There was no time to reinstate her shield or to take a look around to pinpoint the exact location of the soldiers. She was outnumbered, and her energy was draining fast. Alicia dodged a whirlwind, and sent it moving towards where she thought one soldier was hiding. Grabbing a pouch that hung at her belt, she dropped the contents around her and a green shield curtained her off, giving her a moment of respite as her enemies’ spells and arrows bounced off it.
Grasping the opportunity, she bent to put her hands on the ground and sent a tremor through the clearing that sent one mage sprawling on the ground. Another arrow whistled past her head, nicking her ear. With a flick of her hand, she sent it flying towards a mage and it hit him in the chest. He went down with a loud scream.
The female mage snarled as she rushed Alicia, bombarding her with fireballs and burning needles. Retreat was no longer an option. She was surrounded by the soldiers, and the mages were relentless. Perhaps she had bitten off more than she could chew. Alicia used everything at her disposal; her twin elements of air and fire as well as the pellets of spells she had in the pouches around her belt. Another solider shot at her, the arrow whizzing past her ear so closely that she felt the heat of its passage through the air. Another inch and she would have been dead. How long could she continue?
Alicia managed to kill another two soldiers, but her energy was fading fast. She was slowing down, her each move taking in a fraction of a moment longer than before. Soon she knew her energy would run out, and she would no longer be able to summon the elements to her defense.
Had she been overconfident in her ability to take control of this situation? By disobeying her siblings, did she put herself in this position of extreme vulnerability?
Was this the end? Is this how she would die?
Just as she sensed that the reservoirs of her strength were near to an end, she managed to strike another of the mages with a barbed arrow that pierced his shoulder. It didn’t kill him but did manage to slow his attacks, blood dripping down from his wound in a steady trickle. The fight continued. The death of their companions propelled the others into hysteria for they doubled their effort, closing in around her with the bloodlust of wild hounds.
After blocking a volley of arrows, she put her hands on the ground, bolstering her power from earth. Her element responded to her touch and another tremor coursed through the clearing, making a soldier who was climbing a tree fall down. He clutched his right arm, looking at her out of fearful eyes as if expecting her to kill him. Since he had already broken his arm, rendering him unable to use the crossbow with which he was planning to shoot at her, she ignored him.
Her power was almost depleted. It was either time to surrender or commit to a certain death. In both cases she was bound to be taken to Vindha, her body used for his nefarious purpose. She chose to go down fighting.
Just as she was bracing herself for a final attack, committing to a spell that would probably annihilate her and everyone else around her, she was surprised to see the female mage fall down, face forward. Alicia saw the dagger that was buried deep into her spine. She twitched and screamed. Vines grew out of the earth and wrapped themselves around her neck. The leafy creepers stretched back and the mage’s neck broke with a loud snap. As everyone stared at the horrifying sight, Alicia used the opportunity and threw a few mustard pellets at the wounded mage and he fell on his feet, unconscious.
Kayleb stepped out from behind a tree. He raised his hand and the barrage of arrows flying at her turned around in mid-air and struck the two soldiers who shot at her. They died instantly, their bodies ridded with multiple arrows. The remaining man fled, his confidence broken.
His gaze turned to the solider with the broken arm who was trying to slide back inside the foliage as if the leafy greens would provide him with protection against his formidable foes. The look of terror on his face pierced through Alicia’s heart.
“Please don’t,” she said as Kayleb moved his hand in his direction. “We don’t kill the unarmed.”
For a moment she thought he would kill the soldier regardless of her request, but his hand dropped by his side. The wounded soldier stood. For a moment he gazed at them as if waiting for either of them to notice him. When they both ignored his presence, he slunk into the foliage, holding his arm with his good hand.
Kayleb glanced at the bodies that littered the clearing. “This is just the beginning. There are plenty more where these came from.”
Alicia adjusted her robe. “Thank you for saving my life.”
