The scent of damp earth and moldering leaves filled her nostrils, and a stone pressed against her cheek. She tried to bring her hands under her to push up, but her arms wouldn’t move either. Her heart sped, and acid filled her mouth. The thrum vibrated through her body. What happened?
Selia parted her eyelids to a blurry canvas of light and darkness. Slowly the back of a set of boots formed. Boots she knew well. Jaden. Her shoulders screamed in protest as she tried to look up.
Tied. A rope? Cold sweat broke over her body. She contorted her hands to feel a coarse rope tying her wrists together behind her back. The Svistra patrol. They’d come back.
Jaden?
She rocked to her side, ignored the fire in her joints and the pain radiating through her body, in an attempt to see something save Jaden’s boots and the dirt of the forest floor.
“Your prisoner is awake,” a voice said.
Ice traveled her spine. Four other Svistra stood less than a body’s length away. A visceral fear gripped her body. Vivid colors slashed across their pale faces as the warriors stared with obvious malice. She didn’t think she’d be able to look away even if they attacked. The air thickened with tension. Run. She must have jerked; the burning pain in her arms and shoulders increased. She visually traced the winding rope to a hand. Jaden’s hand. Jaden’s prisoner? That was ridiculous. It must be some kind of ruse.
She struggled to her knees.
Jaden stepped aside then turned to glance at her, his golden eyes holding a look of pure derision.
“Wha—”
He kicked her in the stomach.
She fell back, landing hard on her hip and sending fresh waves of pain through her body.
“Quiet! There are ways to make you suffer and still deliver you whole, bitch.”
Bitch? If the voice hadn’t come from his body, she wouldn’t have recognized it as Jaden’s.
Selia breathed rapidly, trying not to throw up, but lost the fight. The contents of her stomach emptied onto the forest floor. Jaden. Prisoner. Svistra. The words spun so fast she couldn’t form a coherent thought. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t. She felt sick again, whether from the blow or Jaden’s betrayal she didn’t know.
The other Svistra stared. Only Jaden seemed not to notice her gasping on the forest floor. There was the promise of death in the Svistras’ eyes, a long, slow death.
“As I said, I travel north. She is a virgin, a peace offering for my father.” Jaden’s new voice spoke to the other Svistra.
A peace offering? Virgin? Bile filled her throat. Is that why he wouldn’t…
Oh gods, she was a fool. Shock kept her immobile, breathing in the scent of her own vomit.
“So the haughty Jaden has seen the error of his ways?”
Jaden’s eyes narrowed. “That is for me and my father to decide, Ledid. Will you detain me?” There was a challenge in his voice.
The Svistra named Ledid sneered. “By no means, but you don’t need to travel north into the Telige. The commander has a camp not far from here.”
“Here?”
The sneer matured to a smile. “Oh, yes, he’s busy right now, but he’ll be back today. Your timing is impeccable. Our camp is less than an hour’s march, that way.”
Selia struggled to see which direction he pointed, but Jaden’s body hid the gesture.
Jaden’s jaw tensed. “Then take me to your camp. I expect appropriate accommodations.”
As Jaden turned, she struggled to catch his eye. She needed to see the truth of his betrayal in his gaze. But even as he yanked on the rope, forcing her to her feet, he stared somewhere over her right shoulder.
The Svistra set a rapid pace through the forest. With her hands tied behind her, she lost her balance twice. The second time, she tripped over an exposed root and fell hard, managing to twist and take the brunt of the fall on her shoulder instead of her hip.
She sensed rather than saw the other Svistra slow, then stop somewhere ahead.
“She’s slow and clumsy,” Jaden called. “I want her as undamaged as possible. Tell me where the camp is. I’ll catch up.”
Selia didn’t like the new voice. It was without mercy or kindness. Could he have faked those things for so long?
Ledid laughed. “Nice try, Jaden. I’m not leaving you alone until…the commander has a word with you.” He snorted. “We can walk slower.”
She rose clumsily to her feet, looking up to find herself eye to eye with Ledid. She swallowed but met his dark gaze.
