven guards. One of them must have shared their memory. That was how these Elves knew what she looked like to find her, and that she meant something to him. Anything they did to her, they merely had to watch, and then pass the memory along to him.
She waited as he regarded her silently.
"No screaming? Crying? Pleading for mercy?"
Blinking at him in surprise, she didn't have an answer. Is that what they wanted? She didn't see much point in it. They certainly wouldn't listen or care.
"Not going to ask about your friend?"
Though freezing already, a chill of horror still ran through her, and she stiffened.
"Or was he your brother, as we also heard?"
Eyes widening in alarm, words simply wouldn't form for a long moment. Was? Was? "I came," she finally said, her words coming panicked and fast. "You said you wouldn't hurt him if I came."
"Did I?" His head tipped to one side. "He looked for you, despite the false letter. We couldn't have that. Humans are always so troublesome. I'm afraid he met with an unfortunate accident. I hope you weren't too attached to that old house either."
Her heart threatened to beat right out of her chest. With every word, her breath quickened into frantic gasps. They couldn't have… The Elf must be lying.
Yet she'd not been able to contact them. She'd thought it was the drugs they'd given her and didn't even consider the only other possible reason.
"Quite the scene it was. The locals are still talking about it, having such a place collapse and burn. The loss of the family there, right down to the pet dog."
"You're…you're lying…" Her voice came out feeble and weak. Staring ahead at nothing, she sat in shock. It took everything she had just to breathe.
Bo! Garen! Her frantic cry still went nowhere. She was alone, except for her weakened link with Kei.
The shock faded as reality sunk in. These monsters had killed her family. Kei's fury sprang free inside of her, pushing away the last of the numb confusion in her mind. She didn't fight it as it overtook her, burying all rational thought.
With a wild cry of rage, she flung herself toward the crouched Elf.
He moved swiftly, easily avoiding her. She landed on hands and knees, mentally cursing her weakened body and the chains restricting her movement. Pushing to her feet, she launched herself at him again with another incoherent cry.
Laughing, he again easily stepped away. His fist connected with her jaw and sent her reeling backward. Bright spots flashed across her vision as she stumbled, struggling to keep to her feet.
"Come now, is that all? Perhaps you have dreamed for too long."
She brushed wet hair from her face, again cursing the chains. Her jaw throbbed, and she moved it back and forth. It didn't seem to be broken.
The Elf strode toward her, but she stood her ground, lifting her chin in defiance. "Enjoying this? Beating a human girl in chains. What a noble Elf you are," she taunted.
His mouth set in anger as he descended on her. She turned and stepped away as he swung again, his fist striking her shoulder instead of her face.
He was faster than her and her fury rose as her body didn't want to do what she asked of it. She'd trained for this, but whatever they'd given her left her reflexes slow. The chain attached to the one between her wrists didn't help either, adding extra weight and getting in her way. Still, she fought, teeth gritted together tightly as she swung and blocked and kicked. As he landed blows repeatedly the pain became harder to ignore. She took some satisfaction when she landed a strike, but it faded quickly when his split lip healed before her eyes.
A smirk marred his beautiful face as he took a step back and paused to wipe the blood away. "It is hopeless. You do know that?"
"There is always hope," she whispered without thinking.
"Not for you." He came at her again.
She soon realized he'd been playing with her before. This time he hit harder and didn't stop when her legs finally gave way and she fell to her knees. Reaching down he jerked on the long chain, forcing her hands to the floor. He stepped on it, keeping her hands pinned as he dropped to one knee and took a fistful of her hair in one hand, the other going around her throat.
He forcefully twisted her head so she faced the Elves hiding in the dark. "Ask the prince to save you," he whispered so quietly she barely heard him.
Pain wracked her trembling body. Blood dripped down the side of her face and from her nose. Her face burned and one eye had already begun to swell shut. The bitter taste in her mouth was gone, now replaced by the sharp tang of blood. Despite everything, she didn't say a word.
"Ask him," the Elf snarled, jerking on her hair. "To save you."
Parting her lips slightly, she took in a slow breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her gaze she kept locked on the darkness. The fury within her roared, refusing to acknowledge her body was spent.
She gave her audience a bloody grin. "I don't… need… saving." She cracked her head into the Elf's face.
His cry of pain was soon echoed by one of her own as he stood, pulling her back by the hair. She twisted and struck out, trying to hit his legs as he dragged her back and then up before smashing her against the stone wall.
"That was unwise."
Head spinning, she dropped to the floor when he released her. Bracing her hands against the wet stone, her arms trembled as she struggled to rise.
Stay down, child.
The soft voice startled her, and her head shot up, wondering who had spoken.
Certainly not the Elf attacking her. When she still tried to get to her feet, he kicked her in the ribs, flinging her body against the wall. He didn't stop…and she had nowhere to go. Cries of pain came unwanted from her bloody lips with each kick. At least they drowned out the sound of breaking ribs.
Finally, he stepped back. Aro watched him through the one eye not swollen closed, unable to move, her breaths coming in labored short pants.
"Next time," he said with deceptive softness. "Do as I command."