He ignored her gratitude. “Are you still intent on your harebrained scheme of storming the temple alone?”
Alicia walked over to where she had dropped her pack. “Yes, I am. I’ll have to sneak into the temple, but for what I plan to do, stealth is the best option.”
Kayleb clenched his jaw, his gaze not wavering from her. “If you find the temple, and if Vindha lets you near it...your plan has too many flaws. Now that he is on your tail, he will keep sending his men until you die. And believe me, these weren’t his best people. If those…” A barely suppressed shudder shook his body. “If those demon mages find you, you won’t stand a chance.”
Alicia observed the set stance of his shoulders and the way he stood, his feet planted firmly. “We’ve had this discussion before,” she pointed out, her tone gentle but firm. After picking up her pack, she slung it over her back and adjusted the strap so it sat comfortably. She had lost her horse. Poor animal! Compassion beckoned her to seek the mare and treat her injuries, but there wasn’t any time to lose. It was important to be as far away from these mages as possible.
Kayleb unsheathed the sword that hung on his back along with his pack. Walking over to the dead female mage, he raised his sword and brought it down. In one clean swipe he took off her head. Blood spurted from her neck as her head rolled a few feet and came to a stop.
Alicia looked away from the macabre sight, incensed by the callous brutality. “What are you doing?”
Walking over to the other dead mage, Kayleb did the same thing again. Ripping off the mage’s cloak, he cleaned his sword. “It’s the only way to make their bodies useless. I have no intention of meeting them on another day in a different avatar.”
Alicia gulped. Was there an end to this nightmare? She saw Kayleb glance at the unconscious mage. The look on his face gave away his feelings. “He is unconscious, alive, and unarmed,” she said softly.
He sheathed his sword. “He wouldn’t have shown you any mercy.”
“But we are not him,” she said and walked away from the clearing. She heard him follow her but didn’t take notice. Instead she focused on finding the mounts of the soldiers and mages. Surely they hadn’t been tracking her on foot?
A while later she found the ten horses tied loosely together next to a bubbling stream. Alicia inspected the lot. They were all good, strong horses, bred for stamina and speed. She would never have been able to buy the likes of them in the market these days. She selected a gelding. His coat was a rich brown, except for a thin strip of white that ran down his forehead.
Together, they took off all the packs from horses, and selected a few things from the various bags. Kayleb already had his own bag which she’d bought for him at the inn. Still, he chose to keep a sharp knife, flint, and a pan. The rest they left behind.
Alicia tied her pack to the gelding’s saddle. She untied his reins and made him walk to check his level of obedience. He followed her meekly.
“He is a well-trained war horse,” Kayleb said. “Won’t give much trouble.”
Alicia paused as she watched him select another gelding. His mount was a hand taller than hers, with a coat as black as the night. The horse nickered and resisted Kayleb’s attempt to lead him. With a few soft words, Kayleb calmed the animal and tied his own pack and blanket to the animal’s saddle.
Holding her gelding’s reins, Alicia walked him to another tree and tied him loosely to its trunk. She went back to the other animals, unsaddled and untied them. Most of them
would be caught again and probably sold to the army, but at least for now they were free to graze.
Her work done, she mounted her gelding. She wasn’t surprised to find Kayleb by her side, sitting on his horse. He handled the animal with an ease and care depicting years of horse riding practice.
“Are you joining me then?”
His gaze was lofty. “I doubt you would be able to survive on your own. If I hadn’t come today, you would have been dead.”
Alicia bit back a sharp retort. He was right. She’d been near death when he arrived. “It would be nice to have company on the road,” she stated calmly.
Both of them stared at each other before Kayleb broke eye contact. He took off, urging his mount to a fast canter. Alicia followed him. Together she was sure they would be able to achieve what she had envisioned.
