Broken Promise (The Broken Ones Book 3)

by Jen Wylie

  Two more days until the next moonless night. How could she wait so long? Kei had become so numb she feared Damon had broken his mind. At least he lived. She needed Kei, and couldn't believe Damon would permanently damage him. Only that fact kept her sane.

  The past two days she'd spent in training while attempting to make Bo understand she wasn't just trying to get rid of him. Perhaps a part of him understood, but she knew asking him to stay hurt him, as well. She'd told him the truth. She did need him here.

  Despite seeing Garen in his true form for a moment, Elaina apparently didn't really believe what they'd told her. Bo wasn't concerned, though it worried Aro. She didn't want the woman to be in danger one day because of her ignorance.

  A bang startled her, though she still made her shot. Pausing, she listened and heard another rap on the front door. Setting her bow aside, she left the practice room to see who had come. They didn't get random visitors. Elaina and Hale never knocked.

  Finding Raythe at the door rather shocked her.

  "Miss," he said quietly, nodding his head.

  "Good afternoon?" A frown creased her forehead. "It's not your shift."

  "Ah, no." He cleared his throat. "Silas called me when Roan reported an Elf entering the city this morning."

  She crossed her arms. "Is that so?" It rather irritated her no one had bothered to tell her this. Elves came and went all the time. She didn't see why a double guard had been called now. "And?"

  He shifted uncomfortably. "Roan said–"

  "I don't care what Roan said. What's going on?"

  His mouth twisted into a grimace. "Roan said it was for you to decide." Stepping away from the door, he cocked his head for her to follow.

  "Decide what?" Grabbing her cloak, she pulled it on and stepped outside. The weather had turned milder, but the day had brought a sputtering mix of rain and sleet. The still sun hid behind thick clouds and she didn't want to get caught out in more bad weather if it started again.

  Raythe led her toward their gate. He seemed twitchy and agitated.

  "What are you thinking?"

  Looking back, he shrugged a shoulder. "I think the…problem should have been dealt with immediately."

  "You don't think I can make the right decision?"

  "No, it's not that." He let out an irritated huff. "We're here to protect you." They reached the gate, and he turned left, stopping at the ladder leading up to a landing where they could stand to look out over the extended wall. "You'll see."

  Scrambling up, Silas nodded once and stepped to the side to give her more room to look through the break in the stone. Sharpening her vision, she looked out to the small side street.

  Someone stood a few steps back from their gate. Head bowed, he stood with hands slightly held out from his side. Whoever it was had seen better days. Filthy and dressed in rough ragged clothes, he didn't even have boots. She thought she saw bloodstains as well. A gasp escaped as she noted the pointed ears sticking up through dirty, stringy hair. For a few moments more she watched, but the Elf didn't move.

  "An Elf? And in such a state…" She almost said she'd never seen an Elf look so bad, but memories of Prince came to mind. A few times, he'd looked almost just as dreadful.

  "Do you recognize him?"

  Leaning back, she turned to Silas and shook her head.

  Somehow he managed to look even more serious than normal. "Baelan," he whispered, and raised his brows meaningfully.

  "Wither me," she muttered, anger flaring within her. Opening her mouth to tell the Were to kill him, she suddenly snapped it closed instead. They could have, but didn't. What was she missing? "Has he done or said anything?"

  "Just walked up and stood there. He's not armed. Raythe demanded to know his intentions. Baelan replied he means no harm and only wishes to speak with you."

  She snorted and shook her head.

  "What would you like us to do?"

  Looking down at him again, she let her thoughts go every which way, trying to figure out what Roan had in mind. Was this a test? Question upon question piled up. Why was Baelan here? What had happened to him? Had he been sent by someone? If so, why?

  Chewing her lower lip, she finally cursed under her breath and headed for the ladder. "Bring him in. If he makes one wrong move then kill him."

  "Yes, miss." Silas followed her down.

  "Have him wait before the porch." Raythe grimaced but also gave her a nod as she passed him and headed for the house.