He walked slowly around her, roving her body with a leer that felt like a physical touch. Selia attempted to stop the shiver that threatened her spine and failed. Her eyes burned with the hate welling from her gut.
Ledid reached out to touch her neck with one finger.
Jaden hissed and tugged her away from the Svistra’s touch.
Selia flinched. She’d never heard such a noise coming from his throat. Like the bobcat she and Oren had rescued, Jaden had claws.
“She is for my father. Do not touch her again.” There was steel in Jaden’s voice.
Slowly Ledid lowered his hand to his side. “I was just inspecting the offering, Jaden. No need to get so irritable.”
But she saw a flicker of fear in Ledid’s dark eyes as he turned. An offering? She couldn’t have been that naïve. She thought back to their days together looking for any sign she’d missed. He could have killed her several times along the way. Not if he wanted you for his father.
She briefly closed her eyes. If she’d been meant for his father, why hadn’t he revealed himself to the first patrol?
They continued on their journey at a much slower speed. If the breakneck speed they had been traveling was natural for Svistra, Jaden had kept his progress slower on her account. Stop projecting gentle or chivalrous motives. That kick had no chivalry in it at all.
As the sun dipped in the west, they entered a clearing ringed by tents. The Svistra led her through the tents and toward the center, where fire pits darkened a ground hard-packed by countless feet. The Svistra had been here a while.
All activity stopped as eyes followed their progression.
Finally, Ledid turned to Jaden. “Do you wish refreshment?”
Selia tried to keep her eyes on the ground, but at this question she looked up. She’d never understand Svistra. Since she’d regained consciousness, Ledid had treated Jaden with thinly veiled contempt. Was his act of civility right now just a performance for the camp?
But to her surprise Jaden replied with the same tone of courtesy. “Thank you. That would be appreciated. It has been a hard journey. Where are your prisoners kept?”
Ledid’s smile revealed his teeth. “We’re under new orders. No prisoners.” He turned his gaze on Selia. “No survivors.”
“I see. Then I will tie her up at the edge of camp.” Jaden tugged on the rope, and she jerked forward. The gaze of the watching Svistra weighed her step. One woman examined her with open curiosity like she was an interesting animal on display.
Jaden glared at Ledid. “I’m assuming your command has improved since the last we met, or my father would not have appointed you to this post. Do I need to stand guard over my gift, or can you assure she will remain…unspoiled?”
So much for politeness.
Ledid’s pale skin reddened. “Much has changed since you left our ranks, Jaden, son of Tinlor. She will be untouched.” He turned to one of the men standing near him. “Tamoth, go with Jaden. Make sure the prisoner is secure.”
The Svistra nodded and moved to stand by Jaden’s side.
Jaden stood motionless. “That was your work back there, in the field?”
Ledid’s eyes gleamed with pride. “Yes. A few surviving humans ran north. The commander is chasing them down now. No survivors,” he repeated.
Jaden nodded once then walked toward the trees on the northern edge of the meadow. He didn’t stop until he reached one about as thick as her waist. “This will do.”
Through a screen of trees, Seli
a could see the tents. It did nothing for her sense of security.
“There are others closer to camp,” Tamoth suggested.
“They are thin and weak. Would you have her escape?” Jaden asked.
Jaden pulled her against his chest. The rope tying her hands behind her loosened, but before she could move her arms, Jaden wrapped the rope and tied them again, this time in front of her. He still wouldn’t meet her eyes.
“What are you doing that for?” Tamoth asked.
“She might rub the rope against the bark of the tree and if she’s lucky, grind away more rope than skin.”
“Ahh.” There was a great deal of admiration contained in the single syllable.
She felt sick.
Jaden pushed her against the tree and tied her to it.
Tamoth scented the air. “She’s a supple thing. Tell me the truth, Jaden. Did you sample the wares? You know you can—”
Jaden’s eyes burned as he turned on the Svistra. “I will not see her touched. Understood?”