And seeing Kayleb again hadn’t come as such a surprise. After all, Leo had already told her that he would be joining her in her mission to destroy the temple. Alicia trusted the young boy’s prophecies. Kayleb’s acquiescence to go with her only proved that the boy had talent far beyond his years. Now it was important for her to concentrate on her journey and reach the temple as soon as possible. They were sure to run into more trouble as they continued their foray inland.
Almost as if reading her thoughts, Kayleb spoke. “These mages were not tracking you. They are one of the regular scouting parties who are moving about the land looking for deserters and new recruits.”
“How can you be sure?”
“The trackers are always accompanied by demon mages,” he said in a low tone. “When the king decides he want to acquire a new mage, he always makes sure his best people go to take that mage prisoner. And you are certainly a prize, Princess. With your double dose of talent, you will make a formidable addition to his coterie of demon mages.”
A chill ran up her spine. “Are you trying to scare me?”
He looked ahead. “You should be scared. It’s not a fate anyone would want.”
They reached the main road, a dirt lane at least ten feet wide, previously frequented by caravans and travelers. War had killed trade. The road would mostly be empty, but Alicia didn’t want to risk running into anyone. Kayleb crossed the road and moved his gelding into the knee-high grass plains beyond.
“Where exactly are we going?” he said as she moved her horse closer to him, both of them comfortable with the slow pace they had set for now.
Alicia described the images the elf had shown her.
Kayleb wiped the sweat off his brow. “A sword-shaped protrusion? Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am quite sure. The mountain we seek can be reached from there, but the elf didn’t know it’s exact location.”
“We’ll have to cross the river and head straight. It’s a three days’ journey from the river to the mountain range.”
“Have you been there before?”
He was quiet for a long time. “That river marks the boundary of my kingdom. I was once invited by King Irka of the kingdom Ajann for week long hunting in their forests.”
“Hasn’t Ajann been conquered?”
Kayleb didn’t look at her. “After my defeat, Irka surrendered. I had asked him to fight with us. If he had helped us, we might have held Vindha’s forces longer. Of course it turns out Irka was right. Nothing and no one can stop Vindha,” his voice was bitter.
“We will stop him,” she said.
Ignoring her, he urged his mount to move into a fast trot. Alicia followed. She understood his fears. It couldn’t be easy to go back to his kingdom, to witness the carnage and humiliation of his people, and to travel through what was now enemy territory. If he was captured again…
She banished the thought. She needed him to implement her plan, and somehow she knew together they would succeed. With Kayleb by her side, she was more confident.
Now, nothing could stop them.
Chapter Eight
Dawn brought a spattering of rain. By the time Alicia finished her breakfast and packed her supplies, the brief shower had all but vanished, leaving behind a clear blue sky and an unbearable humidity. On a tree not far away, newly born chicks chirped in a nest, eager for their first meal. A squirrel poked its head out of a hole, and looked at the travelers with weary curiosity.
Kayleb helped Alicia mount her horse, and jumped on his own gelding with an enviable ease.
“We’ll need to buy some food from the next village,” she reminded him as they set off.
Kayleb nodded, his trained gaze surveying the plains in all directions before he pushed his mount to a fast gallop. Alicia was forced to match his pace or fear being left behind. He wasn’t much of a talker. She didn’t know why he changed his mind and accompanied her when he had been so against her plan before. Did he understand his own reasons? Or was it fate that propelled them forward on a path they had little choice about? Perhaps he just didn’t want to be left alone in a world where his position and place was no longer familiar?
Whatever the reason, she was glad he traveled with her. Their mission was dangerous, almost suicidal. Had she saved him only to lead him straight to a certain death? Alicia shook her head. If she left herself open to all this worry, it would be impossible to do what she intended to do. Sneaking into the temple, weaving a spell that would close the rift in the earth, while evading the mages that protected that place, was going to be an extremely perilous task. Worrying about it wouldn’t change anything, but it might weaken her resolve.
She had to do what she set out to do. If she failed, all would be lost. The demon mages would storm the earth. None had the capacity to stand before them. They were indestructible, or nearly so. Destroying the temple wouldn’t hurt the ones that already roamed the land, but it would stop new creations.