All she could do was stare up at him, brows drawn together in pain as she struggled to breathe.
Turning on his heel, he faced the others for a moment before striding to the stairs. They followed, though one hung back slightly.
He took a step toward her as the rest started up the stairs and then stopped. This went too far.
She recognized the voice as the one who'd told her to stay down.
Can you even hear me? I had heard–
I can, she finally answered weakly.
He sighed and glanced at the stairs. I had no choice to be here. To deliver their message to the prince. They did not tell me… He shook his head. I am sorry, child. This is wrong, in so many ways.
She closed her eyes for a moment. Pushing herself up slightly, she stared at him boldly. "Tell Prince…tell him not to listen," she said firmly. "Not to do what they want."
The surprise on the Elf's face made her smile and then wince at the pain flaring across her face. She carefully lowered herself back to the floor.
He moved toward the stairs. There is little I can do to help you. I will see if any are in the city who can before I must ride out. He was halfway up the stairs now.
Thank you.
The door creaked at the top. For what good it will do…
She didn't understand what he meant. The distinct sound of metal striking stone echoed beside her. He'd thrown something down… The door slammed, but then she heard a faint creak again. He'd left it partially open.
It took her some time before she could raise her head enough to see the ring of keys on the floor. There were no locks on her cuffs, but there was on the long chain where it attached to the one between her wrists.
Her head dropped back to the floor. How long until they came back? Or noticed the open door. Likely it locked or latched when closed, or he wouldn't have left it open for her.<
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The fury dimmed within her and exhaustion and pain pulled her toward dark oblivion. Struggling against it, she pulled on the fury and the power Kei had given her, forcing herself to concentrate.
The elves didn't know she could heal.
Chapter 16
Fighting Back
She didn't heal all her wounds. Her power was not unlimited and she had no idea what she would face. The pain of setting her broken ribs left her sobbing on the floor. Still broken, she managed to get them healing a little before moving on to less painful things. She ignored cuts and bruises, but removed the swelling around her eye so she could see and from her hands so she could fight.
The urge to hurry pushed her on through the continuing pain. Gasping for breath, she finally sat up, thankful they had forgotten to douse the light above. Wiping tears from her eyes, she quickly found the key ring the Elf had thrown down.
Bloody fingers grabbed them, and with shaking hands, she tried one key after another in the large chain's lock. One actually clicked when she turned it and the lock popped. She sat in stunned silence for a moment. Quickly removing the lock and chain, she then stumbled to her feet.
She was free.
Almost. With renewed hope, she limped to the stairs and paused, listening. Hearing nothing from above, she ever so carefully started up, wincing at every little creak. Flashes of pain erupted with each movement, but she kept putting one foot in front of the other. She could do this. She would…for Kei. Through all the pain, he had been there, a silent invisible comfort. She wasn't alone.
Once she reached the slightly open door, she crouched, listening once more. Faint light showed through the crack, but she heard nothing.
She hesitated, debating what to do. Finally, she took the risk and contacted the Elf who'd helped her. I'm on the stairs. Where are they?
All outside, in the front of the house. Before she could ask another question, he continued. I leave shortly for Rivenward. You must hurry before they come in. The door opens to the kitchen. Go right, there is a door to the rear yard there. Once outside, the gate will be to your left. Be sure you head right once you reach the street!
Right, left, right. She could remember that. Thank you, again.
He ignored her comment. Ah, your weapons. If you want them, they are on a side table by the kitchen door leading to the hall. Hurry, child. The horse comes now.
Easing the door open, she turned left. She certainly wasn't leaving her weapons behind. A lantern left on a counter gently lit the room. She slipped her boot knives back in place first, and then grabbed her belt, fumbling to put it on as she headed for the back door.
She made it outside, hurrying down the few steps to the yard. Squinting into the dark night, she used her Fey sight to locate the gate and make her way there. Snow crunched under her boots. She shivered as a cold wind hit her.
Pausing at the gate, she listened, not only for the Elves, but for any hint as to where in the city they'd taken her. All she heard was wind, anything else muffled by the tall buildings. Houses, she guessed, and fine ones at that. Was she in the upper city? No, they weren't fancy enough, most likely she was in the strip of upper-class houses between the dock warehouses and the upper city wall. If she was even still in Westport. For all she knew they'd moved her south to Newhaven.
"Rot," she whispered. Glancing up, clouds hid most of the stars and moon, giving her no indication of time. Taking a nervous breath, she lifted the latch and slowly pulled open the gate.
The loud screech of the hinges froze her in place. With another curse, she quickly pulled it open wide enough to let her through and bolted out of the yard.
She slipped and fell on the snow-covered stone street. The gate squealed and slammed loudly behind her. Scrambling to her feet and cursing her chains as they clanked, her shoulders hunched as she heard the stomp of boots and bang of a door. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw a horse and rider pass at the end of the street.
They heard you! Run!
"Wither me. Rotting Elves."
Her own comment startled her, and her thoughts immediately turned to Prince. How would he react when he saw what they had done to her? Would he even care? She shook her head, that thought was unworthy of him. He would, he might not show it, but he would. He lived in a whole different world now. As he'd warned her. She hadn't really listened, or understood, and regretted that now.