The Svistra swallowed and nodded. “Here, let me help you.” Tamoth tied her feet together with another piece of rope.
Jaden finished with her hands and looked toward the camp. “Is there a stream nearby? I’ve been traveling for several days without time for a decent cleansing.”
“Yes.” Tamoth turned and pointed across camp. “Through those woods. Can’t miss it.”
As he spoke, Selia felt something hard and cold push into her boot. Jaden rose. “Then let’s go.”
“Um…I mean no disrespect but,” the Svistra stammered. “I have to check her bonds.”
Jaden shrugged.
Tamoth knelt and tugged hard on the ropes. Then, apparently satisfied, he joined Jaden.
She glanced at the ropes then at Jaden’s retreating back, not believing he’d just leave her there until he was gone. He’d really done it. He’d betrayed her. She wanted just one moment alone with him. To let him explain. To beg him to explain. To kill him.
Hot tears threatened to spill down her face, but anger came to her rescue burning hotter and drying them. She’d trusted him. Well, I’ve been a fool, and now I’m a fool knotted to a tree like a goat waiting for slaughter. She struggled against the ropes, but they held her fast, biting into her already chafed and bleeding skin.
“No. Gods damn it, keep your guard up or you’ll have a Svistra blade in your throat.” Nathan yanked the soldier’s arms up to demonstrate. He stepped back. “Again!”
Sweat poured from the new recruits’ flesh, but once again the sound of clashing practice swords filled the air.
Nathan walked up and down the line. His restlessness started as an irritation that morning and had now graduated into a full-fledged nuisance. The southern king’s men should have arrived, or at least sent a rider to tell the fortress of their delay. He wondered if the thunderstorm had spooked the horses. A battalion of horses and trained soldiers? Not likely.
He rolled his neck to ease some of the tension and saw a familiar figure emerging from the fortress. “Matias,” Nathan called.
His old friend turned from his errand and walked toward Nathan, a grin stretching his face. “Not quite arrow fodder. They’ll slow ’em down anyway.” His grin faded. “You look like you’ve been chewin’ on day-old pig’s bladder.”
“Select a few of the men and search the forest to the south.”
“There’s no game that way.”
“Not for game. And go beyond the usual patrol.”
“We searched that area when we first took over the fortress…” Matias’s eyes narrowed. “Looking for anything in particular?”
Nathan made a wry movement with his mouth and placed a hand on Matias’s shoulder. “Look for everything. I’ve got a bad feeling.”
Selia must have dozed off because the light had changed too rapidly. The shadows multiplied and if the sun still shone on the clearing, twilight ruled in the forest. Svistra voices filtered through the trees. She tried to slide her hands out of the rope, but the knots were too tight.
Something tickled at the edge of her mind. Goats. Eli. Her racing heart slowed a fraction. The rope trick.
A spark of hope fought for purchase. She was almost afraid to try, afraid to be mistaken. Slowly she tested one of the knots by contorting her hand and pushing the ends together. It gave a little.
Tears again pricked her eyes. She was sure she’d find most of the knots also easily undone. Her legs were another matter, but she’d bet the thing wedged in the top of her boot was a knife of some kind. Jaden.
Her chest weighed down with sorrow and relief. He had given her the only thing he could: a chance, small, but the only one she had.
Chapter Seventeen
As the shadows deepened, the joy of discovering the knots faded. She doubted she would be able to stand, let alone run for her life through unknown forest. The Svistra said the humans fled north. That must mean to Eagle Rock, but it also meant if she ran north she’d be likely to encounter the returning hunters before she found safety. But where else could she go?
A savory scent drifted from the camp. For a moment she thought it was the smell of roast human until her common sense took over. Svistra didn’t eat human flesh; they just drank their blood.
A few Svistra walked close, sniffed the air and stared. She gritted her teeth and remained immobile. No one had come too close, but she could see the desire in their eyes. Her time was running out. It took every bit of self-control she possessed not to throw off the ropes and try to run, regardless of how shaky her legs felt.