That’s all she hoped for. That’s all she planned. And for now, that was enough.
At midday they reached a small hamlet. Kayleb stayed with the horses while Alicia covered her head with a cowl and went to buy supplies. There were barely nine or ten mud houses, huddled close together in a semicircle, surrounded by ancient, tall ash trees. Each tree had a trunk the width of a wagon, and dense, leafy canopies.
During this time of the day, the men were away, probably hunting. Children ran screaming from one hut to another. Two young boys, each no more than ten, sat under a tree playing with pebbles.
Alicia remembered the game well. It was called Krida. Players dug holes in the ground. Each player got a certain amount of stones, and the one who had the highest number of stones in the end won the game. Sultan had built them a wooden version of this old game by making a board with pits. When they were children, Seve was the undisputed champion of Krida. Zo never had much patience for trivialities, and Alicia always played for fun.
“Greetings, young fellows.” As her shadow fell on the boys, they stopped playing, eyeing her with an adolescent mixture of fear and curiosity.
“Where can I buy some food? Bread? Eggs?”
The boys scooted a few inches away as if she was speaking a foreign language. “Who are you?”
Alicia smiled. “I’m a traveler. I need to buy a few things.”
“Aro, don’t take my pebbles. I’ve counted them,” one of the boys warned the other. He stood. “I’ll take you to my house. My mother baked some bread just this morning. It’s fresh, and you might get some cheese from my neighbor.”
Alicia followed the youngster to the hut that stood at the edge of the crescent-shaped settlement. “Mother,” he called as he neared his house.
A woman emerged from behind the hut, dragging a goat behind her. “Take this animal to the pasture before it eats the rest of my herbs,” she barked and handed over the rope that was tied around the goat’s neck to her son. A look of fear crossed her face as she saw Alicia.
Her eyes darted from her son to Alicia. “What do you want?”
“She wants to buy bread and cheese, and maybe eggs,” her son said. Alicia saw him wink at his mother. “For a good price we may even give s
ome milk and salted meat,” he addressed Alicia. “My father brought home a boar a week ago, and we dried and salted it. Some is still left. It will last you a few days on the road.”
“I’ll pay a good price.” Alicia’s gaze never left his mother’s. “Gather up whatever you can spare.”
“We want coins. No barter,” he stood his ground. “I can even get some cheese from the neighbors.”
“You go get whatever you can lay your hands on, little master. I will pay you good money. Be quick about it.”
The boy tied the goat to a wooden post outside the hut, and walked over to the neighbor. He returned with a hard ball of yellow cheese and slipped it inside the bag Alicia placed on the stoop.
“Gather the eggs,” his mother said. “I’ll get the meat and bread.”
Alicia watched the mother and son as they gathered all the supplies. The dried meat was of good quality, and fresh. Rationed carefully, it would last them for at least a week. The bread was made from a mixture of flour and raisins, sweetened with honey, and cooked in a mud oven.
“I’ll get the eggs, fresh from the hens,” the boy said after he’d placed everything else in the bag.
“I need only four to eat now,” she said. “It isn’t easy to travel with uncooked eggs.”
After the boy walked off towards the pen, she locked glance with his mother. “What’s his name?”
“Ameel,” she muttered, fidgeting with the straps on Alicia’s bag with trembling fingers.
“When did you find out he had magic?” The words were spoken softly but their effect was catastrophic.
Tears sprang to the woman’s eye. “He is my only child. Please don’t take him away.”
Alicia put her hand on her arm. “I’m not from the king’s army, and your son is not going anywhere. He is safe.”
The woman wiped her eyes. “No one is safe anymore. As yet he has been careful, hiding his…gift but if anyone finds out…there are spies everywhere. For a silver coin, anyone may report him to the mages who are looking for gifted children.”
The Warrior Mage (The Power of Three Book 2) Page 8