  You awake? Bo had been at the inn helping Elaina the night before, when he did that, he rarely got up before noon.

  Just barely. Kitchen. Food.

  A smile curved her lips at his blunt thoughts. Hurrying up the porch steps, she included Garen in her next thought. I need you.

  By the time she reached her practice room Garen met her, with Bo only a few steps behind.

  "What's wrong?"

  Turning in to the room she said, "Baelan's here. He wants to talk to me." Moving to a narrow side table, she grabbed her belt of throwing knives and put them on. Her other blades she always wore, even slept with them beside her. "Roan didn't have the Were kill him on sight. I want to know why he's here. But I certainly don't trust the rotting bastard." She turned. "Back me up?"

  Bo nodded sharply, his face dark and angry. "Of course."

  Always, Garen replied.

  She grinned at both of them and moved to get her sword. "You any good with that crossbow you bought?"

  "Decent enough. What range?"

  "Close. I want you at my back on the porch."

  "I can take him from there."

  "Let's do this, then." Carrying her sword, she led them from the room. "Garen, don't drop the glamor if you don't have to."

  It is but an illusion. I can still fight and kill him with it on.

  "Good." Take care of Bo and watch the other Were. I don't know what else Roan hasn't told me.

  Understood.

  Once out the door, Bo moved to the right and Garen to the left as she walked down the stairs.

  Baelan stood, head still bowed, a few steps away. Raythe stood to one side, and to the other was a mid-sized dark gray wolf.

  Stopping out of arms reach, she silently looked the traitor over up close. The ragged old clothes he wore had been soaked by the day's earlier rain and sleet. Dark spots did indeed look like old blood, though if it was his or not she couldn't say. His mud-covered bare feet almost made her pity him. Even if the other races didn't feel the cold like humans did, it did still affect them somewhat.

  Her eyes rose to his face, though she couldn't see much of it. Wet, dirty locks hung down over it as he bowed his head. Movement caught her eye, and she saw him nervously rub his thumbs over the clenched fingers at his side.

  Despite his condition and apparent submissiveness, she still couldn't stem the anger and hate seeing him again caused. He'd betrayed her. Killed her. What made the fury roil within her, though, was the pain her short death had caused those she loved.

  "Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you."

  He started at her sudden harsh words and raised his head slightly to look up at her through his hair. "To live is to suffer. You understand this, don't you?"

  Yes, yes she did. However, she still felt the urge to kill him for what he'd done. Forcefully relaxing her grip on her sword, she struggled to keep calm. "How is it you are here?"

  His shoulders slumped as he bowed his head again, looking at the ground. "I had not been given the order to kill you. By doing so, I broke our laws to not harm the humans within their cities. The court took everything, including my honor."

  She waited for him to say more, and when he didn't, ground her teeth in frustration. She glanced at Raythe. What am I missing?

  Honor is most important within all our races, yet especially so for the Elves. Without it, they are outcast. They are nothing.

  She turned back to Baelan. "So are you here for revenge, then? Come to finish what you started?"

  "I will not harm you,
" he replied weakly. The change in the way he spoke, no longer vibrant and cheerful, continued to catch her off guard.

  Taking a step forward, she raised her sword slightly. "You don't seem to understand," she snarled. "The pain you caused me, the pain you caused my family!" Straightening, she shook her head. "Right now I don't care if living is harder. I rather want to kill you."

  His whole body tensed at the hardness in her voice, at her words. His hands slowly rose, as if to ward her off.

  "One wrong move and I won't be the one to kill you," she warned him.

  He froze and sucked in a long breath before speaking. "My prince spoke to me, at great length. He has made me see how very wrong I was." He raised his head slightly, once again peering at her from behind his filthy hair. "He has given me the chance to make amends."

  She snorted. "You are insane if you think I'd ever forgive you."

  His eyes lowered again. "I…understand," he said very softly, his voice breaking. "Yet still…I would try. For him. For a chance to redeem my honor."