Selia shivered, and her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten anything since early that morning. Would they bother to feed her? Did blood taste better when the victim had just eaten? Do I care if the sheep I’m slaughtering for dinner has a full belly? The strangeness of the comparison sent renewed shudders through her body. She’d never look at livestock the same way again.
Jaden sat quietly in his tent, concentrating on taking slow, even breaths. He’d bathed but only briefly, for appearance. He claimed to be weary, but the truth was he couldn’t keep his gaze from drifting to where he’d tied Selia. He didn’t want to draw attention to her.
An image of Eli, as he’d last seen him, crossed his mind, and he winced. He wouldn’t let that happen to Selia. He couldn’t. When he’d heard the Svistra approach, it was too late to hide. Selia had been several steps behind him. He’d knocked her out, taken her weapons, tied her and slung her over his shoulder with a speed that even surprised him.
After they crossed the Wastes, he’d decided if they ran into a Svistra patrol too numerous to fight, he’d use the barkeep’s virginity as a defense. She hadn’t told him she’d never lain with a man, but a subtle smell and innocence of expression gave it away. A virgin gift was a sacred thing to the Svistra, tracing back to ancient times. It kept Selia safe until he could think of something better. Of course, there were ways to terrorize a female and keep her virginity intact, as Tamoth had tried to numerate. He’d assumed his father would still be up north in Svistra territory. That he wasn’t had been a cruel blow. It had come as even more of a surprise how close the Svistra camp was to Eagle Rock. That wasn’t like his father.
Selia’s expression when he’d kicked her haunted him. He’d had to make it look genuine, or she wouldn’t have lasted long enough for him to come up with another plan. Her only chance, even now, was to get as far away as possible. Perhaps she’d find a stream, Eagle Rock, a human patrol—something, anything.
Once the other Svistra found out she was gone, nothing he did would stop them from searching for her, unless he could convince his father to let her go. But there was the rub. How to convince a father, who loved honor and glory, to forgo a virgin gift?
Footsteps sounded outside and Jaden froze, but they continued past his tent. He’d tied Selia downwind and hoped she’d wait until dark and then run north. It was her best and only chance.
If his father didn’t come soon and they discovered Selia missing, offering o
r no, they’d hunt her down. He’d seen the look in the warriors’ eyes. She didn’t stand a chance of coming back alive, let alone a virgin. Accidents happened all the time during the hunt. There was no dishonor in damaging a runaway.
All his hope rested in his father’s good will, an irony at best. Jaden rose to resume pacing.
Then the pains began.
Selia had decided as soon as the first star appeared, she’d make a break for it. But she sat, staring as the distant light gleamed through the trees above her. Why wasn’t she moving?
Snap out of. For Oren, for me and even for Jaden. Pull it together and wake up!
Her first attempt to undo the knot failed. Her heart beat staccato against her ribs. Had she forgotten how? Sweat ran in rivulets down the sides of her face and moistened her palms. She took a deep breath, held it and let it out slowly. Her hands felt clumsy and bigger than she remembered, but this time the knot unraveled. She reached into her boot. Her fingers were numb and tingly, her wrists raw and bleeding from the rope. It took two tries but she retrieved a small knife and went to work on the ropes tying her ankles together.
“Damn,” she whispered, closing her eyes. She’d nicked the pad below her thumb and without thinking brought her hand to her mouth to stop the bleeding. The knife was sharp, the cut much deeper than she’d assumed. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, and her stomach heaved.
With shaking hands she freed her legs and attempted to cut the rope around her waist. Blood welled from the wound and dripped down her hand. Selia had nothing to stop it and doubted a smear of blood would bring the Svistra down on her any faster.
Tentatively she attempted to stand on her shaky legs. What had happened to her pack? Did Jaden have it? Mother’s picture. A sob built in her throat. The picture shouldn’t matter. She had no food, no weapons and no idea where she was going and, to top it off, they’d find she was gone by sunrise at the latest—assuming she didn’t run right into a Svistra patrol before then. But it did. It was all she had left of her mother.
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