Everything had changed, and not in their favor. Clearly, the best choice for him would be to forget about her. She understood that now. Closing her eyes, she forced thoughts of him away and hardened her heart. It was easier than she'd thought, but then she'd just been tortured by his kind.
Slipping through the snow, she ran down the street. Her eyes locked on the cross street ahead. A foot slid and she cursed. Soon she'd be…not home. Home, her family, was gone. Sudden loss overwhelmed her. What was she supposed to do now? Hurt, in chains…
Hale. He could take them off; he had the tools.
She concentrated on him, on his face, the sound of his mind voice, and hoped he wasn't sleeping. Hale? Are you there?
The lack of response made her curse again. Someone yelled behind her and she looked over her shoulder. An Elf stood in the center of the street near the house, another ran toward her along the edge of the street, and as she watched, the third came rushing out of the gate, quickly following him.
Her eyes widened in horror as the far Elf flung a hand at her. Instead of a weapon, a glowing rune flew at her. Whipping her head around, she gave up speed to weave back and forth across the street, shoulders tensed in fear.
Nothing could have prepared her for the sudden agony when the rune slammed into her lower back. The force of the magic threw her to the ground. Pain streamed up her back and down her legs. Pain so fierce it left her convulsing uncontrollably on the ground as she screamed.
Fighting against it, her thoughts turned to Kei. She had to survive this. She had to escape. Thinking of him calmed her panic, but not the burning pain.
Suddenly she felt his emotions stir and the panic returned. No, no, no!
He was awake. His confusion and own pain washed over her, and then his panic and fear drowned out everything else. She hadn't wanted him to know. Sending a rush of love to him through her pain, her lips trembled as he calmed and wrapped her in love.
Emotions and thoughts in chaos, she wished for a way to make the pain stop. Kei. Of course. She pulled forth what power remained and shoved it at her back where the rune had hit. Not having any idea what had been done, she could only vaguely think for it to heal.
The pain lessoned and then stopped abruptly. Panting on the ground, spots still danced before her eyes.
Bloody Queens! Was that you?
Hale's voice startled her. Had she screamed in her head? Before she could answer, hands grasped her arms, hauling her to her feet. She struggled against the Elves she'd forgotten about.
Aro, are you there?
Yes. She kicked at the Elf with the long hair and got a smack across the face in response.
Where are you? Where have you been?
I don't know. Maybe by those fancy houses near the docks, she finally answered as she continued to struggle.
But we've not been able to contact you…
They drugged me.
Someone cuffed her ear, and she shook her head, trying to clear it. They took that moment to get a better hold on her, and then started dragging her back up the street.
We'll find you. He paused. Bo is–
I know, she interrupted quickly, squeezing her eyes closed against the pain in her chest. His image dancing in her mind, she opened her eyes and set her jaw. These Elves had killed him; they'd taken him from her. Lifting her head, she saw they approached the house and other Elf. The streets were otherwise empty and quiet.
"Get her inside, Nylian," he snapped at the long-haired Elf.
"Yes, Lord Vesrin."
I'm coming. I'll find you.
Lifting her feet, she forced the Elves
to hold her weight as she swung them forward and twisted, trying to break free. She didn't have time to answer Hale. They moved in on her, but she kicked and punched and elbowed even as they forced her to her knees. One held her arms from behind, leaning down, using his own weight to keep her down. She cried out as pain flared in her ribs. Deep within, Kei held her, giving her something to fight for.
Nylian looked to the lord and then nodded, pulling a familiar small bottle from his pocket. Their silent conversations were irritating, but the thought of being drugged once more sent her squirming and fighting again.
He slapped her face, hard, and then knelt and grabbed her chin. His fingers pried open her mouth, and he fumbled, dumping the contents inside.
"Not all of it! Do you–" The lord cursed and threw up his hands.
She gagged at the extreme bitterness and then spit, spraying the Elf before her.
"She spit most of it out," Nylian said quickly, looking hopefully to Vesrin.
"She is as good as dead. Just leave her." Lord Vesrin turned abruptly, dismissing them all.
Their words left a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach.
The Elf behind her loosened his hold. Her hand dropped down and she pulled her Elven dagger as she brought up one knee. Nylian stood, and she sprang up, tearing her arms from her captor's loose hold and slashing out.
Blood sprayed. As the stricken Elf raised hands to his slashed throat, she flipped the dagger around in her hands and shifted to the side before bringing it back. Spinning around, she saw she'd hit the other Elf at the side of his stomach. With a cry and a jerk, she tore the blade across his midsection before he fell back into the snow.
Whirling around, she stumbled as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Nylian lay in the bloodstained snow, eyes wide and staring.
The Elf lord had his back to her, intent on something up the street. She shook her head in confusion, trying to clear her increasingly foggy mind.
When rainbows skittered at the edge of her vision she cursed. The next thing she knew, snow puffed around her face as she toppled forward and hit the ground.
From her low vantage, she saw the dark shadows of people coming toward them. Someone shouted, but she couldn't make out the words. The clang of metal on metal.