  When he suddenly dropped to his knees, she took a quick step back, raising her sword again. Yet his head remained bowed and his arms rose as he barred his wrists to her.

  "Please accept me."

  Confused, she tried to figure out what he meant. Her gaze landed on his wrists. His sleeves now pulled back, she saw the outlined tattoos of chain links across his skin.

  "I don't understand."

  "He returned my power long enough for one more spell. I will serve you. Protect you. I will be yours." When she didn't reply, he said again, "Please accept me."

  Once more, she looked to Raythe. I've no idea what he's talking about.

  A moment, I've asked the captain.

  She glared down at the still kneeling Elf as she waited.

  He looked absolutely pathetic, and she took great satisfaction in that.

  There is a very old spell, Raythe finally replied. It is used when an Elf gravely offends another. It binds them to serve and submit to the other.

  Thank you. Stepping forward, she placed her blade by the side of his neck. "Not interested. You don't deserve a second chance." The anger became so strong her hand trembled. "I don't want–"

  Calm, Aro, Garen said quietly, distracting her. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to make sense of the wild emotions filling her.

  Turning her attention back to Baelan, she lowered her sword. "Why shouldn't I just kill you?"

  Baelan stiffened. "Your prince sent me. I will be of use to you. I…I will do whatever you ask."

  His words struck a wrong cord within her. "I'll not have a slave. I also will not be bound to one such as you."

  "A slave has no choice. This is my choice."

  "There are chains tattooed on your wrists," she argued.

  "They are symbolic only. And," he continued quickly, "I will be bound to you, to know when you are in need. It is only one way. You will not be bound to me."

  She thought over his words, not missing the fact he seemed quite persistent in his responses. "Sounds like you'd prefer to live, no matter the cost."

  He didn't answer for long moment. "Yes," he finally said, his voice the strongest she'd yet heard it. "I still wish to live."

  Giving him what he wanted didn't sit well with her. "But what if I'd rather you died?"

  His head tipped up at that, and his gray eyes found hers. "Then I will die. The spell has been cast. If you do not accept, it will not be complete and it will destroy me."

  Again a great satisfaction filled her. Her sudden smile was not pleasant. The fury flared within her, overwhelming rational thought. She hoped he would suffer when the spell took him, that he'd feel such pain as she had.

  Darkness filled her vision. Everything around her became silent.

  A hand rested on her shoulder. She turned her head in surprise. Bo stood behind her, bow held at his side and his face gentle. Don't let the anger take over, pup. This isn't you.

  He killed me!

  And yet he is here. Perhaps he can be of use. Bo gave her shoulder a squeeze before stepping back.

  She stared at him for a long moment, trying to control the anger and hate. A year ago, would she have forgiven the Elf? Perhaps. What had she become?

  Sucking in a deep breath, she fought back against the fury. "How do I know you won't kill me? Or my friends?"

  "I will be devoted to you. Your wishes will be mine."

  His words hit her hard as her thoughts for some reason turned suddenly to Kei. He wouldn't even recognize her now, would he?

  "I accept," she finally said.

  Baelan's whole body relaxed but then suddenly stiffened. She took a quick step back as strands of power flowed from his body, wrapping around him, moving and pulsing. He fell forward, hands braced on the ground. The power found purpose, moving to his wrists and neck. They condensed there, darkening, piercing.

  Baelan cried out sharply and she took another step back as his entire body twitched and thrashed. His fingers curled, digging into the hard ground. The strength of the power involved made the hair rise on her neck and arms.

  "Wither me," she muttered, wondering what she'd just gotten herself into.

  As the power faded away, once again her eyes were drawn to his wrists. The outlines of the links had been filled in. Her mouth opened and closed again as she saw blood running from them down onto his hands.

  Everyone watched in silence as his body jerked once more. Slowly he pulled himself back into a sitting position, head bowed, hands curled gently on his lap. The way he held them, she'd say he was in a good deal of pain.

  Even with the hair still over his face she saw red flow down his neck and chest, darkening the low collar of his rough shirt. Did chains circle his neck as well?

  "It is done," he said into the silence.

  She looked at Raythe and then Silas. Not knowing anything about rune magic rather irritated her. Roan?

  How has the meeting gone?

  Well, I think he just became my servant. Or something. I don't know. She waited for him to tell her she'd been an idiot.

  I expected as much.

  His response surprised her. So, how do I know it worked? That he won't kill me the first chance he gets?

  There should be tattooed chains, on wrists and neck.

  There are. She hesitated. Are you leaving now? He should have left already. That he remained in the city rather confused her.

  The weather has been bad to the north, but is clearing. I will leave in a few days.

  Kei is to return soon, she blurted out.

  I know. Now deal with your Elf.

  He's not my Elf!

  Actually, he is.

  Silence met his words, a crushing panic coming over her. She almost said more, but a gust of frigid wind blasted them, sharp needles of ice striking her face.

  Glancing once at Baelan, she grimaced, hoping she just hadn't made another huge mistake. She turned and nodded to the Were. Thank you for your help today. Spinning on her heel, she headed up the stairs, Bo and Garen falling in behind her.

  After hanging up her cloak, she headed for the practice room to put her sword away. Bo followed her in and hung up his crossbow.

  "Did I make a mistake?"

  Turning to face her, he rested his hands on her shoulders. "You did well. It wasn't an easy choice."

  Sucking in a shuddering breath, she tried to stay calm. "If he turns on us, if he hurts any of you… I don't…"

  He pulled her close, wrapping his thick arms around her and giving her a squeeze. "From what I understand, that won't be a problem."

  Pulling back, her thoughts settled somewhat. Suddenly she groaned. "I don't know if I can look at him every day. I hate him, Bo. I hate him."

  "Shh. I know." He cupped her cheek in his huge hand. "He can help you. Remember Prince sent him here. He would never do anything to cause you harm."

  True, and frustratingly so. After a few more deep breaths, she nodded. She'd deal with having the traitor Elf a
round. She could avoid him if she needed to. Certainly the spell wouldn't last for too long and she'd be rid of him.

  "I believe he's still outside. You might want to have him come in before he freezes off some fingers."

  With an irritated huff, she returned to the door, pulling it open and holding it against the raging wind. Baelan remained where she'd left him, curled in on himself against the wind and ice.

  "Get in here you stupid Elf!"

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Baelan stared down in dismay at the muddy tracks and puddles he'd left behind him.

  Aro crossed her arms and shifted uncomfortably. She didn't know how to act around him. "You can clean it up later," she finally snapped. Pointing to the bathroom door, she tried to control the anger just seeing him made her feel. "Get in there."

  His head bobbed once, and with slumped shoulders, he shuffled inside. He stopped so suddenly she almost ran into him.

  "A bath?"

  "Yes, a bath. You need one. Terribly." Moving around him, she instructed him on how to use the water. Glancing over at him, she realized he thought she'd meant to lock him up somewhere. Her stomach clenched and a wave of nausea rolled over her. She wasn't that kind of person.

  Yet she'd wanted to kill him, hadn't she?

  "Rot," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Baelan," she said more loudly. "Baelan! Look at me."

  Finally raising his head fully, enough of his hair fell to the side for her to see his dirty face. Darkness circled his eyes, though from bruises or lack of sleep she couldn't be sure. Those gray eyes no longer danced with mischief and life, but regarded her in painful sorrow. What caught her attention was the vivid red scar slashing across his left cheek and curving up around his eye.

  "Elves don't scar," she said without thinking.

  His eyes dropped back to the floor. "They do when they have no power." At her confused look, he continued, "I told you they took everything."

  "What good are you going to be to me, then?"

  He shifted from one foot to the other. "It is returned now. When you accepted me. Prince Shael ensured that it would be so. He, too, thought I'd be no use to you without my power."

  The bitterness in his voice rather shocked her. Perhaps she'd not be happy either having one’s worth be judged by the power they held.